USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1926-1930 > Part 21
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PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Parent-Teacher Associations have grown rather rapidly in Western Massachusetts during the past five years. On several oc- casions the question of enlarging the scope of the Parent-Teacher Association in Agawam has been brought to the office. Since our schools have recently been organized on the 6-6 basis, the time may be opportune for forming a Parent-Teacher Association for the entire town. I favor the entire town as a unit for a Parent- Teacher Association in Agawam rather than the individual schools as separate units. With the town as a unit of organization there would naturally be two subdivisions-one for the Elementary schools, grades 1-6; and one for the Junior-Senior High school,
grades 7-12. The officers for this central organization would be chosen from both parents and teachers. The meetings would be held in the High School auditorium, and there would be four meet- ings during the year. It would seem that with such a large cen- tral unit as a working basis, there would be a membership suf-
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ficient to guarantee a worthwhile program. In case the parents and teachers of the Junior-Senior High school respond with suffi- cient interest, I recommend that a Parent-Teacher Association for the Junior-Senior High School as outlined above be formed during the coming school year.
HEALTH
During the year that has passed two health clinics have been launched in Agawam; namely, the toxin-antitoxin diphtheria clinic; and the Von Pirquet clinic for tuberculosis. The response of the citizens of the town to these two health measures was very near unanimous in character, so much so, indeed, that it attracted state wide recognition. The tuberculosis clinic and the diphtheria clinic are two of the best known public health insurance invest- ments.
There is another clinic of supreme importance to school chil- dren of elementary school age. I refer to the dental clinic. This clinic is being sponsored by the Agawam Women's Club. It is hoped that the citizens of Agawam will give the same enthusiastic support to the dental clinic as was accorded to the other clinics. .
CONCLUSION
It is not neessary in this concluson to enumerate the signifi- cant changes in school organization recorded in the previous pages of this report. The citizens of Agawam have sponsored these changes and their children have shown by their interest, co-opera- tion and progress that they too appreciate the educational opportu- nity afforded by the Town of Agawam. Such wholehearted sup- port and co-operation of all concerned with the welfare of the schools has made possible the accomplishments of the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
B. J. PHELPS,
Superintendent of Schools
96
ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR
September 3-December 20, 1929
Average Average Per
bership
Total Mem- Mem- Daily At- cent At- Tardi- bership tendance tendance ness
High School
Senior High III
26
25.82
24.26
93.17
12
Senior High II
65
64.54
62.08
96.16
19
Senior High I
81
78.27
75.08
95.90
41
Junior High III
113
108.85
105.08
96.54
57
Junior High VIII-5
30
29.01
27.97
96.41
15
Junior
High VIII-4
30
28.88
27.43
95.79
6
Junior
High VIII-3
32
29.74
28.58
96.1
2
Junior High VIII-2
33
30.88
29.92
99.19
6
Junior
High VIII-1
31
30.95
30.19
97.54
10
Junior High VII-4
35
30.48
28.36
93.04
6
Junior High VII-3
35
34.77
33.51
96.38
2
Junior High VII-2
35
34.64
33.19
95.81
8
Junior High VII-1
32
30.90
29.79
96.41
5
Junior High-Spec.
22
18.83
17.56
93.25
12
Class
North Agawam School
Grade VI
28
26.87
26.04
96.91
3
Grades V-VI
34
31.47
30.63
97.33
2
Grade V
39
38.77
37.97
97.94
4
Grade IV
36
33.96
32.86
96.76
15
Grades III-IV
34
32.03
30.97
96.71
10
Grades III
35
31.96
31.11
97.34
9
Grade II
39
35.09
35.07
99.94
0
Grade I
32
31.59
30.62
96.93
14
Grade I
32
29.67
27.84
93.83
13
Special Class
17
14.52
14.02
96.55
20
Agawam Center School
Grade VI-A
43
42.05
40.44
96.16
36
Grade VI-B
16
16
15.2
95.01
9
Grade V
35
34.89
33.53
96.10
14
97
Grades IV-V
30
28.32
26.08
92.09
24
Grade IV
36
34.44
32.66
94.86
27
Grade III
35
33.25
31.28
94.07
11
Grade II
45
40.61
38.43
94.63
35
Grade I
43
37.91
34.36
90.63
23
Springfield St. School
Grade VI
41
38.93
37.93
97.43
9
Grade V
42
40.90
39.69
97.04
9
Grade IV
44
41.14
39.68
96.45
6
Grade III
39
37.41
36.34
97.14
6
Grades II-III
34
29.92
29.05
97.09
8
Grade II
40
36.07
34.23
94.90
22
Grade I
48
44.47
42.45
95.46
10
Grade I
12
11.95
11.27
94.37
8
Feeding Hills School
Grade VI
28
27.68
26.78
96.75
2
Grades IV-V
42
41.16
39.24
95.34
2
Grades II-III
40
38.8
36.89
95.08
11
Grades I-II
28
27.22
25.54
93.83
12
South School
Grades I-II-III
35
32.87
29.14
88.65
6
Suffield St. School
Grades I-II-III
22
21.50
19.86
92.37
2
West St. School
Grades I-II-III-IV
29
28.28
26.82
94.83
1
Total Membership for Town
1733
Average Membership for Town
1648.26
Average Daily Attendance for Town
1577.02
Per cent Attendance for Town
95.67
Tardiness for Town
584
Total Membership January 1, 1929
1689
Increase over last year
44
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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Phelps :
In appraising the past years work in the high school I find conditions analagous in most respects to those of the preceding year.
IDEALS MAINTAINED
I wish to say at the beginning that members of the faculty have been loyal to their trust, ever willing to assist with extra ac- tivities, and constantly alert to progress. It is my opinion that to duplicate the artistry of teaching that now generally prevails in this school would be an extremely difficult task. Although, of course, there are various methods of instruction used, I' am sure there is a maintained equality of opportunity for the students throughout the curriculum. I also believe that we have in the faculty a concerted agreement that the chief function of teacher and textbook is to create appealing siuations-connecting with the pupils interests in such a vital way that the drudgery of mastering the technique of a subject is overshadowed by the attractiveness of the goal. The main concern in the school continues to be to pre- pare our students, so far as we can, to meet the needs of actual life and to bring about a harmonious adjustment between the individ- ual student and society as it exists to-day. The general objections arranged in the order of their importance are as follows: physical welfare, social adjustment, intellectual understanding, aesthetic appreciation and creativeness, and vocational skill.
99
ABILITY GROUPING
We have been moderately successful in grouping the different sections of the 7th and 8th grades according to the ability of the pupils. A study of the chronological age-grade distribution shows that the per cent of advanced students in the different sec- tions arranged in the order of superiority are as follows; for the 7th grades, 17.5%, 12%, 8.5%, 6%, and for the 8th grades, 35.5%, 28%, 13%, 13%, 0%. The assignments of work and classroom procedure in these classes are influenced by this obvious differentiation.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Having another gymnasium and supervisor of physical educa- tion for the girls, it is now our policy to schedule two classes to- gether. That is the boys and girls of a particular group have physi- cal training at the same period-thus economizing on time and supervision. I am happy to say that the training in the gymna- sium does not terminate with the physical training period but is carried into the classroom in posture, carriage, and first-aid instruc- tion. Our varsity athletic teams have enjoyed another successful year, winning the basketball championship last winter, baseball championship during the spring term and finally capturing first honors in football this fall. Such results speak well for the coaching and the earnest subordination of each player for the bet- terment of the team.
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
The agricultural Department, although still in its infancy, is already being ranked with the best in the state. This early recogni- tion has been due to the generosity and good judgment of the building committee together with the expert guidance of Mr. Moseley and the state supervisors. There are now 22 boys in the department busily engaged with their chosen projects, the required survey work and shop practice which includes both man- ual training and automotive repairing. Plato when he said "All the useful arts are degrading," had no conception of the benefits derived from a modern school system. I wish to add my word of praise to that already given to Elbert Jenks for his meritorious achievements in agriculture. His success has rightly been given state-wide acknowledgment.
100
ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS
We have been fortunate during the last year in securing ex- cellent speakers for our assembly programs. These addresses have added variety, which is indeed an elemental ingredient for continued interest, as well as bringing to the student body the stim- ulation of new points of view. Scattered throughout the year the students have participated in special assembly programs. The training and experience involved I consider of great value to par- ticipants and I hope for more activity along this line. Our moving picture projector has enabled us to present the unique series of pictures known as the American Chronicles. Each month is sched- uled a different episode in American History. Needless to say their educational merit is outstanding. On alternate Fridays the Junior High School benefits from a special assembly program pre- sented by Walter Damrosch through the medium of the radio.
GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Endeavoring to give intelligent guidance to students concern- ing advanced schools and the vocations, we are now using an orientation card which has been localized to fit this community. Each year every member of the Freshman class will be interviewed by the dean of girls or the principal, at which time the students can ask questions and also help in filling out our office record card. I am still skeptical about certain aspects of vocational guidance, especially testing for aptitudes, but sincerely believe in this per- sonal conference plan.
ALUMNI
This year I hope to strengthen the alumni organization by putting them in closer contact with the aims and activities of the school, and also by keeping on file a record of each graduate's ac- tivities since leaving the high school. This system will enable us to make recommendations when required and also to arrange for at least a few placements. The alumni survey to date is not com- plete but some interesting facts are already available. Of the 137 who have graduated from the school beginning in 1924; 47 are working in offices, 26 are in colleges, 20 are working in shops or stores, 15 are married, 9 are attending normal school, 7 are teach- ing, 5 are nurses and 8 are not yet recorded.
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GREATEST PRESENT NEED
Very likely our greatest need for reorganization is in the domestic science department. This is due primarily, to the fact that one teacher cannot satisfactorily manage the cafeteria, which furnishes lunches for about 600 people daily, and also teach all the domestic science and sewing classes in both junior and senior high school. It is now being maintained and I think rightly, that girls should have opportunity to study household arts instead of, or at least as well as, subjects like Algebra and Latin. It seems to me it is fully as important for a girl to understand the chemical, bacteriological, and physiological principles which are involved in the kitchen, and something of the care and nurture of children, as to understand the theorem of Pythagoras. In another year I hope it will be feasible to have an assistant in this department making possible additional courses so that every girl will have the oppor- tunity to elect this most essential training.
In speaking of certain things I do not wish to give the impres- sion that there are not others worthy of comment, but space allows for a limited number.
In closing I wish to give my commendation to those respon- sible for the success of the Student Council, Leaders Club and va- rious subject clubs-also for the presentation of "The Patsy", "Pepita", "Christmas Carol" and other plays. In my opinion such achievements reflect the true tempo of the school.
Once again let me assure you that this has been another pleas- ant and satisfying year under your altruistic leadership.
Respectfully submitted,
F. EARL WILLIAMS,
Principal.
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DOCTOR
To the School Committee of Agawam:
Gentlemen : I hereby submit to you my report, as School physician, for the year ending December 31, 1929.
Just before the beginning of the year, two cases of diphtheria were reported near Feeding Hills Center. It was decided to inspect the schools daily, and try if possible to prevent the develop- ment of new cases.
Throats were examined. Temperatures were taken. All suspicious cases were sent home, and kept under observation.
January 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8, every pupil attending was examined, at Agawam Center and South school.
In February it was necessary to remove from Feeding Hills Center School two cases that had not secured two negative diph- theria tests. The same school was visited in March.
At Springfield Street School on June 12th a vaccination clinic was held. Forty children were vaccinated.
During the summer two clinics for vaccination were held in Agawam Center School. Only twelve were vaccinated.
As soon as possible after school began in the fall, and the new High School building's use established, physical examinations began for the current school year. Between September 23 and November 8, every pupil in the eight Agawam Schools was examined. The examinations included scalp, skull, skin, teeth, tonsils, throat, heart, lungs, extremities, general appearance and posture. It was a definite aid to all concerned to have the examinations finished early in the year.
October 28:
West Street, vaccinated 1
Feeding Hills, vaccinated 14
Springfield Street, vaccinated 8
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October 29:
North Agawam, vaccinated Agawam Center, vaccinated Suffield Street, vaccinated
32 7 2
October 30: South School, vaccinated 5
November 4: South School, vaccinated 3
On this date I visited Agawam Center School, North Aga- wam School and Springfield Street School.
Scarlet fever and diphtheria were too frequently encountered during the year. They were the outstanding diseases of the year. Bad teeth and tonsils were altogether too common. It was a plea- sure to see the marked benefits shown by the many pupils who fol- lowed advice and had those structures properly cared for. Only very rarely did I see a pair of tonsils in a healthy state, that was formerly reported diseased. It is a pleasure to examine the upper grade pupils in the High School, after seeing the children of the lower grades. One is gratified with the excellent results of the system of physical examinations and nursing, provided by your committee.
During the spring your physician had the pleasure of assisting in the toxin-antitoxin clinics. Over seven hundred children were treated. In my opinion, this was a very wise procedure, and will lower the incidence of diphtheria in Agawam.
I therefore recommend that your committee establish a yearly toxin-antitoxin clinic, and take care of the small number of pupils that will enter school each fall. I offer my services for such clinics without fee. It will lower the number of diphtheria cases, lower the death rate among children, lower the number of days absent from school, and increase the efficiency of every one concerned.
Respectfully submitted,
I. I. CHAMBERLIN, M.D.
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
JANUARY 1929 to JANUARY 1930
Number of Schools visited
8
Number of Visits to School
958
Number of Visits to Homes 489
Number of Treatments in Schools 1139
Number of Pupils inspected
4763
Number of Pupils taken to Oculist and Physician 24
Number of cases of Scarlet Fever 22
Number of cases of Whooping Cough
12
Number of cases of Chicken Pox
15
Number of cases of Diphtheria
5
Number of cases of Measles
100
Number of cases of Pediculosis
30
Number of Tonsils and Adenoids
603
Number of Defective Teeth
550
Number of Glands
130
Number of Rapid Cardiac cases
10
Number of Orthopedic cases
8
Number of cases of Slight Goiter
6
2 children were taken to the Shriners Hospital for repair of Braces.
5 children were taken to the Westfield Sanatorium for X-Rays. All were negative.
716 children were given the Toxin-antitoxin protective treat- ment for diphtheria in May.
Pupils were measured in October and March; and weighed in October, December, January, and May.
My sincere appreciation to the parents, Superintendent, princi- pals, and teachers for their courtesy and cooperation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARY LOUISE BLACK.
105
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Number of calls at homes for the school 531
Number of calls at the schools 532
Number of calls at homes and places of employment to see about certificates 40
Number of truants
41
Number of investigations for other cities and towns Have had one court case during the year.
18
The town has one boy in the Hampden County Training School.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL O. CESAN
106
ART
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir :
Last year the Art Course of Study was brought to a fixed standard. This year the same course has been pursued. Each grade teacher now has her course of study in typewritten booklet form, illustrated, and enriched by notes on correlation, class-room decoration, and other art subjects of help to the grade teacher. The subject matter in this Elementary Course of Study is taken from the best obtainable in art work in leading centers throughout the country together with successful projects worked out and adapted to Agawam. Changes and revisions are to be made, of course, from time to time, to keep up with new ideas and progressive methods.
The Junior and Senior High Art Courses were more firmly established this year, due to the addition of a fine new art room and more of the supervisor's time being spent in the high school. At present, exactly one half of her work is in the grades, and one half in the high school. Three-fourths of her time could be ad- vantageously spent with the older pupils without great loss to the lower grades.
Courses in Junior High School are: Art Appreciation, re- quired by the 7th grade to serve as a preparation for later art work in Senior High, and as a cultural aid in development of good taste ; and Elementary Design, elective in the 8th grade to enable the pupils to recognize and adapt the many sources of beauty to speci- fic, everyday problems.
Drawing and Painting, and Commercial Design are the two courses offered in the Senior High School, and are planned to ac-
107
quaint the pupils with the various mediums and technicalities of artistic expression. Each one of the four courses named above is complete in itself for the pupil who can only take one year of Art; and taken in four or more consecutive years, give a complete and thorough preparation for the talented student who plans to con- tinue in an art school, or take up art for pure enjoyment.
The art department has been able to correlate more than ever before with other subjects this year: Several illustrative and dec- orative cuts have been made for the Agawam Mirror in the Eng- lish Department; notebook covers for the Social Sciences; posters for Health and Posture. A very successful poster contest was held advertising the musical presentation "Pepita", with prizes offered by the Music Department. Many attractive projects in handi- crafts have been worked out in the Special 7th division, under Mrs. Smith's direction. Bags of woven yarns, Christmas cards hand printed from wood-blocks, and paper knives and bowls of copper were all worked out from designs and patterns made by them dur- ing drawing periods.
A Society of Arts and Crafts has been formed by the Senior High girls for the pursuing of their artistic hobbies outside of school hours. The Society meets twice a month and the meetings are given over to working on some handicraft, attending exhib- its or lectures, sketching out of doors, or assisting some school activity.
Several oil paintings have been loaned to the high school by the Circulating Picture Club of the Springfield Art League, in which the school has membership. These paintings are changed every month, being hung in the auditorium, and have been much enjoyed by the faculty and students.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. CROWLEY,
Supervisor of Art.
108
MUSIC
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Sir:
It gives me great pleasure to submit for your approval a re- sume of the work accomplished the past year in the music depart- ment of the Agawam Public Schools.
The rapid growth of the school system, and in particular the consolidation of the Junior High School, necessitated a change in the schedule of the Supervisor. Each of the primary grades are now visited once in two weeks and each of the rural schools once in three weeks.
The Weaver method of teaching music has been in operation for several years and thoroughly established, so that the course has run very smoothly this year. Monthly outlines show the teachers just how much work should be accomplished, and guide the new teacher in this particular system. It would seem as if the class teacher, supplied with a carefully outlined course of study and assisted at any critical point by the Supervisor, could do the best work for her particular girls and boys. Therefore, the Supervisor earnestly recommends that she supervise more and teach less.
Each building is now equipped with victrola records for a def- inite course in music appreciation through the first four grades. Next year it is hoped to extend the course to the fifth grades and ultimately to have no breaks from the first to the eighth grade.
The Junior High classes are continuing their excellent course under Walter Damrosch-the seventh grades listening to Series A and the eighth grades to Series B. At these concerts each child is given a questionnaire to fill in as he listens, so that he will have a guide to the more important points in the lesson.
109
Junior High music has fared better this year than for several years past since nearly every class has its music lesson separately instead of in a large chorus. This is made possible by the change in schedule of the Supervisor and the teaching assistance of Miss Deely.
ยท Music in the Senior High consists of the Orchestra and a Mixed Chorus. This latter has made a very fine start. It takes the place of the Girls' Chorus of former years. The orchestra is probably on a better educational basis than ever before. The mem- 'bers are studying some of the standard orchestral works, and a prize has been offered to the one making the greatest improvement this year.
The Music Department has been well represented at numer- ous public performances and special assemblies. Perhaps the most notable of these have been the play and operetta at Agawam Cen- ter, Patriotic programs and Christmas Carols in all the schools, and the Annual High School Musical Comedy, "Pepita".
In closing, I wish to mention the excellent spirit of coopera- tion which is manifest by the Superintendent, principals, and teachers. It is a strong factor in the success of music education.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music.
110
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Benjamin J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools, Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Phelps :
My work with the girls of the domestic science classes has been most interesting and encouraging. The many reports from the girls and their mothers of the work being done at home in the varied phases of Home Economics leads me to watch with enthusi- asm the class work.
The study of food means a knowledge of many things. In fact, more than the time allotment for class work allows. During the year several class periods are used to teach the girls facts about food other than the actual preparation and making of certain reci- pes. It is hoped that by these lessons the girls may gain suffi- cient knowledge of correct food combinations to make them watch their own diet with interest.
Table setting, table etiquette, and serving of food also help to make up interesting lessons in this course.
In February, the second year cooking class invited the entire faculty to a Valentine Tea which was held in the sewing room. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Phelps poured while Ruth Skinner acted as hostess for her class. Dainty sandwiches and cookies, prepared by the class, were served by the girls.
In June the annual exhibit was prepared and placed in the Domestic Science room.
SEWING
With the increased number of pupils both the sewing and cooking rooms are crowded to their capacity on certain days. In
111
sewing classes this proves to be a handicap at times when many are waiting to stitch on the machines. One or two more machines would be a great help, although the work is planned to keep all students as busy as possible.
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