USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1936-1940 > Part 24
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9. Guidance, to a high degree, depends upon the con- fidence which the teacher inspires. Teachers should win and retain the confidence of their pupils. Confidence cannot be won and retained by force, but it can be secured in many cases by the sympathetic interest of the teacher in the needs and problems of the child.
CONCLUSION
In this report I have attempted to show that the changing enrollments of the two. schools in Agawam have influenced the costs of education, have precipitated desir- able changes in the curriculum, and have brought into prominence the problem of guidance. Because of these factors the parents of the children in the schools, the teach- ers of the children, and the children themselves are cer- tain to become more school minded than ever before. Such a situation will prove very helpful in solving to some de- gree the problems now confronting those who administer the 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 6-DECEMBER 22, 1939
Total Mem- bership
Average Mem- bership
Average Per Cent
Daily At- tendance
At- tendance
Tardi- ness
High School
Senior High III
74
73.96
71.04
96.05
25
Senior High II
120
114.34
109.38
95.67
29
Senior High I
146
140.41
135.05
96.18
29
Junior High III
145
144.00
137.73
95.64
27
Junior High VIII-1 39
38.38
36.73
95.69
18
Junior High VIII-2 38
38.00
37.16
97.80
3
Junior High VIII-3 37
35.19
33.66
95.81
4
Junior High VIII-4 26
24.61
23.97
97.41
4
Junior High VII-1
35
35.00
34.05
97.30
0
Junior High VII-2
36
35.63
34.72
97.44
2
Junior High VII-3
39
37.86
36.84
97.30
2
Junior High VII-4
35
35.00
33.44
95.56
1
Special Class
26
25.61
24.93
97.34
21
Agawam Center School
Grade VI-A
25
24.90
23.83
95.13
0
Grade VI-B
26
25.94
25.10
96.74
14
Grade V
38
34.96
33.57
95.79
12
Grade IV
40
35.95
34.27
95.26
6
Grade IV-V .
33
32.19
31.09
96.57
16
Grade III
44
40.49
38.49
95.06
19
Grade II
48
42.01
38.98
92.78
12
Grade I-III
34
33.44
31.63
94.73
27
Grade I
41
35.84
33.09
92.47
8
North Agawam School
Grade VI
30
28.00
27.01
96.44
0
Grade V
40
37.58
36.39
96.85
2
Grade IV
43
42.03
40.04
95.27
7
Grade III
35
33.56
32.42
96.59
3
105
Grade II
33
31.08
29.23
94.05
4
Grade I
35
31.90
29.82
93.47
14
Special Class
17
16.93
16.19
95.63
0
Springfield Street School
Grade VI
34
32.42
31.68
97.72
13
Grade V
34
31.33
29.93
95.53
5
Grade IV
35
34.70
33.60
96.82
4
Grade III
36
33.73
32.40
96.06
4
Grade II
21
20.15
19.53
96.92
17
Grade I
40
38.00
36.23
95.34
13
Feeding Hills
Grade VI
20
18.83
18.03
95.75
0
Grade V
19
19.00
17.83
93.84
0
Grade III-IV
28
28.00
27.30
97.50
1
Grade I-II
33
32.41
30.69
94.72
7
Total Membership for Town
1658
Average Membership for Town
1593.36
Average Daily Attendance for Town 1527.07
Per Cent of Attendance for Town
95.84
Total Tardiness for Town
373
Total Membership for Town, Dec. 23, 1938 .. 1665
106
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
It is generally conceded that education prepares one for life-a process through which one is trained not only to earn his living but also to participate to the fullest ex- tent in life, and to readjust himself to constantly chang- ing economic and social situations. Education, then, in such a complex civilization ought not be confined to ex- tremely narrow limits but should be general in nature. A broad educational background is a valuable preliminary to specific training in any vocation.
Public schools were instituted for the purpose of offer- ing to all young people the educational and social heritage rightfully theirs in a democracy. Educators have a double responsibility ; aiding each person to attain a more perfect individuality ; and, in addition, guiding him into his proper place in society.
In order that pupils may gain the most possible profit from an educational system, there must be a program of guidance to aid each individual in choosing courses of study which are comprehensible to his intelligence level and which will be of most benefit in his later life. The most effective guidance programs are coordinated with a highly diversified curriculum. Choice of individual sub- jects dependent upon content appeals to the range of in- terests and mental capacities.
The guidance program of this school has been ad- ministered by the several home-room teachers and by the
107
principal. Deductions are based upon the specific interests of the individual, the result of intelligence and achievement tests, and grades received in subjects of the curricula. The system has been successful within its limitations, but the addition of subjects comprehensible to the group with limited abilities would strengthen it greatly.
Since the organization of our school the pupils have had a scholastic standard which has been better than average. Records of our graduates in the business world and in institutions of advanced learning have justified pride in them. Last year was no exception, as the honor rolls have attested: ten twelfth-year students (one more than last year's number in a class of nine fewer) were awarded Pro Merito honors because they maintained an average of 85% or better in all their subjects during three consecutive years. As this is the highest scholastic honor that the school bestows, I feel that the recipients of the award should have their names included herein, accord- ingly they follow: Ruth Cesan, Robert Healy, Millicent Lavoie, Lillian Levesque, Irene Nacewicz, Edward Shea, Norma Swanson, Paul Tatro, Janet Wheeler and Anna Wylie. These students were presented with the nationally recognized pin during an assembly program at which the guest speaker was Lieutenant Creighton Abrams, a grad- uate of Agawam High School with Pro Merito honors and also a graduate of West Point Military Academy.
Extra-curricular activities, as their name would denote, supplement the regularly scheduled subjects of the cur- riculum. They are, however, becoming increasingly more important in all schools .. They present an opportunity for the presentation of certain activities which otherwise could not be introduced. In most cases pupils in all in- telligence levels may participate in extra-curricular activi- ties with the same degree of success; the result being that pupils who become discouraged through lack of ability to excel in academic presentations very often regain their con- fidence and improve generally in school citizenship. The program offered this year was organized on the basis of appeal to the greatest number.
108
Achievements most deserving of praise follow :
Norma Blackburn won second prize in the state oratorical contest of the Forensic League at Gro- ton on March 31.
The "Agawam Mirror" won second place in a national contest sponsored by Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
High School orchestra won second prize in a contest open to high schools of New England at the Eastern States Exposition.
Other noteworthy events :
Basketball season December 13-February 23: Won 9 games; lost 5 games
Agriculture Oratorical Contest at Hatfield, March 3 : Roger Adams won second prize
Senior Class play, "Sprin~ Fever" on April 14 Sophomore Party, April 21
One-act play contest at Ludlow (Valley Wheel auspices), April 24: Wilbur Miller was adjudged the best actor in all casts.
Spring Music Festival, May 17
Valley Wheel track meet at Palmer, May 20: Aga- wam won third place
Junior Promenade, May 26
Western Massachusetts High School track meet,
May 27: Agawam won "B" Class championship Senior Class banquet at Wayside Inn, West Springfield, June 12
Class Night, June 13
Graduation (Class numbered 85), June 15
Medals were presented to the following for out- standing work in departments named :
Roy Anderson-Mathematics
Roy Anderson-Science Ruth Halladay-Commercial
Ruth Halladay-Good Citizenship
Henrietta Kreczko-English
Irene Mulak-Art
Roland Perusse-History
109
Operetta, "The Outlaw King" on November 24 Tri-Hi Club dance (Capt. Charles Leonard House), November 28
One-act play, "Fireman Save My Child" Decem- ber 5
Junior Cabaret, December 8
Football season September 23-November 11: Won 5 games; tied 1 game; lost 1 game. Was unde- feated in Western Massachusetts
The Agriculture Department made a very good record during the year :
A poultry-judging team placed first at the Tri- County Fair in Northampton
A vegetable-judging team placed second in a con- test at Massachusetts State College
Mario Giorgi won second prize in a regional- showmanship-contest covering sixteen states
All other extra-curricular organizations deserve com- mendation but because of their nature do not receive recog- nition outside of the school.
Assemblies during the year have been weekly events, and the students have enjoyed and profited from some ex- ceptionally good presentations: They consisted of the tra- ditional ·holiday programs; some speakers who brought in- spiration from outside of the school; moving pictures adapted to some phase of school work; professional talent engaged through use of the profits derived from the weekly Thursday-noon moving pictures.
It is with pleasure that I review the happenings of my first full year in office. Because of the spirit of friendli- ness and cooperation on the part of you, Mr. Phelps, the school committee, the faculty and the student body, it has been a happy period of my life and, I hope, a period of favorable growth for the school.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY, Principal
110
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 follow- ing: Number of children examined, 1754; number having no defects, 811; enlarged tonsils, 308; defective teeth, 655; enlarged glands, 298; poor nutrition, 216; poor posture, 94; heart murmurs, 28; anemia, 7.
The following is a summary of the activities of the school nurse during the year :
Home visits, 416 Number of children weighed, 1686 Number of visits at High School, 161 Number of visits at Grammar Schools, 318 Number of health inspections, 1468
Number of pupils taken to physicians, 16
Number of pupils taken for eye examinations, 12 Number of appointments for eye examinations, 23 Number of pupils taken to hospital, 13
Arrangements made for removal of tonsils and ade- noids, 27
Taken to Westfield Sanatorium for X-Ray, 12 Infectious diseases reported for the school year : whooping cough, 9; scarlet fever, 5; chicken pox, 36; measles, 54.
111
Dr. R. C. Merrill conducted Dental Clinics in all of the schools. All the pupils who attended were examined, and upon consent of parents treatments were given. Den- tal certificates were given to children needing no dental work done.
Eight children were again taken to Camp Frederick Edwards-four on July 24 and four on August 21.
On June 12th the regular vaccination clinic was held with Dr. D. R. Wheeler, the school physician, officiating -78 pupils were vaccinated. The check-up clinic was held on September 21st, at which 25 more children were vac- cinated.
On October 20, 23, 24, 25 and 26 we were given the use of the State Audiometer-645 children from the third grade on, who had never had the test before, were tested, and on November 9, 10, 23 and 24 retests were given, as 260 children showed hearing loss on the first test. Notices were sent home for children showing hearing loss on the retest.
The Chadwick Clinic for the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in High School children was held in Decem- ber. On December 5th, upon signed consent of the parents, 386 children were tested. Of the children 126 reacted. Those who reacted were X-rayed and 21 were given physi- cal examinations by Dr. Hauser of the State Department of Public Health. These 21 children were added to our follow-up lists and will be rechecked again next year.
I wish to acknowledge gratefully the splendid coopera- tion received throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
VERA P. KELLOGG, School Nurse
112
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
During the past year experiments in the cooking labo- ratory have been carried on by students of the Junior High School one day out of each week as in previous years. The time allowed for each group has averaged one hour and this fact has governed the type of work to be done.
In planning and presenting the lessons I have had the following aims :---
(1) To acquaint girls with the kitchen and its equip- ment.
(2) To emphasize the importance of cleanliness. accuracy, economy and systematic methods.
(3) To teach preparation of wholesome foods and their uses in the body.
(4) To teach and encourage the use of proper combi- nations of Food.
(5) To teach Table Setting and Serving; also Table Etiquette.
(6) To encourage pupils to participate in home activi- ties.
Since we have no text book for class use each student is required to keep a loose-leaf note book with recipes
113
which are given out before the class lesson. It has been due to the excellent co-operation of the commercial depart- ment that we have the mimeographed recipe sheets for each pupil of the cooking classes.
The sewing work has been planned with these aims in view :
(1) To teach how to make the essential, or founda- tion stitches used in sewing; how to train the hands to use the needle, thimble and scissors, and how to train the eye to discern the correctness of every stitch, to measure distance and to keep a precise or even line.
(2) To teach care and use of sewing machine.
(3) To teach that cleanliness, neatness, persever- ance, judgement, accuracy, and imagination, as well as skill in construction are absolutely neces- sary.
(+) To create a desire for development of taste and discrimination in dress and appreciation of beauty.
As the older girls in the Sewing Classes finish some articles of clothing such as a blouse, skirt or dress it is exhibited for a short time, before they wear it, in the sew- ing room. I can not help but notice the encouragement and enthusiasm which this exhibition inspires among the elementary classes.
Results from classes of previous years have been demonstrated by young girls of the seventh grade who wore dresses made by older sisters.
The annual exhibits were held in the Cooking and Sewing Rooms last June.
114
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September 1938 to June 1939.
RECEIPTS
Stock on hand June 1938 $ 31.14
Cash on hand June 1938
274.41
Receipts from September 1938 to June 1939 4,788.24
Total Receipts $ 5,093.79
EXPENSES
Salaries from September 1938 to June 1939 $ 1,216.00
Food from September 1938 to June 1939 3.373.81
Supplies from September 1938 to June 1939 65.94
Refrigerator Unit 143.71
Total Expenses $ 4,799.46
Stock June 1939
31.65
Bank Balance and Cash June 1939
262.68
$ 5,093.79
Respectfully submitted.
HAZEL C. ALDRICH,
Domestic Science Supervisor
115
REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The past year has been a year of important activity and progress for the agricultural department. With an in- creased enrollment of new members we had nine enrolled in the study of orcharding and small fruit culture, fourteen in poultry, fifteen in gardening and ten in animal hus- bandry. Last year's graduates are engaged in full-time agricultural work: Romeo Borgatti in floriculture, Milton Clark in poultry, and Rogers Adams in animal husbandry.
After winning second highest honors in the State pub- lic-speaking contest, Roger Adams completed one of the best field-corn projects on our records. Mario Giorgi, by winning a Regional Showmanship Contest at Eastern States brought honors to Massachusetts. However, our progress is not marked by individual records alone, but rather by a full participation in a more extensive program. At the annual Interscholastic Judging Contests at Amherst we entered regular coached teams in six different contests. Class work has covered milk-testing, soil-testing, brooding of chicks, vaccinating flocks, and the grafting of new com- mercial varieties of apples into our local orchards.
Principal Dacey has stated that he wants the agri- cultural department to be conducted along the same high standards of efficiency that the other departments of our school are conducted. This is my sentiment, and in addi- tion I am anxious to see the agricultural boys take more
116
seriously to their academic work, for it is evident that suc- cessful agriculturists of the future will be those who have shown a serious regard for the study of economic and scientific problems.
Our agricultural department is fortunate in having one of the most faithful advisory boards in the State; the mem- bers have given their continuous efforts and support to the best interests of the department. We are in close prox- imity to the Hampden County Improvement League which provides outstanding Farm Bureau activity and the most efficient Agricultural Extension Service. With more in- dividual support for these agencies, and with continued co- operation between them, greater progress is certain.
Thanking you, the school committee, the advisory board, and our faculty for continuous support.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. MOSELEY,
Agricultural Instructor
117
REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I hereby present my report for the year 1939 :
It has been a year of real achievement in the Music Department. Routine work went smoothly and well, and concerts were unusually successful. Some outstanding programs were the High School Festival, The Elementary School Song Fest, Recital for Graduation, Competition at the Eastern States Exposition (A. H. S. Orchestra placed second and won $40.00), High School Operetta, "The Outlaw King", and Christmas Carols in all the schools.
We feel happy that the band became a reality this year. It is small but we hope to make additions each year and thus build up a really splendid organization. This project has been realized mainly because the chil- dren have earned enough instruments for a basic organiza- tion. The school now owns :
a set of drums (which will soon need to be re- placed) + clarinets
a set of bugle bells 1 tuba.
a trumpet
2 trombones
We need a sound-proof room where the various in- strumental and vocal courses may be carried on without interruption to them and without annoyance to the rest of the school.
There has been some discussion about a class in Music Appreciation for High School students. This should be an elective course open to the four upper classes. Per- haps another year will see the formation of such a class.
In closing may I express my gratitude to you, to Mr. Dacey, to Mrs. Backus, and all the teachers for their excellent cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music
118
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The art work in both the Elementary and Junior- Senior High Schools this past year has been planned to meet the modern objectives of Education. Drawing and Painting, Handicrafts, Commercial and Applied Design, Art Appreciation have all been correlated with the gen- eral subject matter of the grade and the interest of the children.
In the High School much work has been done in the Art Department for extracurricular and community ac- tivities. Costumes were designed and scenery painted for various dramatic presentations, illustrations made for the "Agawam Mirror," and decorative panels painted for the new Agawam Center School. The entire color scheme for that building was planned and supervised by this de- partment.
Poster contests were held for the annual operetta. for the S.P.C.A. annual drive for which the Agawam pupils received blue ribbon, red ribbon, special medals, and hon- orable mention awards. In the American Legion Poppy Drive poster contest last spring, Elroy Benjamin '39 won first prize in the county, and third place in the state. Alice Draghetti '+3 won third prize in the county contest. The Agawam Women's Club Art Award was won this year by Irene Mulak, class of 1939.
Trips to the Springfield Art Museums were made by the Art Appreciation class of the Senior High School, and we are grateful to Mrs. Cornelia Sargent Pond and Miss Louise Lochridge of the museum staff for their guidance.
The annual exhibition of art and handiwork was held in June.
Respectfully submitted, MARY M. CROWLEY, Supervisor of Art
119
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
In my annual report I hope to point out some of the highlights of our department for the past year.
Our annual exhibit was held in the gymnasium dur- ing commencement week. Many favorable comments were heard as a result of this exhibit. Some of the work shown included samples of printing which is done under the guidance of Mr. Baker in the seventh grade. All of this printing is done by hand on a small press using rubber type. This particular press has saved the school many dollars during the last few years; as all our athletic and other school posters are made on this press, as well as tickets for all school affairs. The exhibit also included such projects as ladders, boats, bookcases, tables, desks, cabinets, lamps of wood and Keene cement, and many novelties.
As usual we have cooperated with other departments in the school by repairing old equipment and making new equipment.
One project which we take particular pride in is the new bleachers erected on the south side of our athletic field to match the set which had previously been con- structed on the north side. Through the cooperation of the selectmen we were able to get lumber from the old center school. The boys in the department worked faith-
120
fully in preparing the boards, cutting, making braces, painting, and assembling in order to get the bleachers ready for our "big game." Much credit for the construc- tion of these bleachers must be given to our head janitor, Mr. Jasper DeForge, who took full charge of the outside work and construction.
These bleachers which will seat well over 500 people, were built for less than $50 (for hardware), and it is being quite conservative to say they are worth $600. Many thanks, Selectmen, Mr. Phelps, and School Committee for supporting a much needed addition to our athletic field.
The departments have been able to turn $173.68 over to the town treasurer this year.
I feel that the main purposes of the department are cultural, practical, guidance to trades and exploratory ex- periences, but in carrying out these objectives we are able to make quite a saving to the town by repairing all old equipment and constructing new equipment.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND E. HARRIS,
Supervisor of Industrial Arts
121
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
"One can discover more about a person in an hour's play with him than is possible in a year's conversation with him."-Plato
During the past year the aim of the physical educa- tion program for girls has been to stimulate a desire for personal recreation. The program has included folk, ball- room, and tap dancing, competitive games, stunts and gymnastics.
Our intramural games aided in fulfilling this aim. The sports used were field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball. Ninety girls participated in these games. Of that number 40 received "A's" and 35 their class numerals.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY R. HASTINGS
Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
122
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The following is a resume of the boys' physical edu- cation department program for the past year.
All students physically fit were assigned to gymna- sium work two periods a week, as advocated by the State Board of Education. Lockers and towels were provided to assure a certain hygienic efficiency.
Particular emphasis was given to the junior high school program, involving marching, calisthenics, appara- tus work, games, etc. The idea here being, that while such a program cultivated a constructive and progressive physical growth, an equal if not greater value lay in the discipline and cooperative factors involved in such group activity.
In the high school program this plan diminished and the idea that each boy be given an equal opportunity to compete in sports in graded squads was put into effect. In this way, playing and learning, they acquired some of the values heretofore only realized by those playing on the high school athletic teams.
Interscholastic competition in football, basketball, baseball and track found Agawam well up with the sec- tional leaders. The football and track squads received special recognition for their fine records.
In closing, let me express my appreciation again to all those who have cooperated with this department in the various phases of its program, and a personal tribute to Mr. Raymond Montagna, a new member of the faculty, who so capably assisted me with the football squad this past fall.
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