USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 20
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For the past few years, my recommendation has con- cerned the toilet facilities and lockers in the boys' base- ment which are in deplorable condition. No major re- pairs or replacements have been made since the building of the addition. I hope an entire renovation can be made during the next summer vacation.
I am grateful to you, Mr. Wright, for your coopera- tion; the School Committee for its support; the faculty for its active participation in the whole program, and the student body, which has persevered during the year. All contributed to make it a very successful year.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK T. DACEY
Principal
203
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January 9, 1948
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
All school children have been weighed and measured. I have, as usual, assisted Dr. Langer and Dr. Diamond with physical examinations of the school children. 'The vaccination and diphtheria clinics were held in May, also the pre-school child examination, with Miss Williams assisting. Mr. Smith, Miss Hastings and the principals were also a great help.
Individuals admitted to nurse's office 2048
Home visits 231
Office visits for first aid 1010
Inspections by physican 2415
The past year was a record one for health in the Agawam schools. I feel that the school lunches have a great deal to do with the health of the children. We hope to have Dr. Hoag teach exercises to the children with flat feet and to show what "loafers" do in breaking down the arches.
These defects were found :
Enlarged tonsils 35
Defective tonsils 52
Enlarged glands
12
Defective teeth
300
Cross-eye (three are now wearing glasses) 7
Poor posture 100
Under weight from different causes 6
Cardiac hearts 38
Diabetes 4
Flat feet 206
Defective speech 86
Glasses for children (taken care of
204
through the Lions Club and the North Agawam firemen)
20
Loss of hearing 3
Crippled children 6
Rheumatic hearts
6
Congenital deformities
4
Vaccinated
208
Booster doses
196
Teeth taken care of at clinic
100
Fillings
150
Extractions
28
Cleanings
146
X-rays
10
Braces
4
Taken to Dr. Cooper's Clinic
8
Arrangements made for tonsil opera- tions 18
Arrangements made for children to
attend the school for deaf 2
Boy sent to Boston Clinic 1
Children taken care of at Shriners' Hospital 3
Children sent to Camp Edwards (each
child gained from 2 to 4 pounds) we
have Mrs. Barker to thank, as she transports these children to and from camp. 8
To date we have six cases of Cerebral Palsy. The mothers attend the meetings, and the children have thera- peutic treatments at the visiting nurses' office in Spring- field. We have a workshop started in Springfield for these children.
Infectious diseases reported for the school year :
Scarlet fever
4
Mumps
9
Whooping cough
121
German measles
7
Impetigo
21
Athletes foot
14
Diabetes
4
Poliomyelitis
1
Chicken pox
10
Pink eye
4
Stye
12
205
1
Pneumonia 4 Poison ivy 21 Trench mouth 5
Accidents 10
Children attending Dr. Hough's Clinic 8 X-rayed (grades 9 through 12 and
some teachers last May) 96
.
We shall X-ray grades 9-12 and all school personnel in February of this year at the high school. The audio- meter for the hearing test will be used in March. The Parent-Teacher Associations have been more than helpful this past year in giving money for children to go to camp, also funds for Christmas gifts for children. The Women's Catholic Club has also assisted.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank these clubs and others in town for their assistance. I sincerely appre- ciate the cooperation of the Superintendent, School Com- mittee, principals and teachers, who have shown such an interest in the childrens' health. I thank the parents for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. O'BRIEN, R. N.
206
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1948
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
May my following expression "Gems of Art Grow From an Artists's Animated Spirit" depict the practices of our art department.
Fidgeting fingers with hopeful intent Explore the fields where they are sent Dreaming, drawing, designing lake or tree, A country, a city, a bright blue sea.
Learning through portraying such fascinating things As the Liberty Bell from which freedom rings.
Fireman's red, robin's egg blue - Colorful studies in harmony with hue, Invite us to see an artists vivid view. Are we folks liberal as we measure The pictorial meanings which are some one's treasure ? Whether the mild scribbling of a very small child Or the daring dabbling of a young artist - carefree and wild !
Conventions to them are unknown or artificial As to Gainsborough the blue taboo was unofficial. So he used that hue for background and drape And his "Blue Boy" became a masterpiece for sheer art's sake.
Spurn not those little gems called notions From the most humble of seedlings pricelessness is often sought. Beginnings small, burst into splendor
207
A wondrous flower is brought
Forth from a bud so meager yet so tender Fancies slight brighten and to creations render.
What inspiration a word, a thought, or a smile soon bring. Who but "He" knows what messages in gems of art will spring.
Ideas so cherished thrive for a work-a-day while Encouraged through a simple yet appreciative smile.
Respectfully submitted,
AUDREY M. BLAKE Supervisor of Art
208
REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 28, 1947
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
I wish to submit my report as a resume of the activi- ties of the industrial arts department for the year 1947.
This past year has been a busy one as well as a profit- able one in practical experience for the boys in the Aga- wam Junior-Senior High School. The high school classes have completed two major projects for the school. The first was to modernize the existing bookcases in the library and also build a new bookcase across the front of this room.
The second project involved many hours of work but was well worth the effort. Twenty outmoded desks which came from the library were converted into strong service- able tables for the biology department. The large heavy tables from the biology department were then recondi- tioned for the library. Projects such as these are a fine work experience for the boys and also save the school department many dollars.
As in past years, the shop classes are often called upon to handle many repairs about the school which we always do to the best of our ability.
The ever increasing cost of materials has made it very difficult to run a shop program such as ours without increasing the budget. Wood, metal and shop supplies have all advanced greatly in price. Many items have more than doubled within the last two years.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Baker, my capable assistant, for the many fine repair jobs he has completed with his Junior High School boys.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS
Director of Industrial Arts
209
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1948
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
The elementary vocal program emphasises giving every child the love of, and the opportunity to sing. With this aim in mind each elementary building gave a pro- gram in the spring in which every grade took part. The ability of the various rooms and the pupils' enjoyment were clearly shown. Steady improvement in vocal and technical skills was apparent throughout the year.
The Junior High School vocal work is a continuation of the elementary program with more emphasis on music appreciation and advance work in part singing. Pupils spend the major part of class time singing and a portion of the period in listening and discussion. Community singing has been much enjoyed by the students this fall and a program of such songs was presented on Parents Night by representatives from each seventh and eighth grade room. The volunteer chorus of the Junior High School participated in the Spring Concert.
The High School vocal program continues as last year. The Girls Glee Club sang for the Monday noon Holy Week Service in the Springfield Auditorium. All the vocal groups and the orchestra appeared in the Spring Concert, the proceeds of which helped pay the Festival expenses. All groups were entered both in the Western Massachusetts and the New England Music Festivals and were placed in the highest rating group. Chorus and orchestra appeared again at graduation in June. The operetta "Tune In" was presented in November by the music groups. Chorus, orchestra, and solist presented the music at the Christmas Assembly and a group from the chorus sang some of the songs over the radio.
Instrumental classes were started in the Agawam
210
Schools during the month of December, 1946. At that time there were nine students in the high school who could play band instruments. Band rehearsals were started in the high school in January, and at the present time there are 41 members. Both the Elementary and High School Bands entered the Western Massachusetts Music Festival in May and presented a combined concert in June. Since September, the High School Band has made several ap- pearances at community events including the Lion's Club Fair, elementary and high school assembly programs and the high school football games. Instrumental classes are held each week in all schools, so that eventually there will be a good feeder system for the high school band to re- place those students who graduate from year to year.
Respectfully submitted,
VIRGINIA C. COFFIN Supervisor of Music
211
REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
December 19, 1947
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
During the past year 158 girls from the Junior and Senior High School have been enrolled in the Home Eco- nomics Course.
Lessons in foods included their selection and prepara- tion, planning of meals from a nutritive, aesthetic and economic standpoint. Instruction pertaining to the house and its care was correlated with other laboratory work whenever possible.
In sewing, work was planned with a garment as the project and many problems were studied which lead to its completion. The time allotted for class work is much too short, and with this in mind the most important basic principles of each subject were presented.
As future home makers, the girls should have gained some idea of what may be expected of them, as the lessons presented material which might come within the every day experiences of most home life.
CAFETERIA REPORT
The following table gives the financial status of the 1 cafeteria for September, 1946 to June, 1947:
Cash on Hand, Sept. 1946 $ 2,199.44
Receipts from sales 12,662.82
Inventory Stock 660.77
$15,523.03
Expenditures
Wages $ 2,499.50
Food 10,820.05
212
Insurance
21.00
Repairs
24.86
Supplies
277.10
Agawam School
100.00
Total Expenditures
$13,742.51
Assets, June, 1947:
(Cash
$1,119.75)
(Inventory
660.77)
$15,523.03
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH Home Economics Supervisor
...
213
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 19, 1947
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright :
A careful consideration of the age group and individ- ual experiences of the girls resulted in a well balanced program for the 22 girls in the vocational Household Arts course the past year.
Our program ran as follows:
CHILD CARE - Caring for younger chilldren.
SUCCESSFUL FAMILY LIVING - Improving home life ; learning to live and work with others.
FOODS AND NUTRITION - Intelligent use of food and food values.
CLOTHING - Selection, care, construction.
CONSUMER EDUCATION - Planned spending of money and time.
ART - As applied in the home.
GROOMING - Improving personal appearance
HOME NURSING - Practical procedures of nursing in the home.
Under the supervision of the American Red Cross a course in Home Nursing was given. Upon satisfactory completion of the course 18 girls received Red Cross certificates.
Through Home Project, the school and the home work together in the setting up and carrying out of ob- jectives to be realized for good homemaking and happy family living.
214
More and more people are understanding the need of training in homemaking. The Household Arts course is concerned with personal, home and family living, and an endeavor should be made to extend this program to more pupils and to encourage enrollment in this course.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. KELLY Household Arts Supervisor
215
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
January 5, 1948
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
As of October 1, 1947 there were twenty-six boys tak- ing the agriculture course. They were distributed as follows among the grades of the senior high school :
14 freshmen
2 sophomores
6 juniors
4 seniors
As according to the state plan, Vegetable Gardening and Small Fruit are being studied by the freshmen and sophomores, and Animal Husbandry is being studied by the juniors and seniors this year. Next year Poultry will be studied by the freshmen and sophomores and Fruit Growing will be studied by the junior and senior group.
The agriculture course is set up for a one man de- partment. The freshmen and sophomores take three periods of agriculture each morning of the week. The first period is devoted to Survey and the other two periods are devoted to project study. The boys learn to farm by doing their jobs in seasonal sequence. For example, in October they learn to harvest and judge vegetables and small fruits; in November they learn to grade, pack, and ยท sell vegetables; in December they learn to store vege- tables properly, etc. In addition these boys do many prac- tical jobs in and around the town. This year, the boys landscaped the high school grounds, and the Center School grounds. They also improved the looks of Memorial Field by burning out the weeds and removing the stumps be- hind the backstop of the baseball diamond and finally seeded and rolled this piece of land.
The junior-senior group meet for three periods each
216
afternoon. Their basic course of study this year is Ani- mal Husbandry. For the first quarter of the year Dairy cattle management and Milk Production is studied. The second quarter is devoted to Horses and Swine. The third quarter is devoted to Practical Farm Shop Work, (at this writing this phase of study is in the formative stage) and the final quarter is devoted to Beef cattle, Sheep and Farm Management problems.
Boys in their senior year may choose to emphasize any phase of agriculture they desire as long as it can fit into their project work.
This year the juniors and seniors took several field trips to develop a better understanding of their work. They visited De Marto's Hog Farm, Twin Brook Dairy Farm, Hill Top Farm in Suffield, Connecticut, the Halla- day Farm in Feeding Hills, Picards Dairy Farm in Feed- ing Hills, Shrewsbury Bull Farm in Shrewsbury, Massa- chusetts, and H. P. Hood Co. in Springfield.
Jared Hastings, Walter Campbell and Donald Taylor represented the group and the school at the State Contest held at the University of Massachusetts on November 14, 1947. Out of nineteen high schools competing our team came in eighth, and out of 57 contestants Jared Hastings came in seventh which entitles him to try out for the State team next spring, and if he should make it, will compete in the Nationals next fall.
At the suggestion of the State Department of Edu -. cation the Agawam Chapter of Future Farmers of Amer- ica was reactivated. A good program of work was de- veloped by the boys and was approved by their adviser.
Some of their activities are as follows :
1. Helping with the clothing drive for the band.
2. Sending food (evaporated milk) to the poor and needy of Europe.
3. Running a dance at the high school auditorium on December 19, 1947.
4. Surveying local farms for a Fire-Prevention Sur- vey.
5. Putting on a F. F. A. Public Speaking Contest among themselves in an assembly program.
Thanks to Mr. Dacey's generosity, we were able to purchase the necessary items to make each F. F. A. meet- ing conform to the rules of the parent organization. At- tendance has been excellent to date.
217
The Agawam Agricultural Department was honored by the agricultural departments of the other local com- munities by naming it the location for the district F. F. A. Public Speaking Contest to be held February 3, 1948 at the High School Auditorium. Westfield, West Springfield, Stockbridge, Hatfield, Smith's Agricultural School, North- ampton, and Agawam will each send its representative to the contest. The winner will participate in the State Finals in the spring.
To strengthen the department new Vegetable Gar- dening texts were purchased and are being incorporated into the teaching plan of the course.
Each boy, according to the State plan of work, must either have a project of his own such as a poultry flock, one half of an acre of potatoes, etc. or work on an approved farm to get his practice training in agriculture. Since two out of three boys come from village homes, the ma- jority of the boys receive their practical experience work- ing on approved farms.
Each boy keeps a daily record of work, writing down the type of work, when it is done, how many hours he put in, and how much money he received; at the end of every month these records are summarized by the boys and recorded by the instructor on their yearly report which is sent to Boston at the end of the year. Last year the boys earned over $14,000 getting their practical experience in farming.
On December 8, 1947 the Agricultural Advisory Board met with the instructor and fully endorsed the pro- gram of work and the policies of the department as out- lined by the instructor. This board was made up of Chairman George Porter, Mr. Atwater, Mr. Earl Cesan and Principal Dacey.
In conclusion it is hoped that the department will continue to grow in number as well as in service to the community.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID SKOLNICK Agricultural Instructor
218
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1948 Agawam, Mass.
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt.
Dear Mr. Wright :
The aim of the girls' Physical Education Department has been to provide a program that would stimulate in each girl a personal active interest so that she would develop organic sugar, hygienic principal, and wholesome leisure activities. This program included gymnastics, posture corrections, stunts, games and dancing.
Ninety-seven girls have participated in the extra curricular program of games in field hockey, basketball, volleyball and softball. Each girl aims to earn an "A" by accumulating points, or her class numerals by being on a championship class team.
The point schedule is as follows :
Class Teams-3 points for the first team 2 points for the second
Service Teams-5 points for the first team 4 points for the second 2 points for a substitute
Honorary School Teams-10 points for the first team 7 points for a substitute 5 points for the second team 3 points for a substitute
To earn an "A" a girl must have at least 25 points not counting more than 12 points for each sport. She must earn at least one point in each sport and one point for sportsmanship.
Mixed ballroom dancing classes have been organized
219
to stimulate an interest in the Lions Club Teen-Age pro- gram.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY R. HASTINGS Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
220
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
December 31, 1947
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
Following is the 1947 annual report of the Boys' Physical Education Department.
After a physical examination given under the super- vision of the school doctor and the school nurse, each boy was assigned two gym periods a week as requested by the State Department of Education.
In the spring and fall terms, the program was con- ducted out of doors on the adjacent school playground. Sports in season were featured, and group games were enthusiastically played under close supervision. Several practice teachers from Springfield College assisted capably.
During the winter session, the program was of a more formal nature. It consisted chiefly of calisthenic drills, limited apparatus work and gymnasium games. Each student was asked to perform only to the limit of his ability, and no credit was deducted because the boy could not approach or equal greater skills of other stu- dents in the group.
Agawam High School enjoyed another banner year in sports. The basketball and baseball teams furnished spirited competition for all opponents. The track squad won a Valley Wheel Championship and finished well up in the Western Massachusetts meet. A spectacular, unde- feated football squad found itself involved again in the annual controversy concerning the sectional champion- ship.
The 1947 team will stand on its record - another great Agawam team for posterity.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH
Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education
221
REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
December 28, 1947
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt.
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
I am submitting my first annual report as Director of Guidance and Placement in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School.
As this is my initial report, I feel that the taxpayers and citizens of Agawam would like to know what the guidance director is doing on a part time basis for the boys and girls of our school.
1. A testing program is carried on in the seventh and eighth grades to determine the grade level and I. Q. of these students. (This information is essential in order to place these youngsters in- telligently into the proper curriculum in the high school.)
2. A personal interview is held with each eighth grade pupil to help him determine the course best fitted for his needs.
3. All high school students who plan to enter col- legs are acquainted with the entrance require- ments, and are advised on the types of college entrance examinations to be taken.
4. High school students are always kept well posted on all scholarships available and are also urged to take these special examinations.
5. High school pupils are given special tests when- ever the need arises to determine intelligence, personality or preference.
6. A personal interview is held with all of the members of the senior class. The results of this interview help the director in completing the student's college plans, or help me to find em- ployment for the student who does not plan to enter college.
222
7. I have visited several homes to advise parents to the best of my ability. Many parents have also come to my office at the school for guidance con- cerning their youngsters.
I am attempting to accomplish this interesting work two days of each week. The many additional requests I receive from students and parents alike make it a physical impossibility to do all I would like to do for the children of Agawam. I sincerely hope that this program can be carried on as a full time project next year.
I feel certain that all who read this report will be interested to know what has happened to last year's graduates. Fifteen are attending college. Among the colleges represented are Harvard, M. I. T., Syracuse Uni- versity, University of Mass., American International Col- lege, and others of high standing. Twenty-four are in offices such as banks, the Telephone Company, and insur- ance offices. Five are in training for nursing. Two are in the United States Armed Forces. The balance of the class are in store work, farming, factory work, or are married.
It is my desire to help and my intention to assist any pupil with a problem. I also welcome parents who feel that I can be of assistance to them in solving their child- ren's problems.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS Director of Guidance and Placement
223
TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS - 1947 APPOINTMENTS
Name
School
Subject or Grade
Began Service
Esther Dillon
Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High
English Grade VII Social Studies
Sept., 1947
Lewis W. Hatfield
Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High
History Grade VIII
Sept., 1947
Paul R. Langlois
Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Agawam Center
Agriculture
Mathematics Grade VII
Sept., 1947
Mrs. Alice E. Marion
Grade IV
Sept., 1947
Mrs. Esther B. Straszko
Agawam Center
Grades V-VI
Sept., 1947
Mrs. Julia R. Crawford
Danahy School
Grade III
Sept., 1947
Mrs. Candace H. Pratt
Danahy School
Grade I
Sept., 1947
Mrs. Marguerite B. Dacey Springfield Street
Grade I
Sept., 1947
RESIGNATIONS
James P. Alexakos Jane V. Moriarty Arthur B. Oulton John M. Quirk Richard A. Wilkinson Julia Mish Mary Priscilla Green Mrs. Evelyn G. Orlowski
Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Junior-Senior High Agawam Center Danahy School Danahy School
Agriculture French
Sept., 1947
June, 1947
Social Studies
June, 1947
Science Science Grade VIII
June, 1947
June, 1947
Grade V Grade III Grade IV
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