USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 13
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ANNUAL REPORT
In order to meet the language needs of our students more effect- ively, we have undertaken a revision of our curriculum, providing:
1. Advanced study materials for the gifted college aspirant.
2. Wider reading opportunities and training in writing and study techniques for the student who will pursue some post-graduate training.
3. Training in basic writing and reading, personal and civic com- munication for the terminal student.
To judge the effectiveness of our teaching on all these levels, we administer a standardized test in English usage and comprehension of literature at the end of each school year.
In order to enlarge our own professional competence, the English teachers have individually or as a group undertaken study in the follow- ing areas:
1. Advanced Placement Program in English.
2. Reading Improvement.
3. Linguistics in relation to the teaching of grammar and writing.
Closely articulated with the English Department is the Reading Improvement program. All students are tested in the eighth grade. Those who are reading below capacity are programmed as freshman into a special reading class insofar as their study schedules and the reading teacher's time permit. STEP and SCAT tests given in the junior year are showing the beneficial results of this instruction.
College-bound juniors and seniors are offered Developmental Read- ing on a voluntary basis.
The English-reading program is adequately supplied with materials, but it needs enlargement in the following respects:
1. A library adequate in size and collection for an eight hundred student high school.
2. Increased space and time for instruction in reading.
3. Increased teacher time for speech training.
Social Studies - Civics, general history, world history, world ge- ography, United States History, problems of democracy, modern history, and senior orientation.
The Social Studies Department is keenly aware of its responsibility for developing good citizens; not merely loyal citizens, but active and
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informed ones. Independent thinking, based upon knowledge of facts, is encouraged in all classes. The study of cultural patterns is also stressed in the college preparatory areas. The curriculum has been re- vised to accommodate both the terminal student and those planning to go on for further study. By becoming cognizant of the political, social and economic problems that confronted their fathers and forefathers, the students should be better able to cope with current day problems.
Mathematics - Algebra I, II, General Mathematics I, II, plane geometry, trigonometry, solid geometry, analytic geometry, calculus, and senior mathematics.
Three distinct courses of study are available to our mathematics students. There is a course for the practical arts, commercial and general student that includes two years of general mathematics, and senior math- ematics. The second offering is the traditional college preparatory course which includes Algebra I, Algebra II, plane geometry, and a course in advanced mathematics which includes solid geometry, trigo- nometry, analytic geometry and probability and statistics. In addition to these offerings, a few students, selected on the basis of their achieve- ment, are accelerated so that they may take a course in calculus in their senior year. This should allow some of the abler students to gain advan- ced placement at the college level.
Science - General science, biology, physics, physical science, chem- istry, and earth science.
As has been mentioned in previous town reports, both the biology and physics-chemistry laboratories have been renovated in recent years with the assistance of federal funds. In general science, the students are taught to think about science in a methodical manner. The scientific method is stressed to promote future study in this area. Biology is de- signed to acquaint the students with plants and animals, and the anat- omy and physiology of the human body. The more advanced courses in chemistry and physics attempt to keep the students abreast of the latest development in the respective fields. The areas of mechanics, heat, light, sound, nuclear physics, atomic structure, and chemical bonding are studied for fuller understanding of fundamental concepts.
Languages - French I, II, III; Latin I, II, III, IV; and Russian I.
The high school is now offering three years of French and four years of Latin. In the fall of this year a beginning course in Russian was added, and next year a second year of Russian will be offered. There is a definite need for additional modern foreign languages, possibly German and/or Spanish, and therefore a need for more language tea- chers. The new method of teaching foreign languages emphasizes listen- ing and speaking before reading and writing. If the foreign language department is to utilize this new method, a language laboratory becomes a necessity.
Business Education - Beginning typewriting, business training,
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Advanced Mathematics
L
Students are Proud of their Memorial High School Concert Band
Instruction in the Use of the Oxy-acetylene Torch
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Brainpower at Work in the Physics Lab
School Bank Supervisors
Freshman History Class
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stenography I, II, typewriting I, II, secretarial training, general office practice, general typewriting, consumer education, and bookkeeping, I, II.
The courses in business education are designed to prepare the pupil to pursue some special line of work in the field of business. The courses are terminal in nature, in that successful completion permits direct en- trance to business. However, many of our students do further their studies in business colleges. General business training and beginning typewriting are used as orientation so that the pupil may ascertain his interests and abilities in business. Sequential courses in typewriting and stenography, together with courses in secretarial training and general office practice, help prepare efficient clerical and secretarial workers. Other courses, such as bookkeeping and consumer education, offer in- formation on insurance, banking and credit, taxes, and record-keeping, as applied to single proprietorship, partnerships and corporations.
Industrial Arts - Woodworking, automotive, and welding.
Special emphasis is given to the fundamentals in the above- mentioned areas. Special attention is given to the encouragement of good and efficient work habits and stress is placed on the develop- ment of proper safety standards. In addition to their many and varied projects, the senior shop boys perform an excellent service for the school by repairing and reconditioning furniture and constructing bul- letin boards, cabinets, and bookcases.
Homemaking - Homemaking I, II, and III, foods, clothing and family life.
The changing pattern of home and family living points to a new emphasis in the teaching of homemaking. Today's activities in the home vary greatly from those of twenty-five, fifty or one hundred years ago. Families no longer produce many, or in most cases any, of the goods and services which they need. Tremendous industries have taken over production of all sorts of commodities required in the home. This chang- ing pattern of family life points to the need for increased training in home-making skills. The curriculum, geared to meet the needs of all stu- dents in the high school, includes training in the purchasing and prep- aration of foods, knowledge of fabrics, the production of items of clothing, interior decorating, family relationships and home manage- ment.
Art and Graphics - Freehand Drawing I, II, III, art appreciation, crafts and potential art. Mechanical Drawing I, II, III, and industrial design.
The Art Education program at Memorial High School is planned to challenge each student to express himself to the full extent of his ability. For all students the courses provide enrichment of their daily lives and preparation for effective critical thinking, critical judgment and the practical application of ideals of good workmanship. For some students
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the courses provide preparation for further art study and art careers. In graphics the students gain the basic knowledge of drawing, layout and lettering. As the student progresses, the work becomes more com- plex both as to objects drawn and methods used. Culminating this work is a course in industrial design that provides excellent training for ad- vanced schooling or work in industry.
Music Education - Band, orchestra, symphonic band, a cappella choir and general chorus.
For students with musical ability and interest in good music, the band, symphonic band, orchestra and a cappella choir are available. We believe that music study tends to develop in young people concentration, co-operation, co-ordination, precision, perserverance and mental disci- pline. Throughout our musical program it is our philosophy to create an interest and knowledge of music through participation in music classes and to provide for those with special interest and talents through our voluntary musical organization at all levels. To supplement our class program, we are hoping to institute a sequence of elective courses in music appreciation on the high-school level.
Physical Education - Boys I, II, III, IV; girls I, II, III, IV, health education.
Health and physical education in recent years has assumed its proper perspective. It is now recognized that any child, adolescent or adult cannot perform his proper function in school or society unless he has a reasonably healthy body and healthy mind. With this purpose in mind, a well-designed and well-balanced program of health and physical education has been instituted at Memorial High School. All students now participate in the Physical Fitness and Proficiency Tests specified by the Amateur Athletic Union. All physical education classes meet twice a week. Health education is required of all members of the sophomore class.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Fundamentally, there can be only one purpose for the co-curricular activities and that is to further the growth and learning of the individ- uals participating. This is true for every activity sponsored by the school. In every school there are youngsters who may not participate in athletics because of size or lack of co-ordination; who are not picked for dramatics because of poor speech, lack of poise, etc .; who are not in the band or orchestra or choir because they lack ability in music. In Mem- orial High School we have a variety of activities to suit almost every need. Following are the clubs and activities with their directors: Art Club, Miss Eileen Dowd; Biology Club, Microtechnique Class, Science Fair, Miss Phyllis Dupee; Bowling Club, Mr. Dennis Lanciani; Business Education Club, Mrs. Cecile West; French Club, Miss Elizabeth Roht; Future Homemakers Club, Chefs' Club, Miss Barbara Crockett; Cheer- leaders, Miss Joyce Jenness; Girls' League, Miss Barbara Burniston; Junior Red Cross Service Club, School Fair, Mr. Joseph Masi; Math- ematics Club, Mrs. Lois Buck; Future Nurses, Mrs. Helen Pardey; Dra-
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matic Club, Mrs. Helen Millet; National Honor Society, Miss Margaret Ryder and Mr. Franklin James; Newswriters' Club, Miss Catherine Mac- Donald; Senior Play, Mrs. Janet Batchelder; Science Club, Mr. Lawrence Baker and Mr. Alan Mann; Silver "M" Society, Mrs. Marion Whipple; Student Council, Mr. Alfred Farley; Timaron (Year Book), Miss Dorothy Wetherell and Mr. John Walton; Debating Club, Mr. Donald Burling, Mr. Franklin James, and Mr. John Walton; Student Projectionists, Mr. Harold Card; Student Librarians, Miss Margaret Ryder; Dance Band, Mr. Richard Nelson; Traffic Squad, Mr. Joseph King; CEEB Review, Graduation Speakers, Miss Mary Anacki; Physical Education Demon- strators, Mr. Robert Brown and Mrs. Mary Record; Floor Captains, Mr. Walter Hicks and Mr. Franklin James.
Both the academic and co-curricular program should be reviewed periodically to determine the necessity of adding something new or deleting an activity that has become obsolete. For this purpose we have a permanent Program of Studies Chairman, and the Superintendent and School Committee review the Program of Studies annually.
For our co-curricular activities a poll was taken last year, and will be taken each two-year period to determine the interests of the students in this area.
The members of the science and mathematics department, espec- ially Mr. Joseph King, Head of the Science Department, Miss Phyllis Dupee, Chairman of the Science Fair, Mrs. Lois Buck, Mrs. Norma Wood- burn, Mrs. Evelyn Josselyn, and Mr. Alan Mann, are to be congratulated on the exhibits presented by the students at Memorial High School at the Annual Science Fair last spring. Students from all classes participated voluntarily by entering their projects based on investigations in the major areas of science. These students competed for awards which were determined on the basis of ability to present knowledge gained in investigation as determined by a group of judges (scientists) from surrounding towns and cities. These judges donated their time to eval- uate the student projects. Student winners went on to regional and state competition with other students of similar interests.
Organized last year and making great progress is the new micro- technique class. This class meets after school and can accommodate ten to twelve students. These students are trained in the techniques of slide making, with the skills of preparing specimens, preserving, staining with dyes, and preparing final mounted slides. This course, usually given on the college level, is taught by Miss Phyllis Dupee, a former laboratory technician, who now teaches biology at the high school. The school de- partment purchased the necessary books for the class, a microtome was donated by Harvard University Medical School, and additional materials were purchased through funds from the Senior Cabot Club of Middle- boro and Biology Club of the high school.
This past year for the first time we offered a course in creative writing to interested, capable seniors. According to the students, the course proved very interesting and extremely challenging. Also, this year we are offering Russian I in high school on a five-period per week
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one credit basis. We intend next year to expand our offerings to Rus- sian II.
During the past two years, the members of the English Department, Mrs. Helen Millet, Chairman; Miss Mary Anacki, Miss Catherine Mac- Donald, Miss Dorothy Wetherell, Mrs. Janet Batchelder, and Miss Barbara Burniston have worked tirelessly on a complete revision of the English Curriculum, a mammoth task indeed.
During the past year all department heads and department chair- men have conducted meetings to try to determine what changes could be made to increase their offerings or to increase the caliber of the offer- ings in their department. For the past two years Mrs. Buck has headed the Committee on Mathematics Curriculum which completely revised the mathematics program, Grades One through Six. A new committee was recently organized to review, and revise if necessary, the mathe- matics program of the junior and senior high schools. This is under the direction of Mr. Walter Alger of Memorial High School.
During the past year an in-service reading course was conducted at the high school for Middleborough teachers by Mrs. Helen Millet, Chairman of the English Department.
The use of audio-visual aids and equipment has increased at the high school this year. To supplement our present equipment a new overhead projector is in process of being acquired, the funds for which have been donated by the Class of 1962. In addition, a new movie pro- jector is also in process of being purchased through funds made possible by our present student body in our recent magazine drive. The drive was under the direction of Mr. Alfred Farley and the Memorial High School Student Council.
The health services offered our students are very marginal. At the present time we have approximately 730 students. Next year we are planning on a student body of over 800 students, yet we have Mrs. Mary Edgerly, our school nurse, only one morning per week. I would recom- mend that a full-time nurse for the high school, or a combination of the high school and the Henry B. Burkland School, be seriously considered.
Last year I stated that a significant change had been made in the area of individual subject selections; that is, our students made tentative subject selections to cover all courses for the balance of their high school years. Thus far this seems to be working out very nicely, and the students and parents are now more cognizant of proposed future plans. I truly hope that this type of long-range planning will be beneficial to our students in developing goals earlier in their high school careers.
GUIDANCE
As guidance is a continuous process, the basic purpose is the same for both junior and senior high school levels: "to enable each individual to understand his abilities, interests and personality traits; to develop them as well as possible; to relate them to his life goals, and finally
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to reach a state of complete and mature self-guidance as a desirable citizen of a democratic order." Everyone needs assistance at some time in his life; some will need it constantly and throughout their entire lives, while others need it only at rare intervals or at time of great crises. Guidance seeks to help students make good adjustments, intelligent decisions and wise plans.
At Memorial High School we have an active guidance program. The two full-time counselors, Mrs. Helen Pardey and Mr. Alfred Farley, share the duties of counseling, record keeping for individual students, providing for educational, vocational, military, and social information, assisting the high school staff, testing, placement, follow-up and public relations. To more closely correlate the efforts of the home and the school, parents' nights were held for parents of freshmen (to assist in scheduling); sophomores (to discuss future interests of students) ; juniors-seniors (to discuss college or vocational plans).
The guidance program does emphasize the needs of both the non- college students and the college-bound students. The individual not planning to enter college is encouraged to obtain specialized training skills so that he will be better qualified to enter the competitive employ- ment field. A new aid for the graduate not planning to attend college is the Massachusetts Employment Division "General Aptitude Test Bat- tery." This test helps the student in a wise choice of employment and acquaints him with an agency which may prove invaluable to him in future years.
The testing program consists of a pre-arranged pattern of tests to obtain additional data of individual aptitude and abilities. These tests supplement the teacher-made tests in the subject matter areas. The in- formation obtained through testing, although arrived at scientifically, are limited in many respects. However, with all of their limitations they are invaluable instruments of guidance and should not be neglected.
Testing Schedule at Memorial High School
Grade VIII
Cooperative Reading Achievement Test. (for high school use)
Grade IX
Differential Aptitude Test Battery.
Grade X
California Test of Mental Maturity - I.Q. Kuder Interest Inventory. Turse Achievement Test.
Grade XI
SCAT and STEP Tests.
- (SCAT - School and College Ability
STEP - Tests of educational progress - achievement in reading, science, math- ematics, and social studies).
PSAT - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test SAT Achievement Tests
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(Scholastic Aptitude and Achievement Test) National Merit Scholarship Tests.
Grade XII
Massachusetts State Employment General Aptitude Test.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) (College Board Examinations) (Individual College Bound Students).
Achievement Tests - special subjects.
COMMENDATIONS
Of the 15 Memorial High School students who took the National Merit Scholarship Test, 8 scored higher than 94 percent of the nation's students taking the examination. Five of these students received letters of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. One of the boys attained the highest score ever achieved by a Memorial High School student and still lacked one point of becoming a finalist.
Our Music Department under the supervision of Mr. Richard Nelson, Director, and Mr. Robert Mogilnicki may be justly proud of its record this past year. Of 21 schools participating in SEMSBA, Memorial High School placed 20 students in a band of 130 and 25 students in a chorus of 150. We also were fortunate in having eight members selected for the Southeastern District Band, two selected for the orchestra and ten se- lected for the chorus. Five students from Middleborough participated in the All-State Music Festival.
Again this past year, hundreds of parents and friends were on hand to view our products at the annual "School Fair" under the direction of Mr. Joseph Masi. An added feature this year came in the form of physi- cal education demonstrations by members of the boys and girls physical education classes. A great many compliments were received by members of all departments on the varied displays and demonstrations and the high caliber of the students' work which was exhibited.
For the third year, Memorial High School is offering a Humanities Class to its seniors who maintain an "honors" average in all their sub- jects. The class meets for an hour every Monday evening for the six months of September through February. It is taught by visiting college professors who are invited by the program coordinator, Mrs. Marion Whipple, to present a variety of subjects, colleges and personalities. The professor plans the lessons for his month and either teaches personally or sends a substitute. The program this year has been as follows:
1. Political Science - Dr. Ralph Bates, Bridgewater State College.
2. Economics - Mr. Frederick Clark, Bryant College
3. Humanities - Dean Dwight MacCormack, Jr., Dean Junior College.
4. Music Appreciation - Mrs. Mary Gustafson, retired teacher for the Metropolitan Opera Company stars.
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5. Sociology - The Reverend John Magee, Stonehill College.
6. Psychology - Mr. Philip Natale, Boston State College.
Throughout the year, four lectures were made public for the enjoy- ment of Middleboro's adult population. Six sessions were open to any junior or senior who desired this opportunity to get a little taste of college teaching. We feel that the class has been very successful in broadening the educational experiences of our students, and in moti- vating them to maintain honor grades.
In its third year at Memorial High School is the laboratory assistant program in biology. Students who have passed biology and are interested in further study of the subject come into the biology laboratory and assist the instructors, Miss Dupee and Mrs. Norma Woodburn in setting up laboratory exercises, checking notebooks, cleaning glassware and many other useful tasks. This work is done during study periods or whenever the student can devote some extra time. Students are selected on the basis of interest, time available, biology grades and experience in working with students of their age level. The laboratory assistant pro- gram has proved an invaluable aid to both biology instructors.
Miss Bessie Veazie and Mrs. Elizabeth Kraus, school secretaries, contribute a tremendous service to our school with their untiring efforts. Theirs is the mammoth task of being receptionists, completing local and state records, assisting with scheduling, preparing numerous reports, keeping the register, computing accounts, assisting the teachers and a multitude of other tasks too numerous to mention.
We have a fine and untiring custodial staff in Mr. Norman Flood, Mr. Edmund Delory, and our part-time assistant, Mr. Joseph Oliver. They are proud of their work and we are proud of them and the cleanliness of our school.
Mrs. Esther Moore and her office staff are to be commended for handling all of the school supplies, the school bank, and for their in- valuable help in mimeographing, typewriting, filing and other clerical tasks they do for Memorial High School.
Mr. Henry Battis and senior students provide an extremely worth- while service in repairing desks and chairs as well as completing many other repairs throughout the school.
Mrs. Bertha Dunham and her capable assistants in the cafeteria provide our students with excellent meals daily. We are indeed fortu- nate to have such an efficient and co-operative cafeteria staff.
In this final portion of my report on the Memorial High School, I would like to emphasize the fact that we are now entering the period of a time for decision. Our school population is growing rapidly with no sign of any relief in the future. If we are to maintain the caliber of education we desire for our children, we must think very seriously about the following problems that are confronting us at the present time.
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