USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1946-1950 > Part 8
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There are only two states in the nation providing less state aid for education than Massachusetts.
PROGRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
Several progressive measures of more than ordinary significance should be included in this review of the year's activities.
The successful molding of our faculty into a group of men and women striving for the purpose of having our children given all the available help in learning the neces- sary skills, attitudes and aptitudes for successful citizen- ship has been achieved through cooperative effort by happy, contented Agawam teachers. You have a fine faculty in the town of Agawam. During the fall, each of our five schools has operated smoothly and efficiently due to their good discipline, honest thinking, and their co- operative leadership.
During the past few weeks, we have introduced in- strumental instruction into our schools, whereby any child interested in studying may learn that instrument in our school program. Band rehearsals will soon be started in the high school and it is our plan to have a band playing at various school functions next year.
Under the direction of Mr. Raymond Harris, our guidance department is extending its work. Through the careful cooperation of our various teachers, the director is gathering data on not only our present high school population, but on the graduates through the follow-up service, and on the future high school students who are now in the grades.
The lunchroom program constitutes an important phase in the schools of Agawam. During the past year, lunchrooms at Feeding Hills, Agawam Center and at the
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high school functioned successfully both in providing nourishing meals and in operating on a sound financial basis representing no cost to the town of Agawam. A new lunchroom is being established at North Agawam through the joint cooperation of the Parent-Teachers' As- sociation and the school department. All the elementary school lunchrooms are operating under the federal pro- gram, while the high school lunchroom operates inde- pendently. In the fall of this year, through the efforts of the school department, a new refrigerator was obtained by Feeding Hills and a new refrigerator and new gas range for North Agawam through grants from the fed- eral government.
In the past two or three months, your school com- mittee and superintendent have been compiling a revision of the old Rules and Regulations of the Agawam School Committee. These were last revised in 1909. It is ex- pected that this work will be completed in the near future and copies will be available to those desiring copies.
The various Parent-Teachers' Associations of the town have been functioning well during the year. Well constructed and operated associations, such as ours, are an asset to the town, to the schools, and to the parents and children. They have, in each case, well-formed ob- jectives for the year and have been of immense help to your school officials. Every parent of a child in a school with an association, should join one of these active bodies.
One of the outstanding achievements of the past fall has been the organizing of speech correction in our schools, under the direction of Mrs. John Sweeney, one of our substitute teachers who, until last June, served as speech correction supervisor in the Holyoke public schools. Classes are held for children with slight or serious defects in speech in all of our schools and, while the time spent is limited, already splendid progress has been made with many of our pupils.
LOOKING TO THE YEAR AHEAD
1. COURSE OF STUDY :
In the year ahead it is the plan of your superintend- ent to do considerable work with the principals and teach- ers on our elementary course of study. Gradually, the work in our four elementary schools will be made more and more alike. Every one of our schools will have the
138
same textbooks and the same general plan of action. This cannot be done immediately but will be gradually con- summated. However, steps will be taken in that direction in 1947.
2. BAND:
It is planned that an Agawam High School band will be ready to make an appearance in the fall of 1947. It is hoped that the interest in this activity will increase as the program advances, but particularly at the elementary level where the foundations for high school work are laid.
3. HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY:
During 1947 the beginning of a well-organized library in Agawam High School will take place according to plan.
4. LIGHTING:
It is hoped that in 1947 there will be started a project which is very much needed in our schools. The lighting facilities in several of our schools are very bad. We talk about and do much about health but here is an important phase of physical health about which we have done little. Changing our lighting is expensive but it is economical when it is realized the damage which can be done to the eyes of our boys and girls. Your superintendent would like to have one or two rooms corrected to perfect light- ing for school work standards as set by competent lighting engineers. Perhaps this can be continued so that at a future date all of our school rooms will be so lighted that no eye strain can result from study. It is possible that certain civic organizations in our community might be interested in sponsoring the relighting of a school room during 1947. I am sure the details could be worked out.
5. SCHOOL PLANNING:
It is hoped that the town will see fit to appoint a com- mittee to complete a study of future school needs and location of school facilities in years to come. As recom- mended in this report, with a rapidly growing population, it is fundamental that we plan our growth so as to success- fully meet our needs of the future.
6. SCHOOL LUNCH:
It is the plan of the department to continue the excel- lent lunch facilities already developed in our town. During
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the year, the facilities should be expanded to cover the one remaining school so that every child will have the opportunity of a warm lunch at noon.
7. NEW SCHOOL FOR FEEDING HILLS:
During 1947, the town should make arrangements for final plans and working drawings for a new school in Feeding Hills, as recommended by the committee appoint- ed to do the preliminary work for the school.
8. SANITARY FACILITIES IN OUR SCHOOLS:
The town should plan to replace the sanitary and locker facilities of the Agawam High School (boys' sec- tion) by the appropriation of a suitable amount in 1948. At the same time, the toilet facilities at the Springfield Street School should be replaced.
CONCLUSION
I wish at this time to express to you, the citizens of Agawam, my appreciation for your splendid cooperation with the administrative forces of the schools of our town. It is extremely gratifying for me to recognize your sin- cerity, your interest and the wholehearted genuineness of your welcome to us as residents in the community and to me as your Superintendent of Schools.
In an extremely difficult situation. where the town had lost its superintendent and the chairman of its com- mittee, your school personnel and school committee carried on admirably. I am appreciative of this fine spirit and, as a result, it is a pleasure to report to you that our schools are in excellent position at the close of this year 1946.
It is my desire, too, to thank the boys and girls for their fine spirit of cooperation. Without them, we would not have the splendid system which is recognized as such throughout the Commonwealth.
May we look ahead, as parents, school officials, teach- ers and pupils to many fine, constructive, progressive years of achievement ahead.
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY W. WRIGHT, Superintendent of Schools
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H
ATTENDANCE REPORT AND ENROLLMENT FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR
SEPTEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 20, 1946
Total Mem- bership
Average Mem- bership
Average Daily At- tendance
Per Cent At- Tardi- tendance ness
High School
Senior High III
75
73.65
70.89
96.27
35
Senior High II
101
99.54
94.92
95.36
37
Senior High I
96
93.81
90.36
96.33
29
Junior High III
116
113.82
109.11
95.86
46
Junior High VIII-1
28
26.22
24.61
93.89
8
Junior High VIII-2
30
29.92
28.98
96.86
10
Junior High VIII-3
32
31.42
29.99
95.44
8
Junior High VIII-4
32
31.15
30.36
97.48
1
Junior High VII-1
29
28.19
27.52
97.63
7
Junior High VII-2
32
31.27
30.09
96.22
2
Junior High VII-3
31
30.18
29.72
98.50
4
Junior High VII-4
28
27.28
26.61
97.55
9
Special Class
22
21.14
19.91
94.21
7
Agawam Center School
Grade VI
50
45.43
42.71
94.02
10
Grade V
37
33.26
32.32
97.95
ยท 4
Grades IV-V
28
25.47
24.60
96.61
2
Grade IV
37
31.76
30.39
95.68
1
Grade III-A
36
34.16
32.69
95.69
5
Grade III-B
37
34.08
32.20
94.48
15
Grade II
38
36.72
34.16
93.04
0
Grades I-II
34
32.50
29.88
92.06
10
Grade I
37
36.30
32.82
90.43
6
North Agawam School
Grade VI
26
25.23
24.68
97.80
3
Grade V
31
29.54
28.45
96.29
2
Grade IV
26
25.00
24.63
98.51
4
Grade III
39
36.55
35.85
98.04
12
Grade II-A
29
27.83
26.96
96.86
4
Grade II-B
14
13.31
12.75
95.78
1
141
Grade I
21
18.66
18.25
97.79
3
Special Class
22
19.18
18.42
96.04
1
Springfield Street School
Grade VI
27
26.86
25.93
96.50
12
Grade V
27
26.12
25.34
97.03
2
Grade IV
27
25.56
24.42
95.53
6
Grade III
35
33.08
31.69
95.79
12
Grade II
38
34.88
33.52
96.11
6
Grade I
27
25.73
23.21
90.20
9
Feeding Hills School
Grade VI
11
11.00
10.87
98.72
0
Grade V
21
19.29
18.73
97.09
3
Grades III-IV
23
21.57
21.11
97.87
0
Grades I-II
35
34.28
31.76
92.65
5
Total Membership for Town
1465
Average Membership for Town
1400.94
Average Daily Attendance for Town
1341.41
Per Cent Attendance
95.75
Total Tardiness for Town
341
Total Membership for Town, December 21, 1945
1490
142
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL SITE AND SCHOOL PLANNING
DECEMBER 2, 1946
To the Citizens of Agawam :
At the annual town meeting on February 9, 1946, the moderator was empowered to appoint a committee of five members, a majority of whom were to be appointed from precinct B, to recommend a site and to secure preliminary plans for a school building to replace the existing school accommodations in Feeding Hills. This committee was required to report back to the town not later than the annual meeting of February, 1947.
This is a report of the committee appointed for that purpose. It is written into the annual town report so that you will have the opportunity of examining the facts found by the committee and vote intelligently on any article submitted.
HOUSE CONSTRUCTION AND ITS EFFECT ON SCHOOL LOCATION
The committee has met frequently in a consideration of the school needs of the town in helping to determine the location of a new school in Feeding Hills. It was quickly recognized that the town of Agawam is growing and that there is need of future planning of school facili- ties for the town. Through the cooperation of the School Department, the committee learned that the Agawam High School and the Agawam Center School will be both at capacity in September. Facilities at Springfield Street and North Agawam are limited. A close study reveals that there are, as of this date, approximately 150 houses in the various stages of construction. These, upon com- pletion, could very well cause an increase of 150-200 in our school population. A majority of these houses are located in the West Agawam-Springfield Street-Feed- ing Hills area. There are also many houses being built in the Suffield Street and Alhambra Circle areas. The
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site recommendation to be made at the annual meeting was partially decided on present population trends and locations.
SCHOOL SIZE AS DETERMINED BY ANTICIPATED POPULATION
A study of the school population reveals that there are, in the Feeding Hills School, approximately 100 chil- dren, with a pre-school children population of approxi- mately 120 in the area. The committee believes that a new school will increase the area population and also that a new school should be allowed to relieve possible future crowded school conditions nearby.
It is the opinion of the committee that, on the basis of future anticipated growth, the school should be of sufficient size to accommodate the population for a period of several years following the construction of the build- ing. The citizens are reminded that the Center School, a relatively new building, is already at capacity. It is their recommendation that a school sufficiently large to accommodate 300-350 pupils should be erected with the following facilities :
10 classrooms kindergarten office
clinic room lunchroom
The latter facilities should be provided in the main portion of the building. The committee further recom- mends that there be placed in a wing of the building, a combination auditorium-gymnasium sufficiently large to care for the needs of that section of the community in which the building will be located, and also spacious enough to properly serve as a location for high school basketball games and to seat the spectators. This would replace the long outmoded high school gymnasium. It is the recommendation of the committee that the building be constructed on two floors and so planned that the audi- torium can be opened without opening the main portion of the building. The committee is interested in providing sufficient land that there may be ample playground space, a baseball field and a parking area for cars.
PLANNING A BUILDING
At the annual town meeting of last year, the town instructed the committee to bring in preliminary plans
144
but failed to appropriate funds for the purpose. Naturally, it is difficult to have work of this sort done without pay- ing the architect for the work.
After a study of the situation, the committee asked the selectmen to apply for federal funds for the prepara- tion of plans. This application has been made. In the meantime, we are indebted to Mr. Paul Johnson who has prepared some preliminary plans.
The U. S. government has money available for the preparation of plans. This is important because they are willing to take the gamble that the project will go through. In other words, if for any reason, the town should not appropriate money to erect this new school, the federal government will have paid for all planning and the money does not have to be returned. Thus, by having the gov- ernment pay for the cost of planning, the town takes no chance of wasting its money.
SITE OF THE NEW SCHOOL
The committee will make a recommendation for the location of the new school from the floor of the town meeting. The citizens are reminded that the committee made an exhaustive study of the problem of location in- cluding the following :
(a) Present site, also surrounding properties
(b) Hasting's tract on Southwick Street
(c) Grimaldi's plot
(d) Cecchi location
(e) Drewnoski land
(f) Kellogg properties
All of these had advantages and disadvantages. The committee makes its recommendation on a careful study of both; also on the basis of size of school needed, school population, location of new town growth, etc.
COST OF A NEW BUILDING
No member of this committee could evaluate the cost of a new school at the present time. With building costs increasing from day to day, there is no doubt that the building would cost considerable more at the present time, than before the war. When the costs will begin to de- crease is a matter of opinion, the most frequent of which would have us believe that it will be a gradual dropping
145
off extending over a period of several years of fairly high costs.
There is a possibility in the future, of some federal aid for school purposes. This would appear to be neces- sary to help the communities improve their school facili- ties after several years of war and non-building. Whether this possibility becomes reality, again, is a matter of opinion.
However, this committee believes that the community should have its complete plans and working drawings pre- pared and ready for use.
CONCLUSION
The town may vote to accept or to reject the report and recommendation of the committee in regard to site. If the meeting accepts the recommendation, the town should appropriate sufficient money to enable the town to consummate the purchase.
The town may further desire to appoint a com- mittee to secure an architect and bring in, at a later meet- ing, working plans and specifications sufficient to get contractors' bids.
When work is brought to this point, the citizens will have the opportunity of determining when they wish to proceed with the construction of the building.
The committee earnestly recommends that a careful study be made of future school needs in regard to build- ings, in the light of an anticipated rapid increase in school and local population.
The committee desires to express its appreciation for the assistance of the various town departments in the execution of its work.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. VIGNEAUX, Chairman RAYMOND E. KILTY, Clerk HAZEL M. COOLEY HORACE A. MAROTTE SYDNEY F. ATWOOD
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
December 30, 1946
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
Herein is my ninth annual report on the Junior- Senior High School.
It is often said that history repeats itself and that wars are always followed by eras of prosperity with sub- sequent economic depressions, and then the whole cycle is repeated. The average person wonders why intelligent people allow such happenings. Yet each cycle does seem to improve the way of life and the tools of education.
World War I either gave literally or served as an impetus to the development of mental testing, standard achievement testing, educational philosophy, supervised study, guidance, improved textbooks, and adapted educa- tion to the needs of the individual.
All educators are giving serious thought to changes resulting from World War II. Already forerunners have appeared. People have become world conscious and to satisfy the trend world geography has been introduced. The United Nations meetings have created an interest in international relations and problems confronting democ- racies. Service schools have intensified the desire for science and mathematics in their more practical forms. Rises in prices and shortages of consumer goods have presented a need for consumer education. Narrowing of horizons due to ease of travel and communication have brought about a need for sociology and psychology. These are but a few of the changes forecast.
During this year world geography, problems of de- mocracy and general mathematics were included in the curriculum of this school in keeping with the newer thoughts. The school will continue to revise its curriculum where and when changes are desirable. It will add new
147
and re-emphasize old subjects as far as it appears to be practical.
At the beginning of this year there were more changes in the faculty personnel than had been the case for many years; but through the adaptability of the newer members and the helpful guidance of the veteran members the school is functioning excellently.
It is gratifying to greet the large number of G. I.'s who return to the school to renew friendships and obtain transcripts of their records so they may continue their education. Membership in the services proved the need of education.
A high standard of scholarship is a tradition in Aga- wam and this year the school has conformed to the usual pattern. Graduates experience little difficulty in obtain- ing employment and gaining entrance to the various col- leges. All graduates who desired employment received offers and it would have been very easy to place many more in desirable positions if they had been available.
Seventeen of the last graduating class were honored with a membership in the Pro Merito Society (denoting the maintenance of an average of 85% or better for four high scohol years). This was one of the school's longest lists. Their names follow :
Robert Backstrom
Ellen Letendre
Marilyn Binns
Dorothy Littlefield
Phyllis Campbell
Marjorie Manchester
Henry Dickinson
Lillian Paro
Maxine Gaj
Marie Paro
Gloria Godin
Evelyn Peterson
Geraldine Hauff
Doris Isham
Jadwiga Roy Raoul Sands
Elsie Wood
During the Commencement exercises, prizes signi- ficant of outstanding achievement in the subject fields named were presented to the following graduates:
Valedictorian-Marilyn Binns
Good Citizenship-Maxine Gaj Art-Maxine Gaj and Evelyn Peterson
English-Lillian Paro and Elsie Wood
Music-Marion Lauritsen
Science-Robert Backstrom
Science and Mathematics-Robert Backstrom
148
History-Elsie Wood Commercial-Marilyn Binns Latin-Lillian Paro Scholarship-Maxine Gaj
Extra-curricular activities are valuable because they offer opportunities for pupils of all intelligence levels to compete on an equal basis. Also they present many proj- ects which could not be included in the formal subject areas. Each year the school organizes a highly diversified program so there will be an appeal to the largest possible number. Last year's activities are tabulated below :
Basketball season, December 11-February 18 Won Valley Wheel Championship.
Valley Wheel Oratoricals
Personality Club Dance
Sophomore Party
Student Council Dance
Chorus at Springfield Auditorium
Senior Play-"Silas the Chore Boy"
Tri-Hi Dance
May Music Festival
Valley Wheel Track Meet-Won third place Western Massachusetts Music Festival-Entered chorus and orchestra
Western Massachusetts Track Meet-Won third place.
Baseball season, May 10-May 31 Senior Banquet
Football Season, September 21-November 23-Sec- ond place in Western Massachusetts
Sadie Hawkins Dance-Personality Club
Operetta-"Rio Rico"
Junior Cabaret-"Reindeer Romp" Senior Kid Party
During the year, the Student Council and all organ- ized clubs met periodically. The names of the clubs follow :
Agawam Masque Tri-Hi Camera
Pro Merito
International Relations Personality
A well balanced assembly program was presented. It included inspirational talks; student organized; profes- sional and holiday assemblies.
149
An additional teacher would be very helpful to carry on remedial work and relieve some of the teachers whose classes are too large. Again, I recommend that the boys' toilet, shower and locker room facilities be entirely ren- ovated at the earliest opportunity. At this time they are in deplorable shape.
Last year was one of the most successful the school has experienced. The spirit and accomplishments were outstanding. I am grateful to you, Mr. Wright, and the School Committee for your co-operation, the faculty for its whole-hearted support and the student personnel for its loyalty.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK T. DACEY, Principal
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Mr. Stanley W. Wright
Supt. of Schools
Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
With many unforeseen interruptions the work of the school and school nurse has progressed as near to sched- ule as possible.
I have as usual assisted Doctor Langer with physi- cal examination of all school children. Vaccinations and diphtheria toxin and anti toxin are given to all pre-school children with Miss Williams assisting. All children are weighed and measured. Miss Hastings and Mr. Smith helped with the high school. Doctor Langer's medical inspection up to January 1 was 1,246.
These defects were found:
Enlarged tonsils 228
Defective tonsils
136
Enlarged glands 64
Defective teeth
660
Defective vision
46
Cross eyed children all wearing glasses 4
Poor posture 103
Over weight
15
Under weight from different causes 52
Cardic hearts 26
Diabetes
4
Flat feet
26
Defective speech
70
Loss of hearing
4
Cripple children
6
Rheumatic hearts 4
Congenital deformiter 3
Number vaccinated
32
Diphtheria Toxin given 54
Booster dose to children 13 to 14 years . 8
December 30, 1946
151
Teeth taken care of at Agawam Clinic 166
Cleaning 160
Fillings 47
Extractions
Sent to other dentist 28
40
X-Ray of teeth 6
Braces 7
Children are becoming more interested in caring for their teeth.
Glasses since September 10
Sponsored by Lions' Club and North Agawam firemen.
Speech taken care of by Mrs. Sweeney.
Dr. Cooper's Clinic 8
Appointments made for eye examina- tions 30
Arrangements made for tonsils re-
moved
120
I sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the Superin- tendent, School Committee, Principals, and most of all the splendid cooperation the teachers have shown with the children, also the parents for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. O'BRIEN, R. N. School Nurse
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REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 20, 1946
Mr. Stanley W. Wright, Supt. Agawam, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wright:
I hereby submit to you my report for the year 1946.
I might say that the objectives of the department are twofold. The first objective is to do what we can for the student, and the second is to see what the student can do for the school. What is the department doing for the boys ?
1. Teaches the proper use of hand and power tools.
2. Teaches shop safety.
3. Teaches respect for others' property.
4. Stresses neat working habits.
5. Brings the attention of the pupil to the value of lumber and supplies.
6. Teaches the fundamentals of woodfinishing, sheet metal work, woodworking, and electrical work.
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