Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961, Part 31

Author: Southbridge (Mass.)
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1366

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961 > Part 31

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That such a tremendous amount of work has been done is possible only through the generosity of some of the civic- minded and kind friends of the children. In their name I am most thankful and I express my appreciation to all school per- sonnel for their cooperation - this helped immeasurably - and also to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of our 1958 Health Program.

In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our School Physicians and our Superintendent of Schools who have helped us in the School Health Department to carry out all phases of our work more efficiently.

REPORT OF PLAYGROUND DEPARTMENT DR. LEWIS A. KYRIOS, Director

The playground season began on July 7 and ended on Au- gust 15, 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

Mr. Donald Marino

Assistants

Miss Diane Mckinstry, Miss Judith Wood, Miss Susan Colognesi

Eastford Road

Supervisor

Mr. Vincent Puracchio

Assistants

Miss Barbara Michaels

and Miss Louise Lataille

West Street

Supervisor Miss Kathryn Hart

Assistants

Miss Elisabeth Coderre, Miss Louise

Gravel and Mr. Richard Farland

Charlton Street

Supervisor

Mr. Anthony Sapienza

Assistants

Miss Ada Tieri, Miss Barbara

Strenk and Miss Mary Spielman

Enrollment and Attendance

Total Enrollment 1160

Average Daily Attendance

480

Largest Daily Attendance

640

Activities

Inter-playground competition in softball, volley ball, and dodge ball was offered. Zellball, horseshoes, and croquet were presented as intra-playground activities. Singing games, quiet games, as well as slides, jungle gym, and sandbox activities were listed for the "little people".

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts exhibit was held in the Town Hall on August 13 from 2:00 P. M. to 4:00 P. M. and from 7:00 P. M. to 9:00 P. M. Over four thousand items were displayed. Mrs. Kathryn Beauregard was in charge of the exhibitions, and many parents and friends of the children attended.

Safety Program

The Safety Program was very successful, and the results were excellent. There were no major accidents.

* #

REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT DEPARTMENT GILBERT O. LAMARRE, Director CONSTANCE E. LANGLOIS, Girls' Counselor

The sole purpose of the guidance program is to help the individual as an individual and as a member of society. It is the work of the Guidance Department to get to know each in- dividual pupil as a total, functioning person - his aptitudes, capabilities, interests, ambitions, and needs - and all the data that can be acquired and used for his advantage.

What, then, are the specific services of the Guidance De- partment?

1. Testing: Tests are given on all the grade levels. These tests are scored, psychometric profiles are drawn up and the results are evaluated in terms of student needs. The tests are only instruments to help the counselors discover aptitudes, needs, and interests of individuals. In addition to the numer- ous group tests, individual tests are administered to students who have special problems.

Here is the Annual Testing Program of the Southbridge Public Schools:

Elementary Schools Achievement Test Battery

Grade V

Grade II Metropolitan Achievement Test Primary II Grade III Metropolitan Achievement Test Elementary Battery Grade IV California Achievement Test Elementary Battery California Achievement Test Elementary Battery Grade VI California Achievement Test Elementary Battery Grade VII California Achievement Test Intermediate Battery

Grade VIII

California Achievement Tests: Reading, Arithmetic, Language

Mental Ability Tests Grade I

Grade IV

Grade VII

California Test of Mental Maturity Primary Battery California Test of Mental Maturity Elementary Battery

California Test of Mental Maturity Intermediate Battery

Grade VIII:

Differential Aptitude Tests: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Abstract Reasoning, Space Relations, Mechani- cal Reasoning, Clerical Speed and Accuracy, Langu- age Usage.

Henmon-Nelson Intelligence Test

Mary E. Wells High School

Grade IX:

Kuder Preference Record Inventory

California Mental Maturity - Intermediate

S. R. A. Reading Record

Grade XI:

Boston University Test Battery:

1. California Short-Form Test of Mental Maturity Ad- vanced (1950 series)

2 Co-operative English Test CI: Reading Comprehension Form Y

3. Minnesota Paper Form Board: MA

4. Minnesota Clerical Test

5. California Occupational Interest Inventory

National Merit Scholarship Examination

Grade XII:

School and College Ability Test

College Entrance Examinations

Scholarship Qualifying Test

Grades IX, X, XI, XII:

Co-operative Tests: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Languages, Science

Cole Trade High School

Grade IX:

1. Henmon-Nelson MA Series

2. California Mental Maturity

3. S. R. A. Mechanical Aptitude

4. S. R. A. Reading Record

5. Macquarrie Test for Mechanical Ability

6. Minnesota Paper Form Board Test

Grade XI:

Boston University Test Battery

1. California Short-Form Test of Mental Maturity: Advanced (1950 Series)

2. Co-operative English Test CI: Reading Comprehension, Form Y

3. Minnesota Paper Form Board: MA

4. Minnesota Clerical Test

5. California Occupational Interest Inventory

2. Counseling: In order to help students select the prop- er courses of study and the proper schools or careers, the guid- ance personnel provides group guidance talks, personal inter- views, field trips, and parent-teacher-pupil conferences.

In 1958, ninety-two students visited a total of sixteen col- leges, nursing, secretarial, and technical schools.

In September, 1958, a Girls' Counselor in the person of Miss Constance E. Langlois was added to our staff. Her help in counseling the girls has truly improved the guidance services.

3. College and Occupational Information: Information about colleges and future occupations is readily had in the Guidance Office. Applications to colleges, local or college scholarship information, and college board examination bulle- tins of information are all in the realm of the guidance services.

The graduating class of 1958 was an exceptional one. Here is a composite picture of what happened to the graduates:

Percent-

Students

Number

age

Entering Degree Granting Colleges

38.35%

Entering Nursing Schools

12.34%

Entering Other Schools

9.59%

Continuing their Education Beyond the High School

60.28%

Entering the Armed Forces

10.95%

Entering the Labor Market

28.77%

100.00%

4. Job Placement: Part-time employment of pupils is fostered by the placement organization of the Guidance De- partment. From January to June 1958, student employment was very low. From September to December 1958, twenty- seven part-time jobs in local industries and businesses were filled by our students. Industry and business managers notify the school of such vacancies, and the guidance personnel helps to put the right person in the right job.

Recommendations

1. For the welfare of the students who have emotional problems, we would recommend that a visiting school psycholo- gist or psychiatrist be provided for the Guidance Department referrals.

2. A remedial reading program should also be introduced in our school system because many individuals need remedial reading courses. This fact was again brought out in the diag- nostic reading tests administered in October.

In conclusion, we wish to thank Mr. Robert L. Fox who is forever encouraging and helping us; the School Nurses, with- out whom we would be lost in many of our special cases; the school administrators who aid us constantly in our daily en- deavors to help students; and, finally, we wish to thank all the teachers for their cooperation in all fields of our work. Without all these co-operating agencies, our guidance services would be fruitless.

REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

PAUL J. SWEET, Director

Summing up the results of the instrumental music depart- ment for the year 1958, I would like to say that the over-all picture was one of constant growth in the number of students taking part in the program.

The Junior Band was the largest we have had to date. The Band made several public appearances: an annual spring con- cert. the Memorial Day parade, the Jaycee Junior Olympics, and the opening game of the Little League baseball team. The Band paraded for the firemen's Fire Prevention Week, and it closed the year's activities by playing for the eighth grade graduation.

The High School Band, likewise, had a busy year. The members started the year by participating in the annual Music Festival, conducted under the auspices of the Massachusetts Music Educators' Association, Central Division, which took place May 3 in Winchendon, Massachusetts. They received a judges' rating of 97 per cent.

Following the Festival, the Band's local annual spring con- cert was held in the Town Hall. The group performed to a capacity audience. The Band performed at several school assemblies, as well as at the local and out-of-town football games.

The group ended the year by combining with the school's Chorus and Glee Club to present a Christmas assembly concert.

In November, a new group of fifth graders were started on various instruments. The total number of students now taking part in this program is about 130. Another sizeable

group could be started in the sixth through eighth grades if added help were available.

A plan that has been in my mind for some time has begun to materialize in the form of encouraging music students to take private lessons. To that end I have been able to bring in a professional brass instrument teacher. After the first of the year, another man, who is a competent instructor on flute and various reed instruments, will begin to give lessons. I hope to continue along these lines until I have teachers for the vari- ous instruments. This idea could very well be carried over into the string instruments, such as violin, cello, and string bass.

The social highlight of the year, for the High School Band, was the Christmas Party sponsored by the newly formed Band Parents' Club at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club. Dancing took place from 8:30 P. M. to 11 P. M. Refreshments were served and presents were exchanged.

I am indebted to the Superintendent for having seen fit to purchase a new bass clarinet and an alto clarinet for the Band. These instruments will be included in the Band next year and they will add substantially to the Band's tonal quality.

REPORT OF CHORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT Grades VII - XII

JUDITH A. BROCKWAY, Supervisor

The Choral Music Department has been very busy since September, 1958. In the high school we have formed two groups-the A Capella Chorus, a mixed group of members se- lected after auditions, and the Girls' Glee Club to which any high school girl with the desire to sing may belong. Both groups have appeared in school assemblies at Thanksgiving, the Honor Society Induction, and two Christmas assemblies. They have also presented a Christmas program for the Women's Fellowship.

On November 6, four high school students traveled to Shrewsbury to take part in the All District Chorus for the first rehearsal. The next day these same pupils again rehearsed, and that evening they presented a concert at the new Burncoat Junior High School in Worcester.

Three of these same students also auditioned, in Decem- ber, for the All State Chorus. This chorus will number about 150 students from Massachusetts who have been in the various All District Choruses, and who have been selected after the auditions.

The Trade High School Chorus is made up of twenty-eight members, selected after auditions. These boys have been re- hearsing an hour a week in the Wells High School auditorium. Many of these boys have very nice voices, and it is gratifying

to have them feel that they want to make music a part of their high school training.

The eighth graders have done extensive work in music theory to establish a good foundation for accurate music read- ing and comprehension. Without this basis, effective and rapid sight-reading is impossible. They have also studied American folk songs including: sea chanteys, mountain melodies, Negro spirituals and work songs, western songs, and square dance tunes.

Much study has been put into rounds and various types of canon in the seventh grades. Work on these two types of music helps greatly in the development of independence in part-singing. Thanksgiving and Christmas music was dis- cussed thoroughly as each occasion arose, bringing in the back- ground of the various songs, as well as customs of America and foreign countries in connection with these holidays.

We are very grateful to the School Committee for the pur- chase of a new grand piano in the high school. It was very much needed and has already proved to be a great asset.

I thank Mr. Fox, Superintendent of Schools, and all my fellow-teachers for their co-operation, help, and understanding. I should like to urge the parents to encourage their children, who have any interest and talent in music, to take advantage of their public school music program. This music program is maintained for them. Fuller participation will enable us to expand our activities and thereby benefit the students to a greater extent.

REPORT OF SCHOOL CAFETERIA EDITH M. FREEMAN, Supervisor

Several physical changes were made in the cafeteria this past year. Partitions were removed, and new tables and chairs were installed to provide faster service of milk and ice cream for the lunch carriers. This arrangement also speeds up the service line of those who partake of the regular lunches. At- tractive drapes were added to the windows, and the walls were decorated. In addition a new storeroom and a refrigerator room were added for better ventilation.

A new State Law requires that teachers receive one half hour for lunch; accordingly, the lunch hour has been extended. Three women have been hired to supervise children during a two-hour period so that teachers can be relieved of this duty.

The number of lunches served daily is gradually increas- ing. The highlights of the year were the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners serving 540.

I would like to thank the Southbridge Evening Women's Club for the generous contribution for free lunches and milk

for needy children. This provided the hot lunches so essen- tial to them.

REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

DR. LEWIS A. KYRIOS, Director

The purpose of our Physical Education Program is to de- velop each individual to his greatest possible physical capacity within the range of accepted educational objectives. This physical capacity implies development of skill and ability, as well as organic development. Strength, vigor, vitality, and neuromuscular coordination must be a part of the development of the physical capacities of youth.

Our Physical Education Program has been organized into three distinct phases: gym classes, the controlled recess pro- gram, and the after-school athletic program.

Regular gym classes are offered to all the students in grades six, seven, the Special Classes, and the students of the Cole Trade High School. One period a week is allocated for this purpose. The following units are a part of the program: formalized activities, stunts, self-testing activities, tumbling, pyramid skills, group games, and testing. The activities se- lected are based on the abilities of each grade.

The controlled recess program has been planned for all students in grades one to five inclusive. It has been designed to provide students with opportunities to learn basic skills; to develop good health and safety habits; and to encourage lead- ership and good sportsmanship. Twenty minutes a day is given to each grade for this program. A definite time schedule has been introduced to allow maximum use of area facilities and equipment, and to insure safe participation for all students.

In the after-school athletic program, boys play touch foot- ball, basketball, and baseball, while the girls participate in bas- ketball and softball. All the students participating in these activities are properly clothed and supervised by their coaches. Opportunity for participation is the theme of this phase of our Physical Education Program.

Physical Fitness and Proficiency Tests. The purpose of these tests is to stimulate the interest and effort of our stu- dents toward physical fitness by providing progressive tests of speed, strength, agility, and endurance as standards against which they may match their abilities and their progress. The results are evaluated and used as bases for adjustments in our Physical Education Program. All the students of Cole Trade High School were given a series of these tests which included the following events: sprints, sit-up, pull-up, standing broad jump, push-up, and walk and run. A certificate of achieve- ment was issued to each individual who passed the tests.

The results indicated that over seventy percent of the students have successfully passed the requirements. The results also revealed that special attention to certain phases of physical fitness is needed. In this area of special attention the program has been adjusted.

REPORT OF ART DEPARTMENT

CLAIRE BIRTZ, Director

The integrated Art Program of the elementary schools of Southbridge is being carried on with the help of classroom teachers. Since both elementary art and high school art are taught by one teacher, the time allotted to both elementary and high school is necessarily limited.

The Workshop in Art held last March proved to be a very stimulating experience for all, and classroom teachers showed great willingness and ability to take over the many lessons in art which they must handle alone.

Youngsters who graduate from our elementary school sys- tem have received a good foundation in art. With this train- ing it is now possible for high school students at Mary E. Wells to go on to more advanced work. Students with superior abil- ity are doing serious art work. This was evident during Na- tional Art Week, this past November, when townspeople and high school students featured their art work. However, as art is taught at Mary E. Wells High School on a part-time basis, art students are greatly handicapped.

We are in desperate need of a larger and more modern art studio with northern exposure and up-to-date lighting. It should provide for the use of the fine visual aids material now available.

Modern and well-lighted display cases, placed at strategic points in the school in which loan exhibitions of paintings and creative work are displayed, would help broaden the practical understanding and appreciation of art of the whole student body.

A modern art room would, of necessity, include a painting area and a craft center, with small kiln and space to store and to display work done by students. Such a room could be of great interest to students who are not particularly adept in fine arts but who derive great satisfaction from doing things with their hands. New Englanders have always been noted for their skills and craftsmanship.

With the great revival of all types of arts and crafts, we may be able to encourage potentially outstanding craftsmen in our midst. There should be a teacher in the art room at all times so that students could come in and work as they wish to do in their leisure time.

A combination of studio and craft center could become the focal point not only of high school students but also of our townspeople, too. Many adults in Southbridge are interested in art, but there are few opportunities for them to view the many fine exhibitions which could be brought to a good art center.

A modern art center in our high school not only would enrich the lives of the whole student body, but could with proper guidance become the cultural center of our town be- cause art is helpful to many people in many ways. Art is for everyone.

REPORT OF ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT *

CONSTANCE M. L'ECUYER, Director

There have been a few changes made in the Immigration and Naturalization laws which have a bearing on the children of American-born citizens and the children of naturalized citi- zens who have been living outside the United States. The children can, up to the day of their twenty-first birthday, gain citizenship through their parents. This is called Derivative Citizenship and can be derived through either parent. In the last few years only children under sixteen could be so accom- modated. Wives or husbands of citizens can file after three years of residence in the United States.

Everyone must still submit to fingerprinting before being called for questioning. The Southbridge Police Department is always willing to do this for anyone who desires such a service. The person applying for citizenship does not have to go to Wor- cester for this fingerprinting.

A person who is over fifty years of age and who has lived in the United States at least twenty years is not required to read or write the English language. He is required, however, to understand and to know American History and Government. An interpreter may go with him when he is questioned.

The primary aim in our Evening Adult Civic Education classes is to give these newcomers to the United States an im- mediate English speaking- and reading-vocabulary. This year we have many Puerto Ricans attending evening classes. Al- though these people are citizens, their knowledge of the lan- guage is most limited, and they are very eager to learn. It was with trepidation that they came to school at first because they thought the community was hostile to them. When they learned that so many countries were represented in the classes and each was anxious to learn and make a new start in life, their attitude and effort changed. Socially and emotionally, there was immediate favorable reaction.

Most of the people attending classes this year have had

their education cut short because of war in Europe. These adults, with children of their own, are most anxious to learn in order to keep up with the little ones. They seek correct speech and grammar, and they practice this in the Intermediate class. Beginners wish comprehension of reading and correct pro- nunciation.

Ages in our classes this year run from 7 years to 65 years. The greatest number are in the twenty-to-forty age group.

As the local Civic Education Director, I have been pleased to have mothers who were born here, but who have been re- cently naturalized, immediately have all papers made out for the whole family of children and also the father. In this way, the children will be eligible for Derivative Citizenship, and the father can obtain citizenship faster than he could alone.

The Community is certainly fulfilling its obligation and re- sponsibility to those desiring help. During the year, the filing of papers, filling out of applications, provision for the immigra- tion of parents or relatives, and assistance with the Alien Ad- dress Reports are given.

Private help to people who follow a Home Study Course is given. These people are unable to attend regular evening classes. Thus, the Adult Civic Education Division of the South- bridge School Department tries in every way to fulfill its func- tion of giving aid to recent immigrants to these shores, as well as to those who have been with us for a longer period of time. It is willing to help at all times.

ANNUAL MUSIC REPORT GAIL M. GRIFFIN

Elementary Vocal Music Supervisor

During the past year the many changes in the elementary school administration in Southbridge have necessitated cor- responding changes in the music program. In some cases these changes have been, I feel, for the better, but, unfortunately, this has not always been the rule. Below I will list some of the differences in the music program of this year compared to that of last year at the same time.

This year all supervisors (art, music, band, and physical education) are teaching in the same building on the same day. For example, on Mondays, all supervisors teach at the Charlton Street School. In some ways this system has proved to be most beneficial to teachers, students, and supervisors. I find that there is a much better correlation between subjects than there was in the past. This is especially true of music and art. But the system can also cause confusion, especially in the lower grades. I have noticed that in the lower grades the children become so excited that it is difficult for them to concentrate on

the present subject. Sometimes by mid-afternoon, the children are too tired to accomplish very much. Also, the music classes have not been able to use the gyms for folk or square dancing or musical games because the gyms are being used by the phy- sical education classes. However, I feel that both these com- plaints are small matters and may be completely eliminated as time goes on and the programs run more smoothly.

This past year all the grades with the exception of the first, have concentrated a great deal on music theory, and the study of the famous composers. This phase of music study has al- ready begun to yield dividends as the children have become more aware of the classical music that they hear on the radio and television. In order to appreciate classical music it is nec- essary to first understand it. With understanding comes toler- ance and discrimination. Young boys and girls are not so apt to condemn operas and symphonies when they have heard and discussed examples of each, and they may even discover, to their surpirse, that they may like what they hear. In the next few weeks the third and fourth graders are going to be tested on the theory of note reading and finding "do" that they have studied. The fifth and sixth graders will also be tested on their increased knowledge of these subjects plus time, rhythm, musical definitions, and famous composers. In the near future these grades plan to hear some of the works written by these men that they have studied about. Of course, the second grad- ers only skim the surface of musical theory. But these young- sters have been learning the scale, and in some cases, have started to learn something about rhythm in music. First grad- ers listen and learn by imitating.

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Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961, Part 31

Author: Southbridge (Mass.) Publication date: 1957 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 1366

Author: Southbridge (Mass.)
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1366