At 8:10 a.m. in Room 9 of the Balch Elementary School, first-grade teacher Carol Wong taped a bright green and orange fluorescent drawing of a rocket to the blackboard bearing the words, “Ms. Wong, launch pad 9″—marking the first formal school memories for the incoming Class of 1999, the final class slated to graduate in the 20th century.
First-Day Perspectives Across the Grades
“I always get excited about the new students, about the new year,” remarked Wong, who was preparing her classroom for the third consecutive year with walls lined with alphabet posters, an apple display, and miniature tables and chairs. “They like to meet the new teacher. I like to let them know that school’s an exciting place.”
Outside in the schoolyard, students approached the new academic year with a mix of seasoned routine and youthful apprehension:
- The Phaneuf Siblings: Sixth-grader Scott Phaneuf took the opening day in stride, noting, “I like the first day because you don’t get homework.” His brother, fourth-grader Wayne, added, “I like getting out of school the best. But I’m not nervous.” Their sister, third-grader Michelle, was equally calm: “I’ve got the teacher my brother had last year. I’m not worried.” Meanwhile, a dozen mothers guided hesitant first-graders with quivering lower lips into the yard.
- Norwood High School Sophomores: Entering the senior high building for the first time, sophomore Debbie D’Encremont admitted, “I’m a little nervous, but I think it’s going to be fun. You look forward to the football games, seeing kids in our own school playing.” Classmate Debbie Haberlin focused on the academic reality: “As you get older, they expect more from you. At this point, I just want to find my way around.”
Faculty Reflections
Veteran educators at Norwood High balanced morning coffee with the perennial opening-day butterflies. Patricia Ingraham, an English teacher with nearly 20 years of experience, confessed, “I didn’t sleep well last night; I never do the night before the first day of school. It’s exciting; there are all new faces, a new start.” Fellow English teacher Walter Peterson shared that September remains his favorite month because “attendance is better, students are enthusiastic.”
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Andrew J. Ciarletta Jr. Appointed Principal of Winslow Elementary School-July 27, 1966
The Norwood School Committee appointed Andrew J. Ciarletta Jr. as principal of Winslow Elementary School, succeeding Alan R. Wonson.
-
Superintendent Coakley Tells PTA Council That $4 Million in New School Construction Is Mandatory-September 10, 1965
Dr. Philip O. Coakley tells the PTA Council that $4 million in new school construction—including a new elementary and junior high—is mandatory to handle over-capacity enrollment.
-
Norwood School Committee Reviews Summer School Program and Proposes Token Fees-September 3, 1965
Following the successful completion of Norwood’s first town-sponsored summer school program—which enrolled approximately 330 local students in remedial coursework—the Norwood School Committee is evaluating future administrative structures, including a proposal to institute a nominal student fee. Superintendent Philip O. Coakley presented a comprehensive report detailing the inaugural summer session, noting that progress reports for every…
-
School Wiring Hazard Suspected at Norwood Junior High-September 3, 1965
Expressing deep concern over aging infrastructure, the Norwood School Committee has called for an immediate investigation into potential electrical wiring hazards at the Norwood Junior High School to determine whether emergency repairs are urgently required. The inquiry was initiated after Superintendent of Schools Philip O. Coakley delivered an alarming report on the condition of the…
-
Norwood Tennis Courts Recreation-July 10, 1965
On July 10, 1965, Norwood officials were actively working to resolve the placement of a proposed six-court tennis facility at the Prescott School. Recreation Superintendent Richard Ready noted that while the specific site remained undecided, he and other town officials were in the process of analyzing a location proposed by the Norwood School Committee. ⠀…
-
Norwood Renews Search For High School Principal-June 25, 1964
Officials plan to evaluate past candidates and request recommendations from Boston area colleges while Vice Principal John Mombouquette prepares for interim leadership.
-
Enrollment Hike Forces Split Classes in Norwood Public Schools-September 5, 1963
Norwood public schools experience an enrollment spike of 416 students, prompting split classes at Cleveland and Callahan schools and sparking a debate over elementary cafeteria capacity.
-
Eleventh-Hour Decision on Oldham School Registration-September 3, 1963
NORWOOD — An eleventh-hour session of the Oldham School Building Committee is being held tonight to make the decisive call on whether the newly constructed school will officially open its doors for student registration tomorrow morning. Final Scramble and Boiler Inspections Workmen labored through the weekend, including a full day on Saturday, trying to wrap…
-
Oldham School Opening Set for Wednesday, New Teacher Appointments-August 30, 1963
As Norwood prepares for the new academic year, the School Committee has announced plans to open the newly constructed John P. Oldham Elementary School next Wednesday, contingent upon final safety inspections of its heating and ventilating systems. While municipal electric light department crews rushed to finish electrical work and boilers were fired for the first…
-
Bios of New Norwood Public School Teachers-August 29, 1963
As the Norwood public school system prepares for the upcoming academic year, officials announced the appointment of 56 new teachers. Biographical profiles for the first 28 incoming educators highlight their educational backgrounds and assignments: High School Appointments Elementary, Junior High, and Special Services Appointments Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.