USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1956 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
We increased our school scholarships and awards by almost 100% this year. For the first time, they were presented at the graduation exercises. However, we feel that more of these awards and scholarships could be made available to Wakefield High School seniors. In addition to the schol- arships granted through the school, a great many thousands of dollars worth of scholarships were won by members of last year's Senior Class from colleges and universities. These were won on the records of our grad- uating class.
We have endeavored to group our students within each of our major course divisions. The more advanced pupils are thereby able to receive more advanced work than otherwise. The slower pupils can then proceed at a pace equal to their ability. Because of the large number of electives, it is impossible to group each pupil according to his ability.
The English Department is working hard to overcome reading difficul- ties. Many of our pupils have been enrolled in Remedial Reading classes. This department sponsored a school wide spelling bee. Finalists from each class met in a final spelling bee at one of our assemblies, and a school champion was named.
We have introduced a course in World History in the Senior Year. This is a college level course, given two days a week. It is a survey course for these intending to enter college. It is conducted on a lecture basis, with note-taking, outside readings, term papers and term tests. The Social Studies Department conducted an exchange program with Beverly High School last year. Pupils from Wakefield spent one day at Beverly, and Beverly pupils were our guests for a day, and attended one of our Town Meetings.
48
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Each of our Modern Language groups sponsors a club to supplement the course. The pupils derive social and educational gains from these ac- tivities conducted in the Foreign Language Department.
We have introduced a course in Basic Mathematics in the Sophomore level to stress fundamentals before pupils go on with the regular mathe- matics program. This class has been successful this year, and prevents some of the drop-outs which would ordinarily occur later. Our second track on mathematics will be completed next year by the introduction of Math. 41, so that all pupils may complete four units of Mathematics in four years.
We have been able to schedule double periods for chemistry laboratory work this year, in order to adequately prepare chemistry students for col- lege. A double laboratory period is a necessity. However, with the increase in enrollment in chemistry we have outstripped our facilities. Some of our chemistry classes must now be conducted in other rooms of the Science Department. This holds true also of biology, which has shown a heavy in- crease in enrollment.
The Commercial Department sponsored a convention of the New Eng- land Business Educators. Several hundred visitors from the field of edu- cation and business attended an all-day convention in Wakefield in No- vember. The Commercial Department and the school cooperated to serve as hosts to this group. Miss Ruth Hiatt, who was General Chairman of the Convention, deserves a great deal of credit for the arrangements.
We have introduced a course in Homemaking on a single period basis for girls in the College and Commercial Courses. This provides an oppor- tunity for those girls who would be unable to take the two year double period Home Economics Course. The enrollment in this department has not come up to our expectations. We would like to utilize both rooms at full capacity, and possibly use another teacher if the interest in Home Economics increases.
The opening of the Automotive Shop has increased the enrollment in the Manual Training Courses with two teachers on a full time basis. We have had to turn away pupils who wished to take Shop. I recommend that another Manual Training instructor be hired next year to allow those who wish to take Shop to be accommodated. I would like to extend the Shop program on a single period basis to pupils in the College and Commercial Courses as an elective.
The Physical Education Department sponsored a gym exhibition this year in which 150 boys and 85 girls took part. Our indoor facilities are excellent. The pupils have shown great progress in this field. All girls take part in an intra-mural program consisting of bowling, basketball, softball, tennis, badminton, volleyball and archery. It is unfortunate that much of this program will have to be eliminated because of lack of space on our Athletic Field. One hundred and sixty boys took part in intra- mural basketball this year, and 122 boys were introduced to hand hockey on an intra-mural basis. We believe in athletics for all, and we are giving a great deal of our time to developing the above intra-mural program.
Our clubs and Student Council continue to flourish, and give experience for leadership to many of our pupils. One hundred and thirty-eight girls
49
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
are enrolled in the Inter Nos Club. The Student Council has sponsored many worthwhile programs and projects.
We believe that we have one of the finest groups of cheerleaders and Majorettes in this area. The Majorette Squad particularly is increasing. Those girls pay for their own uniforms, and have their own code of con- duct. They are worthy representatives of the school.
Our Driver Education Program continues to increase. Seventy-two licenses were issued last year as a result of our program. We have an al- most perfect record as far as the license tests are concerned. Unfor- tunately, we are not able to handle all of the pupils who wish to enroll in this program. I do not recommend at this time that pupils be sent on the road during school hours. It would seem that the solution would be a third car and instructor to be used after school hours. As long as the present insurance rates are in effect, I see only an increase in interest in this program.
The Senior Class, this year, presented "Love Is Eternal," a historical play. This was well done, and received many favorable comments. Not only the acting, but the stage managing, lighting, and other aspects of this production, were handled by members of the Senior Class. In light of the limited experience and opportunities offered to the pupils, we have done well with our Senior Play. However, a full time speech teacher should be added to our faculty.
Our publications continue to win prizes and awards. The LOOKOUT and the ORACLE have long been recognized as leaders in their field.
We started a class in Music Appreciation this year. However, we have the use of a vocal music teacher for only one period a day. We shall be unable to progress in this field until we have a full time experienced vocal music teacher in the high school. At the present time, our choral program is far short of what we should expect in a school of this size. The num- bers in the band have decreased this year. We are doing everything we can to stimulate interest in instrumental music. Again, we are handi- capped by the lack of a full time music teacher in the high school. The Director of Instrumental Music is allotted only two periods a week in the high school. I believe that the solution to our music problem lies in the appointment of an experienced music teacher full time in the high school.
Guidance, Maurice J. Dwyer, Director
Guidance is a very pervasive function difficult to separate into sharply defined categories. For purposes of discussion, I shall consider the year's activities under the general headings of Educational, Vocational and Fol- low-up.
EDUCATIONAL
A major effort this year was expended upon advising students in the selection of curricula and subjects of study for the next academic year. The usual meetings were held with the high school classes at which the nature and purpose of the various curricula were explained and minimum requirements for preparation for a variety of careers requiring post-high school training outlined. These were followed by a period of individual counseling with students having problems in planning. Finally the elective card of each student was reviewed by either Mr. Barry or myself and
50
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
errors of omission or commission rectified in conference with the student.
Meetings were also held with homeroom groups of ninth and eighth grade students at the Atwell Junior High. A meeting was arranged with parents of eighth and ninth grade students at which the attempt was made to answer questions that had arisen in their minds as a result of aiding in planning their child's program. Similar meetings and counsel- ing sessions were held at the Lynnfield Junior High School. We feel that this effort will result in fewer failures and course changes.
The problem of changing subjects in the Fall still remains. It is a vexing one in that it consumes much time that could be better spent for other purposes and upsets the planned schedule and size of classes.
During last Summer, I made a study of the achievement of those study- ing certain normal sequences of subjects in languages, mathematics and business subjects particularly. It seems reasonable to conclude on the basis of this that much unnecessary failure could be avoided by establish- ing minimum prerequisite grades for the study of the next course in each of these sequences. This matter is now being studied by the faculty.
The class advisors, Miss Florence Clifford for Sophomores, Mr. Rupert Grahn for Juniors, and Miss Ruth Conley for Seniors have been interview- ing members of their respective classes steadily through the year. At these sessions an effort is made to stimulate and direct the students thinking with respect to vocational choice and selection of sources of post-high school training. Sources of difficulty in study technique and academic achievement are analyzed and suggestions for improvement made. In the nature of things, the larger part of their time is devoted to students who are meeting with serious problems in their academic work. It is their goal, however, to interview each student at least once during the year.
Miss Clifford has been meeting her Sophomore counselees on a home- room basis for the purpose of discussing general questions pertaining to improved study technique, better personal relations, and other means of making the most of the high school experience. Miss Upham is continu- ing her group discussions of manners, good grooming, social behavior, and problems of dating with Sophomores.
VOCATIONAL
In the more purely vocational sphere, we are attempting to provide pertinent information about occupations. The series of Occupational Con- ferences arranged through the cooperation of Northeastern University are continuing. For the initial program in this series, a panel of experts on business, technical occupations, and college admission answered questions prepared by the members of the Junior and Senior classes. The remainder of the series follows :
On November 15, 1956
Preparing for a Career in Nursing. How to Become a Radio-TV Technician.
Careers in Science.
On February 14, 1957
Your Future in Teaching.
Jobs in Electronic Plants. What I Expect of My Secretary.
51
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
On March 14, 1957
New Opportunities for Technicians in Electronics, Aviation and Industrial Engineering. New Careers in Offices Careers in Business for Girls Interested in Home Economics. On April 25, 1957
In an assembly for Juniors, information will be provided about all types of day and evening school and college programs.
In addition to this series, Mr. Alan Furber presented information about non-college training opportunities available in Boston at an assembly for Juniors and Seniors.
This year for the first time Mr. Roland Darling, Assistant Director of Admissions at Northeastern University will conduct a conference for the Junior High students especially designed to stimulate their thinking and planning with respect to vocational choice.
Since the question of how each boy may best plan to fulfill his mili- tary commitment is a very live one, particularly with Seniors, we have ar- ranged a series of meetings at which representatives from each of the serv- ices provide information about the opportunities each offers in both the active and reserve components. The Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Air Force have already visited us. We plan to invite the Army and Navy dur- ing the months of January and February.
SUMMARY OF FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION FOR THE CLASS OF 1956
This summary is based upon information received for 93% of the mem- bers of the class.
Office Positions
General
16 Banks
5
Insurance
15 Secretarial 2
Total 38
Trade and Service Positions
Production Work
10 Construction
4
Laborer
5 Library
2
Sales Work
5 Receptionist 2
Other 9
Total 37
Vocational Schools
East Coast Aerotech
5 Mansfield Beauty Academy 1
Wentworth Institute
2 Mass. Radio School 1
Franklin Institute
2 Wilfred Academy of Hairdressing 1
Art School
1 Labor Union Training Course 1
G. E. Apprentice School
1
Total 15
Commercial Day Schools
Chandler
3 Burdett
1
Bentley
2 Fisher
1
Chamberlayne
2 Katherine Gibbs
1
Malden Bus.
2 Other
1
Boston Stenotype
1
Total 14
52
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Nurse Training
Melrose Hospital
5 Leominster Hospital 1
Forsythe Dental Clinic
2 Mass. General Hospital 1
Deaconess Hospital
1 North Shore Baby Hospital 1
Total 11
Preparatory Schools
Bridgeton
2 Bullis School
1
Huntington Prep.
2 Holderness
1
Newman Prep.
2 Jesuit School for Brothers
1
Tilton
2 Manter Hall 1
Brewster
1 Other
1
Centenary 1
Green Mountain 1 Lasell 1 Total 3
Senior Colleges
Northeastern Univ.
9 Emmanuel
1
Univ. of Mass.
6 Lake Erie
1
Salem Teachers
5 Michigan State
1
Boston Univ.
4 Mt. Holyoke
1
M. I. T.
2
Pennsylvania State
1
Mass. School of Art
2 Radcliffe
1
Univ. of N. H.
2
Rensselaer
1
Alverno College
1 Simmons
1
Amherst
1 Smith
1
Bates
1 Springfield
1
Bouvé
1
Syracuse
1
Boston College
1 Tufts
1
Bowdoin
1
U. of Penn.
1
Brown
1
U. of N. Carolina
1
. Colby
1
Total
52
Army 3 Air Force 7 Navy 3 Total 13
Miscellaneous
P. G. 1
Married 5
Total 6
The Junior High School, Wilbur F. Stanton, Principal
In line with previous reports we wish to make this one in two parts- Looking Backward and Looking to the Future.
LOOKING BACKWARD
The task of orientating teachers and students alike to the necessarily complicated building routine in a school nearing the 1,000 pupil mark has been for the most part accomplished.
The program of studies, while new, has been assimilated and excellent results noted. Based on achievement tests given in the spring of 1955 and again in the spring of 1956, a spot check indicates an average growth, scholastically, of about 11/2 years per student for the one year period.
The "Personalized Program" which aims at making possible the teach- ing of youngsters, not subject matter alone, has not reached full fruition but is helping good teachers to do a better job. Our instructors are ex- tremely conscious of some of the strengths and weaknesses of youngsters and therefore are able to help students help themselves.
Service
Total
14
Junior Colleges
53
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
In terms of the co-curricular activities, our program has been greatly expanded, particularly in regard to carry-over interests.
The Annual Christmas Pageant more than justifies its existence through the "esprit d'corps" and widespread endeavor which is so neces- sary for this type of endeavor.
By adjusting the order of periods in the day the utility period is now being utilized to greater advantage as an opportunity for our band, or- chestra and glee clubs to meet. Many clubs as well as an extended intra- mural athletic program is now operating.
The election of school officers as a logical aftermath of our study of government has provided a very real opportunity to apply the theory of democratic procedures.
Our Student Council continues as capable sponsor of our social pro- gram.
Several professional assemblies have been included in the auditorium program. These provide an opportunity to enjoy the professional as well as the amateur performance.
Field trips as an integral part of school work were utilized this year. With the exception of two the expenses were borne by the youngsters themselves which tends to create a limiting factor.
While the above remarks were concerned more particularly with the teaching process, it is important to note that improvements in facilities have been made.
The transfer of lockers to the cafeteria have made possible another badly needed classroom which is now being used for music. Refurbishing room 012 has provided an excellent science room.
Sanding the gymnasium floor has not alone improved its appearance but together with the painting done in the auditorium has provided for the people of Wakefield a much better meeting place for varied public activities as well as school functions.
The inclusion of a better source of electrical power has gone a long way toward solving some of our troublesome power deficiencies.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The picture, in some respects looks exceedingly bleak. Because of overcrowding double sessions are inevitable in 1958. The carefully built up ground work in curriculum as well as the social and activity programs will be seriously jeopardized. It must be obvious that the ultimate loss must fall on the youngsters of Wakefield. While it will mean inconveni- ences to our staff the lasting effect will be expressed in the inability of our youngsters to compete on an equal basis with youngsters from other communities when a position is sought or entrance to higher education is desired.
Greenwood School, Eliot B. Leonard, Principal
Parents and other friends of the school show a real interest in the display of the school work on our many bulletin boards and it is good to have the work displayed in this way. Formerly much of high educational value in the classrooms went relatively unnoticed by those not directly connected with school work.
54
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
From all information available at the present time it would appear that the first grade enrollment will not rise alarmingly for the next two or three years. A large scale home-building project in the area could upset this situation, however.
The text book situation in the school is good. We find our classes well equipped and with only a very narrow margin of surplus books to care for the normal fluctuations of classroom enrollments through the school year.
Our stock of teaching supplies has been quite adequate in all but a very few items. Teachers are exercising good care to see that there is no waste but are not handicapped in their work as they have been at times in the past by annoying shortages.
On the day of the Presidential Election the school was much too busy a place to operate normally. Miss Dickinson was notified that it would not be possible for her to have her usual location for the remedial work, so she used that day for teacher conferences. The hearing test work had to be suspended. The school had to be posted so that the public would use the proper lavatory rooms. A mammoth food sale was conducted in the first floor corridor and kitchen by the Ways and Means Committee of the PTA. The activities required continual care and alertness on the part of the police officer posted here and the members of the school personnel, to see that no serious breeches of conduct took place on the premises. A considerable additional burden was placed on the janitors, since much extra trash had to be removed, and floors and wastebaskets have to be washed after food is used in the building. Many of the public wandered through the school corridors causing some distraction as they peered into classrooms. They did appear to be quite interested in the bulletin board displays in the corridors. One bulletin board, prepared by the third grade, was covered by sample ballots and other election notices, however. I still feel it my duty to recommend that the school sessions be suspended on state and national election days.
The Wakefield Teachers Federal Credit Union has grown only slightly in capital assets during 1956, but currently the loan business is larger than at this time last year.
Dolbeare-Montrose Schools, William D. Healey, Principal
During the past school year children from all parts of Wakefield who had a hearing impediment were given the opportunity to attend lip read- ing classes held once a week at the Dolbeare School.
A mentally retarded group of children known as "trainables" attended classes daily at the Montrose School.
In attempting to integrate these children, as far as possible, into the normal routine of the school day they were given a part in the Christmas play. Also many of the children from other classes shared experiences with them.
An intercommunication system provided by the telephone company helped bring the classroom to a home student by allowing the student to share the classroom discussions while confined to her home.
The educational guidance of the children has been helped immensely by the active Parent-Teacher Associations at both schools.
55
145TH ANNUAL REPORT
Hurd-Lincoln Schools, Richard F. Smith, Principal
The program of formal instruction this past year continued to stress thorough instruction in reading and allied skills, the greater development of facility and accuracy in arithmetic and spelling, and the continued never-ending battle to achieve more legible penmanship. Parents and teachers face a most difficult task in developing pride on the part of the pupils in regard to their personal penmanship. Whatever the condition of a pupil's writing, it is a reflection of his attitude toward his whole scholarship. Our society must develop a higher regard toward good schol- arship, and the effort and concentration it entails.
We have continued to increase our visual-aids sources and to use them more and more. With the introduction of a new arithmetic series the fall of 1956, we expect that greater achievement in this field will follow. Science will continue to receive a greater emphasis with each passing day.
I would like to point out to the community the need for additional help in the field of guidance. We deal almost daily with children who are beset with problems, often times of a long-standing nature, wherein we need a readier source of specialized professional assistance. The services of a staff psychiatrist, psychologist and social worker are vital to the welfare of a child, and should be near at hand. It is most time-consuming and occasionally almost impossible to work with such an agency in Boston, in addition to the time and expense to the parents involved. Wakefield must become more aware of this problem, and initiate steps to alleviate it.
Franklin-Woodville Schools, Robert C. Murray, Principal
Program
Particular attention was paid to entering first graders. These boys and girls were examined critically through tests and observations by the teacher, principal, elementary consultant and nurse to determine specific strengths and weaknesses. This concentrated study made it possible to identify problem youngsters and to give them the specific help they needed. We feel that, because of this corrective action, more serious prob- lems were arrested, and that the youngsters involved will be both happier and more successful in their school programs.
The audio-visual aid program for both schools was improved through the purchase of new filmstrips, an accurate cataloging of available film- strips, the loan of a filmstrip projector, the gift of a record player to each school, and the enthusiasm shown by the teachers. In addition, a long- range A-V program is being formulated which will include the acquisition of additional materials and instruction for the staff in the care, operation and uses of existing equipment.
The Special Classes were reevaluated to determine pupil growth and program effectiveness. One pupil was reassigned to a regular classroom where she is now making satisfactory progress, and through the efforts of Mrs. Lane and the cooperation of the staff of the Atwell Junior High School, it was possible to send five boys to the junior high for additional training in woodworking and art.
56
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Plant
The appearance and acoustics in the Franklin School auditorium were greatly improved with the installation of new drapes on the stage.
The wiring in the school received attention and new switches were in- stalled in the corridor, in a classroom and in the auditorium. New flood lights were installed in the rear of the school.
PTA
The Parent-Teacher Associations of both schools have been very in- terested in the school program and have enthusiastically provided record players, filmstrips and a bicycle rack at the Woodville School. Ambitious programs for the coming year have been planned and sustained attend- ance and interest are anticipated.
Walton-Warren-West Ward Schools, Jules I. Philie, Principal
In September the new addition of the Walton School was opened thereby eliminating the use of the auditorium as a classroom. This room can now be used for Assemblies, Physical Education and other school pur- poses. At the Walton the total enrollment as of Oct. 1st was 263 pupils for 8 classrooms, averaging 33 per classroom, whereas at the Warren School on the same date there were enrolled 268 pupils for 8 classrooms, averag- ing 331/2 per classroom. Fortunately, there is only one combination grade in the three buildings, grade 5 and 6 at the Warren.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.