USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 16
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The United States Department of Education, through its commissioner of education has advocated the forming of Victory Corps in the high schools throughout the country and a chapter has been organized here. The Victory Corps is a patriotic organization to which students may volunteer.
The personnel is divided into several divisions which pre- suppose certain accomplishments on the part of their mem- bers. The divisions are General Membership, Sea Service, Air Service, Land Service, Production Service, and Com- munity Service. A general requirement for all branches is physical fitness; an optional requirement for all branches is military drill. The specific requirements follow :
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Students should be studying or have studied regular school courses appropriate to their ability and needs in the light of their probable contribution to the Nation's war effort.
The students should be currently participating in at least one important continuing or recurring wartime activity.
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SEA SERVICE
Students should be planning or have begun preliminary preparations for service in some branch of the Navy or Merchant Marine.
a. Must be pursuing or have pursued à program which includes courses in high school mathematics preferably plain trigonometry.
b. Must be pursuing or have pursued a one year high school laboratory science course.
c. Must be pursuing or have pursued a course in the elements of navigation.
d. Must be pursuing or have pursued a one year course in shop.
AIR SERVICE
Students must be planning and have begun preliminary preparation for service in the armed forces as aviation cadets or as aircraft repair, and maintenance workers.
a. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes one year of high school physics and three years of high school mathematics.
b. Must be pursuing or have pursued a course in pre- flight aeronautics.
c. Must be pursuing or have pursued a course in auto- motive mechanics, radio, electricity, or a vocational shop course which gives preliminary preparation for the servicing, maintenance, or repair of aircraft.
LAND SERVICE
Students should be planning and have begun preliminary preparation for service in some branch of the ground forces of the army.
a. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes at least a year of high school mathematics, or its equivalent in shop mathematics.
b. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes at least one year of the high school laboratory science, or its equivalent in shop science.
c. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes one or more special preinduction courses.
d. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes one or more shop courses.
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PRODUCTION SERVICE
Students should be planning and have begun preliminary preparations for service in war industry, agriculture, or other essential civilian production occupations, as distinguished from service occupations.
a. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes courses which are definitely pointed to a preparation for work in the field of agriculture.
b. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes courses which are definitely pointed to preparation for work in the field of trades and industry.
c. Must be engaging or have engaged in part-time work either paid or voluntary, in some form of production.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Students should be planning and have begun preliminary preparation for work in community or other service occupa- tions such as: Teaching, social work, medicine, nursing, dentistry, librarianship, or other professional service; steno- grapher, typist, bookkeeper, salesman or other distributive or commercial service; home nursing, homemaking, child care, nutrition or similar service.
a. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes courses definitely pointed to preparation for service occupations at the professional level.
b. Must be pursuing or have pursued a program which includes courses definitely pointed to preparation for com- mercial, distributive, homemaking or similar community service occupations to be entered upon leaving high school.
c. Must be engaging in some form of part-time work, either paid or voluntary, in some form of community service.
Members of each division may wear the insignia typical of that specific division.
During the year scholarship has remained at its tradi- tional high level. Graduates entering college have main- tained desirable grades and those entering business have been very successful. All who wished positions were able to secure them immediately after graduation, and many were allowed to leave before receiving their diplomas. Following the
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custom of previous years the names of Pro Merito students are below:
Andrea Cornfoot Frances Kaskeski Melba Pauze
Donald Curran Donald Lewis Helen Reinheimer
Jane Durkan Marjorie Magoon
Virginia Spear
Elizabeth Eberhahn Virginia Magoon
John Wylie
Lorraine Gallerani Francis Nolin
At the Commencement exercises, medals significant of outstanding work in the fields noted were presented to the following pupils:
Ruth Raison-Citizenship Award Lorraine Harpin-Commercial Justin Wilke-Art Grace Shaylor-History
Fred D'Amato-English
Dorothy Woodruff-English Literature
Shirley Spring-Science English Valedictorian Prize
Extra-curricular activities have been curtailed to a great extent due to inability to procure transportation for groups to compete in other schools; difficulty to buy material and equipment; pupils who would participate normally are now more concerned with war work; extra expense of production. Those in which the school engaged were of high calibre. The list follows: .
Basketball: Valley Wheel Co-champions
Cabaret: Sponsored by Junior Class-motive
Oratoricals: Host to Valley Wheel schools
Massachusetts State College Tournament: Agawam par- ticipated until last round
Dramatic Club Dance Sophomore Party Senior Play: "Ever Since Eve"
One-act Play
Baseball: Valley Wheel Champions Promenade Graduation Football: Won 5 Lost 2 Sophomore Party "Kid Party": Senior Class
The assembly program gave place to many very inter-
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esting and educational films on a varied list of subjects. These were balanced by the yearly holiday assemblies produced by the pupils; professional performers and representative speakers from colleges and industry.
Any progress made by the school during the year has been due to the assistance given me by you and the school committee, the efforts of a loyal faculty and the cooperation of the student body. To all I am deeply grateful.
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. E. M. Langer's medical inspection of 785 children found the following :- 54 enlarged tonsils, 260 children with defective teeth, 51 enlarged glands, 14 cases of poor nutrition, 13 poor posture, 35 of defective heart; number of children with no defects, 140.
Dr. George Steele's medical inspection of 141 children found the following :- 10 enlarged tonsils, 28 children with defective teeth, 4 enlarged glands, 1 poor nutrition, 1 poor posture, 1 defective heart; number of children with no defects, 104.
Report of School Nurse:
Home visits, 458 Children weighed, 1537
Visits to High School, 161 Visits to Grammar Schools, 477
Office visits, 1520 Health inspections, 558
Appointments made for eye examinations, 7
Pupils taken to physicians, 12
Pupils taken to dentists, 7
Arrangements made for removal of tonsils and adenoids, 8 Appointments made for X-ray, 2 Taken to Westfield Sanitorium for X-ray, 5 Taken to Hospitals, 2
Arrangements were made for two children to attend the Springfield Boy's Club at Brimfield, Mass. This was financed by the American Legion.
Infectious diseases reported for the school year: Scarlet fever, 33
Mumps, 5 Chicken pox, 8 Whooping cough, 11 German measles, 32
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One school child had 15 teeth filled and two extractions, which the Agawam Womens Club and Desire Pyne Fund financed.
On May 19th, the regular vaccination clinic was held with Dr. E. M. Langer, the school physician, officiating: 83 pupils were vaccinated. The check-up clinic was held on September 16th, at which 19 more were vaccinated.
Dr. R. F. Lockwood conducted Dental Clinics in the grammar schools. All pupils who attended were examined and upon consent of parents, treatments were given.
Eight children were again taken to Camp Frederic Edwards-four in July and four in August.
Assisted Miss Williams with the Diptheria Immuniza- tion Clinic which was held in May.
The Mantoux test for control of tuberculosis in high school children was held, 359 were tested by Dr. Hauser, 73. children showed reactions and were X-rayed, 5 teachers were X-rayed, Dr. Hauser of the State Department of Public Health gave 10 physical examinations and these children were added to our follow-up list and will be checked again next year.
Audiometer testing for defective hearing was done in the 4th, 5th, 6th grades; 363 were tested, 30 were re-tested, 8 were found to have hearing loss, notices were sent to parents.
I gratefully acknowledge the splendid cooperation re- ceived throughout the year from the many different depart- ments I have come in contact with.
Respectfully submitted,
STELLA L. KIBBE, School Nurse.
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REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Always subjects of vital concern, foods and nutrition have come to be, during the present time of war, topics of paramount importance to every home and every individual in our country. Day by day we are coming to realize that an understanding of these subjects is basic to our war effort.
Health and vitality are most essential in times of peace but should have supreme consideration in times of war. The Home Economics program was planned to help the girls under- stand the fundamentals of cookery and ordinary sewing prob- lems.
In many homes where there are working mothers the girls are finding ample opportunities to practice many household tasks including preparation of foods.
It is essential at all times for girls to understand and be able to execute the simplest methods of hand and machine stitches. In war time especially it is important to practice economy in the clothing budget. This can be realized if one is capable of at least taking care of the present wardrobe which means cleaning, pressing, mending and renovating if necessary, as well as constructing new garments.
The clothing classes, from the very young beginners of the seventh grade to the more skilled workers of the Junior and Senior classes of the High School, have been striving to accomplish tasks with the needle and machine which may serve them well in the future.
A total of one hundred and sixty girls who were enrolled in the Home Economics department exhibited results of their handiwork at the close of school last June.
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CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September 1941 to June 1942:
Receipts
Stock on hand, June 1941
$ 33.94
Cash and Bank Balance, June 1941.
242.20
Cash received.
6,693.20
$6,969.34
Expenses
Salaries .
$1,167.00
Food .
5,349.10
Supplies
100.93
$6,617.03
Recapitulation
Receipts .
$6,969.34
Expenses.
$6,617.03
Stock
403.50
6,213.53
$ 755.81
Stock, June 1942
$ 403.50
Cash and Bank, June 1942
352.31
$ 755.81
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH, Home Economics Supervisor.
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REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Vocational Household Arts program this year has been planned with the aim to help pupils render a practical service in their homes during these days when every one must adjust living to victory needs.
Emphasis has been placed on building and maintaining family health through nutritious well-prepared food, on using rationed commodities wisely, on clothing conservation and renovation, on fundamental principles of child care, and on facing consumer problems intelligently.
A Victory Corps class is being organized for the last half of the year. It is an extra-curricular course designed to pre- pare the girls of the graduating class to work in community and other service occupations.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH M. YUILL, Household Arts Instructor.
150
REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This department has cancelled all judging trips, basket- ball and field-day activities for the duration. All our efforts are toward increasing food production and increasing poultry, swine, and garden projects are being promoted.
Local food production problems involve farm-labor, farm-machinery and farm-marketing. A canvas of local farms last year revealed a serious shortage of labor during the straw- berry picking season, but this shortage can be overcome by allowing some pupils to be out of our schools a few days in June, or possibly by earlier closing of some schools. Farm- machinery-repair courses are conducted by agricultural de- partments throughout the State in cooperation with various farm-machinery agencies. This year our farm-machinery course is rated very high, and is under the direction of Mr. A. E. Olson, local Fordson agent. The farm-marketing problem is especially serious. Last summer, with a labor shortage, surpluses and low prices prevailed on some products at certain periods, and scarcity and high prices were noticeable at other periods. The only solution for such irregularities is the proper timing of production to meet scarcity periods and to avoid surplus periods.
Thirty-five of our former members are now in the Armed Service; some of them were very efficient farmers. It is regrettable that if agricultural boys are deferred, that some of the more efficient ones should be drafted.
I appreciate the gracious cooperation extended to us by all school and town people.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. MOSELEY, Agricultural Department.
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
We look up! There we see our planes flying over us! Then we soar to their height with our dreams which become ambitions. But the way we Americans must meet the challenge of this war is by working diligently to accomplish a set-up in our world worthy of our men's sufferings and of our ideals for the future. And the only way to reach that far away realm is by forming such a strong foundation that it can not totter as we gradually and carefully build upon it aiming toward those high ideals.
Even in our schools we are guided by the aim of our country and of the allied nations. And in our various de- partments, our teachings lead to the same goal. For in the Art Department we, too, are helping to establish an ultimate, sturdy foundation causing students to realize that they must arrive at a decisive simplicity, and that such a simplicity in action of thought, word, and deed means clarity, beauty, and VICTORY.
With all of this before us, we have tried to be responsive to our national mottoes, "Save-Conserve-Serve" by using our materials resourcefully, by forming working habits that are thorough, and by completing purposeful assignments. The following list includes worthwhile activities accomplished by the Art Department that have required careful thinking and the use of imaginative powers for a creative output:
Patriotic door panel in a book cover design for assembly on "Reveille in Washington."
Posters for the "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals."
Desert scenery for a minstrel show.
Scenery for operetta "Hansel and Gretel."
Scenery for the Senior Play "Ever Since Eve."
Illustrations and "Victory" block print cover for the "Mirror."
Hawaiian palms and panels for the "Junior Prom." Fall, Winter, Spring, and Patriotic art exhibition.
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Banners and South American flags for pageant "Camp Fun."
Christmas tree decorations for the men in service.
In our American life each individual has the desire and also the opportunity to achieve beauty through creation. And in our schools, each one can be taught that the greatest quality of beauty is created through simplicity applied with practicability.
Respectfully submitted,
AUDREY M. BLAKE, Supervisor of Art.
153
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year the music instruction for both the Elementary and Junior-Senior High Schools has been carried on in the normal routine as far as possible. Wartime restric- tions made it necessary to cancel both the Elementary School Songfest and the High School Operetta, annual events of many years standing.
For the Songfest, Mrs. H. Preston Worden had written a splendid play based on the music of the two Americas and emphasizing the theme of Freedom, Unity, and Neighborli- ness. The children had the benefit of preparing all this but presented it only at their own building. We are sorry that we could not share it with the public. At the Columbus Day Assembly the combined Seventh Grades did present parts of it for the High School.
Music for Commencement was especially good this year with the Orchestra and Mixed Chorus taking part. In September the Chorus was separated into Girls and Boys Glee Clubs, thus making it possible to do more work with each group-yet they can still be combined for special events. For the Christmas Assembly members of both Glee Clubs ' furnished the incidental music for the pageant, after the Girls Glee Club had given the traditional carol-singing by candle- light.
We have two outstanding needs. One need is for a small piano for use with the Junior High School classes. The audit- orium is often in use so we cannot meet there and we find children just as eager for music now as they were in peace time. A small appropriation would take care of this.
The other need is for a little financial backing from the school to help in building the band. So far it is completely sponsored by student-raised funds. Now we should complete
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the uniforms and have a man to take over the field work. Please give these two matters your careful consideration.
While large gatherings are impossible for the duration, more small groups still carry on, and will sing and play their way to victory until "the lights go on again all over the world."
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH A. PERRY, Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In this period of national emergency the school shop can do much to serve the community as well as the armed forces of our Government. During the last twelve months our de- partment has made twelve stretchers for the local civilian defense committee which are used in air raid practice drills. These are also ready for any town emergency.
The department also made 300 traction splints for the American Red Cross. The wood was furnished by the Springfield Chapter and these splints were turned over to them for distribution. Much of this work was done by Mr. Edwin Frye with the seventh grade boys. The eighth grade boys made several checker boards, cribbage boards, ash trays, writing boards, and games which were turned over to Miss Viva Potter who heads the Junior Red Cross in our school. We received many favorable comments for this work.
This year we plan to build 30 scale model aeroplanes for the Government. These planes are distributed to army and navy flying schools all over the country to assist in the identi- fication of the different models.
In spite of these extra duties we are called upon to do, the boys manage to assist in making new and repairing old equipment for our schools. We have made several bulletin boards for the North Agawam School and have completed eight new benches for the high school lunch room. Many of the boys assisted in remodeling and painting the new men's room, which is also used by the civilian defense group, headed by Doctor Taylor.
The annual exhibit was held in the gymnasium last June so that the parents were able to see the type of work done by the boys.
Since writing my last report this department has lost Mr.
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Frye who is doing special war work. He was replaced by Mr. Frank Onischuck who has now enlisted in the Marines. We regret the loss of both men.
This year $229.88 was turned over to the town treasurer.
In closing, may I express my appreciation to you and the school committee for helping this department maintain a high standard with good supplies and equipment.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS, Supervisor of Industrial Arts.
157
REPORT OF THE GIRL'S PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The war has challenged the physical education program in the schools today. There is a cry for a higher degree of physical fitness in American youth. The youth in Agawam are fortunate in that the people of Agawam have provided them with two well-equipped gymnasiums in which to carry out such a program.
The emergency program in Physical Education has stipu- lated that high school girls need a vigorous training as well as the boys. The ultimate aim being to prepare them physi- cally for strenuous war work in defense plants or civilian defense work in the community.
The objective in the new program is to develop strength, endurance, agility, and skills for war service. These are ac- complished in Agawam through gymnastics, stunts, team games, rhythms, and marching.
The physical education program for girls in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School aims to provide each girl with the physical stamina to meet any emergency calmly and suc- cessfully.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY R. HASTINGS, Supervisor of Girl's Physical Education.
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REPORT OF THE BOY'S PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In an effort to mobilize the man power of the nation's some 28,000 secondary schools for participation in war-time service, the realization came that no such program could pro- ceed without a high degree of physical fitness among the students involved. Therefore, it has been the aim of this department to make every high school pupil physically fit by participating in a program of physical activities appropriate to his ability and need.
Needless to say, with this idea of increased and more strenuous activity planned, the regular physical examination for each participant becomes very important and necessary to insure all concerned that no serious effects would be suffered by those taking part in such a stepped-up program. Following this examination and proceeding along the line prescribed by military authorities, such activities were attempted as would develop aggressiveness, strength, endurance and muscular coordination. These involved body-building exercises, run- ning, jumping, pole climbing, tumbling, apparatus work, competitive speed sports and games requiring bodily contact.
In adopting the school athletic program to meet present- day needs, we have continued interscholastic competition in football, hockey, basketball, baseball and track. In addition to this, we have extended the benefit of such sports to every boy from the seventh grade up through high school.
Again conforming to suggestions as outlined by military authorities, we have re-directed the program so that senior boys in the high school take physical education five days a week, and all others have similar training at least three periods a week. Such vigorous training cannot help but produce the desired results. This, coupled with the experiences gained on the playing fields in friendly competition, we fervently hope will prepare our boys for their part in other fields and win for us through their efforts the greatest victory of all.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH, Supervisor of Boy's Physical Education.
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TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS-1942 APPOINTMENTS
Name
School Subject or Grade
Began Service
Dorothea E. Atwood
Junior-Senior High
English
Sept., 1942
J. Joseph Freme
Junior-Senior High
Science
Sept., 1942
Frank Onischuk
Junior-Senior High
Man. Train. and Science
Sept., 1942
Barbara H. Phelps
Junior-Senior High
History and Hygiene
Sept., 1942
Frances W. Trowbridge
Junior-Senior High
Bookkeeping and Typing
Dec., 1942
Helene V. Hill
North Agawam
Grade VI
Sept., 1942
Evelyn G. Mucha
Springfield St. Grade III
Sept., 1942
Josephine Alberta Spear Marguerite Savaria
Springfield St.
Grade VI
Sept., 1942
Feeding Hills
Grade I
Sept., 1942
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RESIGNATIONS
Service Ended
Edwin L. Frye
Junior-Senior High Man. Train. and Science
June, 1942
Ruth Griswold
Junior-Senior High Bookkeeping and Typing
Oct., 1942
Daniel L. Holmes
Junior-Senior High History and Hygiene
June, 1942
William D. Purcell
Junior-Senior High English
Jan., 1942
Julia Mish
Springfield St. Grade IV
June, 1942
Margaret B. Millane
Feeding Hills
Grade I
June, 1942
Kathryn M. Roache
North Agawam
Grade VI
June, 1942
TRANSFERS
From To
Helen M. Gibson
Springfield Street, Grade VI
Junior-Senior High, Mathematics
June, 1942
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