USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1952-1956 > Part 24
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However, the work of the Junior Red Cross is not con- fined to local problems. Cognizant of the needs of many of our oversea allies, they have filled chests full of supplies that
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will take care of a school of forty-eight pupils for a period of one year. Each chest costs one hundred dollars to fill. The Mary E. Wells Chapter of the Junior Red Cross has sent chests in the past to Korea and Holland. The chests this year are expected to go to Greece and Korea.
THE COMMERCIAL COURSE
The commercial program includes: Typewriting, bookkeep- ing, comptometry, filing, office practice and all general business courses. The Cooperative program with industry is still in operation. The course takes place in the last semester of the senior year and permits pupils to alternate work weeks with instruction weeks. The girls, four units of them, take places in reliable business institutions and have found this program most beneficial.
The equipment of the Commercial Department is kept at maximum efficiency. This year four electric typewriters were added to the department.
THE COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSE
The college preparatory course prepares students for all leading universities and colleges in the country. Many of the pupils, receive large scholarships, a tribute to their own indus- try, and a tribute to the excellent instruction of their teachers. Students from this course have entered such leading institu- tions as: Cornell, Connecticut College for Women, Brown Uni- versity, The College of the Holy Cross, Tufts, Dartmouth, Uni- versity of Massachusetts, Boston University, University of Michigan, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Smith College, Mount Holy- oke, Wellesley College, Simmons College, Columbia University, University of Connecticut, University of New Hampshire, Wil- liams College, Colorado College, Ohio State University, The College of New Rochelle, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State College, Northeastern University, plus most of the leading business colleges and nursing schools.
THE EIGHTH GRADES
The eighth grades of the school system are still housed in the high school building. The pupils receive the program op- portunities of the high school and are eligible for all high school activities, including sports.
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STUDENT COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
The Student Council of the Mary E. Wells High School plays an important part between students and administration. This organization is under the direction of Miss Constance Co- derre. The values of the organization are manifold.
1. Pupils participate in or manage extra-curricular affairs.
2. Responsibility, initiative and leadership are developed.
3. Proper student-faculty relations are promoted.
4. Training in worthy citizenship is furnished.
5. The general welfare of the school is promoted.
6. The internal administration of the school is aided.
The Fred E. Corbin Chapter of the National Honor Society
The local chapter of the National Honor Society, named in honor of the late Mr. Fred E. Corbin, inducted twenty mem- bers during the past year. The most recent induction was honored by the new Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Robert Fox, who spoke at the ceremonies.
The following young people have been inducted into the society during the past year:
March 1954:
Seniors
Constance C. Peloquin Myrna Mckinstry
Roberta Blackburn Judith Proulx
Priscilla McIntyre
Juniors Wilfred Houde Donald Croke
October 1954:
Seniors
Carol Benson Shirley Holmes Carroll Hughes
Hazel O'Claire Margaret Polakowski Jeanne Xanthakos
Juniors
William Clifford Judith Davey Joanne Houle
Nancy Hughes Paul Meunier Jacquelin Poirier
Paula Rubenstein
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are held every other week. These assemblies are of immense value to any student body inasmuch as they are not only educational but explore the various phases of
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school life. Furthermore, they widen and deepen the interests of the pupils and serve as a means of developing public opinion and appreciation. The types of assemblies fall into many categories:
1. Education
2. Music
3. Rallies
4. Drama
5. Club Programs
6. Movies
7. Entertainment
8. Honor Society Installation
9. Science
10. Commerce and Business
11. Observance of Special Days
12 Guidance
The assemblies are held in the auditorium of the high school. Recently, three hundred new seats were purchased for the auditorium.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are several recommendations that I would like to make at this time:
1. That the Town look to the future and purchase land for the erection of a six-year high school. Suitable sites for such a school are being sold and developed for other purposes.
2. That the lavatory facilities be remodeled and modern equipment be installed.
3. That a complete renovation of the Science Laboratory be made. New equipment is needed to keep abreast with the rapid progress of science.
4. That a library be started and a teacher-librarian be appointed.
5. That lockers be installed to take care of pupils' per- sonal belongings, coats, rubbers, etc.
6. That the Industrial Arts program be expanded in order that those pupils who are not interested in a Trade Edu- cation may have the benefit from allied courses.
I wish to express my appreciation to the townspeople for their continued efforts in behalf of the Mary E. Wells High School, and I extend my thanks to the School Department for support.
COLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL RAYMOND L. W. BENOIT, Director
For whom is Vocational Education? It is for all who must acquire Vocational Education to provide a livelihood for themselves and their families. Authorities on Vocational Edu-
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cation feel that this form of education should serve: first, young people in school; second, those out of school; and third, adults in the locality. We, at the Cole Trade High School, at- tempt to follow these principles.
We could serve more people if more room would be pro- vided. At the opening of school this September, we had a waiting list for all trades in spite of the fact that shops and classrooms had enrolled pupils beyond the maximum suggested by the State. In the adult programs the same condition exists. For example, at the time of writing we have twenty-seven adults awaiting admittance into the Furniture Refinishing classes.
Once again I ask the public to vote an expansion to our school which will enable us to satisfy the needs of the com- munity.
GRADUATES
Cabinet
Berry, George Edward
*Buccelli, Albert
Colwell, Eugene Allen
Day, James Mason Jackson, Vernon Lee Richard, Emile Lucien
Smith, William Lee
Drafting
Leduc, Richard Norman Metras, Arthur Raoul +Sroka, Edward John
Electric
Collette, Alan Alfred Norowski, Roger Leon Proulx, Charles Arthur
Machine Dusza, Robert James
Metalsmith
Larochelle, Rene Ulric *St. Germain, Donald William
Paradis, Joseph Aime Savaria, Arthur Richard
Printing Swiatek, John Walter, Jr. * Jan. Grad. + Veteran
Awards
American Legion Post No. 31 Award (Good Citizenship)
Director's Gold "C"
Vernon Jackson Arthur Metras
English Award
History Award
Mathematics Award
Science Award
Roger Norowski Emile Richard John Swiatek Emile Richard
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Class Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
Vernon Jackson Alan Collette Robert Dusza Arthur Metras
Evening School
Cabinet-Mr. Frank P. Skinyon
26
Drafting-Mr. John Benson
23
Mr. George Braman 15
Furniture Refinishing-Mr. Harold Andrews
12
Mr. Stanley Naumnik 14 Mr. Antonio Orsini 24
Machine-Mr. William Paul
14
Mr. Edwin Waskiewicz
12
Soldering-Welding-Mr. George Braman
18
Apprentice Diversified-Mr. William Julien
7
Total 165
In conclusion I thank the townspeople, the School Com- mittee, the Advisory Board, The Superintendent of Schools, The Faculty, the Office Staff, and our Custodian for their valu- able aid in helping to make Vocational Education a success in the Town of Southbridge.
HEALTH REPORT MRS. LOTTIE A. LEBLANC, R.N., School Nurse
Some of the more essential work being done in this depart- ment can be better understood from the following statistics:
Physical Examinations
748
Visits to Schools
252
Vision Tests
1514
Hearing Tests
1055
Home Visits
207
Conferences on health problems
700 Dental Care
236
Innoculations
216
Pre-School Clinic Registration
350
Donations for milk by Lions' Club $800.00
Census of physically handicapped completed.
Summer camp provided for 7 children.
Special class for mentally retarded given much attention.
Five home teachers provided for children unable to go to
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school; Clear Type Books were obtained from the Massachu- setts Division of the Blind for two pupils.
In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the 1954 Health Program.
ATTENDANCE REPORT JACOB E. GOUIN, Attendance Officer
Absentees from January 1, 1954 to December 31, 1954.
Month
Pupils
Days
January
7
28
February
3
12
March
10
201/2
May
6
71/2 (1 Suspended)
June
2
4
September
3
13
October
8
10
(1 Dropped & Transferred to Springfield.)
November
17
73
December
6
23
Total
62
191
BAND REPORT MR. PAUL J. SWEET, Director
In submitting this, my annual report for the year 1954, I would like to deviate from my usual custom of reporting on the activities of the musical groups under my direction and in- stead make some specific recommendations which would sub- stantially improve the department.
For the elementary schools there should be music stands available in each school, as I now have to transport these from the high school. A minimum of one half dozen per school would be sufficient for the present.
The high school, of course, is the biggest problem. The room now used as the band room is about one half the size it should be for the number of students using it. It could be in- creased to double its size by extending out into what is now an unused court yard.
If, with the expansion of the Cole Trade School, any of the rooms in the Wells building should become available, I would like to have the room adjoining the band room. This room would be used for the instrumental and vocal supervisors' offices and for the storage of all equipment for which suitable cabinets, shelves, etc. would have to be built.
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There should be two steps of risers built in the band room, these to be in sections so that they could be moved to the school auditorium, or the stage of the town hall as the occasion may require. Proper lighting should be made available in the Wells Auditorium under the balcony to the right of the stage that would shed light on the players' music in the rear of the band.
A part-time string instrument teacher in the elementary grades would lead to the formation of an orchestra with subse- quent carry-over to the high school.
The foregoing recommendations and requests are based on a survey I have made of many high schools in which special attention has been given to the provision of suitable quarters and equipment for the music department.
The Wells High School Band, numbering about fifty stu- dents, took part in many town activities as follows:
An exchange concert with the Norwood, Massachusetts high school band was perhaps the outstanding activity of the school year. It gave the students of both groups an opportunity of becoming more closely acquainted with each other both musically and socially. The Wells High School Glee Club co- operated in the undertaking.
Other public performances by the band were as follows:
Rotary Club, Halloween Parade, Memorial Day parade, Elks Flag Day exercises, several school assemblies including a football rally, all home football games, also two away games, (Athol and Bartlett.) The outdoor high school graduation held at Dresser Field was a wonderful experience. The annual Music Festival, conducted under the auspices of the Massachu- setts Music Educators Association, Central Division, was held in Webster, May 22, 1954. The band, in its morning audition, received a rating of Excellent.
The elementary schools are being taken care of by weekly lessons in small group lessons. Music students from the four schools are brought together one night a week at the high school for full band experience. A parents' group was organized and they raised funds for the purchase of material and the making of uniforms. This group is known as the Southbridge Junior Band and went to the Music Festival. They also took part in the Memorial Day parade here in town.
Herewith is the net worth of the high school band, as of June 1, 1954.
Instruments owned by the band $2,159.00
Uniforms owned by the band
2,000.00
Music owned by the band 634.00
Other Equipment owned by the band
110.00
Total $4,893.15
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Of this amount $2,000 was given to the band by the Southbridge Rotary Club. Amount purchased by the town over an 8-year period, $400. The Balance of $2,493.00 was earned by the band.
REPORT ON CHORAL MUSIC ELLWOOD S. JENNESS, Director
The vocal music program in the Southbridge Public Schools continues to be characterized by a high and increasing degree of interest and enthusiasm. Many gains are in evidence, as are many needs for the adoption of measures to keep step with these gains and to nurture the growing interest.
The past year has seen a growth in the choral depart- ments of the high school and eighth grade from about one- eighth to nearly one-third of the total school population. It has consequently been necessary to devote an increased amount of time and energy to these groups. At the same time an ef- fort has been made to maintain the status quo in the elemen- tary schools. The desirability of an additional teacher on the music staff, who could devote full time to the elementary pro- gram, is clearly seen for the following reasons:
1. There has been a considerable increase in the number of elementary school class rooms.
2. An elementary school music supervisor should be free to confer with the classroom teachers after school or before the afternoon session. Much of the success of the elementary school music program depends on the classroom teachers, and the supervisor should be more readily available to help them than is now possible.
3. New activities, such as rhythm band work, glee clubs, song flutes, and an improved listening program, should be initiated and developed.
4. Relieving the director of some of the elementary teach- ing would enable him to inaugurate classes in the high school in theory, voice instruction, history and ap- preciation; and to further develop the high school, trade high school, and eighth grade choral programs. Such activities are considered a necessary and integral part of the modern, forward-looking school's curri- culum.
It is to be hoped that the people of Southbridge will ap- preciate the spiritual and social significance to their young people of an awakened interest in music, and will realize the importance of seizing every opportunity to further that interest.
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GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
SVEN O. ROSENGREN, Director of Guidance
In conformity with the custom of other years, a report on guidance activities during the past year is hereby respectfully submitted.
TESTING PROGRAM
Intelligence Tests
Consistent with a pattern of testing established several years ago in the Southbridge Public Schools, tests measuring scholastic aptitude were administered in October, to pupils in grades 1, 4, 7, 9, 11 and 12. The tests used were the California Tests of Mental Maturity and the Psychological Examination of the American Council of Education. The latter test was administered to the Senior Class at Mary E. Wells High School. In some instances individual psychological examinations were administered to pupils throughout the school system.
Achievement Tests
Metropolitan Achievement Tests were administered to grades 1-8. These standardized tests are administered annually to all pupils in each of these grades and can be used as diagnos- tic tools in teaching. The tests measure achievement in read- ing, vocabulary, arithmetic, English, history, geography, science and spelling. Scores achieved by each pupil were related to tables of National norms. An extensive study was made of the complete test data and a report of findings was submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. The report indicated that the children in Southbridge Public Schools were generally achieving about .5 of one year above the National group.
The objective measurement of achievement in specific sub- jects such as English, French, Geometry, chemistry, Physics, etc., as taught in the high school, was accomplished through use of Cooperative Tests, published by the Education Test Service at Princeton, N. J.
Aptitude Tests
On February 15, 1954 a battery of tests measuring inter- est, scholastic aptitude, reading comprehension, mechanical ap- titude and clerical aptitude was administered to pupils in the junior classes of the Mary E. Wells High School and the Cole Trade High School. This battery was administered by the Boston University Guidance and Testing Service. Subsequent to this testing, a psychometric report for each student was developed into a vocational aptitude battery profile and used as a counselling aid in the schools.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Em-
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ployment Security, administered a General Aptitude Test bat- tery to thirty-seven seniors at the Mary E. Wells and Cole Trade High Schools in November. The results of these tests are useful in the counselling of students and also provide the Division of Employment Security with objective placement data.
Placement
A survey was conducted to determine the part time em- ployment status of high school pupils. A break down of the findings of this survey is listed below.
Class No.
1955 Employed
49
Unemployed 36
1956 Employed 36
Unemployed
46
1957 Employed Unemployed
25
95
Fifty-eight percent of seniors enrolled at the Mary E. Wells High School are employed in part-time work as compared to 44% in the junior class and 20% in the sophomore class. Be- cause of age requirements and labor laws, those students em- ployed part time in the Sophomore and Freshmen Classes are primarily engaged in such work activities as delivery boy, paper route, house work, baby sitting, etc.
A placement file has been established in the guidance office where students may register for part-time work. As notice of vacancies are received, qualifying students are con- tacted and referred for possible employment.
A cooperative work plan for Senior Commercial students has been in effect for several years. In this plan, qualified stu- dents spend alternate two-week periods in an actual work situation outside of school and two weeks in the formal class room environment.
Class of 1954
Over forty percent of the members of the class of 1954 continued in further education at other institutions. The fol- lowing table presents a breakdown of the entire class.
No.
%
1. Further Education
47
41.2
Attending four year colleges Attending nursing schools Attending Junior Colleges Attending Technical Schools
30
26.3
8
7.0
6
5.2
3
2.6
2. Employed in full-time work
31
27.2
3. Entered military services
18
15.8
4. Employed part-time work
7
6.2
5. Unemployed
6
5.3
6. Married (girls)
5
4.4
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Occupational and Educational Information
A library of Occupational Information including books, digests, and occupational briefs has been set up in the Mary E. Wells High School. College catalogues and information bulletins are arranged on open shelves for student use. A large and current selection of these catalogues is maintained so that information on nearly all schools and colleges in the country is readily available.
In addition to the above facility, the department has pro- vided for a series of informational talks, movies and field trips.
Counselling
The nature of counselling is dependent upon the in- dividual variations in personalities and the types of problems being considered. Many interviews were simple in nature and were concerned with employment registration, securement of information and disclosure of personal data. Scores achieved in the many and varied standardized tests elsewhere described in this report were entered in a cumulative record folder. Pupil progress, referral data, special recommendations, etc. are also kept in these cumulative files.
A combination vocational aptitude profile chart and ques- tionnaire is being developed for the eighth grade at the present moment. Its purpose is to provide an effective counselling de- vice for advising pupils in their selection of courses as they enter the first year of high school.
Program of Study
Programs of study for the Cole Trade High School and the Mary E. Wells High School were produced in sufficient numbers so that each pupil selecting courses was given a copy for his personal use and for planning at home with parents.
Recommendations
1. It is recommended that a Dean of Girls be appointed in the Mary E. Wells High School to assist in the counselling program.
2. It is recommended that a reading improvement pro- gram be initiated in the Mary E. Wells High School to meet the needs of pupils who are slow readers.
The administration of a functioning guidance program would be an impossibility without the close cooperation of all school personnel. I would like at this time to express my ap- preciation to all principals, supervisors, and teachers for their cooperative assistance expended in behalf of this program.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION DR. LEWIS A. KYRIOS, Director
The general functions of our Physical Education program is to assist in providing a medium for the normal growth and natural development of each pupil. The basic aims and ob- jectives are the same as those of education in general, for the total process of education must be considered in providing a program of education for the proper development of the child.
One of the primary functions of physical education is to develop each individual to his greatest possible physical ca- pacity within the range of accepted educational objectives. This implies development in skill and ability as well as organic development.
Our present Physical Education Program involves over five hundred pupils, participating in regular physical education classes. All the boys and girls in grades six and seven in our elementary school have two periods of physical education each week. All the boys of our Cole Trade High School average one hour per week.
A typical Physical Education Program comprises the fol- lowing: Calesthenics, Formal Activities, Games, Relays and Re- creational Sports.
The curriculum is flexible in order to provide a wide range of activities for the many interests.
A closely supervised program has been organized for grades 1-5 inclusive. This program has been designed to provide stu- dents opportunities to learn basic skills, to develop good health and safety habits, to encourage leadership and good sports- manship.
The activities are planned and organized by the Director and submitted to each classroom teacher, who in turn conducts these activities during the recess period. Approximately 30 minutes a day is given to this program.
Play Demonstration Days were held in all elementary schools during the month of June, and many parents attended.
AFTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM
This program has become very popular for more have participated in the past year. Touch football, basketball, and baseball Leagues have been organized for the boys in the ele- mentary schools. The girls play basketball and softball. The competition between girls has been more keen and balanced. All the students participating in these activities are properly supervised by their coaches and all teams are properly clothed.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Principals, the School Health Service, and the classroom teachers for their generous collaboration and cooperation in establishing the Physical Education Program.
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REPORT OF ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION MISS CONSTANCE L'ECUYER, Director
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Many changes have been made in the regulations carrying out the Immigration and Naturalization Laws. The McCarran Act, or new Immigration Act dispenses with all Declaration of Intention or First Papers. Now everyone must file only one paper after residing in the United States for five years, except wives or husbands of citizens. These may file after a three-year residence in this country. Everyone must submit to finger- printing before being called for questioning. The Southbridge Police Department has been most cooperative in Finger-Print- ing all cases referred to them. This eliminates the necessity of the petitioner going to Worcester.
Today, legally admitted children under sixteen acquire Citizenship through the Naturalization of a parent. This is most important and this Division of the School Department is constantly on the alert to make this known to parents to get them to act immediately, before their children reach their sixteenth birthday.
A person over fifty years of age and who has lived at least twenty years in the United States is not required to read and write English fluently, but must possess a knowledge and understanding of American History and Government. This is often not understood by people applying for Citizenship.
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