USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1931-1935 > Part 22
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The following is the report of the Chest Clinic given in November by the Hampden County Tuberculosis Associa- tion for the pupils of the 7th, 9th and 11th grades.
Number of Children Tuberculin Tested 198
Children Reacting to Test
39
Number of Children X-Rayed 44
Referred for Examination
7
Number of Childhood Type Tuberculosis 2
Childhood Type Tuberculosis Suspects
4
My sincere appreciation to the parents, Superintendent, principals and teachers for their courtesy and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY LOUISE BLACK,
School Nurse
112
CAFETERIA REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following table gives the financial status of the Cafeteria from September, 1933, to June, 1934.
Receipts
Stock on hand June, 1933 $ 71.75
Cash on hand June, 1933 154.35
Receipts from September, 1933, to June, 1934. 4,380.33
Total
$4,606.43
Expenses
Salaries from September, 1933, to June, 1934 $1,422.71
Food from September, 1933, to June, 1934. 3079.78
Supplies from September, 1933, to June, 1934 58.72
Stock on hand June, 1934 34.10
Cash on hand June, 1934
11.12
Total
$4,606.43
Although we have not changed our quality and prices we have had to decrease our operating expenses. This has been due to the fact that, although the school enrollment has increased, the lunchroom receipts have shown a marked decrease. For comparison, I submit the following :
Enrollment Receipts
Year 1923-1924 365 pupils $4,545.10
Year 1929-1930 600 pupils 7,504.84 (Highest year)
Year 1933-1934 803 pupils 4,380.33
Our receipts for 1933-34 were $164.77 less than our re- ceipts for the second year of our school, 1923-24, although our enrollment was 438 pupils more.
Respectfully submitted, HAZEL C. ALDRICH.
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. B. J. Phelps,
Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Sir :
This is my eighth annual report on the Agawam Junior- Senior High school.
In considering the activities and the morale of this school retrospectively, the past year's work seems to compare favorably with that of previous years and also with that of similar high schools. We have not adopted very many of the innovations sponsored by experimental schools and graduate departments of our colleges, but we have con- tinued to revise our curricula and methods of school man- agement in the light of our changing social order. Begin- ning with the early Latin grammar school and continuing through the academy and the free high school, the story of secondary education has always been one of constant adaptation to changing needs.
We have been especially concerned with the de-educative influences and disintegrative elements which have forced their way increasingly into our social life. How a school system which has the student for only six hours out of the twenty-four can combat these destructive things is an acute problem. Not the school alone, but the character of the student's whole environment must be considered. Contrary to a widespread opinion, I do not believe the solution will be found in formal courses in character training. Not one designated teacher is concerned, but every teacher must be a teacher of character. Some of the very best lessons grow out of character study in the English classes. Citizenship and character are taught in every class, club, and school activity so far as it can be taught in this way. A student does not learn to be honest and dependable by reading a book or discussing a problem-neither does he learn to be a desirable citizen by preparing assignments in civics. He is simply learning what good character means. The im-
114
portant thing is his daily dealings with his fellow students, teachers, and others in the devious ways that meaningful experiences come which carry over into normal life. A well disciplined school in which the students show a rea- sonable sense of responsibility, a co-operative attitude, and a vigorous loyalty has contributed about all the character training a school can give.
Undoubtedly the school is the most effective social tool we have, but many educators are wondering if the school alone is adequate to foster correct social attitudes. It would seem good judgment to me if the schools did not assume more responsibility than they can possibly justify along these lines. The free high school is most certainly a vital unit in a democracy, but it is not, and never can be, all things to all students. Its contribution must be made con- tiguous and along with the other social institutions, especi- ally the church.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Apparently our school population has reached a tem- porary plateau region. For three years now the member- ship of the school has fluctuated but slightly in the neigh- borhood of 800 students. This year we have the following distribution :
Post-graduates-
1934-35
2 previous years 1933-34 1932-33
Home Room 17
No. 13
8 9
Grade XII-
Home Rooms 17, 22
No.
73
72
71
Grade XI-
Home Rooms 20, 21, 24
No. 96
78
73
Grade X-
Home Rooms 18, 13, 14, 11.
.No. 134
133
96
Grade IX-
Home Rooms 26, 25, 6, 27
No. 174
167
162
Grade VIII-
Home Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4
No. 133
167
176
Grade VII-
Home Rooms 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
No. 179
178
187
Total enrollment of school
.. 802
803
774
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We have 22 home rooms and 29 full time teachers. The art and music supervisors devote approximately one half of their time to the high school.
While we do not employ homogeneous grouping to the fullest extent, we do segregate the superior students in so far as it is practicable. These advanced sections are al- lowed to proceed at a faster rate than the regular sections. In years past we have endeavored to calibrate certain classes completely so that each section of a class would represent a rather definite capacity range. In comparing and evaluating the two methods of grouping it would seem that our present method is adequate and all that is justified in our type of organization .
CALENDAR OF SOME NOTEWORTHY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OF THE PAST YEAR
1934-35 Basketball Games, January 5 to February 21. (Won 5 games, lost 10.)
Tri-Hi and Hi-Y Valentine Party. February 14.
Sophomore Party. February 15.
State College Basketball Tournament. March 6 to 10.
Dramatic Club Play, "The High Heart." April 3.
One-Act Play Contest at Ludlow. April 12.
Student Council Dance. April 13.
Agawam Mirror Minstrel Show. May 4.
Baseball Games. May 9 to June 12. (Won 4 games, lost 6.)
Senior Play, "Remote Control." May 18. Junior-Senior Prom. May 25.
Connecticut Valley Commercial Contest. May 26. (Won 7 out of 9 awards.)
Prize Speaking Contest. June 12.
Class Night. June 19. Graduation-64 graduates. June 21. (Dr. Mary E. Woolley, speaker.)
Football Games. October 8 to November 9. (Western Massachusetts Championship.)
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Magazine Campaign. October 9 to 22. ($62.58 profit.) Junior Cabaret. November 2.
Operetta, "The Red Mill." November 23.
Athletic Association Card party. December 7.
Football Banquet. December 19.
Christmas Kid Party. December 20.
Christmas Play, "Why the Chimes Rang." December 21.
STUDENT GUIDANCE
Secondary school administrators throughout the country are very much concerned with the question of guidance. In some of the larger high schools a thorough program involving special personnel workers and a testing proce- dure is employed. On the other hand, many schools have no definite set-up for this work, but depend on the various subject teachers to make a contribution in this field, more or less incidentally with the regular class work. No special provision is made in Agawam for an elaborate guidance program. However, we acknowledge the need for a careful consideration of this perpetual problem. Each year every freshman is given a separate interview in which any ques- tion can be brought up, whether it be of a confidential nature or pertaining to regular school activities. The course of study is considered in the light of personal inclinations and capacity for academic achievement. A general plan is suggested which will carry the student toward a realiza- ble objective. Every senior is also given a short interview. Of course, the conversation concerns completing the high school course and plans for the next year. College-minded students are given information relative to different colleges and blanks necessary for making application for admission. While our response to this problem lacks nicety of tech- nique and thoroughness, perhaps it is all that is justified with the present development of our guidance movement.
CURRICULUM TRENDS AND CHANGES
Only a few years ago high school students represented quite a selected group. The boys and girls who found
117
book learning not according to their liking or capabilities dropped out of school and found employment in one of the unskilled vocations. That era has definitely passed and no longer can we hope that business or industry will absorb our maladjusted students. In other words, the high school, in so far as it can, must adapt its offering for this hetero- geneous group and at the same time maintain a scholastic standing which will be recognized by the best colleges. It is indeed an unwieldy situation. Our reaction in Agawanı constitutes a sort of compromise. Our college curriculum remains intact, but along with it we have enriched and placed greater emphasis on the offerings in the general curriculum. Subjects such as General Mathematics, Eco- nomics and Sociology, Appreciation of Art, General Sci- ence, and World History are good examples of this group. Furthermore, a grade of "C" has no longer any great academic significance. It really means only that a student has been reasonably co-operative and diligent in class. "B" grade or higher is reserved for those students who have made substantial scholastic achievement. This solution is far from ideal, but is perhaps the best possible until ade- quate funds are available for an extension and reenforce- ment of our general and vocational curricula.
OUR GRADUATES
A relatively small percentage of our graduates continue their education in higher schools. However, we have stu- dents in the following institutions : American International College ; Bay Path Institute; Bentley School of Accounting and Finance; Colby Junior College; College of New York; Clark University; Federal Art School; Goddard Business School; Hospitals in Boston, Hartford and Springfield ; Loomis Institute; Massachusetts State College; New Ro- chelle College; Northeastern University; Saint Anselm's College; Springfield College; Westfield State Teachers' College; West Point Military Academy ; Walnut Hill Pre- paratory School; University of Alabama. Reports from these various schools indicate that our graduates have car- ried on, for the most part, to the credit of the high school and themselves.
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We have had a few more students come back each year for post-graduate study, especially in the commercial de- partment. No separate provision is made for these stu- dents, but of course they are encouraged to do more of the supplementary work.
The majority of our graduates are either working at home or in some business organization.
CONCLUSION
My indebtedness to the many people associated with the school system increases as the years go by. It is no small thing in this profession to have friendly, helpful and en- couraging co-workers. My chief concern is that my humble contributions shall continue to foster these harmonious relationships.
Respectfully submitted, F. EARL WILLIAMS,
Principal
119
REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
This is a brief resume of the activities of the Music De- partment for the past year.
The course of study is fundamentally the same as that covered for the past several years. By introducing new songs, current events, and varied approaches adapted to changing conditions we have kept the program vital. From the first grade through the Senior High School, music edu- cation fosters a love of good music and strives to teach appreciation of music through participation in singing, playing, and listening lessons.
The work in the Elementary Schools culminated in two projects-a music Memory Contest and a Songfest. The music for the Contest was discussed and drilled by each teacher. Then a final test was given to all the children in Agawam and a prize awarded to each building. The Song- fest was another innovation which was so successful that we hope to make it an annual affair. A large group from each building came together at the High School Audito- rium and gave a delightful program. It was an inspiration not only to the children but also to the adults.
The recital for High School Commencement was changed a little this year. Instead of having such a long musical part to the program a half hour of orchestral music was offered preceding the exercises. The work of the orchestra at this time was particularly fine. Later in the evening, the chorus sang the oratorio, "The Holy City," by Gaul.
120
The annual operetta was an ambitious production, "The Red Mill," by Victor Herbert. Probably it was enjoyed the most of any operetta, both by the students who played in it, and the audience who listened to the familiar songs. Certainly, it is a source of satisfaction to present something which will give adequate training in public performance and which will always be a pleasure to the children.
Music is constantly in demand for special assemblies, theatricals, and Woman's Club and Parent-Teacher Meet- ings. These are welcome activities for they provide splen- did motivation for study. Two Christmas programs were particularly outstanding-the dramatization of Tschaikow- sky's "Nutcracker Suite" by the children at Agawam Cen- ter, and a short candlelight program offered by a girls' vested choir at High School.
In closing, may I draw attention to the need for a grand piano in the Auditorium. The upright piano which we use is in very poor condition and is constantly being used not only by the school but by all the organizations which use the building. So it would seem that in the near future a replacement would be necessary.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music
121
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In the Agawam Elementary schools this past year the art work has continued to be closely correlated with that of the other school subjects. Instead of the detached "draw- ing lesson," the drawing, lettering, and decorating has been made for a definite purpose, to illustrate and present in a graphic way the subject studied during the term. This has proven more valuable, more practical and interesting to pupils and teachers. With the illustrating of ideas through maps, notebook illustrations, decorative friezes, small mod- els, and exhibitions, art has become the means of better learning, and clearer understanding of the subject studied. Many fine units of work were carried out in the various schools ; most outstanding being Literature at the Agawam Center School, American History at North Agawam, and Geography at Springfield Street.
Some people learn more rapidly when they work out a problem with materials, they learn by doing. Others have strong visual minds, and can remember clearly and for a long time what they see. Art expression, then, becomes a help in learning to both the motor-minded and the visual- minded. Then, too, art in the classroom brings in the occa- sional touch of color and beauty which is felt and enjoyed by all the pupils. In these respects art education fills a need which can be cared for by no other subject.
The most interesting development in our school art the past year has been the introduction of a full credit, full time course in Art Appreciation. This is offered as an elec- tive to juniors and seniors and has proven very popular so far, thirty-five students being in the class. The study of man's creative expression in architecture, sculpture, paint-
122
ing, and the minor arts down through the ages for purposes of appreciation and culture; and the development of good taste in selecting, arranging and judging his own posses- sions and surroundings are the main objectives of the course. Art Appreciation (not to be confused with Art History) for high school students is still in the experiment- al stage, and Agawam is one of the few places in the State where such a course is taught.
With the repainting of the walls in the various school buildings an effort to further improve their appearance was made by the principals and supervisor. At North Agawam fifteen pictures in color were purchased with a small build- ing fund. New bulletin spaces were secured, pictures re- arranged, and other changes and additions were made to give more artistic surroundings to the young workers. It is my hope that much more can be accomplished in this matter, and any effort or expenditure to beautify our schools will be amply repaid by the fine impression made on out- of-town visitors, and the pleasant effect on our pupils and teachers.
Trips to the three Springfield museums, and the art de- partments of the leading stores in Springfield were made by the members of the High School Art Club last spring. In October the senior high group taking the new art course were given a very fine talk on "Greek and Roman Treas- ures" by Miss Ward of the Springfield Museum staff, at the museum.
At the May meeting of the Agawam Center Parent- Teachers' Association an exhibition of the art work in the schools was shown, most of the work was that of the Aga- wam Center children. The exhibit was carefully and beauti- fully arranged by the teachers, but unfortunately not well attended by the association members themselves.
The annual exhibition of art and hand work was held in June.
Respectfully submitted, MARY M. CROWLEY, Supervisor of Art
123
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
During the past year the Physical Education program for girls in the Junior-Senior High has been based on the following aims :
1. To develop organic vigor.
2. To promote hygienic school and home life.
3. Maintenance of a harmonious muscular development and a reasonable degree of bodily skill and grace.
4. Development of skill in, and love for, physical activi- ties, preferably those of out of doors, and thus pro- vide satisfaction that can be continued in years after school is finished.
5. The ability to carry one's self and to move and act with ease, grace and precision.
6. Developing and strengthening of such qualities of character as honesty, generosity, modesty, fairness and loyalty in social contact through actual practice in games and sports.
Respectfully submitted, THELMA E. HEIDEL,
Supervisor of Girls' Physical Training
124
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following report is a resume of the activities in the Physical Education Department for the year of 1934.
All students found physically fit following their health examination were assigned to two gymnasium periods a week as usual. This is according to the program as out- lined by the State Department.
While we aim to specialize in corrective play and exer- cise, a wider and more liberal athletic program in which we encouraged all to take part in general everyday sports has been in order. In this way we have not only fostered health and cultivated health habits, but we have encouraged schol- arship and helped make and develop outstanding school citizens.
The program in the Junior High School has been more or less standard and involved more routine work and play. A definite amount of time has been allotted to marching, calisthenics, apparatus work, games, etc. The fundamentals of the sports in season were thoroughly presented and each boy had an opportunity to participate.
In the Senior High School a more liberal policy was pur- sued, quite in vogue with the recent trend and thought in Physical Education. The idea, in brief, being that certain phases of gymnasium activity were optional, thus not bur- dening the majority with the more strenuous and more
125
exacting conditions involved in a routine program of formal gymnastics and heavy apparatus work which only a mi- nority enjoyed and demanded. Competition among groups carefully selected to compete on an even basis in games and sports was the keynote, and the informal natural play idea engendered good feeling and healthy fun. However, attention was given to instances where special and natural ability warranted it, and these groups had more progressive and specialized work.
Intramurally and interscholastically the high school car- ried on a sane and rational program. The school was a member of the "Valley Wheel," a league of neighboring schools, which competed on a friendly basis in sports in season and various other school activities. The culmina- tion of our athletic program came when Agawam was awarded the Western Massachusetts high school champion- ship in football and presented with a suitable trophy em- blematic of the same by the Springfield Republican news- paper. This marked the second time in the last three years that Agawam was so favored.
At this time allow me to extend also my appreciation to all other departments for services rendered and for the happy relationships of the past year.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH,
Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education
126
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following is a summary of the activities of the In- dustrial Arts Department during the past year.
The department has recognized the tendency toward in- creased leisure time for workers in all fields of endeavor and has laid much stress on "hobby" formation with the hope that in later life the boys may use hours not needed for productive work in a way which will be beneficial and profitable to them. In accordance with the plan diversified activities have been presented, and a set of miniature mod- els constructed to be used as guides to progress. Many aeroplane models, both of the flying and scaled variety, were made, givng mute evidence that the worldwide inter- est in aviation was felt in this school. It was particularly interesting to note that the most popular models were pat- terned after "ships" which had been flown at the local air- port. In addition, numerous decorative models of galleons, covered wagons and stage coaches were constructed.
Throughout the year the boys gave considerable time to the making and repairing of school furniture. Much of the original equipment, particularly chairs, was in need of reno- vation, and an increasing accumulation of books created a need for facilities to store them.
The traditional exhibit was held in June.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY, Supervisor of Industrial Arts
127
REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
During the past year there has been the usual pupil par- ticipation in agricultural enterprises, and this department has been well represented in various competitive judging contests.
Four boys completed the course, and several others dropped out, changing the personnel of the judging teams to include mostly freshmen and sophomores. Yet these boys did exceptionally well, competing as they did with more experienced upper class pupils from other schools.
In the public speaking contest, a nation-wide affair for vocational agricultural pupils, Agawam, for the third time, finished first in the Valley District preliminary, but was unable to carry through to victory in the State finals. Local participants are greatly encouraged if allowed to speak in public before the contest. The Instructor appreciates the kindness of Community Grange in inviting our representa- tive to deliver his oration in an open Grange meeting held before the contest.
The enrollment this year maintains a higher percentage of farm boys than that of any previous year and there ap- pears an improved scholastic standing in the academic studies. These are very encouraging facts.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS H. MOSELEY,
Instructor
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129
TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS AND TRANSFERS-1934
APPOINTMENTS
Name
School
Subject or Grade
Began Service
Muriel E. Andrews
High School
English
Sept., 1934
Thelma E. Heidel
High School
Physical Training
Sept., 1934
Florence M. Henry
High School
English and History
Sept., 1934
Julia R. Chriscolo
North Agawam
Grade V
Sept., 1934
Ann Murphy
North Agawam
Special Class
Sept., 1934
Jennie B. Lesniak
Springfield Street
Grade VI
Sept., 1934
Marguerite A. Coyle
Feeding Hills
Grades IV-V
Sept., 1934
Elizabeth Wyman
Feeding Hills
Grade I
Sept., 1934
Myrtle L. Pomeroy
West Street
Grades I-II-III-IV
Sept., 1934
RESIGNATIONS
School
Subject or Grade
Service Ended
High School
Physical Training
High School
English
June, 1934 June, 1933
High School
English
June, 1934
Agawam Center
Grade III
June, 1934
North Agawam
Grade VI
June, 1934
Alice E. Hannon
North Agawam
Grades III-IV
June, 1934
Margaret T. Hayes
North Agawam
Special Class
June, 1934
Springfield Street
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