USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1947 > Part 17
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All the elementary schools combined last spring and put on a com- bined band concert, the proceeds of which remained in the schools that sold tickets. This is planned as an annual concert, branching out in the future to include orchestra and chorus. This combined group also played a program for the basketball jamboree held at the Nevin School. Demonstrations on all instruments were held in all schools last spring to interest as many pupils as possible in taking up an instrument for the first time.
The vocal program in the grades has shown improvement. The new book material is of great assistance. We are working on a program of appreciation which we hope can be used along with the vocal pro- gram."
3. Physical Education
"During the past year we initiated a program of physical education operating on a three-level basis; namely, elementary (grades 1-6), junior high (grades 7 and 8), and senior high (grades 9-12). It was felt that this procedure might serve as a motivation for the program, and at the same time was in keeping with the policy of making physical education a continuous experience from the 1st grade on through the 12th.
Miss Dorothy L. Peterson supervised the instruction of the activity program given to the elementary level during her biweekly visits to each class. Teachers in this group receive graded monthly outlines to follow with the supervisor providing the necessary demonstrations. Pos- ture continues to be emphasized during this level.
The 7th and 8th grade (junior high level) program for boys and girls of the Hunt, Bicknell, Nevin, and Junior Annex, has been improved considerably with the advent of gym uniforms and lockers. This ar- rangement makes it possible for pupils in these schools to enjoy the advantages of showers following their active workouts. The above schools account for 527 out of 749 pupils in the two grades, according to present figures. It is necessary to modify the program somewhat for the other schools having 7th and 8th grades. The Director has or-
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ganized the activity program for this level and supervises the instruc- tion during his weekly visits to these classes. Gymnastics, folk dancing, and sport skills and games constitute the major activities of this pro- gram.
Grades 9 through 12 (senior high level) offer graded activities that include competitive games, tumbling and apparatus work, folk dancing, gymnastics, and individual correctives. At the beginning of the school year a careful screening of all boys taking physical education is given and those requiring individual attention are placed under the super- vision of Mr. Leo Hayes. Attention is given to the following defects: (1) postural defects, including round shoulders, jutting head, etc .; (2) overweight; (3) underweight; (4) small stature.
A program using weights in exercises graded and adapted to the individual requirements of each pupil is in operation. A record is kept of the progress of each boy participating, and the results obtained have been encouraging. Weights used, in the form of bar bells and dumb- bells, were made by the Vocational Department from iron pipes sunk in cans of cement at each end.
Approximately 60 boys took advantage of the body building program as an after-school activity during the winter months. This system of training has been very effective in improving strength and building up underweight pupils. Many of our athletes use this activity for improv- ing their physical condition between seasons. A demonstration by an expert highlighted this program during the past year.
Facilities at the Shaw, James Humphrey, Washington, and Jefferson Schools are limited for indoor activities due to the lack of hall space, and therefore the program must of necessity be modified for these schools during the winter months. However, during the fall and spring the program is conducted out-of-doors as much as possible and is less restricted. The Washington School with its poor hall space and grounds continues to be a problem. When the proposed change to the Pond School auditorium materializes, it will be a major contribution to the physical education program of that school."
4. Health
"During this past year a great many home visits have been made. The close contact between home, school, parent, teacher, and nurse has shown the parent the important role of the school nurse in the commu- nity. It is interesting to note that during this past year many parents have been eager to correct defects which in previous years have not been attended to.
The Speech Clinic which is held at the Brockton Hospital has of- fered a wonderful opportunity to correct speech defects. Although many children are attending this clinic, there are almost as many again whose parents do not desire to send their children. Perhaps another year more parents will sense that children do not outgrow this defect, as many are led to believe.
For posture correction the Brockton Hospital offers its Orthopedic Clinic. This clinic is conducted by competent physicians and nurses especially trained in this field. Corrective exercises are given and the nurse follows up the progress of this correction.
The X-ray clinic which is conducted by the Norfolk County Hospi- tal came to the High School in September. All senior students were X-rayed and 54 school personnel. This included the entire cafeteria staff. No cases of tuberculosis were found. In recent years 84 cities
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and towns in Massachusetts have passed regulations requiring examina- tions: in 43 cases, of teachers only; in 37, of all school personnel; and in 4, of selected personnel. We hope that all the teachers in Weymouth may be examined next year.
The annual diphtheria clinic which is sponsored by the Board of Health and conducted by the school nurses in the public schools was for the benefit of any child for whom immunization was desired by his parents. Children six months of age and older were welcomed. Although the Board of Health did not think it necessary at this time to urge re- inforcing doses of diphtheria toxoid, many requests were received and 160 children received the treatment.
The audiometer has again been borrowed from the State Depart- ment of Public Health. This means of testing the hearing acuity of the children is approved by the Department of Education as the best way to give group tests. After the initial cost an audiometer may be used many years for a very small expense for records. There is a great need for the Weymouth School Department to own a machine. The necessity for haste to complete these tests when the audiometer must be returned at a given time is detrimental to the program.
Vision tests are given in the elementary grades by the use of the "Massachusetts Vision Test Method" and in the High School by the Snellen chart and the Telebinocular. Those children who were unable to go to their optometrist or oculist were referred to the Massachusetts General Eye and Ear Infirmary. The Lions' Club furnished glasses to families who were financially unable to do so. The percentage of eye defects is larger than last year. Perhaps this is due to more accurate tests.
Physical examinations are given to the students in grades 1, 3, 7, 9, and 11 by the school physicians. Parents are notified as defects are found. This year plans are being made whereby physical examinations can be completed in September through the cooperation of the school medical and physical education personnel working simultaneously."
5. Guidance
"With the decrease in the number of veterans requiring assistance in making their educational plans, the members of the guidance depart- ment have had more time to extend their services in other directions during the past year. These services may be listed as follows: the fur- nishing of additional opportunities for acquainting students with various fields of work; the increased use of aptitude tests and interest prefer- ence records; the follow-up of graduates; and improvements in the choice of subjects and courses of study in the High School. They are explained briefly in the following paragraphs:
First, in connection with the provision of more opportunities for vocational information, a Career Day was held at the High School on Friday, December 5. The event was organized by the guidance depart- ment and sponsored by the Weymouth Rotary Club. Sixty-six men and women from business, industry, and the professions took part in 26 vocational conferences which were attended by junior and senior stu- dents. The value of a program of this nature consists not only in the practical vocational knowledge gained by the student but also in the stimulation toward further training and preparation for life work.
Second, with regard to the use of tests, the department gave a series of aptitude tests and interest preference records individually to each of 144 students in order to help them discover their strengths and weaknesses. On the basis of results, these students should be in a bet- ter position to select occupations for which they are best fitted.
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In addition, last January, all sophomore students of the school year 1946-1947 were given a reading comprehension test; in September, a test in general educational development was administered to sopho- mores of this year's class, the purpose of this test being to acquaint the teacher with the educational background of each student. In this way, possible weaknesses become apparent and methods may be designed to eliminate them.
A third service and one not undertaken in previous years concerns the follow-up of graduates. This work provides an opportunity to find out what the graduates think of the school and its effectiveness in pre- paring students for life work and for living in a democracy. This past year the survey included only the members of the class of 1944. From now on, however, it should be possible to organize a regular follow-up schedule each year of four classes; namely, those who have been out of school one, three, five, and ten years.
With reference to the fourth service, two factors have made it pos- sible for students to make a better selection of subjects and courses of study. This opportunity is provided in connection with the eighth grade group guidance work which is carried on as in the previous year. The other refers to the enlargement of the guidance department in the High School. In September, Miss Nye returned from England and resumed her full-time duties in guidance. Miss Flaherty, who carried on Miss Nye's work during the past school year, continues as a part-time coun- selor, and Mr. Cleaves, in addition to other duties, has also been as- signed to the department as a part-time counselor. As a result, more students can be interviewed more frequently than in previous years."
6. Audio-Visual Aids
"The guided use of audio-visual aids in the classrooms of today fills a recognized need that heretofore has been neglected at all levels of education. Beginning with the use of an illustration or the blackboard, the concept of an audio-visual aids program has expanded to encompass the use of any and all' legitimate materials contributing to better under- standing and learning, economizing time, and vitalizing the school of- fering.
Starting in September, 1947, the High School increased the scope of its audio-visual aids program to a considerable extent. Although the program fell short of its desired objectives because of financial, spatial, and time limitations, it is felt that a good start has been made.
The following is a detailed breakdown of the major activities of the audio-visual aids program:
1. Organization and training of a projection club of twenty-five boys and girls. At least one two-pupil team "covers" every period . of each day. Time is taken from study periods only.
2. Training of two senior secretaries who requested, followed up, and booked more than 150 films, filmstrips, and posters. The secretaries have also written countless routine requests for cata- logues and equipment information in addition to setting up and maintaining an alphabetic filing system.
3. Demonstrations of equipment and typical available aids to the High School teachers and the grade school principals as a be- ginning of in-service training.
4. Use of the projection room (206) was constant. In conjunction with assembly programs in the auditorium, the room was visited
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by 9,994 students who studied 52 different educational films. The total estimated cost of the films ($144) represented a per pupil cost of approximately 10 cents, an extremely low figure made possible only because of the large number of free films in use.
5. Increased interest in the making of voice recordings has devel- oped. Selected students from individual English classes are now being trained to operate the recording machine for classroom use. French and Spanish recordings are being previewed for future purchase.
6. The making of our own colored slides, filmstrips, and motion pictures of various classroom activities is planned for the imme- diate future.
The adequate audio-visual aids program today includes consideration of charts, slides, filmstrips, maps, globes, models, motion pictures, phono- graphs. transcriptions, picture files, radio, television, and many other teaching materials necessary to do the best, fastest, and most effective job. A start was made this year at the High School. Next year we hope to extend the program to meet the needs of all schools."
7. Manual Arts
"The manual arts program for the year 1947 has been completed. More than 375 boys have been given instructions in the care and use of tools, as I believe the function of a course for beginning pupils is to teach basic skills with hand tools. In a few instances skills have been developed where none have existed before. The majority of boys, how- ever, have some degree of starting skill, and this has been raised to a higher level.
This year's work for the seventh grades consisted of the following projects: propeller, pencil holder, broom holder, necktie rack, and house numbers. Each of these projects serves a very definite purpose in bring- ing the novice along, step by step. For example, the propeller project gives the boy experience with certain tools. However, its primary func- tion is to develop self-reliance. The average pupil has so much done for him, both at home and in school, that he is reluctant to stand on his own feet. In this project he is forced to make his own decisions as a part of the learning process.
The eighth grade boys made pin-up lamps and Colonial wall shelves. This work reflects modern trends as may be seen in most homes and magazines.
Starting in September of this year, the Hunt School, consisting of three seventh and two eighth grades, has been added to my teaching program. It is to be hoped that no further cutbacks will be made in this department."
8. Domestic Arts
"From January, 1947, until June, 1947, the sewing classes of the eighth grade continued with the construction of the tailored blouse. The students were working on such constructions as applying the tailored collar, setting in the sleeves, hemming and finishing the garment, in- cluding the final pressing lesson. After the blouse was completed, the girls were privileged to select a garment of their own choice with the only instruction that it be of simple type. Some girls made another blouse, others made cotton dresses or a cotton skirt. The girls at the Pratt School made wool slacks, vests, and various other garments.
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A study of textile fabrics was completed between March and June. The first part of each sewing class was taken for this discussion and study. A great deal of sound information was gathered and the students gained both knowledge and enjoyment from this unit of work.
In September of 1947 class enrollment was much larger. Most eighth grade classes have over twenty pupils, and in one class there are twenty- seven students. This is far above the maximum size for effective work because of crowded work space and the lack of sufficient equipment.
All girls of the eighth grade have now completed their first unit, a skirt. The second unit was a small one for those girls who finished their skirts early. This second unit consisted of the making of small articles that could be used for Christmas gifts, such as felt lapel pins, belts, hats, mittens, slippers, gingham stuffed toys, simple blouses, etc.
The beginning of 1947 found the seventh grade students studying and practicing the operation of the sewing machine. Each student is required to know the machine parts, their operation and purpose. It takes time for each student to master the rhythm of the treadling pro- cess. After this is mastered the threading of the sewing machine is the next process taught. Once the machine treadling and threading are mastered, guiding of material in the machine comes with practice. Each week the students, while waiting individually to go to the sewing ma- chine, work on hand sewing of aprons. The final process of the aprons is done by machine stitching. This stage is reached simultaneously with their ability to stitch on the sewing machine.
To develop stitching skill, a simple cap-sleeved blouse was used. This brings about such factors for study as amount of material required for this blouse; knowledge of pattern; fitting and altering of pattern; layout of pattern on material; cutting; marking; and construction - darts, seams, facing, hemming, buttons, and loops. The blouses were completed in June."
9. Penmanship
"The Functional Handwriting program was introduced into the first three grades of the Weymouth schools in September, 1942. The hand- writing pre-tests administered at the beginning of the program showed that 19.7% of the pupils made a score of "A" (Excellent); 17.5% made "B" (Good); 62.8% were graded less than "B." In the tests in June, 1947, 84.3% of the pupils scored "A" (Excellent) ; 9.4% made "B" (Good) ; and 6.2% were graded less than "B."
During the school year approximately 25,000 formal handwriting test papers were diagnosed and graded. A monthly analysis of the hand- writing achievement and needs was sent to each teacher. This diagnosis was made the basis for remedial instruction.
The following materials were furnished for teachers and pupils: teacher monthly outlines, pupil folder' outlines, room motivation certi- ficates, monthly and term envelopes, term testing papers, seals, etc."
10. Clubs and Gardens
"While the course of study, based on seasonal conditions, remains unchanged, the classroom lessons have varied to meet changing economic conditions and a growing interest in flowers and in home beautifica- tion. Early in each year, two groups of students become apparent: those who absorb the lessons as added information, and those who make prac- tical use of them. These last are the club members. To both groups
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the same lessons are given in class. They stress a few basic facts and principles of simple gardening and of general application. The club members are the ones who are visited at their homes. The enrollment this year is the largest we have ever had.
Clubs other than gardening include food, canning, clothing, commu- nity service, dairying and poultry."
11. Home Instruction for Physically Handicapped Children
"Seventeen children have been enrolled in the class this year, from January 3 to December 23, forty weeks of school.
Each child received three lessons a week unless prevented by illness, hospital appointments, or other good reasons. The class was so large in May that two retarded children and one boy, who could do much of his work alone, received only two lessons.
Of the thirteen in the class in June, ten were promoted.
Rheumatic fever seems to be the most prevalent cause of disability. Each year there are several cases and this year there were five cases. Weymouth has been fortunate in the cases of polio. Most of them have made good recoveries.
All the pupils have made satisfactory progress, each according to his ability. The parents have given their wholehearted cooperation and have shown in many ways how much they appreciate the advantage this home study classwork is giving their children in furthering their education."
12. Agriculture
"The opening of school in September (1947) showed a total enroll- ment of 40 students divided according to classes as follows: seniors - 9, juniors - 7, sophomores - 10, and freshmen - 14.
The 40 students may again be geographically divided as follows: East Weymouth - 11, South Weymouth - 10, North Weymouth - 10, Weymouth - 2, Quincy - 3, Cohasset - 1, Hanover - 1, Hanson - 1, and Holbrook - 1.
Thirty-eight boys worked on 18 farms or agricultural enterprises in Weymouth; 2 in Walpole, Quincy, Hingham, and Bridgewater; 1 in each of the following: Norwell, Marshfield, Hanover, Halifax, Franklin, Hol- brook, Boston, Avon, Peacham (Vt). Wilmington (Vt.), Brattleboro (Vt.), and Putney (Vt.); representing 10 poultry farm, 5 general landscape, 4 greenhouse, 3 for tree warden, 3 dairy farm, 2 general farm, 2 food preparation, 2 nursery, 2 riding stable, 1 poultry and dairy farm, 1 tur- key farm, 1 greenhouse and turkey farm, 1 animal hospital, and 1 poultry dressing plant."
13. High School Library
"This has been an active year in the school library. The Book Club members enjoyed two plays and presented the second annual Open House and Hobby Show at which Mr. John Ghiorse took exquisite colored pictures. Three exhibits, one of Egypt, one of Mesopotamia, and a geology exhibit, were planned by Mr. Ghiorse's ancient history class. The Home Economics Department held an Open House in the library. Teachers and parents of the girls attended. Food and clothing made by the girls under the direction of Miss Benson and Mrs. Moats were exhibited.
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Book circulation for the year was 10,011, a gain of 666 over the pre- vious year. This is aside from the use of reference books and magazines which are used throughout the day.
Each freshman English division had three classes in library in- struction during the year. A handbook was compiled and proved of great interest and use to each student."
IMPROVEMENTS AND EXTENSION OF PROGRAM
The following improvements and additions to the school program are worthy of special consideration. Many of them are discussed at greater length in the reports of supervisors, directors, and principals.
(1) A beginning in the development of an enlarged audio-visual aids program for both the high school and the elementary grades, with a part- time instructor available for the direction and supervision of this essential phase of a modern school system.
(2) The continued improvement of the guidance program by the addi- tion of two part-time counselors each of whom have one period a week free to supplement the work of full-time counselors; and by the inaugura- tion in the High School of a Career Day sponsored by the Weymouth Rotary Club.
(3) The expansion of the work in driver education for high school pupils who have reached or are approaching the age to secure an operator's license, with the assignment of a part-time instructor for the course and the provision of a dual control car through the courtesy of Jesse James Motors, Inc. for actual road instruction.
(4) The further development of the body building program as part of the physical education course for high school boys. At the beginning of the school year a careful screening of all boys is made and those requiring individual attention to remedy physical defects are given corrective exer- cises. This method makes sure that the boys who need it most have the opportunity to build bodily strength and good health.
(5) The sponsorship of a Harvard-Boston University extension course at the High School entitled "Improving Secondary Education in Wey- mouth," given by Professor Roy O. Billett, of Boston University, in which eighty per cent of the high school and vocational school teachers are en- rolled.
(6) The appointment of an additional carpentry teacher and the in- itiation of two practical building projects for the carpentry classes: (a) the construction of a seven-room house for Mr. Wallace T. Driscoll at 542 Ralph Talbot Street; and (b) the construction of a separate carpentry shop adjacent to the west end of the Vocational School. Mr. Driscoll is paying the full cost of all materials used, and the Town will receive ap- proximately a one-third reimbursement from the State for materials used in the building of the carpentry shop.
(7) The broadening of the Evening School Program' with courses in shorthand, typewriting, office machines, clothing, foods, and woodworking, in addition to the classes offered last year in rug hooking and tray paint- ing. All classes have sizeable enrollments, and there are long waiting lists for clothing, rug hooking, and tray painting.
(8) The inauguration of the new teachers' salary schedule on April 1. As originally planned by the School Committee, the new schedule placed elementary and high school teachers on the same salary basis. The favor- able vote on the equalization of the salaries of women teachers with those paid men teachers at the March election resulted in a single salary sched- ule; viz., one common base for all teachers, with salaries paid on three
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