USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1954 > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
A Bank Day is held on Tuesday every two weeks in order to give students the opportunity to deposit in a savings ac- count. Representatives from the Cape Cod Five Cents Sav- ings Bank come to the high school in order to receive the deposits. These deposits earn the regular rate of interest. One of the purposes of the Bank Day is to encourage students to save toward the Senior Washington Trip.
A Chef's class for boys was introduced into the household arts department. This is proving to be popular in the prepar- ing and cooking of foods.
A class in Ancient History was added to the freshman year for college preparatory students in order to provide a more extensive background for later history courses.
The high school library is being reorganized so as to make it more accessible to students. Books and furniture have been moved from the cafeteria to a room to be used only as a li- brary. Mr. Gordon Argo, who has charge of this project, plans to set up a library system of filing and borrowing and to restock the shelves with more and better fiction, magazines
163
and reference materials. If we can manage to retain this room for library purposes, we should soon have much better library facilities for high school students.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week, there is an activity period in the daily schedule. During this time a number of activities and clubs meet. At present these ac- tivities include the Orchestra, the Girls' Glee Club, the Needlecraft Club, the Student Council, the National Honor Society, a Typewriting Class for college preparatory students, a Driver Education class, and a Journalism Club.
A charter for a local chapter of the National Honor So- ciety was granted the high school. In order to become a member, a student's name must first appear on the honor roll for three consecutive times. The names of the students who fulfill this requirement are then considered as to char- acter, service and leadership by the faculty. Only those who are high in these characteristics are accepted for membership.
Each month a newsletter is mailed to the parents of high school students. This is intended to keep parents informed of high school policies, coming high school events and other pertinent information of interest to parents.
The Journalism Club, under the direction of Mr. Ronald Dunn, supplies high school news for the local newspaper each week. Another project is that of editing and publishing school news every month.
The School Committee has placed the Senior Class Wash- ington trip under the supervision of the High School. The school committee has ruled that expenses for graduation must first be allocated from the Senior Class treasury. The re- mainder may be used for the Washington trip. This usually amounts to several hundreds of dollars and together with the savings which students should now accumulate during Bank Day, should greatly reduce the financial burden. As the graduating class becomes larger, it becomes increasingly im- portant that students regularly save money in our Bank Day system, for each student's share will be less from the class treasury.
At the present time the faculty is studying the marking system as well as the curriculum of the high school with the aim of suggesting improvements if that seems feasible. We are anxious to meet the needs of our students in our curricu- lum. In this connection, it will be desirable to provide an- other teacher in order to offer whatever new subjects are recommended.
During this past year the high school has been dismissed at 2:00 o'clock instead of at 3:00, as has been the custom in the past. In the past, in order for students to attend most
164
afternoon activities at other Cape High Schools, it was often necessary to dismiss students up to an hour or more before our 3:00 o'clock dismissal. The Union orchestra rehearsal, baseball, and other meetings made early dismissal necessary. As a result, many students were handicapped because of fre- quent absence from afternoon classes. At present, the 2:00 dismissal permits participation in afternoon out-of-town ac- tivities without undue loss of regular school time.
The added time at the high school for the Director of Guidance, Mr. James Alcock, has proved of inestimable value to our students. Since Mr. Alcock's time is equally divided between the high schools of Chatham and Harwich, we have his services for 21/2 days. Mr. Alcock is therefore able to spend more necessary time on conferences with students as well as with parents. Adequate testing, recording, conferring and advising both educationally and vocationally require much more time than has been possible in the past when the Direc- tor of Guidance could spend but one day at our high school.
This report would not be complete without mention of the complete cooperation I have received from the high school faculty. That, together with the understanding support of the school committee and the constructive advice of Mr. Hoyt has made my first year at Harwich a pleasant one.
Respectfully submitted,
C. D. MacKAY
Principal
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
It is with pleasure that I submit the annual report of the Harwich Elementary School.
This report will of necessity deal only with trends and accomplishments in events and activities since my accession to the position of principal in September of 1954.
Following established custom, the highly successful school safety program is being continued. All of the pupils in the school are an integral part of the program. We feel that pupil participation instills in the youngster early in life a feeling of civic responsibility.
The school savings program sponsored by the Cape Cod Savings Bank is being carried forward. It is felt that the children benefit by the practice of regular saving. Money management, necessary for security in adult life, is taught through the school savings plan. This program enables the
165
child to select and attain worthwhile goals which call for the saving and spending of money. The desire and ability to save are essential for comfort and self respect.
The high incidence of pupil participation in the program is indicative of its success.
The remedial class under the supervision of Miss Alberts Wicks is one of the most important aspects of the overall school program. Here above all the growth of the learner must be the primary consideration. Slow learners need slow teach- ing, slow patient repetitive presentation of the facts and methods that may be grasped more quickly by the faster learning child. Furthermore, having the same emotional hungers, they need and respond to inclusion in the social and emotional climate of the school as much as they need the special attention of smaller classes and specialized teaching. Taking into account these particular needs we are offering a constructive program of special education.
The problem of the improvements of the classroom envir- onment into which we take learners for the purpose of ex- plaining socially important information is ever with us. The problem mounts to new proportions of seriousness today, since all about us there are evidences of an expanding world envir- onment of changing cultural patterns, scientific advancement, and shifting political ideologies which challenge us not only because we must keep aware of them information-wise, but primarily because our very safety and future social and in- dividual existence is at stake.
This problem can best be solved through a well coordin- ated and well planned audio visual program.
Audio visual education is a necessary part of the modern educational scene. Many times audio-visual aids make the transition from the abstract to the concrete a clear and un- derstandable one. Audio-visual education is not an end in itself, but is rather a means to an end. It is necessary that audio-visual materials be planned and developed to meet the learning situation.
The problem of the use of audio-visual materials in the school program involves making accessible to the teacher all the audio-visual services needed to help him provide a good learning situation. It is imperative that certain basic services be provided in order to have the proper tools to use. Some of these services are:
(1) A person in the building trained in the use of audio- visual materials.
(2) The following equipment should be available at all times.
166
A. Standard lantern slide projector
B. A combination 2 x 2 and film strip projector
C. An opaque projector
D. A magnetic tape recorder
E. A three speed record player
F. A sound motion picture projector
G. A daylight type projection screen
H. A radio
(3) Supplies for making learning materials should be available.
A. Materials for hand made lantern slides
B. Photographic materials
C. Materials for bulletin boards
D. Poster and exhibit materials
E. Materials for sound recordings
(4) Opportunities should be provided for field trips, work experiences, etc.
(5) In service training in the proper utilization of mat- erials and equipment should be provided for all staff members.
(6) An audio-visual library service should be maintained in the school in order to acquaint the teacher with literature in the field. This service should include such items as books, periodicals, teacher guides, film and slide catalogues, and material lists.
Some materials that should be readily accessible are:
A. Films
B. Slides of all types
C. Strip films
D. Recordings
E. Live radio and television programs
F. Picture collections
G. Exhibits
Teachers often fail to use audio-visual materials simply because they are inaccessible at the time they are needed. Availability of these materials is of primary importance.
Assembly programs are being planned for the entire year. The themes of our assembles will be based upon holidays and special events occurring during the school year. We are anticipating the increased facilities presented by our fine new auditorium.
The school cafeteria is the outgrowth of early attempts to provide for indigent and hungry children at low cost. Usu- ally free or low cost lunches were furnished only to elementary school chidlren because the economic selection of the high school prevented most of the indigents from entering second-
167
ary schools. Today, the lunch program has developed to such an extent that nearly seventy percent of all school pupils participate in the National School Lunch Program. The pro- gram has gained momentum because our citizens have dis- covered that good food habits and balanced meals are condu- cive to better physical and mental development. Our state and federal governments have also seen fit to appropriate funds to subsidize the lunch program.
The subsidy enables the participating schools to receive surplus foods purchased with federal funds. The school re- ceives at the end of each month a cash payment based on the total number and type of meals served. The greater the parti- cipation the greater the cash payment.
The capable lunch room staff under the direction of Mrs. Agnes Ellis serves approximately 250 lunches daily.
The success of our program rests mainly with student participation. Participation can only be guaranteed by what we have to offer. We strive to make our lunches appealing to the student by making them appetizing-maintaining qual- ity-and providing sufficient quantity. All the meals are in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in our contract with the National School Lunch Program.
The school health department is as in the past, doing an outstanding job. The physical examinations are being carried on by Dr. Norris Orchard assisted by our very fine school nurse Miss Adelyn Peabody. Dr. Malcolm Dana, school dentist, makes a weekly visit to minister to the dental needs of the students.
With the assistance of the elementary supervisor, Dr. Harriet Chace, a complete study of the reading, arithmetic, and spelling systems is being carried on. We are fortunate to have the services of Dr. Chace who has a great deal to offer in the way of experience and education.
We have so many valuable workers in the elementary set up that one is reluctant to single out individuals. However, we are appreciative of the patience and understanding of the custodians, Mr. Charles Smith and Mr. Lovell Ernst, during the many discouraging maintenance problems attributable to the new construction and for their keen attention to the needs of the new building.
Mention must be made of the fine work of the bus drivers in maintaining order on the buses. We are fortunate that in Harwich we do not have the bus problems so rampant in other areas.
I wish to express my appreciation to the teachers, parents, and pupils, for their cooperative interest in the school.
168
I am grateful for the assistance and cooperation given me by the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD C. NESMITH Principal, Elementary School
REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
My first annual report, after three months in the position of Guidance Director for the Chatham and Harwich High Schools, is submitted as a brief report of the planned program.
It is well for students to recognize that teachers have been and are currently providing the day-to-day guidance, which must be made available to all students. It is only with recent years that a number of organized guidance methods have been developed to supplement the teachers' efforts and to aid them in treating individual problems and differences in large clas- ses. The efforts of the guidance director will be devoted first to those who need individual attention most.
The main guidance tasks to be accomplished during the school year are:
1. Aiding Seniors with vocational and educational place- ment.
2. Testing and counseling students with problems and conferring with their parents and teachers.
3. Cooperating with the Elementary Supervisor in the development of continuing guidance records which will be available and meaningful to pupils, parents, and teachers.
4. Procuring occupational and educational information for the students.
5. Group testing of aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
6. Counseling 8th graders and parents concerned with placement in freshmen courses for 1955-1956.
In the light of recent evaluations "Career Day" has been eliminated in favor of greater use of extensive occupational information, which has been placed in the school library this year. Field trips will be continued.
Appreciation is expressed at this time to all who have cooperated and assisted in carrying out the guidance program.
Respectfully submitted,
J. W. ALCOCK
Guidance Director
169
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
Because of the accelerated growth of population and sub- sequent increased enrollment in the schools of Union #17, the school committees of the towns of Harwich, Chatham, Or- leans, and Eastham decided to appoint an elementary super- visor of education. I was very happy to be elected to carry on the work of this position and have found it very satisfying and pleasant. Since this position is a new one this year, it seems expedient to explain here how the work fits into and adds to the educational system.
The titles by which elementary supervisors are known vary: helping teacher; director of curriculum, guidance, and testing; assistant superintendent; or elementary coordinator. Regardless of title, the supervision is concerned with the children of the first six grades, with their teachers, and with all persons and agencies that help these teachers and children to grow.
As a coordinator, I have found very pleasant relationships in working with Mr. Hoyt, the Superintendent, with Mr. Nes- mith, Principal of the Harwich Elementary School, and with the fine staff of the school.
During the month of October, I had opportunities to visit all the classrooms in the first six grades to observe the teach- ing of reading, to study the children who are having reading problems, and to help with child growth in the direction of improved reading habits, abilities, and attitudes. I have also had an opportunity to speak to the Harwich P. T. A. on the subject of reading and have had a reading consultant from the Row, Peterson Company speak to the teachers at a meet- ing. I find excellent progress being made in the reading field and attention being given to individual needs, abilities, and interests. During November, I have been carrying on a diag- nostic testing program to determine ability and achievement levels of various children and have been finding ways to help meet the needs of the students tested.
I should like to list here some of the ways in which I be- lieve I can be of help to the schools as the year continues:
(1) By being available to talk over school problems with parents, teachers, and children, to study these pro- blems, and to advise or help as my knowledge and experience gives me the ability.
(2) By cooperating with the school principal and teach- ers in any requested help on educational projects.
(3) By evaluating the curriculum and working with the principal and teachers to improve the subject mat- ter, materials, and methods of teaching.
170
(4) By being available to groups outside the school to explain or discuss educational theories, policies, methods, and materials connected with the elemen- tary grades.
(5) By carrying on demonstrations, workshops, or courses, for the teachers that they may grow professionally.
(6) By becoming more and more acquainted with re- source materials in order to help teachers find them more readily. These sources include community re- sources, educational materials, films, filmstrips, other visual and auditory materials, periodicals, books, exhibits, and pictures.
(7) By working closely with the guidance director es- tablishing in the lower grades a foundation on which he can build his program for the upper grades.
These are the ways in which I shall spend my time. In summing up, I might say that anything that concerns the well-being or growth of any child in the elementary grades concerns me.
I should like to thank the school committee of Harwich for their confidence in appointing me to this position and to express my appreciation for the cooperation and assistance of the school personnel in Harwich.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRIETT CHACE Elementary School Supervisor
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Harwich was the scene of the greatest student art achievement in Union 17 during the 1953-54 school year. Jack Julin was awarded a full year scholarship to the Vesper George School of Art in Boston.
This is not expected to be a yearly event as a student with ability as exceptional as this does not come along every year. In fact we have to go down to the Junior year to find anyone interested in furthering his or her art education after high school.
In drawing and painting high school students have an opportunity to work in all mediums. It is my hope that an appreciation of art through discussions in design, color, in- teriors, furniture and architecture will remain with the stu- dent after graduation.
171
In the first couple of grades the creativeness of the younger children finds little of teaching how or who to do certain jobs. Their works, completely uninhibited, sometimes teach me how to create.
From the third to the eighth grade the rules and regula- tions are given. Because of a lack of time and space these problems in light and shade, perspective, color etc. are lightly covered. The medium is mostly crayon and twenty five to thirty minutes every other week is the time devoted to teach- er, student training. It is not enough. It is the ground work completed here that produces the result mentioned in the first paragraph.
Students in Harwich participate in the Scholastic Art Awards competition and the Kiwanis Safety Poster contest. Most other contests have to be avoided as they are time con- suming and are of little value to the student regardless of award.
In the warmer months the great outdoors provides the back drop for sketching trips.
Art is becoming a major force in our daily lives. The artist designer provides beauty for our clothing, homes and transportation. It is becoming a major rather than a minor subject in many schools of the state. In the not to distant future it will be a major subject here.
Respectfully submitted,
C. LEO FERRIS
Art Supervisor
SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
To the School Committee and Citizens of Harwich:
I herewith submit my report as Supervisor of Instrumen- tal Music in the High Schools of Union #17.
Our program is being conducted much as it has been in the past. Orchestras are rehearsing once each week. The remainder of my time is devoted to giving individual or group lessons to students desiring such. I am pleased to say that there is a definite growth in the number of these students since last year. Our Union Orchestra is also rehearsing each week and will be participating in the Union Music Festival in Chatham on March 18th.
This past year has seen much musical activity on Cape Cod. Our school orchestras have performed at various school functions throughout the year. In addition to this, the Union
172
orchestra participated in the Union Festival at Orleans and many students were sent to the New England Festival at Hyannis and the Cape Cod Festival at Falmouth.
As I have previously stated, our department is growing. Thanks for this are due our school administrators and pa- rents. While talking with a group of parents recently, we outlined their responsibilities to our program. Some of the responsibilities discussed are as follows:
(1) Know how much practice is done daily by your child. (Set aside a definite practice time daily.)
(2) Listen to the lesson and see that it sounds musical- listen for improvement. We all recognize the famil- iar folk songs in each book.
(3) Give your child encouragement and show your in- terest in his work.
(4) In the early stages of learning an instrument, you might have to coax him a little to practice. That first stage is a tough one.
The above are very important factors that contribute to the success of each student in our program. I wish again to thank these parents for recognizing their responsibilities. Their cooperation and interest is greatly appreciated.
Last spring I sent achievement reports to the parents of instrumental students. From comments received, the reports were welcome and appreciated. This year reports will again be sent home at mid-year and in the spring. The reports were brought back to me after the parents read them and added their comments. These comments have aided me greatly in guiding each pupil.
For the coming year many concerts have already been scheduled for our schools. I have mentioned above the Union Festival in Chatham on March 18th. The newly formed Cape Cod Music Educators Association has also scheduled three Cape Cod Festivals (Chatham April 2nd, Bourne April 30th, and Provincetown May 7th). And a school night in Orleans on May 2nd. The Association is also working on a concert to be given by the educators for the benefit of a music scholar- ship fund for Cape Cod High School graduates.
We hope that in the near future one of our Union #17 graduates will be a recipient of this scholarship.
As yet I have received no information about the New Eng- land Festival, but some of our students are already planning to apply for admission to the group.
173
I would like to thank my colleagues and all who have contributed to the success of the past year. Parents who have transported students to and from union orchestra rehearsals have my sincere appreciation. The orchestra could not exist if it were not for their faithful contribution.
Respectfully submitted,
SALVATORE PICCOLO Supervisor of Instrumental Music
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At present there are eighteen boys and girls being taught various band and ochestral instruments. The cafeteria, teach- ers' room and storage room are being utilized to give instru- mental lessons. The following is a list of instruments being taught: six violins, six clarinets, five trumpets and one snare drum.
Elementary orchestra rehearsals will be delayed until the new addition is completed and ready for occupancy. Plans for storage space including shelves and lockers to house musical instruments, equipment and music books should be provided to eliminate any possibility of damage when not in use.
Rhythm Band is being conducted in grades one and two and symphonet classes in grade three on a rotary basis every other week. Our new teachers are doing a commendable job in both rhythm band and symphonet classes.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK A. GRICIUS Supervisor of Instrumental Music
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
The aim of Music Instruction as I see it is to cause chil- dren to know, to love, and to understand music in as many forms as possible and thus to bring added joy into their lives and added culture and refinement in their nature.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.