USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1952-1956 > Part 16
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STATISTICAL REPORT
Total Enrollment PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1,958
Total Enrollment NOTRE DAME
746
Total Enrollment STE. JEANNE D'ARC
312
912*
11. 63
4 18 42 19 7 2 24 36 10 1 21 24 16 2
25 47 8 3 19 41 5 1 1 19 27 12 5 1 15 33 6
8
Total Enrollment ST. MARY'S
226
Total Enrollment
COLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL (COOP.) 18
Total Enrollment COLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL (DAY) 160
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens
of Southbridge, Massachusetts:
The schools of Southbridge belong to you, the people of Southbridge. It is logical, therefore, to assume that you have, or should have, a keen and abiding interest in them. You are entitled to know all about them. In this report for 1953, I shall try to present as clearly and precisely as possible, without color or exaggeration, a true and factual report of the condition of the school system.
FOR
SALE
PARENTS VISIT OUR SCHOOLS
That a lot of progress has been made during the past year is certain; that there is still room for further growth and improve- ment is likewise certain.
To better analyze and understand what our schools are doing and to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding on this matter, I would ask you, first of all, to consider the following few pertinent questions:
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION?
HOW ARE WE ACHIEVING THIS PURPOSE?
9
In answer to the first question, we might say that the pur- pose of education in our schools is simply to make the recipient a better individual, a better person, one who thinks and acts correctly toward his parents, teachers, neighbors, companions, his country and his God. Knowledge and true wisdom must be acquired. All his abilities must be developed, trained, and used for the purpose of doing good and avoiding evil. Learning to read with fluency and comprehension, to write, to spell, to cal- culate, are all fundamental requisites of a good education. Un- less these subjects are well taught, then education becomes a farce and a fraud. Boys and girls must be well informed of the glorious history and ideals of this great nation. This means good citizenship in accordance with the provisions of the Dec- laration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. A sound education includes emphasis upon health and physical fitness, home life, the ability to earn a living, an appre- ciation of the fine arts such as music, painting, drawing, dra- matics, public speaking, literature and culture in general. The purpose of education also presupposes in the individual, intelli- gent respect for law, order, and authority in all places, at all times, at home, at school, in public, or elsewhere. A proper evaluation of spiritual and moral truths is expected of every educated person. "Only a fool saith in his heart, there is no God."
IN SEARCH FOR TRUTH - THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG .
Our eyes are always upon improvement of instruction, whether it be in the grades or in high school. The supervising
10
principals in all schools are required to submit periodic re- ports of the classroom instruction being given by every teacher. New books, new equipment, adequate supplies, and instruction- al materials are being provided wherever most needed. The atmosphere and climate of instruction are not neglected. In- terior decorating of classrooms with psychological color schemes play a vital part in producing proper surroundings for the learner. Whenever such purchases are made, light colored fur- niture for classrooms is purchased to replace the old. Light green chalkboards, newly sanded floors with blond finish bring much natural light to rooms that before were dark and gloomy. All this contributes much to the cheerful outlook of both teach- ers and pupils. It makes their experiences in school happier and healthier. Cleanliness and orderliness are insisted upon in each building. Proper habits, manners, and attitudes are in this way developed for the purpose of promoting good citizenship.
MAINTAINING OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS
HOW ARE WE ACHIEVING THIS PURPOSE?
This report will contain several pictures or illustrations of the learning activities that are being conducted in our schools. These, better than words, will tell you what is being done through education for the boys and girls of this town. We will try to show you the emphasis that is being placed on basic or tool subjects in the elementary grades. Reading and phonetic drill are especially stressed. Notable progress has been made during the year in the primary grades in particular. Adjust- ment and orientation to school life, begun in the kindergarten and continued in the grades, is worthy of our attention and praise. You would have difficulty in finding a child who does not like to attend school. Teachers are using modern methods and techniques which arouse and stimulate the child's interest in learning. His achievement is such that he acquires con- fidence and enthusiasm for his school work.
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A SCIENCE PROJECT WITH SHELLS
OUR READING CORNER
READING IS ESSENTIAL
INDIAN FOLKLORE
PLEASANT ST. SCHOOL NEWS
JUNIOR RED CROSS PROJECT. FAVORS MADE BY PUPILS FOR HOSPITAL PATIENTS
12
Let me call your attention now more specifically to some of the more important areas and divisions of our school system. In this way, you will better understand how we are achieving the purpose of education.
Guidance and Placement
During the year 1953, our Guidance Department has been capably directed by William A. Julien. Guidance in our schools extends from kindergarten through high school. A complete record is kept of every child from the day he enters school un- til he leaves. This is known as a cumulative record. Achieve- ment tests are given each year. Intelligence tests, aptitude tests are likewise administered periodically.
APTITUDE TESTING
IJK L
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
13
Group guidance classes are held in Mary E. Wells High School for each student twice a week. Speakers from various occupational fields are invited to address these classes.
Field trips are made to professional schools and industries to provide additional help and information to students.
Students are also counseled and helped personally and vo- cationally to find their place in life. A follow-up study of last year's graduating class shows that 36.4% are furthering their education in colleges or other schools of learning; 38.6% are employed as office workers, operators, clerks, etc .; 11.4% are married; 9% are in the armed services and only 3.1% are unemployed.
ROTARY CLUB PROVIDES RAINCOATS FOR TRAFFIC SQUAD
KINDERGARTEN PLAYTIME
Through the guidance department, it has been possible to establish good public relations with parents and pupils in help- ing them to solve their difficulties and select courses of study that are best adapted to their needs and abilities.
Art
Concerning our art program, let me quote Miss Claire Birtz, Art Supervisor: "The integrated art program in our elementary schools has been planned to contribute to the full development of each child from the primary grades where he realizes the satisfaction of working with his own hands, to the realistic stage where he gets a feeling for design and ties his experiences to his work.
"In the intermediate grades, work in design, painting, drawing, crafts, and appreciation give opportunities for crea- tive expression to the average child as well as to the excep- tionally talented. In the upper grades, more difficult problems are offered, including instruction in block printing, stenciling, the art of lettering, with brush or lettering pen, advanced color harmony, design, and participation in poster contests.
14
BUSILY ENGAGED
DISPLAYING OUR WORK
A THRILLING EXPERIENCE WATER PAINTING
15
CHALK DRAWING
"Mary E. Wells High School offers an elective art course. This course is of great value to students who wish to further their studies in art. Students are given a thorough training in color theory, design, sketching, painting in water color and oils for advanced students, layout, black and white drawings for the school paper, three-dimensional problems, posters, block printing, stenciling, modeling, designing and printing, scenery for school programs, decorations for school dances. The course provides stimulating and practical problems to the average and to the very talented student."
Miss Birtz deserves much credit for her outstanding work and her contributions as Art Supervisor in Southbridge.
Vocal Music
A new music supervisor, Mr. Ellwood Jenness, was appoint- ed in September to replace Miss Eleanor Van Etten, resigned.
Music activities are held in all grades. New equipment has been purchased and a new textbook arrangement has been made.
There are classes in Music for 8th grade pupils in Mary E. Wells High School. The High School Glee Club now numbers 70 members which represents a large increase in numbers.
16
GLEE CLUB
The Cole Trade High School also has a Glee Club of about 40 members.
Many fine programs were given during the year and were received with much praise and appreciation by the various audiences.
Instrumental Music
OUR BAND
The band has increased in numbers substantially. New instruments of the larger type variety have been procured as
17
well as several extra uniforms
There were about 40 public appearances during the year. The highlight of the year was the Annual School Music Fes- tival held in Southbridge. There were 55 musical organ- izations that participated in this event.
The junior band is growing in size and is newly outfitted. It is being assisted greatly by a parents' organization.
A FUTURE MUSICIAN AND HIS TEACHER
THE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Physical Education
The director of Physical Education is Dr. Lewis A. Kyrios. He has done outstanding work in this field and has contributed much to the health and vigor of the boys and girls of South- bridge. Especially commendable is the work being done in the supervised play activities of the primary and intermediate grades, the intramural sports in each elementary school, the gym classes and physical activities in the Trade School.
18
PHYSICAL FITNESS
This program is best explained in his own words as fol- lows: "The aim of Physical Education is, primarily, to make a contribution to the individual optimal growth and develop- ment physiologically, and secondarily to contribute to such psychological development as is possible through participation in appropriate vigorous total body activities, according to so- cial and hygiene standards.
In order to fulfill the above aim, our Physical Education Program has been divided into three distinct phases: gym classes, the controlled recess program, and the after-school athletic program.
NEW JACKETS AND CAPS FOR TRAFFIC SQUAD, DONATED BY ROTARY CLUB
ACTIVITY GAME IN PRIMARY GRADES
Regular gym classes are offered to all the students in grades six and seven in our elementary schools and to the en- tire student body of Cole Trade High School. Each student,
19
in this plan, averages one hour of regular physical education per week. Calisthenics, development of skills, games, and rec- reational activities are emphasized. This program is flexible, in order to provide a wide range of physical activities for the many needs and interests of the students in each level. The controlled recess program has been organized for all students in grades one to five inclusive. It has been designed exclusively to provide students opportunities to learn basic skills, to de- velop good health and safety habits, to encourage leadership and good sportsmanship. The activities offered are based on the abilities of each grade. Approximately thirty minutes a day is given to each grade for this program. A definite time schedule has been introduced to allow maximum use of areas, facilities, and equipment, and to insure safe participation for all students.
TRAINING IN FUNDAMENTALS - COLE TRADE HIGH
The Director of Physical Education plans and organizes the program and each classroom teacher administrates the interest of the students in each level.
The controlled recess program has been organized for all students in grades one to five inclusive. It has been assigned exclusively to provide students opportunities to learn basic skills, to develop good health and safety habits, to encourage leadership and good sportsmanship. The activities offered are based on the abilities of each grade. Approximately thirty min- utes a day is given to each grade for this program. A definite
20
.
time schedule has been introduced to allow maximum use of areas, facilities and equipment, and to insure safe participation for all students.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS GO TOGETHER
SUPERVISED PLAY
This phase of the physical education program is planned and organized by the Director, and each classroom teacher ad- ministrates the program.
In the after-school athletic program, boys play touch foot- ball, basketball, and baseball, while the girls participate in basketball and softball. All the students participating in these
21
activities are properly clothed and supervised by their coaches. Opportunity for participation is the theme of this phase of the Physical Education Program. Competition in the past few years has been keen and better balanced.
School Nurse
The day is never quite long enough for the many tasks re- quired of our school nurse. Her work has merited much well- deserved praise from many people.
Some of the more essential work being done in this depart- ment can be better understood from the following statistics:
Physical examinations
914
Visits to schools
195
Vision tests
1427
Hearing tests
159
Home visits
131
Conferences on health problems
319
Dental care
163
Inoculations
221
Chest X-Ray films
698
Pre-School Clinic Registration
378
Donations for milk by Lions' Club
$800.00
Census of physically handicapped completed.
Summer camp provided for 5 children.
Special class for mentally retarded given much attention. One child was referred to State Crippled Children's Clinic; one to Lip Reading Classes; a home teacher provided for a child unable to go to school; Clear Type Books were obtained from Massachusetts Division of the Blind for two pupils.
CLASS ATTENTION REQUIRES GOOD HEARING
EYE TESTS
A new Maico Audiometer was purchased by the School De- partment to conduct hearing tests.
22
Audio-Visual Aids
To improve instruction is always our goal if we are to achieve the purpose of education earlier described in this re- port. The proper use of audio-visual aids can improve instruc- tion in no small measure.
Our visual aids director, Mr. Edward Desroches, has been most enthusiastic in promoting this cause and has worked many long hours in endeavoring to stimulate teachers' interest in the use of these instructional materials.
New equipment has been procured and an Audio-Visual Education course is now being held for teachers of South- bridge through the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Mary E. Wells High School
Principal James M. Robertson reports the enrollment for the year as follows: Seniors-113, Juniors-105, Sophomores- 124, Freshmen-163, Eighth Graders-128, making a total of 633. Ninety-six pupils were graduated on June 11, 1953.
BACCALAUREATE
23
CLASS OF 1953
Academic
Alfred Richard Allard
*George Anthony Barbieri
*Chritten Paul Benoit
*Marie Adeline Benoit Barry Lawrence Blake
*Joan Elizabeth Bonnette Wm. Guerrino Castrucci, Jr.
*Paul Norman Costa ** Barbara Cree
*Jane Theresa Darley
*Joan Antoinette Darley
*John DelVecchio, Jr.
*Shirley Demirjian
** Anne Mary Deterando
*Gilda Mary DiGregorio Michael Brooks Ellis Joseph Henry Farquhar
*Maureen Anne Fitzpatrick ** Irene Joan Gianoutsos
** Joseph Richard Giroux Patricia Anne Giroux Annette Louise Godro
** Elizabeth Ann Guignard
*Stefanie Patricia Guzewicz
*Thomas John Hmay Oliver Lewis Howlett Theodore Kalis
Louise Ann Kennedy
** Robert Arthur Lariviere Donald Joseph Lavoie
** Arthur Levesque
Lorraine Therese Levesque Peter Alden Lewis Shirley Anne Mackinnon
*Judith Ann McDonnell Raymond Burgess Maloney
*Alice Claire Mongeon ** Janet Patricia Nichols Wilfred Oliver Paul
** Ann Elizabeth Persse
*John Francis Quinn
*Kenneth Earle Ramsdell
** Genevieve Ridout
** JoAnn Mary Rischitelli * Abbie Mary Roberts Donald George St. Martin John Joseph Saletnik *Humbert Eugene Sfreddo
*Nancy Anne Shaw *David Alan Simonds Frances Doris Smith
*Mary Elizabeth Sullivan *John Edward Towse
** Hazelann Undergraves William Welch
** Robert Alfred Yates
A TYPING CLASS
24
Commercial
*Germaine Juliette Antaya
*Janet Doris Antaya
*Claire Rose Arpin
*Claude Francis Bachand
*Joyce Mabel Bachand Florence Mary Barlow Mario Anthony Bernardone *Doris Marie Bragg
** Joan Evelyn Chadwick *Phyllis Valleda Coderre Dolores May Courtemanche
** Dorothy Alma Girard Donald Leo Kowalski
*Pauline Lovina Lusignan Shirley Ann McGrath
** Shirley Ann Metcalf
Rita Bernadette Osimo
Andrea Kosta Perikli
** Maria Julia Peters June Louise Phaneuf Arnold Vito Renna Louise Shirley Renna *Dorothy Sylvia Richard
** Gloria Beatrice Robidoux Elaine Virginia Ryan
** Shirley Joy St. George
*Eleanor Rose Shepard
*Roger Wayne Simpson
*Henry Skarani
*Barbara Katherine Smith Sylvia Bette Suprenant
** Paulina Veshia
*Mary Frances Welch
Civic-Social
John James Hamilton James Edward Kennedy
*Barbara Joan Mitchell
*Harry Frank Nasse Ronald Orlowski
Homemaking
*Joyce Pauline Blodgett
Special Student Charles John Tanionos - Commercial *General Average of 80% or above for four years.
** Members of the National Honor Society.
PROM
25
The following report on Follow-Up Study of graduates of the Mary E. Wells High School, Class of 1952, was conducted by Mr. William A. Julien, of the Guidance Department.
I think it should be especially interesting to townspeople to know just what happens to our graduates. It is a remark- able record.
Further Education
No.
Total
Colleges
22
Nursing Schools
5
Junior Colleges
5
Art School
1
Private Business Schools
1
Music Schools
1
35
Employed
Office workers
18
Operatives
10
Clerical sales
5
Hotel services
2
Farmers
1
Foods Service
1
37
Miscellaneous
Married
11
Moved
1
Unemployed
3
15
Armed Services
9
96
Cole Trade High School
The director of Cole Trade High School is Mr. Raymond L. W. Benoit. His report is as follows:
"The Governors of New England are becoming concerned with the Industrial picture in New England. The new Depart- ment of Commerce in Massachusetts lays some of the blame
26
GRADUATION EXERCISES
for this concern on education. They feel that more industries would be interested in settling in Massachusetts if the trained man-power picture was more pleasing."
"Milton P. Higgins, President of the Norton Company in Worcester, is among six Massachusetts business leaders who have endorsed a report, made public April 27, 1953, calling for the strengthening of Industrial Vocational Education in this State.
"We, at the Cole Trade High School, are doing what we can with what facilities we have and hope that in the near future the public will do everything possible to expand our facilities."
I once again recommend that the Guidance Department will expand their efforts in guiding young people who have interest, aptitude and intelligence into trade training.
FUTURE CRAFTSMEN
27
GRADUATES
Cabinetmakers
Kenneth Allen Austin Oliva Joseph Garceau Clyde Allen Richert
Draftsmen
*Robert Bernard Anctil
Robert Myron Hall James Thomas Triba
Electricians
Norman Joseph Dumas Leo Roy Dusoe Wilfred Lachapelle, Jr.
Factory Maintenance ¡Donald Paul King
Machinists
Robert Francis Brousseau Roland Francis Horton
Kenneth Richard Kirry Roger Roland Latour
Eugene Valmore Normandin ** Walter Darzenkiewicz Leo Eugene Vaillancourt
Printing William Sumner Parker
Awards
American Legion Post No. 31 Award (Good Citizenship)
Kenneth Austin
Alumni Award-Scholastic Achievement
Norman Dumas
Alumni Award-Athletic Achievement Oliva Garceau
Director's Gold "C"
History Award
Roger Latour Robert Hall
Mathematics Award
Kenneth Kirry
Science Award Clyde Richert
Class Officers
President
Clyde A. Richert
Vice-President
Kenneth A. Austin
Secretary Kenneth R. Kirry
Treasurer
Norman J. Dumas
28
Evening School
Cabinet - Mr. Frank P. Skinyon 16
Drafting - Mr. John Benson
20
Mr. George Braman 15
Furniture Refinishing - Mr. Harold Andrews Mr. Antonio Orsini
13
Machine - Mr. William Paul Mr. Edwin Waskiewicz
21
15
Soldering and Welding-Mr. Philip Colognesi
13
Apprentice Diversified - Mr. William Nickerson 9 Mr. William Julien 12
Apprentice Auto. Mech. - Mr. Anthony Capozzo
5
Total 153
*Veteran
+In Armed Service
** Graduated January 1
14
GLEE CLUB
29
School Lunch Program
In September, a new supervisor, Miss Ruth Cummings was appointed. There has been a marked improvement in the ad- . ministration and supervision of the Cafeteria. Much credit goes to the supervisor for the fine work being done in this important area of the school system.
NEW KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Miss Cummings best explains this program in her own words:
"The School Lunch Program is a part of an educational system. It not only teaches good nutrition, but it also af- fords an opportunity to teach students manners and courtesy. It is an excellent place for them to learn the necessities of every day living. It also gives students who work in the Cafeteria training to learn to use their minds and hands together. The cashiers especially get good experience for future work.
"The first requisite of a School Lunch is to serve good portions of a well-balanced meal at a nominal cost. This has been done at the Mary E. Wells High School Cafeteria this year. The average daily serving is 350. The highlight was the Christmas luncheon when 550 were served.
30
LUNCH TIME
"We are very happy to have a dish machine room which relieves the congestion in the kitchen. It also enables us to meet State Laws in proper dish washing and to do them quicker, as well as to cut down student labor.
"The number of Marcy Street School children buying the School Lunch has increased, which is excellent. They are at an age when they should learn to eat all foods. They also are away from home for a long period and need a hot lunch at noon time. I would like to see this number continue to grow.
"The new trays, being so much more attractive, will have a tendency to increase purchases. The percentage of students buying the School Lunch is good compared to other schools, but I hope it will increase. While 100 percent is impossible, due to the inability to please all, we would like to get as near there as possible. It has been proven that children have better health and do better work if they eat a good luncheon. We are feeding the future generation of Southbridge."
31
Speech Activities
Great progress has been made in speech work. Dem- onstrations were held in each school showing the achieve- ment and activities in dra- matics, one-act plays, declama- tions and choral reading. The public and parents especially were urged to attend these assemblies.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
MARCY ST. CHORAL READING GROUP
32
LEST
IRGET
1846
MEMORIAL DAY EXERCISES
JUNIOR PLAY
A CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY PROGRAM
33
A ONE-ACT PLAY
RUMPLESTILSKIN
:34
Homemaking
A KITCHEN UNIT WITH GAS EQUIPMENT
A KITCHEN UNIT WITH ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT
ENJOYING THEIR OWN COOKING
PRESERVATION OF FOODS
Girls enjoy the modern facilities which they have to work with in the Homemaking Department. Every girl now has the opportunity of taking this course for five periods a week for a full year during their high school career. Miss Luise Corbin and Mrs. Barbara Kyrios continue daily to show their genius and initiative in creating and stimulating a keen and sustain- ing interest among girls of high school age to prepare them to maintain a modern home.
35
ADULT EDUCATION
Citizenship Courses
Adult classes are held three evenings a week for those who are interested in becoming United States citizens. These classes are held in Mary E. Wells High School. Miss Constance L'Ecuyer is in charge. There are three teachers for three groups, representing beginners, intermediates, and advanced. Forty-one individuals enrolled for these courses and took ad- vantage of the opportunities the Town provides for non-citizens.
Evening Vocational Courses
The Director of University Extension Courses and Voca- tional courses held in the evening is Mr. James M. Robertson. Two classes were held in Elementary Sewing, one in Ad- vanced Dressmaking, and two in Tailoring.
In the field of University Extension, two classes were of- fered in Elementary Typewriting, one in Elementary Stenog- raphy, and one in Comptometer Operation.
Playgrounds
IRLTON ST.
Playgrounds are under the direction of Dr. Lewis A. Ky- rios. The season began July 6 and ended August 14, 1953. The activities were conducted at Charlton Street, Eastford Road, West Street, and Pleas- ant Street. The Town Hall was used for the Arts and Crafts Exhibit.
PLAYGROUNDS - ARTS AND CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION
36
----
Personnel
General Director - Lewis A. Kyrios
Supervisor of Arts and Crafts - Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard Charlton Street Playground Supervisor Assistants
Mrs. Helen Golden
Constance Peloquin, Shirley Demirjian, Joseph Marino
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