USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1952-1954 > Part 32
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money into the library. $200 a year or even $500 a year is hope- lessly inadequate. I have listed $2,000 for 1953. This is no more than enough when one realizes that we are tampering with the preparation of our boys and girls who are trying to compete with the best prepared high school minds in the country.
We need to re-evaluate our criteria of college preparation in terms of what the colleges actually want from our seniors, and then to teach from that point of view. We need to bear down and make our boys and girls work harder because college work is tough and only the tough and the well-prepared survive. We need to prepare them for the utter freedom of college where no on will say "Now, Freddie, you must study tonight!" or "Mary, don't go to the movies until you have done your homework!" In college one must be his own judge of when to study and when to play, when to work and when not to, when to date, and when to devote time to study, yet the preparatory schools each year send to the colleges boys and girls who are no more fitted for the complete freedom of the campus than would be a ten-year old. That's why so many flunk out.
The homes must cooperate in this training for freedom-from- home-and-school-ties, but the school must show the way.
College teaching is wholly unlike high school teaching. College freshmen are confused by it. They should be prepared for the lec- ture-method of classroom procedure, they should be trained to take notes, they should know shorthand and typewriting, they should be trained for college-type examinations, they should know how to use source material, how to write coherent, unified, paragraphs, and, above all, how to use facts. This last is learning how to think.
BUILDING COMMITTEES
I am indebted to the two building committees for hours of hard work and careful consideration of problems confronting the schools.
The average citizen does not appreciate the time and energy which goes into the job as member of a building committee. I am grateful to each member for his work for the Scituate Public Schools.
I have wondered if the Town should not consider having a permanent building committee for schools or for all public build- ings. Such a committee would be larger, say twelve members of which three would be the Superintendent of Schools and two School Committee members. One should be a lawyer, at least two architects or members of building trades, and two engineers, and at least two hard-hitting business men. Such a committee would be well aware of all the building problems of the Town and would not
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concentrate on just one school to the exclusion of others. The Ad- visory Committee and the Planning Board as well as the teachers should have representation. Many towns have permanent building committees. Shouldn't we? Certainly such a suggestion is intended to cast no aspersions on our two school building committees; rather do I feel that a permanent committee would have a better grasp of the needs, and would continue permanently.
APPRECIATION
I am deeply grateful to you, the members of the School Com- mittee, for leadership, guidance, and friendship. You have cheer- fully given of your time and your lives.
I am grateful to the principals and teachers for your work with our boys and girls. The job has always come first. I can pay you no greater tribute.
I am grateful to the custodial staff for hard work this year in the face of tremendous difficulties.
To the office workers, cafeteria workers, bus operators and all other workers, praise for giving of yourselves for the children.
To my fellow Townspeople, my thanks for your understanding, your assistance, and your cooperation with me in my job. I have said that these are the Public Schools. Indeed they are. They are yours. Visit them. Know them. Ask questions. Only with your help can we improve. I shall be happy to talk with you singly or in groups at almost any time.
These are serious times. To the children we assign the task of leadership all too soon. They must be clear thinkers to avoid the isms. They must be strong to keep on the path of Truth. They must be educated to avoid the mistakes we have made. They must be devout to keep their faith in the Divine Providence which always has guided and always will continue to guide each of us if we will but put ourselves in the ways of Godliness.
Respectfully submitted,
2
EDWARD K. CHACE Superintendent of Schools
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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Dear Mr. Chace:
The enrollment of this school on October 1, 1953 was 464 pupils of which 256 were in the Senior High (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12) and 208 in the Junior High (Grades 7, 8). This represents an in- crease in enrollment for the ninth straight year.
The double session plan which was inaugurated this fall was necessitated by the large enrollment. Practically every room has been used every period in both Junior and Senior High. When we can occupy the new addition and return to the single session, there will be no extra rooms. One of the laboratories and two of the special rooms will have to be used for homerooms. At the present rate, it will not be long before more space will be needed.
During the summer some of the necessary alterations were made in the present building. We now have a fire-proof vault in which the valuable school records may be kept. The old study-hall and library was transformed into four small rooms to be used later for the guidance services. As the women teachers' room was turned into an office for the assistant principal, another room was made on the second floor for this purpose. The enlarged cafeteria was not completed last summer, but it is hoped that it will be ready for use by March 1. Much painting and many repairs will be necessary in the old building to have it measure up with the new addition. Special attention is called to the matter of lavatory facilities for both boys and girls. Besides needing extra facilities, much needs to be done so that the present facilities may be kept in a sanitary con- dition. It will be readily agreed that proper and sufficient lavatory facilities are of the utmost importance in any school.
We continue to send on to college or other schools of advanced training a high percentage of our graduates. In the average high school this would be about twenty-five percent. The last three graduating classes have had nearly fifty percent go on with their education. As a whole our college preparatory graduates continue to do well in colleges. Because of the usual interest, the names of the institutions being attended by last June's graduates are listed as follows: Bridgewater State Teachers College, Colby Junior College, Endicott Junior College, Miami University (Ohio) , Michigan State University (2), Northeastern University (2), Norwich University (3), Regis College, Russell Sage College, University of Miami (2) ,
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University of Maine, University of Massachusetts (2) University of Nebraska, the Katherine Gibbs School (2), and four to schools of nursing.
Attention has been called in previous reports to the need for a broader course of study for the non-college group which comprises annually over fifty percent of the school. Three faculty committees have been at work since last year upon the various phases of curriculum revision. Much thought and study was given to a more functional course of study for those who do not go on to college, and to ways and means whereby the development of character may be strengthened. Some minor changes will be offered next year, but in the main much more study is needed. The trend in recent years has been to keep adding to the curriculum, but it is not helpful just to know less and less about more and more. Only the most important needs can be met, and our task is to determine those needs and how to provide for them in the curriculum. This means not only the needs of the individual but also the needs of democracy.
In anticipation of adding to the guidance services in our school, two additional faculty committees have been gathering some perti- nent information. By means of surveys these committees have been gathering some pertinent information. By means of surveys these committees have attempted to find out some of the needs of pupils. A follow-up on those who left school through graduation or for other reasons was also accomplished. The results of this should be of assistance in the curriculum study.
With additional teachers in the Junior High, it has been pos- sible to have some much-needed remedial reading work accom- plished with satisfactory results. We hope to be able to do the same in Senior High before long.
In the past we have had two classes in driver-training education each year, one in the fall and another in the spring. Those young people who hold a certificate showing satisfactory completion of the driver-training course in any high school now have to pay less for automobile insurance. Therefore, in order to accommodate a larger group, it is planned to have an additional class this year. No doubt we are fast approaching the time when a full-time instruc- tor in driver-training will be justified in our school.
It is obvious to all that we have been operating under handicaps this fall. The Art, Shop, and Science departments have been es- pecially penalized, along with the athletic and physical education programs. Lack of space has been felt by the Art department. The Shop classes have had to be conducted in the basement of the
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Administration Building where the quarters are cramped and poorly heated. The Science classes have had the serious handicap of no laboratory facilities. Physical education classes and the athletic teams have had to carry on without dressing quarters or showers. In all cases, these handicaps have been accepted in good grace and much has been accomplished in spite of them.
Two of the extra-curricular activities merit special mention. Last spring, the baseball team repeated its fine record of two years ago by winning all of the league games plus three divisional play- offs to qualify for the small-school state championship game at Fenway Park. To accomplish this twice in three years is indeed an outstanding feat. The second was in the non-athletic field. Many favorable comments were received for the radio broadcast put on by our group this fall. Not only was the program well coached and ably performed, but it was also an original skit written by the coach.
In athletics, the football, field hockey, boys' and girls' basketball teams had very good seasons and by their play and good sportsman- ship were a credit to themselves and the school. As usual the cheer- leaders shared to a large degree in the successes of the teams by their loyal and efficient work. The Board of Trade again staged a fine banquet for the football and field hockey teams and also presented jackets to the Seniors on the various squads. Much credit should go to the coaches not only for skillful coaching but even more im- portant for emphasizing the educational objectives in the athletic program.
Some of the accomplishments in the other extra-curricular activities during the year deserve mention for they offered much in valuable knowledge and experience to a large group of pupils. Many of these had to be somewhat curtailed this fall because of a lack of time under the double-session schedule. In dramatics, the all-school show and the annual Senior Class play were well received by capacity audiences. Once again we had a representative in the American Legion Oratorical Contest. The number of assemblies had to be cut down this fall, but the worthwhile objectives of the programs were maintained. The Student Council, Pro Merito, and the Key Club rendered valuable service to the school, each in its proper sphere. An efficient "Chimes" staff published several issues of the "Scituation" during the year and brought out a fine yearbook in June. Another successful "Blue and White" week for the pur- pose of emphasizing loyalty to Scituate High was carried out by the faculty and the student-body under the direction of the Student Council. The student librarians rendered efficient help in oper-
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ating the school library up to the end of school in June. We have had no library facilities this fall, but a fine library is provided for in the new addition.
We plan to add an activity period to the daily schedule just as soon as we can return to the single session. This will allow the im- portant extra-curricular activities, except athletics, to be held during the school day with many advantages. This would also permit a larger club program to meet various interests and it would make it possible to add the very worthwhile activities of public speaking and debating.
Mr. Ralph Merrill, who substituted in both Senior and Junior High last year, joined the Senior High faculty this fall. Mr. Ray- mond Biggar and Mr. Stuart Crapser were also added to the Sen- ior High staff this year. The new teachers in the Junior High were Miss Barbara Murphy, Mrs. Elinor Manning, Mr. Charles Bordne and Mr. Donald Drake. Mr. Judson Merrill, Secretary to the Super- intendent of Schools also teaches a class in Senior High. These additional teachers were required for the increased enrollment and the double session program.
May I conclude this report with an expression of sincere thanks to you, the school committee, the staff and the student body for the helpful support throughout the year and more especially for the loyal cooperation under the handicaps of this fall.
Respectfully submitted, GEORGE A. J. FROBERGER
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
Dear Mr. Chace:
Since the close of school in June 1953, there has been no organ- ized library at Scituate High School. At that time, because of the building program, about 1700 volumes were taken off the old shelves and packed away to await the opening of the new addition. In September, however, the need of references was so urgent that a set of encyclopedias, an atlas, and an unabridged dictionary were placed in each of the two senior high study rooms. Also, the demand for supplementary reading was so persistent that the most popular reading books were placed in the care of junior and senior high English teachers. The lack of a library, as such, has at least indi- cated to both pupil and teacher its importance in the school program.
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Throughout the past year, considerable thought has been de- voted to the needs of the new library. In storage are two new sets of encyclopedias, a new unabridged dictionary, a number of valu- able individual references, and about 250 new reading books. Since the library will include the junior high for the first time, it has been necessary to stress material on the seventh, eighth, and ninth grade levels as well as on lower levels for retarded readers.
As periodicals offer reading that is valuable in the learning process, a number of new magazines covering a wide variety of in- terests, will be available in the school library. There will be at least two of the better newspapers to encourage the study of national and international problems.
A beginning has been made, therefore, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing school system.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR GILE, High School Librarian
REPORT OF THE DRIVER-TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Dear Mr. Chace:
The Driver-Training course, offered as an extra-curricular ac- tivity in the High School, is well into its sixth year since the course was resumed early in 1948. Actual behind-the-wheel instruction is given in a dual-controlled Dodge V-8 provided by the Paul Young Motors. This car is shared equally with the towns of Cohasset and Marshfield.
Commencing in September of the present school year, the pro- gram was altered somewhat in an attempt to accommodate the in- creasing number of eligible students requesting this course. It is believed that these demands will increase; therefore, it may become necessary to increase both the classroom and driving facilities for this activity.
There has been a change in automobile insurance regulations allowing a reduction in rates to drivers under twenty-five years of age who have successfully completed a course such as ours. Since that time, a total of eighty-five certificates have been prepared and made available to our "graduates". These certificates of eligibility may be obtained at the High School office by those who have earned them.
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In closing, I would like to thank all who are cooperating in bringing driver-training to our high school students. In my opinion, it is a most positive approach to highway safety and increasing insurance rates.
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE O. ATKINSON, Driver-Training Instructor
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Dear Mr. Chace:
I hereby submit my report of the activities of the Instrumental Music Department.
The Central Elementary School program, which provides in- struction on band and orchestral instruments, has expanded from one to two days weekly. This has been made possible by securing the services of two practice teachers from the Boston University College of Music. Lessons are given individually or in small classes. Sixth grade students with one year of experience have an additional ensemble rehearsal.
The double sessions in the High School have caused a division of instruction on the secondary level. The majority of band and orchestral players are senior high school students which led to scheduling rehearsals while the senior high school was in session, yet many junior high students have voluntarily attended the morn- ing rehearsals.
The orchestra has played for school events, the annual Christ- mas and Spring Concerts and for several outside organizations. The band has performed at football rallies and games, the annual Spring Concert, municipal parades, at Boston for the opening of the Inter- national Convention for Exceptional Children and at Norwood for the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Festival. Several students were selected to play with the first All-Southeastern Massachusetts Concert Band, All-State Band, All-State Orchestra and All-New England Band. Smaller instrumental groups have appeared for other school and municipal functions.
The success of this program has been insured by the coopera- tion given to me by you, Mr. Chace, the principals and the loyalty of the students under my direction.
Respectfully submitted,
B. NORMAN DICKINSON
Director
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
Dear Mr. Chace:
The vocal music program has continued during the past year to try to instill in the children of Scituate a love of good music through worthwhile musical participation.
In the elementary grades each class has a daily musical program, with visits from the supervisor once a week. An enthusiastic boys' glee club, composed of selected boys from grades four, five, and six, meets once a week. We have started an excellent record library in the elementary school thanks to the generous gifts of the Scituate Parent-Teacher Association.
Grades seven and eight meet once a week for a music class. The weakest spot in the vocal music program is in these two grades. Lack of time and space prevents them from meeting more often and prohibits any extra-curricular activities. This will undoubtedly be remedied with the expanded facilities of the new high school addition.
In the senior high school there are three glee club groups with a total membership of over a hundred students. Each group meets for two periods a week. These students have participated in several school activities during the past year. Their proudest accomplish- ment was their part in the all-school production, "Keep It Gay", a variety show presented in November. Because of the double-session schedule, rehearsal time was at a minimum. That this obstacle was overcome is due to the outstanding cooperation of everyone con- cerned with the show. The members of the glee clubs joined with the instrumental groups in presenting the annual spring concert and the Christmas assembly. They also sang at Baccalaureate and Graduation. In November four members of the boys' glee club took part in the Scituate High School broadcast from station WBET. These public appearances do much to develop good character traits of dependability, responsibility, and cooperation, while adding to the students' ability to appear in public with some degree of poise.
May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the principals and teachers.
Respectfully submitted, GERTRUDE M. REYNOLDS, Supervisor of Vocal Music
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REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Dear Mr. Chace:
Education should be concerned not only with the education of the mind, but with the whole life of the student. A personality cannot be divided into mind and body. That which affects one must affect the other.
Physical education in Scituate High School during the last year has been handicapped by the lack of showers and locker rooms, inadequate equipment, and facilities. With the addition of the new gymnasium and equipment the physical inadequacies will be rec- tified.
In the past it has been an administrative impossibility to schedule physical education classes in homogeneous groups. This, as in any class, has made it very difficult for the physical education instructors to present a well-rounded program. In non-class groups in which freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors meet during the same period the program must be limited as to continuity and as to the physical development of the individual students.
At the present time, each student in the junior and senior high school has two periods of physical education weekly. The state department of education recommends five periods weekly for each student. In the past this has been impossible. With the new building and addition of teachers as the school grows, it is hoped that the state recommendation may be met.
The new gymnasium will facilitate the physical education de- partment considerably in that it will not be necessary for the physi- cal education classes to share the gymnasium with the band, orches- tra, music department, glee club, assembly programs, meetings, and special programs. Also, boys and girls physical education classes may be conducted at the same time. Storage room will also be available in the new gymnasium thus making all equipment usable under the direction of the instructors.
With a new gymnasium, equipment, and facilities, Scituate High School can look forward to a well rounded and diversified physical education program.
The athletic program at Scituate High consists of football, basketball, and baseball for the boys, and field hockey, basketball, softball and tennis for the girls. As the school grows, we hope to add to the athletic program so that more students may participate in the athletic activities.
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The records of the teams and character of the players attest the abilities of our coaches. Our baseball team made an exceptionally fine showing when they went to Fenway Park last spring as one of the finalists in the small school class state championship. The team qualified for the finals by winning the Southern Conference cham- pionship.
The uniforms and equipment used by the Scituate teams are equal and in most cases superior to the teams with which we com- pete. The best protective equipment is available to each partici- pant and thus the incidence of accidents is exceedingly low in the athletic program.
Visiting schools have been very cooperative the last year while showers and locker rooms have not been available.
All students participating in athletics are examined annually by the school doctor and the school nurse is available at all times during practice sessions. A doctor is always available on the field at all football games and a qualified individual is always available at all other contests. Our coaches are qualified in Red Cross First Aid treatment.
This last fall Mr. Joseph C. Driscoll conducted a very successful six-man football intramural league for the seventh and eighth grades. With the addition of the new gymnasium a full program of athletic activities is planned for the seventh and eighth grades.
The guidance and cooperation of our principal, Mr. G. A. J. Froberger has contributed considerably to the success of our athletic program. The assistance of the Park Department, Police Depart- ment, and Highway Department has been greatly appreciated.
With an enlarged enrollment, new gymnasium and better facil- ities we are looking forward to a better athletic program with many more participants.
Respectfully submitted,
HERSCHEL G. BENSON, Director of Physical Education
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL ART TEACHER
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