USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Agawam > Town of Agawam, Massachusetts annual report 1951-1955 > Part 47
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In spite of the fact the junior high pupils have only a four hour school day, we have tried to maintain high standards to the best of our ability. The extra-curricular program has been cut considerably, but the fundamental subjects and time alloted come quite close to last year's program. It is my sincere belief that the new high school will be ready for entrance next September and will relieve the pressure on this, our junior high school.
It is quite apparent that we shall still have little upsets until a new elementary school is completed. Next year our junior high will house the fifth, sixth, seventh, and a portion of the eighth grade. This will not be an ideal condition; but at least our boys and girls will have a full day of school, which means that the extra-curricular activities and the lunch pro- gram will be handled in a normal manner.
Knowing that our high school pupils are moving out, I should like to recommend certain repairs and replacements to make our building more suitable for the younger boys and girls.
New lunchroom tables and chairs would greatly improve both the appearance and health conditions of the cafeteria.
To modernize the building, fluorescent lights in several rooms would do much to help our students in some of these extremely dark rooms.
It would seem wise to refinish all of the desks to give these students a good impression upon entering a building which will be new to them.
Several areas in the school would be much improved by a complete painting program; such as the boiler room, boys' and girls' gymnasiums, corridors, girls' basement and locker rooms.
By placing a partition in room 26 we would come up with one additional classroom. This would also eliminate the large study hall, which will no longer be needed.
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It would be quite practical and helpful to restore the toilet facilities on the second floor for student use. It would save pupils from going up and down two flights of stairs for emergency basement passes.
It would seem wise to leave the typewriters in the present building when the high school moves out. From recent studies made, it has been found that a typewriting course for seventh and eighth grade students is a valuable addition to their program of study. This could be handled very well in our building at a later date.
The weekly meetings with the principals of the schools with our super- intendent are extremely valuable. The exchange of ideas plus a discussion of newer textbooks and materials keep us abreast of the modern trends in education today.
In this report I have attempted to cover the guidance program as well as the principal's report for the junior high school. The faculty and student cooperation have done much to make this year quite successful. Without everyone's sincere cooperation, such a year with double sessions could have proven a very unhappy one.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Clark, and the school committee, as well as all others who have done so much to help us through this critical year.
School Health Department
I respectfully submit a summary of the nursing program for 1954.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Healthy development of the child is of basic importance. The ability to live harmoniously in a changing total environment is essential to such development.
The enrollment for 1954 is 2617.
As in the past, Mrs. Kane and I have assisted Dr. Ramah, Gerald Hoag our chiropodist, and Dr. Dalitzky the school dentist, at clinics four times a month. Dr. Ramah did physicals on both pre-school and school children and held vaccination and diptheria clinics in April and May. All children were weighed and measured by the nurses.
All eyes were examined in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and all questionable in other grades by the nurses. This fall the audiometer tests were done by volunteer workers from the four Parent-Teacher Associations. Mrs. Hollis Kane at Granger, Mrs. Chandler and Mrs. Arnold at Peirce, Mrs. Benjamin and Mrs. Nacewicz at Danahy and Mrs. Dowd and Mrs. Emerson at Phelps. They did an excellent job and it was a great help. Those found with de- fective hearing were further tested at the Springfield Hard of Hearing
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League and through this, two hearing aids were recommended and are being used by one child in first grade and one in third grade.
Mrs. Mark Davenport is doing a fine job with the speech defects in the grades.
All pupils in grades 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and school personnel, a total of 1049, were X-rayed Spring for 1953 and Fall for 1954.
Physicals done by Dr. Ramah
1423
(Grades 3, 5, 7, 9, all new and 1st grade not done at pre-school day clinic)
Weighed and measured 2078
(Grades 1 through 5 and 6 through 9)
Eyes Examined 772
(incomplete for the year 1954)
Physicals done by Dr. Ramah at Pre-school Clinics Defects 95
185
(This includes Tonsils, Rheumatic Heart, Polio History, allergy not vaccinated, bronchial Asthma, heart murmer, teeth, posture, speech, eyes, feet, no boosters)
Field visits to homes 275
Office - First Aid 281
Children sent home ill 189
Children taken home ill 82
Arrangements made for 13 children to attend summer camps.
Clinic arrangements made for 10 tonsil cases.
Booster injections for 12 football players.
The clinics used during the year were: The State Orthopedic 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.
Miss O'Brien attended a nurses conference at Worcester in the Spring. the Fall state nurses convention at Swampscott, a conference on Cerebral Palsy speech therapy, a home meeting with Lions Club representatives to discuss placing of glasses on school children, a panel for the Danahy P.T.A. and a June Seminar at the University of Massachusetts.
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An eight week course on In-Service Program has been attended by Miss O'Brien and Mrs. Kane and will be continued for eight weeks more in the Spring at the University of Massachusetts.
Our appreciation is extended to the Parent-Teachers' Association, the Lions Club and others for their generous assistance.
We also greatly appreciate the co-operation of the superintendent, the school committee, principals, teachers, health council, parents and the Aga- wam health agent.
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Girls' Physical Education
The aims of the physical education program for girls in the Agawam Junior-Senior High School have been to develop character and citizenship as well as the physical well being of the student.
This was accomplished through active team games, posture training, Danish gymnastics, tumbling, dancing, and marching.
Senior High girls participated in an after school sports program of competitive games in volley ball, basketball, and softball. Girls earned an Agawam "A" and their class numerals.
Some of the Junior High girls attended a Sports Program at West Springfield. Here they played games with girls from three different schools. This was a profitable experience for them and they are enthusiastically planning to act as hostesses to these same schools at a future date.
Boys' Physical Education
It has been the aim of the Physical Education Department to consider the boys participating in our program as individuals. Thinking of them as individuals, we have tried to develop them in three ways - mentally, spiritually and physically. It is felt that by developing a strong individual we will improve the character of the group.
In the senior high school there are about 200 boys participating in physical education. The average class has 40 boys.
In the junior high school there are about 190 boys participating in physical education. The average class has 38 boys.
Senior and junior high students are required to take at least two periods of physical education a week.
Because of the crowded conditions that exist, it has been impossible to attain homogeneous grouping. As a result, boys of all ages and at dif- ferent stages of physical development are found in the same class. This has presented a serious problem in developing a program suitable to all concerned.
A basketball league is being formed this winter that will give any boy of high school age, not playing on the high school team, a chance to play organized ball. This league will run two nights a week, and from 40 to 60 boys are expected to participate.
It is hoped that during the winter months time will allow a physical fitness test to be given.
Our athletic teams were well represented this year. The following number of boys participated on athletic teams:
40 boys varsity and junior varsity football
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20 boys varsity and junior varsity basketball
18 boys varsity and junior varsity baseball
20 boys freshman football
15 boys freshman basketball
In conclusion, I should like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Clark, Mr. Dacey, Mr. Harris, the faculty, and the custodians for the cooperation and the many considerations you have shown this department.
Vocational Agriculture
It is again with pleasure that I submit the report of the Vocational Agriculture Department.
The year 1954 found the FFA busier and more industrious than ever before. Briefly, the results of the various activities are as follows:
Geary Hinshaw won the local public speaking contest.
Ralph D'Amato had the best Home Improvement Project. He also took first place in the Academic contest. Incidentally, Ralph won a $2000 Commonwealth of Massachusetts scholarship last June to attend the Uni- versity of Massachusetts. He is now majoring in Horticulture at the uni- versity.
William Rhodes won the Soil and Water management contest.
William Fearn had the best farm safety program.
James Bitgood had the best farm electrical program.
Dennis Crowley had the best farm ownership project.
Geary Hinshaw had the best farm mechanic program.
James Reardon had the best dairy cattle project. James also won the highest award given by our department - The Star Chapter Farmer Award. - for having the best scholarship and Agricultural project program com- bination.
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The boys were invited to speak to the teachers at the University of Massachusetts and at Springfield College.
The boys and the adviser are looking forward to the facilities of the new high school where they intend to maintain their high standards of accomplishments and to reap even higher rewards with renewed enthusiasm.
Art Department
Art has been defined as: "human activities aimed at the accomplish- ment of a given end, but in common usage limited to activities that involve creative ability, ingenuity, judgement and skill."
". .. Activities which involve creative ability ... ; every normal child
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is endowed with this creative ability"; he develops these unconscious artistic qualities through creative expression. Expression also develops his character. You will probably ask "how"? Through his experience with form, line and texture he learns to persevere, to set himself high standards, to be honest with himself and thus become a better person for it.
When the child creates, he must learn to organize his thinking in order to give form to life experiences. This is why the creative process itself is far more significant than the finished product.
To satisfy these creative instincts through work with crayons, paints, paper sculpture, wire and other materials has been the aim of this depart- ment in these past months. In the elementary and junior high school we have attempted to correlate art with other subjects and the holidays thus making art - as it should be - an integral part of the learning process.
In the two high school groups, the students experimented with varied problems - mobiles, collages, book illustrations, rapid sketching from life, outdoor watercolors; also, they worked in conjunction with school dances and other activities. Christmas time brought on more creative spirit; the high school windows were painted and greeting cards were made from woodcuts and silk screen.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the faculty and student body for their sincerity and cooperation.
Home Economics
I am very happy at this time to give my fifth report on the Home Economics Department of our Junior-Senior High School.
At the present time we have 219 Junior High plus all freshmen girls, enrolled in our homemaking course.
The course is designed as an introductory study of homemaking at the early teen-age level. We are striving to give our young people an overall view of homemaking in its various aspects, and to help them build attitudes and ideals which will inspire their homemaking activities, both present and future. Young adolescents are especially impressionable and readily acquire idealisms which will affect their lives and objectives long past their school days of the present.
I find Agawam girls a splendid type of girl to work with, and my only regret is that our school day does not have more time for this type of study.
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Vocational Household Arts
The aim of the Vocational Household Arts program is to prepare girls to meet the problems of every day living and to take a useful place within her family, her school and her community.
Twenty-three girls were enrolled in this course. In the graduating class there were four girls who were in this course their entire four years. One of these has married and another girl is to be married soon. We hope our school training gave these and other girls a greater ability to accom- plish work in their homes in the correct manner.
The specific areas of homemaking include child development, personal and family relationships, selection, care and renovation of clothing, food selection and preparation.
Consideration should be given to extend this course to reach more of our girls.
Vocal Music
The general music program in grades one through twelve during the past year has endeavored to achieve some, if not all, of the benefits that children can get out of music. All of these items are human benefits, a summarization of the specific and practical ways in which music can help a child, or an older person, to become a happier and better person within himself, and to live a better and more fruitful life.
One of the important cumulative effects of the work is the establishment of sound and healthy attitudes towards music in large numbers of boys and girls which will encourage them to continue their interest in music after formal lessons are completed.
My thanks to you, Mr. Clark, for your cooperation and assistance, to the principals who have so ably assisted me in my endeavors, to the teachers for their cooperation and excellent work in the classrooms, and to the fine student body who have been so loyal in their support.
Instrumental Music
A band is first and foremost a musical organization regardless of where it happens to be performing. Because of its versatility, these performances take place in many different situations. As a bonafide part of the school's music offerings, we are obligated to see that participation in the band makes a student musically richer. Their determinants here are: the caliber of
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the group, the quality of its performance, the adequacy of the instrumen- tation, and the espirit de corps of the players. To assure each of the above, it is essential that the school provide an adequate rehearsal schedule. This schedule must include enough time to devote at least equal parts to marching and playing. For out-of-door preparation, a field must be provided which simulates a football field with all of the essential markings in the way of lines available for every rehearsal. The preparation of the music to be played by the marching band is best done out-of-doors. There is no secret to the good sound of a band. It must be the result of every player producing a good tone which is in tune, in balance, in blend, and played with pre- cision. Whether on the football field or in the concert hall, the method of achieving a desirable band tone is exactly the same.
Every school has its own schedule which, of necessity, must be unique. The amount of time allotted in this schedule for band, however, must be sufficient to match its performance schedule. It is also necessary that the director realize fully the capabilities of his group and that the show be properly prepared in this time without any extra rehearsals. There is almost nothing which can rival the beauty of a well-disciplined band either by sight or sound, but this can only result from efficient rehearsals which produce a healthy attitude in all players.
Audio Visual Aids
The director assumed the duties of the Audio Visual Aids Depart- ment in November, 1954.
Since the department was operating efficiently at the time Mr. Erickson took command, many problems were minimized. In a two session program, however, the problems of running such a service are difficult to cope with for one man. It is hoped that next year will see a smoother operating and more complete service available.
The student body forms the nucleus of the functioning part of the program and is divided into two groups. The Senior High boys form one group which is available for the morning session, and the Junior High boys form the second group which is responsible for the afternoon session. These boys are trained in all phases of operation and simple maintenance of the equipment and are responsible for the actual success of the department.
Naturally, in this constant use, the equipment is continually in need of maintenance and repair in both the high school and elementary school. With the excellent cooperation of the teaching staff and the constant vigil of the operators in observing defects and weaknesses it is hoped that con- tinued good service will be maintained and possibly improved throughout the year. Any future problems that may arise will be dealt with as quickly
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and as efficiently as is possible and that another year will see new and improved equipment available for use to insure success.
With the growing of our school system the growth of all departments is needed with it to insure good and productive teaching. It is hoped that this department will be able to meet the growing needs and continue to give proper training to both teachers and student operators. This applies to all schools which come under the influence of this director.
Industrial Arts
The shop facilities in the Junior-Senior High School have been utilized to their maximum this past year. The increased junior high enrollment, the evening school adult classes, also the expanded senior high program has given all many happy hours of worthwhile endeavor.
By an expanded senior high program we mean the offering of me- chanical drawing in high school in conjunction with the shop manipulative activities. There is also an increased number of high school boys taking shop this fall on an elective basis. This has been possible because of the double session program for the junior high program does not lap over into the senior high shop time. However, both shops are used by both groups and, of course, the shop time is extremely limited.
The shops have been operating as economically as practicable, in spite of this it was necessary to go over the allotted amount of money for shop supplies, equipment, and maintenance due to the increased enrollment and activity including junior-senior high and the evening classes.
Nevertheless, the collections are considerably higher than in previous years for our receipts this year were $279.07.
It is believed that it can be truthfully reported that the shop programs have been carrying out some of the basic concepts of industrial arts by de- veloping:
1. Behavior patterns as well as skills.
2. Getting youngsters to think.
3. Providing some success stimulus to their school training.
4. Presented recreational values mostly in the adult classes.
5. Teaching not by word alone but learning by doing.
Thus we are evaluating industrial arts in Agawam on terms in which it is truly supposed to achieve.
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INDEX
Accounting Officer
14
Agawam At a Glance
6
Agriculture Department
61
Animal Inspector
50
Appointed Officers
9
Assessors
36
Board of Appeals
59
Board of Health
47
Building Inspector
46
Board of Selectmen
12
Civil Defense
60
Directory
7
Electrical Inspector
43 54
Health Agent
47
Highway Department
53
Housing Authority
63
Library
59
List of Jurors
68
Officers, Town
8
Parks and Playgrounds
56
Planning Board
57
Plumbing Inspector
50
Police Department
39
Public Welfare
55
School Department
69
Sealer of Weights and Measures
43
Slaughter Inspector
50
State Auditor
31
Town Calendar
5
Town Clerk
31
Town Collector
29
Town Nurse
51
Treasurer's Report
27
Veterans' Agent
56
Water Dept.
62
Welfare Agent
55
Engineering Department
F
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15.1855
INCOR
PORATE!
1 9 5 5
AGAWAM
NNUAL REPORT
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FOREWORD
Your town report of last year was voted among the top ten for its class in the Com. monwealth. It was judged also one of the most improved reports with Special Mention for effective use of a photographic cover.
The committee, again, has tried to make this report brief, factual and readable. Departmental reports are summaries. Further details are available to any citizen at any of the offices.
This issue celebrates a century of progress in our town. Cover photograph was taken by Charles DuBois Hodges. Layout and design of this report was accomplished through the volunteered effort of Wadsworth C. Hines, as well as those other citizens and town officers whose advice and assistance were sought.
BRANDON N. LETELLIER FREDERICK C. EMERSON
CHARLES DUBOIS HODGES FRANCIS W. O'CONNOR
WADSWORTH C. HINES
Agawam Printing Company
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TOWN OF AGAWAM MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL REPORT
OF A
NO
ORPORATED
M
FOR THE YEAR 1 9 5 5
MRS. MINERVA J. DAVIS
In recognition for her unselfish devotion and service to Agawam, thi Annual Report is sincerely dedicated to Mrs. Minerva J. Davis.
Highlighted among her gifts to the town was the Charles Palmer Dav Library, located on Main Street. She purchased the Leonard House, re stored it to its colonial splendor, and placed it under a board of trustee for the use of the town.
Ever interested in Agawam affairs, she gave freely of her time and he means for good of our community and its people.
Letter Started Ball Rolling
Editor of Springfield Union:
Dear Sir:
It has been with much interest that I have read and reread your edi- torial in the issue of Feb. 25th upon conditions existing in the Town of Long- meadow regarding town meeting and how they may be corrected. I quite agree with you as to how this may be done. I am sorry that your words could not have included conditions in Agawam and other towns which have outgrown the old Country Town Meeting. I presume to say that why you did not, was because you were interested in Longmeadow and not in touch with existing conditions in other places.
As I believe myself to be the oldest male voter in Agawam, born in the town, and having always lived there, I can be classified with your term of "antiquarian who holds to the traditions of a community that traces its his- tory to colonial times," and yet, my dear Sir, I think I am progressive enough to know that the time has come for the Town of Agawam to adopt some form of modified Government. Perhaps we should hold for a year or two, and who knows but we might be able to get a City Charter!
Let us look at some figures: Population of Agawam, 1955, upwards of 13,000; registered voters, 1955, better than 7000. This means that about 10% of the voters can be accommodated in the Auditorium of the High School. the largest room we have, and the Auditorium in the new High School now being built is to hold 1000, I understand. This means that if my health and home conditions are favorable, I may get a seat in the coming town meeting if I get started early enough. But if successful, I will still have the feeling that 9 other persons had just as much right as I to the seat.
I strongly doubt that if the Supreme Court should receive any question that might be referred to it regarding the failure of the town to provide suf- ficient room to accommodate the voters with access to the town meeting, it would ever penalize a town for not providing accommodations for upwards of 7,000 voters and the number still growing by leaps and bounds. However. I believe there is a moral obligation to make some arrangements that are more adequate than the present. I think this is a serious question to be con- sidered. For myself, who have enjoyed attending town meetings since a boy of ten when they were held in the hall over my father's grocery store and I ran up and down on different errands, I believe any question that should be put to the Town concerning this matter, should be submitted upon the ballot for the Town Election of February, 1956. Perhaps, dear Sir, your suggestion in the article referred to, with my calling attention to it may start the ball rolling.
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