USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1936-1940 > Part 5
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The pupil-teacher ratio in Agawam is 28.2. This is a very high ratio and would indicate that Agawam could not increase the load of the teachers. The following table presents the pupil-teacher ratio for the eight largest towns in the four western counties of Massachusetts.
TABLE II
Town
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Amherst
22.6
Greenfield
24
West Springfield
25.5
Easthampton
25.6
Palmer
26.2
Ware
28
Agawam
28.2
Ludlow
28.6
NEW EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENTS
Very little money has been expended by the school department in recent years for new equipment and re- placements. Equipment naturally in time wears out and then, too, new ideas in the field of education demand new types of equipment.
In 1923 our moving picture machine was ideal for work in the field of visual education: in 1937 this same machine is not only worn out but it is also antiquated. In order to meet the demands of modern visual education sound pictures are necessary. The proper set-up for sound pictures in our high school auditorium would involve the rectification of the acoustic properties of the hall. This would be an important improvement. The entire matter merits the attention of the school committee and the citi- zens of the town. The assembly hall is becoming more and more of a community meeting place.
When the Junior-Senior High School was constructed
103
conducts were placed in the building, whereby at the pro- per time a complete telephone system could be installed in the various rooms of the building. There is a great need of some system of intercommunication between the classrooms and the office. This can be made possible by wiring the building. When that work is completed it will be possible also to present radio addresses and broadcasts in each classroom. The great men of our day, presidents and kings, will then speak to our pupils in their classrooms. The radio is a powerful factor in educational instruction. I recommend this improvement to the serious considera- tion of the school committee.
The following replacements should be made in the commercial department of our high school: An up-to-date adding and computing machine should replace our present adding machine. Fifteen of our typing machines should be exchanged this year. After a period of three years ser- vice old typing machines can be replaced at a cost of $30 per machine. The trade-in value of old machines decreases rapidly after the three year period, and the repair bills on the same increase rapidly. Aside from the economic advantage of making this exchange, there is also the dis- tinct advantage of training our commercial pupils with the most up-to-date equipment.
A new permanent record card system for pupils should be adopted. Our present system of keeping permanent records requires a separate card for each pupil for every school year. There is too much duplication of records in such a system, which fact also makes the system expensive. I recommend the use of one permanent record card for each pupil, on which there is space for all of the necessary data regarding the school life of a pupil.
Through the efforts of Miss Perry the music depart- ment has been instrumental in replacing the worn-out piano used in the auditorium with a new grand piano. The pupils of this department have contributed $200 towards this project.
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In concluding this report permit me to record that the spirit of cooperation as exemplified by the pupils of the music department is manifest in all departments of our school system.
Respectfully submitted,
BENJAMIN J. PHELPS, Superintendent of Schools
105
ENROLLMENTS AND ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR September 9-December 23, 1936
Total Mem- bership
Average Mem- bership
Average Daily At- tendance
Per Cent At-
Tardi-
tendance ness
High School
Senior High III
78
77.10
74.03
96.02
33
Senior High II
118
112.81
107.82
95.57
81
Senior High I
133
127.39
120.93
94.93
27
Junior High III
126
120.83
114.95
95.13
10
Junior High VIII-1 37
35.29
34.26
97.08
4
Junior High VIII-2 29
27.23
26.10
95.85
1
Junior High VIII-3 28
26.57
24.93
93.84
6
Junior High VIII-4 32
31.90
30.95
97.04
3
Junior High VIII-5 30
29.57
28.42
96.11
3
Junior High VII-1
39
38.96
38.07
97.73
2
Junior High VII-2
38
37.25
36.40
97.71
2
Junior High VII-3
39
38.11
36.74
96.45
0
Junior High VII-4
39
37.19
34.83
93.65
6
Special Class
27
26.11
24.55
94.02
1
Agawam Center School
Grade VI
39
36.90
35.79
96.99
6
Grade V
36
34.87
32.98
94.57
19
Grade IV
37
34.61
33.38
96.48
5
Grades III-IV
30
29.33
27.84
94.93
5
Grade III
40
37.50
35.11
93.62
6
Grade II
41
39.91
37.16
93.11
0
Grades I-II
26
21.01
19.37
92.47
6
Grade I
44
40.27
36.69
91.11
1
North Agawam School
Grade VI
48
44.00
43.31
98.43
8
Grade V
45
44.37
42.94
96.78
19
106
Grade IV
35
33.16
31.66
95.48
11
Grade III
42
40.79
39.02
95.42
13
Grade II
44
43.21
42.05
97.31
14
Grade 1A
32
31.23
29.55
94.61
15
Grade 1B
33
28.47
27.04
94.91
14
Special Class
18
16.56
15.98
96.51
13
Springfield St. School
Grade VI
34
33.56
32.01
95.40
6
Grade V
41
38.89
36.54
93.96
9
Grade IV
38
33.93
36.08
94.04
2
Grade III
36
34.61
31.87
92.08
8
Grade II
26
24.21
22.06
91.12
7
Grade I
31
30.59
28.80
94.14
23
Feeding Hills School
Grade VI
28
26.31
25.47
96.80
3
Grades IV-V
42
39.50
37.68
95.39
7
Grades III-IV
37
35.65
33.80
94.81
1
Grades I-II
36
33.00
29.45
89.24
1
Total Membership for Town
1732
Average Membership for Town
1652.75
Average Daily Attendance for Town
1576.61
Per cent Attendance for Town
95.39
Total Tardiness for Town
401
The following home visits were made on account of absence and tardiness :
14
Absent on account of sickness
127
Absent on account of lack of clothing
13
Needed at home by parents
18
Kept at home by parents
27
Absent on account of suspension
8
Absent-Truants
34
Absent on account of flood
3
Working temporarily
15
Miscellaneous
15
Total number of home visits 274
107
On account of tardiness
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
During the past year girls from the eighth grade have had one period a week for experimenting in the cooking laboratory. Foods have been prepared which are com- monly used for breakfast, dinner and supper. The neces- sity of accuracy, cleanliness, neatness and order has been stressed in every lesson. As a general thing, the food pre- pared has been eaten by the girls who made it but there have been times when the results of their efforts have been used in the cafeteria. Although the lesson periods are short, time has been taken for instruction in Tables of Abbreviations and Equivalents, Table Setting and Serving, Classification of Foods and their uses in the body, and a brief study of food combinations with their caloric value.
Last June the annual cooking exhibit was held and the entire group of girls supported it enthusiastically.
The Sewing Department has been busy with the sim- ple projects attempted in the seventh grade to the more intricate ones accomplished by several classes of Senior High School girls. Learning to use a needle and thimble is quite a task in itself for the younger girls and therefore the articles made at first have to be simple but useful in order to furnish incentive. After finishing the samplers of basting, hemming, overhanding, backstitching and over- casting, each girl made a towel and holder to be used in her cooking class the following year. Next came instruc-
108
:
tions in machine sewing and the making of her cooking apron.
The older girls made quite a thorough study of all seams, plackets, bound buttonholes, bindings, facings, etc. Before making a garment a short study was given to the major steps which contribute to smartness in clothes you make. Points considered were suitability, fabric, fitting of garment, good sewing technique, and touch of distinction, all of which help to make the costume more individual. Commercial patterns were discussed before purchasing in
order that each girl might understand them. When the dresses, blouses and skirts were exhibited in June, it was gratifying to note that the materials had seemingly been chosen with individual thought as to color combinations and fabrics which were suited to the style of the costumes and the type of person by whom they were to be worn.
109
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September, 1935 to June, 1936.
Receipts
Stock on hand June, 1935 $ 30.67
Cash on hand June, 1935
15.06
Receipts from September, 1935 to June, 1936 4,276.22
Total
4,321.95
Expenses
Salaries from September, 1935 to June, 1936 1,156.05
Food from September, 1935 to June, 1936 3,022.07
Supplies from September, 1935 to June, 1936
49.41
Stock on hand June, 1936
28.18
Cash on hand June, 1936
66.24
Total
$4,321.95
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH Domestic Science Supervisor
110
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. B. J. Phelps, Superintendent of Schools :
Herein is my tenth annual report on the Agawam Junior-Senior High School.
GENERAL COMMENT
As we proceed into this era of the more abundant life and a planned economy, it is apparent that people in all walks of life are giving serious consideration to the various aspects and ramifications of our shifting social order. Per- haps the poet expressed a fundamental truth when he said,
"Time makes ancient good uncouth, New occasions teach new duties."
Whether we subscribe to the school of thought that believes the schools should lead the way to a better social order, or to the conservative group believing that the schools should follow along in the vanguard of social change and simply interpret and attempt to orient our students to these changes, we must make some provision in our schools for a changing social and economic pattern. John Dewey recently said, "Only two alternatives exist. We may continue the policy of permitting undirected social changes to dictate what takes place in the educa- tional, system, or we must act upon the assumption that public education has a positive responsibility to shape the habits of thought that in turn shape conditions of social action." Just how a public high school, such as we have in Agawam, can make maximum contributions to its mem- bers and the community which supports it is a profound question, and very likely there should be as many solutions as there are different school situations. It would seem
111
that many new courses of study, or any drastic changing- about in school organization or philosophy is neither neces- sary nor advisable. It would seem that these new trends could be adequately and safely handled, as can character education, by the individual teachers as they meet with their regular classes. It is generally agreed that the way a subject is taught and concomitant things are brought in is far more important than the subject matter itself. For example, a good Latin teacher can appropriately and effec- tively develop with her students an intelligent attitude on the social security question. This and other pertinent problems of today were with the Romans 2,000 years ago. An alert science teacher need not confine his class work to how different machines operate but will most certainly bring forth in the class discussion the social implications of the machine. Is there any reason why students in the mathematics class might not justifiably be given an appre- ciation of the magnitude and complexities of the old age pension project as a financial undertaking? And then, in an excellent combination course such as we have in eco- nomics and sociology, there is ample opportunity for the formulation of attitudes and the discussion of social prob- lems and general trends. In every class the emphasis can be placed on active participation in community living. In brief, then, it would seem that the leadership of good teachers in the various classrooms would overcome the in- flexibility of the school curriculum, and that high school students can be brought to an intelligent and rational point of view on social questions without an upheaval in school organization, or jeopardizing any of our great American institutions. In the modern school program guidance, character training, and the clarification of today's problems and trends will permeate the entire curriculum.
TESTING PROGRAM
During the fall semester the Herman-Nelson Tests of Mental Ability (form B) were given to all members of the seventh grade. The results are tabulated below. In-
112
cluded are the results of the form A test given a year earlier for the purpose of comparison.
Interval in I. Q. units
Frequency in 1935
Frequency in 1936
135-139
1
2
130-134
4
3
125-129
5
7
120-124
5
3
115-119
17
10
110-114
10
13
105-109
18
14
100-104
18
25
95-99
24
23
90-94
16
25
85-89
14
8
80-84
15
10
75-79
8
4
70-74
7
3
65-69
2
0
Total number examined 164
150
Mean scorce in 1935
105.2
Number above: normal in 1935
78
Mean score in 1936
101.6
Number above normal in 1936
77
The mental age span in 1935 was from
9 years 8 months to 16 years
The mental age span in 1936 was from 10 years 1 month to 16 years
These figures show that while our incoming pupils as a class show about the same characteristics, there is at the same time a great diversification of ability in evidence in each class. With pupils in the same class ranging in mental ability as much as six years, it is apparent that some method of homogeneous grouping is desirable and necessary. We have met this situation by grouping superior pupils, in both grades seven and eight, and giv-
113
ing them work commensurate with their greater ability. In past years our experience has been that carrying out homogeneous grouping throughout the entire class was not practicable and that the results were not entirely positive.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The report of our bookkeeping department on the cash account of our student organizations is included because it shows in a concise manner most of our extra-curricula offering and also their relative importance from a financial viewpoint. Perhaps the only entry that might require special comment is the one labeled "Moving Pictures". This money has been slowly accumulated by putting on an occasional five-cent comedy or sport film during the recess period. With these funds it has been possible to keep the high school supplied with a high-grade moving picture projector, a sound screen for the auditorium, and a portable screen for classroom use. It is still hoped that eventually a town appropriation will make it possible for us to have sound moving picture equipment installed in the audi- torium. As practically all of the new film is made with sound, it is imperative that we have this new projection machine if we are to make full use of this extremely valu- able teaching medium.
Our centralized banking and bookkeeping system has operated remarkably well due to the thorough cooperation and efficiency of our bookkeeping department.
114
CASH REPORT
AGAWAM JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
FROM JANUARY 1, 1936 to DECEMBER 31, 1936
Acct.
Receipts
Payments
Balance
Agawam Mirror
$ 314.83
$ 290.62
$ 24.21
Agawam Camera Club
4.63
None
4.63
Agawam Tri-Hi
19.25
13.40
5.85
Athletic Association
1,642.05
1,614.98
27.07
Class of 1935
65.35
65.35
None
Class of 1936
511.73
479.70
32.03
Class of 1937
188.53
142.71
45.82
Class of 1938
160.79
67.34
93.45
Class of 1939
38.10
4.50
33.60
Class of 1940
14.82
None
14.82
Cash Over
.10
.10
Commercial Contest Fund
122.20
72.78
49.42
Dramatic Club
55.59
30.71
24.88
Magazine Campaign
71.75
71.75
None
Dramatic Contest League
63.15
63.15
None
Moving Picture Fund
178.09
92.55
85.54
Student Council
1.19
None
1.19
Special Class
3.64
2.14
1.50
Student Activity Fund
94.65
73.16
21.49
Student Activity Tickets (1935-1936)
972.72
864.33
108.39
Student Activity Tickets
(1936-1937)
854.53
400.00
454.53
The Speakers' Club
1.80
None
1.80
Sigma Delta Kappa
7.30
4.75
2.55
Current Events Club
3.74
2.00
1.74
School Rings
92.15
92.15
None
Special Assemblies
200.00
133.25
66.75
Totals
$5,682.68 $4,581.32 $1,101.36
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Check-book Balance, Springfield National Bank $ 902.57 Springfield Five Cents Savings Bank (two accounts) 102.27
Springfield Institution for Savings 50.00
Third National Bank & Trust Company (two savings accounts)
46.52
Total
$1,101.36
SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES
At weekly intervals our students have enjoyed and profited from some unusually good assembly programs. In addition to our regular special assemblies celebrating holi- days, our Student Activity Fund has made it possible for us to engage professional talent through the Northwest Assemblies, Incorporated. Their offering has been well balanced and well adapted for school presentation. For example, we are having two programs of a scientific na- ture : one, a demonstration of liquid air; the other, of electricity. Another program is an illustrated lecture on the Yukon; then, we have two programs by musical organ- izations and two drama productions. We have also had several excellent sound moving pictures of an educational nature.
Our speakers have been uniformly good and have in- cluded B. J. Phelps, superintendent of schools; R. L. Tal- bot, field secretary of the Massachusetts Audubon Society ; Gaylord Douglass, New England secretary of the National Council for the Prevention of War; Ralph W. Ellis, safety councilor ; Arthur Rudman; N. P. Ames Carter, travel lecturer ; Dr. Lewis Ayers, podiatrist; Dr. George Rom- mert, biologist ; Raymond Cowing, mayor of Westfield, and others.
This meeting together of all members of the school is not only valuable educationally, but it also nurtures a strong school spirit and tends to integrate our many parts into a living unified institution.
116
NOTEWORTHY SCHOOL EVENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR JANUARY 1936 TO JANUARY 1937
1935-36 Basketball games, December 19 to March 7 (Won 16 games, lost 6. Went to the finals in the Mass. State College Basketball Tournament. Valley Wheel co- champions).
Hockey games, December 10 to March 18 (Won no games, lost 9).
One Act Play Contest, January 23. A Valley Wheel competition. Agawam presented "Submerged".
Donkey Basketball Game, February 12. (Profit $64.75)
School dismissed on account of the worst flood in history, March 19 and 20.
Senior Play "Big Hearted Herbert", March 27.
Sophomore Assembly, April 2. "School of the Future."
Baseball games, May 12 to June 9 (Won 5 games, lost 3).
Pro Merito Convention here May 9 with 150 delegates present.
Teachers' Club Banquet, May 20 at Suffield Country Club.
Junior Prom, May 29.
Final Examinations, June 11 thru June 16.
Senior Banquet at Hotel Highland, June 15.
Class Night, June 16.
117
Graduation, June 18 (77 graduates) Dr. Alexander Stoddard, superintendent of schools in Providence, speaker.
Alumni Banquet, June 20.
Football games, September 19 to November 21 (Won 5 games, tied 2, lost none).
Junior Cabaret, November 12.
Operetta "Lelawala" (Indian story written by Charles Wakefield Cadman).
Teachers' Club Poverty Party, December 2 at the Center School.
P. T. A. Meeting December 3. Topic "Home Study" (Professor W. S. Welles, speaker).
Junior Assembly, December 17 (Barn Dance with historical dialogue).
Senior "Kid" Party, December 18.
Christmas Assembly, December 23.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Eight members of the senior class (1937) won mem- bership in the Pro Merito Society by maintaining a three year average in all subjects of 85% or higher. The highest average of the group, 90.08% was made by Agnes Swanson.
During the graduation exercises last June the follow- ing awards were made to members of the class of 1936: cash prize to Corrinne Roberts for making the most pro- gress in English; cash prize to David Guy for outstanding work in physics; the Washington and Franklin Medal to Verna Barton for excellence in American History.
-
118
Reports from Middlebury College, Wheaton College, Smith College, Bates College, Massachusetts State Col- lege, West Point Military Academy, Westfield State Teachers' College, American International College, Stock- bridge School, Wentworth Institute, and Bay Path In- stitute indicate that our graduates are comparing favor- ably with graduates of other secondary schools, in fact several of our students have won positions of distinction in their class. In a school such as ours where we are con- cerned primarily with boys and girls who are interested mostly in a general or commercial education, it is very pleasing to have positive proof that those who do have the opportunity for higher education are adequately prepared.
CONCLUSION
It is always a pleasant formality to acknowledge the innumerable and vital contributions made by many per- sons connected or concerned with the high school. It seems to be universally true that we make our progress and achievements by climbing up on the shoulders of fellow workers. Without this unfailing, reassuring lift of many people and especially you, Mr. Phelps, I am sure my efforts would indeed be ineffectual and unsatisfying. Altogether we have had another splendid year.
Respectfully submitted,
F. EARL WILLIAMS, Principal
119
REPORT OF MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
Music for Every Child-Every Child for Music-This is our aim. To lead boys and girls along musical paths attended with abundant present satisfactions but unswerv- ingly directed toward ultimate good taste is not only our duty but our privilege in music education. Accordingly, I shall discuss in this report two major and universally available means to this end-singing and listening. Of the two, singing is the more popular activity. Probably be- cause it affords an immediate opportunity for participation through performance. But in listening to music there are no bounds set by individuals, and group limitations are removed.
From the first grade through the sixth we feel that we have an unusually fine music course. Agawam may well be proud of the musical achievement of its children. This is due in great measure to the splendid group of teachers who carry out with willing cooperation any suggestion made by the supervisor. The singing work in the grades culminates in two projects-the performance of Christmas Carols, and the Annual Songfest. By emphasizing the carols of a different country in each grade, the girls and boys are becoming familiar with a great many of the lovely carols of our rich heritage. The very great enjoyment which they derive from this repertoire augurs well for the interest in music for the future of these youngsters. The Songfest has proven its merit in three successive years. It is of value not only as a socializing agency for the town but for the repertoire of fine songs which the children
120
acquire. A higher standard of musical values has come about as a result. In the field of listening, the children are encouraged to listen to worth-while programs on the radio and to discuss current happenings in music. With the victrola we carry on listening lessons using the Memory Contest as incentive. This is so planned that it will re- inforce the other musical activities.
In the Junior-Senior High School the music course is less vital than we wish it were-due to lack of time. Only one period a week is allotted for music and this must suffice for listening, singing, theory, history, and current events. However, we have tried to keep the work as in- teresting and timely as possible by preparing music for various assemblies, operetta, graduation recital, etc.
It may be of interest to note that one of the three specific objectives which I mentioned in last year's report has been attained. I refer to the grand piano in the auditorium. It does indeed fill a long felt need and is greatly appreciated by all-particularly by those students who have worked hard in operettas so that this piano might be a reality. We hope that this pleasure is shared by the loyal townspeople who come to all of our musical performances.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH A. PERRY,
Supervisor of Music
121 -
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools :
The art work in the Elementary Schools of Agawam the past year has been planned to meet the fundamental educational needs of the child; namely, a means of clearer understanding of subjects studied, a help in the develop- ment of skill with hands and materials, and a vehicle of expression. In the first three grades the work is based on the activities and experiences of the child in his sphere of home and school. In grades 4, 5, and 6, the art and handwork is almost wholly connected with social studies, literature and other subjects. Posters for Humane Week, sponsored annually by the Massachusetts S. P. C. A. were made in each school, many winning prize medals.
Progress has been definitely made in beautifying our schools, one of our chief projects this past year : painting of the interiors of the Agawam Center, North Agawam, and Springfield Street Schools; addition of new bulletin boards; the rearrangement of pictures in corridors and classrooms have been of great help. Through The Field- ing Fund, built-in cupboards have been installed in the first grade room at the Feeding Hills School. Screens and picture frames have been made by the Manual Arts De- partment for use in the grade buildings.
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