USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1930-1939 > Part 47
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In closing, I wish to thank the school officials for their cooperation, and the teachers for their interest and loyalty to music.
Respectfully submitted,
PANSY B. STETSON, Supervisor of Music
97
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
ART DEPARTMENT
To the School Committee of the Town of Norwell :
The following is my report for the work of the Art Department in the Norwell Schools for 1938.
1. Demonstration lessons taught and supervision of art instruction at the following schools :
a. Center Primary-1:45 P. M. to 2:45 P.M.
b, Mondays, Ridge Hill-1:45 P.M. to 2:45 P.M.
c. Thursdays, High School Building-Mondays and Thursdays of each week in the school year.
2. Pupils' work has been exhibited at the following places :
a. February meeting of the Association of Par- ents and Teachers.
b. Marshfield Fair, August, 1938.
c. At special exercises throughout the school year.
3. The giving of visual and graphic aid to the various school departments and organizations have been carried on as in previous years. We have again welcomed the opportunity to be of service to various town organiza- tions.
I thank our teachers for their unceasing effort to bring joy through beauty to the lives of our boys and girls.
Respectfully submitted,
H. RODMAN BOOTH
98
TOWN OF NORWELL
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Superintendent of Schools, Norwell, Massachusetts :
I hereby submit my report as School Physician for the year 1938.
Routine individual physical examinations reveal the general state of health of all students as excellent. There are only a few problems requiring special attention, and these have been undertaken. The respective work of all departments, including the School Dentist, Nurse, and Dietitian, reveal encouraging progress, especially in problem families.
The fact most worthy of note is not only the improve- ment of control of contagious diseases, but the unusual lack of any reportable disease in any of the schools this fall term. This is in spite of the marked activity of Scarlet Fever and Mumps last year and also the prevail- ing epidemics in less fortunate neighboring towns.
Physical Education has assumed a definite niche in the program of the High School since last year, and athletic participants have been carefully examined.
A beginning in Health Education has been made with several more talks and further plans for the future.
The sanitation of the buildings is definitely improved in several instances, particularly in the two older and more crowded schoolhouses.
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EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
The policy will be to continue the plan of "Preventive Medicine," by educating the students in health measures and in early identification and isolation of potential dis- ease carriers.
I wish to thank all those concerned with the work of improving the general health of the schools, and to ex- press hopes for continued progressive records.
Yours truly,
RAYMOND G. VINAL, M. D.
100
TOWN OF NORWELL
SCHOOL DENTIST
-
Superintendent of Schools,
Norwell, Massachusetts :
Dear Sir :-
The following is a report of the work done in the dental clinic, to January 1, 1939.
Fillings in temporary teeth 237
Fillings in permanent teeth 265
Temporary teeth extracted 71
Permanent teeth extracted 3
Teeth treated 58
Cleansings 116
Completed cases 128
That we are saving permanent teeth, particularly the six-year molars, is evidenced by the above report, show- ing the extraction of only three permanent teeth.
Pre-school clinic was held as usual after the close in June. This aids us to reach up into the higher grades the following school year.
Respectfully submitted,
W. B. PARSONS, D. M. D., School Dentist
101
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL NURSE
Number of visits to schools, including visits made with school physician and dentist 332
Number of inspections (teeth, skin, throat, scalp and hair) 91
Number of children excluded from school during the year :
Children excluded on account of mumps 3
Children excluded on account of pink eye : 16
Children excluded on account of pediculosis 4
Children excluded on account of impetigo 3
Number of children taken home from school 47
Number of children with physical defects 65
Number of children having defects corrected 39
PRE-SCHOOL CLINIC
Number of children examined by clinic 25
Number of children having physical defects 20
Number of children having defects corrected 16
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE.
102
NORWELL TEACHING STAFF
Name
Yrs. Exp. Sept. 1938
Education
Yrs. Att. beyond High School
Degrees
Subjects Taught
Leonard Allen
7
Farmington, B. U.
4 1/2
B. S., M. Ed.
Alma Ames
1
B. U.
4
H. Rodman Booth
9
Designer's Art
4
Helen Carleton
4
Farmington
2
Grace Cole
14
Bridgewater
2
Phillip Daggett
11
Bowdoin, B. U., Univ. Maine
4 1/2
A. B.
Principal 5-12
Henry Farr
812
Bowdoin, Harvard
6
A. B.
Martha Harris
4
Bates
4
A. B.
Math. 7-12
Marion Hurley
10
Tufts
4
A. B.
French,
Choris Jenkins
5
Framingham
4
B. S.
Cooking, Sewing 5-12
Edith Robertson
1
Lowell
4
Grades 2-3
Ella Osborn
25
B. U.
2
Grade 4
June Sherman
0
Bridgewater
4
B. S.
Grade 1
Willard Spaulding
13
Pansy Stetson
22
New Eng. Conservatory
4
Norman Sipple
1
B. U.
4
M. Ed. B. S.
Science 7-12
Florence Pinson
22
Salem Normal Bridgewater, Burdett, B. U.
2
Phys. Ed. 5-12 Grade 6
Commerce 9-12
Lois Turner
19
B. U., Harvard, Univ. N. H. Wesleyan
B. B. A.
. Superintendent resig'd Dec., 1938 Music 1-12
3 1/2
English 7-12 Grade 1 Art 1-12 Grades 2-3 Grade 5
Social Science
Soc. Science 7-12
Latin 9-12
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT
Grade
Center Primary
Ridge Hill
Total
1
24
21
35
2
20
14
34
3
10
13
23
4
34
54
48
92
5
36
6
36
7
32
8
33
9
31
10
18
11
24
12
25
P. G.
2
271
92
363 Total number of pupils in town
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TOWN OF NORWELL
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my first report as principal of Norwell High School :
SCHOLARSHIP
Information concerning the pupil's scholastic achieve- ment during the undergraduate years is obtained by marking period examinations. Such tests make the student definitely aware that he is expected to grasp as a whole a certain amount of work. These examinations serve to make the student more responsible and serious about his accomplishments from day to day, as well as more serious about the importance of being able to meas- ure up to a standard of achievement at a given time. At the end of the year comprehensive tests surveying the entire year's work will be given in such academic subjects as English, Science, History and Languages.
That Norwell High School is providing a training of 1 high quality is evidenced by the creditable success of graduates who have entered college, preparatory school, and other institutions. Graduates of the class of 1938 are continuing their education in the following institu- tions :
Wilbraham Academy Hebron Academy Bryant & Stratton Commercial School Randall Military Academy Higgins Machine School Wentworth Institute Night School Tufts College
1
105
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
Though increasing numbers of graduates are availing themselves of further education, Norwell High is not essentially a college preparatory school. The fundamen- tal dedication of the modern high school is preparation of the majority for useful citizenship, intelligent re- action and adaptation to the varying conditions of modern society.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES EVENTS
In addition to the usual school affairs of the year, a fine program was provided for the Parent-Teachers' Association on March 14. The program consisted of French songs by the French Club; exhibition of model planes by boys of the Aviation Club; Cantata, "Hia- watha," by the High School Girls' Glee Club; Fashion Show by sewing classes; and a Junior High Gymnasium Exhibition.
The Interclass Play Contest, held April 14, was won by the Seniors with the play "The Command Performance." Second honors went to the Sophomores, who presented "The Pampered Darling." Coached by Mr. Allen of the English department, the Tri-Town play cast, by the pres- entation of the one act drama, "Jon," won the coveted trophy. The cup is provided by the High Schools of Marshfield, Scituate and Norwell. This is the first time · that Norwell has been favored with the honor of winning since the inception of the Tri-Town organization, four years ago.
Making use of the newly acquired sound projector, the Junior class, on October 14, provided an evening of motion pictures, featuring "Jane Eyre."
SOCIALS
The usual class victrola parties were held periodically. The Senior and Junior dances were conducted on June 21
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TOWN OF NORWELL
and March 18, respectively. Novel and appropriate deco- rations were provided for the occasions.
ASSEMBLIES
Assembly programs have been planned with three ob- jectives in mind : Pupil participation, outside educational offerings, and information concerning occupations. These priciples are being carried out by (1) student par- ticipation in and planning of programs through sports assemblies, holiday programs, and club presentations ; (2) lecturers, musical programs and demonstrations ; (3) motion pictures and speakers representing some oc- cupation.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Student Council, consisting of representatives from each class, meeting with the Principal as advisor, has capably and creditably carried on the work of pre- senting and discussing student problems. Being of a progressive spirit and composed of class leaders, the Student Council has periodically proposed programs of definite value to the school. In addition to providing for the school paper and monitor system, outstanding fea- tures proposed for the year are :
1. The publication of a handbook containing infor- tion concerning school life and affairs.
2. Joining the National Honor Society to promote scholarship.
3. The edition of a motion picture of school events of the year for permanent record.
4. Establishment of an organized cheering squad.
These have been set in motion and will come to success- ful fruition during the school year.
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EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
ATHLETICS
In spite of the moderate success in athletics, there is an enthusiasm and willingness among players and students that is highly commendable.
The season's records were :
Won
Lost
Tied
Basketball, Boys
5
12
0
Basketball, Girls
1
13
1
Baseball
3
6
0
Soccer, 7, 8, 9
1
2
0
A popular innovation in boys' Fall sports was Soccer for Grades 7, 8 and 9. In three games the boys won one and lost two.
A new game to the girls was Badminton. Playing in a match for the first time, the girls won at Thayer Acad- emy in Braintree, Mass.
The advent of football will usher in a new era of Fall sports at Norwell High.
The harbinger of this year's basketball season was the largely attended demonstration game held in our gymna- sium on December 9. Though there are no regulars from last season's basketball team, the varsity has some prom- ising new timber that, coupled with team work, should produce our share of victories.
Participation in athletics should be broadened to all students, big fellows and little fellows. We should em- phasize and give further encouragement to that type of activity which could still be carried on in later life, alone or in groups. There is increasingly more leisure time, and the individual needs healthful recreation and phys- ical exercise beyond the high school. In keeping with these principles we have introduced badminton, volley
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TOWN OF NORWELL
ball, and eventually will have table tennis. There should be provided such activities as tennis and winter sports, particularly skiing. Oftentimes the early creation and fostering of an interest in this type of exercise develops into a lifelong hobby.
CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT
Through the generosity of the Parent-Teachers' Asso- ciation the school is equipped with a sound projector, and the student body is highly appreciative of this fine gift. A complete schedule of educational films is being shown to the various classes. Pictures of unusual importance and within the scope of the entire school are shown in assembly.
Visual education material, pamphlets, circulars, pic- tures, etc., are made available to all classes through 'a catalogued index of free material from nearly every sec- tion of the world.
Recognizing that the pupil attends cinemas and plays, reads periodicals and newspapers, and listens to the radio and musical programs, there should be a definite provi- sion for appreciation of these types of leisure recreation. What the individual reads and hears in no small measure molds his outlook on the institutions involved. There should be guidance in the appreciation of the finer type of modern cultural program through a school course.
Students preparing for education beyond the high school need guidance in and access to information con- cerning the offerings of the institutions of higher learn- ing. Also, they should be informed as to the nature of the various professions. Pupils who do not plan to go beyond the high school should have knowledge of the occupational groups that are generally open to them. A course in occupations and professions would to some degree alleviate the blind groping for direction after graduation.
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EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Contained in some of the previous sections are sugges- tions with explanations. These pertain to the depart- ment involved in the report. However, there are two phrases of a well rounded school for which there are no provisions. These, a school band and manual arts course, are paramount to maintaining an integrated school that recognizes expression in the "Universal Language" through instruments, and makes allowances for those who have been endowed with more manual capacity than intellectual.
"In these miraculous times of reproduction, of 'talkies,' and of 'radio,' 'Know Thy Music' has become a necessity for the more abundant life, that now is." An even greater contribution to the appreciation of music and the "abun- · dant life" is provision for expression through a band or orchestra, or both. A band and orchestra are eminently needed in Norwell to :
(a) Provide the instrumental instruction to pupils that is not available in the town.
(b) To integrate and round out our school activi- ties.
(c) To develop the cultural as well as the academic in youth.
(d) To enhance assembly and public performances.
These are but a few of the advantages accruing from such organizations. We anxiously look forward to these for our school in the future.
Obviously there are those who inherit more manual than intellectual adeptness. The school curriculum, in â general way, provides for such pupils through a general course and electives. More adequate attention could be
110
TOWN OF NORWELL
given in a manual arts course. A small high school with such a department would not turn out craftsmen or tradesmen. It could, on the other hand, give a training in the knowledge and use of the fundamental tools. Such a manual arts course is highly desirable. It would develop the manual skill of those who are now denied this train- ing.
In closing this report may I state that to be consistent, a modern building should have a modern program in har- mony with capacities and interests of the community.
May I express appreciation to the faculty for their fine cooperation and the School Board for their help.
I wish to thank you, the superintendent, for your co- operation and kind assistance during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON O. THAYER, Principal.
111
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
To the School Committee of the Town of Norwell :
This is my final report to you as Superintendent of the Schools of Norwell. There is considerable temptation, in a final report, to look back and point with pride to the accomplishments of the past several years. I prefer, however, to look ahead and to try to foresee what the future will bring. Looking ahead is particularly pleasing when I know that I will not be here to explain why my predictions are wrong. These predictions are based on considerable critical analysis of the situation in Norwell and will, I believe, deserve careful scrutiny.
In the first place, Norwell is a growing community. The past year has seen many new families move into town. It has also seen many new houses built for family dwellings. This increase in population is probably the beginning of an upward trend which will last for quite a few years.
In the second place, the type of education offered in the High School must be supplemented and changed in the not far distant future. The need for hand training is more and more pressing. Pupils in Norwell who are not going to college need the type of work which can be given here.
The program of physical education needs to be in- creased considerably. All children in the High School should have at least two periods per week of directed activity in the gymnasium. It is only through adequate training that we can insure healthy children in the com- munity.
112
TOWN OF NORWELL
The revision of the program of education at the High School must include provision for the teaching of instru- mental music, for a school orchestra, for a school band, and for classes in music appreciation for those who cannot learn to perform, but can learn to enjoy the per- formance of others.
The pupils who are in the junior and senior years take no mathematics, unless by their own election. These are nearly ready to leave school. It is desirable for them to take a course in mathematics before graduation so that this necessary tool will be readily usable.
The team games of basketball, baseball, soccer, field hockey, and possibly football should be part of the pro- gram of competitive athletics for the High School students. These games, however, are valueless after leaving school. They should be supplemented by a thor- ough grounding in games such as tennis, handball, golf, archery, and the like, which can be carried on through adulthood with lasting value to the individual.
The third problem is not peculiar to Norwell, but is common to nearly every community. This problem is that of adequate financial support for education. The need for more funds becomes more pressing as the en- rollment increases. It becomes yearly more evident with the passing of good teachers to other school systems because of increases in pay to be received there. These changes have been most common in the primary grades, where continuity in the teaching force is of unusual im- portance. Teachers who have outstanding ability to teach little children should be paid as much, if not more, money than teachers who have positions in the high school grades. If the same salary were paid to teachers of the same amount of training, irrespective of the grade or subject taught, a more stable teaching force would result.
113
EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
The need for books and equipment is always a pressing one. The schools of Norwell have been equipped as well as most schools in similar towns, but the need still exists for textbooks and equipment which are not and never have been in the schools. The following list has been prepared as a sample of material which should be sup- plied, which many schools have, and yet which has never been supplied in Norwell because of lack of funds. Center Primary School and Ridge Hill School :
A text on safety. Pictures for art appreciation lessons.
Music appreciation records. A radio with phonograph attachment. An adequate room library.
Grades 2 and 3:
Texts on safety. Pictures for art appreciation lessons. Music appreciation records.
Radio with electric phonograph attachment.
Equipment for the building as a whole :
A Baloptican or other similar projector. A portable typewriter with Primer size type. A screen for projected pictures.
Science equipment for the simple experiments in the science course.
High and Grammar School :
Texts on safety in Grades 4-8. Text on automobile driving in Grades 9-12. Baloptican, or similar projector.
Floor plugs in each classroom. Light proof shades in at least three classrooms. Adequate room libraries. Adequate library in the study hall. Maps for history classes.
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Pictures for art appreciation lessons.
Science equipment for the simple experiments in Grades 4-6.
Textbook on science in Grade 6.
Projecting microscope.
Science equipment for the High School too numerous to list.
Equipment for the team sports of field hockey, football.
Reference material in every field.
Current magazines available in each classroom.
Current newspapers available in each classroom.
The above list does not include anything which is not already a part of the standard equipment of all large schools. If Norwell is to approximate the education given in these places, the teachers must not be handicapped by the lack of equipment which is needed in the classroom. This can be provided only when more funds are available.
CLERICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT
The union in which Norwell is placed is the only school system in the State with the number of pupils and teachers which there are here, in which the superin- tendent is not provided with a full time clerk.
Purchase records, supply inventories, textbook inven- tories, and the like, are very inadequately kept because of the pressure of more important duties in the schools.
Correspondence is very large. There is an average of ten letters a day which must be answered. This again means time spent which should be devoted to supervision of the teacher at work.
If Norwell wishes to have its school business handled in a businesslike manner, it must take steps to insure the presence of the staff which any business office considers
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EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
necessary. I know of no business which spends a total of $135,000.00, which has a staff of 72 employees, which has a plant valued at above $500,000.00 and which has equipment valued at about $50,000.00 which does not pro- vide at least one clerk for the manager. The Superin- tendent of Schools occupies this same position, and the need for clerical assistance to him is equally as great.
The children in Norwell are the victims of an anti- quated system of taxation which places too much of the burden of the support of public education on the real estate. There is a crying need for the shifting of part of this burden so that it will be more evenly distributed and will not fall on the shoulders of the few landowners. This has already been done in many states, but Massa- chusetts has been hesitant in changing from her tradi- tional procedure. Until this is done, it is probable that no more money will be available for the support of schools in Norwell than has been available in the past. The citi- zens have been liberal to the extent of their ability. No one can expect them to do more.
A SUMMARY OF THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
1. That a revision of the course of study in the High School be made gradually so that it will be possible to :
(a) Teach hand work to boys.
(b). Have an adequate program of physical educa- tion.
(c) Provide for more courses in music.
(d) Teach mathematics to students who are about to leave school.
(e) Teach more games which can be played by two persons.
2. That an overhauling of the basis for the support of public education is necessary so that funds will be available for :
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TOWN OF NORWELL
(a) Paying adequate salaries to all teachers.
(b) Paying teachers in the elementary and sec- ondary schools on the same scale.
(c) Purchasing needed books and equipment.
(d) Providing clerical assistance to the superin- tendent.
My six and one half years of service in Norwell have been very pleasant ones. The School Committee has been very fine in its attitude toward the problems of the schools and toward its employees. The parents and teachers and pupils have cooperated for the best interests of all. It is with considerable personal regret that I give up the con- nections which have come to mean so much to me as your Superintendent of Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLARD B. SPALDING, Superintendent of Schools
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EIGHTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Taxpayers of Norwell :
The calendar year 1938 witnessed many important events in the school life of Norwell. First of all, we spent our first full year in the new building, submitting it to every test. of usability. It is a source of satisfaction to report that, despite its size, it is not an expensive building to operate. The total cost of heating and lighting for all purposes for the year was a little under $1700. The addi- tion of storage space for supplies beneath the administra- tive offices has increased its efficiency to a marked de- gree.
One economy practiced at the time the building was built seems now to have been false. Gutters were omit- ted in its construction, which at the time seemed feasible. This past summer, during a very heavy rainfall, the water shed by the back roof flooded the boiler room, to a depth sufficient to damage the equipment. The services of several men with the pumper from the Fire Depart- ment was necessary to keep the water under control. This year does not seem to be the time to spend the amount necessary to correct this omission, but it must be borne in mind for the near future.
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