USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961 > Part 15
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Junior Red Cross
The Junior Red Cross is a service organization. This group, formerly under the able direction of Miss Luise Corbin and now under the supervision of Mr. Gilbert Lamarre, gives cheer and aid to the destitute, the ill, and the unfortunate.
The work of this group with veterans' organizations sup- plements the tremendous tasks carried on by the local, state, and national patriotic and philanthropic groups. In addition, the work of the Junior Red Cross is concerned with problems other than those of a local or national level. They have filled chests with supplies and sent them to needy individuals of other nations.
Guidance Department
The work of the Guidance Department will be covered in the report of the Guidance Director, Mr. Gilbert Lamarre.
The Commercial Course
The commercial program includes typewriting, bookkeep- ing, comptometry, filing, office practice and all general busi- ness 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.
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, College of the Holy Cross, Tufts, Dartmouth, Univer- sity of Massachusetts, Boston University, University of Michi- gan, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Rens- selaer Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, Harvard, Smith College, Mount Holyoke, Wellesley Col-
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lege, Simmons College, Columbia University, University of Connecticut, University of New Hampshire, Williams College, Colorado College, Ohio State University, The College of New Rochelle, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State College, Northeastern Uni- versity, Westminster College, Bates, Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Colby College, Purdue University, Carnegie Institute of Technology, plus most of the leading colleges and nursing schools.
Scholarship Qualifying Tests for National Merit Scholarships
The majority of schools select the top 10% of the college preparatory students to take this test. However, Mary E. Wells High School administers the test to all college preparatory stu- dents. In October of 1957, 255,817 students took the test. Mary E. Wells High students ranked with all these students as fol- lows: Verbal - 52.6%, Quantitative - 58.9%.
These scores mean that all of the students in the college preparatory course ranked above the average of the 255,817 students taking the test.
Translating the scores of the 8 students who would have been recommended to take the test on the standard of past per- formance in high school, the results of these top 8 students are as follows:
Verbal - 87.5%, Quantitative - 89.7%.
These scores mean that the top 8 students are better than 88 out of every 100 students over the nation. One young man, Walter E. Damian, was a winner in the qualifying tests.
The Eighth Grade
The eighth grades of the school system are still housed in the high school building. This year it has been necessary, because of increased enrollment, to have four eighth grade home rooms. The pupils receive the program opportunities of the high school, and they are eligible for all high school activi- ties, including sports.
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 Rose Brodeur. The values of the organization are manifold.
1. Pupils participate in or manage extracurricular 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.
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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-one mem- bers during the past year. The most recent induction was hon- ored by a retired teacher, Miss Luise Carbin, who spoke at the ceremonies.
The following young people have been inducted into the society during the past year:
February 1957
Seniors
Arthur Davey
Lucy Palmerino
Loretta Spiro
Stacia Steplowski
Carolyn Young
November 1957 Seniors
Alice Bellos Jay Fitzpatrick Helen Skarani Judith Wood
Juniors
Vivian Anderson
Marjorie Bliss
Susan Colognesi
Kathleen Gallery
Susan McMaster
Sandra Strenk
Juniors
Marilyn Blanchard
JoAnn Bozzo
Arthur Darley
Alexandra Papaloucas
Joan Russell
Sara Schauweker
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 school life. Furthermore, they widen and deepen the interest of the pupils and serve as a means of developing public opinion and appreciation. The types of assemblies fall into many cate- gories, such as the following:
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.
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Senior Class Trip
One of the extracurricular activities which is of education- al value is the trip taken by the seniors to Washington, D. C.
In order to acquaint the townspeople with the educational value of this trip, the routine itinerary is included in this report.
Itinerary "A"
D.S.T.
Wednesday-May 7
Lv. Hartford NH RR #69 8:15 AM
Coach accommodations provided
Ar. New York NH RR
10:25 AM
Transfer from Grand Central Terminal to the B&O RR. Terminal located across the street. On arrival B&O RR. Terminal, combined group will go downstairs to have lunch in the Shoreham Cafeteria, largest in New York City, seating 1,000 people.
Lv. New York B&O RR. #5 12:00 N Special motor coach transfer to Jersey City.
Lv. Jersey City B&O RR. 12:45 PM
"CAPITOL LIMITED" __
Reserved coach seat provided.
Ar. Baltimore, Md. - Mt. Royal Sta. .... B&O RR. 4:13 PM
Upon arrival, motor coaches will be on hand to transfer party directly to our hotel in Washington, D. C.
Ar. Washington Motor Coaches 6:00 PM Accommodations provided at the Annapolis Hotel on the basis of four to a room and bath- American Plan (with meals) - including all meal tips and the porters' tips handling bag- gage into and out of the hotel.
8:00 PM - Evening tour visiting the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the Congression- al Library, following which group will visit Glen Echo Amusement Park for recreation and dancing.
Thursday-May 8
8:30 AM - Public Buildings Tour, including the Washington Monument, Old and New Na- tional Museums, Mellon Art Museum, and Archives Building, to see the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
1:30 PM - Afternoon Tour, including the City of Washington, Arlington National Cemetery,
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Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Virginia (home of George and Martha Washington). 6:15 PM - Combined group will walk to Cas- ino Royal Restaurant and night club for din- ner, show, and dancing until 10:00 PM.
Friday-May 9
8:30 AM - Public Buildings Tour, including the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, Pan- American Union, White House, U. S. Supreme Court Building, and the U. S. Capitol.
1:30 PM - Baggage to be packed and taken along on this tour of the U. S. Naval Academy buildings and grounds. Time will be given to view the Midshipmen's Drill and Review, starting at 3:00 PM.
Afterwards, party will proceed direct to the steamship wharf in Baltimore, Md., stopping enroute to visit Historic Fort McHenry - birthplace of the "Star Spangled Banner."
Lv. Baltimore Old Bay Line
Stateroom accommodations provided on basis of two to a room. Dinner provided on board the steamer.
6:30 PM
After dinner, there will be opportunity to view the harbor of Baltimore and Fort McHenry from the deck of the steamer.
Saturday-May 10
Ar. Norfolk, Va. Old Bay Line 7:30 AM
Breakfast provided on board the steamer.
After breakfast, party will commence an all- day sightseeing tour of Historic Colonial Vir- ginia. Starting with a tour through Norfolk, Virginia, and the U. S. Naval Base, we cross historic Hampton Roads to Newport News, Va. While enroute through the City of Newport News, we stop for a visit to the Mariner's Mu- seum, thence on to Williamsburg, Va., passing enroute the famous River Bridge.
Admission included to the buildings at Wil- liamsburg.
After luncheon, the party will proceed to Jamestown Island, returning via Williamsburg to Yorktown, Va. From Yorktown, we return via Newport News to Fortress Monroe, Vir- ginia - also known as "Old Point Comfort," to board our steamer for return home.
Lv. Old Point Comfort Old Bay Line 7:00 PM
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Same staterooms provided returning to Balti- more as were used on the going trip. Dinner provided on board the steamer. There will be opportunity for divers recreational activities after dinner in the ballroom.
Sunday-May 11
Ar. Baltimore, Md. Old Bay Line 6:30 AM
We will have late breakfast aboard, after which special motor coaches will be on hand to transfer party to the Catholic Church for 9:00 AM Mass, after which return to the steamer for luggage.
10:00 AM - Transfer to the B&O RR., Cam- den St. Station in time to -
Lv. Baltimore
B&O RR.
10:25 AM
"Capitol Limited" - diesel-electric streamlin- er. Coach accommodations provided. Lunch- eon provided in the dining car enroute.
Ar. Jersey City B&O RR.
2:00 PM
Special motor coach transfer directly to Grand Central Terminal.
Ar. Grand Central Terminal 2:45 PM
Lv. New York
NH RR. #58
4:07 PM
Coach accommodations provided.
Ar. Hartford
6:40 PM
Recommendations
There are several recommendations which 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 a second modern lavatory for girls be installed on the first floor.
3. That a complete renovation of the Science Laboratory be made, with new equipment needed to keep abreast with the rapid progress of science.
4. That a library be started and a teacher-librarian be ap- pointed.
5. That more lockers be installed until enough are fur- nished to take care of all pupils' personal belongings, coats, rubbers, etc.
6. That the industrial arts program be expanded in order that those pupils who are not interested in a trade education may have the benefit from allied courses.
7. That a biology laboratory be installed so that pupils
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may conduct experiments to increase their interest in the sub- ject.
8. That a survey be made to determine the proper meth- ods of lighting all rooms in the school.
9. That more recent business equipment be installed in the Commercial Department.
10. That money be appropriated for assembly programs.
11. That after ten years of consecutive service, teachers and administrators be given a sabbatical leave at full pay for professional study or travel.
12. That a yearly allotment of not less than $1,500 be ap- propriated for the band - an unusually worthy group which has been forced to be self-supporting.
UNIVERSITY EXTENSION AND EVENING VOCATIONAL COURSES REPORT DR. JAMES M. ROBERTSON, Director
Classes in evening vocational subjects were offered again this year and proved to be very well attended. The following vocational classes were started in November:
Elementary Sewing Two classes
Children's Clothing
One class
Advanced Dressmaking
One class
Tailoring One class
Cooking One class
University Extension classes were offered in the commer- cial and academic fields:
Elementary Typewriting
Parts I and II One class
These classes were conducted under the supervision of the State Department of Education and were instructed by accred- ited teachers.
Other classes in the vocational, commercial, and academic fields will be offered when the demand for them is sufficient to form such classes.
COLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
RAYMOND L. W. BENOIT, Director
Vocational education has a primary objective in preparing young people for profitable employment in industrial pursuit. We believe that a secondary objective is to adjust the curricu- lum in order that young people may go on to higher education if they so desire. Four years ago the program at Cole Trade High School was adjusted to meet both objectives of Vocation- al Education. History and civics were dropped from the Junior and Senior list of subjects, and geometry, trigonometry, me-
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chanics, and physics were added. Today a student at Cole Trade High School is receiving the same amount of time in mathematics and science as a student would receive in a col- lege preparatory program in the traditional type of high school.
The past graduating class was the first to receive this new program, and we hope that they are better prepared to meet today's problems.
We hope that the townspeople of Southbridge will vote in the affirmative for an expansion to the Cole Trade High School building needs. We were required to place on a waiting list many boys who desired our type of education because of the critical shortage which exists at our school. We will be unable to absorb all of the boys who are on the waiting list this year. This means that many boys will be delayed one full year in ob- taining the training of their choice.
CLASS OF 1957
Cabinetmakers
Draftsmen
Charles Gaumond
Ralph Francis Pollone Robert Sylvio Lafleche
Richard Joseph Frain Frederick Raymond Morin Demetrius Stephen Prokos Steve Angelo Siogros
Electricians
Machinists
George William Dumas
Russell Alfred Giroux Charles William Hainesworth Edward Adam Galonek, Jr. Roger William Peck Joseph Francis Welch, Jr. Robert Ernest Guerin Roger Ernest Lataille Ronald Joseph Poirier Walter Polakowski Irving Warren Richert John Francis Szczgiel, Jr. George Charles Thomas Norman Raymond Turner
Metalsmiths
Edward Joseph Beaudry Robert Allen Henderson Chester Stanley Kurowski George Richard LaRue Edward Franklin White Earl Kenneth Wonderlie, Jr.
Printer Gabriel Paul Lafleche
Class Officers
President Vice-President Richard J. Frain Robert S. Lafleche
Treasurer
Edward J. Beaudry Mr. George Braman
Class Advisor
Frederick R. Morin
Secretary
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Awards
American Legion Post No. 31 Award (Good Citizenship)
Director's Gold "C"
English
History
Russell Giroux Frederick Morin Steve Siogros George Dumas Russell Giroux
Mathematics
Science
Ronald Poirier
Reader's Digest Award
George Dumas
Evening School Division
Woodworking:
Mr. David F. Knight
14
Drafting:
Mr. John L. Benson 13
Mr. George H. Braman 15
Machine:
Mr. Edwin J. Waskiewicz 20
*Soldering-Welding:
Mr. George H. Braman
12
Furniture Refinishing:
Mrs. Margaret B. Baybutt 22
Mr. Antonio Orsini 20
Apprentice:
Mr. Frank P. Skinyon
14
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*Beginning last September we did not offer Soldering and Welding. Mr. Braman took over the Drafting Course.
SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORT
Some of the more essential work being done in this depart- ment can be better understood from the following statistics:
Physical examinations 677
Visits to schools
384
Vision tests
2,118
Hearing tests
2,341
Home visits
227
Conferences on health problems
1,990
Dental care
255
Inoculations 4,221
Pre-School Clinic Registration 341
Donations for milk by Lion's Club $950.00
Census of physically handicapped completed.
Summer camp provided for two children.
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Two children were referred to State Crippled Children's Clinic; two home teachers were provided for children unable to go to school; and Clear Type Books were obtained from the Massachusetts Division of the Blind for three pupils.
PLAYGROUND REPORT DR. LEWIS A. KYRIOS, Director
The playground season began on July 8th and ended Au- gust 20th, a period of six weeks. The activities were conducted at the following areas: Charlton Street, Eastford Road, West Street, Pleasant Street, and the Town Hall.
Personnel Dr. Lewis A. Kyrios, - Director
Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard - Supervisor of Arts and Crafts
Pleasant Street:
Supervisor
Miss Madelene Proulx
Assistants
Miss Diana Mckinstry, Miss Mary Delehanty, Mr. Edward VanDernoot
Eastford Road:
Supervisor
Mr. Vincent Puracchio
Assistants Miss Ada Tieri, Miss Louise Lataille
West Street:
Supervisor Mr. Raymond Fell
Assistants Miss Kathryn Hart, Miss Elisabeth Coderre
Charlton Street:
Supervisors Mr. Anthony Sapienza, Mrs. Helen Golden
Assistants Miss Barbara Strenk, Miss Suzanne Girard
Enrollment and Attendance
Total enrollment 1,240
Average daily attendance
540
Average percentage of attendance
43%
Largest daily attendance
720
Activities
Interplayground competition in softball, volleyball, and dodgeball was offered.
Ping-pong, zellball, and horseshoes were presented as in- tra-playground activities.
Singing games, quiet games, as well as slides, jungle-gym, and sandbox activities were listed for the "little people."
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Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts exhibit was held in the Town Hall on August 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 7:00 to 9:00 P. M. Over four thousand items were displayed. Parents and friends of the children were invited, and over five hundred people attended this exhibit. This display was under the excellent supervision of Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard, the Arts and Crafts Supervisor.
Safety Program
The Safety Program was very successful as the results were excellent. There were no major accidents.
Meetings
There were six meetings of the Supervisors held during the season the purpose of which was to plan the activities of the week and to consider any problems that may have devel- oped during the previous week. These meetings were a source of help to all.
GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT GILBERT O. LAMARRE, Director
Testing Program
The Southbridge Public Schools testing program during the past year was composed of tests measuring scholastic apti- tude or intelligence, vocational aptitude, interest and achieve- ment. Group intelligence tests were administered to grades 1, 4, 7, 9, and 11.
Vocational aptitude batteries were administered to grades 8 and 11. The battery given to grade 8 included mechanical, clerical, and scholastic aptitude tests, reading achievement tests, arithmetic achievement tests, and tests in language arts. Individual profiles were drawn, using the data derived from these tests. Representatives from Boston University adminis- tered. a psychometric battery of tests to the Junior classes of Mary E. Wells and Cole Trade High Schools in January. An- alyses and individual profiles were subsequently drawn up for use in counseling.
The Boston University Cooperative Testing Service Report revealed that, from the California Mental Maturity Test, the New England median was 103.8. The Southbridge grade 11 pupils scored a median of 108.
Metropolitan and California Achievement tests were ad- ministered in all elementary grades. The children of the Southbridge Public Schools were found to be achieving about .6 of one year above the National Group.
--
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Counseling
Group guidance talks, personal interviews, field trips, and teacher-pupil relations contributed in making counseling effec- tive. Many parents cooperated with the Guidance Director by encouraging parent-pupil interviews.
The graduating class of 1957 numbered ninety-five pupils, 43 percent of whom continued on to further education in four- year colleges, junior colleges, business schools, and nursing schools.
Employment
Part-time employment of pupils outside of school continued with a noticeable decline in the months of November and De- cember. Local unemployment affected our student employ- ment considerably. The recent enforcement of the labor laws and age requirements accounts for the small number of pupils employed in the Sophomore and Freshman classes.
Recommendations
1. It is recommended for the welfare of our students that a Dean of Girls be appointed in the Mary E. Wells High School to assist in the counseling program.
2. Diagnostic reading tests administered in October indicate that, as a group, the students in our public schools score well above the National average. However, many individuals manifested a definite need for remedial reading courses. Therefore, it is recommended that a reading improvement program be initiated in our school system.
Due to a new policy recently adopted, the Boston Univer- sity Testing Service will not be available for our school testing next year. To replace this program, the Science Research As- sociates Testing Service will be introduced into the Southbridge Public Schools Guidance Service.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT REPORT (Instrumental) PAUL J. SWEET, Director
The Instrumental Music Department has had a most suc- cessful year, both in the large membership in its bands and also in the quality of music.
Public appearances of the High School Band included all football games, several assemblies, and the annual Memorial Day Parade in which the Junior Band also took part. In addi- tion the High School Band performed at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Music Festival held in Millbury and in West Springfield.
Two evening concerts were given in the spring, one at West
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Street School and one at Eastford Road School. Both of these events were staged in the manner of a "Cabaret Night" where tables and chairs were placed about the hall to give an informal atmosphere. Sandwiches and drinks were served at intermis- sion. Both events were complete "sell-outs." The Elemen- tary Band, Junior Band, and the High School Band took part in these performances. Interspersed with the band selections were vocal groups from both schools. A total of about 180 students from grades five through twelve took part.
Perhaps the high light of the year was the selection of the High School Band, by the American Legion of the Southern Massachusetts District, to take part in their mammoth Conven- tion Parade which took place in New Bedford on June 19. Re- ports emanating from Convention headquarters were to the effect that the Wells Band was a credit to its school and community.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT REPORT (Choral) Grades VII-XII RALPH X. FARMER, Director
The following report deals with the plans and accomplish- ments of the Director of the choral groups of the Music De- partment from September, 1957 to January 1, 1958:
New Purchases
1 File Cabinet
1 Three-drawer File
1 Cabinet for Choir Robes
1 Autoharp
1 Music Stand for Conductor
400 Four-Way Reference Music Library Cards
60 Number Tags for Choir Robes
3 Locks for Pianos and Music Cabinet
New Music and Supplementary Music
Performances (September through December, 1957)
Thanksgiving Day Concert
Radio Program for Education Week by Mary E. Wells Chorale
Parents' Night Program
Christmas Concert for Rotary Club (combined band and choral groups)
Christmas Concert for 8th Grade Assembly (combined band and choral groups)
Christmas Concert for Grades 9 through 12 Assembly (com- bined band and choral groups)
Accomplishments
Catalogued and filed music
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Repaired music Stored music in separate cabinet (old, etc.) Cleaned and tagged choir robes Repaired choir robes Repaired risers for chorus General cleaning job in Music Room
Future Purchases
Record player and speakers
Record cabinet and records
Upright piano for Music Room
Future Plans
Christmas Pageants
Operettas
Musical Comedy
Exchange Concerts
Attendance at Festivals
Local Evening Concerts
Plans Subject to Approval
Eighth Grade Appreciation Classes (elective - twice a week - 2 classes)
Eighth Grade Glee Club (elective - selective by audition) Ninth Grade Appreciation Classes (elective - twice a week - 1 class)
Choral Groups: Monday-Girls' Choir Tuesday-Boys' Glee Club Wednesday-Chorale Thursday-Girls' Glee Club Friday-A Cappella Choir
Voice Class for talented students, similar to semi-private voice lesson (twice a week with credit)
Miscellaneous Plans
Rearrangement of Band and Chorus rehearsals to remove conflicts
Excuses and make-up slips for students in choral groups if examinations are scheduled at same time as a concert Clock for Music Room
MUSIC DEPARTMENT Grades I-VI GAIL M. GRIFFIN, Director
I will divide this report of what has been taught in the Southbridge Elementary Schools in the past four months, and what I plan for the future into six sections, one division for each grade.
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Grade One
In the first grade, as the children have no music books, I have attempted to build up their repertoire by teaching all their songs by the rote method, in which the child learns by imitating the teacher. Through the use of this method the children have been able to learn many seasonal songs and those for special holidays, plus traditional children's rhymes and games set to music. In the appreciation field I have tried to stimulate their interest by playing an occasional children's recording, and sometimes playing on the piano. However, this second phase of the program has suffered because all the first grades do not have pianos. Also the short music period has not allowed me as much time to devote to the appreciation pro- gram as I wish. However, the results of such a limited program are already evident in the increased interest of the children in music, and in the vast improvement of their singing.
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