On July 10, 1972, the town of Norwood continued its efforts to engage families in the educational process through Project Aspire, a federally funded summer remedial program.
Running from July 5 through August 15, the program provided intensive instruction in mathematics and reading to 160 elementary students and 30 preschoolers across four target schools: the Balch, Callahan, Shattuck, and Oldham schools. The program was designed to provide a positive social experience geared toward building student self-esteem.
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Central to this initiative was the newly formed Parental Advisory Council (PAC), a group mandated by the federal government to ensure that parents could influence decisions directly affecting the program. The council consisted of eight members representing the target schools and St. Catherine of Siena School. The appointed members included Mrs. Dorothy McCarthy, Mrs. Charlene Green, Mrs. Joan Filipowicz, Mrs. Dorothy Whitney, Mrs. Joan Downey, Mrs. Mary Phillips, Mrs. Pat LeBlanc, and the chairman, Mrs. Vera Gately.
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Although the council was in the early stages of “learning the ropes,” members expressed a strong desire to be an informed and active body rather than a mere figurehead group. Program director Raymond Fleck confirmed that the council was intended to be advisory, designed to assist in program development and foster open communication between school personnel and the home. According to the state Title I handbook, such involvement was deemed essential to improve the relevance of school efforts and to foster a collaborative environment that ultimately benefits the children. Guidance services were made available to staff, parents, and students, while the program’s supportive staff included speech teachers, librarians, and various arts specialists.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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School Drop-In Centers Possible In Fall-June 24, 1974
Citing summer custodial constraints and a lack of air conditioning, town officials vote to survey local youths during the summer to prepare for a fall launch.
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Public Schools Face Delays and Possible State Action on Mandatory Hot Lunch Program-August 31, 1973
Parents of elementary school students in Norwood will need to continue packing brown-bag lunches for the start of the academic year. School Superintendent Philip O. Coakley announced that the town will fail to meet the state-mandated September deadline for implementing a universal public school hot lunch program, exposing the municipality to potential legal action by…
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Norwood High School Refines Open Campus Program in Second Year of Operation-October 2, 1972
Entering its second year, Norwood High School’s open campus system sees tighter corridor rules, sophomore restrictions, and expanded academic seminars while undergoing state-mandated evaluation.
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Andy Scafati Recalls 40 Seasons in Athletics Ahead of Norwood Retirement-September 7, 1972
Longtime Norwood High School athletic director Andy Scafati reflects on 40 years in sports and the remarkable expansion of the town’s athletic programs as he prepares to step down.
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School Board Reverses Vote, Keeps NorWest Woods Pupils at Oldham-August 29, 1972
In a reversal of a previous decision, the School Committee has voted to keep 46 elementary school children from the Nor-West Woods apartment complex at the Oldham School, rescinding a July 5 vote that would have transferred them to the Shattuck School. Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley explained that the committee revoted on the matter…
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Norwood Sets $38 Tax Rate on Court-Ordered 100% Property Valuation for 1972-August 16, 1972
Announcing a 1972 tax rate of $38 per $1,000 under a court-ordered 100 percent property valuation, Assessor Chairman James J. Drummey concluded a major reassessment by Cole, Layer and Trumble.
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Norwood Jr. High Offered Land At $9,500 An Acre-September 30, 1971
The Norwood School Committee recommends the Endean area in Walpole as the site for a new junior high school, facing sharp questioning from town meeting members over rising costs and site shifts.
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Norwood High School Launches Innovative Open Campus Plan for Fall Term-September 8, 1971
Norwood High School opens the fall term by launching an innovative open campus and extended-day program designed by Principal John F. Monbouquette to foster student responsibility.
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Junior High Alternate Estimates Sought-June 25, 1971
A sharp debate divides Town Manager Walter Blasenak and finance officials over mounting unappropriated architectural fees for Boston design firms.
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Schools Face Heating Oil Shortage for Upcoming Winter, While Band Camp and Library Art Programs Make Headlines-August 6, 1970
Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley informed the Norwood School Committee that no companies submitted bids to supply 110,000 gallons of No. 5 heating oil for town schools due to quotas, shortages, and environmental regulations.
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