Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960, Part 11

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 1222

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An improved band and baton twirler group.

Physical education program under Mr. Hazel, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Andronikos, and Miss Butler.

Conclusion

I wish to thank the School Committee, both individually and as a unit, for their cooperation throughout the past year. To the school personnel, parents, and pupils, I am grateful for their loyalty to the school and to myself.

LAWRENCE R. McGOWAN

Principal

159

REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF NORTH STREET SCHOOL

A report for 1955 is rather difficult to write, involving as it does responsibilities as principal of North Street, Foster, and Ella Flem- ings Schools and as Acting Superintendent of Schools during por- tions of two school years.

As in recent years the most important factor has been the con- stantly increasing pupil population. The pupil load has influenced all our activities. The most far-reaching effect was the necessity for very large classes. Our first and second grades were twice as large as the recommended maximum. In crowded classrooms it is not possible to do justice to all children. Those who are somewhat im- mature or slow-learning lose out. The teacher just cannot find the time to give to these children the extra help which would enable them to succeed. The children who have been in overcrowded class- rooms in the primary grades will find greater difficulty in making normal progress through the grades.

The two-shift day has been in effect since September. With all its inconveniences, the two-shift or half-day session has resulted in smaller class sizes. Though classes are still above recommended levels, there is a noticeable difference in the amount and quality of work being carried on. Of course the full effect of reduced class size cannot be realized during the shortened school day.

The increased use of teaching aids is evident in the instructional program. The film strip library is very adequate and with some additions and replacements annually can compare favorably with that in most towns. Our record collection is not as well developed. The instructional records used with the basal music books are in constant use. There is a need for adding records for music appre- ciation and teaching the history of music. Some equipment should be provided to make the program more effective. A student quality microscope would make possible some much needed study in health and science.

It is always a matter of pride to publicly acknowledge the efforts of the staff of North Street School for the unstinting expen- diture of time and energy in providing for the children of Tewks- bury the best education possible under the circumstances. The sharing of classrooms, books, and desks can be very difficult. Pupils, teachers, and custodians have worked cooperatively to overcome the drawbacks of the two-shift day. There is great evi- dence in practice of the teachings of consideration and fairplay.

EVERETT G. THISTLE

160

REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF SHAWSHEEN SCHOOL

The objectives of the Shawsheen School teachers are the same from year to year, namely, to provide a safe environment in which children can learn and play, and to give each child the best pos- sible education within the limits of the school resources and his own abilities.

This statement is so broad and encompasses so many activities that rather than attempt to cover it completely in this report, it is hoped that a brief summary will suffice.

From the time each child arrives at school, until he leaves for home, he is supervised by one or more teachers. Because of the additions to the Shawsheen School teaching staff, it is now possible to provide more extensive supervision in the playground, corridors toilets and cafeteria.

On the busses there are no longer student monitors. The chil- dren are under the direct supervision and control of the bus driver who reports instances of misbehavior on the busses to the principal for proper disciplinary action.

Both teachers and children have been adequately prepared through numerous fire drills in all kinds of weather for any pos- sible emergency arising from fire.

Immediate attention is given by the nurse or teachers to any injury suffered by the children on the school grounds, no matter how slight.

The teachers will constantly strive to maintain this high level of supervision.

The Shawsheen School is fortunate in having teachers whose education, experience and devotion to their profession enable- them to give their pupils a well-rounded educational program in all grades.

While every subject is considered important, special emphasis is given to the teaching of reading. Children who have reading difficulties are given extra help by two special reading teachers.

Audio-visual aids, such as the film-strip projector, tape re-

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corder and phonographs to supplement daily teaching-learning activities are being put to effective use on all grade levels.

This year we are endeavoring to establish a closer home-school relationship by encouraging parents to visit their children's teachers on any day of the school year. There is no substitute for a private conference between teachers and parents, whether to discuss a child's progress in school or a specific problem which may exist.

It is hoped that at some time a program will be developed whereby teachers will have the opportunity to visit the homes of their pupils. This is a goal for which we can all aim, keeping in mind that when the home and school work together harmoniously, it is the child who benefits.

HAROLD HERSHFIELD Principal

162

REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF FOSTER SCHOOL

The Foster School, retired in 1952 only to be re-activated on a temporary basis in 1953 at which time 140 pupils were served, has lengthened its day by means of half-sessions so that it is now housing the educational program of 394 pupils. It has been neces- sary for this school to gradually assume the responsibility of pro- viding the educational program for all grade seven and grade eight pupils of this community, and because of this the reorganization to a junior high school plan has been undertaken. The departmentali- zation of subjects, initiated last year has been extended to further increase the advantages of subject rooms by allowing pupils to pass from room to room for their various classes. The transition was made gradually with little confusion resulting.

A handbook for teachers and a handbook for custodians have been compiled and put to use. These handbooks have proven valu- able especially to the orientation of personnel newly assigned to this building, as an aid to substitutes, and as a reference for all personnel in questions of general or specific policies, practices, or procedures to be followed.

Because of the half-session schedule, it was found necessary to reserve one classroom as a preparation and work room for teachers. It became evident that the classroom space could be utilized fur- ther during certain periods of the day. Therefore, arrangements were made to use this space for various activities including the use as an audio-visual aids room. As the organization of the school library progressed, this important facet of the overall school program was moved from a cloak room area to this "multi-purpose" classroom.

A cloakroom was converted without expense to a school office unit located conveniently in the area of the main entrance. A part of a second cloak room area has been utilized to serve as a clinic room and has been found to be more suitable than the area in the basement previously used for this purpose.

A number of clubs have been organized to help encourage and guide the special interests of pupils. These clubs include Band, Glee Club, Newspaper, Photography, Model and Woodworking, Dramatics, Crafts, Sewing, Science, and Dancing. Each teacher has unselfishly given of time and effort in the supervision and direction of a club.

As a matter of policy, the pupils of this school have received

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instruction and practice in the safe evacuation of the building in the event of fire. The efficiency of the drills was and is such that the building may be cleared within one minute without obstacles and well within two minutes with obstacles.

A true test of the efficiency of the evacuation of this building came about as a result of the fire which did extensive damage to the boiler room, bulkhead, and adjoining area. Fortunately there was no physical injury to any person. The pupils, faculty and staff of this school carried out their responsibilities in a commendable manner. A debt of gratitude is owed to the Fire Department which saved the building and to the school staff members who assisted until Chief Obdens took command of the situation. As a result of the immediate steps taken by Dr. Thistle in arranging for repairs and reconstruction of the damaged area, little school time was lost and classes were resumed within one and one-half school days.

Certain disadvantages of the half-session school day have been felt by all persons associated in any way with the functions of school. The ever increasing enrollment and its overtasking of the available facilities and materials has presented a challenge to all those concerned with the educational process. The degree to which the disadvantages faced can be overcome, however, is directly pro- portional to the personal sacrifices teachers, pupils, and parents are willing and able to make. The program of studies for the pupils of grades seven and eight is limited in certain areas by the facilities available. Thus, manual training and home economics which were added to the grade eight curriculum in 1952 have been dropped since grade eight could no longer be housed in the High School.

The program offered at Foster is providing a course of study designed to meet the basic educational needs of its pupils, a suitable transitional stage between the elementary school level and the high school level, experiences and activities of an exploratory nature which are desirable at the junior-high school level, and experiences and responsibilities which lead toward social and emotional growth of the child.

FRANCIS G. CIARFELLA Principal

164

REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS INSTRUCTOR

As Household Arts Instructor of the Town of Tewksbury I am pleased to submit my first annual report.

The purpose of the home economics course is to offer practical information useful in everyday life and to prepare pupils for their roles as homemakers. This program includes the following: food preparation, meal planning, nutrition; clothing selection, care, and construction; child care and development; good grooming and per- sonality development; family life; and home management.

In addition to their class work the students are required to do home projects. These home projects put into practical use things that are learned in school.

A course in Consumer Education is offered to students in either their sophomore, junior, or senior year. This course is designed to help them become more efficient consumers.

The home economics room is attractive and well equipped.

I wish to express my thanks to all those who help make this home-making program possible.

JEANNETTE BRATTIN Household Arts Instructor :

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REPORT OF ELEMENTARY VOCAL SUPERVISOR

The ultimate aim of Music Education is to cause children to know, to love, and to understand music in as many forms as possible and thus to bring added joy, culture and refinement into their lives.

In order that this aim be achieved, it is necessary that a definite program be arranged which may be used as a guide by both super- visors and teachers.

Such a "Music Curriculum Guide" is being developed by the vocal music supervisors which, when completed and approved, will be presented to each teacher.

This guide consists of Five Main Experience Areas which in- crease in scope and complexity through the grades.

1. Singing

This area is one of the most satisfying mediums of self- expression for the child. The building of a repertory of interest- ing and musically significant songs appropriate to the expanding powers of the child promotes growth and development, skills and understanding.

2. Listening

Musicianship is developed by intelligent listening to vocal and instrumental music. This is achieved by active listening, in a variety of experiences which reveal to the child perception of mood, melody, pulse, rhythm, harmony, form and tone color.

3. Rhythmic Response

These terms when applied to the Primary Grades involve the fundamental movements such as running, walking, skipping, etc., when applied to the Intermediate Grades involve for the most part the folk dances of America and foreign countries.

4. Playing

This area in the Primary Grades applies to the Rhythm Band, while in the Intermediate Grades it involves first Song Flutes and later the use of real instruments. Playing an instrument contri- butes to the development of sensitivity to beauty, of social and emotional control, of motor skill, of music reading, of talent and of technique required in school orchestras and bands.

5. Creating

All musical experiences may be creating either in interpre- tive sense or through original expression. It is the recombining of images and tonal ideas into forms that seem new for the child. A child is creating when he attempts to interpret the meaning of a song or as he plays an instrument.

DOLORES DONNELLY

166

REPORT OF SECONDARY VOCAL and STRING SUPERVISOR

Philosophy of Music Education is based on the thesis that music has an opportunity to do its part toward the development of the child along cultural and intellectual lines so that the child may be helped to experience the fullness of life.

Aims of Music Education are many. Two of importance to us are: first, to obtain an appreciation and love of good music leading · to cultural development, and secondly, to train the child in habits of concentrating and thinking.

Music in the High School

Since I have been appointed, a mixed chorus of 65 has given the annual spring concert which was well received; this group also participated in the graduation exercises.

This fall the music program has expanded to the extent that there is a mixed chorus of 100 meeting twice a week and a girls' glee club of 25 meeting once a week. The girls' glee club performed at the Christmas assembly, while plans for the mixed group center on the spring concert.

Recommendations for next year are the addition of more music classes; if possible, the use of a classroom for the music classes rather than the gym or cafeteria, and the inclusion of a History of Music course in the curriculum. This course would greatly assist any student who has the intention of furthering his education, especially a pupil planning on a teaching career. The course would consist of theory, harmony, and history.

Music at the Foster School

Since January the classes have met separately in their home- rooms rather than having two or three classes at one time in the cafeteria. This has made possible a complete music period consist- ing of all activities recommended by the Music Educators' National Conference, namely; singing, listening, creating, playing, and rhythmic activities.

At this time there are two glee clubs, one in each session. The combined group numbering 60 performed at the P.T.A. December meeting. Plans for these groups center on an Easter program and

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participation in a minstrel or variety show being planned as an all- school function.

First and foremost among the recommendations for the junior high is the procuring of good recordings which are suitable for the students' age level and requirements.

The String Program

In June there were six students studying violin; since November there have been added ten additional pupils. Most of these pupils are in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, with one in the 9th. Because these students are spread throughout the system it has been difficult to plan on a beginning orchestra but plans are to take place either in the eve- ning or on a Saturday morning.

The outlook for the string program is bright because of the ages of the students participating. It is difficult to keep youngsters in- terested in an instrument. Therefore, I believe that the parents should assist as much as possible by seeing to it that the child practices. It is only through practice and hard work that we succeed.

Conclusions

As a whole the music program in this system is improving and will continue to improve, in both the vocal and instrumental fields.

In conjunction with Miss Donnelly, a curriculum guide for music in grades one through eight has begun to be formulated. After this guide has been completed, it will further insure the gradual growth to a successful music program.

Generally speaking, the music program could not succeed with- out the splendid cooperation of all school personnel. It is to these people that I express my thanks.

JOSEPH A. CAMARA

168

REPORT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR

The Instrumental program plays an important part in the school curriculum. It provides an opportunity for children to broaden their scope of education and to further any musical interest, ability or ambition a particular child may have. Participation in this program tends to help a child in many respects. Among these are: coopera- tion with others, coordination of mind and body, development of the imagination and a cultured sense of beauty and taste.

The Senior Band, made up of children from the Foster, North Street, Shawsheen, and High Schools, has appeared at some of the football games and taken part in a Christmas program at the High School. A group of Baton Twirlers from the High School have added color and spirit to the band with their marching and twirling.

This year a demonstration was conducted by the Beacon Musical Instrument Company of Boston. As an outgrowth of this demonstration there has been an increase in the number of instru- mental students. After a period of elementary music training these students will form a Junior Band. This group will serve as a means by which beginning students may gain experience and eventually graduate into the Senior Band.

DANIEL KELLY

169

REPORT OF ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR

Physical Education for elementary school children should not be considered just as a play period or recess to relieve them of the strain of class work, it has a definite aim and purpose. The aim of physical education is to provide facilities, leadership, and op- portunities for participation in physical activities that will help boys and girls do more successfully the things which are useful to them in living. Its purpose is to foster good citizenship through healthy minds and sound bodies. Both of these qualities are stressed during the physical education classes.

An up to date program in physical education that offers the opportunity for each child to participate in a wide variety of physical activities is provided for in each of the six elementary school grades. Adequate equipment and facilities were available at both new schools but due to the double session and the big increase in enrollment, it was not possible to visit with each class more than once during alternate weeks. A flexible program of physical activities under my supervision was also provided for the classes at the Ella Flemings School.

A swimming program was available to all the boys who could not swim and whose ages ranged from nine through fourteen years old. Fifty-eight youngsters took part in this Suburban Learn-to- Swim Campaign which was conducted at the Lowell Y.M.C.A.

The interscholastic program, in which we engage schools from the neighboring towns in various athletic contests, was inaugu- rated in 1953 and was immediately a source of increased interest and of school spirit among the students of the elementary schools. I was deeply encouraged by the fine response thus far of the youngsters. Along with this program I am hoping to expand our intramural program in the very near future.

Increased attendance continues to be the feature of the Sum- mer Recreational Program. The totals of the daily attendances during the past summer months for both playgrounds was over 3200 for this six weeks program. As a result, the activities this year were varied to appeal to all age groups. I was very capably assisted by Mrs. Helen Reardon, who along with supervising the girls activities also taught the arts and crafts classes.

In concluding the years program, several demonstrations were conducted for the P.T.A. at the new schools and all youngsters were exemplary in their performance.

I am very grateful and wish to thank all those (staff, adminis- rators, and School Committee) for the close cooperation that they gave me in order to make my program a success.

NICKLOS ANDRONIKOS

170

REPORT OF GUIDANCE DIRECTOR

In guidance we are primarily concerned with the individual boy or girl. All of our special services are designed to encourage the individual student to make career choices and plans that are conso- nant with his aptitudes, interests, and abilities. Our services are designed also to help every student achieve the maximum educa- tional and social value from his school life in order that he may become a valuable contributor to the progress of our society.

This year, for example, through the combined efforts of our guidance service and Northeastern University, we have scheduled six Occupational Career programs, covering many vocations. Each program has several speakers. Students may freely elect to attend any of these conferences and are presented with up-to-date, accu- rate information from very competent men and women representa- tives of a particular career.

During the activity period, every day except Wednesday, groups of freshman students who are interested in a particular field of work meet in the guidance office for an informal question-and- answer type discussion of the opportunities, training requirements, aptitudes, rewards, and other important aspects of the career in which they are interested. We plan to extend this group activity to the sophomore class.

Most of our testing, with standard testing instruments, is done in a group situation. This testing is done, of course, to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the individual when compared to the average performance of a large number of students from various school systems, equated according to chronological age, grade place- ment, and general ability.

The above group activities might all be categorized as informa- tional services. In the individual counseling interview with every student, all this information obtained from test instruments, over a period of years in most cases, and the information obtained by the students from group guidance meetings and career conferences is used to aid the student to make an intelligent career choice.

Our goal in guidance is to prevent the tragic waste of human talent. We need and want your help. Because it is impossible for most parents to come to the school during the day, I shall reserve Wednesday evenings from 7:00 P. M. to 10:00 P. M. for conferences

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with you. At this meeting we can examine your boy or girl's measured scholastic ability, general educational achievement, and vocational interests. Working together in this way, we should be able to encourage more students to gain greater benefits from their high school courses and to go on to further training after high school. You can reach me by phoning UL 1-2011; we will meet in the guidance office, room 3B in the high school. I shall not remain in my office unless someone has made an appointment for that evening.

We could use many more part-time jobs for our students. Those students who have been placed have earned the respect and admira- tion of their employers. We have some students who will be unable to continue their education unless they work part-time. Won't you help us to aid these students by calling on us for part-time help you might need or know about?

Again this year, four of our seniors who wish to become teach- ers observed classes for a few hours daily for four weeks in the North Street and Foster Schools. Under the supervision of a teacher, they were allowed to carry out minor teaching duties.

New this year is a pre-nursing training program at the Lowell General Hospital. Every Saturday morning from 8:00 A. M. to 12:00 noon, nine of our senior girls are under the instruction of a registered nurse, Mrs. Bastion. This is both a theoretical and practical course of training. Under supervision, the classroom theory is put into practice in actual experience on the hospital wards.

Both of the above programs are invaluable in providing realistic insight into actual working conditions. No text book or course of study can be quite as meaningful as an actual on-the-job training program provides. Because of its value to our students, we want to enlarge this program. We need, however, the active cooperation of those citizens in a position to offer our students similar training opportunities in your place of business, shop, office, or factory.

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Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960, Part 11

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.) Publication date: 1955 Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.) Number of Pages: 1222

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1955
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 1222