USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 41
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Mrs. Davenport took care of speech defects.
The substantial lunches at noon were very popular for the children's health.
The following defects were found:
Enlarged tonsils 106
Defective teeth 484
Defective vision 65
Glasses for children 15
4
Cross eyes
Poor posture
10
Overweight 8
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Cardiac hearts
3
Rheumatic hearts
15
Flat feet
65
Scabies
2
Ringworm
5
Impetigo
10
Pediculosis
8
Curvature
2
Cerebral palsy
3
Cripple children
2
Congenital deformitories
2
No. vaccinated
42
Underweight
7
Booster 105
These children were taken care of at Dentistry.
Cleaning
220
Fillings 100
Extractions 67
3
Braces
7
All pupils from grade 7 to 11 (523) were X-rayed. There were two follow-up cases.
These diseases were reported for the year:
Scarlet fever
3
Mumps
72
Whooping cough
48
Diabetes
6
German measles
132
Pneumonia
4
Virus infection
13
Trench mouth
2
Pink eye
15
Infections of ear
7
Styes
22
Poison ivy
32
Accidents on playgrounds
30
Individuals admitted to nursing office-for all schools
1620
Field visits to homes
209
Office first aid for year 4068
Conferences with mothers to plan for child for different clinics 20
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X-rays
The clinics used are: State Orthepedic Clinic through the Shriners Hospital; The Hard of Hearing League for speech and hearing tests; The Guidance Clinic, under Dr. Cooper; The Tonsil Clinic, through the Community Chest; The Westfield Camp for underweight children.
I attended meetings of Community Chest Guidance Clinic, and Sanderson St. Clinic for handicapped children. I also at- tended the school nurses programs on improved procedures, certification, as well as salaries and pension plan, and a meet- ing on Gamma Globulin for Poliomyelitis. In June I went to the Amherst Health Conference for three days. At present I am attending classes for field training units for school nurses. There are 12 classes in all.
Miss Margaret Sullivan, State supervisor from the Depart- ment of Public Health, made four calls and visited all schools. Mr. Murphy, Board of Health, also visited the schools.
The Lions Club sponsored the Tetanus Toxide injections for all high school pupils and teachers, 583 in all. Three injec- tions were given three weeks apart. The football players re- ceived their booster injection. Dr. Tate gave these with Miss Williams, Mrs. Cassella and the school nurse assisting.
The Lions Club has also assisted in taking care of glasses for children each year.
Dr. Ramah and Mr. Murphy drew up the school rules for first aid to be used by the school nurse.
I want to thank the School Board for appointing Mrs. Kane as my assistant. She has been a great help as the year has been a busy one for me. We would appreciate the con- tinued co-operation of parents in checking the children for any symptons before they leave for school. If any symptons are found the parents are advised to call their family doctor and get in touch with the school nurse by calling the high school, 4-8045 from 8:30 to 3 P.M.
I deeply appreciate the generous assistance of the Parent- Teachers' Associations, the Lions Club, and others during the year.
I sincerely appreciate the co-operation of the Superin-
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tendent, the School Committee, principals, teachers, Health Council and parents.
Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. O'BRIEN Registered Nurse
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REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
December 30, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
The aims of the girls' physical education program have been to provide experiences through which the students learn to live rightly and well as citizens and to enrich the lives of young people by helping to achieve the maximum development of their total personalities. This was done through a program which included games, sports, neuro-muscular skills, exercises, dancing and posture training.
The number of girls participating in the after school sports program has increased so rapidly that it has seemed advisable to concentrate on class games and eliminate the Indian teams. This provides a greater opportunity for individual participation.
A golf club was inaugurated for the seniors. We started spring practice in the gym and had a tournament at the Feed- ing Hills Country Club.
It is our hope that the new school will have tennis courts and badminton courts so that in the future the students may learn other individual sports that will be valuable to them as means of recreation in their futures.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY R. HASTINGS Instructor, Girls' Physical Education
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REPORT OF THE BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
December 30, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
The following is a resume of the activity in the boys' de- partment of physical education.
As usual all boys were assigned to two periods of physical education per week and were given a physical examination by the school doctor and nurse as a precautionary measure.
Due to increased school enrollment the classes were nat- urally unusually large and a lack of facilities definitely caused limitation in certain phases of our regular program. However, unusually favorable weather during the long out-of-door seasons made it possible for us to circumvent some deficiencies in our out-of-building activity. With the advent of the winter months the indoor program, especially involving the senior high school, had several problems to overcome. Due to the enlarged classes we were not able to keep the graded groups intact for their gymnasium work. While this situation has been steadily de- veloping through the late years, it certainly reached its culmina- tion this past year when boys were assigned to certain gym classes regardless of their status as students. The physical dif- ferences encountered were considerable and as a result these differences made many adjustments necessary to carry on a program in which all could participate. Featured were sports in season and the indoor work involved calisthenics, apparatus work and gymnasium games.
Interscholastic competition in the major sports found our teams capable and successful. Competition below the varsity and junior varsity level was featured for the freshmen and junior high school students in football and basketball. This created a satisfactory feeder system for the teams of the future.
Anticipating a happier year in 1954, this report is respect- fully submitted.
Respectfully submitted, HARMON A. SMITH Supervisor of Boys' Physical Education
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REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
December 14, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds
Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
Reviewing the past year's work of our department would make a 157 page report.
This report was made and forwarded to the State Depart- ment of Education and then to Washington, D. C.
It certainly would be impossible to write this report now so in its place I shall now enumerate the outstanding highlights of this report.
We received a gold emblem plaque from the national office signifying we had one of the most outstanding departments in the country.
The writer received the "Honorary American Farmer" de- gree for his leadership ability. This is the highest award given to an individual in FFA work on the national level.
The New England Livestock Conservation, Inc., presented us a gold plaque as having the best program in livestock con- servation in New England for the past year.
Our band was given an invitation to play at the national convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
The people of our community donated over $1400 to send the group to the convention.
Ralph D'Amato, Jr. won the scholarship plaque for the third consecutive year. He averaged 85% for all subjects.
Charles Granger won the Outstanding Project plaque. Charles owned and operated 24 acres of vegetables.
James A. Reardon won the Star Chapter Farmer award
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as having the best all-round scholastic marks and project. James owns 9 registered Ayrshire Cattle and had an average of 83% for all subjects.
William Munsell won the local public speaking contest. Eight boys participated in the contest in addition James Rear- don acted as chairman for the contest.
We were the state winner in the farm safety contest.
We were state tractor driving champions for the past year.
We had our annual Parent and Son banquet.
We had our annual picnic and annual dance.
Yes, the boys of the Vocational-Agriculture Department of the Agawam High School have a well rounded program of activity-a program that will develop a citizen of tomorrow of which the community will be proud.
Respectfully submitted, DAVID SKOLNICK Vocational Agriculture Instructor
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REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
December 23, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
Art is for everyone, not just the talented few. It is the aim of this department to try to interest each child in art in its many forms. Color, design, construction, drawing, and painting are taught by having each child experiment with many varied materials and media. Slides and films have been used to help motivate some projects.
The students have a part in the planning of their art pro- gram. This has been possible to a lesser degree in the lower grades where classes are large, but to a great extent in the smaller high school classes.
Honors were won by high school students in the Small School Basketball Poster Contest, and recognition was received from the Junior Red Cross for work sent overseas through the International School Art program. The Woman's Club Art prize was awarded to Marlyn Draghetti.
The accent has been on the growth of the individual, rather than the individual in relationship to his fellow students. The learning process has been stressed more than the finish product, although certain standards have been set for the high school students.
The ultimate goal of the art program has been to enrich each individual child's experiences in order to make him a bet- ter and happier citizen in his community.
Respectfully submitted,
NANCY C. CASSIDY
Supervisor of Art
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REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
December 21, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
I herein submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Home Economics in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School.
Our homemaking classes reach some two hundred and twenty-five girls this year. There are ninety-five girls of the seventh grade who meet once a week for a forty-five minute period for sewing. During their first year of sewing, we strive to teach them the fundamentals, basic stitches and techniques of sewing, and each year they work on a project that will put these into practice.
Girls of the eighth grade meet twice a week for "foods" classes, and here, too, they are taught good nutrition, cooking techniques and the preparation of simple every day foods.
Freshman girls having had one year of sewing in the sev- enth grade, meet twice a week for a forty-five minute period and their work covers a more advanced course in sewing.
We hope for and anticipate great enthusiasm for our "Home Making Courses" in the future, and in the meantime we will strive to continue to create a lively interest in our course.
Whether harassed like the old woman who lived in a shoe, or inspired to "live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man," every individual faces problems in estab- lishing a satisfying manner of home living. It is the purpose of homemaking education to acknowledge situations as they exist, help individuals achieve changes they desire, and guide them toward worthy contributions to family life and world citizenship.
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET LEE CONNELLY Home Economics Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 23, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
The Vocational Household Arts program at Agawam High School offers the students enrolled a "design-for-living in the home" program.
The girls do work in all phases of Foods and Clothing. Training in general care of the home, including the funda- mentals of cleaning, laundering and consumer purchasing are also included. The repeated performance of these learnings directs the student toward acquiring the essential knowledge and skills of home management. The girls realize that home may be a place where one may not only live, but get enjoyment out of living.
Three girls in the graduating class were enrolled in House- hold Arts their entire four years. Other class members were enrolled for two or three years.
Special projects encourage the use of Students' own ideas. This year, twelve dolls were dressed for youngsters in war- torn Europe. Each doll had four complete outfits which showed originality.
The girls take pride and joy in their accomplishments and have an appreciation of good homemaking and its importance.
Homemaking is the most important business in life, there- fore, consideration should be given to extending this course to reach more of our girls.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE B. KELLY Director of Household Arts
36a
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
December 23, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
"Music," someone has said, "is the fourth need of man: food, clothing, shelter-then music." We all need to bring into our lives those elements that can inspire and lift the mind above the material things in life. Good music is one of the greatest sources of such inspiration. It is this thought which acts as the guiding principal for the teaching of music in our schools. Nothing can be accomplished, however, without the proper ma- terials with which to work. It is hoped that within a short time the necessary books and records and record players will be available.
During the year demonstrations of classroom activities were put on for the parents of the Phelps and Granger Schools. The parents saw demonstrated the regular activities carried on in the primary grades including singing, folk dancing, rhythm bands and dramatizations.
Due to increased enrollment in the Junior High School music classes are held in the auditorium with two or more classes combined together.
The following activities were participated in during the year by the musical groups.
February-Massachusetts All-State chorus at Springfield March-New England Music Festival at Brookline
April-Program for parents: Grades 1-3 Phelps School, Grades 1-6 Granger School
May-Spring concert by Junior and Senior High School Choral groups. Western Music Festival at Turners Falls
June-High School graduation exercises
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Oct .- Nov .- High School operetta "H.M.S. Pinafore"; Armistice Day and Thanksgiving Day assemblies
December-Christmas Assembly
My thanks to you, Mr. Reynolds, for your co-operation, to the teachers for their work in the grades, to the principals who have been invaluable in assisting me in my work, and to the student body who have been so loyal in their support.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY FRANCES HAYES Supervisor of Vocal Music
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REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
December 15, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools
Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
I respectfully submit a brief summary of the instrumental music program of 1953.
The Agawam High School Band and Majorettes have per- formed faithfully for the following activities:
Two nights at the University of Massachusetts for the basketball tournament.
Dedication of the new Agawam Shopping Center.
Spring Band Concert
May Music Festival at Turners Falls, Massachusetts, where over four thousand vocalists and instrumental- ists participated.
Memorial Day parade at Suffield, Conn.
All of the football games; at home and away.
In May, all of the elementary school instrumental mu- sicians were combined into a band of 100 players. After a one- hour rehearsal, they made a tour of all the schools and gave a half-hour concert which was well received by parents and pupils.
Sunday, May 31, all of our majorettes, Sr. High, Jr. High and Elementary majorettes, went to Holyoke to the Baton Twirl- ing Festival, where they did for themselves and Agawam some- thing to be proud of. The High School majorettes won 2nd prize in their class group and the Elementary majorettes won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize in their class group.
At the Agawam Teachers' Club Variety show in April, our four elementary school bands competed for a cash prize
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which was turned over to the band fund of the school that won. The Elementary School majorettes competed also for a cash prize and the winner was the group that made the con- cert tour with the combined elementary school bands.
The Junior High band and Senior High band alternate in playing for all high school assemblies and P.T.A.'s.
At this time I wish to express my appreciation to all prin- cipals and teachers for their splendid co-operation and help in carrying out the work of the Instrumental Music Department. It has been with their assistance that our High School band has made a name for itself.
Respectfully submitted,
HOWARD T. CROTTY Supervisor of Instrumental Music
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REPORT OF THE AUDIO VISUAL AIDS DEPARTMENT
December 21, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
The undersigned assumed the duties of the Audio Visual Aids Department in September of 1953.
The proper functioning of this department rests greatly on the voluntary work of the members of the Audio Visual Aids Club, who use their study hours to operate and care for the equipment.
These members form the nucleus of a group of students who are continually in a state of training. The present director inherited an excellent group of operators from Mr. Skolnick that simplified the changeover of department heads.
The program of in-service training for the teachers rests wholly with them as the Audio Visual Aids Director is on call and available for such instruction every afternoon of the week. This applies to the elementary schools as well as the senior and junior high schools.
At the present time the department is working under its fullest capabilities. Naturally, there are "growing pains" which are very normal in the expanding school program. These are being corrected as rapidly and as efficiently as the department is able to do.
Agawam is growing and its school needs are increasing. Audio Visual Aids must also grow with it. With the future possibility of television in the schools the department will as- sume greater importance. It is recommended that its Audio Visual equipment be modernized and brought up to date.
With the excellent cooperation evidenced under the new
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school administration, it is felt that the future of the Audio Visual Aids Department has excellent possibilities.
Respectfully submitted, PETER T. SARANTOPOULOS Director of Audio Visual Aids
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REPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
December 21, 1953
Mr. George L. Reynolds Superintendent of Schools Agawam, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Reynolds:
INDUSTRIAL ARTS EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRACY
Industrial Arts fits perfectly into the pattern of a truly democratic system of education; it provides a challenge for all types of minds, and for a variety of interests and aptitudes. Whether preparing for a life of leisure, for college, or for early entrance into gainful employment, the student in Junior High, secondary, or adult class finds that time spent in the shop or drafting room is enjoyable, instructive, and profitable. Society with its insistence on the perpetuation of a democratic heritage and culture, finds a favorable climate and a fertile soil in a sound program of industrial arts education.
It can be said without fear of contradiction that no other subject-matter area has more to offer its students in the way of preparing for a living in a democratic society than that of in- dustrial arts.
Evaluated in terms of the three major characteristics of democracy-liberty, equality, fraternity-our program takes none other than first place, for where else in our schools is to be found an area of instruction whose democratic goals are as attainable and as readily measured? Where are liberty, equality, and fraternity better taught (not talked about) than in a real laboratory of life-like activities, where regimentation is un- known, where cooperation is the key word, where the worth of every individual assumes prime importance ?
One visit to the industrial arts shops would convince the most severe critic that here is real democracy in action. Here is the spawning ground for truly free people, free to work, free
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to discuss, free to come and go at will, limited only by their consideration for others with whom they work and live.
While knowledge alone is not power, knowledge and skills combined and applied not only make people powerful, but free. Freedom entails self-reliance, mental, physical, and emotional security, a correct appraisal of one's weaknesses and strengths, plus the ability to solve one's own problems. These are some of the attainable objectives of industrial arts.
In the shop pupils develop a mutual respect for one an- other which does not depend on the chance of birth or wealth. The worth of each individual is recognized and respected as he or she "rubs elbows and mind" with fellow students. All of the students have an equal opportunity for success. The less apt resolve problems geared to their own abilities and in- terests. Those more gifted are engaged with assignments chal- lenging their particular level of aptitudes. Competition is on a friendly basis between students as each attempts to improve his own past performance. Liberty, equality and fraternity are not words in industrial arts; they assume a true life meaning, for here students and instructors actually live in a miniature demo- cratic society.
The following fourteen quotes were taken from a survey which was conducted in the industrial arts classes in Agawam. They give one a glimpse of the students' reactions to the train- ing which they receive in our shops:
1. "I like shop because it is interesting, fun, and I have many useful experiences."
2. "I took shop because I'd like to learn something about woodworking and shop work. I am planning on going to work in a shop when I get out of school. I want to get a little ex- perience in running machinery."
3. "I elected shop because I intend to make a few items for our home, and especially because I have a lot of repair work to do constantly."
4. "I elected shop because I like woodworking. It is like a hobby for me."
5. "I elected shop because I feel it is one of the most important parts of my training for my future life, for I expect to build a home some day."
6. "I like shop because it gives me a chance to learn about
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1
different machinery and how to operate it safely in making useful things."
7. "I like shop because it gives you a chance to use a lot of machines which you wouldn't have a chance to other- wise."
8. "I took shop because I intend to continue to study cabinet making when I graduate from high school."
9. "I elected shop because I want some day to be a car- penter."
10. "I elected shop because I enjoy it and because I feel it will be a benefit to me in my training for my life work. I hope to own and operate my own garage some day."
11. "I elected shop because I like woodwork. It seems like art. I like to see my own work come into shape."
12. "I took shop because I think it is interesting. It helps make the day pleasant and you are not always sitting down."
13. "I took shop to get away from the dry classroom."
14. "I like shop because I like to do things with my hands."
THE COST OF INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION
There is no question as to the value of industrial education courses. They not only enrich the pupils' lives; they serve to lengthen the school experience of a large number of boys be- cause of their interest in shop activities. Any discussion of costs of the program should start under the assumption that industrial education is a valuable part of the curriculum. This issue is not so much the total cost of the program, but is the unit cost for each student.
It has been a practice in Agawam to ask the superintendent of schools to include an item in his budget of approximately $5 per pupil (for a year) for those participating in the shop program. This amount covers the cost of lumber, steel, supplies, materials, and maintenance of equipment. It is desired to point out here that a large part of this money is returned to the town of Agawam. As collections are made from students for the
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cost of materials and supplies they use, it is turned over to the town treasurer. A record of 1953 receipts is as follows:
Senior High School Shop $400.19 Junior High School Shop 45.40
$445.59
The seemingly small sum collected in the junior high school is due to the fact that mechanical drawing was taught to the 7th grade boys for one period a week during one half of the year. This in turn cut down the time alloted to actual shop project work. It should also be noted that the $400.19 is a considerably higher amount than any preceding year. This is attributed to the larger classes and the higher cost of materials. Every possible step has and is being taken to keep expenses as low as possible and yet maintain a high standard of educa- tional value.
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