USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949 > Part 62
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In Medfield we have carried on a rather complete course following the above outline. We have, to date, not had any "Behind the Wheel" training. This is necessary and auto-
79
mobile manufacturers have available dually controlled cars that may be obtained, without cost, providing the school has approved instructors to the car in the instruction of the youth of Medfield. I hope and recommend that steps be taken to certify some of our present faculty so that the young men and women of Medfield will be able to take their places among the best trained drivers in the state.
We also learned how testing devices could be made at little expense by the shop Department. These testing devices may be used in testing the reactions of the boys and girls. These tests teach a lesson, for one shows clearly, traveling at 30 miles per hour, that it take about one half a second to step on the brake after the eye has recorded the necessary stop. In the half second the car has traveled 22 feet. If speed is 60 miles per hour, then the distance is 44 feet. Thus the danger of fast driving. I refer to Manual of Association Casualty and Surety Companies, 60 John Street, New York 7, N. Y.
My hope is that the teachers directly responsible may come closer to such instruction and that regional conferences be planned to help the instructors become acquainted with the experts of these important fields.
In our schools we are this year stressing Safety and Health. I wish to publicly thank the State Department of Public Health and the Registry of Motor Vehicles for their cooperation in sending the various speakers to the Parent Teachers Associations and to the Assembly Programs. We appreciate the friendly helpfulness of Mr. Ralph Haskins, Mr. Eugene Fanning, Registry of Motor Vehicles, with their Safety Program in our High and Elementary School. It was Mr. Haskins that has personally helped your Superintendent in the formation of all safety patrols.
I wish to express my appreciation to the teachers for their professional and cooperative attitude to the School Com- mittee for their help and cooperation, and to the many par- ents for their understanding and help in matters pertaining to the schools.
Respectully submitted,
E. PERLEY EATON, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF HEADMASTER
I herewith submit my annual report as Headmaster of the Medfield Schools.
High School
The graduating class of 1946 consisted of twenty-six mem- bers. About fifty percent of this group are attending recog- nized colleges for advanced learning or furthering their edu- cation in fields of their choice. This certainly is a fine recom- mendation for the Medfield Schools and indicates its ability to prepare students of a caliber capable of competing with any high school. Details of the graduation follows this report.
The senior class took an extended trip during the spring vacation, visiting New York, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, The Shenandoah Valley, Kurray Caverns, Fredericksburg, Wash- ington and Annapolis. Although the effort needed to finance such an endeavor is great, I am sure that the experience was well worth the effort.
The testing program under the direction of Boston Uni- versity was continued last spring. Such a detailed report as received regarding the individuals tested is of extreme value in the guidance program.
Last fall several new courses were added to the curriculum namely: civics in the ninth grade, Spanish I in the eleventh grade, Junior Business Training for all freshmen in the gen- eral and commercial division, household arts in grade ten with a class for boys in grade nine. In the junior high school, a period a day has been provided for remedial work in read- ing and arithmetic.
The program this year has been arranged to provide teachers for the junior high school grades who are trained in this field, this combined with the arrangement of the cafeteria period especially for this group makes for better administration.
There is a recess period for all pupils from 11:15-12:00. During the first part of the period the Junior high school group eat, the high school following as soon as this group has finished but not later than 11:35. This period provides time for class meeting, short rehearsals, clubs and recrea- tional programs without interfering with the regular class program.
Believing that opportunities should be offered where stu- dents may speak before groups and that the training received by students through public speaking is beneficial a regularly scheduled assembly period has been developed. Classes and organizations are responsible for the assemblies which pro-
81
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vide for student participation through the presentation of a short program of their choice. Students enjoy such a project and realized the benefits derived from it which is indicated by the large number taking part in the dramatic and de- bating clubs recently formed.
Early in the school year the seniors voted to present a class play, this was carried out through the production of "Mama's Angel Child," which was well received and it is expected that this will become an annual class project. In connection with the play it was necessary to build a stage set. This project was one of community participation through financial support from the Parent Teachers Association, and the actual making of the flats by high school students and interested adults.
At the beginning of the school year regular faculty meet- ings were held to study our present report card and marking system. Believing that parents are interested not only in scholastic achievement but in student reactions and attitudes a new report card was developed which tends to carry through these ideas. Changes were also made in the marking system to include five passing marks. An honor roll is announced at each marking period. High honors (all A's), Honors (A's and B's) and an Improvement List (all students maintaining their marks of the last period and improving in at least one subject). As the marking period is two months in length, it was felt that parents are interested and should know of student failure, this is done through the sending to the parent a failure or unsatisfactory notice. Parents have been asked to come to the school to discuss problems with the teachers, this cooporation has helped in numerous cases.
The entire school joined in the Junior American Red Cross enrollment and each room filled at least one box for overseas distribution. Jean Hogan and Alice Suereth are the Senior representatives to the council, Virginia Aylwood is the Junior representative.
Elementary School
The system of grade levels through to the fifth grade has been continued with the addition of kindergarten and grade one level. This affords small classes with the oppor- tunity for extra student help. Grade levels are determined through the results of standard achievement test, teachers' knowledge of the pupil and any other factors such as the results of special tests which may be available for each in- dividual situation.
Results obtained from the standard achievement tests of last March indicated that our students are advanced of the norms as presented by the tests. The test will be given again next March.
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Many programs of interest have been presented by the elementary school during the year which the entire school and many parents have enjoyed and considered very worth while.
A combination radio and victrola has been purchased for the use of the school. It is used by the lower grades for rhythm band work and listening programs, while the upper group have regular scheduled programs of music, art, his- tory, science, etc.
This past year the schools of the Commonwealth have placed special emphasis upon health, ours has been no excep- tion and from the nurses report you will note the work in- cluded daily classroom visits, clinics, X-ray, eye, ear and dental examination and correction. In addition to this Miss Leiber has spent a great deal of time in our schools dealing with posture examination and correction. Shadow graphs were taken of all pupils from grade one through five, these have been rated with the plan calling for a check up on posture improvement next spring through the retaking of the graphs.
During the fall instrumental classes have been formed and real progress has been shown by those taking part. It is hoped that more and more parents will avail their children with instruments thus enabling this to become a very vital part of our school program, which will lead to further musical organization.
Cafeteria
Due to the increased cost of food supplies and the decrease of two cents per meal in the hot lunch program from the government agency it was necessary to cut the adult help used in the preparing of meals and increase the price of the lunch to twenty cents including the milk. These steps were taken after much deliberation as it was felt that the cafe- teria program should reach the greatest number of pupils in the school. It is encouraging to note that the number using the cafeteria has not dropped appreciably and those that do not buy the whole lunch supplement their lunch with milk. Parents are urged to buy the hot lunch as it fulfills rigid nutritional requirements of the government program which results in healthier and happier gfrowing bodies.
May I take ths opportunity to thank you, the School Committee, teachers, pupils, and parents for their splendid cooperation and desire to afford our schools with the best educational program possible.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND S. LOCKE.
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REPORT OF THE HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my third annual report as household arts teacher.
I should like to begin by commenting on the changes which were made in the department at the opening of the current school year. First, is the change in lunch periods. Students in the high school building are divided into two groups so that everyone has a twenty minute lunch period and twenty minutes of free time. Lunch for grades six, seven, and eight is from 11:15 to 11:35; for grades nine through twelve, it runs from 11:35 to 11:55. These two groups are often allowed to overlap slightly. With the actual serving finished, those behind the counter have approximately fifteen minutes to eat before the children from the grade school begin coming at 12 o'clock. I am very much pleased with the way in which this system has worked out. It is, without question, a great improvement over the past two years. This is true both from the standpoint of the student and the worker.
No one can help but be conscious of the increasing cost of food. We, who are connected with the operation of the school cafeteria, are no exception. In addition to this, we find that the amount of government allotment for each lunch served has been reduced. In order to meet these obstacles, two measures were taken.
First, the number of adult workers was decreased from three to two. Since the number of hot plates served this year is considerably less, we have found this arrangement possible, but by no means ideal. The time required for the food pre- paration, of sourse, varies from day to day. It is my hope that the time will come when three full-time employees can be restored.
Secondly, it was necessary to add five cents to the cost of the lunch. This, I believe, is the reason for the above mentioned decrease in student participation in the program. The daily plate connt averages two hundred twenty. Of this number, about fifteen are served to adults. There has been no change in the price charged for milk and resale items. Perhaps I should state here that I am very much in favor of the elimination of the sale of candy and cake from the cafeteria.
During the fall we were visited by a state supervisor of school lunches and a nutritionist from the State Department of Public Health. They both made favorable comments and offered many helpful suggestions.
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There are twentyone girls in grade seven this year. Be- cause this is an especially large group, I found it advisable to divide the class into two groups for laboratory work. Rea- sons for this are the small number of sewing mechines, and the amount of individual help which beginners require. This class has two single periods per week. The first month was spent on introductory principles and practice in the opera- tion of both the electric and treadle machines. They have completed broomstick skirts as a first problem. Emphasis is now being placed on clothing repair and grooming.
Grade eight meets for three single periods per week. They have had a unit on decorative stitchery. Original de- signs have been applied to such articles as tablecloths, nap- kins, kerchiefs, and guest towels. Considerable time has been devoted to making stuffed toys for the Red Cross. The second half of the year is being spent on beginning foods.
I can report on household arts in the high school with a more optimistic viewpoint than last year. There are ten freshman girls in the elective group. We have had two double periods per week. Articles which involved the use of a com- mercial pattern constituted the clothing unit. Blouses, skirts, and dresses were the girls' choices. The foods unit is leading to the preparation and service of a luncheon.
The Chef's Class, which is being conducted for the first time, consists of three boys. The work consists of demon- strations and laboratory classes which can be carried out in single periods. This group prepared the turkeys for the cafeteria Thanksgiving dinner.
All of the classes in the department helped in making plastic curtains for the girls' shower room and in covering the furniture cushions used in the senior play.
Again, I wish to thank the members of the school com- mittee, Mr. Eaton, and Mr. Locke for their interest and co- operation.
Respectfully submitted, PHYLLIS B. LORING.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
May I present my second annual report as Physical Edu- cation Director.
Before outlining the various elements which have been in operation in the Physical Education Department during the period of September to December 1947, I would like to make the following recommendation and sincerely believe that it should be incorporated as a part of our daily curriculum as soon as practicable.
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My recommendation is as follows: that a full-time Phy- sical Education Program be adopted in the Senior, Junior and Grammar Schools of Medfield. A program of this type would be invaluable to the town of Medfield because the knowledge attained by the students would be a great asset in their future years as its citizens. I should like to outline briefly some of the salient features of this program.
(1) More individual instruction in corrective exercises.
(3) Closer supervision of students' progress due to smaller classes.
(3) Classes would be held more frequently.
(4) Elementary grades would be given individual instruc- tions.
(5) Instructions of the fundamentals of athletics would be more organized.
(6) Standardized health course would be given.
This health course, which would be in conjunction with the regular physical education classes, would include the fol- lowing factors, personal and group hygiene, body function- ings and disease preventions. This knowledge would aid greatly in making the students more conscious of the im- portance of proper physical fitness which would eventually result in sounder and healthier bodies.
Since the beginning of our school year I have attempted to install in my physical education program some of the prin- ciples outlined above, and would like at this time to sum- marize briefly its features.
I-CALISTHENICS
Corrective exercises are given approximately fifteen to twenty minutes per period twice a week. These exercises are designed for the development of proper body balance, correction of minor postural defects and for improvement of general carriage.
II-ATHLETICS
Again this year I have stressed athletics as a very definite part of my programs. It has been my ambi- tion since coming to Medfield to promote general in- terest and understanding of athletics, and to impress upon the students the importance of team play and cooperation which are essential factors of successful teams. I have attempted to apply these principles in touch football, and at present in our intergrade basketball league.
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III-MILITARY DRILLS
My chief aims in drills of this nature are to develop proper discipline and coordination in the execution of simple military maneuvers. Drills are held about ten minutes per period and the following factors are stressed:
(1) Proper position of attention
(2) Facing movements
(3) Group marching
IV-APPARATUS WORK
During the second half of the year it is my intention to increase the time allotted for apparatus exercises. Work of this nature is designed for development of good timing, coordination and strengthening body muscles.
In concluding this report I wish to express my apprecia- tion to the people of Medfield and all the school officials for their wonderful cooperation and support which they have afforded me.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS T. CRAWLEY, Physical Education Director.
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The aims of the Music Department in the Medfield Schools is to provide a balanced program of music in which all of the children may participate. During the past this has been ac- complished by teaching music theory and singing in Grades I to VIII and a high school chorus for Grades IX to XII.
In 1947 this has been supplemented through the acquisition of a radio-victrola combination for use in the first five grades which makes it possible for them to have a regular period each week for listening to records of fine music and also the music appreciation series of broadcasts given by the State Depart- ment of Education.
This year also has been added the opportunity for the boys and girls in Grades IV to VIII to study instrumental music in regular classes held each week. This is being done so that it will be the nucleus of a larger instrumental program to consist of regular class lessons on all band instruments so that Medfield High will have a fine school band.
The music department has in the past year furnished music for the P. T. A. and for the annual Graduation exercises as well as for assemblies and school projects.
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During the year to come I am looking forward to the enlarging of the i'nstrumental classes and the forming of en- sembles which will lead to the forming of a band.
WALTER M. SMITH, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF SCHOOL DOCTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report as School Doctor for the Town of Medfield for the year 1947.
Number of pupils examined 277
Number of dental defects 190
Number of defects, ears
5
Number of defects, nose and throat
94
Number with posture defects
14
Number with defects of feet and spine
18
Number with defects of the eyes
3
Number with defects of the heart 5
Number with defects of the skin
1
Number with defects of the chest 1
During the month of January there was an epidemic of measles. There were approximately 100 cases in the school. One pupil with tuberculosis was sent to North Reading Sani- torium.
33 pupils were examined in June in a pre-school clinic. General minor illnesses and accidents were treated by the School Nurse and Physician.
Further information may be found in the school nurse report.
Respectfully submitted, A. RICHIE STAGG, M.D.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report of the School Health activities of the year ending December 31, 1947.
Preschool Physical Examinations
In June a pre-school clinic was held for the purpose of registering the pupils entering public school in September. Each pupil was weighed, height taken, and a physical exami- nation done by Doctor Stagg, our new school physician, with a parent present. It was very helpful having a parent present, as she was at liberty to talk with the doctor about her child. If her child had a physical defect or was in any way handi- capped necessary adjustments were made.
Number of pupils attending Pre-school Day ... 33
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Physical Examinations
All pupils from the first grade through the High School were weighed, measured, and all health examinations were completed by Doctor Stagg, our school physician, assisted by the school nurse. All parents have been notified of defects found and advised to consult their family physician.
Number of pupils examined 368
Dental Clinic Report
The Dental clinic was conducted by Dr. Brown and spon- sored by the Medfield Red Cross assisted by Mrs. Thomas Whiteside.
Number of pupils examined 173
Number of pupils having own dentist 26
Number of cleanings 52
Number of temporary fillings
36
Number of permanent fillings 58
Number of temporary extractions
1
Number of permanent extractions
5
The above is a report of the work ending December 1947, as the clinic is still in operation.
Handicapped Children
It is requested by the State Board of Education that your school nurse report to the Superintendent of Schools all pupils that are physically handicapped. This means pupils having a speech defect, diabetes, deafness, organic heart, epilepsy or any physical defect which would prevent him from attending school regularly.
Number of physical handicapped 16
Number of pupils attending State Speech Clinic 2
Number attending Special Clinic at Boston Uni- versity 1
Tuberculosis Report
This year the Norfolk County Tuberculosis School Clinic conducted a clinic in the Medfield School. All seniors, football players fifteen years or over, food handlers, and the school personnel were x-rayed. The Tuberculosis Seal is responsible for part of this clinic. ,
Number of students x-rayed 31
Number of teachers x-rayed 8
Number of food handlers x-rayed 2
The result of all x-rays taken were negative.
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Report of the "Keystone Visual Survey Test"
The Keystone Visual survey does not constitute a com- plete visual analysis; but rather it is designed to screen out those cases which show departures from normal, in several of the different visual skills.
Number of pupils examined 234
Shadow-Graphs
All pupils from the first grade through the fifth grade were shadow-graphed under the direction of Dr. Goldthwait's Posture Clinic. Miss Leiber, a physiotherapist, at Dr. Goldth- wait's Clinic, visits the class rooms regularly and does special corrective work where it is needed.
Shadow-Graphs taken 172
School Lunches
It has been made possible by the Salvation Army Fund for us to give ten free lunches daily to the children of the needy families.
May I take this opportunity to thank the superintendent, teachers, and the parents for the fine cooperation they have given me in promoting and maintaining the health of the children of the Medfield School.
Respectfully submitted,
MADELEINE HARDING, R.N. School Nurse.
CAFETERIA REPORT December 31, 1947
Receipts
Expenditures
Deficit Dec. 31, 1946
$1.33
January
1,618.78
$1,658.84
February
1,039.28
1,239.48
March
1,686.63
1,534.85
April
1,649.24
1,577.89
May
1,661.72
1,440.10
June
832.84
800.31
September
1,241.55
1,353.99
October
1,401.09
1,233.12
November
1,129.04
806.83
December
1,169.09
1,175.39
$13,427.93
$12,820.80
Outstanding Bills December 31, 1947 . .
32.64
264.31
22.32
$13,140.07
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Due from State for December
280.67
$13,708.60
Balance December 31, 1947 ...
568.53
MEDFIELD SCHOOL CENSUS
October 1, 1947 5 yrs. and 7 yrs. and under 7 yrs. under 16 yrs.
Boys
45
153
188
Girls
25
133
158
Total
70
286
346
Public School Membership
69
376
445
Vocational School Membership
0
2
2
Private School Membership
0
7
7
Other Private Schools
0
0
0
Not enrolled in any Day School
1
1
2
Membership By Grades
Kindergarten
31
Grade 7
34
Kindergarten and grade 1
25
Grade 8
32
Grades 1 and 2
24
Grade 9
27
Grade 2
25
Grade 10
27
Grade 3
27
Grade 11
24
Grades 3 and 4
23
Grade 12
10
Grade 4
28
Grade 5
35
Junior and Senior High
Grade 6
27
School
154
Elementary School
245
Total
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:
ATTENDANCE RECORDS, 1946-47 (Compared with preceding years) June 30, 1947
Tot.
%
Avg.
Grade
25
92.21
22.12
1943-44 1940-41 1936-36
K Edith M. Morse
26
92.11
23.26
39.95
29.0
1 Anne F. Young
29
94.12
25.13
33.01
46.41
36.02
36.2
48.7
1 & 2 Helen V. Butler
25
92.54
22.01
2 Mary F. Leech
28
93.56
23.25
32.50
38.80
32.38
31.2
38.2
3 M. Patricia Sullivan
30
92.71
26.25
32.29
28.24
31.60
35.1
48.2
3 & 4
Louise M. Downey
32
93.68
28.62
30.03
4 Ruth Cole .
34.42
31.82
32.0
36.9
5 Sylvia C. Slatter .
32.55
33.02
23.9
40.3
6 Elizabeth Walker
33
97.60
30.96
30.88
29.83
33.01
44.3
37.5
Total Elementary
26
94.89
24.33
26.33
239.25
197.85
202.7
249.8
7
Madelyn L. Grant
28
94.67
24.53
16.17
28.04
27.21
34.7
35.8
8 Maude S. Washburn
11
91.44
9.94
27.39
32.12
26.15
39.0
30.2
9 M. Isabelle Nelson
25
93.04
23.26
16.58
20.68
33.38
33.5
38.2
10 Frank Crawley
32.50
26.83
36.5
71.2
11 Stella Dowyskiba
151
94.35
141.34
143.26
23.41
31.59
22.2
12 Elaine Pederzini
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