Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949, Part 36

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1594

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With our course of study, the new books, and the interested faculty, there is every reason to believe that improvement and progress will result.

Testing and Guidance Program

Early last year guidance folders were obtained for each pupil in the Medfield Schools. The teachers filled in the necessary data and filed these folders by grades. Into each folder is placed all nal examinations or any data pertinent to the progress of the child. As the child progresses, the data increases and each new teacher can better understand the weak and strong points of each pupil. The data shows the trends and leanings of each child and can be of great help in directing him into the right course in high school and also in College or in his life's work.

In Grade II through Grade VIII the Stanford Standard Achievement tests were given. This test examines the work in all fields-reading for meaning, word meaning, language usage, arithmetic reasoning, arithmetic computation, literature, social studies, science, and spelling. For each pupil we have a profile placing him at a certain level in each field. This information is important because we can compare his work both with that of the class and with that obtained from national and local norms.

The teachers are finding that the tests are most helpful. A pupil that is very high in all subjects except, say, arithmetic, may

do extra work in this particular subject and soon come up to standard. A class that is low in arithmetic, as a whole, may have an extra period of arithmetic for a few weeks and come up to standard. We have profiles for each grade and can tell in what subjects the class is high or low and, with emphasis on the low, the final results will be much improved.

This year when the tests are given we shall be able to see just how much improvement has been made by the individual members and by the class as a grade.

We have discovered a few weak spots in various grades and are now taking measures to remove them. With our course of study, with the new books, and with more careful gradation of work, improvement should be observed in the Standard Achieve- ment tests this Spring. The faculty and staff look forward to these for a measure of the last year's work.

These achievement tests, with others, bscome a part of the guidance program and are filed in the guidance folder. It is usual to file only the score of each test and throw away the papers. However, we have found that a careful analysis of each test should be made and we file the whole test so that we can carefully observe any individual weaknesses. For instance, let us assume that a pupil has a good score in all parts of the test but arithmetic. By looking into the arithmetic section of the test we note that the pupil in question could not do problems of long divi- sion, the reason for the low score. A few hours of special work in long division can bring this pupil's mark up to standard.

Our testing program not only shows achievement but helps us to diagnose pupil difficulties and take steps to correct them.

Cooperation with Government Agencies

The school children and faculty have cooperated with every government agency in hastening the day of victory. I shall men- tion just a few of the many activities. The schools have pur- chased war stamps and bonds. The children have helped with all salvage drives. They have collected many bags of milkweed pods for floss which is used to make life preservers. Clothing and supplies have been collected to be sent to various friendly for- eign countries.

Our program of studies has also been geared to meet the pre- induction training of the boys about to be inducted after their eighteenth birthday. All of our boys have learned to swim and have passed tests at the Hyde Park Y. M. C. A. Physical educa- tion has been made tougher to prepare the boys for the strenuous physical training of basic or boot training. Emphasis has been placed on science, mathematics, English, and shop supbjects which

will help prepare the boys for their work in the Armed Forces. We hope that soon some of the boys will take advantage of pre- induction training offered in connection with our high school work at neighboring city Trade Schools. Transportation and tuition to these courses are paid for by the Federal Government. We hope that the war will soon be over, but we must continue with this work until we are sure that we can return to peace-time needs.

Establishment of a Business Office

This year the Union Committee, consisting of the school boards of Medfield, Norfolk, and Westwood, established an office for the Superintendent of Schools in the Medfield High School.

Records and files have made it possible to have data of all kinds at a minute's notice. We have tried to keep good financial records and from month to month have issued statements of money spent in the various departments of the school budget. These statements help much in ascertaining what a department can afford and what items must be omitted because sufficient funds are not available.

Orders for supplies, supplies received, inventories, and book lists are carefully recorded and checked.

Please keep in mind that the school office is open every school day from 8:30 to 4:00 P. M. and that a call to Medfield 22 will get one in touch with the School Department. Call whenever you wish.

Growth of Student Population in Lower Grades

When a study of the enrollment of the grades from one to six is made, it is noted that there is an increase in numbers below the third grade. The following table shows the numbers for each grade and below grade one for each age group as it will enter school in the next several years.

Pupils

Grade 8

*4-7 to 5-6

Grade 7

3-7 to 4-6

Grade 6

2-7 to 3-6

Grade 5

1-7 to 2-6

Grade 4

-7 to 1-6

Grade 3

Grade 2

Grade 1

* 4-7 means 4 years 7 months, 5-6 means 5 years 6 months, etc.

These enrollment figures have just been obtained by a school census and show that the number of pupils of the grades to come will be about the same as in the past. Of course, there may be

changes from time to time as families move in and out of our town. The school census figures seem to indicate that the present first grade is to be the peak of grade enrollment unless there is to be considerable building in the town of Medfield. The school department, however, is aware of the conditions caused by large enrollment and will take steps to remedy them if they should arise.

The above information would seem to indicate that the present school plant is sufficient for the school needs of Medfield for some time to come.

Respectfully submitted,

E. PERLEY EATON.

REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I submit the following report as principal of the Medfield High School for the year 1944.

In June a class of 28 was graduated. Six of the boys were in the United States Army or Navy at the time. The graduating exercises were appropriate to the occasion, emphasizing the American ideals for which our boys fight and paying tribute to the Medfield boys and girls who are serving their country. The following honors were awarded: The Hannah Adams Club Scholarship to Glenna Woodbine; the Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship to Lorraine Knight; The Good Citizen Certificate of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Washington- Franklin History Medal of the Sons of the American Revolution, both to Dorothy Holmquist. A complete copy of the exercises is attached to this report.

All the boys who graduated in June are now in the armed forces except one who expects to be called before this report is printed. Two of the boys have been attending the Army Special- ized Training Course at Norwich University. Of the girls, one is attending each of the following schools: Boston University College of Practical Arts and Letters, The Fisher School, Burdett College, and the Framingham Business School. Three girls are taking the nurse's training course in various hospitals.

The class of 1945 has 28 members. Six boys expect to enlist before graduation. One has already been accepted as a Midship- man in the Naval Reserve and assigned to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at Hyannis, starting in January.

The school enrollment in September was 176 but at present has fallen to 165. Four families moved from town, three boys enlisted, and one boy left school to go to work. This accounts

for the loss. It is too bad that so many boys think it is neces- sary to enlist as soon as possible after they are seventeen. Even though enlistments are accepted for certain branches, every army or navy officer who speaks before meetings of school administra- tors urges that we keep boys in school just as long as possible in order that they may have a better foundation on which to base the learning which they must do during their training period.

In athletics and physical training, we are making progress. Last winter we had two boys' teams and two girls' teams in basketball. In the spring we played baseball and this fall tried eleven-man football again after several years. In physical train- ing classes we are giving marching and physical exercises to build up the body. Each pupil not excused at a doctor's request has two periods a week of physical training. Results are begin- ning to show in more rugged physiques and better posture among the pupils. We hope to give an exhibition of this work some time during the spring.

The purchase of a movie projector with sound equipment last year made possible the showing of a number of educational pictures during the winter and spring, both in assembly and in class rooms. A program of pre-induction films for the boys, and films to supplement class work for both boys and girls has been laid out for this winter.

We have had so many additions to our school library during the year that more shelves had to be constructed to take care of the books. Special thanks are due to Mrs. Percy Johnson who presented us with the library of the late Charles H. Gates and to Mrs. Marguerite Allan for a de-luxe edition of "Messages and Papers of the Presidents."

An honor roll has been placed in the lobby of the auditorium at the main entrance to the building. This tribute to our boys and girls in the service was purchased with money earned by our magazine subscription drive last January, donations from the class of 1944, and proceeds from a dance. At present it contains 127 names of boys and girls who have been members of our senior high school since the Hannah Adams Pfaff School was started in 1927. Ten more names have been ordered to bring the honor roll up to date.

Scholarship is generally improving as the new course of study, while not allowing pupils so wide a choice of subjects as before, does eliminate from many courses pupils who did not do well in them. Smaller and more selective class groups are an aid to better instruction.

Last spring our school participated in the New England Junior Town Meeting of the Air broadcast through station WBZ and has been invited to participate again next spring. We are a member of the Boston Metropolitan Chapter of Junior Red Cross

and send representatives to the meeting of their Junior Council each month during the school year. Our Student Council is a member of the National Association of Student Councils. Nego- tiations are under way to have a chapter of the National Honor Society installed in our school. Our school is a member of the State Athletic Associatioon through the Massachusetts High School Principals' Association and is bound in all athletic con- tests by the rules of that association.

In the war effort our pupils have participated in salvage drives, in gathering milk-weed pods and in buying war stamps and bonds. We have cooperated with local farmers and business men by releasing pupils from school in emergencies to help over- come the manpower shortage. We also have several boys who are on call as auxiliary firemen when needed by the local fire department.

During the entire year there has been close cooperation be- tween pupils, teachers, principal, superintendent, and school com- mittee for the betterment of the school. I wish to express my appreciation for this to all concerned.

Respectfully submitted,

ALTON H. HARTFORD.

REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I herewith submit my report as principal of the Hannah Adams Pfaff Grammar School.

We started our year with a few changes in the teaching staff. Mrs. Leo Odett, who was our Kindergarten teacher, left and Mrs. Myrtle Holder came to take her place. Mrs. Russell Eastman came from Tyngsboro to take over in Grade II. Miss Anna Mez- zanotte we welcomed to Grade IV and Miss Marion Enos moved into Grade V, taking Miss Madelyn Grant's place. Miss Grant left us to take up duties in the Junior High School. Mrs. Archie MacIvor, Grade I, Miss Evelyn Calabrese, Grade III, and Mrs. Brown, Grade VI, complete our faculty.

The enrollment has changed very little texcept in Grade I which has 52 pupils where last year we had 37. Grade II has 42; Grade III, 29; Grade IV, 35; Grade V, 34; Grade VI, 30. Our Kindergarten was very successful as an experiment last year and this year we have 27 littl epeople with us.

We had a number of different activities throughout the year and I will list some of them:

Conservation program with Miss Goode as instructor.

Junior Red Cross-collection of toys, clothing, etc., boxed and sent to headquarters.

4-H Club work with meetings once a week.

Parent-Teacher show put on by the six grades.

Defense Stamp Drives.

Art Exhibition in June.

Salvage Drive-paper and clothing.

Milkweed pod collection-the children collected approximate- ly 50 bags which were dried and sent to War Hemp In- dustries in Petoskey, Michigan, to be used in making life jackets for our boys in the Navy.

We also had our special programs on Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

In closing, I wish to thank you, the School Committee, Supervisors, teachers, and pupils for kind assistance.

Respectfully submitted,

DOROTHY J. BROWN,

REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Music in the public schools of Medfield.

Much progress accompanied with continued interest has been shown in the elementary school this past year. The first and second grades did exceptionally well with the rhythm band work. Our chief aim in the first grade is to give the youngsters a new outlet of expression through the language of music. They also set their foundations toward careful habits of singing in this first stage of training.

Encouragement is given the boys and girls to sing in smaller groups and volunteer in singular participation besides the regular class work.

Many pupils have bought tonettes, pre-instruments, and have taken lessons after school hours. The value of such training helps us to understand their views and customs in relation to ours. further instrumental work. There is mounting interest in instru- mental music in Medfield. The problems here are those of in- structors and time. I believe that a plan could be worked out if the instruments were owned by the school and instruction were given in school time so that the music program would progress much more rapidly.

We are learning from many lands and countries which helps us to understand their views and customs in relation to ours.

In the spring of 1944 a music fest was presented to the public in which two operettas were given, PETER RABBIT and TOM SAWYER. Some folk dancing and a flag drill were also on the program. The high school orchestra rendered several selections and a vocal group of junior high pupils performed

Graduation in 1944 was a musical one, blending with the theme. The musical group worked hard and enjoyed participat- ing in this program. We plan to have a larger number in this group next year at graduation. Choral singing is inspirational, therefore valuable. The person whose entire recreation is spent on "taking in" rather than in participating or creating will soon be bored and will go in search of new thrills. The greatest joy, understanding and appreciation comes in doing.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and the teachers for their fine work and cooperation given me this year.

Respectfully submitted,

HELEN S. WYETH,

REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR

Mr. E. Perley Eaton, Superintendent of Schools, Medfield, Massachusetts.

Dear Mr. Eaton,

I am submitting my customary report as supervisor of art in the Medfield schools.

This has been a very satisfactory year in both schools, as far as art is concerned, in spite of war shortages and changes in teaching personnel.

The grammar school is functioning smoothly and art is taken for granted as an important subject as it should be everywhere. Our time is now organized for best results. Teachers and chil- dren give their best energy in all periods, following both the program and the art outline faithfully. As a result, the rooms are gay with art work well displayed at all times and the annual exhibition was a successful climax to the year's work.

The High School is now running smoothly. Elective groups are filling the room to capacity and have ample time to do good work. The mechanical drawing class shows exceptional ability and interest.

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Growth in culture and appreciation is stressed in this build- ing as well as in the grades, bulletins are changed frequently and a well attended exhibition of last years' work was held in June.

Miss Grant is helping with the seventh and eighth grade students between supervisor's lessons. Some of the advanced group go to Boston classes at Massachusetts School of Art for extra work again this fall.

Besides making countless posters for town and school events, Medfield students took part in outside contests whenever possible during the past year. Recognition from the Metropolitan Chapter of the Red Cross, the S.P.C.A., and the Latham Foundation pleased the participants and gave us all courage to try again. We are also grateful to our local branch of the American Legion, to the Woman's Club and P.T.A. and to the Women's Defense Corps for prizes and constant interest.

Acknowledgement is given to both Principals for their co- operation at all times, to the School Committee for adequate sup- plies and to the superintendent for improving the program and giving us freedom to do our best work.

Sincerely submitted,

EVELYN H. JUDD.

REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN

To the Superintendent of Schools:

The annual physical examination of all pupils in the public school has been completed. The most prevalent defect is carious teeth and inasmuch as it seems doubtful that a school dental clinic can be held this year it is important that children who have dental defects be taken to a private dentist.

During the 1944 fall term, there has been no epidemic of contagious disease, although two cases of chicken pox and one of whooping cough occurred. In general the health of the pupils is excellent. 413 examinations were made. 124 reports of de- fective teeth were made.

Other conditions noted were:

Diseases of the Ear 19

Diseases of the Eye 1

Diseases of the Nose

Heart Conditions 14

Diseases of Throat (tonsils) 31

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Enlarged Glands Diseases of Nervous System 2 Head Lice 5

Poor Posture

Respectfully submitted,

HARRY L. PARK, M.D.

REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I hereby submit my first annual report as school nurse of Medfield.

In October, I became school nurse and, therefore, my report is based on information obtained since that time.

My program has been as follows:

Physical Examinations: The school physician, Dr. H. L. Park, has completed the physical examinations of all the children. Parents have been notified of defectc found at this time and ad- vised to consult their family physicians for advice concerning these defects.

A vision test was conducted and parents have been notified of faulty or poor vision and advised to consult an optometrist to correct the trouble.

Previous to my appointment a dental clinic was held in June. It was sponsored by the Red Cross and conducted by Dr. Edmund Tobin, our clinic dentist.

No. of clinic held 5

No. of children examined 39

No. of permanent fillings 41

No. of temporary fillings 7

No. of base fillings 1

No. of permanent extractions 2

No. of temporary extractions 15

No. of cleanings 36

I wish to thank the teachers and parents for their cooperation.

Respectfully submitted,

BERNICE LOKER, R.N.

102

REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I herewith submit to you my first report as home economics instructor.

Our department has been operating under a number of handicaps this year. School had been in session several weeks before a regular teacher was engaged. Forty minute periods are proving quite inadequate for both foods and clothing laboratories, and a lack of help in the school lunchroom too frequently necessi- tates a sacrifice of scheduled household arts instruction.

The seventh grade has completed a study of basic construct- ive stitches and are making pinafore aprons. The eighth grade girls have learned more difficult constructive processes and are completing blouses. Skirts and jumpers are being selected as second projects.

In the advanced classes a variety of projects are under way including remodeled garments.

The older girls in foods classes have concentrated on foods preservation, nutrition, menu planning, and table service. Some of the specific objectives have been the development of: an in- creasing ability to plan, prepare and serve family meals con- sidering availability of money, time, energy and foods; an in- creasing ability to plan and prepare meals for family members of different ages and conditions of health; a recognition of the effects of the government's control of supplies and prices; and ability to judge the accuracy of statements about nutritional values of foods.

Early in the year we canned tomatoes and made apple jelly and apple butter for the cafeteria. We have also made new dish- towels for the department, and we are now working on new draperies for the superintendent's and principal's offices. A junior Red Cross Group has been organized and will meet weekly to sew and knit.

I sincerely hope that soon in Medfield as in so many other schools, household arts will be recognized as an essential in the course of study for every girl regardless of what her plans for the immediate future may be. Only when its import is realized can optimum results be produced.

Respectfully submitted,

MARY ELORA KINCAID.

103

REPORT OF MANUAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT

The number of boys in the four upper grades who have Shop this year for a subject is less than last year because of the new programs which have been instituted. Shop is a required subject now in the General Course and is elective in the other courses with eight periods of Shop for the General Course students and four for the elective group in one week; last year everyone had four periods of Shop a week.

The boys, as a whole, took up this year where they left off last year with a new appreciation of shop work. A noticeable improvement can be seen in their work as a result. More indi- vidual projects have been started and many have been finished. The boys seem to have more faith in their abilities and are tackling more difficult projects with success.

The Seventh and Eighth grades, with four periods of Shop a week, are working on class projects. The Eighth grade have just finished making taborets which they had started last year. This group is very much interested in the work and it shows up in the good workmanship of the class.

Some of the individual projects the boys are working on are: table lamps, coffee tables, a floor lamp, bedside tables, a radio table, book cases, end tables, footstools, wall shelves, cor- ner shelves, cocktail tables, table centerpiece, desks, smoking stands, ash trays, plant tables, costumers, and a few other ob- jects. Most of these are developed by the boys themselves, be- ginning with the making of bill of material to putting the finish- ing touches on their projects, without much help from the instructor.

The upper grades are privileged to use all machines in the Shop and as soon as some of the others prove that they are capa- ble and careful they, too, will be allowed to use the machines.

Most of the boys have shown carefulness in the care of the tools and as a result there has been negligible damage to equip- ment. The boys seem to appreciate the fact that there are not enough tools for everyone and take care of what we have. Slowly, we are adding equipment and in time will have enough so that there will be no waiting for any tool.

Along with the individual projects, much work has been done around the school building, such as making screens for some of the windows, planting the evergreens around the building, mak- ing articles of furniture, and miscellaneous jobs which otherwise would be an expense to the school.

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Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949, Part 36

Author: Medfield (Mass.) Publication date: 1940 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 1594

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1594