USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1962-1965 > Part 6
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We are pleased that our achievement test results in- dicate that our school system rates well above the national norm, but we are fully cognizant of the fact that test re- sults alone cannot provide us with a complete appraisal
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of the effectiveness of our total program. Attitudes, appre- ciations, habits and interests cannot be measured by any scholastic achievement testing program.
With the opening of Nauset Regional High School the establishment of a unified policy concerning all areas of the curriculum throughout elementary school system gained importance, inasmuch as all pupils from the Union move on to Nauset at grade seven. Under the guidance of the elementary supervisor the faculty has cooperatively de- veloped a philosophy of education with aims and objec- tives forming a basis for policy making.
Basic instructional materials have been selected by the combined faculties in most subject areas to ensure a pro- gram having continuity and sequence. Most of these de- cisions have been made after study and evaluation through faculty meeting, in-service workshops, institutes. and study groups.
A policy on reporting to parents was adopted through a committee representative of each school. A major out- come of this study has culminated in a policy to provide a minimum of one planned and recorded parent-conference for each pupil during the school year.
As part of our continuing program to provide in-ser- vice training for teachers an institute in Mathematics in the Elementary Curriculum was held at the Orleans Elementary School during the last two weeks in August. Dr. Jo Mc- Keeby Phillips, mathematician and writer, conducted the institute which was attended by approximately thirty teachers including members of the faculty of St. Joan of Arc School, Chatham Elementary School, Yarmouth Elementary School, and several summer visitors covering an area as distant as Colorado. We were fortunate, indeed, to have obtained the services of Dr. Phillips who is not only one of the nation's leading mathematicians but a master educator. I know I can speak for each and every
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participant when I report that this was an enriching, re- warding and invaluable experience. This institute has laid the foundation for the introduction of mathematics in our elementary curriculum, and already signs of joists and floorboards are observed throughout the classrooms as many of the concepts and understandings are being discovered by our pupils. I can only regret that we did not have one hundred per cent of our faculty represented at these sessions.
Arrangements are being made to hold two one-week institutes this coming summer. Through the cooperation of Science Research Associates, Inc., the local schools will co- sponsor a SRA Reading Institute conducted by Miss Gwen Horsman, Supervisor of Reading in the Detroit Public School System. Miss Horsman has served on the Conant Committee for Reading, and has conducted many SRA Reading Institutes throughout the nation. Enrollment in this institute will be open to educators outside of our own school system. but will be limited to fifty members.
During the last week in June, Miss Dorothy Hebden, Supervisor of Art for School Union #54, will conduct an art workshop to acquaint teachers, by actual experience. with a more creative approach to art education. It will be shown how much concepts of imagination can be ap- plied to all other areas of classroom activity. A compari- son of modern art education ideas and older more academic art education theories will be considered.
With rapid developments in the field of education occurring daily, we shall never reach a point where we can feel that our work is done. Constant comparison must be carried on in terms of evaluating what we are doing and whether or not there is a better way. The barrage of new programs, technical devises and theories hurled at us from every angle is at times somewhat baffling but most exciting and heartening. At last the focus is on education !
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This presents a challenge to educators which can only re- sult in better schools.
Perhaps the most significant studies that have meaning for us are those which are concerned with the learning process-how children learn. The implications for educa- tors have far reaching potential for improving the process of education.
Before closing I should like to extend a hearty wel- come to Mr. Herman Downs, newly elected teaching prin- cipal at Eastham Elementary School and successor to Mr. Otto Nickerson who so faithfully served this position for forty-two years. We are happy to know that Mr. Nickerson is thoroughly enjoying his many interests and hobbies, and feel fortunate to have secured such an able and cooperative person to succeed him.
Respectfully submitted, BARBARA N. WRIGHT
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
It has been a most rewarding experience to work with the teachers, school committee, administration and pupils of Eastham.
Additions have been made to an already fine curricu- lum. These additions include the following :
1. Warning slips are now issued to parents at mid- point of the ranking period if a child shows a definite lack of progress.
2. Approximately 100 new books have been added to the school library.
3. Instructional material for science has been added under the National Defense Education Act.
4. A new twenty-three inch television set has been put into use.
5. The school has subscribed to Educational television programming as provided by WGBH Channel 2. Materials are provided by the station to aid teachers with intro- ducing and follow up work for each program. Currently the following programs are being utilized.
Kindergarten-Grade 1
"Phonics"
"Inside - Outside "
Grade 2
"'Music"
"Neighborhood Explorers"
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Grade 3 "Literature"
Grades 3 - 4 "Land and Sea"'
Grade 5 "Exploring Nature"
Grade 6
"Science"
These programs are valuable in that they provide en- richment to the curriculum of a nature not ordinarily available to the classroom teacher.
On September 27 an open house was held at the school. The interest shown by parents at that time indicates it might be well worth repeating in the future.
In October the fifth and sixth grades attended the Boston Museum of Science and the Charles Hayden Plane- tarium. This excursion was a valuable experiment for the children.
Mr. Frederick Jewell has been kind enough to continu? his work in the audio-visual field this year; providing motion picture films of educational interest.
With due regard for past success, the Eastham Faculty and I look forward to continued progress for ours and your school.
Respectfully,
HERMAN D. DOWNS
135
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committees and the Citizens of Eastham, Orleans and Wellfleet :
I herewith submit my second annual report as Director of Music of School Union No. 54 and The Nauset Regional School District.
In September 1957 there were forty-two (42) pupils enrolled in the combined schools' instrumental music pro- grams. At present there are one hundred forty-six (146) pupils enrolled in the instrumental music programs of our school union and regional district. In the CONCLUSION of my 1961 report I stated: "At this time, in my opinion, the instrumental and vocal music program can expand in one direction only and this direction is in the number of participating students. In order to expand in all areas this area will need additional teaching at the professional level."
Once again I am requestng the employment of one full time music teacher to work at both the elementary and secondary levels in both instrumental and vocal music. At present the teaching loads of both the Director and the Supervisor of Vocal Music leaves no time for the ade- quate administration of the combined music programs.
ELEMENTARY LEVEL
At the elementary level the situation of the Director being available at limited times makes it most difficult to make the music program plastie enough to adequately fit into the school day because of the ever expanding curricu- lum. At present the "class method" of instruction is used.
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However, recently the classes have become so large that this method is no longer satisfactorily working. The Direc- tor is no longer available to work with the individual students who need individual instruction to keep up with the classes. This situation alone prevents the classes as a whole from making any marked advancement. The talent- ed student loses interest and the uncapable student be- comes discouraged. At this time an additional music teacher would help to relieve all of these situations.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
This level, without a doubt, is the most critical point in all music programs. Here the average student is too far advanced for the elementary level of music and not suffi- cently advanced to adequately participate in the senior groups at the high school level. Here again the limited time that the Director is available is the main problem. I fcel safe in saying that this level is the point where the largest percentage of drop-outs occur. Additional teaching help would strengthen this level.
HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
Under the present conditions I do not anticipate that the senior groups (Warriors Band and the High School Orchestra) can advance as musical organizations. At pres- ent the situation is as follows: The ability of the graduat- ing student cannot be replaced by the ability of the avail- able student coming into the seventh grade. By the time of our annual spring festival these organizations have reached the level of the previous year. The grade of music studied each year cannot advance and cannot be a chal- lenge to the more advanced students. I feel that the organ- ization of both a junior band and junior orchestra is one of the solutions to remedy this situation.
In order for our students to compete on an equal basis with the other students in the New England area (each
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year at the Solo and Ensemble Festival at Boston Univer- sity which is a prerequisite for the New England Concert Festival) I feel that the curriculum at the high school level must be expanded to include the following courses of study : String Ensemble, Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Wood- wind Ensemble, Advanced Theory (including ear training), Elementary Harmony and Music Appreciation. These addi- tional courses would help to make it possible to continu- ously advance the caliber of the student and in turn the caliber of the performing organizations at this level. I hestitate to persue these things without help. The ground work for these courses must be carefully planned. At pres- ent much time is consumed in the administration of the music programs as they exist. The Director does not even have the time to adequately observe the teaching of th? present curriculum from kindergarten to the high school mixed chorus.
In conclusion I have tried to portray the situation as it exists and suggest that we are now ready to expand our music curriculum and personnel.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK B. JAMES, Director of Music
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I hereby submit my second annual report as Super- visor of Vocal Music of School Union #54 and the Nauset Regional High School.
Our music program is being developed through the use of basic texts and recordings to accompany the texts in this "Our Singing World." By next year, we will have the completed series in each grade from Grade II through VIII, which in itself gives a continuity of sequence and follow-through for an enrichment of the child's musical education.
Each school has a Christmas Program using material studied in the classroom along with the traditional Carols.
In the spring, we present the elementary grades in a workshop program-a continuation of their classroom ex- periences shown to their parents and friends with folk songs and dances. In this way, we are able to show the progression of rhythmic responses, vocal expression, crea- tive expression, music reading, and simple part-singing experiences.
It is our hope to increase the appreciative listening to the music of great composers and their music. However, the musical and social-cultural background, in general, has to be built up to a point where pupils are ready for an extension of their appreciation and interests.
Listening is one of the features of a closely co-ordin- ated and carefully guided program of varied, extensive, and unbroken musical experiences. A teacher who is filled with the wonder and beauty of a singing world will pro- vid? conditions for listening to music that will help to
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quicken and deepen the sense of life and wonderment that is so characteristic of childhood and youth. And this is the real purpose of all art and all appreciation.
The record library will have to be built up from the elementary school level through the Junior High School grades. Although there are many recordings available, they are rather too well-worn and marred to be of real value in the listening and understanding of great music.
This year we have purchased film-strips and record- ings on the history of instruments and the place each takes in the symphony orchestra.
In the Nauset Regional School, there are eight sections of seventh and eighth graders, a Special Class Girls' Glee Club and a Mixed Chorus.
The High School Mixed Chorus of sixty members rehearses twice a week in preparation for the Christmas Assembly, the Spring Concert, The Cape Cod Music Festi- val, and the end of the year school activities. The Girls' Glee Club, also rehearses twice a week for more specialized work in fine singing.
This year, members of the Chorus and the Glee Club entered the New England Solo and Ensemble Auditions held at Boston University, December 8, 1962. Some mem- bers will be selected to participate in the New England Concert Festival to be held in Rutland, Vermont, in March.
More members will be able to participate in the Cape Cod Music Concert to be held on March 16. 1963.
Music is being recognized as one of the most powerful influences in education.
The secondary-school music curriculum contributes to the educational needs of the pupils through general music courses, specialized music activities, and extra-class activi- ties. Experiences in the program are designed to develop music appreciations. knowledges, and skills in pupils com-
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mensurate with their needs. The curriculum provides, through a variety of activities, opportunities to develop desirable understandings and appreciations of voice and instruments in solo, ensemble and group renditions.
The general music classes are using "Singing Juniors" and "Singing Teenagers" with recording albums for these texts and thereby completing the Ginn and Company series of "Our Singing World."
For our course of study, these general music classes are using the music series of Review Workbooks to further enrich his musical education.
In this course the student will study and use vocal skill in singing songs of this and other countries; he will learn more about the language of music, he will increase his knowledge of instruments and their use in the orchestra, the band, and in ensembles; he will become familiar with the forms in which compositions are writen by many of our great composers; and he will read about the stories that are told in the music of some of our greatest com- positions.
From this study, the student will increase his musical knowledge and comprehend fully how music is a basic part of his education.
Music is a fundamental source of life, health and hap- pincs. It prepares one for worthy participation in the ac- tivities of the home, the school, and the community.
Participation in musical activities encourage coopera- tion among students, classes and schools. Music offers ex- cellent training for living because it teaches respect for authority, self-reliance, and leadership. By bringing musi- cal experiences to many homes, music can promote happi- ness and contentment in the community.
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Music is a gift from others. It has been a part of the life of the people of all times. Music contributes to the steady progress of civilization because it provides people with the means of expressing their highest aspirations and ideals as well as recording historical events and conditions of their daily life. From the folk music that has been handed down from music that has been handed down from generation to generation, we become acquainted with the life, the work, the emotions, and the hopes of the people of other ages, other lands, and other sctions of our own country. Knowing and understanding the music of other people help us to realize our heritage from them.
Today, as never before, that musical heritage is a cultural treasure for us to enjoy through the achievements of great composers, and of the skill and techniques of great musicians. And above all, may the student acquire a love and an appreciation of good music that will forever be a part. an essential part of his life.
Only through the wonderful cooperation of our prin- cipals and the abilities of our teachers have we been able to begin to carry out what we hope to be a well-rounded and successful program of music education which will give to your children the cultural heritage that belongs to them.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY E. WORDELL
(Teaching-Supervisor of Vocal Music)
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ANNUAL REPORT OF ART DEPARTMENT, 1962
In writing the Art Department's report for the Town of Eastham, it should be remembered that the period of time involved with this summation covers January, 1962 through December, 1962.
The current curriculum is based upon the assumption that art for the elementary school child is merely a means of expression and since the child's expression is different from the adult's his expression must also be different. Art in the elementary schools is dependent upon the' child's innate desire "to do things," whereas in the high school, the final product is of utmost importance. Acquaintance and experimentation with a variety of materials and tech- niques on the elementary level lays the foundation for the more developed and imaginative manipulation of materials and techniques on the secondary level.
The continuity of a planned curriculum on a develop- mental basis* has produced an enthusiastic desire among pupils to progress in more artistic directions. Not only is the art work of a more creative nature, but the handling of a variety of materials seems no longer a stumbling block on any grade level.
Any curriculum, in order to be effective, must be flex- ible. Adjustments and revisions were made to fit the in- dividual classes involved. These changes were reconciled with the abilities of the class and general considerations towards the class's rate of comprehension in order to achieve the best results.
The one deletion was the elimination of the Follow-Up Cards* which stated the work to be accomplished before
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the next class with the supervisor. These cards were elimin- ated due to the clerical time involvd in their printing. In- stead, while th supervisor was in th classroom, the teacher was to copy from the supervisor's master plan book the work to be completed for the week. In this way the fol- low-up work for the week was maintained.
The general reorganization of the main supply room has been a tremendous improvement. More storage shelves are needed, as many things are stack fashion on the floor.
One of the two bulletin boards has been painted white. This is an improvement because this board is in the older part of the building. It is hoped that the main board will be painted in the same manner.
The establishment of a definite art supply budget would greatly ease the supervisor's curriculum planning and ordering in the Spring. The curriculum is dependent upon supplies. As it is now with no idea of how much money is to be expended, ordering of supplies is a rather tentative project.
I wish to thank the School Committee, Mr. Pierce, Mrs. Wright, the Faculty, and Mr. Weber for the thought- ful considerations and help I have received.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY A. HEBDEN Art Supervisor
*See Eastham Town Reports, 1961, School Department, Art Department.
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REPORT OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR
I hereby submit my annual report as Supervisor of the Physical Education Program in the Elementary Schools of Eastham, Orleans and Wellfleet.
It is with a feeling of thanksgiving that I write this report. First, for the inspiration and foresight of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in forming a Council on Youth Fitness; second, for the pioneers and workers on the Council, and thirdly, for the continuance and the im- petus given to the carrying out of the Physical Fitness Pro- gram by President John F. Kennedy. During the crisis in the Cuban situation just passed, it made one realize how very necessary physical fitness is to our nation.
There has been excellent cooperation on the part of T.V., press, organizations, clubs and industry in publiciz- ing the Physical Fitness Program. Your children received, free of charge, Physical Fitness Kits from the Hood Milk Company, and the children are bringing me reports of the involvment of many of their parents in the tests. The co- operation of the parents is particularly to be desired.
Most of the school systems and physical educators throughout the United States have become more aware of their programs since this publicity and I feel sure are doing all they can to help improve their programs. In our schools this year, the same Physical Fitness Test, under Operation Fitness, U.S.A., as last year was given. The increase in the number passing it was from 60% to 84%.
The 514 pupils enrolled in physical education classes,
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including grades one through six, who were originally receiving one, twenty to thirty minute period of Physical Education, are now having a period of from thirty to forty minutes. In addition, and in carrying out the Council on Fitness recommendation, the children are receiving fifteen minutes more each day by Student Leaders, under the supervision of the classroom teachers. There is also time scheduled for pupils who need extra help in developing weak muscles as indicated in the giving of the Kraus-Weber Test in the fall of the year. Thirty-five to forty minutes a week is allowed for an intramural program for girls and boys in the fifth and sixth grades.
Playing areas have been improved and each school now has a jungle-gym, slides, swings, horizontal bars and basket- ball facilities. However, I feel that much more can be done on the surfacing of the areas and the lining-up of courts and fields for soccer, etc. There is also a need for regula- tion jumping pits at each school. So that our children may become better acquainted with each other before entering high school, I highly recommend that arrangements be made to have more Play Days and Sports Days between the three schools.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the citizens of the three towns, the School Committees, the Superinten- dent, Principals, Teachers and Custodians who have con- tributed to the program.
Respectfully submitted.
ETHEL T. REED
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
It was our pleasure to again act as your school physi- cian for the Eastham Grammar School for the year 1962.
We examined the pre-school children in May and gave physical examinations to all grades, first through sixth. We found the children, as a group, to be in good heath.
The complete cooperation of Mrs. Dunphy and teach- ers makes working with the children a happy experience for me.
Sincerely,
W. F. WHITRIGHT, D. O.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
It is with pleasure that I sumit my seventh Annual Report.
Minor ailments treated in clinic 234
Weighed and measured all grades 138
Home visits 122
Sent home sick 23
Conferences with teachers
36
Conferences with doctors 6
137
Conference with Barnstable social worker 1 18
Kindergarten registration and clinic
Lecture and film to 5th and 6th grade girls
Physical examinations all grades by Dr. Whitright
Massachusetts vision test all grades referrals 9
Massachusetts hearing tests all grades referrals 2 Clinic by Doctor Moore Kindergarten D. P. T. 16
Grade 5 D. T. 13
Sabin Vaccine Clinic Kindergarten, Grade 1
37
Fluoride Clinic by Mrs. Alice Dalzell- Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Nurses meetings 4
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Scarlet Fever
1
Mumps
41
Measles
1
DENTAL CLINIC BY DR. DICKSON
Number of Clinics
16
Number pupils examined
114
Pupils with no cavities
8
Number of fillings
412
Fees collected from pupils
$101.50
With a sincere thank you to everyone concerned, for their help, advice, and cooperation in the School health program.
Respectfully submitted,
A. MAY DUNPHY, R. N.
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ENROLLMENT BY GRADES October 1, 1962
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
K
11
10
21
1
8
6
14
2
10
12
22
3
9
9
18
4
10
11
21
5
10
9
19
6
9
13
22
7
12
8
20
8
10
11
21
9
10
12
22
10
13
12
25
11
11
5
16
12
4
8
12
127
126
253
TABULAR STATEMENT OF GRADES ELEMENTARY 1954-1962
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