USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960 > Part 39
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6. That shades, blinds or drapes be installed in the classrooms in order to provide light control.
7. That cross walks be painted on the roads to protect the children who have to walk to and from school.
REPORT OF THE FOSTER, TOWN HALL AND ELLA FLEMINGS SCHOOLS (Edward F. Pelletier)
For the past three years, the Tewksbury Public Schools have ex- perienced a three platoon system, e.g., morning session, all day- and afternoon session. This school year with the opening of the new twenty room Heath Brook School and the division of the town into three dis- tricts, we were able to go back on a single day session in all elementary schools of the town.
During this year, I have had under my direct supervision the Foster, Town Hall and Ella Flemings Schools. The enrollment as of October 1, 1957 of the three schools under my supervision was a total of 403.
The staff of these schools, in seeking ways to meet the individual
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needs of each child and enriching our total program, has initiated many extra-curricula activities, either on a present or long range scale. They are: long range Science program; Speech Curriculum; Bicycle Rodeo; Junior Fire Marshall Program; Mothers' Club; Radio Programs.
At present, a monthly newspaper is published by the sixth grades at the Ella Flemings School, under the guidance of Mrs. Pomerleau and Mr. Papleacos. Also, the Foster School fifth grade classes publish a paper under the guidance of Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Alward.
A basketball league for fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys is to begin in January and end in March. This group of boys will also participate in a soft ball league which will begin in April and end in May.
For girls of the fourth, fifth and sixth grade we will have badmin- ton and tennis.
Field trips of an educational nature and a picnic to Canobie Lake on a non-school day for all the children of the Foster and Ella Flemings Schools are planned.
There are also many other activities too numerous to enumerate at this time that are going on or will be done before the close of the school year.
REPORT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Ralph W. Brown)
About 50 years ago, the Junior High School appeared on the educational horizon and its growth has spread rapidly since that time. It was created for several reasons, one of which was to group young adolescents with common problems together. Another reason was to supply an exploratory opportunity for young people to taste, as it were, language, shop, business courses before having to commit themselves to a given course that they must pursue.
Everyone is aware, I'm sure, that the Junior High School has had to use the High School facilities. With two families using the same physical plant, inadequate in size for either one of the schools, one can realize that there are many handicaps that must be lived with. I have been amazed and most grateful to see how patiently and how well teachers and students have adapted themselves to the school physical handicaps. Under such conditions, however, it is impossible to provide as full a program as we hope for when a full school day can be pro- vided, plus adequate facilities. With four actual classroom hours daily, it is virtually impossible to provide time for any extra-curricula activity. Despite this handicap, we had about 80 boys out for football with unbounded enthusiasm. They won two of their three games and came
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faithfully four mornings each week by their own transportation to practice. Twenty girls took part in cheer leading and baton twirling in out of school time and were enthusiastic enough to provide their own uniforms. Enthusiasm bubbled over.
That fine choral work is being done in our school is attested by the excellent production given by Mrs. Gilley's vocal groups during the Christmas presentation. Almost 100 boys and girls are taking extra- curricula part in these choral groups. I'm sure, too, that many parents had the opportunity to see the fine Band and Art work displayed by Junior High School pupils during the Christmas Assembly. Amidst cramped quarters and improvised space, Mr. Michell and Miss Corey are providing enrichment opportunities for Tewksbury youth under physical conditions that would try the patience of most people.
In an effort to give pupils a greater sense of pride in our school, we are going to be able to provide proper library facilities by the be- ginning of 1958. The stage in the auditorium is currently being con- verted into a library. Under the direction of the English teachers, books are now being catalogued. This is a forward educational step since it will provide wider use of our books and adequate control of the same plus the additional educational benefits students will derive.
The first of January, we are initiating a Banking Program whereby we hope to encourage every youngster to acquire a bank book and to participate in regular weekly savings.
Program: Due to our shortened hours, we are unable to broaden our curriculum to the extent desired. We must of necessity limit our time to the absolute scholastic necessities of Science, Math, History, Geography and English supplemented by one period per week of Art, Group Guidance, Music and, for girls, Home Economics. It is our hope that another year we will be able to offer at least a limited Shop program (woodwork, printing) for the boys of one period per week. We have many boys who need such opportunities at this age level if we are to more effectively reach the needs of all our children.
As soon as a longer school day can be provided, it is my hope that the curriculum could be enlarged to the point where we can provide that exploratory function of the Jnior High School mentioned above by offering those who think they might want to pursue College courses exploratory language courses and those thinking they might prefer business careers the opportunity of taking Business Practice. By such a program, I feel youngsters could better decide when their decision must become more binding as to how they are going to direct their educational pursuits.
Grouping: In order to provide our young people the best possible educational opportunities, we have tried a program of grouping them with youngsters of somewhat similar level of ability. We do this by testing, by scholastic achievement and by teacher and guidance evaluation. We realize that no one can be infallible in making such
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decisions so it is our intent that no pupil be locked into a particular group if he shows that he can move somewhat faster or needs to move more slowly. After much study in this respect, we feel that a better job can be done for all pupils by such grouping. It tends to help all pupils to move along at their level of ability and to eliminate frustration for those who can learn but who cannot absorb as quickly as some others. There are several improvements and refinements in our grouping that we hope to effect this coming year. It is a constant challenge since one cannot remain in Education if he is not to give what he feels is best for all youngsters. Schools exist and teachers live to help young people to grow mentally, physically and socially so that they may take their position as citizens in a wonderful America.
In conclusion, I must say with the utmost sincerity that no job can be well done without team work. I am, therefore, grateful for a faculty who has worked as a team to get the job done the best way possible without complaining of handicaps. Without good teachers devoted to duty, no school can succeed.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC PROGRAM Secondary Vocal (Rita Gilley)
This is a year in which many strides have been made upon the part of the student. Not only have we progressed vocally, but we are developing music appreciation in the finer arts. To our achievements we can add a successful Christmas program given by the Junior High and Senior High School. The efforts and enthusiasm of the students cannot be written on paper, for it was without a doubt a race against time and the lack of rehearsal space that encouraged and challenged these students to present such a musical endeavor. Many thanks not only go to the students but to the teachers who helped backstage and who helped to organize this program.
It is my hope that in addition to the two musical events presented each year, a Christmas program and a spring concert, we may be able to present an operetta from the Junior High and a minstrel show from the Senior High School.
The music program in the Junior High has been intensified to the extent that four-part harmony is a daily accomplishment. It is the desire of the music supervisors that this be initiated earlier, at the elementary level. Such early responsibilities and its results, aid the presentation of plays, operettas and help to enrich the musical back- ground of the student as he progresses from one level to another.
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Elementary Vocal (Priscilla Hoar)
At present I am visiting on an alternate week basis all classes at the North Street, Foster, Shawsheen and Heath Brook Schools. Our program is being built according to recommendations set down by the Massachusetts State Guide and the Music Educators National Con- ference. That is, having each lesson consist of many varied musical activities, all leading to an ultimate goal of music appreciation.
In singing, we are striving for correct tone production, good articu- lation, and the building of a rote-song repertory.
Rhythmically, we are aiming to develop accurate rhythmic response to the printed page in the upper grades and the development of basic rhythms in the lower.
It is hoped that our listening program in the upper grades will consist of becoming acquainted with instruments of the Symphony Orchestra prior to listening to symphonic works, while in the lower grades we hope to give an appreciation of some of the shorter musical works by the great masters. Our record library needs considerable building and it is hoped during the next few years we will be able to add to it.
In grades 1, 2, and 3 there is work being done with rhythm band instruments, and in January we hope to introduce song flutes in the upper grades. This not only aids the child in music reading, but also helps him participate in a group activity which may lead to the playing of an instrument in one of the musical organizations in the secondary schools.
In the area of performance, a choral group has been formed in each of the schools. All interested pupils were allowed to audition. These groups all are participating in Christmas programs which are being held at each of the four schools.
Instrumental (Theodore Michell)
Through its many activities and functions, the instrumental music program continues to take an important part in our school system. By participation in this program, the student is able to enhance or develop a musical talent.
During the past year, many strides were made. Colorful uniforms have been purchased. New instruments have been obtained. Most of the town owned instruments have been repaired or reconditioned for a nominal cost. More music has been purchased. A Band Boosters Club has been organized and is helping to create a better school band. An outgrowth of this year's program has been the formation of a dance
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orchestra consisting mostly of members of the school band. During this past year, the band has appeared at parades, eight football games, a spring concert and three Christmas programs.
The problem of scheduling storage and transportation has been simplified by the cooperation of school officials. Band rehearsals are held on Tuesday night and the first Junior High School period on Friday afternoon. Some effects of the two platoon system and school overcrowding are felt here, when it is evident that the only rehearsal space available is the Manual Training Shop of the high school.
The Baton Squad has continued its wonderful work this year. This group rehearses during the first junior high school period on Friday afternoon. They use the same transportation schedule as the band. The Band Boosters Club has purchased heavy red sweaters for this group. This has been of great help in keeping the squad members warm during the cold football season. The importance of this step cannot be over emphasized. Each member has to make her uniform and procure all necessary equipment. It is hoped that in the future the squad members will have most of their equipment provided for them by the schools or an organization.
This year we are hoping to enlarge the scope of band activities. Exchange concerts are being arranged with other communities. A Concert Festival, with many participating schools, from outside towns is being organized. This Festival will be held in Tewksbury during the spring season. Instrumental demonstrations will be held in various schools in order to encourage and develop interest for participation in band activities. As is customary, the band will participate in a Spring Concert, parades, and graduation exercises .A junior band is to be organized in order to serve as a stepping stone into the Senior Band and Baton Squad.
REPORT OF THE ART PROGRAM (Roberta Thresher)
The addition of an art teacher in the junior high and high school has greatly improved the art program. From January to June the art program was divided, with Mrs. Rhoda Miller teaching the special high school art class, the junior high school classes and also visiting the Foster and Ella Flemings Schools as well as six rooms in the North Street School and Mrs. Roberta Thresher visiting the classes in the Town Hall, North Street and Shawsheen Schools .The high school class, the ungraded classes and the first grades were scheduled every week, and other classes scheduled every other week.
In September, Miss Joan Corey replaced Mrs. Miller. Miss Corey's program schedules the high and junior high school art classes each
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week, and includes an extra art group at the high school, as well as visits to the Foster and Ella Flemings Schools on alternate weeks. Mrs. Thresher visits classes at the North Street School, Shawsheen School and Heath Brook School on alternate weeks. In addition to visiting these classes for teaching purposes, there are the other obligations of supervising the work in each school, consulting with individual teachers, arranging for and assisting with displays, assisting with school programs, maintaining the kiln, and supervising the art activities in schools not personally visited.
In October, Tewksbury was fortunate in gaining the services of Mr. Thomas McGuire, a senior Art Education student at Boston University while he is doing practice teaching twice a week at the Heath Brook School.
If there is to be a town-wide art program that is consistent yet flexible and creative, there must be more opportunity for actual super- vision and consultation with individual teachers. Without the addition of another elementary art teacher, this would obviously mean less time spent by the supervisor in actual classroom teaching. However, this should not mean less art in the classroom, but rather more activities such as workshops, conferences, and constructive supervision to acquaint the teachers with a greater variety of media and methods and to enable them to feel greater confidence in their own abilities to utilize art activities in their teaching.
REPORT OF ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (Nicklos Andronikos)
Physical education in the elementary grades helps to develop the social, emotional, and mental aspects of the child's life, as well as the physical development. It has a definite place and is now part of the elementary school curriculum.
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 grades. Adequate equipment and facilities (use of the gymnasium at three of the schools ) was available. A flexible program of physical activities was also pro- vided to all the classes at the Ella Flemings and the Foster Schools.
During this school year, due to the large school enrollment, it was 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 were conducted either in the gymnasium or in the classroom, according to the school facilities that were available.
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A standard interscholastic program with regular scheduled games in each sport (football - basketball - baseball) is now being offered to all pupils at the Junior High level, none in elementary level.
The Suburban Learn-to-Swim Campaign which was conducted by the Lowell YMCA was offered again to all boys who could not swim and whose ages ranged from nine through fourteen years old. Over two hundred youngsters took part in this campaign.
Interest continues to grow in the summer recreational program and there was a definite increase in the enrollment. Without a doubt this summer program should be continued, for there is a definite need for some type of guided activity during the summer months.
REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE PROGRAM (Joseph Bastable)
Guidance services were increased in the Tewksbury School System through the appointment of Mr. Francis Sheehan. While Mr. Sheehan has performed special guidance services for the elementary schools on a referral basis, he has concentrated his attention mainly in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
During the year, Mr. Sheehan, along with Mr. Kenneth Young and Mrs. Ruth Cullinan, regularly teaches group guidance classes in the junior high. It is our hope that through these group guidance classes and with parental cooperation, we may motivate more students to take a more serious aim in their high school preparation. Without this seriousness of purpose, students will find themselves not equipped to further their preparation for this technological age in which we find ourselves. Extension of group guidance classes through the ninth grade is recommended for next year.
Along with our Career Conferences which are held throughout the year, we would like to comment on a few other special guidance pro· grams which enable students to choose wisely their future careers. One of these affords an opportunity for students, boys and girls, to try out teaching. These students are placed in our own schools. Here they are allowed to observe classroom procedures, help correct papers, and perform other teaching duties, including the teaching of small groups of students. This has proved a very popular and successful career guidance program. Several girls now at college preparing for a teaching career were formerly in this program.
A second career guidance program, also proved popular and successful, finds many girls working in the health career field. We have recommended many girls to our local hospitals in Lowell for the fol-
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lowing positions: nurses aide, volunteer nurses aide, laboratory tech- nician aide, X-ray technician aide. Several girls have used this ex- perience to continue their education in the field in which they had training during their high school days.
At the time of writing this report, we have nearly finished a follow- up study of our 1956 graduates. This study was made for two main purposes: (1) to assess the progress of our graduates, and (2) to determine the extent to which their high school education was of service to them. The following are some of the results of this study.
Summary
Total
Boys
Girls 11 (25%)
Continuing Schooling
19 (29%)
8 (36%) 7
5
Nursing Schools
5
5
Technical Schools
2
1
1
Total
19
8
11
U. S. Armed Forces
6 (9%)
5 (22%)
1 (2%)
Employed
24 (36%)
5 (22%)
19 (43%)
Unemployed
3 (4%)
2 (9%)
1 (2%)
Moved out of State
2 (3%)
2 (4%)
Married
12 (18%)
0
12 (27%)
Total members of Class 66
Total members Reporting 56
20
36
Total Returns 85%
Reports from colleges, schools, and employers, while not complete at this writing, indicate that our students are performing their tasks successfully. Only one student appears to be having some scholastic difficulties. Comments received from our students show a general approval of the educational program which they have received at Tewksbury High School.
Because of our staff increase, we have more time this year for individual counseling with students. We have also scheduled more conferences with parents. These parental conferences have proved their value, and we extend an invitation to all the parents of our school children to avail themselves of this opportunity when the need arises. We can usually schedule appointments in the evening for working parents' convenience.
Successful guidance services must have the active cooperation of principals, supervisor, and teachers. It is a source of satisfaction and of encouragement to report that this cooperation is given most willingly. Special thanks are extended, also, to Mr. John Kelley, Welfare Agent, for his immediate and most helpful assistance to our every request.
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Colleges
12
REPORT OF THE REMEDIAL READING PROGRAM (Mildred West)
A few objectives of the Remedial Reading Program should be stated.
1. To instill the love of Reading.
2. To build up each child's confidence in his own ability.
3. To urge children to read for themselves, not only for others.
4. To have each child read comfortably at his own level, and then accelerate him.
5. To give children the ambition to explore the "unknown" words, analyze them and add them to their experience Vocabulary.
6. To promote Comprehension.
In the months of September, October and the beginning of November, 330 pupils were individually tested and carefully screened by your Reading Specialist. The majority of these pupils were enrolled in the Remedial Reading Program. A few were sent back to the class- room because of their ability to read on their own level. In November, 26 extra pupils were taken into the program to prevent the tendency towards "sliding" downhill in their work or because they were children from outside the system and needed catching up on a few difficulties.
While testing and supervising the elementary schools in the system, your Reading Specialist could only visit the various children once every two weeks. Therefore I am tremendously pleased with the addition of two part-time Reading Teachers. Mrs. Joan Matthews has been assigned to the Shawsheen School and Mrs. Mildred Mulno has been assigned to the Foster School. I am handling the Heath Brook and the North Street Schools. This now enables us to give two lessons every week to each child in the four large elementary schools.
To improve liaison between the Remedial Reading Programs and the various schools, your Reading Specialist has made a booklet for each school, showing the Areas of Difficulties for each individual child. A booklet of this sort has been given to each Principal and each Reading Teacher, so that Principals and classroom teachers can consult them for results of the testing and screening program.
A special Report Sheet for Parents has been drawn up by your Reading Specialist to acquaint parents with the progress of their children. These Report Sheets will be sent out with the regular class- room Report Cards. Charts have been made for each Reading Room so that all classroom teachers can consult them at any time to check upon their pupils progress.
There is a great need for Diagnostic Testing of individual pupil cases. As your Reading Specialist's time is completely taken up with actual teaching time, Diagnostic Testing of individuals has had to be set aside. For the good of the Remedial Reading Program, I should like to suggest the addition of at least one more Reading Teacher.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSES (Ora Maclaren and Rachel Killeen)
The passing of Dr. Herbert Larrabee, Tewksbury School Physician for over half a century, has been keenly felt especially by those of us who had the privilege of working with him. Although Dr. Larrabee's services to the Tewksbury School System were many and varied, perhaps the most lasting impression we have of him was his cheerful compliance to every request for help. Despite his many other commitments and in recent years his own ill health, Dr. Larrabee always gave us the feeling that the welfare of our school children came first. Dr. Larrabee was truly a loyal and valued friend who enjoyed the trust, confidence and respect of all who knew him.
Each year brings forth new problems. During October the per- centage of absenteeism was very high due to an epidemic of Asian Flu and other virus infections. Many pupils became sick while in school. Others returned too soon after being ill and suffered relapses. At this time Dr. Ryan advised parents that all children who had suffered fromn severe colds and high fevers should be kept at home to rest for at least two days after a normal afternoon temperature.
The physical examination program, under the direction of Dr. Morris Kelman and Dr. George Ryan, has been completed. Pupils of grades 1, 4, 7, and 10, all students participating in athletics, cheer leaders, baton twirlers, and members of the school band were examined. Parents of children in grades 1 and 4 were invited to be present when these examinations were given.
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