USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1936-1940 > Part 18
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GUIDANCE
Our problem is how to make school worth while to the great number of pupils who remain in school until the end of the twelfth school year. Our specific problem in guiding these pupils is to find out what their interests are, to counsel them as to the worth of those interests, and to advise them what studies to pursue in order to further those interests. We must, then, hope for the best in job placement. In a certain degree, we are like the blind leading the blind in this labyrinth of unemployment. We do know some facts about obtaining jobs; namely, that a good personality is a powerful asset in procuring a job, and that good character is the best insurance for keeping a job.
Development of character is inherent in all of our classes, assemblies, and extra-curricula activities. In this guidance we endeavor to keep before our pupils certain values-the value of honest effort in daily preparation of the lessons, the value of cooperation with teachers and school mates, the value of loyalty to the school. We in- sist that in some measure guidance shall include the proper discipline of our pupils. For how can there be any guidance unless there are goals to be gained? How can any goals worth while be gained without overcoming ob- stacles? How can we overcome obstacles without gain- ing a profitable discipline of the mind and body?
TEACHERS
In the past year there have been very few resignations from our teaching staff. The most significant change came in the high school and was brought to pass by the resig- nation of Principal F. Earl Williams, who, after eleven years of faithful service in Agawam, was elected to the
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principalship of the Gardner High School. Frederick T. Dacey, who came to teach in Agawam when the high school was founded seventeen years ago, and who by his ability and character is well known to the pupils, teachers, and parents of Agawam, was appointed to the principal- ship. Mr. Dacey has studied extensively in the field of public school administration and is completing his work for the M. S. degree in education.
At this point it is pertinent to state that the Agawam teaching staff, as a whole. has expended large sums of money and much time and effort in the pursuit of studies in the graduate field of education. These courses are set up by the colleges of New England and the Middle At- lantic States, also by the State Department of Education. The courses are given both during the school year and during the summer vacation. It was natural that during the storm and stress of the depression with resulting cuts and reductions in teachers' salaries, that the teachers could not afford to finance these improvement courses in so high a degree as formerly, but since the restoration of salaries there has been a marked increase in their en- deavor in this direction. During the school year 1938-1939 twenty-three of our teachers have taken such courses, that is, 40 per cent of the staff.
A few years ago Massachusetts increased the training period in the normal schools from two to three years, and more recently has adopted a four-year course with the B. S. degree in all normal colleges. This act on the part of the state points definitely to the desire of raising the standards of teaching in the state, and will undoubtedly mean that within ten years all teachers will have the equivalent of four years of college training ; and that many teachers, especially in the high schools, will acquire the M. S. degree.
It is significant that no teacher in recent years has been appointed to the elementary teaching staff in Aga-
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wam, who has not complied with the latest requirement of the teachers' colleges. At this writing there are nine teachers in the elementary schools who have the three or four years diploma. This is a record that no town in West- ern Massachusetts can equal, and only the City of Spring- field can surpass.
This does not mean, however, that teachers with three and four years of training to their credit without experi- ence are superior to teachers with two years of normal training with experience. It means that new appointments to our staff must have the B. S. degree or its equivalent.
CONCLUSION
When teachers are willing to invest a considerable portion of their salaries for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of their work in the classroom, we find two im- portant results from the standpoint of the teachers; name- ly, they have greater mastery of the subjects which they teach, and a better knowledge of boys and girls-their drives and their motives. Since that is so, we also dis- cover that retardation in school is much diminished, and that the larger number of pupils who remain in school do so at a greater profit to themselves. It is a pleasure to report that such is the present situation in the Agawam schools.
Respectfully submitted, BENJAMIN J. PHELPS,
Superintendent of Schools
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ATTENDANCE REPORT AND ENROLLMENTS FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR
SEPTEMBER 7-DECEMBER 23, 1938
Total Mem- bership
Average Mem- bership
Average Per Cent
Daily At- tendance
At- tendance
Tardi- ness
High School
Senior High III
95
93.11
88.99
95.57
35
Senior High II
97
94.08
89.63
95.28
18
Senior High I
142
140.94
135.11
95.86
38
Junior High III
170
166.79
158.31
94.92
66
Junior High VIII-1 39
38.05
37.00
97.23
4
Junior High VIII-2 29
28.35
26.70
94.16
1
Junior High VIII-3 39
38.77
37.56
97.60
3
Junior High VIII-4 36
35.25
33.93
95.88
0
Junior High VII-1
33
32.33
31.70
98.04
3
Junior High VII-2
33
30.21
28.79
95.30
3
Junior High VII-3
35
34.76
33.72
97.00
5
Junior High VII-4
39
39.00
37.60
96.41
0
Special Class
25
21.84
20.88
95.60
8
Agawam Center School
Grade VI
42
41.76
38.60
92.78
23
Grade V
41
40.32
38.18
94.34
3
Grade IV
43
40.91
38.48
94.05
2
Grade III-IV-V
33
32.44
30.39
93.68
. 5
Grade III
44
40.74
38.21
93.79
4
Grade II
38
34.03
30.52
89.69
3
Grade I-II
24
23.84
21.86
91.70
5
Grade I
35
32.43
29.16
89.93
8
North Agawam School
Grade VI
33
31.15
30.03
96.84
1
Grade V
33
31.94
30.51
95.52
2
Grade IV
31
29.45
28.09
95.38
1
Grade III-IV
25
24.25
23.33
96.22
2
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Grade III
30
27.70
26.70
96.38
11
Grade II
37
36.66
35.32
96.33
10
Grade I
36
34.73
33.23
95.70
4
Special Class
19
18.87
17.47
92.57
4
Springfield St. School
Grade VI
39
37.37
36.20
96.87
7
Grade V
38
36.18
34.23
94.61
24
Grade IV
27
26.15
24.49
93.65
2
Grade III
30
29.42
28.13
95.62
6
Grade II
34
32.42
29.49
90.96
19
Grade I
26
24.87
23.01
92.51
11
Feeding Hills School
Grade VI
25
24.48
23.90
97.63
3
Grade IV-V
33
31.23
29.70
95.10
7
Grade III-IV
30
28.41
27.19
95.71
1
Grade I-II
27
25.25
23.07
91.36
4
Total Membership for Town
1665
Average Membership for Town
1610.48
Average Daily Attendance for Town
1529.41
Per Cent Attendance for Town
94.97
Total Tardiness for Town.
359
Total Membership for Town, Dec. 23, 1937
1684
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Because of the short time I have been in office it is difficult for me to write a comprehensive report of the vear's activity in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School. Judging from the morale of the faculty, the student per- sonnel, or the the building and physical equipment, one observes that the school is in an exceptionally healthy state. Such ideal conditions cannot but aid learning pro- cesses.
Naturally, scholastic progress is the first considera- tion of any principal. I am glad to report that nine mem- bers of the senior class have won membership in the Pro Merito Society by maintaining in all their subjects an average of 85% or higher for three years. During an appropriate assembly, at which the guest speaker was Mr. M. Marcus Kiley, Vice-Principal of Technical High School in Springfield, each new Pro Merito member was presented with a pin symbolic of his achievement. Gen- eral interest of the student body in scholastic achievement has been evidenced by the number of names appearing on both the junior and senior high school honor rolls.
Although extra-curricula activities should never domi- nate a school program, they play an important part in pro- ducing a well balanced individual. Such activities, I feel, can be mutually advantageous to the school and the towns- people. Hence, I shall attempt to cultivate a spectator interest on the part of the local residents. No more effec- tive means of unifying a community can be found than for the members of that community to meet and enjoy an
118
activity in their own school. During my incumbency, the activities of the school have been numerous and varied :
The football team, playing a schedule composed main- ly of Class "A" schools, was victorious three times and was defeated four times-a very commendable record under the circumstances. Our football record over a period of years is of such high order that it is now very difficult to sched- ule games with teams from schools with an enrollment numerically comparable to ours.
An operetta. "The Singer of Naples," was presented this year, thus reviving the former annual custom. The presentation was possessed of a lively theme. very color- ful settings, and an excellent cast.
One issue of the "Agawam Mirror," the school paper which is published semi-annually, has been produced and its content and form are of exceptionally high caliber.
Two outstanding class activities have been the annual Junior Cabaret held in October and the Senior Kid Party before Christmas.
It has been my desire to organize a balanced assembly program, which. in addition, would be well adapted for school presentation. A meeting of the entire school has great value in that it tends to strengthen school spirit, and creates an opportunity for the acquiring of knowledge which otherwise could not be imparted. Since the begin- ning of the year the program has included the traditional student commemoration of Columbus Day, Armistice Day (at this time we enjoyed a guest speaker, Honorable Ray- mond Cowing, Mayor of Westfield), Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
In my estimation, student planned and executed as- semblies are the ideal type, because they are of benefit to both the participant and the listener. Those presented this year were original in content and were very cleverly staged. Representatives of the various school activities sharing in the proceeds from the Student Activity Ticket fund combined forces to present an interesting and novel
119
assembly to promote sales for that ticket. Musical assem- blies wherein the orchestra has participated and general singing has been enjoyed have been given a place. Sport rallies have also been given consideration. Boys and girls like to sing and cheer, and such meetings have had a de- sirable effect on the conduct of the student body.
Student presentations were augmented by well selected moving pictures, including four Ilva films: The Story of the City, The Story of Culture, The Story of The Desert. and Where West Meets East ; as well as several industrial instructional units. Speakers included such well known men as: Mr. Gaylord B. Douglas, local secretary for the National Society for Prevention of War; Mr. A. Eugene Mozier the only survivor of the Shenandoah and Akron disasters; and Mr. Ralph W. Ellis, director of the Spring- field Safety Council. The educational possibilities of as- semblies was well illustrated by the music appreciation concert presented by the Springfield Civic Orchestra.
I wish to avail myself of this opportunity to extend a cordial welcome to all parents and other interested towns- people to visit the school and acquaint themselves with the aims and standards nurtured throughout the history of the school, so that they may better appreciate the value of its contribution to the town. It is through sincere cooper- ation of all the factors that the school renders maximum service.
In conclusion. I wish to express my appreciation for the hearty cooperation received from you, Mr. Phelps, the school committee, the faculty, the student body, and the community. Through the friendly help of all, embryonic problems did not materialize, and my short administration has been a happy one. It has always been my conviction that the success of any principal is but a reflection of the ability and zeal of his associates, and I realize this now more than ever.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK T. DACEY, Principal
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Health Department of the town schools.
Dr. Wheeler's medical inspection found the following : Number of children examined 737; having no defects, 338 : enlarged tonsils, 166; defective teeth, 267 ; enlarged glands. 135; poor nutrition, 112; heart disease, 11; poor posture. 60; fallen arches, 3: speech defects, 3: eve diseases, 1: anemia, 1.
The following is a summary of the activities of the school nurse during the year : Home visits. 426; Number of children weighed, 996; Number of visits to schools, 541; Number of health inspections, 1564; Number of pupils taken to physician, 18; Number of pupils taken for eye examination, 15; Number of pupils taken to hospital ear, nose and throat clinic, 11; arrangements made at hospital for removal of tonsils and adenoids, 36; taken to Westfield Sanitorium for examination and X-Ray. 10.
Infectious diseases reported for the school year: im- petigo, 35; scabies, 16; pediculosis, 24; mumps, 1; whoop- ing cough, 18; scarlet fever, 10; chicken pox, 48; measles, 32.
Dr. R. C. Merrill conducted Dental Clinics in each of the schools. All of the pupils attending were examined and upon consent of the parents treatments were given.
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Dental certificates were given to each child whose dental work was completed.
In February hearing tests were given by means of an audiometer loaned by the State for demonstration pur- poses. Those found to have hearing difficulty were re- checked in March. Notices were sent to parents about pupils found to have difficulty in hearing after re-tests.
The Diphtheria Immunization Clinic under direction of the Town Health Department at which the school Health Department assisted was held in May. At this time 206 children were immunized.
Sixty-eight children were vaccinated by Dr. Wheeler at the vaccination clinic held on June 13 for children enter- ing school the following September.
Eight children were sent to Camp Frederick Edwards again last summer. Dorothy Lamoureux of North Aga- wam School received the camp medal for gaining the most weight at the camp for the first period.
In October a check-up vaccination clinic was held at which 20 children were vaccinated by Dr. Wheeler.
In December the State Tuberculosis Clinic was held. Y-Ray and physical examinations were given to contact and follow-up cases.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appre- ciation to you, to the members of the faculty, to the parents and to the health department for the splendid co- operation I have received. The high percentage of atten- dance and general good halth of our school children is due in great degree to this cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
VERA P. KELLOGG,
School Nurse
122
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The work accomplished in the cooking classes of the Junior High School is of necessity very limited because of the short time allotted to it. Therefore, simple basic re- cipes are given with the hope that they may not only create an interest in the girls for such work, but also be of real value in making many other essential foods used in their everyday life.
The term Domestic Science comes from two Latin words meaning "to know the home." A complete course in this science therefore includes many more subjects than the two taught in our school, namely, cooking and sew- ing. With this in mind time is taken from laboratory work to touch on some of the many related subjects : such as, food classification and uses, menu planning, mar- keting. budgeting, and care of the home. This has been presented only in lecture form with no time to practice the same.
The popularity of sewing has been evident from the increasing number of older girls who have elected it after their first year, which was compulsory. I am sure that the display of finished work shown in June, as well as the satisfaction of wearing something made by their own hands, has helped to stimulate this interest. In the ad- vanced class, other subjects relating to their sewing prob- lems have been studied and discussed. By so doing, they
123
have been taught that the "Art of Dressing Well" and "Being Well-groomed" does not stop with the clothes you wear. Time is also spent in considering the subject of "Homemade Clothes" versus "Ready-made Clothes."
It may be of interest to you, as it was to me, to know that at least one pupil has recently been able to earn some money because of her ability in sewing.
My aim in teaching cooking and sewing has been to present the fundamentals of both subjects as thoroughly as possible, and also stress the importance of each as associated with everyday living.
124
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September, 1937 to June, 1938.
RECEIPTS
Stock on hand June, 1937 $ 27.73
Cash on hand June, 1937
222.04
Receipts from September, 1937 to June, 1938 4,783.33
Total $ 5,033.10
EXPENSES
Salaries from September, 1937 to June, 1938 $ 1,215.20
Food from September, 1937 to June, 1938 3,461.19
Supplies from September, 1937 to June, 1938 51.16
Stock on hand June, 1938 31.14
Cash on hand June, 1938
274.41
Total $ 5,033.10
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH,
Domestic Science Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Two boys of the five who graduated from the Agricul- tural Department last year are now engaged in farming. one is at Stockbridge School and two have returned for post-graduate work. Our enrollment this year is unusually high. Applicants for the younger group have exceeded all possible accommodations in our classroom. This points to a more selected group in the future. Selection of pupils to meet the vocational requirements of the State is a diffi- cult task for both the director and the instructor. Director Dacey is meeting this task in a very capable manner.
Regarding the requirements for admission: The De- partment of Vocational Agricultural Education has ruled that applicants must be seriously interested in some phase of local agriculture. This interest must be shown by the pupil and supported by the parent or guardian in a signed agreement. Such interest often involves the necessity of a pupil working on one or more farms, at low wages, to acquire skill and practice. A written code also prescribes that the solving of disciplinary cases is not a part of the agricultural instructor's duty. Such cases merit discharge from the department.
During the past year pupil-conduct in the agricultural classes has shown improvement. Pruning, grafting, and other class subjects have been successfully carried on
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under the squad system, with the more experienced boys acting as squad leaders. Milk-testing has continued to be a valuable service rendered by the department. Soil tests for acidity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash have been made on several farms and will be continued on others in the early spring. Judging teams were entered as usual in October, at the State College, in poultry, fruit, vgetable, ornamental plant, livestock and milk judging. All of these have provided valuable experience for respective groups.
Throughout the year, requests have been received by the Agricultural Department for boys to work for florists, gardeners, and poultry men. Pruning and grafting jobs are plentiful. To recommend boys for such work involves responsibility. A few boys have been recommended and they have done good work. Our objective is to increase the number of such cases.
I sincerely appreciate your efforts in behalf of the work of the Agricultural Department, and this appreciation extends to the directors, the faculty, and to our advisory committee.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS H. MOSELEY,
Agricultural Instructor
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The art work in the Agawam public schools the past year has been planned to meet the following educational objectives :
1. A clearer understanding of subjects studied. through picture making and handwork.
2. The development of skill with the hands in the use of common materials.
3. A vehicle of expression which, as a "hobby". will lead to a worthy use of leisure time.
t. The development of good taste, which will raise the artistic standards of future American producers and consumers.
5. To encourage and train the artistically gifted stu- dent to contribute his talents to the group and to the community.
To these ends, courses have been given in the major fields of Freehand Drawing and Painting, Handicrafts. Commercial and Applied Design, and Art Appreciation in both the Elementary and the Junior-Senior High Schools. Many projects of various kinds have been worked out as needs or interests arose.
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Trips to the Springfield museums were made by the Art Appreciation group of Senior High pupils, and we are grateful to Mrs. Cordelia Sargent Pond, and Miss Margaret Kendall of the museum staff for their guidance.
The Agawam Woman's Club Art Award was won this year by Agnes St. Germain, class of 1938.
As much work is done in the Art Department for assemblies and extra-curricula activities, I would recom- mend the building or setting aside of some storage space, where these pieces of scenery, costumes, decorations and special materials could be saved for future use.
The annual exhibition of art and handiwork was held in June.
Respectfully submitted, MARY M. CROWLEY,
Supervisor of Art
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REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Since this year just passed marked the 100th anni- versary of the beginning of music teaching in the public schools of America, it seems fitting that some mention of it be made in this report.
It was Lowell Mason who first obtained a reluctant permission from the Boston School Board to teach music in the Boston public schools without pay and with very little encouragement. His work made sufficient impres- sion on the board, so that they retained him the second year with a small salary. His methods were very much like those used today, which exemplify "the thing before the sign" as well as other principles in which Mr. Mason believed.
From that day to this is a far cry and the progress made in music education is truly amazing. Now our State Board of Education requires music for every child through the ninth grade, and elective courses in the high school. Our curriculum in Agawam conforms to those demands with a well-rounded course of sight-reading, appreciation, song-singing, and orchestral work.
I might list the varied activities of the music depart- ment but I feel that they are well known to the towns- people, who have supported the various concerts and have been most appreciative. From the money the children earned at the May Festival and the Operetta, we bought a trombone, a clarinet, a set of bugle bells, and a triangle.
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The drums and another school trombone have been re- paired. Children who use these instruments learn to play them at school, and eventually we hope to own instruments enough so that Agawam High School may have a band.
I feel that the success attending the music in the Agawam public schools is due in large measure to the faithful, interested and efficient service of the grade tea- chers in the elementary schools. To them, to you Mr. Phelps, to Mrs. Backus and Mr. Dacey, I wish to express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music
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REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
What does the industrial arts department do for the student and for the school? This question may well be answered by a brief report on what our department has accomplished for the first four months of this school year.
When school opened this fall our principal wanted 6 new benches for the lunchroom which would seat 36 students. These benches were built by the boys of our department at a cost of $17 which effected a saving of approximately $15 in labor alone.
The department has just completed 9 new bleachers for our gymnasium which will seat about 150 students. These bleachers were built at a cost of $41.62. Labor again has made a saving of $35 to our school, to say nothing of the practical experience gained by several boys.
Other money saving projects include :
1. Repairing of 12 large bleachers which have been in service for over 10 years.
2. Building school scenery.
3. Repairing 12 music stands while 6 new ones are also under construction for the school orchestra.
t. Repairing and strengthening school chairs.
5. Making new equipment and repairing older equip- ment for any department.
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