Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960, Part 25

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

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960 > Part 25

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An appropriate and entertaining Christman Pageant was pre- sented under the direction of Miss Donnelly. The facilities of the Town Hall were used for this evening program which was well received by parents and interested persons. The music apprecia- tion phase of the music program is now made possible by the re- cent addition of fine recordings to our record library.

The improvements carried out so far on the playground are very much appreciated by all concerned. The open drainage ditch which had presented a hazard to the safety of the pupils on the play- ground has been covered. The application of loam to the play- ground makes possible the growth of turf and of even more im- portance is the fact that it serves to bury the many rocks and stones which litter the area and which have been a hazard and the direct cause of a number of accidents on the playground.

A handbook for teachers, a handbook for custodians, and most recently a handbook for school clerks have been developed for use in this school. Such handbooks have proven valuable in the orienta- tion of new personnel, as a reference, and as a statement of accepted policies, practices, or procedures. The handbook for parents, pro- duced through the combined efforts of the various principals in the spring, was distributed during registration of first grade pupils and is distributed to parents of pupils entering the system for the first time.

On the basis of facts presented in this report, and other im- plications of the various phases of the program of this school, the following recommendations are submitted:

1. That the curriculum study by the members of the faculty be continued and such time as necessary be allotted so that there may be opportunity for teachers of all grades and sections to co- ordinate their activities and findings.

2. That the part time school clerk be assigned to full time duty in order to handle more of the clerical work which is a necessary but deterring phase of the educational program and which cannot be handled on a part time basis.

3. That the remedial instruction program be continued in reading and enlarged upon by the inclusion of opportunity for remedial work in arithmetic.

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4. That the night custodian be assigned to serve with the day custodian either during the regular school day or from the afternoon of the school day to early evening.

5. That the hot lunch program be renewed to provide a more desirable lunch situation for pupils of day session classes.

6. That the surfacing and seeding of the playground be con- tinued until the entire recreation and play area has been surfaced.

7. That an elementary school adjustment counselor be ap- pointed to develop under the supervision of the Guidance Direc- tor a more complete elementary school guidance program which is becoming more necessary as the lives of the elementary pupils become more complex, to counsel elementary pupils under a sound mental hygiene program, to cooperate with and assist the home and the school, and to serve as a referral agent in the many instances where specialized aid is required.

A debt of gratitude is owed to the teachers and other per- sonnel of this school for the manner in which they have met every challenge, for their efficiency in adjusting to change or to incon- venient situations, for the many hours of extra-class time spent in developing a more effective program, for their ability to main- tain normal school routine under conditions presenting many disadvantages, for their patience, encouragement, and continued efforts to meet the individual needs of pupils.

FRANCIS G. CIARFELLA Principal

REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF SHAWSHEEN SCHOOL

A review of the first four months of the present school year indicates that a satisfactory adjustment has been made to the problems created by the changeover from two sessions to three and the utilization of every bit of available space for classroom purposes. During the month of August, a complete reassignment of the chil- dren was made as a result of the decision to have some children go in the morning, others in the afternoon and still others a complete day. Parental requests to have children assigned to certain ses- sions or classrooms were complied with in almost every instance.

Two ungraded classes, according to age, were set up for twenty children in the Teachers' Room, with specially trained teachers in charge. The older children in the ungraded classes have shop work, cooking or sewing for one hour each day, in addition to the usual class work, assigned for the most part on an individual basis. The many difficulties inherent in the use of the all-purpose room have

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been overcome solely because of the excellent attitude of the teach- ers to make the best of the situation.

The bus drivers have worked closely with me in maintaining the proper discipline on the buses, thus helping to ensure safe transportation for the children who ride to school. Mention should also be made of the many mothers who supervise the children at the bus stops, every day, even when the weather is bad. Before dismis- sing this subject, I would like to suggest, if I may, the employment of adults, either mothers of the children, or retired men to super- vise the children on their daily bus trips to and from school. It would be safer if the bus drivers could concentrate all their thoughts on driving and not have to think about the occasional child who disturbs other children on the bus.

Continued stress has been placed on the importance of ac- quainting parents with the school program. Through publicity in the daily newspaper, notices from the Principal, and the school newspaper, classroom activities are brought to the attention of the public. In October, an evening demonstration of the teaching of reading was presented at the school by the teachers and children of all grades. The teachers who participated answered many ques- tions, particularly those regarding the grouping of children accord- ing to ability. Grouping of children for the teaching of arithmetic is the next anticipated step, thus giving the children the advantages of the most modern teaching methods. This will give the children who have difficulty grasping the fundamentals of arithmetic more time for repetitive practice, while other children in the class ad- vance to more difficult topics. The philosophy behind the grouping of children in reading and arithmetic is to fit the work to the needs and abilities of the children. By getting away from a regimented program, where all children are given the same arithmetic and reading materials, we know that they can achieve success at their own levels.

Plans are being formulated to organize 4-H Clubs for children in the fourth grade which will meet once a week. The leaders of these groups will be adult volunteers. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Superintendent and the members of the School Committee for their cooperation and sympathetic understanding.

HAROLD HERSHFIELD Principal

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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

To give a report for the year 1956 presents a problem. Since my introduction into the system in March of 1956, I have had the responsibility of being Principal of the Foster, Ella Flemings, Town Hall, and the Junior High School.

The Foster School contained grades 6, 7, 8, and one Special Class. Ella Flemings School contained two Special Classes. A well organized and efficient running program showed the time and effort Mr. Francis Ciarfella had put into these two schools. This made my indoctrination into the Tewksbury School System much easier than I had otherwise expected.

During the summer, it became necessary to use the Foster School for grades 3 and 4 on single session, Ella Flemings for grades 5, 6, and Ungraded Classes on double session, convert the lower Town Hall into two 2nd grades on single session, and place grades 7 and 8, plus three 5th and one 6th grade in the morning session at the High School.

Foster, Ella Flemings, and the Town Hall teachers used the first day as a regular teaching day, despite the fact that only six out of seventeen of the teachers had previously taught in Tewksbury. Special credit is due these teachers, especially those who were named teacher-in-charge. As no person can be in three places at once, it was necessary to have someone who could act if an emer- gency came up. Mrs. Phyllis Daw in the Foster, Mrs. Alice Mercier in the Town Hall, Mrs. Katherine Donovan (morning) Ella Flemings, and Mrs. Helen Hunter (afternoon) Ella Flemings were the teachers- in-charge.

In September, 1956, the principalship was extended to include the Junior High School. Mr. McGowan had organized the program well. The classes were grouped homogeneously and this has proved to have definite advantages.

The staff of the English Department is working on a reading program to help each and every child on an individual basis. Four reading accelerators, flash cards, a tachistiscope, SRA develop- mental reading texts, and individual progress sheets are in use. To date, this program has proved valuable to not only the "slow" reader, but the "fast" reader as well.

The staff is still seeking other ways to meet the individual needs of each child.

Mr. Joseph Bastable, Director of Guidance, has been helping the pupils of the Junior High who have problems that need special attention. These need not be problems in academic work. There

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are no quick ready made answers in this field. A single case may mean a week of work. Outside agencies from the medical to the legal are sought for advice. It is impossible for Mr. Bastable to carry on all the work in the High School and the Junior High School. A guidance counselor is needed for the Junior High area alone.

A Christmas Party for the children of the Tewksbury State Hospital and Christmas Carols on the Common were Junior High Staff enterprises, with Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Gilley, and Mrs. Miller giving special help.

On November 13, 1956, Mr. Edward Pelletier, of the Junior High Staff, was appointed Principal of the Foster, Ella Flemings, and Town Hall Schools, relieving me of these duties and enabling me to devote full time to my duties as Principal of the Junior High School. Mr. Pelletier is still a member of the Junior High teaching staff at the time of this report.

The Staff of the Junior High School is dedicated to each child. The teachers will do their utmost to give each boy and girl the best education possible. The physical plant that the Junior High School is now housed in and double sessions present great difficul- ties to the staff in accomplishing this.

In last years report, the High School Principal stated that the High School Building was designed to occomodate 350 pupils. In September ,1956, 467 pupils entered in the morning session alone.

The gymnasium is occupied with four classes which means our Physical Education can be carried on only in good weather by the homeroom teacher.

Industrial Arts and Home Economics are not included in our program because of double sessions.

With over a thousand pupils in the building daily, a full time nurse should be on duty.

May I take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have been helpful and cooperative, and especially to Mr. McGowan, whose daily understanding, cooperation, and help in untold in- stances play such an important part in making the Junior High an effective school.

DANIEL G. O'CONNOR Principal

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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE FOSTER, ELLA FLEMINGS AND TOWN HALL SCHOOLS

I am pleased to submit my first report as Principal of the Foster, Ella Flemings and Town Hall Schools for the period begin- ning November 15, 1956 to December 31, 1956. In addition to the responsibility of being Principal of these three schools, I am con- tinuing to carry out my previous assignment as Science teacher, in the morning session, at the Junior High School. It will be neces- sary for me to do this until a replacement can be obtained.

The Foster School has nine classroms, five third grades and four fourth grade classes. The Town Hall is being used to house two second grade classrooms in the basement and the Ella Flemings School, which is on double sessions, has two fifth grade classes, two sixth grade classes and two ungraded classes. The total enrollment for the three schools, as of October 1, 1956, was 454.

Presently, every one of our classrooms is used every period of the day, every day of the school week. At the Foster School, the Cafeteria is used as a third grade classroom and Remedial Reading classes are held in the kitchen.

At the present time the Foster School is the only school of the three receiving special instruction in Remedial Reading. Classes are held two full days a week, in the kitchen of the school, with Mrs. Thelma Greene as teacher. We hope, in the near future, to bring Remedial Reading into the Town Hall and Ella Flemings Schools.

We sincerely believe that every boy and girl should have the opportunity in our schools to develop his full potentialities. Striving to implement this belief, our staff have turned to the school's guid- ance service for help in solving a student's persistent educational or psychological problem. Although this service is, at present, on a referral basis only, we appreciate the opportunity of having a resourceful person like Mr. Bastable to aid us in determining the best course of action to follow.

His services have been most necessary, also, in establishing a student's eligibility for our ungraded classes.

We believe that our continuing growth demands additional guidance personnel to serve more of our students and perhaps pre- vent certain difficulties from becoming serious problems.

The major purpose of our program in the schools is to insure opportunities for children to develop those fundamental understand- ings, skills, habits, attitudes, ideals and appreciations necessary for living in a democratic society. We feel that in educating children, the curriculum is a means to pupil growth, not an end in itself.

I wish to thank Dr. Thistle, the School Committee and all of the teachers for their loyal support and cooperation.

EDWARD F. PELLETIER Principal

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REPORT OF THE ART PROGRAM

The aim of the art program is to encourage the innate creative abilities of the children, to develop inventiveness and manual dex- terity and to channel these abilities into expressions of artistic merit and practical application. In the High School the art class is more specialized with instruction in color, design, and specific skills.

From January through June with the schools in double session the Art Supervisor met with the High School class weekly, visited each room in the North Street School and the Shawsheen School every other week and rooms in the Foster and Fleming Schools every third week. This schedule was inadequate for effective art education. In some instances the art lesson should remain separate and distinct from other work, yet in many areas can and should be integrated with other classroom activities and interests. The great- est value of the art supervisor lies in situations where she can work with the ideas and problems of the teachers, advising on methods and demonstrating media or suggesting and carrying out other projects. Too often, because of the widely spaced visits the lessons became isolated art experiences with a gradual loss of contact between individual teachers and the supervisor, although teachers made every effort to carry out assignments.

In September there were over eighty classes for one supervisor to visit. With the hiring of Mrs. Rhoda Miller, this load has been divided, with the result that at the present time all first grades and ungraded classes are visited weekly, as is the High School, and all other rooms every other week. Thus more art is being brought into the classrooms and more specialized assistance available to the teachers, although even with this improved arrangement holidays or special projects can cut into the planned schedule.

Because of the pleasant cooperation and assistance I have always received, it is a pleasure to work with the teachers, princi- pals and other supervisors in the schools.

ROBERTA THRESHER Art Supervisor

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REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Physical education has a definite place in the elementary school curriculum - it is a "must" program in the life of all children in today's comprehensive education program. A sound foundation for all physical education is built in the first six years of the elementary school. It is during these early school years that the child under- goes marked changes and develops rapidly, so his program must be regulated carefully to fulfill his needs.

In March, the Krause-Weber Physical Fitness Test was ad- ministered in all the schools and two hundred and forty youngsters (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) were tested. The results of this test sug- gested some changes in the selection of activities for the elementary physical education program. Now a wide variety of physical activi- ties are being offered to all the children in the various elementary grades.

During this school year, due to the large increase in schoo. enrollment, double sessions, and lack of facilities, it wos not possible to visit with each class more than once during alternate weeks. Whenever possible, all the activities were conducted outdoors- when the weather was inclement, the activities, because of the lack of gymnasium facilities, were adjusted to the classroom environ- ment.

Interscholastic Program

The interscholastic program, in which we engage schools from the neighboring towns in various athletic contests, was very suc- cessful. The fundamentals of basketball were taught to some forty youngsters (boys and girls) during the winter months and the pro- gram was concluded with a five game schedule for each group. In the spring the fundamentals of baseball (for boys), and softball (for girls), were taught to some thirty-five youngsters and this program was also concluded with a five game schedule for each group.

Swimming Program

Another swimming program was made available to all the boys who could not swim and whose ages ranged from nine through fourteen years old. One hundred and thirty youngsters (compared to 48 last year) took part in this Suburban Learn-to-Swim Campaign which was conducted by the Lowell YMCA.

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Summer Recreational Program

The feature of the Summer Recreational Program was the con- tinuance in the increase of enrollment ever since the program originated several years ago. The totals of the daily attendances from both playgrounds during this past summer was about 3900 for the six weeks program - an average of over 144 youngsters per day. I organized and supervised all the boys activities and Mrs. Helen Reardon supervised all the girls activities.

In concluding this report I would like to sincerely thank the school staff, school administrators, and School Committee for their close cooperation in helping to make my program a success.

NICKLOS ANDRONIKOS Director of Elementary Physical Education

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REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR

We have shown further progress this year on our plan to extend guidance services to all grades in all our schools.

Because the Junior High is housed in the High School this year, we have devoted more time to the guidance needs of these students. Working with Junior High English teachers, we have helped set up a reading program, designed to help all students read better. In- dividual counseling will be offered to eighth and seventh grade students during the second semester. We shall attempt to help these students plan their high school programs, keeping in mind their career choices and their scholastic achievement and ability. Also, during the second semester in the Junior High, we hope to have group guidance classes for all students. Mr. Young and Mrs. Ruth Cullinan will carry out this valuable guidance contribution.

Much individual case work has been accomplished in the various elementary schools. We are keenly aware that any persis- tent educational deficiency or psychological problem continuing over any long period of time is less amenable to correction than if it had been corrected early. Thus, although finding time is difficult, we have tried to fulfill all requests for assistance from principals and teachers.

It was gratifying to find over one-third of our 1956 seniors continuing their education at various colleges, nursing schools, and technical schools. We were pleased, also, that many of our com- mercial graduates have been placed in excellent positions. Several of our 1956 graduates won college scholarships, and other scholar- ships were awarded by the Tewksbury PTA, Tewksbury Towne Players, Tewksbury Teachers Association, and the 1956 Senior Class.

Even utilizing the opportunity of working both morning and afternoon school sessions, the demands for guidance services in our schools cannot be met by one person. Quite often, in attempting to solve a problem of an individual student, we have had to take time away from our guidance activities in the High School. Although the seriousness of the problem warranted this action, we feel that the High School guidance needs demands our full time.

We should like to suggest, therefore, that the Superintendent and School Committee consider the employing of more guidance personnel.

We should like further to suggest that the summer-school read- ing program, started last summer, be continued.

JOSEPH E. BASTABLE Guidance Director

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REPORT OF ELEMENTARY VOCAL MUSIC PROGRAM

Despite our present exceptional conditions, the problems of time and space have been conquered. This is due to the cooperation of all school personnel.

At present a music program is being formed which will even- tually be installed as part of the school curriculum that is being composed by the teachers, supervisors, and Principals of the Tewks- bury school system. The music program will be developed by the members of the music department and will follow, with some vari- ance, the curriculum as set down by the State Department of Education.

In singing we will strive for correct tone production, artistic interpretation, and extended rote-song repertory. Rhythmic res- ponse is closely integrated with singing as are the creative activi- ties in that the songs included in the child's rote-song repertory may be used also for rhythmic activities such as singing games or dances. Good taste in music is developed a great deal through listening activities. Listening to selected records gives the child an awareness of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic patterns. Often times a listening activity will inspire the playing of an instrument.

It is hoped that through these activities each child will be able to understand and love music in as many forms as possible. The program will be so arranged that each child will find a phase of music through which he can express himself and thereby discover that music is an important part of his life.

DOLORES DONNELLY

Elementary Music Teacher

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REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS INSTRUCTOR

At the present time there are 24 students enrolled in the home- making courses and 32 in the Consumer Education Courses.

The work in Foods has been based on the Introductory, Break- fast, and Hospital Units. The preliminary work in simple Clothing Construction has progressed satisfactorily. The girls have completed their class projects and two home projects. The girls in advanced clothing construction have been given individual instruction at the rate of their individual ability and need in order to meet the prob- lem of scheduling.

In addition to garment construction, the girls made stuffed animals which were given to a local philanthropic group to distri- bute at Christmastime. This project would normally have been part of a unit on Child Care which was omitted this year as this group had covered the subject matter in their Freshman year.

The girls have chosen things to do at home for Home Project credit and have written reports on them as they were completed.

The Consumer Education class is required to keep a scrapbook which is a collection of problems worked out both in the classroom and at home for their own future reference. The problem of food buying was concluded with a field trip to the A & P Supermarket in Lowell, which gave the students visual education in the highlights of the subject matter covered so far. The class was required to write a term report on their trip and their observations were very complete.

The primary need for new equipment seems to be for additional cupboard space in which to keep sewing tools and materials, illus- trative materials, notebooks and sewing boxes belonging to the girls and other items which I would prefer to keep in the department and available for use rather than at home. We also need a clothes rack for the sewing classes to hang their garments on while they are in the process of construction and for display and evaluation when they are completed.

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Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960, Part 25

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