USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Harwich > Town annual reports of the selectmen and overseers of the poor of the town of Harwich 1959 > Part 13
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Schools in Ohio, Newton, Mass., and University City, Missouri, also former Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, after twenty years of vacationing on the Cape, now retired to the Cape is a worker for and supporter of this plan. Educational advantages (curriculum-wise) are discussed elsewhere in this report under "Guidance" by Director James W. Alcock and also in the Regional Committee's brochure.
Some people seem to feel that regional high schools are gilded palaces in which education of the most expensive kind goes on. This is, of course, a most erroneous idea. On the contrary, one of the two reasons the regional school idea was approved by the legislature was to save the taxpayers money. It was designed to prevent small communities from spending large sums of money on small and inefficient schools. It was to encourage such communities to pool their resources with their neighbors and build larger schools more economi- cally and better educationally. It is the almost unanimous opinion of persons engaged in education that regional schools are educationally better, cheaper per pupil to build and cheaper to operate. It is a matter of public record that last year of the thirteen regional high schools listing costs, only one was higher than Harwich. A comparison of actual build- ing casts in recent years of communities regionalizing and those not regionalizing shows the economical nature of the regional school. Of the two great advantages derived from regionalizing, that of improvement of curriculum and in- struction by going from the small school to the larger one, is far more important than the other, that of savings in dol- lars although that is also very important.
I have spent over thirty years working in public schools. During this time as principal and superintendent I have had under my supervision twelve Junior-Senior and Senior high schools ranging in size all the way from 48 pupils to over 1,000. From this intimate experience there is no doubt in my mind that the larger school can and should do a better job, and more economically, than the smaller one.
In the near future the citizens of Harwich will be called upon to vote for or against forming a regional school district with Chatham. I sincerely believe that this is the most im- portant decision in regard to schools in the history of the Community. I sincerely feel that if this project is defeated it will be a great tragedy to the children of this town and succeeding generations.
JESSE J. MORGAN
192
Report of the Principal of the High School
Since the size of our eighth grade is constantly increas- ing from year to year, we believe that the time has come to separate this group into three homogeneous sections.
There are sixty-two students enrolled in the eighth grade. Of these, twenty-nine are taking non-college preparatory subjects, and thirty-three are taking college preparatory subjects.
We believe that this present eighth grade should be divided into three sections so that those having difficulty may be assigned to a class in which they may receive extra help. They can not obtain this at the present time. This means that another teacher would be required, one particularly adapted to this type of remedial work. Only in this way may these students receive the encouragement of accomplishment which is so necessary to some success.
Reluctantly, but because we believe it is an even more important use of the room, we are ready to surrender the room now occupied by the library for this class. The book- cases may be placed in the study hall and the books used from there. The library is the only room left which may be utilized for another class.
From the provisions of the National Defense Act of 1958 which provides for financial aid in acquiring teaching aids in mathematics, science, foreign languages and guidance, we have ordered and received a large amount of equipment for physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. For French we have planned and expect to put into operation very soon a laboratory in which students may individually listen to French records as well as record their own speech in the French lan- guage.
Although we have been planning for a Science Night for a long time, the additional equipment which we have re- ceived through the National Defense Act will permit us to provide a much more extensive exhibition in science at a Parent-Teacher Association meeting in April. Mr. Harold Drew and Mrs. May Cooper are expecting to have thirty or more students demonstrate apparatus as well as exhibit some of their individual projects at this time. Because of lack of equipment, we have not felt, in the past, that we could meet the standards of a high school science fair.
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Since Dr. Conant's report on his evaluation of the Amer- ican high school, we have been comparing his recommenda- tions with what we are offering. We have, we believe, been able to effectively organize our science, foreign language and mathematics departments to more nearly comply with Dr. Conant's recommendations. We are now engaged in study- ing our work in English in order to evaluate our offerings in this department.
I am particularly concerned about two problems. One is a problem which is becoming increasingly greater each year and which up to now has been of no great concern in the high school. That is the problem of adequate room. The other is one which has been with us for a long time but which is becoming increasingly less severe. It is the problem of school attendance.
We must do something soon about providing more room for the high school. Incoming classes are becoming larger each year while the graduating classes are relatively small.
In regard to school attendance, I should be concerned about that as long as there was even one student who should be in school but who was absent. Considering the time and money spent on education and the importance education is becoming to our national existence, education is without doubt one of the most important endeavors our young people can undertake. Attendance, except in unavoidable emergency should be the rule.
I do not want to close this report without mention of the excellent faculty with whom I have been working in the high school. Without exception, each is experienced, capable and cooperative. It has been a pleasure to work with them.
C. D. MacKAY
Principal
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Each year there appears to be a certain amount of routine in all of the town reports-items, which, though of consider- able importance, appear each year. These, of course, are worthy of mention, even if only in a brief manner. Con- tinuing in effect at the school are the presentation of several major assembly programs each year, the work of the school safety patrol, the school savings program, the fine work of the school nurse and doctors, the custodians, the school bus drivers, the presentation of the second annual book fair, the library classes for the sixth grade conducted by Mrs. Virginia Doane at the Brooks Library, the Audubon Nature Study
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classes, the Cape Cod Junior Museum Exhibits, the profes- sionally presented classical music concerts, field trips to see how some of the community agencies work, as well as the continuing effort of the teachers to improve their teaching and the academic standing of their pupils.
In May the first in a series of annual Science Fairs was presented. From an educational viewpoint the fair was a great success. The greatest value of a science fair is gained by the student who enters an exhibit. During the course of his exhibit preparation and exhibition, he has excellent edu- cational experiences that are of lasting importance: he learns how to solve problems; he does primary research; he acquires appreciation for and understanding of science and its ap- plications; he becomes acquainted with and utilizes human and material resources and environment; he develops con- fidence in himself; he shares his knowledge and experiences with others. Every student can have a part in the science fair.
We feel sure that each succeeding fair will be better than the last. A large number of the teachers are, at this writing, taking a course in "Improving the Instruction of Science" presented by Boston University. This study has made us all more science conscious.
It was heartening to see such a large number of parents attending the annual open house program during the Ameri- can Education week. It may be interesting to note the per- centages of parents from each grade who attended.
Kindergarten
A.M.
87%
P.M.
88%
Grade
1 82%
2
89%
3
89%
4
91%
5 87%
6
70%
Mrs. MacKay Mrs. Armeson
54%
100%
We are very grateful for the interest of the townspeople as exemplified by these figures.
I wish to express my appreciation to all those people- school committeemen, superintendent, elementary super- visor, special subject teachers, teachers, parents and others who by means of help and cooperation have contributed to the never ceasing task of improving the quality of education of the boys and girls in the elementary school of the Town of Harwich
DONALD C. NESMITH
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REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
In 1954 forty-five pupils entered the eighth grade of the Harwich Schools. Five years later in 1959, after additions and losses to this group, a class of thirty pupils received Harwich High diplomas.
5-Year Summary of Class of 1959
Entering 8th grade (1954)
45 pupils
Transfers in
6
Transfers out (public and private)
12
Dropped back
2
Failed to graduate
7
"
Graduated
30
Employed
13
"
Married
2
Entered military service
4
Entered 4-year college program
8
Entered 3-year nursing program
1
"
Entered 2-year college program
3
In 1959 sixty-one pupils entered the eighth grade. The majority of this group will become the graduating class of 1964. Some indication of the problems that lie ahead for many of this group and their teachers can be gained from a review of educational progress measurements made near the end of the seventh grade. This picture is valid and typical of classes today.
The Stanford Achievement Test Partial Battery was administered to the above grade in May of 1959. The tests measure educational achievement in terms of grade levels or grade equivalent scores. This battery places no emphasis on speed and is considered to be one of the most reliable "power" achievement tests in use today. The lowest and highest grade equivalent scores are presented here along with total class median scores in the three major subject areas. Scores between the lower and upper limits were dis- tributed evenly in each area.
Seventh Grade Achievement Summary (May 1959)
grade range grade median
Reading
4.9-12.9 9.9
Arithmetic
5.2-12.8 9.7
Language
3.9-12.1 10.0
These extremes in grade level accomplishment represent true and serious educational problems within any classroom. The establishment of the special class is an important step
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towards the solution of some problems. However, additional steps are necessary, and the following recommendations are respectfully submitted:
1. Establishment of a remedial reading program with a full-time teacher to include the elementary grades through high school.
2. Reconsideration of firmer promotion standards at all grade levels.
3. Incorporation of a morning session summer program for pupils who need additional time in order to meet pro- motion requirements.
4. Establishment of the most comprehensive junior and senior high school programs possible in order to develop both the academic and vocational talents of all our children.
It is recognized that the first three of the above recom- mendations may be considered for incorporation into our school system now or later. However, at the present time, the last consideration is of the utmost importance. When the voters of Harwich decide how our pupil space needs are to be met, that decision will, in reality, determine the cur- riculum that may be offered. Because of practical limita- tions a small school cannot offer a curriculum comprehensive enough to meet the needs of all pupils. Parents are urged to study the curricular considerations in the report of the Regional Study Committee. It cannot be over-emphasized that the wide range of talent of our pupils and the diversity of pupil placement demand the curricular opportunities pro- vided by the larger, comprehensive school.
JAMES W. ALCOCK
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
There has been consistent and steady progress in acad- emic standing of elementary pupils in the town. By super- vising classes and compiling and evaluating test records, I have evidence of a remarkable decrease in reading disabilities and in the range of accomplishment within a grade.
Part of this is due to the placing of those slow learners who are not profiting from regular classroom work into special rooms where small groups of students can be handled in- dividually. Exceptional work is being done with both the educable and trainable child. Harwich has the distinction of being the only town on the Cape which has set up a train- able class and in this class are children whose parents bring them from as far as Sandwich and Eastham to take ad-
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vantage of this opportunity. Harwich may also be proud of being the first town on the Cape to set up classes for re- tarded children in compliance with state law.
A constant individualized testing program watches the progress of these children in our two educable classes and we find that this progress, in contrast to that they made in regular classes, is often astounding. Several have returned to regular classes. Others take classes with regular groups, and, especially at the intermediate level, the program is varied so that they may follow special interests and abilities. To perfect our program a third class is desirable at junior high level. Due to space problems this will likely have to be left until the regional high school comes into being, but I should like to recommend it at the earliest possible date.
Although the relatively small classes at all except the sixth and seventh grade levels give classroom teachers op- portunities to work both with remedial programs and hori- zontally enriched programs for gifted students, there is more that could be done in both of these fields. A remedial teacher who worked with individuals or small groups with specific academic problems, the part time help of a speech therapist, and someone to help with special interests among the gifted would advance our children. It is possible that our newly launched program of visits of members of the Future Teachers of America could be of some help here. A third sixth and seventh grade seem advisable to me.
Another plan for stepping up academic progress would be the extension of the kindergarten program into the reading readiness field. This has been difficult because of large classes, short attention spans at this level, and a very wide range of abilities and backgrounds. Part time use of a remedial or other roaming teacher might help toward in- stigating this plan.
There has been a tremendous increase in the last year of very satisfactory school and parent conferences. I think this is a fine trend and that it is doing much toward fostering healthy relations between school and home. I should like to invite all parents to start or continue making appointments to discuss mutual problems with us periodically. The edu- cators in this town will always find time to give this their utmost attention and interest. More parents have been using the services of the Child Guidance Clinic which comes to Hyannis twice a week. They have had help with expert diagnosis and treatment of children's emotional problems. With its present staff, I feel that I can recommend its serv- ices highly and hope it may increase in scope. I am happy
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to be serving as a director of the Cape Cod Mental Health As- sociation which sponsors this clinic.
I was able to secure the services of Dr. Pearl Nelson of Boston University to give a workshop type of course in ele- mentary science at the Harwich Elementary School for our in-service training. This work should help participating teachers to gain interest and ability in the science field and to help us develop a more comprehensive science program.
Outside of school hours I have been working with Cape- wide and larger groups in an effort to keep our schools in the forefront of education. I have been active in the Cape Cod Association for the Advancement of Retarded Children, the Cape Cod Association for Mental Health, the General Sup- ervisors of Public Education in Massachusetts, the Massa- chusetts School Psychologists Association, and the Barnstable County Education Association. I have served as vice-presi- dent of this latter group and as chairman of its professional standards committee. I was fortunate to be chosen as speaker for the National Council of Geographic Education at their annual meeting in Detroit during the Thanksgiving holidays. Slides of geographical interest on the Cape as well as those showing map work in our schools helped put our school union into the national picture educationally.
It is a pleasure and privilege to work for a broad-minded and progressive school system. I should like to express ap- preciation for continued cooperation, courtesy, and interest of school committee, superintendent, principals, and teachers in Harwich.
DR. HARRIET CHACE,
Elementary Supervisor
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
The purpose of an intergrated art program that covers such a diversity of grades from kindergarten through twelfth must, of necessity, be extremely general in scope. This pur- pose might be stated briefly as enlarging the child's aesthetic and creative development and enriching his personality so that he can achieve a meaningful experience by interpreting both his thoughts and his world. This purpose necessitates a well-balanced approach; i.e. the presentation to each child of a problem involving the visual interpretation of a subject and an imaginative response to an idea or an emotion.
The greatest obstacle to the realization of this purpose is lack of adequate time. This is especially true in the high school where five small classes meet for only one session per
199
week when they should be having two sessions each week in the eighth grade and four sessions each week at the ninth through twelfth grade levels. At the elementary level forty minutes is barely adequate for allowing time to evaluate the art lesson with the children.
We have an elementary art room which is adequate to our needs, but because we have no furniture we cannot utilize it fully. As soon as our new kiln arrives we shall expand our craft program at all levels. In the high school a very small room without a sink has hampered our work and we have had to use the library after school to complete our large projects. In the high school there is no room for either storage of bulky supplies or display of student work.
I am grateful for the interest shown in the children's art work by the elementary teachers. We have attempted to display this work in halls, home rooms, and the lobby display case. Holiday seasons provide the children with unique op- portunities to work together on large scale projects such as window painting, murals, and outdoor displays.
Beginning in January, the Harwich elementary chil- dren will take part in a Cape-wide art round robin which will enable children of all schools to see a sampling of each other's work. Our annual exhibition encompassing the year's work will be held in May. I hope next year to institute an art library of visual aids (film strips, slides, colored plates, etc.) to be used by all grades. This will supplement some of the fine art books obtained this year.
I appreciate the sincere interest and cooperation which the school committee, the superintendent, the principals, and my colleagues have extended toward the art program.
BARBARA A. ELLIOTT
REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR HARWICH HIGH SCHOOL
One major difference in our music program this year is that we have enlarged to a considerable degree. The orch- estra we heard at Graduation last June was the largest and finest since my tenure in Harwich. This year's orchestra promises to be even better. We are at present rehearsing one period per week with this group and the students de- serve more time. However, with our present schedule and facilities this seems quite impossible. The orchestra has al- ready appeared in public this year at the Senior Play and will also be in our Pops Concert again this spring. The group will play for other functions as opportunities arise.
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This year we have added a new group to our program. We now have a Harwich High School Band. We number 21 players at the present time and will undoubtedly be larger by spring. We also rehearse one period per week. We have a problem of space for band rehearsals; we must use the cafe- teria. Not only does this mean much furniture moving for the students but the accoustics in the cafeteria are unbearable. Our first band appearance was with the Chat- ham School Band on December 7th. At this time we gave a concert with the elementary school bands and the Chatham Town Band. We shall see more of our High School Band as the year wears on. Perhaps we will be in uniform before the school year is over.
At Brooks Academy all seventh graders receive a course in music appreciation. This is the same course as has been given in preceeding years. Instrumentalists here receive in- struction in groups or alone as circumstances permit. Be- cause of the school program, students at Brooks are allowed to play in only one organization (band or orchestra). I am indebted to the parents of these pupils for their transport- ation between the two schools for rehearsals each week.
Our festival activities this year remain quite the same as in past years. One change will be the use of auditions for instrumentalists (except string players) to determine who will be able to attend. This will serve to raise the quality of these groups. At last year's festival over half the string players, in the Cape Cod Orchestra, came from the towns of Harwich and Chatham. This year will undoubtedly be the same.
I wish to express my appreciation to all those whose help and cooperation contributed to the success of our pro- gram this past year.
SALVATORE PICCOLO
ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
During the past year nearly 200 students have taken part in our various classes. As new pupils have entered, ex- perienced players have gone on into Junior High School to add their skills to the Orchestra and Bands.
Several concerts and demonstrations have been made public, including a very important one last July, given before a group of educators, and the immediate product of our very popular summer classes. Our frequent participation in school assembly programs is routine.
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In addition, as much as possible is being done in gen- eral music education and appreciation.
Our continued success is entirely due to the complete cooperation extended by our Administration, teachers, and parents As a result, Union #16 now has the only properly balanced school music program in this area.
SAMUEL GRIFFITHS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
In Brooks Academy, where the seventh grade and special class are located, careful attention has been given to the ar- rangement of voice parts for three-part reading of songs. In many cases, particularly among the boys, voices have been tested to judge the range of the changing boy voice.
Emphasis has been and is being put on part singing, and the new books procured last year have proved excellent. The songs embodied in the "Junior Music" (7th grade book) use Treble Clef for a certain amount and progresses to the in- troduction and use of the Bass Clef for the changing boy voice. Progress throughout has been fine.
For variation, a short period of popular music has been inserted occasionally through the medium of records.
In the eighth grade, part singing is being stressed-the boy voice has been even more carefully checked and in some cases four-part music has been possible. This has awakened interest to the point of having several eighth grade boys ask permission to join the High School Chorus.
The new book for this eighth grade is "Singing Juniors" and embodies a fine choice of unison-two- and three-part songs.
A boys' Glee Club is in operation and consists this year of eighth grade boys mainly-so while their voices are settl- ing and maturing, a great portion of the period allotted is given over to Music Appreciation and Theory.
The Harwich High School Chorus has progressed tre- mendously in musical achievement. The Graduation Chorus last June was considered outstanding, the best in many years.
As before, there was participation in the Union Festival, The Cape Cod Massed Music Festival, and the all New Eng- land Music Festival. Incidentally, due to the more inten- sive work of the Chorus this year, a better attitude and im- proved achievement (probably due again to new books-we have "Youth Sings," a collection published and arranged by Fred Waring), a larger group of students' names has been
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