Schools Prepare for 5th Annual New Teacher Orientation-August 22, 1967

The Norwood Public Schools are preparing to welcome 58 new teachers for the upcoming academic year during a comprehensive two-day orientation institute scheduled for August 30 and 31 at the Prescott School. Marking the fifth annual installment of the program, the institute opens with an introductory address from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Philip O. Coakley, who views effective orientation as an essential foundation for building early professional competence.

The program features panel discussions led by school administrators focusing on educational philosophy, curriculum content, and time allocations, complemented by a guided bus tour of Norwood to help incoming educators familiarize themselves with the community. Administrative coordination for the institute is managed by James R. Donovan, assistant to the superintendent for secondary schools, and Umberto Napoleone, director of elementary curriculum and special services.

Incoming Secondary School Faculty

Among the 58 incoming educators, 28 are newly appointed to the secondary school staff. The incoming cohort brings diverse academic backgrounds from across New England and beyond:

Miss Catherine A. Brennan (Attleboro) – Guidance Department (B.A., Stonehill College; M.A., University of Arizona)
John A. Carver, Jr. (Norwood) – High School Math Department (B.S., University of Massachusetts)
Miss Diane Chawes (Portland, Maine) – Junior High English Department (B.A., University of Maine)
Domenic Compagnone (Milford) – High School Math Department (B.A., University of Massachusetts)
Kenneth F. Dalzell (East Braintree) – Junior High Science Department (B.S., State College at Bridgewater)
Peter C. Davis (Framingham) – High School History Department (B.A., Harvard College)
Miss Charlotte E. Fulton (Medford) – High School Business Department (B.S., Ohio Northern University)
Miss Mary A. Hucksam (Norwood) – Junior High English Department (B.A., Trinity College)
Joseph Katchpole (Dedham) – High School Physical Education Department (B.S., Boston University)
Rob. G. Lavoie (Central Falls, R.I.) – High School Language Department (B.A., Providence College)
Christopher B. Lee (Bridgewater) – Junior High Science Department (B.S., State College at Bridgewater)
Miss Melody Matalon (Hicksville, N.Y.) – Junior High Music Department (B.A., Vassar College; M.S., Sargent College, Boston University)
Janet R. Meade (Wassaic, N.Y.) – History Department (B.A., Wellesley College)
Miss Patricia Mulhearn (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – High School English Department (B.A., Cornell University; M.A., Boston College)
Mrs. Kirby Ortiz de Montellano (Cambridge) – High School Language Department (B.A., Smith College)
Giles B. Parker (Quincy) – High School Reading Department (B.A., State College at Bridgewater; M.A., Boston University)
Miss Amelia Peters (West Roxbury) – Henry O. Peabody School (Certificates in Design, Jackson Von-Ladua School & Rhode Island School of Design)
Miss Leslie A. Prouty (Leominster) – Junior High Reading Department (B.A., University of Massachusetts)
Mrs. Leslie B. Sabin (West Roxbury) – High School Language Department (B.A., Susquehanna University)
Mrs. Ellyn M. Shain (Newton) – Junior High Art Department (B.A., Boston University)
Miss Kate Simpson (Uniondale, N.Y.) – High School Physical Education Department
Miss Marilyn H. Smith (Syracuse, N.Y.) – High School English Department (B.A., St. Lawrence University; M.A., Syracuse University)
James R. Tozier (Dedham) – High School Math Department (B.S., Bowling Green State University)
David C. Tripp (Fryeburg, Maine) – Junior High Industrial Arts Department (B.S., Gorham State College)
Paul Vital (Westport) – High School History Department (B.A., State College at Bridgewater)
Mrs. Nancy M. Warren (Brookline) – Junior High History Department (B.A., DePauw University)
Miss Diana J. Zepka (Adams) – High School Math Department (B.A., Regis College)
Eugene D. Zoller (Marblehead) – High School History Department (B.A. & M.A., Boston College)

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

Norwood Teachers Association Submits $1,000 Pay Increase Proposal-August 18, 1966

The Norwood Teachers Association submitted a $1,000-plus pay raise proposal as the school committee signed its first collective bargaining agreement amid debate led by John J. Cavanaugh and William Egan.
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

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Norwood Tennis Courts Recreation-July 10, 1965

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Town Meeting Approves Balch and Cleveland School Additions-October 23, 1964

Norwood voters overwhelmingly approved additions for the Balch and Cleveland schools during a town meeting session that also addressed Morrill Memorial Library plans and Plimpton Press electrical upgrades.
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.
Caroline Stratton Breaks Decades-Long Tradition as Female Freshman Class President-October 14, 1963

In a historic student election at Norwood Senior High School, Caroline Stratton becomes the first female freshman class president in over three decades.
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.