USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 16
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 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
103
High School in a very concise and attractive manner. Although this is probably the smallest school in the State to have this type of booklet, it compares very favorably. It seems to me that such a project is nearly ideal for student council consideration in that the result will tend to continually make for greater unity and loyalty in the school and that, of course, is the true purpose of the Council.
Our representatives in inter-school athletics have maintained the precedence established by former teams. In the majority of games the Agawam teams have been victorious but, better than victory alone, our teams have shown ample evidence of scholarship, high morale, and genuine sportsmanship. The general work in physical education has suffered slightly because of crowded con- ditions, but with another gymnasium available very soon each student will have physical training two periods a week. With the additional shower baths, lockers and apparatus, we shall have a desirable unit. Although in the past we have been fortunate in securing outside fields for baseball, football, and girls' hockey, the need for a larger athletic field near the school building is painfully apparent.
Space will only allow for a word of praise for those who have taken part in the several dramatic successes of the school. "Adam and Eve", "The Gypsy Rover". "Why the Chimes Rang" and others have been demonstrations of real skill and artistic ability. Not only do these performances furnish means for raising money for various needs, but the training involved is decidedly beneficial to the students.
In keeping with the progressive spirit of the school, we have had a large radio installed in the auditorium. This makes it possible to enrich the course in music by using the excellent recital lectures given by Dr. Damrosch. The radio is also being used during the noon recess by the students, under the supervision of the Student Council and Leaders Club. Without doubt, as time goes on, the radio will become more and more vital as one of the teaching tools.
The possibilities for visual education with the moving picture are practically limitless. Recent experiments conducted in twelve large cities justify the belief that the motion picture is an increas- ingly valuable adjunct in teaching. This year we have made use of our projector more than ever before, but even now we are
104
neglecting many things that might be done. If an annual fund could be provided for film rental, I am sure a highly satisfactory program could be arranged which would supplement the work in nearly all the departments of the school. Such a procedure would be in the same category as the provision of supplementary books in the different departments and, in certain ways, much more effective.
For the whole-hearted support and co-operation of the entire personnel, I am deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted, F. EARL WILLIAMS, Principal.
105
ART
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir :
The art work in the Agawam schools this year has followed closely the new course of study which is being worked out in all grades, including the High School. This takes the form of new outlines for each grade teacher each month, giving the aim, the two lessons required each week, and a subject for picture study. A folio containing models, patterns, and other suggestive material, is placed in each building for the teachers' reference.
It is the aim of the department to have this course of art study printed in booklet form, with illustrations if possible, com- plete ones for the superintendent's office, and principals, and separate grade ones for each grade teacher. The subject matter and methods in this complete course are taken from the best ob- tainable in courses in leading cities throughout the country, to- gether with successful lessons worked out and adapted to Agawam. Changes and revisions are to be made of course, from time to time by the supervisor and teachers, to keep up with new ideas and progressive methods.
I recommend the same treatment of the Junior and Senior High art courses, for the office of the principal, and for pupils' use in selecting their subjects.
Time was when art was considered a frill and a non-essential in the public schools, but today, as never before, when each sub- ject is being carefully weighed by educators for its full value, art is finding its rightful place on the school program.
The correlation of art with almost all other subjects com- mends it to teachers, who find it a help, rather than a burden. In the primary grades paper cutting, pasting, and drawing are three
106
of the great aids in silent reading. In history, geography, nature study, and holiday work, drawing has become almost indispensible. Projects in construction, design, and handicrafts acquaint children with the many types of work in the industrial and business world today.
Through poster making, which is an important part of the school program, the attention of children is focussed on many civic and personal problems. Health, safety, fire-prevention, wild-flower and forest conservation, kindness to animals, are some of the subjects treated this way. The power of the poster is well known.
In the High School the correlation of art with other subjects and activities has been even more marked. Several illustrative and decorative cuts have been added to the "Agawam Mirror", and a contest for new cover designs held. Posters and scenery arrangements were made for various school presentations. Work- ing with the Domestic Arts Department, needlework designs, invitations, menu cards for the lunchroom, and redecoration of the teachers' room were some of the projects completed.
We are looking forward with anticipation and plans to the first year of work in the new art room. An attractive studio for all the classes will fill the one great need in building up strong art courses in the Junior and Senior High School.
The annual exhibition of the grade and high school art and handwork was held in June.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. CROWLEY,
Supervisor of Art
107
MUSIC
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass. Dear Sir :
The aim of the Music Department of the Agawam Public Schools is two fold-the development of a lasting love for the best in music and an intelligent appreciation of it. To achieve these results the course is organized under four separate lines of study; that is, Music Appreciation, Voice Culture, Sight Read- ing and Interpretation, although so interdependent are these that a lesson in any one almost inevitably includes something of the others.
You are, doubtless, familiar with most of the class work but I wish to call attention to the correlation between music and other subjects in the curriculum. As the children study different lands they have songs from that land or descriptive of it. Then too, current events in music are noted so that points of contact may be established for the student between the outside world and his work in music.
The work in appreciation is new and worthy of note because it is developed along the lines of the child's experience. An ex- cellent course has been started in the lower grades and as it grows from year to year it will undoubtedly become a valuable part of our music education. The Junior High School has been most fortunate in being able to listen to the Walter Damrosch Music Appreciation Course, Series B. This course in orchestral instruments follows on very appropriately with what the Super- visor has been doing and I think the children are truly appre- ciative of their opportunity of hearing such a marvelous instruc- tor aided by a symphony orchestra. The money earned by the
108
High School in their Musical Comedy bought the radio and thus placed Agawam among the first schools to present this new- est method of musical education.
The Supervisor herself takes all the classes in the Junior- Senior High School. Would that there were time for more! All work in the primary grades is supervised every week and in the intermediate grades, every two weeks. She realizes that much of the credit for the success of the work is due to the excellent co- operation that teachers, principals, parents and you, Mr. Phelps, have given. She sincerely appreciates it.
Public performance has always been an incentive for the children to do finished work and as such is very worth while. It also gives the parents an opportunity to hear what the children have done. So this year the music department has prepared the fol- lowing presentations :
Musical Playlet, "The Wishing Gate," Agawam Center School, February 28, 1928.
Operetta, "The Forest Court," North Agawam School, April 12, 1928.
Cantata, "Spring Cometh," Junior High Glee Club. National Music Week, May, 1928.
Recital for Commencement,
High School Glee Club and Orchestra, June 14, 1928.
High School Musical Comedy, "The Gypsy Rover," High School, November 23, 1928.
Christmas Operetta, "One Christmas Eve," Feeding Hills School, December 21.
Special Assemblies including one for the observance of the Schubert Centennial in November.
Thus we are trying to give the children a workable know- ledge of Music not forgetting its cultural and ethical value so
109
that they may take their place with the others as Walt Whitman saw America :
"I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank, or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deck-hand singing on the steam boat deck,
The shoe maker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter's song the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown, The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing,
Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day-at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs."
Sincerely yours,
RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music.
110
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps,
Superintendent of Schools,
Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir:
During the past year classes in Elementary Cookery have been in progress doing much the same work as those of the pre- vious year. We have, however, to thank the commercial girls who have so nicely mimeographed individual recipes for use in the Domestic Science classes. These not only save time for the girls but also help to make their notebooks neater and more uni- form.
During each lesson attention is given not only to the actual procedure necessary for making the recipe and obtaining its re- sults, but also to the neatness and accuracy with which the work is carried on. The practical use of classroom instruction is en- couraged by giving extra credit to any girl who applies the know- ledge gained thereby in her home and has a written statement, signed by her mother, to that effect. A group of girls who have previously done the work outlined in Elementary Cookery formed a second year class. It is in this class that the girls study more thoroughly the theory work connected with the subjects of Foods and Table Setting and Serving. Laboratory work deals with Fancy and Invalid Cookery.
By June most of the girls have become acquainted with the work enough to make them enthusiastic over the exhibition held each year. At this exhibit parents and friends view products made by the girls.
111
SEWING
This past fall, for the first time, a large group of girls from an eighth grade at North Agawam have come to the High School building on Tuesday of each week to receive instruction in Do- mestic Science classes. They have worked faithfully and well, appearing to appreciate the permission to do this.
It is in the seventh grade that the girls first receive instruc- tion in sewing as a school subject. During this year careful study is given to all fundamental stitches with application of each in the construction of simple projects. Machine work is also started during the last half of the year. The more advanced classes study patterns and the use of the same in making under- wear and other garments which will be of use to the girls. The less interesting work of making hemmed and overhand patches, as well as darning stockings, is not forgotten. All finished prod- ucts are carefully packed and kept at school until after the ex- hibition which is held in June.
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH.
112
HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH ROOM REPORT
CASH RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
Year 1927-28
Receipts $5,267.75
Food Salaries $3,907.06 $1,127.32
Supplies $146.90
Cash on Hand $140.35
Stock on Hand $38.85
113
MANUAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Phelps :
I present herewith a summary of the activities in the Manual Training Department during the past year.
Junior High School classes constructed projects designed primarily to introduce the fundamentals of hand tool work and create an opportunity for the study of wood finishing. These groups also studied the incidentals to cabinet construction in- cluding the various woods, joints, nails, screws, sandpaper ; their respective grades, sizes and all other facts pertaining to their use.
Freshmen boys designed, constructed, and decorated maga- zine racks. They were instructed as to the proper method of pro- cedure incident to operating the school machinery, after which they were allowed to use the machines in connection with hand tool work.
Advanced classes showed a very noticeable increase in enroll- ment, and there is no doubt that the contemplated enlarged room and equipment will tend to cause a more decided increase next year. These classes were allowed to draw and build articles of their own choosing.
During the past year the department, in addition to re- pairing many chairs, constructed a table and clothes rack for the science department, music racks for the assembly hall, stage scenery, key racks and various other articles. Many aeroplanes both of the flying and "sealed" variety were made, mute evidence that the world-wide interest in aviation was felt in the school. In addition, numerous decorative model ships were shaped out and rigged.
114
In continuance of the same policy regarding Mechanical Drawing, each class received instruction on the basic principles and it was offered as a distinct subject to the third and fourth year high school students.
The motive behind the presentation of these courses has been not to teach every boy to be a carpenter or cabinet maker, al- though a foundation is laid for these trades, but simply to teach enough so that a boy may be able to differentiate between the good and poor construction, design, or finish in his own work or in a completed commercially built article. In addition, however, it is the hope that the boys will better understand industrial conditions, or at least that some of them may thereby find a hobby to profitably fill their leisure time.
As a revision of program was made necessary through the elimination of the ninth grades, it was difficult to present all the work hitherto required for Junior High classes. I would ac- cordingly recommend that the number of periods per week be in- creased for the remaining classes.
The annual exhibit was held in June.
Respectfully,
FREDERICK T. DACEY
115
PHYSICAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The following is a resume of the Physical Department pro- gram for the year of 1928.
The annual "Health Examination," involving all students en- rolled in both the junior and senior high school, was held in the department under the supervision of Dr. Chamberlain, the school physician, with Mrs. Black the school nurse, and Mr. Smith in attendance. All pupils found physically fit were then required to take gymnasium two periods per week in accordance with the State program.
The object of the department is two-fold; to specialize in corrective play and exercises, and to develop a wider athletic pro- gram encouraging all to take part in sports and thus foster health, scholarship, habits, sportsmanship and school service.
Outlined briefly the program involved marching, rythmic steps, calisthenics, apparatus work-light and heavy, folk and acrobatic dancing, mass games and specialized sports. Special dis- cernment for signs of fatigue was shown, and when found the pro- gram adjusted to meet the physiological and physical factors in- volved in exercising growing children. Due to increased en- rollment the department has been handicapped with unusually large classes. With a limited amount of time and apparatus the work in many classes could not be quite so specialized as in pre- vious years, and so a program of a more general order was carried on. Where conditions warranted it, however, classes in- volved more difficult pieces of apparatus, and personal attention was given to bring out individual and special ability.
An extensive program in the more specialized sports was carried on intramurally and interscholastically. The girls played field hockey and basket ball with success. The great feature of
116
this work performed under Miss Baker, the girls' coach, was that while the teams were of high calibre, she encouraged an un- usually large number of girls to remain on the squad for the season which is in keeping with the policy of the department.
The boys as members of the "Twin State Conference" again upheld the established traditions of the school. They swept thru to another basket ball championship and were runners-up in baseball and football. In the sports series with West Springfield, Agawam is now far in front and culminated the past year with a happy 30-6 football victory. Agawam's athletes are worthy representatives, clean and courageous, charged with school spirit- they are worthy of their support.
With the realization of an additional gymnasium and the an- ticipation of a full time physical director for the girls, the depart- ment is looking forward to the possibilities of a banner year in 1929.
At this time let me extend my appreciation to all other de- partments for service rendered and happy relationships.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH
Supervisor of Physical Education.
117
TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS -- 1928 APPOINTMENTS
Name
Subject or Grade
School
Began Service
Anna M. Connors
VI
North Agawam
Sept., 1928
M. Carmeleta McCarthy
IV-V
North Agawam
Sept., 1928
Eleanor Sutcliffe
IV
Agawam Center
Sept., 1928
Letitia E. Redden
II-III
Springfield St.
Sept., 1928
Mary E. Spelman
IV-V
Feeding Hills
Sept., 1928
Geraldine Gosse
I-II
Feeding Hills
Sept., 1928
Cecily C. Pratt
I-II-III
Suffield St.
Sept., 1928
Lora M. Bettinger
I-II-III-IV
West St.
Sept., 1928
Dorothy H. Lilly
English
High School
Sept., 1928
Eleanor B. Miller
Latin and Math.
High School
Sept., 1928
118
RESIGNATIONS
Service Ended
Ruth C. Grady
V
North Agawam
June, 1928
Cora E. Halladay
VI
Agawam Center
June, 1928
Mrs. Bessie S. Field
II-III
Feeding Hills
June, 1928
Mildred M. Trask
I
Feeding Hills
June, 1928
Christina M. Rose
IV-V
Feeding Hills
June, 1928
Ruth Bugbee
English
High School
June, 1928
Hazel M. Sullivan
Science and Math.
Jr. High School
June, 1928
TRANSFERS
Mildred C. Pease Ruth M. Ripley
From Suffield St. West St.
To North Agawam, Gr. II Feeding Hills, Gds. II-III
Date Sept., 1928 Sept., 1928
TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT DECEMBER 31, 1928
Benjamin J. Phelps
Subject or Grade Superintendent
Education Yale College, B. A. Teachers' College, M. A.
Began Service in Agawam July, 1922
Salary per Month $375.00
SUPERVISORS Mary M. Crowley Art
Mass. Normal Art School
Sept., 1926
190.00
Ruth A. Perry
Music
Keene Normal School Montpelier Seminary
Sept., 1926
210.00
HIGH SCHOOL F. Earl Williams
Principal
Mass. Agricultural College B. S. Skidmore College of Arts Fitchburg Normal
Sept., 1927
290.00
Mrs. Hazel C. Aldrich
Domestic Science
Sept., 1922
190.00
Frederick T. Dacey Harmon A. Smith
Manual Training
Sept., 1922
260.00
Y. M. C. A. College
Sept., 1924
280.00
Elizabeth E. Baker
Physical Training & Coach of Boys' Athletics Commercial and Coach of Girls Athletics English
University of New Hampshire B. A.
Sept., 1926
180.00
Nellie I. Button
Sept., 1922
200.00
Allan M. Hadley
Science
Middlebury College M. A. Clark University B. A.
Sept., 1927
210.00
119
Erika C. Jauch Dorothy H. Lilly Clara L. McIntire
French and Latin English Commercial
Smith College B. A. Smith College B. A.
Sept., 1923
190.00
Sept., 1928
160.00
Bay Path Institute
Northeastern Univ. B. A.
Sept., 1922
200.00
Eleanor B. Miller
Latin and Math.
Smith College B. A.
Sept., 1928
140.00
Katharine M. Phealan
History and English Mathematics
Smith College B. A.
Teachers' College M. A.
Sept., 1922
200.00
Marjorie Ward History
Smith College B. A.
Teachers' College M. A.
Sept., 1922
200.00
Cora M. Barnes
Jr. High History
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1922
160.00
Mrs. Viola W. Phillips Jr. High English
New Britain Normal
April, 1920
160.00
Catherine T. Powers Jr. High Geography
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1917
170.00
John M. Quirk Jr. High Science
Middlebury College B. A.
Jan., 1923
240.00
AGAWAM CENTER SCHOOL
Mary E. McDowell
Principal
Eastern State Normal
Sept., 1926
180.00
Gladys E. Goodwin
Grade VI
Farmington Normal
Sept., 1926
120.00
Musa B. Richardson Grade V
Farmington Normal
Sept., 1926
130.00
Nora M. Chandler Grades IV-V
Farmington Normal
Sept., 1927
130.00
Eleanor Sutcliffe IV
Fitchburg Normal
Sept., 1928 110.00
Dorothy L. Hooker
Grade III
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1926 120.00
Ida J. Hubbell
Grade II
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1924
125.00
Jessica Dickinson
Grade I
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1926
125.00
Smith College B. A.
Sept., 1927
170.00
Eleanor H. Smith
Jr. High Mathematics
Sept., 1919
160.00
Mae P. Lynch
Westfield Normal
Springfield Commercial
120
121
SPRINGFIELD ST. SCHOOL
Faolin M. Peirce Principal
Springfield Normal
Sept., 1909
190.00
Mrs. Mildred T. Clark Grade I
Higgins Classical Inst.
April, 1922
135.00
Phyllis B. Irwin Grade II
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1926
120.00
Letitia E. Redden Grades II-III
Springfield Kindergarten
Sept., 1928
100.00
Elizabeth C. McCormick Grade III
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1927
110.00
Cora Y. Desmarais Grade IV
New Haven State Normal
Sept., 1927
120.00
Dorothy M. Emerson
Grade V
Univ. of Vermont Training Class
Sept., 1925
125.00
Viva M. Potter Grade VI
Barton Teachers Training Course Westfield Normal
Sept., 1925
130.00
Emily M. McCormick
Grade VII
Bay Path Institute
Sept., 1924
145.00
NORTH AGAWAM SCHOOL
Katherine G. Danahy Principal
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1899 195.00
Annette E. Deely Grade VIII
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1921 1+0.00
Eleanor C. Daly Grade VII
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1923 140.00
Grace M. Connell Grade VI
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1926 120.00
Anna M. Connors Grade VI
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1928 100.00
Kathryn M. Roache
Grade V
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1922 135.00
M. Carmeleta McCarthy Grades V-IV
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1928
105.00
Alice Mckeown
Grade IV
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1923 135.00
Olive A. Fox
Grade III
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1914 140.00
Julia A. O'Connell
Grades III-I
Spfld. Kindergarten
April, 1927
115.00
Mildred C. Pease II
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1927
110.00
Jennie M. Lucas
Grade I
Southington Training
Sept., 1900
150.00
FEEDING HILLS SCHOOL
Helyne D. Mousley Principal
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1923
180.00
Ruth E. Manchester
Grades V-VI
Gorham Normal
Sept., 1924
130.00
Mary E. Spelman
Grades IV-V
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1928
105.00
Ruth M. Ripley
Grades II-III
Castine Normal
Sept., 1925
130.00
Geraldine Gosse
Grades I-II
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1928
100.00
SUFFIELD ST. SCHOOL Cecily C. Pratt Grades I-II-III
Fitchburg Normal
Sept., 1928
100.00
SOUTH SCHOOL
Merriam S. Weeks
Grades I-II-III
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1926
115.00
WEST ST. SCHOOL Lora M. Bettinger
Grades I-II-III-IV
Westfield Normal
Sept., 1928
100.00
122
Articles in Warrant
FOR MARCH 9, 1929
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside in said meet- ing.
Article 2 To choose two or more Fence Viewers, and two or more Field Drivers.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of the Town Officers.
Article 4. To see what method the Town will adopt for the support of the poor for the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day, and provide for its expenditure.
Article 6. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the payment of a proper charge of an insurance com- pany, for acting as surety on the official bond of its officers.
Article 7. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for liability insurance of its employees.
123
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate the sum of $400. to the Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture, to be ex- pended for Agricultural and Home Economics Extension Service in this County and Town, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 40 to 45, Chapter 128 of the General Laws of Mass- achusetts.
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.