USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1937-1941 > Part 32
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2. Electives-The inclusion of a variety of elective subjects under each of the four years, allowing ample opportunity for the individual student, under the guidance of the principal, to select those subjects best suited to his needs and future plans.
Thus, in the first year all students are required to take English and Community Civics. Then from under the "Elec- tives" column for the first year he may elect the two subjects which best fit his future educational and vocational plans. For example: If a student intends to go on to college, or into the field of nursing, he would elect Elementary Algebra, rather than Practical Mathematics, either General Science (rather than Applied Science) or Latin I. Similarly a student planning a Commercial Career would elect Junior Business Training and any other one of the five remaining elective subjects listed under the first year.
1940
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
1941
Subjects Required of All Students
First Year Periods Credits
Second Year Periods Credits
Third Year Periods Credits
Fourth Year Periods Credits
English I ... ..... ..
5 5
English II
5
5
English III
5 5
English IV
5 5
Community Civics 5 5
World History ...... 5
5
U. S. History ..
5 5
Problems of De-
mocracy ....... ....
5
5
Subjects to be elected under Principal's Guidance
El. Algebra
5
5
Plane Geometry .. 5 5
Algebra II
5
5
Algebra II 5 5
Practical Math.
....
5
5
Bookkeeping I .....
5 21/2
Bookkeeping II
5 21/2
Col. Physics
7
5
Jun. Bus. Tr. ..
5
Biology 5
5
Col. Chemistry
7
5
Office Pract. 5 21/2
Stenography II 5
5
General Science ...
5
5
Typing I (Com.) .. 5 21/2
Descriptive Chem- istry 10
5
Com. Law 5
5
5 (one-half year) .. 5
11/4
Typing II (Com.) .. 5
21/2
Economics
5
5
Business I ..
10
Stenography I .....
5
5
French II or III ....
5
5
French I ..
5
5
French I or II
5
5
Senior Science ......
5 5
Latin II
5 5
Col. Physics ..
7
5
Any third year subject
Any first year subject
Business II
5
5
Any second year subject
Applied Science ....
5
5
Pract. Typing,
Latin I
5
WESTFORD ACADEMY - WESTFORD, MASSACHUSETTS
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Finally, a student who is planning on acquiring a general education only, and who is not planning to take definitely Commercial work, or College Preparatory work, would probably elect Practical Mathematics and Applied Science, which subjects do not contain the technical theory to be found in Elementary Algebra and General Science.
The wide choice of subjects thus ensures a "tailor-made" program, so as to speak, for each and every student, and one which because of its individuality, should increase the pupil's interest and enjoyment in his work, by providing more satisfying experiences and successes in accordance with his abilities and the effort expended by him to achieve.
3. Flexibility-The flexibility of the Core Curriculum plus elec- tives, will permit the addition of new elective courses from time to time, and the dropping of others in accordance with pupil interest. Thus, the plan will permit the adding of courses in manual arts or household arts, when and if that time ever comes to Westford, without affecting the general setup as now conceived.
Guidance-Since the new Curriculum is designed to provide a pro- gram of studies, tailored to fit the needs, interests and abilities of the individual boy and girl, its success depends to a great extent upon the school having adequate information about the student, his aims, his ability, his interests and as complete a knowledge as possible of his future educational and / or vocational plans. To this end a per- sonal guidance system has been started. At the time of the Spring Registration in May the principal talked to each of the eighth grade groups, explained the purpose of the new curriculum, and outlined briefly the content of the new subjects which were being introduced. A copy of the program of studies, together with a "Personal Informa- tion Blank" to be filled out by the student, was given to each pupil. This initial visit was followed up later with a personal conference between the pupil, his parents, and the principal. From this confer- ence with the parent and the pupil, and from data supplied by the elementary school principal as to the pupil's achievement, interest in school, special abilities, etc., a four-year program of studies was drawn up for each individual student and approved by the parent. Thus, every effort has been made to secure the proper selection of subjects for each boy or girl.
While it is much too soon to determine objectively and with certainty the success of the new curriculum, it is nevertheless possible to discern certain signs of success which are encouraging. There appears to be an increased interest on the part of the Freshmen in their studies, due largely I should judge because they are taking subjects which they had a hand in selecting. For the most part they have
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taken a better attitude toward their work and have enjoyed more successes. And too, because of the pre registration contact, they have more quickly adjusted to high school routine.
The subjects which have made their appearance for the first time this year have not alone been confined to the Freshmen. All of the students working under the two curriculum set-up, were permitted to take as many of the new subjects as their programs would permit and the size of class section would allow. With another year and the starting of other new subjects it is expected that many of these stu- dents will take advantage of the opportunity to enroll in them.
It is interesting to note here that of the 61 students working under the new curriculum, in whole or in part, 24 are taking strictly college preparatory subjects; 12 are pursuing subjects in preparation for a commercial career; 20 are taking subjects leading to a general educa- tion; and 5 are pursuing subjects which are a combination of the above.
III. ADMINISTRATION
Faculty-The personnel of the faculty remains unchanged this year. Each member of the faculty, in spite of the strenuous teaching load each carries, assumes definite supervisory duties and is responsi- ble for certain of the extra-curricular activities. Their fine spirit and willingness to accept these added responsibilities is most commendable.
Report Cards-A revised report card has recently been adopted, and was used for the first time at the close of the first term this fall. The new report card in design is quite different from the one formerly used. It is a folded card of convenient size, and besides giving informa- tion as to the progress the student is making in his studies, niakes provision for reporting to what extent he is developing desirable quali- ties of citizenship. While the conventional five-letter scale for reporting pupil achievement has been retained, the letters have been redefined in terms of degree of pupil achievement.
In the belief that interested parents are desirous of knowing at the time the report is issued, reasons why their boy or girl is experiencing difficulty with any of his studies, a special teacher's report is included to supplement the mark itself. This supplementary report, which was tried out on two occasions last spring with much success, is designed to show in simple language where improvement must be made. It should be clearly understood that these special reports are only issued for those subjects in which the student has done failing work.
Report cards are issued every eight weeks. In cases where the possibility of failure seems imminent, a special warning letter, replac- ing the former "pink slip," is being mailed to the parents between re- port card periods. Thus far this means of informing the home of
121
possible failure has met with considerable more parental response than did the former method. Its success as a device to prevent pupil failure will depend largely to the extent to which parents are willing to co- operate with the school. We are always ready and willing to talk over a pupil's problems with his parents and extend a cordial invitation to all parents to come to the school and talk over such problems and difficulties with both the teacher and the principal.
Honor Roll-An honor roll released at the end of each marking period serves to stimulate individual pupil achievement. A recent revision in our honor roll standards has been made in order that the names of students whose degree of achievement is worthy of note, (yet who, under the old standards, did not receive this recognition) might be included. To be eligible for this award a student must have received only one mark less than "B" and that a "C". It is hoped that a student receiving this award will thereby be stimulated to make a real effort to so improve his work that he may advance to one of the other divisions of the honor roll. For the first two marking periods of the current school year, approximately 20% of the school's total enrollment has been on the honor roll.
Visual Education-The expanded program in visual education insti- tuted last year is being continued and enlarged, especially since our new curriculum recommends and encourages the use of both auditory and visual aids by the classroom teacher as a part of the regular instruc- tion. The scheduling of films and the making of all arrangements for showing the films in the various classes is being ably carried out under the direction of Frederick Delaney. A few of the older boys are receiv- ing useful training and rendering much valuable assistance in setting up the projector, operating it, and in general caring for all our visual equipment.
We are deeply appreciative of the assistance given us from time to time by the Trustees of the Academy in providing certain equipment which would not otherwise be obtainable. This past year they have presented the Academy a fine opaque projector. This new projector, which has a variety of classroom uses, is a valuable addition to our projection equipment and will be a distinct aid to more vitalized class- room instruction. We are grateful to the School Committee for their continued interest in and support of our visual program. Through their efforts three of the regular classrooms have been equipped with light-tight curtains and two additional wall screens for classroom use have been purchased.
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Class of 1940-The following table briefly summarizes the post graduation activities of the Class of 1940.
Attending College 2
Attending Special Schools
2
In training 2
Attending Commercial Schools 7
Doing Post-graduate work at Westford Academy 8
2
Working
At Home 7
Unaccounted for 4
-
34
It is especially significant to note that approximately 60% of the menibers of this class are continuing their education. As a matter of record, it should be noted here that this class is the largest to have ever been graduated from the Academy.
IV. STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Athletics-We continue to be moderately successful in the field of sport. Our boys team in basketball reached the finals in the Village High School Basketball Tournament, held under the auspices of the Fitchburgh Y. M. C. A., but unfortunately failed to continue their win- ning streak. As "runners-up" the members of the team were awarded individual basketball charms, and brought back to the school a suitably engraved shield in recognition of its achievement to add to our growing collection of trophies.
We enjoy our association with the member schools which make up the Wachusetts League, both in Basketball and in Baseball and because the schools are of nearly the same size as Westford Academy, eagerly look forward each year to renewing competition with them. Miss Anne Sughrue coaches the girls' basketball team, and Mr. Fred- erick Delaney coaches the boys' in both basketball and baseball.
Athletic Association-This association, comprising nearly the entire student body, is as important to the degree of success we enjoy in ath- letics, as the boys and girls who actually play on the teams. Without their splendid co-operation and oftimes personal sacrifice, the securing of funds for continuing our program in sports would be a real problem. Under the leadership of their officers and Mr. George Charron of the faculty, the members of the association have been most active in rais- ing the necessary funds, and in assisting with the running of the home contests.
The athletic association is a valuable adjunct to the school in other ways than raising money for the support of athletics. Its members
123
have most willingly assumed responsibility for raising funds to cover the incidental expenses in connection with our visual education pro- gram. Under their auspices movies were shown in the auditorium on two separate occasions, for the enjoyment of the public at large. Money raised from these two events has been used to purchase a turn- table which when used in conjunction with our motion picture projector, provides music for dancing for school parties, and to defray the trans- portation cost of the many educational films we enjoy throughout the school year.
The series of inter-class basketball games continue to be a source of much fun and good sport under their sponsorship. The Christmas Party given each year for the members of the association and their guests continues to rank as one of the school's most enjoyable social occasions of the year.
The officers and faculty advisers of the athletic association for the year 1940-1941 are:
President
Isabelle Hunter '41
Vice President Kenneth Stuart '42
Secretary Ray P. Collins '43
Treasurer Lillian Bellemore '41
Advisers: Mr. Charron, Mr. Delaney, Miss Sughrue
Schocl Socials-Several successful school socials have been held during the past year. Each class under the guidance of its officers and faculty advisers, assumes responsibility for at least one social. The Academy gymnasium has been most attractively decorated for each such affair and the experience gained by the pupils in planning their parties provides a practical lesson in co-operative endeavor of a defi- nite carry-over value.
Senior Play-On May 6, the Class of 1940, following the annual custom, presented in the Academy Auditorium, the 19th century cos- tume play, "I Have Five Daughters," adapted from Jane Austen's book, "Pride and Prejudice." A difficult play, it was admirably performed by a splendid cast after a period of intensive coaching under the direction of Mr. Charron, before an appreciative audience.
The Class of 1941, having observed the difficulties invariably encountered by previous- senior classes in staging their plays near the close of the senior year, broke with tradition by voting to give their annual play early in the fall of their senior year, and before too many other activities had gotten underway. Accordingly, on November 15, 1940, they successfully staged "The Leavenworth Case," a mystery play adapted from the book of the same name by Anna Katherine Green. The first mystery play attempted in a long time, it was excep-
124
tionally well done by a well chosen cast, who worked hard under Mr. Charron's direction to perfect the final performance.
Tadmuck Club Members-Each year, under the auspices of the Tadmuck Club, honorary membership in the club is given the two girls of the Junior class who have attained the highest academic rating during their Junior Year. The two recipients of this honor from the Class of 1941, for the current year, are Shirley Perkins and Lillian Bellemore.
Pro-Merito Society-The members of the Pro-Merito Society, ten in number, attended the annual Spring Pro-Merito Convention held in Greenfield on May 11. Among the items of business transacted was the adoption of a certificate of Life-Membership to be presented to each Pro-Merito member upon his or her graduation from high school. In consequence thereof, each of the Pro-Merito members from the Class of 1940 was presented this certificate along with his diploma at the Graduation Exercises in June. Consideration was also given at this meeting to dividing the State into sections with each section hold- ing a district meeting in the Fall of the year. This arrangement would mean that many of the smaller schools, now unable to accommodate a large gathering, could be hosts to the much smaller regional meetings. This would leave the Spring Convention to the larger schools who have the facilities to handle a big crowd. It is expected that this plan of small regional fall meetings and one State Convention to be held in the Spring will be adopted at the annual Spring Convention in 1941. Under a schedule, tentatively agreed upon, Westford Academy would play host to some 120 Pro-Merito members from the eastern part of the state at a meeting to be held early in the Fall of 1941.
Conclusion-In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to superintendent, teachers, and students for their co-op- eration and loyal support in the interests of Westford Academy.
Respectfully submitted,
JULIUS H. MUELLER, JR.,
Principal, Westford Academy
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GRADUATION EXERCISES
Of The Class of 1940
Academy Auditorium-Westford Academy Westford, Massachusetts Thursday Evening, June 13, 1940
ENTRANCE MARCH-"Pomp and Chivalry" Roberts ACADEMY ORCHESTRA, directed by JULIUS WOESSNER
INVOCATION
Rev. Hugh Latimer Willson
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
Aloysius Francis Makarewicz President of the Class
ESSAY-"Speed in Modern Life" Dorothea Mae Nixon, Salutatorian
BRIGHT STAR OVERTURE Academy Orchestra
Bennett
ESSAY-"Effect Of Music On Everyday Life" Rachel Christine Burnham
ESSAY-"Literature In Everyday Life" Sophie Blanche Woitowicz
PROGRESS MARCH Academy Orchestra
Bennett
ESSAY-"What The High School Senior Should Represent" Frances Mary Zubowicz
ESSAY-"Effect Of Modern Inventions On Country Life" Harriett Anna Mann, Valedictorian
EVENING SONG REVERIE De Lamates
Academy Orchestra
126
ADDRESS
Hon. Edwin O. Childs Formerly Mayor of Newton, Massachusetts
HAVANA CUBAN SERENADE
Bennett
Academy Orchestra
PRESENTATION OF CLASS GIFT Vera Nyder Secretary of the Class
ACCEPTANCE OF CLASS GIFT
Roger N. Tuttle President of Class of 1941
FAREWELL ADDRESS
Albert Hollingsworth Forty Vice-President of the Class
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
Gordon B. Seavey Trustee of Westford Academy
ANNETTE WALTZ
Bennett
Academy Orchestra
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Eric J. Anderson Chairman of School Committee
CLASS SONG Rachel Christine Burnham, Pianist Marjorie Elizabeth Frost, Director
EXIT MARCH-"Pomp and Chivalry" Roberts
Academy Orchestra
GRADUATES
College Course
*Inez Virginia Burnham
*Rachel Christine Burnham Alyce Chudack Janet Marie Duncan Doris Josephine Graham Edna May Hanson
*Grace Gwendolyn Hanson Rita Ann Kelly
Elizabeth Helen Lord
*John Thomas McKniff, Jr.
*Dorothea Mae Nixon Mary Jean Remis
*Sophie Blanche Woitowicz Walter Wolkowich
*Mildred Alice Woodruff
*Frances Mary Zubowicz
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Commercial Course
Leslie Gardner Bell Rita Mary Carpentier Adele Myrtle Fritz Marguerite Louise Hird Aloysius Francis Makarewicz
*Harriett Anna Mann
*Vera Nyder Beatrice Scott
General Course Doris P. Atwood
Wasil Butko
Frances Caroline Charlton
Andrew Cinsavich
Kathryn Theresa Cosgrove
Albert Hollingsworth Forty
Marjorie Elizabeth Frost
Thomas Johnston
Walter Eugene Parfitt
Gerald Gustave Swanson
*Pro Merito Society
Class Colors Blue and Silver
Class Motto
"Better Faithful Than Famous"
White Rose
WINNERS OF PRIZES (Given by Trustees) Awarded at Graduation Exercises
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in English during the Senior Year:
Five Dollars-Sophie Blanche Woitowicz, '40
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Senior Stenography: Two and one-half Dollars-Vera Nyder, '40
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Senior Typewriting: Two and one-half Dollars-Harriett Anna Mann, '40
Washington and Franklin Medal for Excellence in United States History (Given by Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution) : John Thomas McKniff, Jr., '40
Awarded at Class Day Exercices
Member of the Junior Class who, in the estimation of classmates and members of the Faculty, has done the most for the Class and for Westford Academy:
Ten Dollars-Andrew V. Basinas, '41
Member of the Sophomore Class who, in the estimation of class- mates and members of the faculty, has done the most for the Class and for Westford Academy:
Ten Dollars-Tied for Honors
$5.00-Joyce Hanson, '42 $5.00-Treasure Bechard, '42
Member of the Freshman Class with the Highest General Average for the Year:
Five Dollars-Ray P. Collins, '43
Class Marshal
Leslie Gardner Bell
Class Flower
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CLASS SONG
1940
We are standing here tonight Sad yet filled up with delight At the very threshold of our lives. We shall not sink but always thrive, We will strive and work and conquer.
To win success our one big aim Tho' we do not care for fame, We will fight and lick defeat;
We will climb up to the peak And try to make our best a little better.
Common bonds have held us fast And made our many friendships last. Our studies have drawn us closer too,
But we must bid you all adieu, For graduation parts us now.
Chorus: Class of '40 ever onward;
Class of '40 strong and true. Let "Better Faithful than Famous" Be our motto the whole life through.
Words by Marjorie Elizabeth Frost Music by Rachel Christine Burnham
GRADUATION CALENDAR
1. Class Day Exercises in Academy Auditorium, June 7, 2 P. M.
2. Senior Reception and Dance in Academy Auditorium, June 14, 8 P. M.
3. Alumni Banquet, Academy Auditorium, June 15, 6:30 P. M.
USHERS
Lillian Bellemore, 41 Shirley Perkins, '41
Jacob Tereshko, '41 Roger Tuttle, '41
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Members of the School Committee:
The following is my report as school physician for the year ending December 31, 1940.
The usual physical examination was made on all the children attending the public schools of Westford.
All of the cases in which major physical defects are found are rechecked by a separate physical examination and the parents are informed of the findings in order that the children may receive treat- ment if any is indicated.
A special examination of the pupils who are to take part in athletic sports was made upon request of the coaches of the athletic teams and any one with a major physical defect was not allowed to play without special permission from his parents.
I have responded to calls at the schools for emergency cases when called by the school principals.
The hot dinner given to the underweight children is meeting with a great deal of success and a large number of the underweight and undernourished should gain in the next few months of the school term.
Cooperation by the Board of Health nurse, teachers and parents of the children has been splendid.
Respectfully,
DR. D. W. COWLES.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
January 16, 1941
Mr. Roger Poole, Superintendent of Schools, Westford, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the School Nurse from January 1, to December 31, 1940:
School Visits 344
Dressings and First Aid
36
Children examined for minor ailments 42
Children recommended for exclusion because of Pediculo- sis and other skin infections 16
Children recommended for exclusion because of Conta- gious Disease Contact 32
Vaccinations checked
Weighed and measured
Assisted School Physician with Physical Examination of School children in Spring and Fall of 1940.
Result of Physical Examination:
Acne
2
Anemia
1
Bronchitis
2
Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids
17
Enlarged Cervical Glands
1
Heart Murmurs
52
Posture
2
Teeth
60
Respectfully submitted,
VERONICA P. MEAGHER, R. N.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
January 16, 1941.
Mr. Roger K. Poole, Superintendent of Schools, Westford, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
The following is my report as Supervisor of Music in Westford.
Rhythm bands are still in progress in all of our schools for chil- dren of the first grade. At the Nabnassett School we also have a Har- monica Band which includes every child in grades I, II, and III. Many favorable comments have come to these youthful players for their public performances. The Harmonica Bands of the more advanced grades at this school, the Sargent, and grade three at the Cameron, disbanded in June. The continual increase in the price of these instru- ments, due to European conditions, being the cause.
Quiz programs are proving delightful and beneficial in the upper grades. Special programs for Christmas were held in all of the schools in their home rooms.
In May, the children from all of the schools took part in the exer- cises held at the Common. At the Civil War Monument, a glee club of girls chosen from Frost, Cameron, and Sargent Schools, sang "Cover Them Over" and "God Bless America." At the World War Monument all three verses of "I Am An American" were sung by the entire group of school children.
In November the Parent-Teacher Association was entertained in Frost School. A quintet of girls from grade six of the Sargent School showed unusual progress by their rendition of three-part music so early in the school term. Other selections were given by a group of girls from the Frost School with Lucy Flagg, as soloist, singing the "Forty Second Psalm." John St. Onge accompanied his group of "Hill- billies" on a Mexican guitar. They gave a splendid performance.
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