USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1941-1945 > Part 8
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The Desire Pyne Fund financed the extraction of teeth for two pupils.
I wish to acknowledge gratefully the splendid coopera- tion received throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. STELLA L. KIBBE, School Nurse.
145
REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year our agricultural enrollment has been higher than in many of the schools throughout the state. About 50% of those graduating or otherwise discharged have entered war industries; the others are employed in agriculture or work related to agriculture. Participation in judging con- tests and field events has proceeded according to previous schedules, and our boys have shown improvement during the year.
The objectives and plans of our department prominently mentioned in my previous reports are now superceded by plans for all-out production of food. Secretary Wickard said last summer, "Food will win the war and write the peace." Events have occurred since those words were spoken and more events are expected before the accuracy of the statement is tested. However, food shortages exist even now.
Agricultural departments are entering the drive for in- creased food production which demands assurance of no slow- ing down during the period of production by breakdown of equipment. The planting, growing or harvesting season is no time for repairing farm machinery. Efforts are being made to make our farm-mechanics course reach the home farm. The boys are checking needed repairs; overhauling and re- placing worn parts on all farm equipment. Less time will be spent in auto-mechanics and more time will be given over to setting up labor-saving machinery; its care and maintenance. Mr. Andrew Chriscolo has offered to assist the boys in securing parts and making repairs.
Three boys are carrying swine projects, each raising twelve pigs. There is a noticeable increase in poultry pro- jects and plans are developing for a greatly increased program of vegetable gardening. Five boys will be available for sum- mer work on local farms.
I deeply appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by our school staff to the agricultural department. This, of course, includes our superintendent, our principal, and our office secretary.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. MOSELEY, Agricultural Instructor.
146
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Before proceeding into a new year, it seems most fitting to pause in the midst of all this strife to take stock of what we in the Industrial Arts field are seeking to impart to the boys of the Agawam Junior-Senior High School. During these years, Industrial Arts are very important in furnishing first hand information of the methods of procedure in tasks frequently encountered by the average man. This training satisfies the boy's urge to do something worth-while with his hands. Therefore, it gives him a chance to discover voca- tional interests and abilities and gives him some training pre- liminary to more specific preparation for the employment he may finally desire to undertake.
Now, more than ever before, the boy realizes that it is an asset to be able to operate machines and use tools. This same boy is taught to appreciate good machines, tools, and supplies, and to respect their value because of their ever increasing scarcity. During the next year, we will undoubtedly be forced to curtail our shop program because of the difficulty in obtain- ing supplies and also because of the exorbitant prices for cer- tain necessary materials. Fortunately, this year, we were able to purchase a new engine lathe and also a new wood- working lathe which has added greatly to our fine equipment.
The department has built a large loud speaker system which alone has effected a saving of over $150 for the school. This was installed in the gymnasium under the direction of Mr. Allen Hadley of the science department. Several new benches have been made for the lunchroom, and several other money saving projects have been completed for our school.
This year, $247.89 was turned over to the town treasurer.
The department regrets the loss of Mr. Henry Baker, who was called into the armed service, but appreciates the cooperation and help given by our new shop instructor, Mr. Edwin Frye.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND E. HARRIS, Supervisor of Industrial Arts.
147
REPORT OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
As Director of Visual Education for the Agawam public schools, I am presenting my first annual report:
It is with pleasure that I can state that Agawam has been a pioneer among the schools of the Connecticut Valley in this particular educational field. We purchased one of the first 16 mm.sound-on-film projectors in this locality. We are the first school in the Valley to install a complete sound sys- tem. We were one of the first schools, not only in this district but in the nation to produce its own 16 mm. motion pictures. And we are one of the first schools in the vicinity to own a motion picture camera. This early experience with Audio- Visual aids has placed this system in a favorable position to make the most of this type of teaching material in a time like the present, when it is more important than ever before.
The general plan of this department can probably best be explained by listing, first, the equipment with which we have to work. There are, in the Agawam public schools, three 16 mm. sound-on-film projectors. Of these, one is permanently installed at the high school; one permanently installed at the Center School; and the third is a portable machine which, while kept essentially at the high school, is available for use at North Agawam, Springfield Street, and Feeding Hills. During the past year, a semi-professional type 16 mm. camera was purchased, making possible a continuance of the Agawam documentary film and also the production of safety and various other forms of teaching films within our school system. In the high school, the past year has seen the installation of a complete high fidelity sound system, including microphone, dual record players and a radio tuner. It is hoped that a recording head will soon be added to this equipment, making possible speech analysis and other applications of sound recording.
An important part of the work of this department deals with the training of operators to use the various pieces of visual equipment. The reason for the use of student operators is two-fold. First, the students themselves receive valuable training which may have great post-school value as has already been shown in at least two cases; and second, the use of student operators completely relieves the teacher from the responsibil- ity of the equipment, making possible a much higher type of teaching. From the stand-point of the community, centraliza-
148
tion of operation means materially lowered maintenance costs, a fact which has been satisfactorily demonstrated during the year and a half which this system has been in operation.
Since this department is comparatively new, many prob- lems of organization still confront us. Definite progress, however, can be reported, particularly along the lines of a coordinated motion picture program for the entire school system. Beginning in the latter part of the school year 1940- 41, sound motion pictures were shown for the first time in the schools of Springfield Street, North Agawam, and Feeding Hills. Beginning in September of 1941, a regular scheduled program has gone to these schools as well as to the Agawam Center school and the high school at least on an average of once in two weeks. These pictures are chosen for their educational value and also for carrying out the particular theme of study which, in the case of the present year, is the United States and the Western Hemisphere. An attempt is being made to have these films received by both pupils and teachers as definite and valuable educational material, and it is hoped that another year will see the use of lesson plans and tests in connection with a large number of the films shown.
With the increasing load being placed upon the schools by modern modes of living, visual education will, undoubtedly, reach new heights of importance in the coming years. Thanks to the far-sightedness of you, Mr. Phelps, and of the school committee, Agawam will find itself in a position to make the most of this new type of education. A continuance of the present type of coordinated film programs accompanied by a better integrated program of classroom films together with the filming of certain educational pictures within the Agawam system, are some of the present plans of this department. I can assure you that every piece of equipment that we have will be utilized to the fullest and a conscientious attempt will be made to maintain Agawam's position of leadership in the field of visual education.
In closing, may I express my appreciation of the splendid cooperation given me by Mr. Harris, in whose shops have been made many articles of great importance to this depart- ment, by the principals of the elementary schools, and by Mr. Dacey of the high school. It has been a pleasure to have had a part in the organization of an Audio-Visual program for the town of Agawam.
Respectfully submitted, ALLAN M. HADLEY, Director of Visual Education.
149
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Having started my duties with the Art Department of the Agawam Schools in September, 1941, my following report includes the art work of the last four months.
In the elementary schools monthly art outlines are used in each grade. These outlines are organized to emphasize fundamental art principles through creative problems for our children. They include problems correlated with the months, seasons, holidays, and any timely trends which are vital and interesting to the children. They form a background of basic art standards to help the children appreciate art and produce visual products: friezes, booklets, folders, charts, etc., which enrich the other school subjects.
In the junior high school each seventh grade class studies art one period a week. They are presented principles which enable them to discriminate between the ugly and the beauti- ful.
In the high school the students specialize in the art work they enjoy most: fashion illustration, painting, sketching, craft work, appreciation of art, or a combination of the sub- jects listed. Besides these specialized problems, art activities revolving around school life are vitalized. Some of these activities include:
Posters and scenery for the operetta "H.M.S. Pinafore" Posters and decorations for the "Hi-Y Victory Dance"
Block prints as illustrations and a cover design for the Christmas edition of the "Mirror"
A stained glass window for Christmas Scenery
Angel costumes for the "French Club Party"
Respectfully submitted, AUDREY M. BRADBURY, Supervisor of Art.
150
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In these important days the schools are vitally interested in taking an active part in our defense program. Music, by its very character, can be a powerful influence in the building of national unity and morale. It can be a safety valve for our pent-up emotions, and it can be a restorative force.
During this past year we have tried to give the children a well-rounded musical experience. Group singing, individual note reading, listening lessons, and instrumental lessons all have contributed to their musical fare.
Probably the group which has created the greatest en- thusiasm this year is the High School Band. It has done creditable work and is gradually growing in numbers and in- strumentation so that we shall have a complete instrumenta- tion in a few years. In connection with the band I would like to pay tribute to the members of the American Legion who have been most helpful, not only by their appreciation but in a very tangible way have they shown their interest. Last winter they gave a card party which netted a substantial sum. With this money we purchased a baritone horn and an alto. Rehearsals for individuals, sections, and full band are held for an hour in the morning before school. All this band work has been carried on as an extra-curricular activity.
Now, our crying need is for a music room. All these in- strumental people must rehearse, and we must carry on vocal activities as well, yet we cannot tie up the auditorium all the time. Others need to use it too. Even more vital than the rehearsal problem is the safety of equipment. We have worked hard for thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and yet we have no adequate place to keep it! This last month one of our drums disappeared! Frequently my desk is ran- sacked, and often music is taken. When so much money and so many children are involved, isn't it important to make provision for them?
151
Since you, Mr. Phelps, have always been a most loyal supporter and an enthusiastic listener to all our performances, there is little need for me to go into detail about the Spring Concert, given by the musical organizations of the Junior- Senior High School; the Song Fest of the Intermediate Grades; the participation of the band in the Memorial Day Parade, numerous football and basketball games, and the Band Concert at the U. S. Marine Band Concert; the presentation of H.M.S. Pinafore by the High School pupils, and the numer- ous other assemblies and gatherings where the music depart- ment has functioned.
May I take this opportunity to express my sincere ap- preciation to you, the principals, teachers, students and towns- people, who, by their splendid attitude and cooperation have made possible our program of music education.
The band goes by! Heads appear in every window, Children dart from each side street, Everyone is nodding, swaying, Keeping time with marching feet To the stirring, rhythmic beat, As the band goes by. What is this power of music? No one can tell, but all can feel The magic spell of its appeal- Rich and poor and old and young, From every land, of every tongue, Can be united, swayed, controlled, Cheered, inspired, refreshed, consoled- All by this power of music.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH A. PERRY, Supervisor of Music.
152
REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Two hundred and eight pupils have been enrolled in the Domestic Science Department this past year. Out of this number sixty-three girls composed the group of elementary classes who studied foods and cookery one period during each week.
The preliminary lessons aimed to make the girls ac- quainted with the kitchen and its equipment. Special em- phasis was placed upon the importance of cleanliness, neatness and accuracy. A collection of economical recipes, designed to show their relation to one another and to the whole question of balanced meals, were mimeographed by the commercial students and given to each girl who prepared them in the school kitchen.
Since the class period was only forty-five minutes in length, separate lessons were planned for instruction in Table Setting and Serving as well as The Classification of Foods and their uses in the body.
The remaining one hundred and forty-five girls practiced hand and machine sewing in the clothing room, averaging two lessons a week with the exception of the elementary classes from the seventh grade who had but one period each week. Projects of simple construction yet appealing in design have been offered to these younger girls. The second and third year courses require more hours of sewing on articles which demand greater skill with the needle and sewing machine. The study of Fabrics, Clothing Selection, Commercial Pat- terns and Garment Construction have been presented as com- pletely as the program would permit. All projects have prac- rical value, yet allow the girls to develop their talents for ar- tistic expression.
In June the girls proudly displayed samples of their efforts in foods and clothing.
153
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the cafeteria from September 1940 to June 1941.
Receipts
Stock on hand June 1940
$ 33.44
Cash on hand June 1940.
187.74
Receipts from September 1940 to June 1941
5171.44
Total Receipts
$5392.62
Expenses
Salaries from September 1940 to June 1941
$1221.00
Food from September 1940 to 1941.
3828.66
Supplies from September 1940 to June 1941
66.82
Total Expenses .
$5116.48
Stock on hand June 1941
$ 33.94
Bank Balance and Cash June 1941
242.20
$5392.62
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH, Domestic Science Supervisor.
154
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The home is fundamental to American Democracy: en- during values of family life must be safeguarded and strength- ened.
It is the primary purpose of the vocational homemaking program to help the girls meet their present living problems more efficiently and thus to contribute more satisfactorily to their own family life.
The following two year curriculum has been planned to fulfill that purpose:
First year-Foods, Laundry, Clothing, Color and Design, Fabric Study, Handicraft, Home Nursing and Child Care. This last class has been made elective for other high school girls not enrolled in the vocational class.
Second year-Foods, Nutrition, Home Decoration, Furni- ture Selection and Care, Household Mechanics, Family Re- lations, and Clothing.
In the fall the clothing classes made examination jackets for the school nurse. To supplement their own clothing work the girls are now making children's garments for the Red Cross.
Because school time is limited, and working conditions in a laboratory are unlike those in a home, opportunities are given the girls to discharge some of the responsibilities of their own homes through supervised home project work.
Respectfully submitted, EDITH M. YUILL, Household Arts Instructor.
155
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In the normal course of events educators have for some time fully realized and emphasized the importance of health education in the general school program. Now in this period of national emergency this feature of our school system has suddenly become a tremendous factor in the international attempt to re-establish the principles that we fought for, and which involved us in the last great world conflict. Physical fitness in our army, navy, and air force-in our citizenry, will play a paramount part as to our ultimate success or failure.
No need now to question the value of such activities as marching, calisthenics, apparatus work and formal gymnasium work, games, intramural and interscholastic sports. These are making a contribution to American manhood that even those of us who are intimately involved never could have hoped for or anticipated.
No one can any longer deny the value of discipline and the lessons learned in the gymnasium and on the field. The foundation for the experiences on the battlefields of the future has already been fostered on the playing fields of yesterday and today.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH,
Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education.
156
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
World affairs of the past year have made more apparent the individual need for having the greatest possible amount of adaptability for one's environment, plus the greatest pos- sible efficiency as a unit in social structure.
These qualities may be developed through directed ac- tivities involving vigorous and skillful use of the neuro- muscular system. This, not only is a factor in maintaining health but is essential for proper growth.
The physical education program should offer varied activities which promise the most beneficial returns.
The program for girls in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School has accepted the challenge and has included dancing, gymnastics, games, athletics, and, as a defense measure, first aid.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY R. HASTINGS,
Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education.
157
REPORT OF THE ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Herewith is the report of the Adult Civic Education classes for the year ending December 1941.
Registration of classes took place on January 2, 1941 with an enrollment of 26 foreign-born students. There was a gradual increase and when the membership reached 40, it was necessary to reorganize the group into two classes properly graded as to their abilities, and another teacher was added.
Formal closing of the classes was held with appropriate exercises at Tinti's Restaurant May 14, 1941. The group was honored by the presence of the Chairman of the School Committee, Mr. Granger, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Phelps and the Commander of the American Legion, Agawam Post.
Mr. Granger awarded certificates to those students who had completed the prescribed course of study.
Number of State Certificates. 24
Number of School Department Certificates 12
*Number of Perfect Attendance for year. 4
*Issued by the Daughters of American Revolution.
The following chart shows the status of the classes on the date of closing, May 14, 1941.
Total Enrollment 1941-1942. 42
Membership on closing date. 36
Aggregate Membership (Year)
1118
Aggregate Attendance (Year) 1306
Average Number of Sessions. 32
Average Membership (Year) 40.81
Average Attendance (Year) . 34.93
Per Cent of Attendance (Year) 85.59
158
---
Nationality Summary:
Italians
38
Polish .
2
English Speaking
2
Age-group and Sex
Men Women
Age
18 to 21
21 to 25
1
26 to 35
9
30
Totals.
10
32
Classes reopened on Oct. 28, 1941 with the present enroll- ment of 40, an excellent attendance record of 90%. Many of the former students and a number of new people have returned this year to continue their study of English and prepare them- selves for citizenship.
During the year the state department of education with the idea of expansion of the program has changed the name from Adult Alien Education Classes to Adult Civic Educa- tion Classes.
In this report an attempt has been made to present a picture which describes the program and supervision of Adult Civic Education Classes in Agawam with a view to the better assimilation of the foreign born, and the development of a finer appreciation of the government and its institutions.
In conclusion, may I express my sincere appreciation to you, for your consideration and cooperation in the develop- ment of this program.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY R. A. LOVETT, Supervisor Adult Civic Education.
159
2
Over 35
160
TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS-1941 APPOINTMENTS
Name
School
Subject or Grade
Began Service
Audrey M. Bradbury
Art Supervisor
Sept., 1941
Theresa M. Benotti
Junior-Senior High
French and Italian
Sept., 1941
Edwin L. Frye
Junior-Senior High
Manual Training and Science
Sept., 1941
Ruth M. Griswold
Junior-Senior High
Bookkeeping and Typing,
Sept., 1941
Edith M. Yuill
Junior-Senior High
Voc. Household Arts
Sept., 1941
Bernadine M. Johnson
Agawam Center
Grade III
Sept., 1941
Ada I. Bready
Springfield Street
Grade III
Sept., 1941
Thelma E. Meadon Julia Mish
Springfield Street
Grade IV
Sept., 1941
Vivian I. Plouffe
Feeding Hills
Grades IV-V
Sept., 1941
RESIGNATIONS
Service Ended
Mary M. Crowley Leonora P. Bernaby Frances Pratt
Art Supervisor
June, 1941
French and Italian
June, 1941
Voc. Household Arts
June, 1941
Miriam H. Staples
June, 1941
Shorthand and Typing Grade I
June, 1941
Grades IV-V
June, 1941 June, 1941
Grade VI
Grade IV
June, 1941
Grades II-III
June, 1941
Grade I
June, 1941
Grades IV-V
June, 1941
Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Agawam Center Agawam Center Springfield Street Springfield Street Springfield Street Springfield Street Feeding Hills
Barbara B. Halladay Beatrice A. Rogers Mrs. Corinne Arsenault Vivian E. Cordes Dorothy M. Sears ยท Elizabeth A. Wyman Marguerite A. Coyle
Springfield Street
Grade I
Sept., 1941
161
Henry H. Baker
LEAVE OF ABSENCE Junior-Senior High Manual Training and Science June, 1941
TEACHERS UNDER APPOINTMENT DECEMBER 31, 1941 Subject or Grade Education
Began Service in Agawam
Superintendent Benjamin J. Phelps
Yale College, B.A. Columbia University, M.A.
July, 1922
Supervisors Audrey M. Bradbury
Art
Mass School of Art. B.S.
Sept., 1941
Ruth A. Perry
Music
Keene Normal School
Boston University, B.S. Sept., 1926
Junior-Senior High School Frederick T. Dacey Principal
Fitchburg State College, B.S. Sept., 1922
Mass. State College, M.S.
Mrs. Hazel C. Aldrich
Domestic Science
Skidmore College of Arts
Sept., 1922
Raymond E. Harris
Manual Training
Fitchburg State College, B.S.
Sept., 1930
Mass. State College, M.S.
Dorothy R. Hastings
Physical Training coach of Girls' tics
and Bouve Boston School of Physi- Sept., 1936 Athle- cal Education
Louis H. Moseley Harmon A. Smith
Agriculture Physical Training and coach of Boys' Athle- tics
American International College, B.A. Mass State College, M.S. Sept., 1929 Y.M.C.A. College Sept., 1924
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