USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 10
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After all is said and done there are always a few cases of retardation. This is necessary for the good of the pupils con- cerned. A teacher who promotes a pupil knowing that said pupil has not formed the habits and skills of his present grade to a sufficient degree to warrant that he can build the more difficult habits and skills of an advanced grade on his poor foundation is doing the pupil a great injury. In the end a pupil placed ahead on such a promotion loses the time of two grades instead of one. In other words, the last condition of such a case is worse than the first.
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8. ATTENDANCE
The per cent of attendance of our entire school system for the school year 1926-1927 was 94.35. This is a good percentage when one contemplates the fact that Agawam is, for the most part, a rural community. We are endeavoring this year, however, to improve that per cent and to that end have doubled the time that the truant officer gives to the work-Mr. Cesan now reports to each school twice a week. All parents, teachers, and pupils are asked to give their cooperation in this worthy endeavor. A high per cent of attendance indicates, at least, that the pupils are spending their time in school-the very place where they should be found.
9. EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES
In theory all extra curricula activities should be scheduled with the regular school work, but in practice it is not possible to include all of said activities in the formal day's program since the school day is not of sufficient length. The general practice in most high schools incorporates the musical clubs-both glee and orchestra-in the daily program. Such is the case in Agawam. We are not able, as yet, to include our athletics in the daily pro- gram, but we consider them to be of great importance and we seek to regulate them in such a way that they may not absorb the time which should be given to the academic part of the school program.
Over-emphasis in athletics is very prone to center about two points ; namely, number of games played with outside teams, and the time of playing those games. The following number of games with outside teams is recommended for Agawam :- in football, 6 games; in basketball, 14 games; in baseball, 12 games. There are two conditions under which games may not be scheduled. Midweek afternoon games with teams located a considerable dis- tance from Agawam make it necessary for many pupils to miss their classroom work. Such a loss of school time is not consistent with a sound economy of time program. Basketball games are not scheduled on the evenings of the regular school days, except Fridays-the reason for this restriction is self-evident.
CONCLUSION
In concluding this report on the subject of "Economy of Time in its Relation to School Administration," allow me to make
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the three following recommendations which, in my judgment, would permit our schools to render improved service to our citi- zens. (1) Permit the School Health Department to make all physical examinations of the pre school children, and provide for the necessary remedial health measures before the children enter Grade I-that is, in the summer vacation. (2) Construct during the coming school year an addition to the High School building of sufficient size to accommodate all seventh grade pupils. (3) Include in this construction program also a room for pupils of Junior High School age who are three or more years retarded.
II. ENRICHING THE CURRICULUM
In the very first chapter of a recent novel,-"Doomsday," Miss Mary Viner, the leading character of the book, when asked as a child why she so disliked school made the significant reply, "Cos one does the same thing every day." We have been en- deavoring in Agawam to free ourselves from the possibility of such a grave charge: to do so, however, we must constantly be on the alert. The interest of parents, teachers, and, above all, pupils must be kept alive and growing. The following is an account of our attempt to enrich the daily program-to keep the same from sinking to a deadening level.
ATHLETICS
Our athletics, not because we have had winning teams (both boys and girls-see Mr. Smith's report) but because they have been carried on with a spirit of fairness to all concerned in that the largest possible number of candidates for all teams have been kept on the field and have been given practice under expert di- rection, have won and held the interest of the student body. How dead a school would be without athletics !
PRIZES WON
In our Commercial Department much interest has been created by the typing tests forwarded by the various typewriting companies. The award of pins from such contests has absorbed the attention, not only of the members of the Commercial De- partment, but also that of the entire Junior-Senior High School. This interest, indeed, was moved to a high pitch when our three representatives in the Valley Typing Contest-a contest involving many of the high schools in this vicinity-won the first three
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prizes. Our one representative in the stenography contest brought back the second prize to Agawam High.
DRAMATICS
In early autumn our high school pupils have, in recent years, shown keen interest in operettas. These operettas also offer an opportunity to a large number of the pupils to engage their energies. This year the Girls Glee Club assisted by the Boys Glee Club presented "Sailor Maids" to a record breaking audience. The money derived from the show was sufficient to purchase a large orthophonic victrola for the high school. By the aid of this machine our music director will conduct a contest in music appreciation-another excursion from the time worn path or track.
In our elementary schools the same type of entertainment has been presented by the children and the proceeds obtained thereby have been used to purchase, in some cases, lanterns and slides and in other cases small libraries of interesting books. Through such a media monotony is dispelled and cheer and sun- shine substituted in its place.
CLUBS
The various clubs in the Junior-Senior High School con- tribute to the enrichment of the curriculum, since most of these clubs are organized about some central factor in the curriculum. For instance, the Current Events Club is attached to the English Department; the Leaders Club to the Civics Section; the Science Club to the Science Department; and the College Club to the College Preparatory Department.
The College Club is a new organization in the High School. The members of this Club are expecting to enter higher insti- tutions after graduation, and are now made acquainted with the specific requirements in scholarship and other matters which are helpful to successful college candidates. The first meeting of the Club was held during the last Christmas recess. At that time the Club was addressed by former Agawam graduates now in College. The club members heard from Brown University, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Annapolis College.
The Student Council during the past year has become a potent factor in developing the character and safe guarding the honor of the High School. This Council is a welfare board, the
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membership of which-elected from the student body-may not set up innovations without the consent of the superior officers of the School Committee, yet it can and does hold to a high standard the accepted policies of the school. This quickening of the spirit of the school through the membership of the school is most wel- come for it is dynamic in nature, not static.
TRIPS
Field trips are occasionally made by the different classes in science and social studies. These excursions from the confines of the classroom are beneficial not only from the source of first hand information obtained but also from the standpoint of novelty. New places and new faces oftentimes bring new ideas and en- rich the experience of the pupil.
ASSEMBLIES
From time to time as the various holidays come, and at other times on special occasions assemblies are held for the entire school. These assemblies are in charge of the pupils themselves and all parts are performed by them. These assemblies are worthy of mention in this report in that they have become bright spots in the school program.
GIFTS
The High School has been the recipient of many gifts from the various classes enrolled within its doors. These gifts are usu- ally pictures of historical events, or masterpieces of art. They adorn the walls of the classrooms, and by their very presence create an atmosphere which takes the pupil from the commonplace and puts him in touch with the sublime. These gifts are also a constant testimony to the loyalty and devotion of the boys and girls who, unsolicited, gave expression to their interest by such tokens.
The American Legion offered in May, 1927, a prize of $20 in gold to be known as the Dearnley Prize in American History, established in honor of the late Thomas Dearnley. The contest for this prize was open to the Senior Class. The first one to win the honor was Vivian Brown and her subject was "The Causes and Results of the American Revolution."
The Alpha Beta Gamma Society, composed of graduates of the Commercial Course and of undergraduates who have made a
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standing of 80% in their scholastic work, offered a prize of $5 to that member of the Senior Class who was judged to be the best all-round business student. Miss Vivian Brown received this prize also.
Our High School is very young, being of but few years standing, and all gifts and prizes are ardently welcomed, for by such means is the school program enriched.
METHODS OF TEACHERS
Thus far in my report I have touched upon several points which have contributed to the enrichment of the curriculum. I have selected for my last point the greatest source of enrichment -namely, the method of the teacher. The teacher who is content to teach her subject in the same humdrum way year after year rather than to teach pupils will not contribute much to the en- richment of the program. The teacher who will not give careful attention to the preparation of her daily program will fail to stir the enthusiasm of her pupils.
The curriculum can be enriched most of all by what the teacher brings to her class and by her manner of presentation. There are points of contact between Foreign Languages and our Mother Tongue; between Contemporary History and Ancient History; between Modern Science and the every day life of the pupil; between all literature and life in our very midst. And what is true of the above subjects is for the most part true of Mathematics, Art and Music. The teacher who knows where these points of contact are and so plans her work that they are brought into touch by the pupils in the classroom is performing much for the enrichment of the curriculum.
The enrichment of the curriculum from the above point of view has been the theme of our faculty meetings this past school year. The teachers have given a splendid response to the pro- gram, since in addition to their training and experience they are filled with enthusiasm for their cause. The pupils have responded in great measure too, and are constantly bringing in materials useful to enrich the program. There is hardly a classroom in the school system which does not bear evidence of this praiseworthy interest and cooperation.
Such a condition as mentioned above could not come to pass without the unselfish work of the School Committee, and the help-
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ful interest of the citizens of Agawam to whom, in closing, I wish to express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, BENJAMIN J. PHELPS,
Superintendent of Schools
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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Agawam Schools.
My dear Mr. Phelps :
My short term of office in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School does not warrant a long, detailed report. However, there are a few things that might well be offered.
My congratulations to you in recognition of your excellent educational achievement as evidenced by the present school system are most sincere and spontaneous. The arrangement of the cur- riculum, the progressiveness of the faculty, and the high morale of the student body bespeak the finest in school administration.
The school year has progressed thus far with no radical changes from last year-and with few modifications. We are making a determined effort this year to crystallize the courses of study so that the different departments can present more unified and inclusive curriculums. Without doubt, such a procedure will tend to bring about greater continuity in each department, and the student will be better able to conceive of his several en- deavors as an entity instead of several distinct and disconnected subjects. It is hoped that the altogether too prevalent desire to simply accumulate credits for graduation will be supplanted to a large degree by an attempt to attain proficiency in certain skills, and to foster a more scientific mode of thinking.
Because of the rapid increase in the school's membership, there are already several deficiencies in the physical equipment of the school. For the girls there is a dire need for additional locker space and a larger number of shower bath booths. An adequately appointed dressing room will eliminate the losing of personal property, and will make it possible for each girl to have the nec- essary bath at the end of the exercise period.
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Coming as I did from a school that maintains an unusually effective course in vocational agriculture, I feel qualified to rec- ommend a similar course for this institution. For an agricultural section, the value of such a department is apparent, and it would be all but an impossibility to over-emphasize the merits of this innovation for the encouragement and instruction of students who have a natural inclination for activities agricultural in na- ture. The reimbursement from the state for offering such a course is very generous, so that the chief expense to the Town would be in providing a suitable laboratory.
It is superfluous for me to add that I am cognizant and ap- preciative of the many courtesies, and the spirit of general help- fulness tendered me by the entire personnel and members of the school. I can say with a feeling of genuine gratitude that my work here has been entirely pleasant and most satisfying.
Cordially,
F. EARL WILLIAMS
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ART
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir :
The art work in the schools of Agawam has gone along this year very favorably, much the same subject matter being taught in the grades as last year, but with changes in the high school.
The change in schedule for the supervisors has been very helpful. The teachers in the primary grades, which are visited once in two weeks by the supervisor, are given their lesson plans and models for all inbetween lessons. The upper grades, above the fourth, have their regular weekly lesson with the supervisor. This arrangement, of course, gives more time for work in the Junior and Senior High School. Seven periods are now given to art, where there were but four last year.
The Junior High courses, like those in our leading cities today, are chiefly in Art Appreciation rather than actual drawing and painting. This study of beauty and fine things is to develop good taste; and more intelligent consumers of manufactured ar- ticles for personal, home, and community use. This is given through a study of Historic Design, the study of various industries affected by art, and the actual designing of these products. Not only should this knowledge give us better taste in the selection of everyday things; but it should stimulate and develop pupils of special talent who will be needed not only in architecture, paint- ing and decoration, but as designers and craftsmen in the vast in- dustries of our Commonwealth-such as textiles, wall paper, fur- niture, silverware, metal fixtures, linoleum, etc., likewise the large field of advertising and general illustration.
A new course for boys has been introduced, that of Com- mercial Design comprising show card writing and all forms of
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poster work. Last fall the class visited a very enlightening ex- hibition of Commercial Art at the Springfield Art Guild.
In November a second large stage drop was designed and painted for the musical presentation "Sailor Maids," as were posters also.
The pictures in the Springfield Street School hall were low- ered so that they could be viewed and studied by the smaller children. It is too fine a collection to be hung up out of range of youthful vision.
The illustrations appearing in "The Mirror" this year are the work of high school girls who are in the art class.
I recommend again that some sort of a room that can be used by the drawing classes alone be kept in mind whenever space be- comes available. Every special department has its own well equipped room,-the gym, the shop, the domestic science rooms, the auditorium; while art is carried on and executed on biology tables, arms of lecture chairs, desks, and laboratory equipment. We have only an open cupboard and three shelves in the supply room !
I feel that there is an increased understanding and interest in the drawing work in general in all of the grades this year, and I wish to express here my pleasure in working with such an en- thusiastic and efficient corps of teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. CROWLEY,
Supervisor of Art
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MUSIC
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I hereby submit the annual report of the Music Department of the Agawam Public Schools.
During the year 1927, Agawam Music has followed much the same course as last year, including a basic study of music fundamentals and music reading, music appreciation and song- singing. In addition to the regular music drill of the class and of the individual, we have felt there was need of more intelligent listening, since so many of the children become listeners rather than creators of music. Accordingly we have begun a systematic course of appreciation which is closely allied with song singing, in the first three grades.
In the Junior High School the weekly music classes are con- ducted by the Supervisor. Most of this time is spent in chorus work but a small part is used for studying the orchestra in order to develop interest in instrumental music. This year the Junior High School has its own orchestra where the players obtain ex- perience before entering the Senior High School Orchestra. In both the vocal and instrumental field, the Junior High shows very promising talent.
Music in the Senior High School consists of the Girl's Glee Club and the Orchestra. The Glee Club numbers one hundred and twenty which, of course, is a large group with which to work. Making the group smaller and training only the best voices was considered but this plan was discarded in favor of giving music to all who desired it. The orchestra has some excellent musicians and can do work of which Agawam may well be proud.
Some of the presentations which have been made by the Music Department are as follows :
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February 28, Operetta "Betsy Ross" by the children of the North Agawam School.
April 20, Beethoven Memorial Chapel with an all Beethoven program given by the Faculty and students.
May 18, Glee Club and Orchestra Concert, Agawam High School.
June 16, Recital for Commencement, Orchestra and Glee Club. November 18, Musical Comedy "Sailor Maids," Agawam High School.
December 23, Appropriate music at the Christmas program of each school.
The new orthophonic victrola, which was bought with the proceeds from the musical comedy, is greatly enjoyed by all and adds much to the efficiency of the music department.
An increase in the classes at High School made necessary a change in the schedule for the supervision of the grade work. The first four grades are visited every week while the higher grades are taught by the Supervisor only once in two weeks. The plan has worked out quite advantageously.
On the whole, music seems to be making very favorable prog- ress, much of which is due to the splendid cooperation of the Sup- erintendent, Principals, Grade Teachers, and various departments of the High School. To them the Supervisor renders hearty thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH PERRY
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REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps,
Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my annual report of the work done in the Domestic Science Department.
So long as the home is the foundation of society, it will be necessary to train people to establish and maintain the proper kind of homes. With thoughts of the everyday home problems brought to their minds, three large groups of girls from the eighth grade are now interested in learning how to prepare and serve simple, inexpensive dishes. Consideration is also given to habits of clean- liress and order, correct food combinations, table etiquette, and ideals of home management.
The girls are marked not only upon the finished product, but also according to their method of procedure and the necessary part of housekeeping work included. Extra credit is given for home work, which stimulates more interest in the pupils and allows the teacher to become more familiar with the girl's know- ledge and use of her classroom instruction.
The cooking exhibit held in June is designed to show sam- ples of the work practiced during the year. A greater time allot- ment for this work is advisable if such can be arranged.
SEWING
This work is compulsory in Junior High and in the Fresh- man year of Senior High. It has become a well elected subject among the remaining Senior High School girls whose schedule permits them the necessary time.
The elementary work includes projects simple in construction, but designed to include all of the necessary stitches required for
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the more advanced work. Before permitting the girls to make garments requiring stitching, a careful study of the machine is made. Useful articles are planned and materials purchased by each girl, with an aim to satisfy the pupil's needs and desires as far as possible.
The Senior class has been keeping in touch with some of the present day art work by making beaded bags, yarn pocketbooks (which the class also designs), yarn flowers, and silk handkerchiefs done in Plastic Art.
The sewing exhibit in June gives all who are interested a chance to view articles made during the year.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. HAZEL C. ALDRICH
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MANUAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Phelps :
I present herewith the report of the Manual Training De- partment for the past year.
The Seventh grade and other Junior High School classes have constructed articles of furniture which, though simple, were so designed that they created an opportunity for the boys to learn the fundamentals of tool work and cabinet construction. In these groups the theory of wood finishing was studied in connection with the various cabinet woods.
The Freshman boys were permitted to design their projects and time was given to the study of design and construction. These boys, with the permission of their parents, were allowed to use the shop machinery, thereby furthering their knowledge of industrial methods.
The advanced High School classes chose their own problems and were left, as much as was practical, to their own resources in drawing and constructing these problems. This method enabled them to take the initiative in regard to the work. They con- structed floor lamps, end tables, radio cabinets, living room tables, magazine racks, bookcases, and other articles of pleasing design.
Throughout the year, the boys gave a great amount of time to the making and repairing of equipment for the school. This equipment included a portable basket for the gymnasium, racks for the lunch room, bulletin boards, bookcases and stage scenery for other departments.
In each class, a small amount of time was devoted to Me-
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chanical Drawing and it was offered as a distinct subject in the third and fourth years of High School.
The annual exhibit was held in June.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY,
Supervisor of Manual Training
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PHYSICAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following is a resume of the work in Physical Educa- tion for the past year.
The Director actively supervised all work in the Junior and Senior High Schools for the required two hours per week per pupil-exception being made where the student was excused on presentation of the certificate of a reputable physician. Previous to doing any work, all students were subjected to a physical ex- amination given under the auspices of the Department of Phy- sical Education with the cooperation of the school physician and nurse.
The desire and aim of the work involved is not primarily to amuse the pupils, but rather to train and develop such qualities of mind and body as may better fit them for a well organized scheme of living in the future. The requirements are intended to keep them keen and active for their general school work, and to help them to correct such natural defects as can be remedied by earnest effort.
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