USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1958 > Part 26
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An art assembly program was staged featuring explorations in light, color, movement and sound. Colored slides, reflective mobiles, shadow puppets and animated abstract movies were all made and staged by the students.
The Scholastic Art Exhibits were entered by some of our junior and senior high school students this year and the work of eleven pupils was hung.
At senior high school level the classes are large and many are of mixed grade levels. The art room is too small and crowded. These classes are shared by Miss Silvester and Mrs. Mary Dolan, who also does elementary art supervision in several schools. The whole senior high situation is poor and we are anxiously looking forward to the expected new school to relieve the situation. We are doing all we can do in this very difficult situation to make things work out as well as possible. Mrs. Dolan is an able teacher and much fine work comes from her classes.
Our art group frequently, holds meetings for reviewing and discussing common problems.
Mr. Carl Dolan, art teacher at Central Junior High, is an officer in the Massachusetts Art Teachers' Association and he keeps us posted on all state-wide art activities. He and Miss Silvester attended the Eastern Arts Association Convention in Washington, D. C., last Spring and came home with a renewed sense of the challenge of our profession.
A Quincy regional junior and senior high art meeting was held last Spring in Quincy, at which time, towns of this area sent representatives. Six Curricula Summaries were given by various members of the art panel. We contributed one on "Design for Living," our senior design course at Weymouth High.
The Old Colony and P. M. Clubs have been giving us real support in the art field. Art books have been purchased for Fogg Library reference. Money was provided to help pay for an Art Museum trip for the Senior Design Classes. Art Week in November featured store window exhibits of work of Weymouth High School graduates, who are now successfully following art as a career. Several of our recent graduates are now in Art Schools and doing well.
It has been an active year with much accomplished. Because we are interested in our work, our young citizens respond enthusiastically and achieve a substantial degree of success.
2. MUSIC
The ever-increasing elementary enrollment is adding additional classes and choruses to the schedule of our elementary vocal music supervisors. This increase is necessitating the shortening of class periods. The choruses for special events must rehearse during the scheduled class time of two or more classes, since there can be no allowance of extra time in the regular schedule. Mr. Lyons, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Mulligan have done some very excellent programs in the elementary schools for the special programs and assemblies for national, patriotic, and seasonal occasions. These are a natural outgrowth of the work carried on in the regular music classes along with some extra rehearsals, by both the home room teacher and the music teacher; they were presented to the schools and for certain occasions for the parents. This was especially true during this past Christ- mas season.
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The junior high program of vocal music has contributed greatly to each junior high's over-all schedule of events. The general classroom procedures and background of vocal music have made for better Glee Clubs and Choruses, which have helped with assemblies and public per- formances such as plays, open house, etc. They have arranged programs for P. T. A.s, clubs, and talent shows. The Central Junior High program was curtailed to some extent due to the illness of Mrs. Doris Pierce, who retired in November, but they did participate in several assemblies and special programs. All three Junior High Schools attended the State Music Festival which was held in Quincy on May 11th and received excellent ratings.
This present Christmas season, each junior high put on a well-varied program which was very well received by capacity audiences. Mr. Stephen Scotti, who is replacing Mrs. Pierce for the remainder of the year, directed the choruses at Central Junior which did very fine work in a relatively short period of time. At Bicknell, the "Nutcrocker Suite" in the form of an operetta was extremely well done, with a large chorus and cast under the direction of Mrs. Mary Mulligan, accompanied by a small orchestra. At South, the dramatic performance, "No Room At the Inn," was accum- panied by a wide and excellent variety of vocal selections led by Mrs. Marion Carpenter. These programs outside of school time and the assis- tance of the music groups within the school contribute greatly to the entire junior high program.
The beginning elementary instrumental instruction has reached an all time high level and the staff of teachers is hard pressed to find time for all the classes. The important small ensembles in each elementary school, to help bridge the gap between first year instruction and the junior high bands and orchestras, is next to impossible with the present staff; time and schedules just simply will not permit it. At the Homestead and Hunt Schools, ensembles did perform in a limited way; also at the Pond. Nevin and Pratt the same was true. The Pond band played and paraded for their field day and also for the Nevin Field Day. It is hoped that this area of instruction can be provided for in the future.
The more advanced elementary students were assembled at the High School as an All Town Band and rehearsed weekly for over four months. They performed at the Spring Festival in June which was held at the Central Junior High School. The three junior high schools were combined for several rehearsals and played at an assembly in each junior high and at the June Festival. This combined program allows for much greater balance of instrumentation and gives each member an opportunity to play in a large and full ensemble.
The Bicknell band has increased to 35 members and is doing a fine job. With the completion of the Green Street school, it is hoped that the ensemble work there will increase the musical background and also the number of students prepared to join the Bicknell band. Mr. Haapaoja is also working with a group of string players and hopes in the near future to organize an orchestra.
The South Junior High has a 28-member band and an orchestra of 21 members, both under the direction of Dr. Angela Owen. These two groups played for the majority of the assemblies at South, the Dramatic Club play and for a concert at the Pond School. Some of the drum and trumpet pllayers formed "Taps" teams and marched at the cemeteries in South Weymouth on Memorial Day.
The Central Junior High Band, capably led by Mr. Paul Warren,
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has been very active in school assemblies as well as numerous other school and civic affairs, including American Education Week, Guidance Night, Christmas concert, Kiwanis-Rotary banquet, Memorial Day and Veterans' Day parades. They also played for the Academy Avenue and the Adams School P. T. A. field day programs. The Central band has been wearing the uniforms which were formerly used by the High School. This has made it possible to have them parade on national holidays, thereby con- tributing to the community in a much needed manner. It is hoped that the two remaining junior high schools may be equipped with uniforms in the future and that they may also contribute in the same manner.
All three junior highs sent both their bands and glee clubs to the State Musical Festival and they received good to excellent ratings from competent judges on their performance of the required selections for junior high schools. The festivals are a very good measuring device that may be used to compare one group with another and one school with another. They add incentive and point to the regular program. Coming as it does in May, the festival helps keep the interest at a high level throughout the year.
The High School band, led by Mr. Warren, and the orchestra and chorus, both directed by Mr. Russell Jack, have contributed much to the over-all programs at the high school level. All three have performed at the regular concerts and assemblies. Soloists and small groups have helped with the many programs given. The band, in addition, has pro- vided the music and shows at the home and away football games with a very much improved program under very difficult circumstances. They have also been the official musical organization for the Memorial and Veterans' Day parades. The band was provided with new uniforms last year and made their initial appearance in them at the Spring concert in May.
Thirty-two members from all three groups attended the New England Solo and Ensemble Festival held in Marshfield and eight students received superior ratings. There are 23 others who have been accepted for the State Regional Festival to be held in Mansfield. Eighteen students at- tended the New England Concert Festival in Dover, New Hampshire, and five attended the State Concert Festival at Springfield, Mass. All in all, Weymouth was well represented at these events and the students played either at the head or near the head of their individual sections. These special functions are made possible by the Music Parents' Group who arrange and pay for the transportation, registration and for the most part the housing of students at the festival. The remainder of the ex- pense is borne by the individual students.
Once again a Summer Music School was organized, with Mr. Warren as the instructor, and the enrollment of students was larger than during the previous summer. It should be noted that along with the expansion of the department in terms of number, the musical growth of the students is also evident. Much of this is due to the continued study by more stu- dents which is made possible by the provision in Weymouth of compe- tent teachers for advanced instruction.
3. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A detailed report of the activities conducted in physical education was submitted last year. There have been no great changes in the cur- riculum. Rather than repeat this detailed account, I respectfully request that reference be made to the report of 1958 for the pertinent points given.
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HIGH SCHOOL
The body building program for boys has been expanded and the re- quest for participation has been so great, the present number of periods allotted cannot include all boys who wish to participate.
There is tremendous need for some type of boys' intramural or after school program. The present indoor facilities are used by the indoor athletic teams. We do have outdoor facilities for seasonal programs. Probably the lack of such a program is the most important aspect of phys- ical education we have to consider, not only now but particularly for the future. It is my recommendation that a supervisor of high school boys' intramural activities be named to initiate such a program to the extent possible with present limited facilities. The program would then be func- tioning and well organized when our new and more adequate facilities are available. There is only a small percentage of boys participating in interscholastic athletics. The trend and the definite need is for the larger group participation.
JUNIOR HIGH
The Junior High program is functioning smoothly. Both indoor and outdoor facilities are above the average and this leads to a good class, intramural and interscholastic program.
The Junior High girls do not have interscholastic sports and their participation is intramural. The girls' physical education teachers have, however, initiated this year a series of seasonal play days. For example, the girls from Central and Bicknell were the guests of the South girls and participation in seasonal activity on an informal basis took place. The benefits derived from this type of activity are obvious. After the competition, they had refreshments and had the opportunity to meet their future high school classmates. There is a tremendous amount of extra work involved in one of these affairs. The boys' athletic program is well attended and an important part of the over-all school program.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The after school program for the 5th and 6th grade boys has become more popular and the attendance in each of the three seasonal activities has increased.
The girls' program is also popular and worth while but is not ade- quate as it is held only during the winter season. There is great need and demand for a spring girls' program. It is my suggestion that the possibility of adding this be considered.
The elementary class program has only one change or addition and that is a testing program to determine the relative physical fitness of the elementary boys and girls. This type test is to measure minimal fitness and the results will be made known to the pupils.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In the proposed building plan the present Libby Field will become the athletic and intramural plant for the junior high school. A portion of this field is at a lower level than the remainder. At present this pre- vents the installation of a football field. It is my recommendation that the field be levelled and surfaced now to prevent the lack of facilities when the move comes about. This is not a major project. The area to be filled is not used at present.
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2. The play area behind the Pratt School is very rocky and the abra- sions are numerous. The area should be black-topped or surfaced.
3. The tennis court fence at Bicknell should be completed so it may be locked after playing hours. If the two end courts are not to be pro- vided with tennis nets, I recommend the installation of basketball back- boards for two courts in the unused area. There are no outside basket- ball standards at Bicknell at present.
4. GUIDANCE
The guidance program in the Weymouth Public Schools represents years of careful building and close attention to the needs of the individual pupils. In practice, over the years, it has been found first that these needs fall into three areas; namely,
1. Educational and vocational planning and decision-making
2. Learning difficulties
3. Personality difficulties
and, second, that meeting these needs requires five basic types of guidance activity; namely,
1. Testing and the collection of pertinent information about pupils
2. The collection of educational and occupational information neces- sary in educational and vocational planning and decision-making
3. Counseling
4. Educational and vocational placement
5. Follow-up contacts with students after graduation
This framework of guidance remains reasonably constant. Whatever changes take place are changes in emphasis made in order constantly to adapt the guidance program to the needs of students with respect to mod- ern conditions.
Such a change in emphasis took place during the past year. It is the result of the United States in the world of today, a position which calls upon education to identify and to furnish qualified personnel in sci- ence, mathematics, foreign languages, research, and defense activities. Thus, one of the primary tasks of the school is not only to identify the talents and special abilities of the gifted, but also to recognize the specific strengths of all other students. The guidance testing program in Wey- mouth meets this national concern.
1. Testing Program
The program includes four types of group tests given to all students during the junior high years. These tests are the Stanford General Achievement Test in Grade 7, and the California Test of Mental Maturity and the Kuder Interest Inventory in Grade 8. In the ninth grade, there is administered a battery of eight Differential Aptitude Tests which has proved to be a good predictor of success in both vocational and academic work. In the senior high school, students in the college course take addi- tional tests of the College Entrance type during their senior and junior years. In addition to group tests, individuals are given other tests ac- cording to their requirements.
2. The Collection of Educational and Vocational Information
The gathering of information, as in previous years, involves keeping
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up-to-date collections of college and university catalogues, scholarship information, reference bocks on technical and junior colleges, and files of occupational briefs and monographs. In addition, the department sub- scribes to five monthly services which provide further information of an educational and vocational nature.
3. Counseling
During the past year, there was a total of 4,060 conferences and inter- views held in the high school guidance office. This total included 1,905 scheduled conferences for which the students were requested to come and 1,707 voluntary conferences. These totals are tabulated on the basis of each visit made by a student to the guidance office. Students often make more than one visit during the year. Also, during the past year, there were 225 visits of parents to this office, and 223 other conferences involving veterans, graduates, employers, college admissions officers, and others.
The junior high counselors administer all the guidance group tests in Grades 7 through 9 and carry on group guidance work as well as the individual counseling. This work includes orientation activities in Grade 7, the first year of junior high. In Grades 8 and 9, group work includes class study, discussion and reading in connection with such topics as study skills, personal, social, and health problems, vocational problems, educational and college planning. Group guidance work is valuable in that it provides young people with opportunities to study and to discuss the common problems of youth and to help prepare them to meet these problems in future years. During this past year, Weymouth was invited to participate in a group guidance program conducted by the Educational Testing Service at Princeton, New Jersey. This program is carried on in Grade 9 and centers around a new type of text entitled "You, Today and Tomorrow", which includes many newly selected problems and ac- tivities.
4. Placement
The class of 1958 numbered 327 high school and 54 vocational school graduates. Of the 327 in the high school, 115 or 35.1% continued their education. This compares favorably with the figures for other years, al- though it does not match the educational placement of the class of 1957 which had a higher per cent of educational placement than any other class in the past eleven years. Approximately forty students entered mili- tary service.
5. Follow-Up
It is a policy of the guidance department to contact our high school graduates approximately one year after graduation. Statistics gathered from this follow-up survey are compiled during the summer months and published in September. These statistics furnish data in connection with educational and vocational placement. They include an analysis of grad- uates by courses of study, the distribution of graduates in colleges, uni- versities, and other schools, the employment distribution of graduates according to types of jobs and location of employment. Copies of this survey are available in the high school guidance office and may be ob- tained upon request.
Guidance events and activities during 1958 include the following:
1. Transfer from temporary to permanent status of Weymouth High School as a center for College Board Examinations
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2. Participation of the director in the American Personnel and Guid- ance Convention, St. Louis, as a counselor for the Placement Center and as an associate editor of the "School Counselor", journal of the American School Counselor Association
3. Participation of the assistant director as a member of the Regional Committee of the National Teacher Exchange Committee
4. Speaking assignments of the members of the department on various panels and conferences arranged by Parent-Teacher Associations, junior high schools, church groups, Future Teachers of America, and Future Nurses Club
5. Participation of the director in the Needham High School Evaluation Program conducted under the regulations of the New England Asso- ciation of Colleges and Secondary Schools
6. Registration of students for the College Board Examinations held in January, February, March, May and December; Registration of stu- dents for the General Motors Scholarship Examination, The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Examination, and the Student Trainee- College Co-op. Training Program of the United States Civil Service Commission
7. Administration of the Merit Scholarship Examination, The Betty Crocker Homemaker Examination, and the Altrusa Examination -
8. Appointment of the director to membership on the State Advisory Committee for Guidance for the administration of Title V of the Na- tional Defense Education Act of 1958
9. Continuing service of the director on the following boards and organ- izations: Board of Trustees of the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Personnel and Guidance Association Board of Directors of the New England Conference of the American Personnel and Guidance Association
Executive Committee of the South Shore Mental Health Association Child Welfare Committee of the Massachusetts Teachers Association Extension Course Teaching Staff at the State Teachers College at Boston Board of Consultants in Guidance and Placement, Massachu- setts Department of Education.
5. ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR
The School Adjustment Counselor Program is the result of the con- cern of the people of Massachusetts for those children who are "neglected, maladjusted, emotionally disturbed, neurotic, or otherwise potentially de- linquent." Its purpose is two-fold: (1) to save children from becoming delinquent and (2) to protect the mental health of children so that they will be happy and successful in school and become well-adjusted adults.
The School Adjustment Program in Weymouth is in its second year. Weymouth is one of the forty-six communities in Massachusetts coop- erating with the Division of Youth Service in its efforts to prevent and to treat delinquency.
In January 1958 the Division of Youth Service appointed to the pro- gram a coordinator whose duty it is to supervise, develop and make uni- form throughout the state the services offered by the School Adjustment Counselors. To this coordinator the counselors make monthly reports of services rendered. During the year there were held for all the counselors in Massachusetts two all-day conferences and one all-day institute. There have also been regional meetings. These sessions are to strengthen the program and to assist the counselors in the acquisition of the new knowl- edges and skills necessary for the work.
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The services of the School Adjustment Counselor are available to children in Grades I-VIII. Every request for help has been acknowledged, but it has not been possible to accept every referral as a case to be dealt with until a satisfactory solution could be reached. The children accepted have been those who are so emotionally involved that their school work is failing, those who are chronic truants and absentees, those who show hostility toward their peers, and those who are exhibiting a disregard for authority.
The problem of maladjustment and juvenile delinquency is present at all grade levels. In every classroom there are children who show symp- toms of maladjustment and who, unless they are helped, may well be- come delinquent. Research reveals that emotional maladjustment ac- counts for a considerable amount of delinquency. A comprehensive ap- proach to the prevention of delinquency involves three essential phases:
1. Early identification and referral
2. Child study and diagnosis
3. Specially planned treatment
Early Identification and Referral
In the records of those children who have been summoned to appear before the Juvenile Court it has been clearly revealed that the pattern of anti-social behavior began in the pre-school and early school years of the child. In order to prevent delinquency, a child who needs help must be identified and treated early before he reaches the stage of habitual wrong doing.
There are danger signals which are indicative of inadequate adjust- ment. Children who are exceptionally aggressive or destructive, who are defiant or quarrelsome, who disrupt the class and who are difficult to man- age; children who are withdrawn, who daydream a great deal, who find it difficult to communicate with others, children who are overanxious, tense, discouraged, excitable, extremely sensitive; children whose achieve- ment is poor - all these children are in need of assistance.
Most teachers are alert to the signs of deviate behavior and are able to identify a number of potential offenders. Although the majority of referrals come from the classroom teachers, many children have been brought to the attention of the counselor by their parents.
Child Study and Diagnosis
After referral of a child is made, the counselor confers with the prin- cipal, teacher, and school nurse. There is gathered together all of the information available concerning the child, - the health record, attend- ance record, testing data, report card marks, anecdotal record, comments made by teachers who have had contact with the child in the classroom or on the playground, and a report of parent-teacher interviews. A study is made of the child's problem. The problem may be centered in the child's relationship to others; it may be focused in the child's basic per- sonality structure; it may stem from a health or physical condition; it may have to do with family mobility, family cohesiveness, family control; it may lie in the pattern of mental growth and development.
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