USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1947 > Part 21
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The Guidance Department is cooperating with the High School administration in re-examining the Senior High School program of studies. Recommendations are based upon an analysis of the results of a follow-up study of the Class of 1941 and the Class of
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1947, and are governed by the philosophy of "preparing pupils for life." It is expected that the recommendations resulting from the re-examination of the high school curricula will go into effect during the school year 1948-1949.
Questionnaires mailed to the Class of 1941 have resulted in re- turns of over 65%, and in the Class of 1947 returns have been 100%. The Class of 1941, which graduated into the war era, seems to have made a fairly satisfactory post-war adjustment so far as employment is concerned, but a number of them seem to be con- cerned about their future security. During the past school year 20% of the veterans in this class have asked the Guidance Depart- ment for assistance in school and job placement, as well as assist- ance in personal problems. This is the first graduating class in which intensive counseling had taken place by the members of the Guidance Department, with the result that they return to us for help long after they have graduated.
The results of the survey of the Class of 1947 indicate that over 53% are continuing their education full-time in schools and col- leges. This is an increase of 12% over the Class of 1945 and the Class of 1946, and an increase of approximately 21% over the Class of 1944. The survey also shows a slight rise over the previous class in the number engaged in full-time employment. Approxi- mately 41% of the 1947 Class are now so employed. The number of graduates entering the Armed Forces decreased from 15% of the Class of 1946 to 3% of the Class of 1947. Of the 53% who are engaged in further education, 27% are attending degree granting colleges and universities, 10% are attending business schools, 3% are attending junior colleges and 2% are receiving training as nurses. The remainder are attending technical and miscellaneous schools. It is also gratifying to note that almost 13% of those en- gaged in full-time employment are taking evening or extension courses to further their education and training.
The increase in the number of pupils seeking further education is probably the result of a realization on the part of recent grad- uates of the necessity for obtaining the best possible preparation before embarking upon a chosen occupation. In several cases, former students have resigned from positions in which they had been placed in order to obtain more academic preparation, which they felt would better qualify them in their particular field of work and would ultimately aid them in arriving at their ultimate voca- tional goal sooner.
Despite the fact that colleges and universities have been literally flooded during the past year with applications for admission, Arlington is second to no other neighboring community in propor- tional representation at the local colleges and universities. Every
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graduate in this class who met the entrance requirements was admitted to the college of his first or second choice.
From a survey made in November, it was found that 617 stu- dents are working part-time, an increase of 62 over the previous year. This part-time work is a valuable experience for the student, and students are carefully followed so that their academic work does not suffer. During the year 1947 the Department made 423 job placements. Of the graduates of the Class of 1947, 75.9% were placed by the Guidance Department. In September, the Depart- ment made a survey of all 1947 graduates. Those who were not satisfied with their jobs were interviewed, and in cases where a change of position was advisable, other positions were secured. At the present time, the Placement Department has many more calls for full-time office help than it can fill.
In order to evaluate the business preparation of the Commercial Department, the Guidance Department sent a questionnaire to over one hundred employers who had recently hired graduates of the high school business course. These were employers who hired pupils prepared only at Arlington High School. Replies by em- ployers indicated that they had no major recommendations for improving the course of business training, that our graduates are well prepared for office work and that they have a high rating among Greater Boston employers. A few employers stated that pupils' handwriting could be improved, and as a result penmanship has been included in the clerical course.
On the evening of May 7, 1947, a Vocational Conference, which included 50 group meetings with 25 different speakers, was held at the High School and was attended by aproximately 900 pupils and parents. The occupations covered in this conference were selected from a poll of student interests and included: accounting, agricul- ture, art, aviation, beauty culture, chemistry, office work, clothing, dental hygiene, dietetics, drafting, dramatics, engineering, journal- ism, music, nursing, physical education, radio entertainment, sales- manship, social work, teaching, and technical vocations. Leading authorities in each of these fields were secured and each speaker held two conferences during the evening so that pupils and parents could attend two different meetings.
The Director of Guidance has continued to operate the Evening Veterans' Education Center under the auspices of the Massachu- setts Department of Education. (This project is fully described on page 455 of the Annual Report for 1946.) The present active enrollment is approximately 70. Most of these veterans are com- pleting requirements for their high school diploma or State Equiv- alency Certificate. Since these veterans are employed during the day, the Veterans' Center is the only opportunity they have for
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completing their high school work, and for this reason the Center is meeting a most important need for them.
In cooperation with the Arlington Youth Council, the Guidance Department has made a survey of the "activity interests" of junior and senior high school pupils, and the results are being used by the numerous youth organizations in the Town. Despite the fact that there are a large number of activities in which our pupils may and do take part, the survey indicates that many of our youth have wholesome and legitimate interests in which they have no oppor- tunity to participate. These are the boys and girls whom we find "just hanging around." The Youth Council is making every effort to find an appropriate solution to this problem. The Executive Committee of the Youth Council has also been most helpful as an "advisory board" to the Guidance Department, and it is hoped that they will continue to function in this capacity for some time.
During the coming school year, the Guidance Department will be concerned with organizing uniform guidance classes in the eighth grade and then in the seventh grade. It is intended that the principal theme in these courses be concerned with social adjust- ments which the individual pupil must make in and out of school. Considerable time and attention will be given to the study and choice of electives for eighth and ninth grades.
Plans are under way to provide job try-outs after school hours for those pupils who are terminating their formal education in high school and who are uncertain about the type of employment they should undertake. Although these pupils are given various aptitude and interest tests and are provided with occupational information, their uncertainty continues to exist until they have an opportunity to experience different types of jobs in which they feel they may have some interest. It is planned to seek the assistance of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the Lion's Club, the Rotary Club, and the Arlington Youth Council in carry- ing out this program.
Junior High Schools:
Numerous meetings have been held by the teachers to improve the educational program. The English teachers at their several meetings devoted their time to a study of textbooks and to some revision of the list of prescribed literature used in the classes. They now await plans for articulation with the Senior High School. The Social Studies teachers, after numerous meetings and careful evalua- tion, suggested the selection of several new textbooks for a trial, planning to meet in the coming year to compare findings, and to make final recommendations. Also, in cooperation with the Com- mittee on Audio-Visual Education, the teachers met in many sub- ject committees to select films for use in the school year 1947-1948.
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These choices were carefully scheduled by the committee, insofar as rental service was available, and a rotating schedule will enable each school to make maximum use of its projector.
Reorganization of the Guidance Program in cooperation with Director Roens includes the introduction of a test program to assist in the guidance of pupils in planning educational careers in accord with abilities and interests. Work books were introduced in Grade Nine, and are also needed in Grades Seven and Eight.
Classes in the various industrial arts have been handicapped by the shortage or lack of materials, and by increases in the cost of these materials. However, the teachers and supervisors have cooperated to create new projects and to introduce substitute mate- rials where possible. More funds are needed to take care of the ever-increasing prices.
The All-Junior High School Team plan continues to function, and these teams have an enviable string of victories. Boys not able to participate in this program are being cared for in gym classes and in numerous after-school activities. The girls also have a busy program of intra-Arlington Junior High School games.
Many of the teachers, after service in the Armed Forces, are back at their teaching assignments. This gradual return has enabled the schools to retain the services of several fine teachers who joined for the duration only, by placing them in positions made available by other causes, such as retirements, etc. The new salary schedule also assisted in the placement and retainment of qualified teachers.
Junior High Industrial Arts School:
The school continues to function as the Junior Citizens' Club in order to teach more impressively traits of good citizenship to all who are to become law-abiding and self-supporting members of the community. That this set-up has aroused the interest of many school people and others is evidenced by the numerous inquiries concerning the school and by the visitors who seek detailed in- formation.
Among those particularly interested were members of the Med- ford School Department. In the earlier part of the year their School Committee members and others visited the school and saw a "working day." Later other visits were made. On November 5 the principal was invited to Medford to a meeting of the Superintend- ent, certain principals, and teachers of Special Classes, held jointly with the School Committee of that city. Other especially interested groups have been from the Walter E. Fernald School and from the Taunton School Department. The Boston School Department of Special Education continues to show interest in our methods even after their intensive study of last year.
It has been our custom for years to teach through visual educa-
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tion, using our own methods of picture-research and picture illus- trations, as well as the collections of pictures and the reflectorscope. This year we find that dramatized education is as valuable, if not more so, in stimulating interest and getting results. This drama- tized education correlated with visual education is aiding our pupils to a great degree.
Report of the Supervisor of Elementary Education:
The year presented many problems which made it a busy and a challenging one. Due to the teacher shortage it has been exceed- ingly difficult to secure a sufficient number of adequately trained and experienced teachers to maintain a high quality of school expe- riences for our pupils. It has been necessary in several cases to recall former teachers as long-term substitutes to take care of the emergency, and to them we owe a debt of gratitude.
Last year there was a distinct increase in kindergarten enroll- ment, and it was even more noticeable this September, making it necessary to employ an additional teacher for the forenoon session in Cutter, Locke, Peirce and Russell Schools. In the kindergarten units, at the present time, we have nine full-time kindergarten teachers and five teachers who are teaching one session each day. The kindergarten increase started the total enrollment figures upward, and this fall our first grades were slightly overcrowded in Hardy, Locke, Peirce, and Russell Schools; but, not sufficiently so to necessitate the opening of another first grade in any districts except the Russell and Locke. As our second grades were small- the end of the low peak in enrollment-we were able to make a combination first and second grade in the other two schools. Pupils with similar high mental ability, who were physically strong and emotionally well adjusted, were chosen on each level, thereby giving each group its own grade identity, but relieving the teacher of much individual pupil attention and the necessity of working with several groups on each grade level. We have previously had similar combination grades at Hardy and Parmenter Schools. This increased enrollment, which obviously will continue for several years at least, is a matter which gives us grave concern, especially at the Hardy School, where every available classroom is in use.
For some time we have been increasingly conscious of the need for a more extensive and a more permanent basis of pupil guidance. Formerly teachers kept a temporary record which functioned for them and their pupils, but which, to a large measure, came to an end at the close of the year. The next teacher did not derive the benefit from the preceding records, but was forced, in some cases, to go back to the beginning of the child's educational experience. In view of the need for long-range pupil guidance for the teacher and administrative staff, a cumulative record sheet has been in-
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augurated which begins in the pupil's first year in school, and its use is continued throughout his public school life. The informa- tion consists largely of an analysis of the individual. It includes academic, social and classroom adjustment, individual interest, and home factors. This pupil guidance program is an attempt to sum- marize the educational and social achievement of the child and should prove more and more valuable as its use is continued.
The revision of the courses of study in Arithmetic, English, Reading and Social Studies, and the creating of a new course of study in Science is being worked upon by committees of teachers with an elementary principal serving as chairman for each subject. This work on the curriculum reconstruction is an endeavor to keep abreast of recent trends and standards in education. A study of the time allotment for each subject has been made for the purpose of making a definite place for the teaching of Science. Obviously, time adjustments had to be made for certain subjects to provide this time.
Keen interest has been shown in the library activities. An in- creasing number of pupils of grades four, five and six have read extensively, written book reports, and received book certificates from the head librarian of Robbins Library. The Library Depart- ment has continued to provide books and has extended the splendid related service at the school libraries. A new library was installed at the Brackett School, and one is being organized at the Hardy School. The library service is now enjoyed by all schools which are at a distance from a public library. Pupils who take advantage of this opportunity are certain to acquire a permanent interest in books and cultivate a taste for good literature.
Greater emphasis has been placed on audio-visual education than formerly, and important findings concerning the film phase of the program are being analyzed with the hope that constructive meas- ures may be taken which will assure more effective teaching. All agree that good educational films increase the efficiency of the learning process, especially that of pupils with limited reading ability.
Report of the Home Economics Department :
On November 1st the Senior High School Lunchroom completed a year of participation in the Community School Lunch Program. This program consists of serving, at a minimum cost, a luncheon which meets the following requirements:
1/2 pint of milk
2 oz. fresh, lean, or processed meat, poultry, or substitute
1 or more raw, cooked, or canned vegetables
1 or more slices bread, roll, or muffin
2 teaspoons butter or fortified oleomargarine, or a sand- wich.
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These requirements were established in order to meet one-third of the student's daily protein requirement and thus build and maintain a high nutritional status for school children.
Up to the time of the inauguration of this program luncheons served did not have so much vegetable or the extra sandwich on the main plate.
This new type of luncheon achieved immediate popularity, and it was found that the lunchroom was not equipped to handle twice the number of main dishes previously served. More trays, silver, china, and large cooking utensils were needed. The large pieces of kitchen equipment had seen long service and were very much in need of replacement. Advantage was taken of the provision for non-food assistance offered by the State, and the lunchroom now has a new refrigerator, potato peeler, and dish washer.
We are very appreciative of the valuable assistance afforded us by the Community School Lunch Program. Our lunchroom ranks with the highest in surrounding communities, and it is our earnest desire to give our students the best food and facilities available.
Report of the Director of Physical Activities:
There comes a time each year when we must stop to take stock of what has gone on in the Department, where we stand today in relation to the goals set up, and in what direction we are headed. The following report will attempt to give this picture.
We have accomplished a closer coordination between the School Doctors and Nurses and the Department. More thorough physical examinations have been given, and the added time obtained by giving physicals to students on the "every other year" plan has afforded the nurses greater opportunity for follow-up procedures.
The Accumulative Physical Record Card System has been in- stalled in the Junior High Schools. Tests of speed, strength, en- durance and agility have been given to all the boys in the Junior High Schools East and West. Data is being accumulated to set up norms for each test in order that standards and individual progress in the future may be determined.
This completed our first year under the blueprint monthly out- line plan schedule of activities. Coordination of schedules has been established so that similar activities are being conducted at each of the Junior High Schools at the same time.
Continued emphasis has been placed on the learning of skills and techniques of the various fundamental corps activities. One big result of this plan has been the increased interest and better performance and competition in the competitive sports program after school. An increase has also been noted in the number of candidates for the various varsity teams.
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Consideration should be given to the following needs of the Department:
1. An additional physical training teacher for the High School.
2. A High School gymnasium.
3. A gymnasium for Junior High School Center.
4. Enlarging of gymnasium for Junior High School West.
5. An indoor track for the track team.
6. Increasing the complement of the coaching staff to:
4 football coaches
2 basketball coaches
2 hockey coaches
2 track coaches
2 baseball coaches
1 wrestling coach.
7. Placing in the High School curriculum on a year basis a full- time course in Health and Safety Education. This could be accomplished by the addition of another physical training teacher to the High School staff.
Report of the Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education:
The girls in Arlington High School are very fortunate in having a gymnasium of their own, so that all girls may participate in a program of athletics and other activities suited to their abilities. They also have an extensive interscholastic schedule in major sports -field hockey and basketball, and a more limited schedule in the minor sports-tennis and softball, where the most athletic girls have the opportunity of meeting the same groups in all the neigh- boring towns.
The objection sometimes raised on the question of interscholastic sports for girls is that only a few girls receive the benefits of learn- ing how to play these games. This is not true inArlington High, because instruction is offered to class groups in all these sports, as well as many other extra-curricular activities, such as bowling, badminton, social dancing and a new group this fall in the Modern Dance. Girls not of squad ability may have competition in class groups in events sponsored by the Girls' Athletic Association, such as the fall, winter and spring field days, and the annual inter-class gym meet.
Arlington girls are fortunate because the gymnasium programs are made out in such a way that each class-Sophomore, Junior, and Senior-is separate, and therefore a progressive course of study in physical education is possible. The Sophomores are given the physical fitness exercises recommended by the Government during the war, and the Juniors receive training in the conditioning ex- ercises of the Modern Dance so that as Seniors they may do the
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advanced creative work in Modern Dance. This is the highest type of work in physical education, where poise, grace and rhythm are developed as well as physical fitness.
The grade schools have a wide range of activities in physical education. Here the grade teachers really teach a daily program of graded out-of-door games in the fall and spring, where every boy and girl plays, unless excused by the doctor. The objective of this out-of-door game program is to develop sport skills in all pupils so that the poorer players, as well as the natural athletes, may have real enjoyment in play, and a desire for out-of-door recreation. The indoor program includes marching, exercises with daily posture check-up, rhythmics, coordination exercises, folk dances, square dances, social dancing, indoor games, sport skills, stunts, tumbling and achievement tests.
Special corrective classes are also given to pupils needing correc- tion in posture, feet, and coordination. Demonstrations of physical education are given each year so that the parents may see their children in these varied activities. This year the Hardy, Parmen- ter, and Crosby Schools will have demonstrations in April.
Our Music Department :
The results of the instrumental class program which was started in September of 1943 were felt for the first time this fall in the high school. Because of the number of instrumental students en- tering high school this September it was possible to have a band of 40 members composed entirely of high school pupils and not augmented by junior high school students as was necessary since 1943. It is expected that within two years, as more and more in- strumental pupils come in from the junior high schools, the high school band will increase its enrollment to 75 members.
There has been a slight increase during the past year in the number of instrumental students in grades 7, 8, and 9. At the present time there are approximately 125 pupils enrolled in the three junior high school bands and orchestras.
There are approximately 160 pupils studying a band or orches- tral instrument in the elementary instrumental classes at the present time. The song-flute classes have an enrollment of 150, and the piano classes number 175. This is about the same number as were enrolled in these various classes last year. Last June, at the annual spring concert of the instrumental classes, 250 pupils took part. Another concert is planned for June, 1948.
In an effort to stimulate more interest in string instruments, a string orchestra was organized last spring. This orchestra was com- posed of high school, junior high school, and the more advanced fifth and sixth grade pupils. Despite the fact that there was only
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one rehearsal a month, difficulties were encountered such as the extreme difference in ability and the difference in the closing times for the various types of schools. For this reason, this fall member- ship is open only to junior high and high school students.
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