USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1950-1959 > Part 105
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Permission was granted to the Board of Health and/or the Visiting Nurse Association to conduct clinics in the several school buildings provided a letter be forthcoming "absolving the School Department of any and all responsibilities attendant thereon" and that a letter be sent to the Committee informing it of any changes made in personnel involved in these clinics. The School Committee hereby publicly acknowledges the services rendered by the Nursing Association to be a great asset to the schools.
To stabilize salaries throughout the system, salary schedules for teachers, school secretaries, custodians and coaches have been established. This should give a sense of security to our employees and may result in smaller turnover at the end of the year.
It is with deep regret that we report the death of our High School English teacher, Enid Taylor. She served the school and its pupils well and faithfully and will be long remembered and appreciated by all with whom she came in contact.
The most pressing problem confronting the schools at this time is proper housing. The School Committee urge the towns- people to support any plans advanced for a building which will at once adequately provide room for the present and future enroll- ment and the educational program established by the School Committee.
Soliciting your further support, we remain,
NORWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE ERNEST W. HASKINS, JR., Chairman NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary GUNVOR N. ARMSTRONG WILLIAM G. VINAL GEORGE H. WHITCHER, Jr.
153
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
NORWELL SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
School Committee
ERNEST W. HASKINS, JR., Chairman, 1961
NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary, 1962 PROFESSOR WILLIAM G. VINAL, 1962 GEORGE H. WHITCHER, JR., 1960 GUNVOR N. ARMSTRONG, 1960
Superintendent of Schools CLIFTON E. BRADLEY Office: Salmond School, Hanover, Tel. TA 6-2433 Residence: 339 Center St., Hanover Center, Tel. TA 6-2353
Assistant Superintendent of Schools FREDERICK A. SMALL
Principals
FREDERICK A. SMALL High School
ELLA F. OSBORN Norwell Elementary School
WILLIAM W. HAYS Grace Farrar Cole School
Supervisors
THEODORE HEWITT, Music ELISABETH HEWITT, Music MADELEINE GULLIVER, Art RINEHART SYSTEM OF WRITING
School Physician RAYMOND G. VINAL, M.D.
School Dentists DONALD C. MacLEOD, D.M.D. BLAKE LOMBARD, D.M.D. MRS. JANET GOULD, Hygienist
School Nurse
CATHERINE A. ROE
154
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Secretaries
MRS. ORVILLE DEVINE
High School
MRS. ROBERT L. LITCHFIELD
MRS. EARL BEAUREGARD
Norwell Elementary School Grace Farrar Cole School
Janitors
ROBERT PIKE
HAROLD YOUNG
High School High School
GORDON LAMBERT
Norwell Elementary School
EMIL ROSENBERG
Norwell Elementary School
GEORGE ALEXANDER
Grace Farrar Cole School
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULATIONS
Beginning September, 1959, a child to enter Grade I must have been 5 years old before the previous January 1.
No child under 7 years of age will be admitted to school for the first time after October 1 of any year.
A child entering school for the first time is required to pre- sent to the teacher a birth certificate and vaccination, or exemp- tion from vaccination, certificate. Exemptions must be renewed every 6 months.
SIGNAL FOR NO SESSIONS OF SCHOOLS
Signal 7:00 A.M. on the Fire Whistle (one long whistle) .
"No School" signals will be broadcast from WBZ, WBET, WORL, and WEEI between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M.
Schools will close in extremely bad weather, but each parent must decide, depending on the conditions of distance, amount of waiting for the bus, protective clothing, etc., whether or not to send children in stormy weather when schools are in session.
WORK CERTIFICATES
Work certificates are necessary only for those children under 18 years of age, and are issued at the offices of the Superintendent of Schools and the High School. When possible, the school office should be used. A birth certificate or other legal proof of age is required to be shown.
Work certificates of those children 14-16 years of age for employment out of school hours are secured at the schools only, or during the summer, from the office of the Superintendent of Schools.
155
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 1960
Jan. 4, 1960
Schools open
Vacation
Schools open
Vacation
April 25 May 30 June 24 Sept. 6, 7
Schools open
Memorial Day
Schools close
Teacher meetings - registration
Sept. 8 Oct. 12
Schools open
Nov. 11
Columbus Day Veterans Day
Nov. 23-noon, 24, 25 Dec. 23-noon
Thanksgiving Recess
Schools close for Christmas holidays
Jan. 3, 1961 (Tues.)
Schools open
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
This is my seventeenth annual report to the Norwell School Committee and citizens of Norwell. Although this report is one of progress, the look ahead would indicate that this might well be a critical year in the development of our school system.
After four building projects since 1950 two Committees have failed to come up with a solution to its next building problem, the building of a new high school building. Hundreds of man hours have already been spent in study and discussion and many more will have to be expended before a building worthy of the town can be built. Once completed, it will probably stand for from 50 or 70 years to either expedite or hinder the education of the youth of this town.
Meanwhile we have been trying to improve education as it is known today. We have added a full time guidance counsellor to our staff. We are making use of educational television, which is to supplement, not replace the class room teacher. We are experimenting with conversational French, received over the television, in our elementary grades. We are trying various group- ings of children to see whether some should move along more quickly than others. We are doing a great deal more testing using nationally recognized tests, better to understand our pupils. The science fair has stimulated real scholarship and individual study, and our leaders in our home exhibit have gone on to compete favorably on a State level. All things point to a greater interest in education.
Feb. 21-28 Feb. 29 April 15-23
156
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Some federal money has been made available to expedite the program listed above. So far we have participated in the funds to improve science, and soon a claim will be made on the increased guidance and testing.
A school truck, used mainly for rubbish removal, came to the School Dept. through the U. S. Surplus Property at an initial cost of $34.00. During the summer a metal garage was constructed to house both this truck and the gasoline-powered mower, which had been declared a fire hazard when stored within the school building proper. Funds for the garage were from the Public Law (Federal) 874 money.
Norwell continues to make use of the Old Colony Mental Health program. Representatives are in the school each month to talk with principals and teachers concerning children whose actions are atypical. Behaviour problems are discussed. A Clinic service becomes available to the parents and children, should the parents request it.
· Several children whose progress indicated a need for indi- vidualized instruction have been recommended for Special Class work which is available in Hingham and Hanson. Classes are kept small and work at the grade level where success can be obtained.
Norwell is part of a six town group which is seeking to con- struct a regional vocational school, on a central site, possibly in Hanover. Legislation is being sought to make this a possibility. To have such a school nearby would make it possible to transfer more of the boys whose manual skills are better than their way with books.
Vocational or Agricultural Schools in any town are open to Norwell students when there is room and tuition and transpor- tation becomes the responsibility of the town. The State's share of the program is 50% of these two costs.
Practical Arts are available to Norwell residents in any town, when they have not had the course previously, and when it is not offered locally, when the permission slip is signed by the Superintendent of Schools.
Likewise men and women may attend evening Vocational School courses in any school of the State - for apprenticeship training - when approved by the Superintendent.
There are 61 on the faculty this year, of which 17 are men. This is a healthy situation. The total enrollment is up to 1149
157
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
on October 1, but this figure would have been greater, except that we had fewer enter the first grade after we changed the en- tering age to 5 before January 1 in the year that the child enters. In September 1960 a full year's complement of children will be entering and we will need six first grades to care for them. At the high school every available facility will be pressed into service.
In order to accommodate all the children within the present three buildings in September it will be necessary to combine the present six second grades into five third grades, and also to com- bine the present five third grades into four fourth grades.
This is the only way to avoid double sessions in September 1960, but no further doubling up will be possible in September 1961, and double sessions will be necessary in certain grades.
Those attending private or parochial schools total approxi- mately 42 this year, which is 3.5% of our total school age chil- dren.
Education of youth is a very complicated process, and there are many factors which contribute to a good educational sys- tem. Most people recognize that probably the most important element is a well qualified sympathetic teacher properly equip- ped with the materials she needs. Each year we place major emphasis on securing well-trained teachers of the finest charac- ter.
We note with regret the passing of Mrs. Enid Taylor who taught so thoroughly in our schools for the past 10 years. As a tribute a fund has been set up, which will be used to buy books, so that her memory will live on at Norwell High for many years to come.
The School Administration and the School Committee are continuously at work seeking to better the schools of Norwell, but they need the whole-hearted support of all citizens to ac- complish their task. The efforts of the P-T-A and other organ- izations which have contributed to these efforts are appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON E. BRADLEY,
Supt. of Schools.
158
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley
Superintendent of Schools
Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Bradley:
I submit herewith the annual report of the Principal of the Norwell Junior-Senior High School.
The year 1959 was one during which teachers and adminis- trators carefully considered the essentials of sound education with the purpose of strengthening the total offerings of an aca- demic nature.
A constant guide to such review and revision was the Conant Report, "The American High School Today." The Report makes twenty-one recommendations which, by Dr. Conant's statement, "outline the important characteristics of a satisfactory high school."
At this year end may we briefly examine the principles and procedures at our high school in terms of the Conant recom- mendation?
Recommendation 1: An adequate counseling system with one full-time counselor (or guidance officer) for every two hun- dred fifty to three hundred pupils.
Norwell High School: Mr. Hugh W. Chandler, newly-elected, full-time guidance director; testing counseling, and guiding vo- cationally and educationally. Guidance available for both junior and senior high school pupils with concentration in grades nine through twelve (two hundred forty pupils).
Recommendation 2: Individualized Programs.
Norwell High School: Each pupil considers, with guidance, election of subject matter in terms of his own needs. Many times there is a "crossing of the lines" that once strictly defined a college preparatory course, a commercial course, etc.
Recommendation 3: Required and elective subject matter.
Norwell High School: Meets and surpasses in required and elective subject matter as indicated in listings of offerings noted below under "Program of Studies, 1959-60."
Recommendation 4: Ability grouping.
159
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Norwell High School: Most classes meet in sections accord- ing to interest, needs and ability.
Recommendation 5: Detailed listing of subjects to supple- ment high school diploma.
Norwell High School: A complete transcript of the pupil's record is available to colleges, employers and to the pupil con- cerned upon request.
Recommendation 6: Intensive work in English composition.
Norwell High School: More work in this area is in order - both in written composition and in oral presentation.
Recommendation 7: Vocational education.
Norwell High School: Meets the needs to a certain and con- siderable extent. Local vocational and industrial schools help. A regional vocational high school in the area might improve the situation.
Recommendation 8: Special consideration for the very slow readers.
Norwell High School: Fewer reading problems than former- ly. More facilities for remedial reading at the high-school level are desirable.
Recommendation 9: Program for academically talented.
Norwell High School: Subject matter and class division per- mits the academically talented to proceed at an accelerated rate in the learning process.
Recommendation 10: Highly gifted pupils:
Norwell High School: This, some 3% of any entire pupil pop- ulation, receives consideration here in a program for the aca- demically advanced.
Recommendation 11: The Academic Inventory - Success of Graduates.
Norwell High School: Fifty to seventy per cent of pupils continue education beyond high school. The guidance depart- ment assists others in making satisfactory adjustment in voca- tions, and in the armed services, etc.
Recommendation 12: Organization of school day - at least 6 periods.
160
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Norwell High School: A 7-period academic day. Extra- curricular activities meet after school.
Recommendation 13: A grade of "C" or better essential to enrollment in advanced classes in given subject matter.
Norwell High School: A "C" grade is our lowest passing grade and is, therefore, essential to continuing in advanced classes.
Recommendation 14: Students should not be given a rank in class (as first, second, top quarter, etc.).
Norwell High School: Rank in class indicated only when colleges or employers request.
Recommendation 15: Academic honors list by subject mat- ter.
Norwell High School: Academic honors generally consid- ered on the basis of all subjects, with no attempt to distinguish between college preparatory, commercial or vocational subjects.
Recommendation 16: Developmental reading program.
Norwell High School: No program as such, aside from that which is included in instruction in English.
Recommendation 17: Summer school.
Norwell High School: No public summer school available. Area private schools partially meet the need.
Recommendation 18: Foreign languages. A four-year se- quence of one language desirable.
Norwell High School: A four-year sequence in French and German, three years of Latin offered.
Recommendation 19: Science courses. Two ability level offerings in both chemistry and physics recommended.
Norwell High School: Needs of all pupils now met in single chemistry and physics classes. As pupil population grows class divisions may be desirable.
Recommendation 20: Homerooms - a significant social unit.
Norwell High School: The size and nature of our high school permits a very adequate functioning of the homeroom as a unit in the social and educational sense.
Recommendation 21: Twelfth grade social studies - a course in American government required.
Norwell High School: Problems of American Democracy is offered as an elective. A large per cent of all seniors are enrolled in the course.
The Norwell High School faculty and administration offer the following statement of educational philosophy:
161
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
It is the purpose of Norwell High School to provide a sound and adequate education for all students, recognizing that abili- ties and needs vary with the individuals concerned and that a democratic society is best served by urging each student to de- velop to the maximum in terms of his potential. Guided growth in the development of mind, body, and total personality is the function of public education, to the end that no young person will lack the attitudes and skills essential to satisfactory living.
NORWELL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES 1959 - 1960
CATEGORY "A" COLLEGE PREPARATORY LIBERAL ARTS
IX
X
XI
XII
English
5 English
5 English
5 English
5
Algebra I
Geometry
5 Algebra II
5 Trig. & Solid
5
Gen. Science
5
Biology 5 Chemistry
6 Adv. Math
5
Latin I
5 Latin I
5 French II
5 Physics
6
German I
5 French I 5 Latin III
5 French III
5
*French I
*German II 1German III
§French IV
Civics
5 Latin II 5
#French III Latin II
5 Latin III 5
World Hist. 5
U.S. History
5 Prob. of Dem. 5
Type (Pers.) 11/2
Econ. Geog.
5 Psychology
5
Phys. Ed.
Driver Ed. 1 Driver Ed. 1
1/2 or 1
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
CATEGORY "B" COLLEGE AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL PREPARATORY GENERAL EDUCATION
IX
X
XI
XII
English
5 English
5 English
5 English 5
Algebra I
5 Geometry 5 Algebra II
5 Cons. Math
5
Gen. Math
5 Bookkeeping 5
Chemistry
6 Physics
6
Intro. Bus.
5 Biology
5
French II
5 French III
5
Gen. Science
5 French I
5
#French III
Prob. of Dem. 5
*French I
+French II
U. S. Hist.
5 Psychology
5
Civics
5 World Hist. 5 Econ. Geog.
5 Adv. Foods
3
Adv. Foods
3 Type (Pers.) 11/2 Adv. Foods
3 Adv. Cloth.
5
Adv. Cloth.
5 Adv. Foods 3 Adv. Cloth.
Home Mgmt.
5 Ind. Arts
#
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
Ind. Arts #
Ind. Arts
#
Driver Ed. 1
Phys. Ed.
Driver Ed. 1 Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
1/2 or 1 Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
5 Home Mgmt. 5
Ind. Arts
#
Adv. Cloth. 5
#German IV
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1 1French II
162
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
CATEGORY "C" BUSINESS SCHOOL VOCATIONAL PREPARATORY X
IX
XI
XII
English
5 English
5 English 5 English 5
Gen. Math
5 Bookkeeping
5 *Bookkeep. II
5 Cons. Math *Bookkeeping II
Intro. Bus.
5 Typing I
21/2 Typing II 21/2
Shorthand I 5 Typing III
21/2
Civics
5 World Hist.
5
U. S. Hist. 5 Shorthand II 5
Adv. Foods
3
Adv. Foods
3
Econ. Geog. 5
Office Prac. 3
Adv. Cloth.
5
Adv. Cloth.
5
Adv. Foods 3
Prob. of Dem.
5
Home Mgmt. 5
Psychology 5
Ind. Arts #
Adv. Foods 3
Driver Ed. 1
Adv. Cloth. 5
Phys. Ed.
Home Mgmt. 5
1/2 or 1
Ind. Arts
#
Driver Ed. 1
Phys. Ed.
1/2 or 1
*Begin Sept. 1960
+Begin Sept. 1961
Begin Sept. 1962
§Begin Sept. 1963
#3 or 5 credits as assigned
The death of Mrs. Enid Taylor was a loss to our staff most keenly felt. For many years the faculty and student body looked upon her as the master teacher and as a counselor and friend.
The high school principal appreciates the very considerable and constant assistance and cooperation available from the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, staff members and the citizens of Norwell.
Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK A. SMALL, Principal.
Ind. Arts
# Ind. Arts
#
Adv. Cloth. 5
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
Phys. Ed. 1/2 or 1
Gen. Science
5 Biology 5
163
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
December 17, 1959
Mr. C. E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Bradley:
I am pleased to report to you on the performance and ac- complishments of the Grace Farrar Cole School over the past year.
As of December 17, our total enrollment is 295 pupils dis- persed as follows among five grade levels and twelve classrooms:
Gr. 1
Gr. 2
69 72 Gr. 3 63 Gr. 4 53 Gr. 5 38 295
Total
We concluded the school year 1958-59 on June 19, with an enrollment of 283 pupils. Since this time our total enrollment has been increased by twelve pupils. Although there will be a large increase in the number of first grade pupils entering in September of 1960, our present facilities will be sufficient to carry the enrollment for the 1960-61 school year.
The following teachers are new to the Norwell school system, having started in September of this year:
Mrs. Jennie Meyers
Grade 1
Mrs. Mary Louise Borges
Grade 2
Miss Susan Collins Grade 2
Miss Marie Sheahan
Grade 2
Mrs. Petra M. Morrow
Grade 5
Following a decision of the School Committee last January, whereby the Norwell school system would take part in educa- tional television, our reference library was converted to a com- bined reference and T.V. room. At an assigned time each class- room uses this room and the medium of television as an educa- tional aid in a specific area of its curriculum. The use of televi- sion has proved most satisfactory as an aid to the teacher. One of the necessary factors in any learning situation is enthusiasm or motivation. The medium of television generates a great deal of enthusiasm which the teacher utilizes in the extension of the lesson. Since September of this year the children of grade four have been taking part in "Parlons Francais," a conversational French program.
Orientation week for first graders entering in September of this school year was held during the week of May 11. This has been most valuable both to pupils entering and also to their teachers and will, therefore, become a yearly procedure.
164
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
A book fair was held during the week of November 9, in con- junction with National Education Week and open house. The E. M. Hale Co. displayed over 500 books and the opportunity was given parents at open house to look these over and purchase at school prices those which they would like to have for their children.
Last June, the P.T.A. sponsored a field day for all the chil- dren. Pupils participated in a bicycle and a carriage parade and were judged for originality and decoration by Mrs. Ella Osborn, Principal of Norwell Elementary School, and by "Cap'n Bill" Vinal, member of the school committee and known to most in Norwell.
On December 10, the first program meeting of Cole School P.T.A. for the 1959-60 school year was held. The policy of the school with regard to pupil grouping, testing, and the remedial program was discussed by the writer followed by a demonstra- tion lesson in phonics taught by Mrs. Grace Alvey, our remedial teacher.
It is and will continue to be the objective of our faculty to do as much as is possible toward the development of each and every individual under our tutelage. We are grateful to all who, through their cooperation, are helping us to realize our objec- tive.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM W. HAYS, Principal,
Grace Farrar Cole School
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley
Superintendent of Schools
Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Bradley:
Herewith is the annual report of the Norwell Elementary School, Main Street.
In September we started with an enrollment of 419 pupils, which is slightly above our membership of last year. The change of the date of the first grade entrance was a factor in keeping our enrollment down. The present enrollment is:
Grade I
61 II III
IV
V VI
Total
66
63
56
67 109 422
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Our school hours are continuing on the same basis as last year, the sixth grades being on high school schedule. This situa- tion does not help in making the best school conditions. Working in two units oftentimes makes it difficult in carrying out our schedule to the best advantage.
We were very sorry to have Mrs. Drury leave us last June. She had taught in Norwell for fifteen years. We also miss Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Bickford and Mrs. Nelson who left at the end of the last school year. Our new teachers are: Mrs. Pyne, Grade 1, Miss Eldridge, Grade 3, Mrs. Case, Grade 4, Mr. Kaetzer, Grade 6, and Mr. Wooster, Grade 6.
A tape recorder and record player have been added to our collection of audio-visual equipment. These were earned by the pupils through their two money making projects, selling seeds and the revenue from pictures.
Our physical education program is now somewhat more complete than it has been since we had to divide the teachers' time with the Cole School. Norwell Elementary has a new teach- er, Mrs. Marion Scheller, two days a week for Grades 1, 2 and 3 and all the girls in Grades 4, 5 and 6. Mr. Dixon still has the boys in grades 4, 5 and 6 one day a week.
Last May we enjoyed our first Field Day under the super- vision of the physical education teachers. The pupils took part in games and stunts.
Fitness tests were given to all children and we are display- ing a certificate given by the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation for active participation in the National Youth Fitness Project.
We had our achievement tests in academic studies in May and found that we still rank high. Intelligence tests were given to Grade 1 during January. Other testing was done as needed.
Our school is represented by 268 families. During Educa- tion Week. while having open house, we had 64% of these fami- lies visit with us.
During Mav we had our first Project Night in Grades V and VI. Much study and research work was done by pupils with ex- cellent results. Three prizes were awarded each class and one prize for the best from all classes. The proiects were judged on the subject chosen, knowledge of subject and neatness.
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