USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1936-1940 > Part 34
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Grade VI
46
41.15
38.80
94.25
11
Grade V
+3
37.33
35.97
96.33
15
Grade IV
39
33.73
31.88
94.52
12
Grade IV-V
30
29.18
26.77
91.72
5
Grade III
43
37.36
34.52
92.41
9
Grade II
42
38.74
36.02
92.98
4
Grade II-III
33
30.67
27.97
91.20
26
Grade I-A
26
23.61
20.31
85.51
5
Grade I-B
25
23.15
20.70
89.07
5
North Agawam School
Grade VI
37
34.50
33.92
98.32
1
Grade V
42
41.44
40.22
97.03
6
Grade IV
34
33.54
32.67
97.41
1
Grade III
36
34.98
33.77
96.46
5
Grade II
38
36.65
35.48
96.81
8
211
Grade I
35
33.50
31.51
97.04
5
Special Class
16
15.38
14.73
95.77
0
Springfield Street School
Grade VI
31
29.12
26.78
91.96
4
Grade V
36
33.49
31.33
93.55
10
Grade IV
34
33.34
31.60
94.78
9
Grade II-III
32
31.68
28.61
93.09
6
Grade II
23
22.86
20.23
88.50
8
Grade I
20
18.20
17.21
94.56
3
Feeding Hills School
Grade VI
20
20.00
19.24
96.20
0
Grade IV-V
30
29.89
28.67
95.91
0
Grade II-III
28
26.92
24.95
92.68
2
Grade I
24
23.02
21.00
91.22
1
Total Membership for Town
1628
Average Membership for Town
1554.80
Average Daily Attendance for Town
1471.02
Per Cent of Attendance for Town
94.61
Total Tardiness for Town
370
Total Membership for Town, Dec. 22, 1939
1658
212
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Herein is my third annual report on the Junior-Senior High School.
GENERAL COMMENT
One of the most universally accepted slogans in this country today is: "Democracy must be preserved." The progress of civilization for hundreds of years would be nulified if the democratic form of government were aban- doned or destroyed. People appreciating this fact believe that no effort should be spared to insure its continuance, and billions are being expended toward that worthy end.
Democracies are directly dependent on the quality of their citizens and can be effective only if their training is directional toward capable and honest fulfillment by these citizens of their poliical, social, and economic duties and obligations. Schools must accept the responsibility for that portion of such training which lies within their power of presentation.
This school has never avoided its function of fitting pupils for present and eventual participation in the life of a democracy. During the last year this program was greatly strengthened by the introduction of new courses broader in range and more inclusive of activities designed to further citizenship training.
VISUAL EDUCATION
It has always been the aim of progressive educators to present a school program which not only challenged the interests of all their pupils but motivated those pupils through varied teaching devices and modes of procedure to
213
the limit of their native capacities. Throughout the years many useful tools and interest-appealing methods have been devised and adopted. Each innovation has resulted in some amount of success.
Recently a new tool has been made available to edu- cators-the moving picture projector, a tool which appears during its limited trial to surpass in effectiveness any other so far produced. It has the power to bring the maximum of experiences to the classroom; it can command the in- terest of all pupils, whatever their mental level may be; it is adaptable to many types of presentations and explana- tions in all subjects and by all teachers.
During the past year a portable sound motion picture equipment was added to the teaching devices of the school. It is adaptable for use with sound or silent motion pictures, and, in addition, may be used as an amplifier for phono- graph records or in connection with a microphone as a public address unit.
The responsibility of maintainance has been accepted by the science department, and boys from the upper classes have been trained to operate the machine in the several classrooms. Such a program not only gives the boys valu- able experience but relieves the teacher of an unnecessary responsibility.
A schedule of departmental motion pictures chosen by the teachers has been organized, and the delivery time synchronized with the departmental curriculum so the pictures will be most effective. To aid in the procurement of desirable pictures the school has become a member of the Western Massachusetts Film Depository, the Y. M. C. A. Film Bureau, and accepts the courtesy of the Valley Wheel film service.
TOWN MOTION PICTURE PROJECT
The school, under the direction of Mr. Allan M. Had- ley, aided by the entire faculty, is carrying on a project
214
which will have great domumentary value when finished, and will become increasingly valuable with the passing of each succeeding period of time. It consists of filming all of the outstanding social, economic, and political pur- suits and points of geographic or historic interest in Aga- wam. Consideration will be given to periodic changes so that the record of the community will be perennial in scope.
After all contemporary characteristics are filmed, cer- tain notable episodes of historic interest will be reenacted by the pupils of the school, and that will be included to balance the story.
SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT
A cosmopolitan school such as this one attempts to present a curriculum so highly diversified that it will ap- peal to all of the pupils, fulfill their present needs, and fit them for the work in which they wish to engage after they depart from the classrooms. Such a task is difficult to achieve; therefore, it is highly gratifying to receive com- mendable reports on the progress of our graduates who have entered business, or schools of advanced learning.
The award of Pro Merito is the highest honor pre- sented by school. It attests the winnings of a scholastic average of 85% or better for three consecutive years, and, because it is an achievement worthy of note, I am includ- ing the names of the pupils who received the honor last year: Geraldine Balboni, Evelyn Comeau, Helen Davis, Lorraine Hawkes, Kenneth Leger, Alma Lodi, Edith Marinetti, Edmund Massa, Millie Pisano, Charles Porter, Gloria Savioli, Eleanor Scagni, and Catherine Smith. They were awarded a pin symbolic of their accomplishment.
At the graduation ceremony prizes denoting achieve- ment in academic fields mentioned were awarded to the following :
215
Elroy Benjamin-Art Edward Godfrey-Science Lillian Levesque-Commercial Virginia Scagni-Art Edward Shea-History Paul Tatro-Mathematics
Janet Wheeler-English
NEW COURSES
At the beginning of last year it was thought advisable to supplement the curriculum with the following subjects :
Civics: A survey course in the social and politi- cal aspects of this country.
Vocational Household Arts: A thorough study of all phases of homemaking.
Consumer Science: A practical course in science comprehensible to the average non-college stu- dent, and organized to aid the consumer to pur- chase wisely.
General Mathematics: A study of the commonly used processes of mathematics. Speech: A course embodying the fundamentals of speech writing and delivery.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The large percentage of the student body who availed themselves of the opportunities presented in the extra- curricular field attested to its value. While it is impossible because of the lack of space to list all of the achievements, some of the outstanding happenings of the year follow :
MOST NOTEWORTHY :
Agawam Mirror (our school paper: published semi- annually) was awarded the first prize among schools of our size in a national contest spon-
216
sored by the Columbia Scholastics Press Associa- tion.
Football Team won Western Massachusetts School- boy Championship : awarded trophy and placque by sportswriters. Joseph Pisano was declared to be the most valuable schoolboy football player in Western Massachusetts.
Wilbur Miller placed first in the Valley Wheel Oratori- cal Contest. Norma Blackburn won third prize in the National Forensic League Contest.
Tri-Hi Club organized a course in Mothercraft (spon- sored by Agawam Woman's Club.) Object: to train girls for positions of mothers' helpers.
Midget Mirror a Junior High School literary publica- tion which was sponsored by the eighth grade English class and included donations from the seventh and eighth grade pupils.
The annual operetta: "Pirates of Penzance" Dramatic Club Dance
Baketball Team: Won 9 games; lost 3 games.
Senior Class Play : "Growing Pains"
Valley Wheel One-act Play Festival: Entertained Enfield and Ludlow. Agawam presented, "Thank You Doctor"
Agriculture Department Field Day: Host to 100 boys from nearby departments at Chriscola Farm. Sophomore Class Party
Valley Wheel Track Meet : Agawam placed third. Promenade: Given by the Class of 1941 for the Class of 1940.
Ralph Bradford won showmanship contest for boys of twelve neighboring states at Eastern States Exposition.
Tri-Hi Club Dance Junior Caboret Football Banquet Senior Class "Kid Party"
217
ASSEMBLIES
The assembly program for the past year was well- balanced both from the standpoint of interest and of edu- cational value. It consisted of the following :
Holiday programs presented by the pupils.
A lesson in commonly used rules of etiquette pre- sented by the Tri-Hi and Hi-Y Clubs.
Professional performers: Cushing's Marionettes ;
Horace Taylor, Scientist ; Mischa Tulin, Musician ; Erdix Capin, Pantomine; George Raiche, Travel- ogue ; Elmer Johnson, Sculptor.
Speakers: Mr. Benjamin Phelps, Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Gaylord B. Douglas, Society for the Preservation of Peace; Mr. Allan M. Hadley, High School faculty; Mr. Axel Manning, State Department of Motor Vehicles; Mr. Charles F. Gaugh, Principal, Bay Path Institute.
Musical Presentations: Works Progress Administra- tion orchestra and band.
APPRECIATION -
In behalf of the school and myself I wish to express grateful appreciation to the Board of Selectmen, the In- dustrial Arts Department and Mr. Jasper DeForge for their cooperative effort in building the excellent bleachers on the athletic field. They have filled a long felt want.
CONCLUSION
At this time I wish to thank you, Mr. Phelps, for your helpful counsel; the members of the School Committee for their continued support; the faculty, who have given so freely of their skills, and the student body, who have been so cooperative. The progress made by the school during the past year has been the result of the perfectly integrated efforts of all factors concerned.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY, Principal
218
REPORT OF SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Health Department of the town schools.
Dr. E. M. Langer's medical inspection of 1531 children found 105 enlarged tonsils, 573 with defective teeth, 89 enlarged glands, 140 cases of poor nutrition, 163 of poor posture, 36 of defective heart; children with no defects, 684.
Report of School Nurse : Home visits, 311 Children weighed, 750 Visits to High School, 141 Visits to Grammar Schools, 204 Health inspections, 1668
Pupils taken to physicians, 6
Pupils taken for eye examinations, 5
Pupils taken to hospitals, 9 Infectious diseases reported for the school year : scarlet fever, 3; mumps, 64.
On October 7th, the check-up clinic was held with Dr. Langer, the school physician, officiating: 28 children were examined.
Dr. R. F. Lockwood conducted a Dental Clinic at the Agawam Center School. All pupils who attended were examined, and upon consent of parents treatment was given.
219
In June, 8 children were taken to Camp Frederic Edwards.
The Chadwick Clinic for the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in high school children was held on November 15. Upon consent of parents, 21 pupils were X-rayed. One pupil returned to the Senior High School in good condi- tion, after being at the Westfield State Sanatorium for a period of one year.
On December 18, Dr. Hauser of the State Department of Public Health gave 21 physical examinations to the children who were X-rayed.
Respectfully submitted,
STELLA KIBBE, School Nurse
220
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
"Health is the vital principle of bliss- And exercise, of health."-James Thomson.
The aim of the physical education program for girls in the Agawam Junior and Senior High School has been to provide activities that lead to a helpful and healthful future. This was accomplished by the stimulation of co- operative play, the development of health habits and muscular activity.
The program included folk dancing, active team games, stunts, Danish gynastics, ballroom dancing, and posture correctives.
After school, competitive sports were played by girls desiring to earn their letters. About one hundred girls participated in playing field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY R. HASTINGS,
Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
221
.
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Educators are all agreed that the great need in schools, whether large or small, is an athletic and health program which will give to every boy in the school an opportunity to develop his physical abilities no matter how limited they may be.
Here at Agawam, we have offered a diversified pro- gram which embodies certain features, giving to each boy an opportunity to take part in gymnastic activities in graded groups, according to his mental and physical ability. Many boys who were not members of a "squad" have ob- tained the foundamentals of various sports and activities in this way, and thus assured for themselves recreational values that endure long after their school life has ended.
Inasmuch as a boy has the same supervision from the time he enters Junior High until he graduates from High School, the program has evolved into a progressive six- year plan which incorporates the following objectives:
(1) Fundamentals of sports in season
(2) Formal gymnasium work involving marching, calisthenics, apparatus work and gymnasium games.
(3) Development of recreational skills. Opportunity for preferences and specialization in sports and activities in gymnasium and field.
Much of the plan as outlined in (1) and (2) is de- veloped in the junior high school program and is followed up with (3) during the boys' high school career.
222
The school had an exceptional year in interscholastic competition. The football team not only won the Western Massachusetts championship but, according to the sports writers system of ranking teams, sported the best average of any team in the state. The basketball, baseball and track squads boasted of excellent records. This year will see us again incorporate hockey in our interscholastic pro- gram. Many of our athletes brought prestige to the school and town with their outstanding and record breaking performances.
It is a source of continuous disappointment to your supervisor and many others closely connected with these boys and their achievements that they are not provided with facilities comparable to those of smaller schools, whose records and sportsmanship are eclipsed by those of our own school boys, even with their inadequate fields and play grounds. While our teams are now New England famous in their performances, our athletic field is equally notorious for its very poor condition for player and specta- tor accommodation. In fact, some schools threaten to eli- minate themselves from our schedules unless this condi- tion is remedied shortly.
This department is indeed grateful for full faculty co- operation, and especially to Mr. Montagna for his invalu- able and consistent efforts as assistant in football.
This report should not close without an expression of appreciation for the enthusiasm and interest our new school physician, Dr. Langer, has shown throughout our program. His attention and care of our football squad was not only unusual but opportune and efficient.
It has been a privilege and an especially satisfying ex- perience to have thus served Agawam for the seventeenth consecutive year.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH, Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education
223
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The year 1940 has shown us that there is a definite need for trained men, particularly in the defense industries. Many of our boys go from the High School directly into industry. With this thought in mind, we, in the industrial arts work, now realize the importance of offering prepara- tory training along these lines in our high schools. It is the object of this department to train the boys in the Aga- wam High School to a degree where they will be able to go out into industry with ability to carry out their work successfully.
Our shop is well equipped to give the students a fine training in woodwork, sheet metal, wood finishing, and general shop training. In order to make our department up to the minute, and also to prepare our boys to a higher degree, I would like to see a machine lathe added to our equipment. This would care for a definite need in our shop. I would like to call your attention to the fact that a well-equipped school shop, such as ours, encourages the boys to stay in Agawam instead of going to the Trade School in Springfield where their tuition must be paid. The trend today is for boys to complete the four-year course in their own High School. The boy can get a fine training both in academic and shop work and then, if he still desires, he may go on to the Trade School for a two-year course instead of a four-year course.
Our department has been called upon to build new equipment for the new Household Arts Department, which
224
has made quite a saving to the town. We have also been able to do many repair jobs for the school. This is a fine experience for the boys. Mr. Baker's Junior High School groups assist in many ways to make the department a success.
The department has been able to turn two hundred and six ($206) dollars over to the town treasurer this last year.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS, Supervisor of Industrial Arts
225
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Approximately seventy pupils from the Junior High School were enrolled in the cooking classes this past year. The routine work carried on by these girls in the school kitchen was much the same as last year. As soon as the students have become acquainted with the care and use of the kitchen equipment the weekly lessons in the study of foods, as to their care, preparation and use, advance to points which require greater skill.
During the lesson scheduled just before Christmas the girls made candy, some of which was presented to each member of the faculty as a season's greetings from the girls of the Domestic Science Classes.
In March members of this department prepared and served a dinner to the Principals of the Valley Wheel League.
Many weekly lessons include preparation of foods which are used in the school lunch room.
Reports indicate that many girls do use information, gained from work in the school kitchen, in a practical way at home, or in some field of work such as a nurses train- ing course.
The sewing department had an enrollment of sixty- three from the Junior High School and seventy-eight from
226
the Senior High School. It is now possible for girls to receive instruction in clothing over a period of four years with at least two class lessons a week. Many girls of the upper classes voluntarily give more of their school periods than are required and most naturally the results produced in such cases demonstrate points of greater skill.
I wish at this time to thank the Commercial Depart- ment for the excellent cooperation which it has given me in connection with the Lunch Room and Domestic Science Department. Much credit is also due the Manual Train- ing Department for many improvements in the equipment of the Lunch Room and the Domestic Science Rooms.
As in previous years an exhibition of foods and cloth- ing was held in June.
227
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September 1939 to June 1940.
RECEIPTS
Stock on hand June 1939
$ 31.65
Cash on hand June 1939
262.68
Receipts from September 1939 to June 1940
4,663.20
Total Receipts
$4,957.53
EXPENSES
Salaries from September 1939 to June 1940 $1,215.05
Food from September 1939 to June 1940 3,470.16
Supplies from September 1939 to June 1940
51.14
Total Expenses $4,736.35
Stock on hand June 1940
33.44
Bank Balance and Cash June 1940
187.74
$4,957.53
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH, Domestic Science Supervisor .
228
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The Vocational Arts Department started the school year of 1940 with the enrollment of 19 pupils and has in- creased to 22 pupils.
The subjects taught in this course are as follows : Foods-Taught on meal basis
Nutrition-Introduction
Consumer buying-Kitchen Equipment
Clothing-Construction of garments
Fabric Study-Study of textile materials
Clothing Selection-Selecting of clothes in regards to design, color, suitability and durability. Laundry-Simple method of home laundry Handicraft-Knitting and embroidery on linen for the improvement of leisure hours.
Home Hygiene (Care of the Sick)-To be given the last half of the school year by a Red Cross Nurse
Home Project Work-Developing skills at home that have been taught in school
At this time. I wish to thank the school authorities for their cooperation in establishing this new course.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCES PRATT Household Arts Instructor
229
REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
During the past year the activities of the Agricultural Department have greatly increased. More field trips have been made than in any previous year, and with 100% pupil-participation in the activities our objective has been approached.
Last spring, County Agent W. T. Locke conducted a soil-testing clinic in our laboratory, and with the help of our classes, fifty-five soil samples were collected locally and tested.
On June 7th, our department was host to the Agri- cultural Departments of the Valley schools. More than a hundred boys attended and participated in tractor and team contests, and field measuring and estimating.
In state-wide judging contests, our teams have placed high and several individuals are listed in the upper ten eligible for finals. Fred Edgerly and William Drewnoski, Jr. were entered in the only finals to date, and Edgerly won second prize of $15 offered by The Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association. The other event of the year was the regional contest in showmanship at Eastern States Exposition, where Ralph Bradford represented Massachu- setts and placed first over the contestants from twelve other states.
In June, the Federal authorities subjected the high school Agricultural Departments in the forty-eight states
230
to a program of evaluation. Each school's rating was based on a lengthy questionnaire covering pupil and teacher time, equipment (classroom and shop), part-time classes, adult education, organization, supervision, teacher training, methods and programs, salaries, guidance, place- ment, and "follow up." I accepted appointment to the Massachusetts Committee on Evaluation before realizing the enormous responsibility involved, but I am sure that after the ratings are tabulated we may expect uniform recommendations for more effective service in the respec- tive areas.
Mindful of the fine cooperation extended to our de- partment by all school and town people, I expect it to continue and our service to grow.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. MOSELY Agricultural Instructor
231
REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Here is the report of the Music Department of the Agawam Public Schools for the year 1940.
The usual activities have been carried out with notice- able growth in two fields.
For several years we have been struggling with the problem of building a band in a community where few pupils owned band instruments. This fall we had enough instruments owned by the school to form a working nu- cleous. In September we owned four clarinets, one alto saxaphone, one trumpet, two trombones, one tuba, one bass drum, one glockenspiel, one triangle. After the operetta in November we added to our equipment one more trumpet, one field drum, and two more clarinets. All of these are now in use to the pleasure and satisfac- tion of the individual and the school. Not all of these students are advanced enough yet to play with the band but, with the students who own their own instruments, we can offer an ensemble of twenty-four pieces.
The esprit du corps is greatly aided by the new uni- forms which were beautifully made by the Domestic Arts class under the supervision of Miss Pratt. The expense of these was shared by the Student Activity Fund and the proceeds of the Operetta.
The band owes a great deal of its popularity to Mr. Baker. He has drilled them in marching and letter forma- tion and has inspired much precision and pep, beside being
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