USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 31
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Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
Herein is my eleventh annual report on the Junior- Senior High School.
GENERAL COMMENT
The schools everywhere in this country are now challenged by the demands of an atomic age, an age characterized by swift communication and transportation, specialized mass production, and extreme mechanization in industry and agriculture, but plagued by confusion of thought and complexity of living. The challenge can be met by developing better men and women possessing liberal understandings and attitudes, and trained to con- trol their social, political, and economic relations and environments.
Schools must provide a broad educational background for youth to work effectively in the present day type of civilization. They must give consideration to the art of living amiably with others, as well as to training for economic pursuits. Also, attention must be given to the underlying attitudes and understandings governing inter- national organization in order to nurture sympathy for people of different cultures and customs.
This school is conscious of its obligations and is striving to meet the demands successfully. The follow-up by the guidance department since its organization has shown graduates to be well adapted socially, and suc- cessful economically.
The promotion of Mr. Harris to assistant principal, in charge of guidance and placement, has strengthened
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that department greatly. Now, there is ample time for scrutiny of pupils' records and consultations with them, and placement of graduates and undergraduates in full or part-time positions respectively.
The annual Parents' Nights, which were introduced in both the senior and junior departments last year, were successfully continued this year. They presented oppor- tunities for the parents to meet the teachers, and were thoroughly appreciated by both groups.
Again during the year the scholastic honor rolls of both departments have been laudably long. Good scholar- ship continues to be a tradition of the school, and the faculty members have been very generous with their time and abilities to maintain the high standard.
Fifteen members of the last graduating class earned membership in the Pro Merito Society, the school's highest scholastic honor. To be elected to the exclusive group it is necessary to maintain an average of 85% or better during the four years of senior high school. The following named achieved the distinction :
Virginia Anderson
Joan Kane
Frederick Casiello
Priscilla Orr
Alan Clark
Ann Phelps
Betty Davis
Virginia Richings
Russell Demarais
Betty Sanberg
Irene Dymerski
Marjorie Trigger
Jean Fusini
Robert Webler
Norma Wylie
During the Commencement exercises prizes signi- ficant of outstanding work in the subjects noted were presented to the pupils named below:
Valedictorian-Reader's Digest-Jean Fusini
Good Citizenship-Daughters of American Revolu- tion-Jean Fusini
Art-Agawam Women's Club-Virginia Anderson English-Agawam Women's Club-Jean Fusini Science-Bausch & Lomb-Norma Wylie
Science and Mathematics-Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-Russell Demarais
History-Sons of the American Revolution-Alan Clark
Commercial-Becker Junior College-Irene Dy- merski
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Latin-Benjamin J. Phelps Award-Agawam Lions Club-Priscilla Orr and Betty Davis
Julian Magiera Student Council Award-Class of 1943-Charles Gonet
Vocational Household Arts-American Agriculturist Foundation-Marion Hastings
Agriculture-American Agriculturist Foundation- Andrew Grasso
Music-Agawam Women's Club-Virginia Kibbe
Cora M. Barnes Scholarship-$50.00-Charles Gonet Benjamin J. Phelps Scholarship-West Springfield-
Agawam Council P. T. A .- one $100 award- Charles Gonet. Two $50 awards-Joyce Scoville, Russell Demarais
Certificate of Distinguished Performance - Pepsi- Cola Scholarship Board-Jean Fusini
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
.
Extra-curricular activities are a very valuable sup- plement to the formal school presentations. They offer an opportunity for the inclusion of many projects which could not be introduced in any other manner. In the ma- jority of extra-curricular fields pupils of all intelligence levels may compete with the same degree of success. Ac- cordingly, extra-curricular activities aid pupils to develop confidence and to effect general improvement. A list of last year's presentations follows :
Basketball season - Won 4, Lost 8
Valley Wheel Oratoricals
Sadie Hawkins Dance (Personality Club)
Future Farmers of America Oratoricals (State) Don- ald Rheault won fourth place
American Legion Oratoricals -Joyce Scoville won District first place Good Government Day-John Cassidy elected repre- sentative from Eleventh District
Sophomore Party
Mirror Staff Dance
Senior Play-"The Divine Flora"
Tri-Hi-Y Dance
Spring Concert
Promenade
Senior Banquet
Baseball Season-Won 8 games-Lost 2 games
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1
State Headmasters' Baseball Tournament-Lost in semi-finals
Football Season-Won 3, Lost 4, Tied 1-Defeated Westfield in jamboree at Holyoke
Banquet given by Lions Club to football team Operetta-"The Belle of Bagdad"
Cabaret-"Penguin Hop"
Kid Party
A committee made up of faculty members organized a well diversified assembly program. It included student, professional, and inspirational offerings which were in- structive and enjoyable.
RECOMMENDATIONS
As in the past few years, I strongly recommend a complete renovation of the boys' toilet and locker room facilities. No repairs have been made in those rooms since the addition was completed, and at this time the equipment is in deplorable condition.
CONCLUSION
During the past year there have been but few major administration problems. I feel that such a condition of affairs is due to a great extent to the aid that you, Mr. Wright, the School Committee, the faculty, and the loyal student body have given to me.
To all, I am grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK T. DACEY
Principal
217
REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
January 4, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
It is a real pleasure to submit my first report as full time Director of Guidance and Placement.
After a student has spent six years in the Agawam Junior-Senior High, we are naturally interested in his progress after graduation. The class of 1948 is well rep- resented in many fields of endeavor. Fifteen matriculated at colleges and six are attending other higher institutions of learning. The colleges selected by the Agawam stu- dents include Smith, Mount Holyoke, American Interna- tional, University of Massachusetts, New York Uni- versity, Fitchburg State Teachers, Westfield State Teach- ers, Skidmore, and Rider Business College. Higher in- stitutions of learning include the General Electric Ap- prentice School, Suffield Academy, and Bay Path Secre -. tarial School. Nine are in the United States Armed Forces. Seven have chosen farming as a career, which speaks well for our agricultural department. Five are in store work and thirteen are in industry. Four are re- maining at home and twenty-one are engaged in desirable office positions. Our commercial students are eagerly sought by reputable Springfield offices.
It is most gratifying to be able to assist returning veterans. Several have returned to pay a visit and seek help with their problems. Five have gone on to college under the G. I. Bill.
Through the guidance office, fifteen students have been placed in desirable part time jobs while attending school, and nine graduates and non-graduates of previous years have been placed for steady employment.
Another interesting part of my program is the con- ference with the student who has been doing unsatisfac-
218
tory school work. After a meeting with the student and often a conference with the parents, it is quite possible to find the true reason for the difficulty and to remedy the situation. A day never passes when I do not find time to help at least ten or twelve students with their academic or personal problems.
As in past years, the Stanford Achievement Tests were given to the Junior High School pupils and the re- sults recorded for reference and diagnosis. The pupils of the eleventh grade were given the Otis Intelligence Test, and these results were also recorded.
All members of the eighth grade were interviewed personally in order to help them select the course best fitted for them in High School. Miss McCormick of the eighth grade staff rendered valuable aid in preparing the students for this particular conference.
Your Guidance Director wants to take this oppor- tunity to thank you, Mr. Wright, and Mr. Dacey and all of the members of the faculty for the wonderful coopera- tion. It is not the work of one, but of many, which brings all of these cases to my attention.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS Director of Guidance and Placement
219
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January 6, 1949
Mr. Stanley Wright
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Health Department of Schools.
I have, as usual, assisted Dr. C. A. Diamond with physical examinations of all school children and pre- school children. Vaccinations and diphtheria toxin and antitoxins are given to all pre-school children, with Miss Williams assisting. Booster doses are given each year to children from 9 to 14 years.
All children are weighed and measured with Mr. Smith and Miss Hastings helping at the High School. The defects found by Dr. Diamond are as follows:
Enlarged tonsils
210
Defective tonsils
100
Defective teeth
710
Defective vision
53
Cross eyed children
4
Poor posture
110
Over weight
12
Under weight from different causes
18
Cardiac hearts
23
Diabetes
5
Flat feet and other defects
38
Crippled children
6
Rhuematic hearts
8
Congenital deformities
6
Defective speech
71
Loss of hearing
7
Miss Wenk has seventy-one for speech lessons. The audiometer will be used this year in all grades 3-12.
220
Up to date, four children have been found with loss of hearing. Two cases have been tested at Clarke School for the deaf.
Teeth taken care of at Agawam Clinic 196
Cleaning 130
Fillings 50
Extractions 10
Braces
6
Children taken to dentist 15
(Children are becoming more conscious of their teeth.)
Glasses since September 19
(Some glasses were sponsored by Lions Club and North Agawam firemen. Two pairs given by private families.)
Children to Dr. Cooper's Clinic 8
Appointments for eye examinations 18
Arrangements for removal of tonsils 12
The Parent-Teacher Associations, Feeding Hills Women's Club, and Teachers' Club have been helpful with the money they have turned over for keeping the clinics going.
Eight children were taken to Camp Frederick in July for a month.
Individuals admitted to nursing service 1336
Home calls 210
First aid treatments 186
Children checked at Westfield 2
Diseases for Year :
Scarlet fever
2
Mumps
12
Measles 9
Whooping cough
26
Chicken pox
14
Impetigo
10
Itch
6
Sore throats
48
Infantile paralysis
1
Miss McDowell of Center School and I attended the guidance meetings once a week in Springfield for six weeks. I also attended school for one week at Northamp-
221
ton for instruction on new methods for school work. We also set up a definite plan for nursing councils in P.T.A.'s and clubs, which would give the nurse more time to work in the schools.
Health talks have been given to P.T.A.'s and clubs. This year, there has been the best showing for health in our schools for some time. I feel that the lunchrooms have helped greatly towards the health of the children.
In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the superintendent, the school committee, the teachers and parents, and to all who have cooperated to assist me with my duties.
Respectfully submitted, MARY E. O'BRIEN, R.N. School Nurse
222
REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
January 6, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
Following is a resume of the activities in the Boys' Physical Education Department for the year 1948:
The reports from the physical examinations of the men conscripted for the army during the last war and current program are disheartening because of the large percentage of rejections for various correctable causes.
Such reports attest the need for a strong physical education program in the high schools. Boys who had participated in a well-balanced program of exercises and sports were better fitted to withstand the rigors of army life.
The same may be said for normal living. It is a real factor in helping the boy to find his place in the American way of living. Knowledge of games is a perpetual source of leisure-time contentment. Although the happiness of achievement comes to those who specialize and perhaps have some physical advantages, the joy of physical effort is for every boy.
Every boy needs the discipline of routine gymnasium work. Accordingly, it has been the aim of the department to maintain a program including the formal activities of marching, calisthenics, apparatus work, and group games during the so-called indoor period. Then, weather per- mitting, the formal program is abandoned, and classes engage in seasonal sports and activities on the play- ground.
Again during the year, the several athletic teams were outstanding. The football, basketball and track
223
teams made excellent records, and the baseball team was invited to the Massachusetts Headmasters' Tournament; defeating Technical High School of Springfield, and losing to Cathedral High School of the same city.
Winning championships is a goal for which all teams strive, yet most of the real value of interscholastic games lies in the social contacts established and attributes of character built from friendly competition, in skill and strength, with other schools.
Respectfully submitted,
HARMON A. SMITH Director of Boys' Physical Education
224
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
January 5, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
The aim of the Physical Education Program for girls during the past year has been to provide physical activi- ties that have health, educational, corrective and recrea- tional values. These activities have included Danish gymnastics, stunts, dancing, team games and posture.
The gymnastics, stunts, and dancing provide body flexibility, strength, co-ordination, and agility. While the team games emphasize character building and citizen- ship training, posture is used as a corrective measure and aims toward providing the proper body growth.
Thus, the program has provided health through muscular activities, also activities that make for a feeling of well being necessary to efficient mental growth and development.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY R. HASTINGS Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
225
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
December 31, 1948
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright :
The agriculture department plan of work was very similar to the one used last year.
The morning group, consisting of freshmen and sophmores, are taking Poultry Husbandry as their major project this year. The afternoon group, consisting of juniors and seniors, are taking Fruit Growing as their major project.
Since our department is not situated on a school farm, the instructor endeavors to give the boys as much practical experience as possible by taking the boys to some of the outstanding farms in the area for practical instruction. Some of the farms visited were the Agawam Fruit Farm; Brown's Poultry Farm, Feeding Hills; Twin Brook Farm; Arundel Farm, Suffield, Connecticut; Hill Top Farm, Suffield, Connecticut; Picards Farm, Feeding Hills; D'Amato's Hog Farm, and Dewey's Farm, West- field. We also took a field trip to the wholesale market area in Springfield to study marketing problems, first hand. Our F. F. A. work was the highlight of the year.
The local and district Public Speaking finals were held in the Agawam High School. Donald Rheault of our department won each time, and placed fourth in the entire State at the State finals held last March at the University of Massachusetts.
Our Livestock Judging team placed fourth out of nineteen high schools this year. Top honors go to Richard Grocco who individually placed fourth out of the fifty-
226
seven contestants, and Jared Hastings who placed twelfth in the same contest.
Our Chapter received $27.74 from the National F. F. A. Foundation for placing third in the state for work it did in carrying out a local Fire Prevention Survey.
The boys taking the vocational agriculture course earned $15,142.16 this year while learning to farm. This money was earned while the boys were in school and on their project work in the summer. This is an average of $796.95 earned per boy this year while he was in training.
Three of our boys received the highest award given to any Future Farmer in the state - the Bay State Farmer Degree. This degree is given to the top two per- cent of all boys in F. F. A. work in the state. This year eighteen awards were made - Agawam received three out of the eighteen. The boys who received this award were Andrew Grasso, Donald Taylor, and Walter Camp- bell.
One of our boys, James Fenton, was our delegate to the National Convention held in Kansas City this year.
In March of this year our boys put on a Father and Son Banquet that will be long remembered. Some of the outstanding guests at this banquet were Mr. John Glavin, State F. F. A. Advisor, Mr. Jesse A. Taft, State Executive Secretary, Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. of Schools, Mr. Frederick T. Dacey, Principal of the high shcool, Mr. Giles Halladay, Town Selectman and a host of others too numerous to mention.
It is hoped that the program of work will continue to grow, and that the efforts of our boys will continue to be a credit to our school and our town.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID SKOLNICK Agricultural Instructor
227
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
January 7, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Supt. of Schools Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
Reviewing the exploitations of the art department is like picking up pieces of scattered material and placing them carefully until an overall patchwork appears.
In a similar way, much of the work in our art studies have come to be. We learned that the inlaying of simple colored stones becomes a wondrous whole in the form of a mosaic; the placing and fastening of glittering glasses lead to the creation of a cathedral's stained glass window ; the viewing of changing seasons - spring and summer, autumn and winter offers the complete assortment from nature's palette.
Throughout our year, little by little, piece by piece, we have set our colors and patterns for many different arrays: The Prom, The Penguin Hop, The Belle of Bag- dad, the Kid Party - posters, posters, and more posters, souvenirs, painted screen and chest, panels, and many more interesting themes and projects that find the way to the creative hands and minds of our boys and girls.
During all of the activities we followed our needs and moods, we thought and dreamed, worked and made changes - until suddenly, we arrived, over and again, at what seemed to be "the effect." Physically this effect is the finished art product in its apparent splendor. But actually, it is the individual boy or girl who has been made more ready to face a new enterprise after having suc- ceeded in creating something which to him is beautiful. He has learned that planning and building lead to pleas- ureable accomplishment. He has become strong enough to ask, "What comes next ?"
With each art request or problem, an apportunity
228
arises. Hence, comes the true value of creative art for the youngest child and all others upward. Just recalling our children's faces after their individual achievements in the past year reassures me that creative children are the happiest children. With them as inspiration, I look forward to new assignments and I, too, am pleased to wonder about, "What comes next!"
Respectfully submitted,
AUDREY M. BLAKE Supervisor of Art
229
REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
January 6, 1949
Mr. Stanley Wright Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
Each week 165 girls from our Junior and Senior High School have met with me for short periods to work out many problems which are so closely related to our home duties.
Some girls enter class with a dislike for work essential to homemaking but change their attitudes when they complete garments with becoming designs and are able to perform the tasks of accurate measuring, mixing and baking such foods as cakes, cookies, pies and biscuits.
We are grateful for the varied equipment at our dis- posal in the foods and clothing rooms.
Each additional piece of new equipment presents a chance for teaching more about home furnishings and their care and use.
CAFETERIA REPORT
During the past year it was decided to adopt the Federal Lunch Plan at Agawam Junior-Senior High School. Therefore, necessary new equipment was pur- chased and arrangements were completed to make the change. The merchandise purchased cost $780.76 and the Federal assistance amounted to $496.31 leaving the sum of $284.31 to be paid. This amount was furnished from a small balance left in the Cafeteria account at the end of June.
230
We are serving the Type "A" lunch which designates the following pattern :
Protein Foods 3/4 C.
2 oz.
Vegetables and/or Fruit
Bread, Roll, etc. 1 portion
Butter (or Fortified Margarine) 2 tsps.
Milk (whole unflavored only as a beverage) 1/2 pt.
In addition a dessert has been included every day.
During the four months which we have been in opera- tion, a total of 13,127 meals have been served to the stu- dents for twenty cents each. Reimbursements for these meals have amounted to $1241.16.
The lunch room employees and myself are exerting every effort to comply with the Type "A" pattern which was sent to me from the office of School Lunch Programs.
Respectfully submitted,
HAZEL C. ALDRICH
Home Economics Supervisor
231
REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
January 7, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
The problem of keeping house intelligently was found to be of interest to the group of 23 girls in the Household Arts Course the past year.
A varied program was set up so that the girls came to realize modern homemaking, despite all our electrical appliances, is still an art.
Our program ran as follows:
HOME AND FAMILY - the know-how of better family living.
HOME DECORATION - simplified rules for deco- rating and buying facts for home furnishings.
MEAL PLANNING AND PREPARATION - nutri- tion and marketing tips-everyday cooking.
CONSUMER EDUCATION - how to cut corners and costs - shopping wisely.
CLOTHING - selection, care, construction.
GROOMING - making the most of one's self.
HOME NURSING - simplified nursing at home.
Several field trips made our work interesting and alive, and the girls gained some practical experience. At Forbes & Wallace our Home Decoration knowledge was increased, and at True Brothers we found the lecture and display on gems, sterling, and plated silver helpful.
Home Project encourages girls to help more at home and put into practice much of their class work. Mothers
232
report the girls take more of an interest in their home and perform tasks willingly.
The American Red Cross awarded 16 certificates to those girls who successfully completed the course in Home Nursing. Many satisfactory applications of this type of nursing in the girls' home reaches school. Again a new interest is created and confidence gained.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. KELLY Household Arts Director
233
REPORT OF THE VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
January 7, 1949
Mr. Stanley W. Wright Superintendent of Shcools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wright:
I herein submit my first report as Supervisor of Vocal Music in the Agawam Public Schools.
My first few weeks here in Agawam were spent first in getting acquainted with the students and teachers in all schools; and second in developing and enlarging the fine vocal program already in use, to permit participation of as many students as possible in the joyful and satisfy- ing experience which music alone can give.
The program includes a visit to each room in the elementary schools, grades one through six, every other week. In three of the schools we have arranged a chorus period every other week, in addition to the regular music classes, for pupils in the fourth through the sixth grades given in the school auditorium.
Due to the fact that no space is available at the Springfield St. school at the present time, a choral group could not be organized to meet regularly, but we have hopes for the future.
The enjoyment and satisfaction which the boys and girls have experienced make these chorus periods well worth while.
The Junior High School program allows only one forty minute period a week for each class in the seventh and eighth grades. I hope that an additional period can be added in the future. These years are the critical ones for adolescents, when much attention and care must be given to the development of the changing voice, and of a
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