USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1952-1956 > Part 8
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR 1952
To the School Committee and
Citizens of Southbridge, Massachusetts:
It is a pleasure to submit my third annual report as Super- intendent of Schools for the year ending December 31, 1952.
The main purpose of this report is to acquaint you briefly but completely with the major aims, accomplishments, and activities of our school system at the present time. The school program involves many areas and departments of learning. The total educational development of every child is its main re- sponsibility and objective. We should be concerned primarily and continually with the needs, interests, aptitudes, and abili- ties of youth. The nation's future depends upon their growth and development intellectually, socially, physically, and mor- ally. The task of education for these ends is a colossal one. It cannot be fulfilled by administrators, teachers, or school per- sonnel alone. It requires the untiring interest and enthusiastic support of every parent and citizen of this community.
It is hoped that through an analysis of this report there may result a clearer and more sympathetic understanding of the vast scope and importance of the work in which we are en- gaged. A true appreciation of our plans and problems will help us immensely to advance the cause of learning and education. All must admit that this is a vital need of our generation.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
You will observe in the Statistical Report that the enroll- ment in our schools has increased this year. It became neces- sary to transfer the eighth grades to the Mary E. Wells High School. Our grade schools now house grades one through seven which has relieved considerably the crowded situation in ยท these elementary buildings. The largest first grade entered our schools in September 1952. Based on this year's census, the enrollment in our first grades will continue to decrease for the next five years at least. This will alleviate the over- crowded conditions in our elementary grades. The reverse is true, however, in our high school. The enrollment will steadily increase for the next ten years. Without counting tuition pu- pils from surrounding towns, the present enrollment at Mary E. Wells High School is 485. (This includes eighth grades). By 1962, there will be between 900 and 1,000 pupils seeking ad- mission to this building.
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BUILDING PROBLEM
It is quite evident that some future building program is definitely necessary. The enrollment trend quite clearly indi- cates the greatest need will be in the high or secondary school level.
The building problem involves not only overcrowded con- ditions, but also lack of adequate and suitable facilities for the administration of a sound and complete educational program for grades ten, eleven, and twelve. We lack gymnasium, audi- torium facilities, libraries, laboratory and science rooms, lock- ers, lavatory and toilet rooms, storage space, music and art rooms, shop rooms, additional cafeteria space, administration rooms, teachers' rooms, etc. The Cole Trade School is also lacking in these same facilities and building expansion is rec- ommended.
The kindergarten, now housed at Mechanic Street School, has an enrollment of approximately 170 pupils. These are divided into six groups. A majority of these youngsters have to be transported by bus from all parts of the town. This is a costly and hazardous procedure. A kindergarten should be located in each elementary building to solve this problem sat- isfactorily. Furthermore, the Mechanic Street School is quite dilapidated and has outlived its usefulness in many respects.
The School Committee is again reviewing and studying the total building problem in preparation for future presenta- tion to the Town. H. U. Bail & Son, Contractors, are inspecting the Marcy Street School as well as the Mary E. Wells High School buildings to determine the present condition of these structures relative to the various phases of their construction; of facilities, such as roofs, foundations, stonemasonry, brick work, plumbing, heating, ventilating, lighting, interior paint- ing and decorating, etc.
Present and future enrollments are also being studied and
A CURRICULUM CONFERENCE
10
charted. Before final determination is made as to the solution of the building problem, it seems essential that these facts and findings should be presented to all the various town officials, committees, citizen groups, parent-teacher associations, tax- payer associations, fraternal, social, and civic organizations of all kinds in the Town. A thorough understanding of the school building needs and problems must be realized by all the citizens of the community. In this way, a unification of plan and pur- pose will result in a solution that all or the vast majority may agree upon and support.
It is the responsibility of all citizens to help arrive at a true evaluation and appreciation of the existing School Build- ing Problem, and of educational values in general, the critical needs, the type of school program desired, and the financial ability of the Town to provide such a program. This requires serious thought, discretion, and wise decision on the part of every adult in this community.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND REVISION
A new program in curriculum revision and development for the public schools is now in progress.
Conferences are held with teachers of each grade level or department of the entire system.
Teachers are encouraged to participate in planning the total school program as it affects the particular area of instruction in which they are engaged. They review the practices and prin- ciples of teaching in which they have had experience and training.
Policies Discussed
Particular problems and policies are discussed which are related to the daily routine of classroom activities. A thorough
DID YOU LIKE THAT SWITZERLAND
NY
IS NO SILAPORTE
AS THE PHONE GLACIER 2
MATTERHORN?
SOCIAL STUDIES AND ART
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study and review is made of course content and subject matter, instructional materials and equipment, methods and techniques of teaching, group and project work, time schedules and ar- rangement of programs.
There are many other pertinent topics which are called to the attention of teachers at these conferences such as guidance, music, art, physical education, audio-visual aids, selection of suitable textbooks, supplementary materials, etc.
Study Marking
A special study is being made at the present time by these various teacher groups of the method of marking pupils, report cards and grades. The most progressive communities in prac- tically every part of the nation, are being contacted in order to become more fully and intelligently informed of the latest findings and research in endeavoring to effect a better solution to this very important problem and phase of school life.
Curriculum planning and revision of this kind should re- sult in a more effective and improved system of education for the pupils of Southbridge.
GUIDANCE AND STUDENT DIRECTION
Our Guidance Department is being ably administered by Mr. William A. Julien, Director. It serves all students from
COUNSELING
kindergarten through elementary, high, and trade schools. There are various phases of this work which I will mention briefly and which are illustrated in this report.
Testing
(1) Achievement tests
(2) Intelligence tests
(3) Mechanical and clerical aptitude tests
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(4) Interest tests
(5) Cooperative tests
These tests are administered to pupils on different levels and in various areas of our school system.
Counseling
The Guidance Department provides individual counseling to assist students to discover and pursue those courses of study which offer them the greatest opportunities. Solution of per- sonal problems is likewise an objective of this service. Spe- cialists are also consulted in this counseling process.
Occupational Information and Group Guidance
Group Guidance classes are now being conducted this year in the high school for the purpose of exploring occupational fields of interest to help students understand themselves. A small library of texts and catalogues regarding occupational and educational opportunities is being made available to pupils. Field trips to industries and visits to professional schools are likewise encouraged.
MOVEMENT
GROUP GUIDANCE
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Placement
Assisting in the development of an effective placement bu- reau designated to help students find employment is a function of this department also.
Follow-up
A contact is made with graduates to find out how they are progressing in college or whatever occupation they may be en- gaged in. Their needs and achievements provide valuable in- formation for progress and improvement in the field of guidance.
ART
Art serves to enrich the entire elementary curriculum in much the same way that music does. It is an important part of living. Everyone has the right to learn how to use art and to understand and appreciate it.
Art, as an essential part of education, contributes to the full development of each child and to the community in which he lives. Few children in our elementary schools will ever become professional artists, but every child has potential pow- ers of esthetic enjoyment and creative expression. Therefore, art is for all, not merely for the talented few.
The balanced 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 satisfac- tion 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, draw- ing, crafts, and appreciation give opportunities for creative expression to the average child as well as to the exceptionally talented. In the upper grades, more difficult problems are of- fered, including instruction in block printing, stenciling, the art of lettering with brush or lettering pen, advanced color harmony, design, and participation in poster contests.
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, lay-out, black and white drawings for the school paper, three dimensional poster work, block-printing, stenciling, modeling, designing and painting scenery for school programs, decorations for school dances. A well-balanced course is offered which has proven very stimulating to many students, and which offers practical problems to the average and to the talented.
The Art Supervisor is Miss Claire J. Birtz.
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BLOCK PRINTING - ADVANCED CLASS
WANTED
ONE HON
BE KT)
PAINTING POSTERS
PAINTING SCENERY FOR OPERETTA
ADVANCED CLASS IN PAINTING IN OILS
MUSIC
Our school system now has two full-time music supervisors. Mr. Paul Sweet supervises instrumental music, and Miss Elea- nor Van Etten is the director of vocal music. Music activities have been greatly expanded and made available to many more pupils than in former years. The time schedule has been so arranged at Mary E. Wells High School to permit four full periods of music per week for eighth graders as well as four periods per week for the high school glee club. Music activi- ties in the grades have also been extended to include many ad- ditional opportunities for children to appreciate, enjoy, and create music.
BAND
The Instrumental Music Department has had a busy year, the high school band having appeared in public performances forty times which included football games, basketball tourna- ment at Amherst, local and out-of-town parades, the annual Music Festival, as well as high school football rallies and as- semblies.
Recognition for the band has been gained by having several of its members invited to play with the All State Band, All State Orchestra, and the N. E. Festival Band and Orchestra. Four of its members were selected for the Band of New Eng- land composed of 250 high school musicians drawn from the six N. E. states and under the direction of famous bandmaster Paul Lavall when it performed at the Boston Arena before a record crowd of 15,000 persons.
The Junior Band is also a going organization. It displayed its talents at two elementary schools for Christmas Programs and is now preparing to take part in forthcoming Music Festi- val and the annual Memorial Day Parade.
GLEE CLUB
In September 1952, a High School Glee Club of about seven- ty-five voices was organized in two sections with almost iden- tical membership in each section. The Glee Club sang in De- cember for the Y. M. C. A. Women's Auxiliary and at Parents' Night at the High School. It has several invitations to sing this Spring. At Christmas about half the members sang in their red robes, standing in Christmas tree formation, carry- ing balsam boughs and decorated with stars and candlelight. The other members assisted from the floor of the auditorium with choruses, solos, and duets.
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CHRISTMAS MUSICALE
MARY E. WELLS BAND
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
GROUP INSTRUCTION IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Our program has been organized to include all the stu- dents in our elementary schools plus the entire student body of our Trade School. Calisthenics, games and relays, and rec- reational sports are emphasized in this program for grades 6, 7, and Trade School. Each student, in these levels, averages one hour of physical education per week. The program offered is flexible in order to provide a wide range of activities for the many interests and needs of students.
A closely supervised program has been organized for grades 1-5 inclusive. This program has been designed to pro- vide students opportunities to learn basic skills, to develop good health and safety habits, to encourage leadership and good sportsmanship. This particular program has been divided into three levels. Level one includes a program for grades 1 and 2. Grades 3 and 4 are included in level two. Level three offers a program for grade 5.
Each program is planned and organized by the Director and submitted to each classroom teacher at each level. The teach- ers conduct these programs during the recess and physical edu- cation program. Approximately 30 minutes a day is given to 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.
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 most students have participated in the past year. Touch football, basketball, and handball were for the boys. The girls played basketball and softball. The competition between schools has been more keen and balanced. All the students participating in these ac- tivities are properly supervised by their coaches. All teams are properly clothed. Practices and games were held in the ele- mentary school gyms and playgrounds.
The Director of Physical Education is Dr. Lewis A. Kyrios.
FORWARD MARCH! 6th AND 7th GRADES
CALISTHENICS 6th AND 7th GRADES
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FREE PLAY - GRADE II
SUPERVISED PLAY - GRADE I
DEVELOPING SKILL IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
HEALTH
A pre-school clinic is held annually for registration of children entering school for the first time.
Physical Examinations
Six hundred and thirty-eight pupils were examined. One hundred defects were found and notices were mailed to parents. Minor physical defects were marked as observation cases on the health cards. The nature of the defects found and reported for immediate attention were as follows: teeth, throat, feet, skin, scalp, heart, posture, ears.
Vision Test
Seven hundred and twenty-one pupils were given the Massa- chusetts Vision Test. Notices of defects requiring attention by an eye specialist were sent to parents of seventy-two pupils who failed this test.
Dental Clinic
Two hundred and sixty-seven pupils of the first four grades attended the Dental Clinic held at the Town Hall under the supervision of the Board of Health.
The Lions Club furnished milk for seventy-two children in our schools.
Clear Type Books were obtained from the Massachusetts Division of the Blind in Boston for two of our pupils in the pub- lic grammar schools.
Home Visits
Following up the physical examinations and cases referred by teachers and principals, several home visits were made.
HEALTH EXAMINATION
VISUAL AIDS DIRECTOR AND PROJECTIONISTS
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Pupils were referred to various clinics, such as speech, lip- reading, etc.
Diphtheria Toxoid Clinics are also held about four times a year.
During the school year, an observation of children is made in order to determine those eligible for the Sterling Health Camp.
Mrs. Louise Pontbriand served as School Nurse until Octo- ber 1952, when she was relieved by Mrs. Sylvia Laakso who substituted for the remainder of the year.
AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS
The educational film received the most emphasis in audio- visual instruction during 1952. A total of 185 films were used in the following separate programs: Elementary, High School, Trade School, and Guidance. Each film used was carefully selected by teacher committees and individual teachers in con- ference with the director.
In order to help teachers realize the full educational poten- tialities of the teaching film, the Department has recently pro- vided a "Teachers' Guide" to accompany each film now used in the school system. Since this guide helps the teacher to familiarize herself with film content, methods and techniques of use and follow-up activities, we may expect a more closely integrated and more functional film program in the future.
New Equipment and Materials
The services of the Department were further extended during the latter part of the year by the purchase of much needed equipment and materials. One 3-speed playback ma- chine, two Spencer 300-watt filmstrip projectors, and 215 film- strips were added to the Department.
The purchase of the new filmstrips means, in actuality, an entirely new service to teachers. To facilitate the use of these aids and to insure better integration, all filmstrips were cata- logued according to curriculum subject areas, and a complete catalog was issued to every teacher.
The Director of Audio-Visual Aids is Mr. Edward J. Desroches.
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IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS EDUCATION
The school authorities are endeavoring to modernize the office equipment in the Commercial Department, keeping pace with trends in schools of comparable size. The Rexograph and the IBM electric typewriter have been added to the Office Practice Room.
The Rexograph is a liquid duplicating machine, which pro- duces work with a minimum of expense. It is especially effi- cient for jobs of limited quantity. The Mimeograph, more ex- pensive to operate, is still used for the larger quantity runs. Because the Rexograph is operated so easily, a great many teachers are running off their own assignment sheets and tests, thereby increasing the efficiency of their class work. Of course, students are getting training on this machine as a part of their regular Office Practice course.
The students in the Office Practice course become ac- quainted with the new IBM electric typewriter, which has a touch different from the regular standard typewriter. This IBM has potentialities for a far greater amount of speed than the regular standard typewriter.
The Typewriting room has been painted with attractive pastel colors, and a new set of sturdy typing chairs are a wel- come addition to the room. Approximately 225 students are learning to operate the forty Royal, Underwood, and L. C. Smith typewriters daily. The pleasant atmosphere created by the newly decorated room is conducive to good results in the development of the typing skill.
There are seventeen Comptometers with full classes mak- ing daily use of these valuable machines .. There is a great de- mand from industry for this skill, and the course attempts to meet the demand with the time allowed for it.
COMPTOMETRY
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OFFICE MACHINE PRACTICE
NEW REXOGRAPH
USING THE ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER
HIGH SCHOOL
HOMEMAKING
To teach Homemaking in 1953 with 1923 equipment is most unsatisfactory to teachers and students alike.
In September 1950, a long range program of improvement was set up and much has been accomplished.
Kitchen
The kitchen, where we were teaching with the original 1920 small gas burners, was given first attention. The walls were painted a light color; two complete unit kitchens were installed, one gas and one electric; a fine large metal cabinet to serve as a pantry was placed at one corner of the room.
The old work desks were cleaned and painted by the stu- dents to make work tables which the girls in groups of four, use.
The electric kitchen unit contains a garbage disposal unit, which is most necessary, and a dish washing machine, the joy of every girl. No more excuse for being late to the next class "because we had to do the dishes." Many girls have electric stoves at home so more than appreciate having one in the department.
The old pantry repainted with cheery yellow paint is now a storeroom.
Sewing Room
Between the old dining room and sewing room, an archway has been made by removing a part of a partition giving a much lighter, larger, and better ventilated room.
One of the old bookcases from the dining room was placed in the storeroom, making an excellent place for sewing boxes. The placing of this bookcase was a master carpenter job. The sewing room is painted a soft blue, easy on the eyes. We have the finest lighting system of any schoolroom in town and plenty of sewing machines, so girls do not waste time waiting for their turns.
Living Room
September 1952 brought us two more rooms to improve the Homemaking Department - a small room which we use as a press room; a library for girls to work in as they wish, and best of all, a living room! This room is decorated in soft rose and green. The girls made the draperies and re-covered three chairs. The girls take nice care of the new pieces of modern furniture and use them as they would in their own home.
The Homemaking Department is conducted by Miss Luise B. Corbin and Mrs. Barbara Kyrios.
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COOKING WITH GAS - HOMEMAKING
?
USING ELECTRICITY - PREPARING GRIDDLE CAKES
BREAKFAST IS READY!
SOPHOMORE HOMEMAKERS IN NEW LIVING ROOM
Y
NIMBLE FINGERS
PRESSING
HIGH SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SPEECH ACTIVITIES
Learning to speak well should be an objective of any well- organized school system today. Radio and television have in- creased the need for emphasis upon the art of speaking cor- rectly and effectively.
Our educational program has been expanded to include a variety of speech activities in practically every grade level. It is a desired goal to have as many pupils as possible actively take part in some type of speech activity.
Demonstrations are planned annually and presented for the benefit and appraisal of the public.
In the field of dramatics, each class at Mary E. Wells High School performed very capably. There were four one-act plays, one sponsored by each class; a Senior three-act play, a Junior three-act play. For the first time, Mary E. Wells en- tered the State one-act play contest, winning the regional con- test at Northampton, and then traveling on to take part in the final conest at Andover. The cast made a very favorable im- pression and were rated highly by the judges.
DRAMATICS - ONE-ACT PLAY
A DECLAMATION!
CHORAL READING
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Debating and Oratory is also encouraged as part of the high school speech program.
In grades 5, 6, 7, and 8, speech activities include dramatics, one-act plays, declamations, choral reading, musical readings, etc. This has proved to be a very beneficial program to a large number of pupils on practically every grade level.
HIGH SCHOOL
CONVERSATIONAL FRENCH
We are living in an era where the understanding of other nations is an absolute necessity if peace is to survive, and since the United States of America is called upon to take up the lead- ership of a shrunken world, it behooves school systems to train pupils to become as nearly bilingual as possible. With this in mind, a course in conversational French is offered this year. We hope to train pupils to communicate their ideas and thoughts in French by getting "the feel" of the language.
The course is designed for the pupils who do not speak French. The direct method is used. The instructor has a French background, speaks French fluently, and therefore, the course is conducted nearly entirely in French - English is almost banished from the class.
The media used are: a recording machine with French rec- ords; the tape recorder - an aid in speech corrections; the read- ing of simple French stories; dramatizations; French songs. Pupils are encouraged to converse in French among themselves; to listen and report on broadcasts, and to read some French from French newspapers and periodicals. No attempt is made to prepare pupils for college credit. Our effort is spent on the oral and aural attainment in the language. Thus, we hope to attain our objectives.
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