USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 43
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I would like to take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the faculty and myself to those persons and organizations who have helped make the past school year a most successful one.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. MAINS,
Principal
57
GRADUATION EXERCISES of MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1959 HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Eight O'Clock Wednesday, June 3, 1959
Program
Processional
Class of 1959
"Pomp and Circumstance" Medfield School Band Mr. Robert D. Hersee, Director
Elgar
Invocation
Rev. William R. Moors
Address of Welcome
William James Dugan, President, Class of 1959
Girls Chorus-"Halls of Ivy" Russell and Knight
Mr. Robert D. Hersee, Director
Essay-Education, A Continuing Responsibility Ray Kurtz Warburton
Essay-To Walk Together Carol Ann Keirstead
Essay-Three Minutes of Awareness William Kurtz Warburton
Essay-Understanding Oneself Margaret Smith Gibbs
Presentation of Class Gift Ray Kurtz Warburton, Vice-President, Class of 1959
Acknowledgment Frederick A. Davis, President, Class of 1960
Presentation of Awards Mr. Charles F. Mains, Principal
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Presentation of American Legion Medals Mr. Philip J. Burr, Beckwith Post No. 110
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. George A. Smith, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Hannah Adams Club
Mr. Clayton Haigh, Commander, Beckwith Post No. 110
Mr. Walter E. Frank, President, Medfield Parent-Teacher Ass'n.
Mr. Edward Barrett, Secretary, Medfield Lions Club
Presentation of the Alton H. Hartford Prize of the Parent-Teacher Association Mr. Robert Luke, Vice-President, Medfield Parent-Teacher Association
Girls Chorus-"The House I Live In" Robinson and Allan
Awarding of Diplomas
Mr. James T. Frame. Chairman, Medfield School Committee Mr. Thomas A. Blake, Superintendent of Schools
Recessional "Washington Post"
Sousa
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFTY-NINE
Motto: "The Truth Shall Make You Free"
Colors:
Royal Blue and White
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CLASS ROLL
Jane Marie Anderson Carol Ann Belmont Bradley Sherwood Bowden Sylvester Marshall Brady Laurrie Jane Brinckerhoff Julia Jeanette Bullard Linda Charlotte Cain Mary Ann Callachan Carol Ann Clougherty Michael James Corcoran
William James Dugan Roberta Mildred Eburne Augusta May Farrell Margaret Smith Gibbs Jeanne Gertrude Hamilton John Francis Horgan Anne Turner Hull Robert Barry Iafolla Kenneth Francis Jodoin Donald Charles Johnson
Carol Ann Keirstead Paula Louise Keirstead Judith Mae Kelley David Alan Richard Kempton Mae Louise Kingsbury Marie Knowles Peter Edmund LeBlanc James Theodore Lindberg
Gregory John Manning
Hilary Ann Nowers Christine Perrin Lincoln Davis Potter Donald Patrick Regan Hester Ann Rhodes Joseph Ralph Santosuosso
Paul Smith Scribner Edgar Austin Smith Nancy May Smith Ray Kurtz Warburton William Kurtz Warburton
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REPORT OF MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
It is with pleasure and enthusiasm that I submit my fifth annual report of the Memorial Elementary School.
When the doors opened for the beginning of a new school year on September the ninth, we found ourselves bursting at the seams, with remedial reading classes to be held in the inner office and one class in the auditorium. That first day, with school in session at eight- thirty, found every classroom operating as smoothly as though there had not been a summer intervening since the last working school day.
The facilities of the assembly hall have not been available at all times this past year to carry out some activities. However, the public address system was used for the Thanksgiving program, and individual rooms invite other classes to observe or participate in pro- grams with them. The Christmas program was given in the assem- bly hall.
The basic idea which we keep in mind in all our work with student activities is that giving students opportunities to "learn by doing" is our best method of developing character, good citizenship, ability to work with others, and an understanding of the meaning of responsibility.
Our three sixth grades last spring and again this year get together for more extensive preparation for the junior high. The teachers pre- pare special class procedures in the various subjects.
The sixth grade, numbering ninety-nine, left our school last June with a special Promotion Day Program. This was carried out with the theme, "The Well Wishers." Every member of the class participated in some small way.
I should like to bring to the minds of the parents at this time the important facts regarding "marks". Because of the changing curricu- lum on college and high school level, with more emphasis being placed on the various subjects and grades, it becomes a "must" for us in the elementary grades to maintain our demands on the pupils. Parents must not become too concerned or alarmed regarding a C grade. It represents average work and not poor work. Remember that our greatest concern as teachers and parents is the promotion of knowledge gained from the study material presented to your child, and not so much the grade received.
Parents, please remember that if your child falls below the C grade level, we shall get in contact with you to ask for a conference,
61
as we have been in the habit of doing in the past. An A, B or C mark will not call forth a request for a conference with you, but you are welcome to call the school and ask for an appointment at any time you so desire.
Reading has been and still is being stressed as the important sub- ject. At one time we questioned why Johnny could not read. Today we say, "Johnny had better learn to read. It no longer matters whether he wants to or would like to or may learn when the spirit moves him. Johnny now has no choice. He had better learn to read and read well." We teach phonics and use various methods to help the child to learn to read. Parents can help their child by setting aside every day a reading time.
Finally, I should like to bring to the forefront the issue of home work for grades four, five, and six. Children must learn to get into a secluded corner for quiet study. The formation of this habit will pay dividends in the future of every child.
It is fitting at this time to make mention of the fact that the existing harmony and good work done at the Memorial School are attributable to the co-operation of the faculty members. May I add that practically all of the elementary teachers are taking courses in advance work, such as psychology, principles of teaching and science. The course in psychology is being sponsored by the Mental Health Department at the Medfield State Hospital and Tufts College Medical Health Department; Principles of Teaching is being given at Framing- ham State Teachers College; and the course in science at the Boston Science Museum.
In closing, may I express my sincere thanks to the members of the School Committee, to the Superintendent of Schools, to all of the school personnel, and to the parents and citizens of the town, who are working together for the welfare of our boys and girls.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE S. WASHBURN, Principal,
Memorial Elementary School
62
REPORT OF THE MEDFIELD SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In planning the school health program we have tried to improve and maintain the health of all children within the school system.
Duties of the School Health Personnel:
1. Physical examinations of the new pupils and pupils not having had a physical examination within three years. Also, frequent examina- tions of children with continuing problems.
Number of pupils examined 560
Number of parents present at examination 92
2. Consultations with the faculty on psychological problems and emo- tional problems which keep the child from having good social adjustments.
3. Helping with the handicapped children and children who need special handling due to varying degrees of retardation.
4. Control of communicable diseases, rendering First Aid; establishing good personal hygiene among the pupils and making home visits when necessary.
5. Tuberculin Tests of selected grades were made by the school physician.
6. Arrangements were made with the State Department of Dental Health whereby a State Dental Hygienist presented an illustrated program on dental care and needs to all children through the junior high grades.
In the spring a Pre-school Clinic was held for the purpose of regis- tering pupils entering public school for the first time in September.
Purpose of early registration:
1. To examine the children entering school for the first time and to discuss health problems with parents.
2. To give the parent and child an opportunity to become acquainted with the school personnel and surroundings.
3. To help the School Department ascertain and plan for the number of children entering school in September.
Most of the pupils were found to be healthy, with only a few need- ing medical follow up. The major needs were dental.
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Vision and Hearing Tests are given at some time during the year to all pupils. Notices are sent to parents if a child fails to pass either of these tests. The tests are merely a screening process. If any child shows symptoms of eye difficulty or hearing loss, parents should not wait for the next school examination, but have medical attention when the problem is discovered.
Number of pupils who failed vision test were 26. All found to be in need of glasses.
Number of pupils who failed hearing test were 3; these pupils are under care.
The Norfolk Tuberculosis School Clinic performed skin testing for tuberculosis in certain grades. This was made possible by the Norfolk County Hospital in cooperation with the School Department, the Board of Health and the Norfolk County Tuberculosis and Health Association. The purpose of this testing program is to find any children who have been infected with tuberculosis and to give advice, when necessary, how best to combat the infection. If a positive reaction is found, necessary arrangements are made for pupils and all other members of the family to be examined and x-rayed. Transportation and arrange- ments to be x-rayed were made for all food handlers, and school per- sonnel who had not been x-rayed within three years. They were examined at the Norfolk County Hospital.
Arrangements were made this year for the Mobile Tuberculosis Unit to come to the Medfield School. All the school personnel who had not been x-rayed within three years were x-rayed at this time.
A Dental Clinic is conducted at the Memorial School by Dr. Elliot Kirschbaum and the School Nurse under the supervision of the Board of Health. All elementary grade pupils are examined and notices sent home when defects are found.
Because of the continuing growth of the school population and the necessity for more and more detailed record keeping, it may not be possible to complete all of the above-mentioned tests before the end of the fiscal year.
On the whole, the children are healthy, happy and well-adjusted. Every effort is being made to maintain and improve the health of the school children.
We thank everyone who helped carry out the above program.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RITCHEY STAGG, M.D. MADELEINE I. HARDING, R.N. VIRGINIA J. McGILL, R.N.
64
REPORT OF BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Boys' Physical Education program begins in grade five and ends in grade twelve.
In grades five and six simple games and stunts are of prime importance with particular emphasis placed upon co-ordination of the mind and physical ability. Basic skills such as running, throwing and catching along with lead-up games which teach the essentials of team sports are incorporated into this program. This year for the first time an exhibition tumbling team was formed. Demonstrations were performed for the elementary school and at a High School basket- ball game.
At the junior high level the boys learn the fundamentals of team games such as football, basketball, softball and baseball. Also included in this program are activities such as badminton, apparatus and tumb- ling. Another first this year for the junior high school was co-educa- tional classes in square and folk dancing which were highly successful and should be a standard part of our physical education program.
At the high school level team games are also taught but now the emphasis is on the team work that is needed for the successful fulfill- ment of the skills that have been learned. More difficult skills on the apparatus and tumbling mats are also taught.
Each year in cooperation with President Eisenhower's Youth Council on Physical Fitness, a physical fitness test is administered to all the boys. It is my pleasure to report that the number of boys who passed this year increased by 20% over the previous year.
Although Physical Education is primarily concerned with the physical being of the youngsters, such as posture, health, ability to per- form in specific stunts and games, it also concerns itself with the social side of life. In this aim the Physical Education Department has instituted the Medfield High School Pep Club to support our athletic teams in spirit and also help foster good sportsmanship both in and out of Medfield High School. This should enable our young men and young women to work and play successfully with others and to live harmoniously with our neighbors.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD B. KEYES,
Supervisor of Physical Education
65
REPORT OF GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Physical Education classes in Grades I through IV are composed of mixed groups of boys and girls. These classes are of short duration and are geared to group activities. Basic skills aimed at developing good co-ordination are learned through such activities as simple rhythms, quiet and active games. In grades III and IV simple team games are introduced.
At the fifth grade level the girls' and boys' Physical Education classes are separated and classes are of a longer duration of time.
In Grades V and VI lead-up games are introduced. These are conducive to learning the essential techniques of team sports. Folk dancing, square dancing, field ball, basketball, and softball are part of this program.
At the junior high school level more emphasis is placed on the basic skills and techniques essential for team games. Volleyball and fistball are introduced along with such specialized games as badminton.
In the senior high school, classes are of fifty-minute periods. Intensive work is performed in perfecting skills necessary for team games. Here team work and team spirit are sought after. Other specialized games are introduced such as badminton, tennis, and table tennis. An extra-mural program is conducted after school, including cheerleading, basketball, and softball.
Each year a physical fitness test is administered to all girls in Grades V-XII.
In conclusion, the Physical Education Department will strive to improve the physical well-being of all students through participation in the above program. It will attempt to develop the social qualities of courage, initiative, honesty, cooperation, and self-confidence.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICIA M. LUTTAZI,
Supervisor
66
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Art program in the Medfield schools consists of activities and units of instruction which are planned to develop the visual art and aesthetic needs of the children.
In September, due to the increased enrollment and addition of extra classes, the Art program was put onto a staggered schedule. The first two elementary grades and Junior and Senior High grades have classes every week; and grades three to six have their classes every other week.
A monthly showing of the students' drawings was put on display at the Memorial School so that those parents attending the P.T.A. meetings or visiting school could see the varied work done in the Art classes.
In the High School at Christmastime, the Junior and Senior Art classes displayed stained glass windows, murals and drawings depicting the spirit of the holiday.
Throughout the school year, the Art department tries to help all who come to it with problems involving window displays, posters, dance and banquet decorations.
I would like to thank all of the school personnel who have been so helpful, especially from October first on.
Respectfully submitted,
MYRTLE R. COBB,
Supervisor
67
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The elementary school program has stressed singing, rhythm, and reading of notes this year with the help of records and tape recorders. To make this program more meaningful we now offer the flutophone in the fourth grade for three reasons: (1) to reach those students who are not as adept as others in singing; (2) to aid students in acquiring better use of their individual digits; and (3) to help children in their reading of notes. The aim of music at the elementary level is to prepare young people for a fuller and richer appreciation of music later on in high school and adult life.
At the junior high level, singing, listening, and explanation of the more technical elements of music are offered. The various instru- ments are demonstrated and students have the opportunity to try them.
The high school music program is on an elective basis. The stu- dents may join either glee club or band. Presently, band is open to the junior high school as well because it is still in the growing stage. In the future we hope that there will be a junior and senior high school band, the former, a preparatory step to more advanced musical ability. The band played for the home football games this year as well as the Christmas assembly. The glee club gave concerts at Cushing Hospital in Framingham, the Memorial School for a PTA meeting, and at the high school for a Christmas assembly.
Instrumental instructions are given throughout the year on all instruments. Medfield works in conjunction with the New England Woodwind Exchange who rent and sell these various types.
When the new junior-senior high school is completed, we may expect to see a smoother and more efficient music program in the Medfield school system.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT D. HERSEE,
Supervisor
68
REPORT OF HOME ECONOMICS AND CAFETERIA SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Home Economics program in the Junior and Senior High Schools included elementary sewing, advanced clothing, basic home crafts, and design.
The school cafeteria has continued to share in the government hot lunch and milk subsidy program. Student lunches have increased over last year's figures and also the sale of milk has increased.
The number of cafeteria personnel has remained the same and they are doing a tremendous job in making the school lunch program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE RICHARDSON,
Supervisor
REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Those students who elect the Industrial Arts program are exposed to a broad view of industry. The objectives of this program are met through an understanding of the tools, materials, and processes en- countered in the various fields of work. The junior high students work primarily in the field of wood; however, space is provided in the program for individual specialization. The high school program stresses the formerly-mentioned objectives through a higher degree of proficiency with hand tools, while advanced machine methods are taught to, more closely, relate the work to that of industry.
The Industrial Arts Department is working closely with the science subject areas in an attempt to correlate those areas of subject matter that overlap. Through this method of instruction, it is possible
69
to achieve a higher degree of efficiency in teaching more students in less time. This correlation of subject matter will provide the student with a sounder understanding of his education and how each subject is linked together, to provide a broad general education.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. MORRIS,
Supervisor
REPORT OF DRIVER EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The young drivers who are being trained in this program are continuing to show their superiority over those drivers who learn to drive through other means. It is gratifying to have a part in the moulding of their attitudes toward other drivers, and the public in general, for one then realizes that these attitudes will be seen wherever these drivers go. The degree of skill in actually handling the car varies considerably, due to individual differences. I must stress the fact that the actual time behind the wheel is only six hours, and therefore the new driver needs considerable training by parents, or other experienced drivers, before being allowed to assume full res- ponsibility of driving alone. Each student must successfully complete thirty class hours of instruction, twelve hours of observation in the car, and the six hours of actual driving. This year, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has discontinued the written examination, and has instituted a more rigorous oral examination, plus a written opinion of how each student performs during the test.
It is our sincere hope that every student will take advantage of this training to provide a sound beginning to the ever increasing problem of traffic and transportation.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. MORRIS,
Supervisor
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TOWN CLERK'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1959
VITAL STATISTICS
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Chapter 46 of the General Laws of Massachusetts requires that every physician shall within fifteen days after the birth at which he has officiated, report the same to the Town Clerk of the Town in which the birth took place.
Parents within forty days after the birth of a child and every householder, within forty days after a birth in his house shall cause notice thereof to be given to the Town Clerk of the Town in which the birth took place.
Failure to give such notice is punishable with a fine.
Blanks for the return may be obtained upon application to the Town Clerk.
Parents and others are requested to carefully examine the follow- ing lists and if there are any errors or omissions, report such at once to the Town Clerk. This is important so that we may have as accurate and complete a record of Vital Statistics as possible.
BIRTHS RECORDED IN MEDFIELD DURING THE YEAR 1959
Date
Child's Name
Place of Birth
Parents
1958
Jan. 15
Eileen Frances DeSorgher
Boston
Louis L. and Ruth M. Eckland William J. and Nancy Dennehy
June 28 William James Moran
Boston
Aug. 4 Susan Elizabeth Beauregard Boston
Joseph B. and Elizabeth D. Harper
Aug. 8 Denise Marie O'Toole
Jamaica Plain
Thomas J. and Edith S. Vasaturo
Oct. 10
Daniel Frederic Howard
Boston
Oct. 28
Judith Regina Terner
Boston
Nelson G. and Grace H. Shea Fred S. and Elizabeth Alderson Joseph W. and Mary J. Sheehan
Nov. 14 Catherine Jane Timmerman
Jamaica Plain
Nov. 25
Kathleen Cecilia Powell
Beaufort, S. C.
Stephen T. and Thelma Blanchard
Nov. 29 Maureen Elizabeth Donahoe
Boston
Charles W. and Elizabeth Caruso
Dec. 30
Juliette Marie Powers
Boston
Howard A. and Lorraine Delaney
Dec. 30
Francis David Rossi, Jr.
Framingham
Francis and Carol Mills
1959 Jan. 7 Rosemary Anne Carini
Jan. 13 Charles Henry Clougherty, III
Natick
Jan. 14 Lorraine D'Angelo
Jan. 15 Ann DeMartino
Jan. 20 Perrin Hamilton Long, III
Boston
Jan. 20 Debra Gail Elwood
Jan. 25 Edwina Anne Flaherty
Natick
Jan. 26 Barbara Claire O'Keefe
Boston
Jan. 27 Karen Marie Fox
Newton
Jan. 29 Edward Nicholas Murray
Boston
Norwood
Needham
Lowell
Norwood
Elvin C. and Christel G. Woelk Charles H., Jr. and Audrey Osborne Aldo L. and Giovanna Mastroppolito John L., Jr. and Evora J. Comolli Perrin H., Jr. and Cecily Clark Ronald O. and Barbara A. George Edwin C. and Aurora Palumbo John J. and Barbara C. Larson James F. and Angela Kohls Edward F. and Joanne F. Gugliotta
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BIRTHS RECORDED IN MEDFIELD DURING THE YEAR 1959
Date
Child's Name
Place of Birth
Parents
Jan. 30 Joan Marie Woodlock
Norwood
Francis A. and Rose S. McPherson
Jan. 30
Calvin Voorhis Vanderbeek, IV
Natick
Calvin V. and Elizabeth Larson
Feb. 2 Donna Priscilla Fulton
Boston
Richard and Judith Olsen
Feb. 5 Kimberli Ann Haigh
Norwood Leonard C. and Beverly A. Dewar
Feb. 13
Hale (M)
Boston
R. Houston and Janet Fountain
Feb. 15 Laurel Tecla Cook
Boston Forrest R. and June Marhoffer
Feb. 16 Elizabeth O'Neil
Norwood Eugene F. and Elizabeth A. Parker
Feb. 22 Margaret Ann Norton
Norwood Robert T. and Anna B. Bailey
Feb. 23 Sherry Ann Green
Boston Donald M. and Nancy Smith Norwood Robert J. and Laura J. Belban
Feb. 26 Wililam David Collins
Norwood
Feb. 26 Monica Mary Hurd
Norwood
Mar. 16 Melanie Paula Todesco
Newton
Alfred H. and Marilyn B. Bauer Kenneth H. and Frances Barrett
Mar. 17 Jeffrey Goodsell
Natick
Henri E. and Mary D. Steedly
Mar. 21 Patricia Marie Emery
Natick
Nathan C. and Phyllis Kennedy
Mar. 21 Edward Ralph McGlynn
Natick
Charles C. and Edna King
Mar. 27 Jennifer Lang Shannon
Boston
Robert R. and Helen L. Lang
Apr. 1 Richard Michael Rogers
Natick
Frederick A. and Annie Hennahane
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