USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1953 > Part 5
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The world we live in has been going through another very trying period. The freedoms our fathers and forefathers fought for seem to be at stake once more. Threats of communism, the fear of war and the apparent disintegration of family life make us wonder whether we are doing enough to give our youth the kind of training that will help them solve the problems they must face in the future. Scientific in- ventions, improvements in communication and transportation, and the
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142ND ANNUAL REPORT
development of atomic energy are making and will continue to make profound changes in the way we live. A new age is creeping up on us which will have its impact on educational needs and what the schools should teach.
A number of areas of study will need to be clearly defined and greater consideration given to in the future. We will become increas- ingly concerned with the improvement of community living, home and family life education, conservation of natural and human relations, in- tercultural understanding, health and many others.
Reading, writing, arithmetic, the fundamental tools of learning must continue to be stressed and improved. But we shall want to con- sider additional common learnings in order that all should become effec- tive citizens. Opportunities must be provided according to individual pupil needs, especially at the secondary school level.
As we begin to think of the organization of a 6-3-3 system, we must consider seriously the possibility of reorganizing our work in guidance. Guidance includes more than informing students concern- ing educational and vocational opportunities. It must secure informa- tion about students and guide the individual student. We must plan a program which includes vocational guidance, educational guidance, health guidance and civic-social-moral guidance. Counseling includes such matters as study habits, health and civic responsibilities. What we learn about pupils and their needs has an impact on what they are taught. The number of students who leave school before gradua- tion is a real challenge. With the tremendous task that lies ahead in curriculum development and the improvement of service, we should seriously consider the appointment of an individual in order to devote his entire time as a coordinator of instruction and guidance for the en- tire system.
We do want to express our praise and appreciation for the day to day work the individual teachers are doing. We have some of the best teachers that can be found anywhere. Their professional spirit, interest in boys and girls and devotion to their work are assets worthy of special mention. They are doing and giving of their best.
It is with anticipation that we look forward to the introduction of a program for adults in Wakefield. Increasing demands have been placed upon all individuals due to the many changes that are taking place in our social, economic and industrial life. Therefore, there must be a continual readjustment to this changing environment, and a re- adjustment involves the acquisition of fresh knowledge and new habits. Any educational program that stops with the education of youth is in- complete. It should include abundant opportunities for the education of adults. Such a program is what we hope to see in our town.
It grieves us when we read or hear about someone working in edu- cation who invokes the fifth amendment when questioned about pos- sible connection with communistic activities. No one can teach democ- racy unless he believes strongly in its principles and actively works for and promotes those policies and practices.
Democracy is not something one reads about in a textbook but is a vital, practical way of life that should permeate every aspect of our
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school and community. It is not something you can give lip service to but something you feel, live, and experience.
Here in America, freedom is still prized, where our public schools have been open to all and each individual has had the opportunity to develop according to his ability regardless of his social or economic status. Where ignorance and superstition abound, people are willing to surrender their freedom for false promises. Where enlightenment pre- vails and where truth can be distinguished from propaganda, people still cherish freedom.
The teachers of Wakefield have been emphasizing those things that contribute to a knowledge of our American heritage, a deep apprecia- tion of democracy and its meaning as well as understanding of the peoples of other lands. It is hoped that as we intensify our efforts to improve the curriculum it may be clearly demonstrated that democracy really works and that eventually all nations may live in peace.
FROM THE REPORTS OF STAFF MEMBERS
The High School, Roland H. Kinder, Principal.
The increasing enrollment in the grades has not yet reached the high school, where the figure still remains below 1000. In fact the grad- uating class in June 1954 will be smaller than any in recent years.
The retirement of Anna H. Meserve and Louis P. Marché, the resig- nation of Kathleen M. Roy, and the long-time absence of Janet Height and Bernice L. Caswell are seriously to be regretted. We shall miss those who have gone, just as we were glad to welcome Miss Height back, and look forward to greeting Miss Caswell in January.
The replacement teachers, Dante Pepe, John Nionakis, Robert Brown and Mrs. Marie DeCristoforo are fitting into their places rapidly and give promise of being valuable additions to the faculty.
For the first time a mark of B in English is required for member- ship on the staff of The Lookout.
Last Spring special instruction in the use of the library was given to seniors in the college preparatory course, which should be helpful to them as they pursue their education further.
Special art exhibits have been brought to the classes in Fine Arts, and frequently student work is on display in the library.
The main change in the Social Studies this year is the reintroduc- tion of a survey course called World History for those in the commer- cial and general courses. 87% of the seniors elect a course in American Life and Government, Economics, or Problems of Democracy.
"It is probable that when he - Mr. Fanck - retires we shall need two men to take his place."
Although it is not a diploma requirement nearly every student takes at least one science in his high school career. The better equipment which has been provided makes better teaching possible.
This year we have had Behind the Wheel Driving Instruction. Driv- ing classes are taught after school. The first group had its state exam- inations for driving licenses early in December. Classroom instruction is, of course, continued.
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142ND ANNUAL REPORT
The Language Department was especially active during the year, with a well planned audio visual program, and with student-conducted events which vitalized the instruction.
The Student Council is now a member of the Massachusetts Associa- tion of Student Councils, and also of the National Association. One hundred dollars has been set aside for a scholarship to be awarded in June.
The Commercial Department continues to produce graduates for whom the demand is greater than the supply. The Department is looking forward to the time when we can offer more general office training and a more comprehensive course in salesmanship.
Naturally in our thinking for the future the new high school occu- pies first place.
Wakefield was admitted to the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1953.
This report represents a selection from the material that could have been included. Undoubtedly much that is equally pertinent or interest- ing has been omitted.
Guidance, Howard J. Heavens, Director
Guidance deals with human educational problems. Solutions de- pend upon getting the facts first. These facts are taken from class rec- ords, from tests, and from daily contacts. We are now in our third year of permanent records sent up from the grammar schools so that com- plete records from school entry are at hand for the first two classes in high school.
As in the past the Boston University Battery of tests was given to all Juniors. We have joined with Melrose, Everett and Winchester in the use of an IBM machine to be employed for scoring purposes for tests that we give ourselves. We have diversified our tests throughout each department of the school to include achievements, remedials and some specific aptitudes in Shop and Mechanical Drawing.
Vocational pamphlets and books are available in the library and in the guidance office. English teachers are asking their students to write compositions on vocations. Again this year we have had speakers prominent in their respective fields give conferences three times a month for seven months. These conferences have covered a wide variety of fields, and it is unfortunate that, because of a lack of space, they have had to be limited to Seniors and Juniors only.
The following table indicates the placement classification of the members of the Class of 1953-
Group
Class name
No.
Night School
School Later
Serv. Later
%
I
Armed Services
11
5.2
II
Office work
36
14
17.2
III
Trade work
12
2
5.7
IV
Factory work
8
3.8
V
Service-work
32
7
6
6
15.2
VI
Vocational Sch.
5
2.4
VII
Commercial Sch.
10
4.8
VIII
Nurse Training
5
2.4
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
IX
Prep. Schools 8
3.8
X 2-yr. colleges
3
1.4
XI 4 yr. colleges
68
32.4
XII Miscellaneous
12
5.7
Total
210
23
6
6 100.00
The largest change is in the four-year college group, a jump from the usual 20% to 32%. The Class of 1953 is represented in 30 different colleges, as far west as North Dakota, north to the University of Ottawa, and south to Martha Washington in Virginia.
Our percentage for those who continue their schooling after high school stands up, 49.2% in full time schooling, and 58.1% who are now attending some kind of further school either day or evening.
Elizabeth V. Upham, Dean of Girls.
It is the dean's wish to help in the coordination of all the school's resources for the best possible social and intellectual development of the students, so that they may take a responsible part in the community. Attempt is made to help students solve their own problems, to develop desirable moral and social values, and to clarify their educational and vocational objectives - with the ultimate aim of each one's attaining the highest possible personal development. To accomplish this there is a conscious effort to know as much as possible about each individual student, to encourage ambitious attitudes toward intellectual accom- plishment, and to impart effective social skills.
Cafeterias, Antonio J. Ceddia, Jr., Supervisor.
The lunchroom sales have remained steady, but labor and food costs keep mounting. We have kept our prices the same in spite of the in- creasing costs. The first three months of this school year we have op- erated at a loss, although full advantage has been taken of the free commodities offered by the surplus commodities division.
One solution repeatedly recommended is to place the cafeteria man- ager on the School Department payroll. This would mean the differ- ence between a yearly loss and a comfortable working margin.
FROM THE REPORTS OF THE SUPERVISING PRINCIPALS
Dolbeare-Montrose Schools, Paul U. Antony, Principal.
Speaking of the new Dolbeare School Mr. Antony has this to say- "It might be of interest to the School Building Committee to know that we who are using the building can find nothing of any importance that we would want changed if the job were to be done over. It is a build- ing in which good educational practises can be put into operation with- out too much effort."
He adds - "The atmosphere and climate of newness have caused both pupils and teachers to be filled with an enthusiasm very conducive to good education. Spirit is very high among staff members. The or- ganization of the P .- T.A. is moving very nicely and general acceptance of the community centered school idea is taking shape."
Speaking of the Montrose School Mr. Antony says - "The two basement playrooms are now classrooms. This arrangement has worked
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142ND ANNUAL REPORT
out rather well, as we have not had any unfavorable reaction from par- ents or children."
The use of the Montrose Branch Library to accommodate the over- flow of children in grade 1 is a very bad situation. It is fortunate that this use will probably not have to be continued beyond the end of the present school year.
Franklin-Woodville Schools, David F. Dix, Principal.
"The philosophy guiding the educational program at these schools has been to help pupils develop as happy, healthy and successful indi- viduals. Along with the teaching of subject matter, we have endeavored to lead the boys and girls into developing a personal sense of responsi- bility for their actions and decisions. We have attempted to teach the pupils how to take and to follow directions, develop good work habits, have a sincere regard for the rights of all members of their groups, and to be prompt at all times."
The faculties of both schools have attempted, by group discussions, individual conferences, classroom evaluations and follow-up studies, to make a careful analysis and definition of educational objectives.
At Franklin an increased time allotment has been made for read- ing, art, music and physical education with results that have been highly satisfactory.
A Clean-Up Squad, with the duties shared by all children of all grades, has helped to give all pupils a sense of responsibility for keeping the building and playground neat and as attractive as possible.
"The emphasis at Woodville has been on giving the students greater responsibility in conducting the affairs of their school, as training in good citizenship." "A beginning in a guidance program was made through incorporation into the schedule of a course entitled Health and Guidance, which proved so successful that it is to be expanded into two separate courses in the near future." "The club program continued to be very popular at Woodville."
The P .- T.A.'s at both schools were very popular. Dances, parties and outings were sponsored. Several outstanding speakers were ob- tained for the meetings.
Groups from both schools enjoyed their trips to the Metropolitan District Commission's Science Museum.
Greenwood, Eliot B. Leonard, Principal.
The installation of the new classroom lights, the enlarged hot-top areas on the north and east sides, and the addition of the large bulletin boards in the corridors have done much to improve the appearance of the building, both inside and out, to increase the pride of the pupils in their schools, and to improve the efficiency of the work which is being done.
Warren-Walton-West Ward Schools, Jules I. Philie, Principal
The problem of setting up the district lines for these three schools was settled to the apparent satisfaction of all concerned.
The Walton School is one of which the townspeople of Wakefield may be justly proud, while the painting of the West Ward School has
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
greatly improved the appearance of this building. The choice of red paint for this work is quite generally appreciated.
Supplementary reference books were acquired for grades 4, 5 and 6, and a large supply of film strips was purchased.
Reading demonstrations were given in all first grades, with all the mothers present. They were followed by a social hour, with tea and a question period.
A large number of field trips was taken, both in Wakefield, and in outside towns and cities.
Teachers have shown an increased interest along unitary procedures of teaching.
Lincoln-Hurd Schools, Richard F. Smith, Principal.
It is our belief that the staffs of these schools have made consider- able progress during the past year in the following areas-
Visual education - through field trips, motion pictures and film strips, informative exhibits, and the extensive use of classroom and cor- ridor bulletin boards.
Content subjects -- increased understanding of readiness in read- ing and arithmetic, more stress upon oral English and written composi- tion, greater interest in science and current events, the stressing of reality in the social studies.
Facilities - surfacing of the rear play area at Lincoln, and proper drainage for the Hurd playground.
Creativity - especially in the fields of art, music, dramatics and physical education.
Socialization - we have continued to stress good manners and a greater respect for the rights of others, and have encouraged the pupils to give more attention to personal appearance and dress.
Better parent-teacher relationships, and the advancement of the welfare of the school program through the P .- T.A.'s.
Safety - an ever-growing emphasis has been set on safety instruc- tion.
Guidance - while most of this work is incidental, and made to appear so, we feel that it has helped to keep the pupils happily adjusted to school life.
Elizabeth P. Lenk, Elementary Consultant.
The program of the elementary consultant has included the fol- lowing activities-
1. Conferences with the new teachers in September and October.
2. Classroom visits to each building weekly.
3. Testing.
a. Reading Readiness for first graders in September.
b. Mental Capacity
1. For 35 individual pupils
2. For all first graders in January
3. Mental Ability for all other grades in January
4. Achievement Tests for grades 2-8 in February
5. Word Recognition Tests for all first graders in May
6. Intelligence Tests for grades 1-12 in November
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142ND ANNUAL REPORT
4. The Pre-School Evaluation program-49 tested, 40 accepted
5. Assisting with the testing of the three-or-more-years mentally re- tarded children.
6. Interviewing teacher candidates at the State Teachers' Colleges.
7. Prepared the Get Ready For School Bulletin which was sent to parents of children entering school in September.
8. Selection of textbooks for adoption.
9. Speaking before P .- T.A. groups and participating on various panels at a number of state conferences.
Materials and equipment acquired during the year
1. Purchase of many books for supplementary use.
2. The addition of more film strips and projectors
3. Purchase of several sets of Child Craft books for primary teachers.
4. Acquisition of Compton's Encyclopedia for several schools
5. Fill-ins on maps and globes
A look into the future
1. To plan for more in-service growth on the part of the staff.
2. The need for improvement in arithmetic, particularly in the primary grades.
3. The need for closer relationship among the various supervisors.
4. The program of elementary science needs to be taught more con- cretely.
5. The need for a remedial reading teacher.
6. More group meetings.
7. A workshop in the Fall for new teachers.
8. More uniformity in the different school policies.
9. Clerical help for the elementary consultant.
FROM THE REPORTS OF THE SUPERVISORS
Art, Grace A. Jenkins
The art curriculum for the primary grades has included a great deal of free expression and creative drawing, to teach the children how to see and draw the shapes of objects and to draw the human figure in action.
The intermediate and upper grades have correlated art with the social studies, many murals having been executed by groups of children, with color study and creative design having an important part in the program. A Christmas stained glass window was painted by the 8th grade at Montrose.
The many art activities offer something of particular interest to each child, so that he may be provided with a pleasurable outlet for his energy and satisfaction from his achievement.
Films by noted artists, showing the various techniques, were used extensively. The usual art exhibition was held at the Beebe Library in June.
We feel that art is essential in the life of everyone, to make for at- tractive living surroundings, good personal appearance, worthwhile use of leisure time.
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Instrumental music, Joseph H. Fanck.
The band and orchestra have played at the usual school and town activities during the year. A junior band and orchestra were organ- ized, composed of the children in the grades who have studied in the Instrumental Music Classes. These classes are held at the high school on Saturdays and on other days at the close of school. Instruction was given on string, brass and reed instruments.
All the musical organizations participated in the annual Spring Concert.
Music, Martin S. Tarlaian.
The supervisor is making continued effort to stimulate general in- terest in musical activity, singing, playing, or just listening, with the hope that this interest will continue throughout the students' lives.
Music aptitude tests were given to pupils in grades 5-8 who showed interest in instrumental study. Unfortunately the supply of instru- ments available is still inadequate.
Careful voice testing was given to all children in grades 1-6. The attempt is being made to organize orchestras in each building.
Special needs of the music department -
1. More instruments made available.
2. Record players for all classrooms.
3. Building record libraries.
4. A tape recorder.
5. Beginning an audio-visual library.
Penmanship, Raymond S. Dower.
Extensive surveys indicate that the vast majority of school systems throughout the country teach manuscript writing in the first and sec- ond grades, cursive writing beginning in the last half of the second year.
On each visit to a class the supervisor grades all papers. The in- dividual children's marks are recorded on a chart in the room. Con- siderable improvement has been noted.
In June of 1953 there were 1010 awards for excellent or superior writing. The remaining pupils write legibly and reasonably satisfac- torily. For the comparative few whose writing is unsatisfactory, I am recommending that they practise penmanship in high school until their writing is acceptable. This might well lead to more diligent practise by pupils in the 7th and 8th grades.
Physical Education, Earle W. Crompton.
Success in athletics is a teamwork proposition, and the Physical Education Department attempts to develop this spirit of teamwork in the grades.
Other requirements are -
The cooperation of the high school principal.
A program which gives the instructors an opportunity to pass on their knowledge, with a maximum number of students participating in all sports.
A faculty manager who maintains complete and accurate rec- ords of every phase of the physical education program.
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142ND ANNUAL REPORT
The maintenance of high grade athletic gear.
Proper scheduling of opponents in our own class.
A coaching staff with the basic knowledge.
An administration sympathetic with the athletic program and with the willingness to provide the necessary tools.
During the past year 204 girls took part in ten different athletic activities. 170 boys engaged in homeroom basketball. There were 28 members in the Boys' Leader Corps. 30 boys engaged in Freshman football, and 20 in J. V. baseball.
Space still remains the governing factor. Lack of play area is something we shall face in the immediate future. It may even lead to the elimination of many needed activities.
When the new high school is completed we hope to be able to schedule classes of students with the same abilities and physical ca- pacities.
Health, Dr. Sigmund J. Szydlowski.
The health program has progressed during the past year so that at present it is equal to the Massachusetts State Health Program. Moth- ers are asked to discuss any health problems that may arise. This year 256 mothers have taken advantage of this program.
In September a manual of "School Health Procedures" was pre- pared and distributed to each teacher in an attempt to promote greater uniformity of health policies, and to clarify the approved health pro- cedures for the teachers.
During the year 1438 children have been given full physical exam- inations. Vision and Hearing tests have been given to all children in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, and to those in other grades who had no previous record of those tests or had failed last year.
The following defects were noted -
412 needed dental work
80 needed tonsils removed
44 had wax in ear canals
9 eye defects were noted
14 had enlarged glands
7 speech defects were noted
10 skin eruptions noted
49 had flat feet
15 posture defects noted
5 heart conditions noted
33 undescended testicles noted
15 had high blood pressure
16 had genital defects
59 were underweight
78 were overweight
26 were not vaccinated successfully
347 boys were examined before participating in sports.
Supervisor of Attendance, Thomas F. Kenney.
Home contacts - 926.
Truants - 107.
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TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Checked mileage for transportation tickets - 71.
Conducted annual census of public and private schools as of October 1,1953.
Conducted annual pre-school census for future planning.
Conducted annual census of the physically handicapped and excep- tional children.
Checked on students transferring from out-of-town and intown.
Attended conference at Malden District Court of officials in charge of law enforcement among juveniles.
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