USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1957 > Part 4
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In attempting to improve the scholastic status of the junior high, we have not overlooked the need of co and extra-curricula activities. To this end the following have been eitherly newly instituted or carried on from last year:
(a) Band and instrumental instruction - two period per week as an elective. Practice and instruction given during regular class time.
(b) Outdoor Education - a supervised outdoor science program offered to seventh grade pupils during the Spring. A three week program offered before regular school hours.
(c ) Recreation Department, school supervised boys and girls athletic program in the Spring and Fall, offered to seventh and eighth graders before regular school hours.
(d) Club and dramatic activities in connection with school assemblies or extra-class work.
(e) Student Council - an eight member student board, elected by the student body.
To supplement regular classroom work, teachers have made much progress in using additional resource materials in the form of field trips and resource person- nel.
Provisions continue to be made to provide an adjusted program for pupils need- ing such.
The past year has seen a more extensive guidance program in the junior high school. Pupils are given individual interviews and are counseled as necessary and if needed, referrals are made to State and/or other private agencies. Group guid- ance programs in the form of films, talks and discussions have become part of our regular school program. These programs are designed to aid and improve personality development and moral values. Pupils entering the freshman year are individually interviewed to determine best possible course selections, parents are also con- sulted when and if necessary.
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Members of the faculty have worked on and completed a new report card for use in the junior high school; it is hoped that some time during this school year it will be put into use.
A study was conducted and recommendations made concerning the lengthening of the school day. Our present class periods are 40 minutes in length; beginning in January 1958 the class time will be extended 5 additional minutes per period. The increase will amount to 2 hours and 5 minutes per week.
The reading program initiated last year has proved most advantageous, and con- siderable reading progress has been noted among our pupils.
In conclusion, despite the many disadvantages encountered while on afternoon sessions, both pupils and teachers have done a commendable piece of work.
I consider the cooperation among supervisory personnel, teachers and adminis- trators excellent, which makes for a smooth flowing, well organized, high caliber school system.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph R. Rogers, Administrative Assistant
REPORT OF THE BURLEY AND SHATSWELL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
As principal of the Burley and Shatswell Schools, I herewith submit my report, a report of progress in the elementary schools under my direction.
During the year 1957, the educational pattern in the Burley and Shatswell Schools has followed along plans similar to past years with minor changes which were felt to be improvements. From January to June, in both buildings, there were only seven rooms used as classrooms, the eighth room in each building was used as an all- purpose room for physical education classes, music classes. The Reading Supervisor used the rooms for consultations and the School Association meetings were held there. The eighth classroom at the Burley School was put back to use as a regular fourth grade classroom in September. The all-purpose classroom at the Shatswell School re- mained as such in September for this school year, and in addition, the basement roon was enlarged, painted, new lights installed, to give us a real all-purpose room.
In order to cope with a storage problem at the Burley School, a small addition was built on one corner of the building, relieving the problem of basement space.
The staff at the Burley and Shatswell Schools remained much the same as in the past years, with only four changes necessary. We were very fortunate in obtaining the services of experienced people, an important factor for any school system but certainly a decided benefit where the lower grades, 1-4, are concerned.
Enrollment-wise we ended the school year in June with 193 pupils in the Shats- well School and 188 at the Burley. In September we opened with 208 at the Shatswell and 218 at the Burley School.
Our parent groups, The Burley School Association and the Shatswell School Association, had very successful years under the leadership of Mr. Arnold Viator, Burley School Association president, and Mr. Robert Wade, Shatswell School Associa- tion president. Five highly successful meetings were held during the school year. The Burley School Association voted $100 toward the purchase of library books for
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classroom use. This amount matched a like sum in the school budget. The Shatswell School Association allocated $100 for a stove for the use of all groups. Since we have had one offered to us, the money will not be used at this time.
During the year, your principal headed the Science Curriculum Study for the elementary grades. The School Committee adopted a new science text to be used in September. This committee, plus a Language Arts Committee, met frequently on after- school time in order to complete their study by June.
The principal introduced a Bicycle Safety Program this year during Bicycle Safety Week. With the cooperation of Chief Surpitski, the program was very success- ful and should be continued and enlarged.
We are now having part of the daily lunch program at the Shatswell School. Instead of having those who bring a lunch from home go over to the High School, we are utilizing the new all-purpose room. Tables were collected from various rooms and milk and ice cream are being sold there. This plan has relieved the congestion at the High School.
During the school year, both schools as units, joined the Junior Red Cross Program and made contributions to the March of Dimes drive. A large number of the parents took advantage of the return of school pictures, and also of the school in- surance plan.
Both schools have used the facilities of the library and we appreciate the welcome we always receive. This is true also of the other town departments which we use as units of study in Social Studies, such as the Fire Department, the Police Department, and other community services. We appreciate the time other groups and individuals have given to us to make our curriculum alive, up to date, and interest- ing.
Parent cooperation and interest in the schools has been increasingly notice- able. On every occasion when we have invited parents to school they have responded willingly. Our yearly goal to have individual conferences with all parents at least once a year was as high as 95%.
Your principal has visited a number of schools this past year and has been in conference with many principals from many different communities and he is proud to report to the citizens of Ipswich that the staff of teachers and fellow-work ers in Ipswich under his direction cannot be matched in loyalty, devotion to duty, and in preparation for the work to be done.
We know our schools are becoming stronger and better each year because of the quality of the personnel, because of thenew materials placed in our hands, and be- cause of increased interest shown by parents and the School Committee.
We know that our schools will continue to grow with this kind of support.
Respectfully submitted,
Bertram H. Bennett, Principal
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REPORT OF WINTHROP SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
I herewith submit the report of activities and progress pertaining to the Winthrop Elementary School for the previous school year.
Plans for a three-day testing period for pre-school children were made in June by the Elementary Reading Supervisor to take place the first week in September, to be administered by teachers of grades 1, 2, and 3. This being accomplished at the planned time, workshops in the areas of Audio-Visual Aids, Language Arts, Science and a general teachers meeting with Mr. O'Kane completed the activities of the first week of the new school year.
On September 9th the official school opening occurred with an approximate en- rollment of 422 pupils distributed in their several classrooms. The personnel of the school had undergone very little change.
WINTHROP SCHOOL PUPILS OBSERVE UNITED NATIONS DAY
Mr. MacDonald, a sixth grade teacher was given leave to fulfill military duties.
Plans for first day procedure, schedules for teacher duties, bus schedules, registers and plan books were distributed to teachers and the opening day of the school year became past history with everything proceeding smoothly.
The Language Arts Course under Mrs. Mary Evans' supervision is now in its second year of procedure. Several changes for improvement in techniques have been suggested this year, and as a whole, the experiment seems to be one of constant progress in the reading area together with coordinating this course with other aca- demic subjects where reading is the basic factor as, for example, in Social Studies.
The intercommunication system has been utilized in the reading area also by having groups present short stories or plays to which all other classes have been
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able to listen, a project of value to the group presenting it and to the listening audience.
The supply of audio-visual material is in constant use. Under Mr. Pappas' direction, many free films have been obtained, especially for use in planning the Social Study programs. The departure from teaching "Old World Happenings" in grade six to an intensive study of "The Americas" has been a satisfactory change.
A new feature instituted this year is the weekly assembly planned for the first period on Wednesday morning. This assembly is organized by a committee in each class based on regular school work and presented in a very interesting manner. These programs are aimed to teach poise, clear speaking, and all other good quali- ties which public appearances foster. Many excellent programs have been presented by both younger and older pupils.
The Audubon Nature Study course is continuing under a new supervisor, Miss
Flor. She performs her duties in an excellent manner and her bi-monthly, hourly presentations are looked forward to with great interest by the sixth grade classes. In the same vein, all teachers are pursuing intensive work in Nature Study and Science, thanks to the purchase of new books in grades two through six.
The Art Supervisor, Mr. Chadbourne, is continuing his theme of creative art. Many beautiful murals have been produced in various classes, especially in connec- tion with countries considered in Social Studies, and recognizing important holi- days. The Christmas murals were outstanding in color and techniques, depicting a year's growth since the same period last year.
Programs in connection with town Recreation Committee plans have been super- vised by Mrs. Mackenzie and Mr. Cruikshank two days weekly, two hours after the close of the regular school session.
The facilities of the Public Library have been utilized as in previous years. Instruction in the use of reference books and stories for younger children have been graciously given attention by the librarian, Miss Mitchell. Many library books have been loaned for a period of several days so that the upper classes could continue their reading and research. For all this assistance the principal and teachers are most grateful.
Conferences at the superintendent's office, committee meetings, and faculty meetings have occurred very frequently throughout the year.
Fire Prevention Week was recognized as usual by means of fire drills inspect- ed by the Chief of the Fire Department, by a demonstration given by the firemen in the use of the ladder truck, and filmstrips shown to pupils on the subject of causes and effects of fires.
Mr. Burke, the Physical Education Instructor has given his usual faithful ser- vice of one-half hour weekly in all upper grades. New games, new skills, and new dances have been taught both out of doors and in the play room.
The nurse's office has been a very busy place. Flu and polio shots have been administered to those eligible for the same. Examination and weighing of pupils, eye tests, and care of daily mishaps have occupied considerable of the nurse's time. Monthly Well Child Clinics have been held at stated times.
The resignation of Mrs. Mary Williams, Opportunity Class Supervisor, brought us Mrs. Nancy Koerner, a well trained specialist who has taken over the work suc- cessfully started by Mrs. Williams. Continued progress is evident under Mrs.Koerner's tutelage.
My report would lack completeness without a word of praise to the custodians for the excellent appearance of the Winthrop Building. Any sign of destruction or unnecessary mistreatment of facilities is given immediate attention as their slogan is "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
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Education Week was highlighted by inviting parents to act in the capacity of teachers for a two hour period. Needless to say this was a new and novel exper- ience for those who had never taught but was accepted in a spirit of good sports- manship. The participants expressed a desire to return for a similar experience in another year.
The new Winthrop School has proven to be a very usable unit both from an ac- ademic and social standpoint. Over and above the regular school activities, the hall has been used for meetings of the Winthrop School Association, Teacher's Club gathering, a Cancer Drive group, an American Childhood Education Society meeting of three hundred members, together with Civic gatherings, such as the town elections.
In closing, may I thank all who have in any way contributed to the success of the year 1957 in the Winthrop School. To the Superintendent, School Committee, entire school personnel, parents, the secretary, librarian, firemen, and all others who have in any instance cooperated with the principal, sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted, Lena J. Atherley, Principal
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
The Supervisor's report will cover the music program only from September, 1957 at which time I assumed that position.
The vocal program throughout the system is not adequate, due mainly to the limited time of one music teacher. An adequate program should consist of a visit at least once a week to each classroom in the grades in order to plan work and teach new lessons. This, in turn, should be followed up by each teacher carrying out the assigned work the other days of the week. Let us examine the program under present conditions.
Grades 1 to 4 have an excellent program under way. I visit with each of these classes once a week. A very fine program is developing; it includes reading of music, which starts in the third grade, rote singing, rhythmic responses, and a general foundation and enjoyment of music.
Grades 5 and 6 are allotted sixty minutes of music per week. Thirty minutes of this period is spent with me by the five fifth grades in one class; likewise with the sixth grade. This numbers approximately 125 students in one class which makes it difficult to do any real teaching or individual work. The teachers in these two grades teach one other thirty minute period during the week, making up the sixty minute vocal program.
A select group of five students from each fifth and sixth grade make up a very fine chorus which meets with me once a week for advanced choral work. This is the only group which does real part singing in the fifth and sixth grades.
Grades 7 and 8 have a combined general music class once a week. This is a large group consisting of 210 students. The program is one of general singing and some very limited appreciation work. This is the only vocal music they receive and for most, it is the last music they receive.
The only vocal music in the High School is a Girls Glee Club, newly organ- ized this year, which meets after school on Friday. This is the only possible time for the group to meet due to the crowded program in the High School.
This all adds up to one thing - the definite need for another music teacher in the system. It is a full time job for one person to adequately cover the vocal program alone, and grades 5 through 12 are in need of more vocal work.
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The Instrumental program is more encouraging. This part of the music program is a one-man job also, as all of the teaching, with the exception of Rhythm Band and Flutophone, is done by the Supervisor.
Grades 1 and 2 start with a rhythm band which is carried out with the teacher and is an integral part of their singing program. Records and rhythm band equipment is available to all first and second grades.
The Flutophone program will be started in the fourth grade next fall. This is a change from the past since I moved it up from third to fourth grade.
Regular Band instrumental instruction begins in the fifth grade. Each child is offered the opportunity to begin instruction on a band instrument during school time for one year at no charge. This fall, 65 students have started on various in- struments and are progressing remarkably well.
There is a Junior Band in the fifth and sixth grades which meets once a week. This is a group of non-select students who have taken lessons for a year or more.
The Senior Band is made up of students in grades 7 through 12 and this year number 42 members. They have worked very hard this fall; rehearsing and playing at the football games. The band also had a Christmas assembly comgined with the Glee Club. There is a band rehearsal twice a week, but more time is needed in order to produce more satisfactory performances at programs. This additional time is needed also for sectional rehearsals and individual solo work, which under present condi- tions is impossible.
The Band is planning an exchange concert with another High School this spring which should prove to be a very valuable musical and social experience. They will also attend the Northeastern Massachusetts Music Festival in the spring.
In closing, I wish to thank everyone for making my first few months in Ips- wich so enjoyable. To the Superintendent and School Committee for meeting my re- quests, to the principals for helping me schedule the programs and especially to the teachers for their fine cooperation in carrying out my program.
Our aim in the Music Department is "More Music for More Students."
Respectfully submitted,
Robert F. Antognoni Music Supervisor
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
It is with a feeling of considerable pleasure to be in a position to report that our Art Program has seen several improvements.
The quality and type of work being done at all grade levels is, in my opin- ion, superior to that of previous years. There are two outstanding reasons, (1) better instructional methods on the part of our teaching staff as they acquire more and more facility as art instructors; (2) certain improvements in scheduling time for Art on the Junior High School level. The eight classes on the afternoon session are now visited by the supervisor during each two week period as are all other classes in the elementary schools.
The cooperation of all classroom teachers in all grades remains at iits usual high level and results in concerted team work of increasing benefit to the student body. Several of the staff are taking special courses in art methods at Salem Teachers' College. Their studies should be of real value to the program.
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Our High School Art classes have been reduced from three days per week to two. This was done with some fear that there would be a corresponding loss of stu- dent numbers, but it turned out that more were able to elect the subject this year than last year. The move leaves Thursday as time for attending to the many onerous details of over-all supervision and for attention to the special art jobs and dem- onstration lessons required of the supervisor. Also on the High School level, there was continuing expansion of correlation of art with other subject areas.
We still feel the constrictions imposed by two sessions and, of course, this will continue until conditions are changed. In the meantime, every effort is being made to carry on at the highest possible level.
The Art Budget remains about the same for the coming year as it was last year although there will be some increase in pupil numbers to be cared for. We are en- abled to do this for three principal reasons, (1) buying on a bid basis; (2) care- ful attention to distribution and use of supplies and (3) a reasonably good supply of permanent equipment and semi-permanent art materials.
Some saving also is made through buying in bulk and re-packaging for distri-
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WORKSHOP GUIDANCE
bution. All through last year there was no real shortage of supplies or materials at any time.
I make the same recommendations as last year, but do not list them here to save space. Those interested may refer to the Town Report of 1956.
I am fully conscious as to how much the art program owes to the unselfish co- operation of a large number of people: the classroom teachers; other supervisors and teachers in special subjects; the principals of the various schools; our superintendent and school board; the citizens of the town, so many of whom are kind enough to tender encouragement and valued assistance throughout the year.
Not the least of our satisfactions is the interest and loyalty of the stu- dents, furnishing us with the inspiration to keep on planning, revising and improv- ing for their benefit.
Respectfully submitted, Frank H. Chadbourne, Art Supervisor
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THE BEGINNING-SHATSWELL FIRST GRADE
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
During the past few years, more has been written about the subject of Read- ing than about all the other subjects of the curriculum combined. Although much of what has been written in the public press has been well done and informative, much has been misleading and inaccurate and has only contributed to greater confusion and misunderstanding. If one subject can be singled out as the most important in our curriculum today, it is Reading.
It is important because it is a subject with which more children experience difficulty than with any other subject, and it is a subject, the mastery of which is a pre-requisite for success in the other subject areas. Reading is, in fact, the key to learning.
Basically, Reading is a thought-getting process which involves critical thinking, interpreting and evaluating the meaning of the author in terms of the reader's experiences. The development of skill in reading is a complex procedure involving many factors which can be most effectively nurtured through the painstak- ing, step-by-step guidance of the trained teacher.
Always bearing in mind that we are working with children and not educational theories, we are trying to build a better Reading program. We have adapted some of the newer approaches to the teaching of Reading to the needs of Ipswich children. These changes have come about through the cooperative effort and planning of the teaching staff. The Reading Readiness program at the primary level has been expanded for those children who need greater preparation for beginning reading and it has been reduced for those who are ready for formal instruction in beginning reading. Readiness at all levels is carefully determined before the child progresses to the
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next level. A new record card has been devised for keeping a more nearly accurate account of each child's reading growth.
The results of the experiment in grouping in grades five and six, begun in the Fall of 1957, were so encouraging that the experiment has been continued into this school year. The gains measured by standard tests were greater than those made in any other year for which records are available.
It was decided, upon evaluating the results of the program, that it should function as a Language Arts program incorporating into it the development of all the language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
A wide variety of old text-books had been accumulated over the years. The need for a standard text for all elementary grades was evident. A committee of teachers read, discussed, used, and finally selected a new text which was put into use this Fall.
The Junior High Reading program is now in its second year. Ideally, a Junior High Reading program should consist of three phases: (1) Developmental - where the bright student who has not yet achieved his potential is guided toward more effic- ient reading; (2) Corrective - where the pupil of average ability, but deficient in one or two skills, is helped to reach his grade level as soon as possible; (3) Remedial - where a pupil is so deficient in readking skills that progress is impos- sible without special help.
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