USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 13
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Rosalie Bruno Barbara Montagna
Dorothy Goodwin
Gretchen Myers
Gordon Gottsche Richard Rice
Robert Keyes
Irene Roberts
Eva Kneen
Helen Roy
Sally Kopcinski David Rubino
Barbara LaBranch Jacqueline Sleeper
Theresa Lucia
Irene Starzic
Theresa Vedany
It is customary to present special awards at Com- mencement Exercises to those pupils who have achieved beyond the average in certain subject offerings. Pupils who received such honors and the subject field in which the honors were given are noted below :
American International College Valedictorian Schol- arship-$195-Theresa Vedany
Benjamin J. Phelps Scholarship-West Springfield- Agawam P. T. A .- $100 each: Ann Egbert, Dorothy Goodwin, Gordon Gottsche, Richard Rice
Citizenship-Daughters of the American Revolution -Barbara LaBranch
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Commercial Award-Agawam Women's Club-$5- Stenography-Rosalie Bruno
Commercial Award-Becker Junior College-Key- Bookkeeping-Barbara LaBranch
Cora M. Barnes Scholarship-$50-Theresa Vedany History Award-Sons of the American Revolution- Theresa Vedany
International Relations Prize-Agawam Women's Club-$5-William Labb
Julian Magiera Student Council Award-Class of 1943-$5-Theresa Lucia
Latin Award-Benjamin J. Phelps-Agawam Lions Club-$5-David Rubino
Literature-Agawam Women's Club-$5-Barbara LaBranch
Mathematics-Mathematics Club-University of
Massachusetts-Robert Keyes
Mathematics & Science-Rensselaer Polytechnic In- stitute-Robert Keyes
Music-Agawam Women's Club-$5-Richard Bon- tempo
Personality Club Award-$5-Theresa Vedany
Science-Bausch & Lomb-David Rubino
Valedictorian Prize-Reader's Digest-Theresa Ved- any
Vocational Household Arts-American Agriculturist Foundation-Aida Pisano
It is difficult sometimes to find a tangible incentive which will inspire a pupil to strive for excellence. These awards aid greatly. The school and I are grateful to the organizations presenting them.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
In the last few years employment managers and col- lege admission deans have been interested not only in academic capabilities but also in extra-curricular profi- ciency. Accordingly, the school offers opportunities one or more of which should appeal to the interests of all students. The list follows in the order of presentation during the year :
Basketball Season, December 12, 1950-March 10, 1951
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Future Farmers of America Square Dance
Personality Club Valentine Dance Faculty-Senior Basketball Game
Future Farmers of America Banquet for Parents and Sons
Sophomore Party
Band Parents Card Party
Freshman Party
Band and Orchestra Band Concert
Baseball Season, April 17, 1951-June 8, 1951
Senior Play-"We Shook the Family Tree"
Western Massachusetts Music Festival at Palmer Promenade
Band Parents Banquet
Latin Club Banquet
Senior Banquet
Football Season, September 22, 1951-November 17, 1951
Sadie Hawkins Dance
Band Parents Card Party
Junior-Senior Parents Night
Cabaret
Kid Party
This year the football team has received one of the supreme high school athletic awards of Western Massa- chusetts, the invitation to the so-called Peanut Bowl Game in Georgia. The School Committee very graciously and enthusiastically gave its consent to the acceptance of the invitation, and the team will play one chosen in Georgia on New Year's Day in Columbus.
It is only fitting here for me to pay tribute to the boys who make up the team. They are one of the finest groups ever to form a team in this school. During the entire season they have played hard clean football, but at all times they have been gentlemen. Congratulations to them and to their coaches.
CONCLUSION
The success of a school depends greatly on the co- operation between faculty and students. This year it was excellent and I am grateful to both groups. I am thankful, also, for your helpful contributions, Mr. Good-
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win, and for the friendly interest of the School Commit- tee. All aided to make the year a successful one.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK T. DACEY Principal
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OPENING BIDS FOR NEW CAFETERIA AT THE DANAHY SCHOOL
Seated, left to right: Mrs. Odette Benjamin, John Schinelli and Paul J.Adams, Chairman Standing, left to right: Bissell Alderman, A. Jerome Goodwin, Superintendent of Schools; William Coughlin and Archibald McNeish
Mr. Alderman and Mr. McNeish represent the firm of Alderman and McNeish, Architects and Engineers
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
December 7, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin :
The year which has just passed has been a most pleasant and interesting one for the Guidance and Place- ment Department.
Each year we try to improve our testing service in order to know better the abilities of our school children. This past year we eliminated the Stanford Achievement Tests in the Junior High School for the California Test of Mental Maturity. This test gives us both a language and non-language I. Q. It is a real aid in counseling work, takes less time to administer, and is not so costly as our previous testing program.
For another year, I recommend that some aptitude tests be used in the junior and senior classes. These tests would help undecided pupils choose a career beyond high school.
This year we are co-operating with the State Em- ployment Office of Springfield to assist senior boys and girls with employment problems. Job counseling and aptitude testing is being done by representatives from the Division of Employment Security through co-opera- tion with our guidance department. This service aims to help certain undecided seniors determine what they are best fitted to do. The program is not intended to cover those in the commercial department who are easily placed by the school, or those who plan to go to college or into nursing.
I know our boys and girls are interested in this pro- gram, and the Office of Employment Security is to be commended for the assistance given to us.
I strongly urge senior boys and girls and their parents to become better acquainted with the many excellent scholarship opportunities which are offered each
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year to high school graduates who are interested in attending college. There are local and state awards as well as scholarships offered by almost every college. A high scholastic standing is one of the primary requisites in order to be considered for such awards. Last year one of our students was awarded a $6,000 scholarship to Cor- nell University. Four others received a Phelps Memorial Scholarship, while others received financial aid from several local colleges.
I encourage all who can to continue their education beyond high school. There is a definite need for elemen- tary school teachers, nurses, engineers, doctors, and den- tists. I quote from a letter received from the United States Department of Labor.
"The shortage of elementary school teachers is even more acute this year than last. Although more students completed preparation for elemen- tary school teaching in June, 1951, than in any other year since World War II, the number of qualified new teachers is far less than is needed. More than 25,000 new teachers were required to take care of the added enrollments in grade schools this fall. A still larger number will be required during the school year to replace those leaving the school rooms. The teaching profes- sion has always suffered losses of personnel dur- ing periods of full employment when college- trained workers are in great demand. Defense mobilization is already increasing the withdrawal rate of teachers in most localities, and it is ex- pected that further losses will occur throughout the country as defense production expands."
This was another excellent year for placement. Last year's graduating class members are all employed or are furthering their education. Many undergraduates have also been placed in good part-time jobs.
I look forward with enthusiasm to another pleasant and progressive year for the Guidance Department.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND E. HARRIS Director of Guidance and Placement
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January 4, 1952
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin :
I respectfully submit a summary of the nursing pro- gram for 1951.
Because of need for increased community interest and participation in our local health program, your help is needed. Basic health services are essential for the pro- tection of the welfare of our communities.
The school nurse is at the high school from 8:30 to 10:30 each morning. The other schools are visited twice a week. The Vaccination Clinic and Diphtheria Immun- ization Clinic are held once a year. Dr. Robinson examines all the school children after they are weighed and meas- ured. He also examines the pre-school children.
Chest X-Rays for all children 14 years of age and ninth grade through twelfth were done this year. The towns people were X-Rayed also.
The school dentist is at the Granger School one day a week; Dr. Robinson, one day for physicals; Dr. Hoag, one afternoon for examining feet. Home calls are made each day. Children have to be taken home who are ill or injured on school grounds.
Cards are sent home after examinations where de- fects are found. The parents have responded 100 per cent for the corrections this year, which is greatly ap- preciated. This year the Tetanus Toxoid Clinic was held for all high school students at the high school by Dr. Tate, Dr. Simpson, and Dr. Robinson, with the assistance of Miss Williams, Mrs. Hamelin, Mrs. Cassella, and myself. Three injections were given three weeks apart. Eight hundred seventy-five attended the Clinic. Mrs. Cassella examined the eyes and did the hearing tests. Twenty were recommended to eye doctors. Fourteen received glasses.
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Miss Mary Lewis, Supervisor from Department of Public Health, made four visits, checking of records and visiting schools. Miss Lewis is always a help with our health problems. Four public health meetings were at- tended.
Children examined
1726
Defects found
301
Weighed and measured
1726
Enlarged tonsils
22
Defective teeth
161
Defective vision
25
Cross eyes
3
Defective hearing
6
Poor posture
110
Over weight
8
Under weight
6
Cardiac hearts
10
Rheumatic hearts
9
Defective speech
73
Flat feet
22
Hammer toes
12
Other findings
7
Scabies
2
Ring worm
4
Impitigo
8
Pediculosis
12
Curvatures
4
Cerebral Palsy
6
Infantile Paralysis
1
Crippled children
2
Congenital deformities
2
Blind children
2
Deaf and dumb
2
Notes were sent home of results after examinations. One hundred sixty-five examined; 200 pre-school children in April.
Diseases reported for year :
Mumps
32
Chicken pox
19
Measles
9
Scarlet fever
4
Grippe
28
35
Sore throats
12
Whooping cough
46
Diabetes
4
German measles
18
Pneumonia
7
Virus infection
15
Trench mouth
4
Pink eye
5
Styes
12
Poison ivy
31
Accidents on playground were 21. Four children were sent to camp.
Children taken care of at Dental Clinic:
Examined
485
Cleaning 205
Fillings
60
Extractions
71
Braces
4
X-Rayed
6
Treatments
5
Booster innoculations for diphtheria were given to 120. A total of 175 pupils were vaccinated against small pox.
Dr. Hoag screened 525 children's feet-finding 158 defects. An open clinic for the mothers was held and suggestions for corrective work was explained by Dr. Hoag.
There are six children under care at Dr. Hough's Orthopedic Clinic.
There were 73 children in Miss Wenk's speech class until June.
Our Agawam Health Council has been a great help to Miss Williams and myself.
I deeply appreciate the generous assistance of P.T.A.'s, Lions Club, and others during the year.
I would appreciate the continual co-operation of the parents in checking the children before they leave for school for any symptoms. If found you are advised to call your family doctor or school nurse at the high school.
I feel with the population increasing that a part-time nurse will be needed to carry on the work in the future.
I sincerely appreciate the co-operation of the Superin-
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tendent, School Committee, Principals, teachers, and par- ents.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. O'BRIEN Registered Nurse
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REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
December 3, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
At this time allow me to submit my annual report as supervisor of physical education for boys in the Agawam senior-junior high school.
Every boy found physically fit was assigned to us for two periods of activity per week. This activity consisted of sports in season during the "out of doors months". This was greatly facilitated by the accessibility of the playground area and the assistance of a practice teacher. During the indoor months the program involved calis- thenics, apparatus work, and gymnasium games.
There are many factors that can contribute to a sound program. The number of pupils per class, facilities, available funds, apparatus and equipment, size of staff and proper assignment to the correct age group are all important if this is to be accomplished. We are still oper- ating as a one man staff with the same facilities that were available nearly thirty years ago and we still have to face the problem of increased enrollment with equipment rav- aged by use and time. These factors have been a handi- cap to efficiency and development. Ideal facilities will foster the ideal program.
The school was again successfully represented in the interscholastic sports field.
At the present writing we are in the throes of a fund raising campaign to send our excellent football team to the Peanut Bowl in Georgia. I want to express my ap- preciation as a coach to the people of Agawam and all others concerned, for the enthusiasm evidenced in sup- porting the team in the project. Win-lose-or draw, the Agawam boys will be worthy representatives of the team.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH
Boys' Athletics and Physical Education Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
December 3, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
The aim of the physical education program for girls in the Junior-Senior High has been: First, to provide wholesome activity for everyone; second, to develop a co- operative spirit; and third, the development of greater physical efficiency in the group.
This year, due to a larger enrollment, the girls in the senior class were not required to take physical education. However many of them elected to participate in the after school program.
There has been a rapid increase in the number of sen- ior high girls who attend the after school program of in- tramural games. In June 107 letters were presented to girls who had earned them. This fall 150 girls have been active in our program which includes competition in vol- ley ball, basket ball, and soft ball.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY R. HASTINGS Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
November 27, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
The writer is glad once again to make his annual re- port.
Nineteen boys took the Vocational Agriculture course this past year out of which four boys, Donald Rheault, Ronald Corriveau, Ralph D'Amato and William Morello made the high school honor roll at least once during the year.
Ralph D'Amato won the "Highest Scholarship Award" plaque with an average of 90.19% in all subjects.
Bernard Campbell won the "Best Project Award" plaque by owning and managing four head of livestock and 43 hogs.
Ralph D'Amato won the Chapter Star Farmer Award which is given to the outstanding boy in scholarship and project. Ralph owns 18 hogs as a project and in addition works for his dad.
While going to school the Vocational Agriculture boys earned $18,324.42 while learning to become farmers. They saved through our own banking system in conjunc- tion with the West Springfield Trust Co., well over $2000.
We were very fortunate and happy to have three state champions and a national winner this year from our department.
Clyde Light placed first in the state at the University of Massachusetts Farm Mechanics Contest.
John Bruno was adjudged as the "Best F.F.A. Poul- try Boy of Massachusetts" by state officials and was given a free trip to Harrisburg, Penn., where he received a plaque from Senator Duff for his achievement.
Gerald Jenks placed first in the state for poultry
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judging and egg grading and was sent to Kansas City, Missouri, to compete in the National Championships. He received a gold medal for his outstanding ability as a judge.
In addition we concluded a very successful local pub- lic speaking contest this year. Seven of our boys partici- pated in this contest, speaking on the subjects of their choice. Geary Hinshaw won the contest and will go on to the district contest next January.
Many townspeople have wondered what the Agricul- ture boys actually do on the farm so with that in mind we (the boys and myself) decided to make a 16 mm. colored movie of our work.
This movie is now completed having taken six months to prepare. We entitled it "Agawam Chapter, Future Farmers of America, Presents Itself in Action." We also made a tape recording which is syncronized with the film. Bernard Campbell, president of our group, is the narrator. The Agawam High School Band plays background music throughout the recording.
We already showed this film to our high school stu- dent body, Agawam Lions Club, West Springfield School System, and the Baptist Church Mr. and Mrs. Club. It is also scheduled to be shown in January to the Men's Club, Congregational Church, Feeding Hills and to our own Parent and Son banquet in March.
We also had a successful F.F.A. basketball team, and annual square dance and a summer picnic.
Yes, we are happy to be part of the Vocational Agri- culture program at the high school, and hope that our work next year will continue to improve in standards and in ideals.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID SKOLNICK
Vocational Agriculture Instructor
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
December 12, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
In the high school, traditional affairs motivated art activity. Invitations, programs, souvenirs, posters, scen- ery, and decorations were designed. The projects revolved about the various class and club dances, the annual poppy, and good-sportsmanship poster contests, the Thanksgiv- ing and Christmas assemblies, etc.
To illustrate-at the Junior Cabaret or "Sea Waltz", the high school stage was used to depict an enlarged and fanciful view of the ocean's depths. The King and Queen of the Marine Kingdom were drawn by a sea horse in a chariot of shells. They were surrounded by an array of glittering fish, nets, a cave, and castle. Colorful shells, drift wood, and anchor completed the composition.
In contrast the approach to the Junior-Senior Prom "Central Park" was realistic. Reference work was done to check a cosmopolitan type of scene: skyscrapers pro- vided a background for a park set-up with benches, trees, squirrels, birds, and flowers. These scenes are typical of ones requiring the co-operation of the manual training and art departments.
Art participation also included helping with current drives and competitions. Posters and floats for the Pea- nut Bowl Fund and posters to help attain 100% X-Rays in Agawam were made.
In these two and in "all" activities, definite art and educational principles are applied. We believe that when children see their results, powers of art knowledge are proved to them which they will use again and "on their own." This is the reason we try to provide the elementary school children with a sturdy background of art funda- mentals.
In the elementary school area, projects similar to those described but on a much smaller scale were pro-
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vided. Illustrations, designs, abstractions of stories and themes suitable to the various levels culminated from in- terests in seasons, holidays, current and traditional studies.
An art course of study is available in each grade. Enough flexibility is allowed so that art principles have blended with varied studies including friezes, standups, booklets, gifts, calendars, posters, etc. The work in the grades leads to more advanced junior and senior high accomplishment, which we hope leads to art application of quality in adult life.
In our schools we find that art combined with indi- vidual and group interests and studies has enriched pro- duction with beauty and work with pleasure. Above all, art with its creative powers, provided our children with insight and ambition.
Respectfully submitted,
AUDREY M. BLAKE Supervisor of Art
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REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
December 7, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin :
At this time I wish to submit to you my first report as supervisor in the Home Economics Department.
Homemaking education has as its ultimate large objective, the improvement of personal living, home and family life, through providing an opportunity for youth to study the vocation of homemaking.
Home economic departments of the present day are endeavoring to help pupils meet successfully the prob- lems of everyday living by organizing a course of instruc- tion which will provide experiences based upon the in- terests and social needs of the young people. Such a course of instruction brings immediate satisfaction and lays foundations for meeting the problems of adult life.
Our Junior High homemaking course covers two phases of homemaking. Food preparation and clothing construction. Our class time is limited so that only basic techniques are covered. Seventh grade girls meet once a week for one period for "Clothing," eighth grade girls meet twice a week for one period for "Foods." Freshmen girls meet twice a week for one period for "Clothing."
At the present time 185 girls are enrolled in the homemaking courses.
Every girl is a member of a family and has a part in making the home a happy place in which to live. Training, a willingness and an interest in helping with homemaking in one's home, makes for worthy home mem- bership. Girls secure training for homemaking in school, in their homes, and in community organizations, of which they may be a member.
Our hope is that girls of Junior High will enjoy and benefit sufficiently from their homemaking classes to con-
44
tinue on in the art of being a good homemaker, and be- lieve as Grace Noll Crowell does :
"So long as there are homes to which men turn, at close of day
So long as there are homes where children are, and women stay.
If love and loyalty and faith be found across these sills,
A stricken nation can recover from its greatest ills."
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET L. CONNELLY Home Economics Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 7, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin :
In Vocational Household Arts the girls gain invalu- able experience in the work and management of a home.
Their program consists of all homemaking subjects such as foods, clothing, home management, child care, home and family life.
The girl who completes this course eliminates diffi- cult trial and error learning by effective practice of the many household skills during her high school years.
A steady growth of confidence and genuine interest is built up and the girl is ready to go ahead and tackle the varied problems of homemaking. This is evidenced by their Home Project reports.
The American Red Cross awarded twenty-six cer- tificates in Home Nursing. The girls show an interest in this course and enjoy it.
An endeavor should be made to extend the Vocational Household Arts Program to more of our girls.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. KELLY
Household Arts Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
December 7, 1951
Mr. A. Jerome Goodwin Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Goodwin:
I herein submit my report as Supervisor of Vocal Mu- sic in the Agawam Public Schools.
The past year has provided us with many satisfying musical experiences both in and outside of our regular school curriculum. Chief among these were our partici- pation in the first All-State Chorus in Worcester, the de- velopment of an exceptionally fine traveling assembly group, and participation in the Western Music Festival in Palmer.
The regular school work in grades 1-8 has been car- ried on at a high level. Results of the 5 fold program of singing, folk-dancing, rhythmical activities, listening, and creative expression carried on over the period of the last three years are now evident. The students are taking a healthy interest in all musical activities, and are showing increased rhythmical abilities. The repertoire of songs sung by all grades, especially grades 4 - 8 has been sub- stantially increased.
Due to increased enrollment in grades 1-6 and the opening of more rooms, visits to the various classes are now made once every three weeks.
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