USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1936-1944 > Part 10
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September
442.90
505.00
947.90
October
519.50
462.50
982.00
November
547.50
447.50
1,022.00
December
911.25
911.25
$6,029.52
$5,308.25
$11,337.77
Paid to other Cities and Towns
$538.05
$11,875.82
Receipts :
Federal Grants
$5,334.00
State
3,171.95
Cost toTown $3,256.20
Other Towns
113.67
Total
$8,619.62
Bureau of Old Age Assistance, JOSEPH V. PORADA, Chairman, FRANK J. BETSOLD, JAMES S. BARDWELL, CHARLES C. J. RICHARDS, A. R. BREOR, Agent.
.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
School Committee
OF THE
Town of Hatfield
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1939
45
School Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph F. Chandler, Chairman
Term Expires 1941
A. E. Celatka, Secretary
Term Expires 1942
P. W. Mullins Term Expires 1940
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
William E. Hebard, 4 Franklin Court, Northampton Telephone 1088
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
A. J. Bonneville, M. D. R. C. Byrne, M. D.
SCHOOL NURSE
Marian Holmes, R. N., 82 Harrison Avenue, Northampton Telephone 25
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Chief Arthur R. Breor
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term-January 2 to February 16. Vacation of one week.
Spring Term-February 26 to about April 5. Vacation for planting.
46
Summer Term-About April 22 to June 14-Elementary.
to June 18-Academy.
Summer Vacation.
Fall Term-Academy-September 4 to December 20. Grades-September 9 to December 20. Holiday vacation.
Winter Term to begin Thursday, January 2, 1941.
Holidays
February 22-Good Friday, March 22. April 19-May 30-Labor Day, September 2. October 12-November 11.
Thanksgiving and day following.
47
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of Hatfield :
Your committee has held regular meetings each month of the fiscal year except August, and there have been several special meetings. The superintendent has been present at the meetings, shared in our discussions and has kept us informed of trends in educational activi- ties about the Commonwealth.
A new transportation contract was awarded for the three years beginning in September and the rate obtained was very favorable to the town and the service furnished has proven adequate.
Owing to the use of WPA governmental funds in the past few years our local maintenance costs have been held to a low figure. Within the coming fiscal year renewal in the heating facilities will be needed at North Hatfield for the upper grades, and for the Farm-Shop at School Street.
The financial needs for the fiscal year 1940 were dis- cussed at the two final regular meetings and a special meeting and we endorse the estimates as given elsewhere in this report.
We request your consideration for the entire report.
48
Whereas, in view of the loss we have sustained by the decease of our committee member, the late Patrick W. Mullins, and of the still greater loss sustained by those who were nearest and dearest to him:
Therefore be it resolved: That in his removal from our midst we record our sorrow in the loss of one who gave of his best judgment to the interests of the Hatfield schools during his recent service and during an earlier membership on the Hatfield School Committee.
Resolved: That we express to Mrs. Mullins and his children our appreciation of his services with us: and
Resolved: That we conclude our report with this tribute which will thereby be included within the Hatfield reports.
Respectfully submitted, JOSEPH F. CHANDLER, A. E. CELATKA.
49
SCHOOL CENSUS . As of October 1, 1939
1939
Boys 32
Girls
Total
1938 Total
Between 5 and 7
25
57
64
Between 7 and 16
167
173
340
376
199
198
397
440
A decrease of forty-three in the census year as only six pupils in 1938 and fifty-four in 1937. Note the de- crease in pupils of compulsory age for the past two years does not equal the change in the one year of 1937.
50
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee and Citizens of Hatfield :
Herewith is my ninth annual report as superintendent of the schools of Hatfield, together with the customary reports of the principal of Smith Academy, supervisor of music, and scchool nurse who is supervisor of health educa- tion.
At the very outset of this report as a review is made of the teaching changes during the past fiscal year I shall speak of the loss to the pupils of Hatfield in the passing of Miss Margaret A. Ryan. Miss Ryan was always most conscientious in her school assignments. Every pupil who had the enviable privilege to have been one of her pupils will cherish the memory of a lovable teacher who thereby secured the best work from each individual pupil who came under her influence.
Miss Helen F. Boyle resigned her position at North Hatfield in February to become married. Miss Jennie T. Kempisty of this town completed the rest of the school year with a substitute rating. In September Miss Kempisty was promoted to a full teaching position. Miss Kempisty is a graduate of Westfield Teachers' College and McCarthy Business College.
As the present school year advanced it was found that the need of a helping teacher in the Center schools was more necessary to a greater number of pupils than a teach- er for 13 pupils in Grade II in School Street. So there was a change of three teachers in the Center Schools,
51
whereby Mrs. Grace Bardwell assumed the helping teacher assignment and Mrs. Constance Mullany was transferred to Grade V. Miss Anne Osley then was placed in Grade III which left the two lower grades in School Street with Miss Marie A. Proulx.
There were two changes of teachers accompanied by a promotion in the faculty of Smith Academy. Mr. Ed- ward J. Burke was elected to the principalship of Holyoke Vocational School in his home city, after having been a member of the local faculty since 1925 and the past nine years as principal. Throughout my association with Mr. Burke I found him to be a friendly cooperative principal with a persistent aim to increase the educational offerings to the pupils who came to be enrolled in his school.
The committee promoted Clarence J. Larkin from the position as vice-principal to principal, and with a non- vocational teacher as principal the position of vice-princi- pal was no longer needed. Mr. Larkin's long experience in Hatfield is sufficient evidence of his value as a teacher.
From the comparatively restricted field of applica- tions among vocational certified candidates, John P. Car- roll of Salem was elected as teacher of agriculture. This is Mr. Carroll's first year as a teacher but he had had several years of experience in charge of gardens and allied activities in Veterans' reservations.
In June, Miss Helen E. Benjamin resigned to become married. For that position of supervisor of penmanship and part time commercial subjects the committee elected Miss Alice J. Cullinan of Holyoke. Miss Cullinan is a graduate of Fitchburg Teachers' College and Bay Path In- stitute with three years of experience in the commercial department of David Prouty High School in Spencer.
The next chart will show the distribution by schools and grades of the elementary pupils in the town as shown by the several school registers at the close of the last term.
52
Pupil Distribution
Grades
Totals
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
1940
1939
N. Hatfield
3
3
6
4
5
7
5
5
38
41
Bradstreet
5
3
4
8
20
27
Hill
13
4
6
-
23
22
School St.
17
13
18
24
32
39
38
40
191
186
38
23
34
36
37
46
43
45
302
312
1939
29
34
38
37
45
43
42
44
312
The following chart will show the distribution of these pupils served on the transportation routes now main- tained. There is a small decrease over the numbers as given for 1938.
Elm Street
W. Hatfield
N. Hatfield
Bradstreet
Seniors
0
1
2
2
5
Juniors
5
7
1
3
16
Sophomores
4
0
3
5
12
Freshmen
4
1
4
9
18
Grades
VIII
6
2
0
3
11
VII
6
3
0
4
13
VI
3
6
0
7
16
V
1
3
0
2
6
IV
3
1
0
0
4
III
0
3
0
0
3
II
0
1
0
0
1
I
0
2
0
0
2
Totals
32
30
10
35
107
-
30
36
Center
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Elementary pupils 56 Academy pupils 51
The present contract rate of transportation as fur- nished by the Hatfield Garage makes the cost of the in- dividual pupil transportation slightly in excess of seven cents a school day, and one-half of this is returned to the town in Part II of the General School Fund.
53
From the foregoing charts certain observations may be drawn which may predict future changes in teaching assignments and pupil enrollment. £ Also, the trend of transportation can be foretold. The last prediction is easier with five seniors to graduate while eleven mem- bers of grade VIII will probably go to the Academy in September. Also there are five pupils in grade VIII at North Hatfield to come into the central area.
I have anticipated that it would be possible to close the upper grade room at North Hatfield by 1940 and cen- tralize all of the upper four grades in the Center School. That plan would add another twenty pupils for whom transportation would have to be planned. Our present bus service is very satisfactory-almost as economical as a municipal owned bus. However, to try to bring so many more pupils to this center area would mean that some pupils would have to be on the road as early as 7:45 in the morning and as late as 4:45 in the afternoon. I doubt if many parents would accept as long a day graciously.
The gist of the previous paragraph is that it appears difficult to anticipate a fewer number of elementary teach- ers for the time until effectual transportation will result.
Financial Forecast
1939
1940 Estimates
Costs
$3,554.21
Administration
$3,535.00
29,390.38
Instruction
28,975.00
1,474.02
Books and Supplies
*1,975.00
2,614.92
Janitor Service
2,670.00
1,685.50
Transportation
1,575.00
3,229.21 **
Fuel and Lights
3,225.00
606.81
Elem. Repairs
600.00
73.99
Miscellaneous and Graduation Expenses 80.00
$42,829.34
$42,635.00
54
Probable Fed. Funds Committee Salaries
400.00
200.00
·
Necessary Appropriation
$42,035.00
** A year ago only $2,500.00 was set aside for Heat and Light which as will be noted was over $700.00 too lit- tle. * The older typewriters were not exchanged within 1939 as had been planned and some other modern equip- ment for the biology classes was not purchased. Also $2,200.00 was requested for books and supplies in 1939 so the foregoing estimate for that purpose is a ten percent reduction from the 1939 request.
I LIKE TO THINK OF THE SCHOOL APPROPRIATION AS AN INVESTMENT IN FUTURE CITIZENSHIP RATHER THAN A TAX SPECTER
Recommendations
Once again I shall call your attention to the absence of organized art and drawing instruction in the schools. The pupils do not get a rounded curriculum and especially in the household arts group. If unions like the Leverett- Shutesbury, Becket-Chester, Hinsdale-Peru and Hunting- ton-Montgomery unions could keep the service during the last eight lean years why cannot Hadley and Hatfield re- sume the instruction ?
Again I would call your attention to the need for a townwide physical education program. To be sure Smith Academy won the Hampshire League pennant last year and also was represented in the Western Massachusetts tournament which brought attention to the town. Yes, and the Smith Academy girls won their league pennant. However these accomplishments do not constitute a town wide program, and 'indoor and outdoor games and athletic exercise' along with language and grammar and arithme- tic are prescribed subjects for public elementary schools.
55
Inasmuch as there is practically no income from games played by the girls in basketball which from the number participating really is a physical education project the committee has approved meeting their transportation costs. I am inclined to think that the same attitude could be taken toward the maintenance of baseball and soccer expenses for the boys in the academy. For practice pur- poses a goodly share of boys participate to make a real physical education program. Basketball will take care of itself and provide for the payment to officials in the other sport activities.
The Northampton School Department is again the sponsor for a lecture series for Hampshire County teach- ers. A great majority of your Hatfield teachers have taken advantage of these cultural offerings and their superintendent is grateful for their interest. Other teachers have taken courses in the late afternoons or evenings at Massachusetts State College and extension centers under the affiliation of Boston University and the State Department. Citizens should commend teachers who show this interest.
Since 1932 there have been many causes of economic disturbances with resultant effects. In many towns and cities salary schedules have been thrown out or set aside, and for so long that the original concept of a salary schedule seems to have been lost. With an upturn in economic conditions I believe a restatement of the ex- pectation of a teacher toward a salary schedule right here in this town is not out of order. When a teacher begins teaching at a salary of $900.00 on the basis of satisfactory service she should expect a regular increment until the maximum salary for the other teachers of the town is reached. So long as there is no change in the upper level paid all teachers, there has been no raise in salary. Right here in Hatfield nearly all the elementary teachers have had long experience and so naturally are at the maximum.
56
Also, a great majority of the same teachers have com- pleted requirements for an extra increment as a result of outside study. Frankly with one more year of satisfac- tory crops in the valley I would think a restoration of the maximum rate of $1,200.00 fair for those elementary teachers who have completed outside study.
Your schools have had satisfactory attendance throughout the year with no series of diseases to disturb school activities. This fact has ccontributed toward ef- fectual teaching throughout the town. Each year in June there are a few pupils who have not attained enough facility with the work content of the particular grade to warrant entrance into the next grade. We mean to re- strict the number of repeaters to a minimum, yet it is not conducive to the child's health to be swamped in his scholastic endeavors. Pupils differ in outward form and complexion and why is it not reasonable to expect as wide variance in mental abilities ?
In conclusion I am grateful to the town officials, citi- zens, teachers and pupils for their continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. HEBARD, Superintendent of Schools,
Hadley and Hatfield.
57
Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my first report as Principal of Smith Academy.
Our total registration is 121, 50 boys and 71 girls, three of whom are Post Graduates.
The school is rated Class A by the State Department of Education and enjoys the New England College En- trance Certificate privilege.
There is a normal distribution of enrollment in the various courses of study.
Important changes have taken place in the personnel of our teaching staff. Mr. Edward J. Burke, who served as principal and Agricultural Instructor for many years, has been made Director of the Holyoke Vocational School. Mr. Burke has endeared himself to us all, and will be long cherished in our memories for his kindly advice, his pleas- ing personality and his splendid leadership.
Mr. John P. Carroll has been appointed instructor of Vocational Agriculture. Mr. Carroll is a native of Salem and was graduated from the high school in that city. He received his professional training at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and at Boston University.
Miss Helen Benjamin, who served one year as instruc- tor in the Commercial Department, resigned her position in June to marry Mr. Theodore Jagientowicz of Newark, N. J. She was suceeded by Miss Alice J. Cullinan of Hol- yoke, who had been teaching at the Spencer High School. Miss Cullinan was graduated from the Fitchburg State Teachers' College and the Bay Path Institute. Both of our new teachers have proved excellent additions to our very efficient staff.
58
Through the cooperation of our music supervisor, Miss Maude E. Boyle, a change has been made in regard to the music schedule in order to permit a more efficient time allotment. This change is schedule allows two more days on which it is not necessary to shorten the regular class periods. Separate Boy and Girl Glee Club periods are held each week. While one group is at music, the other group participates in an athletic program under the direction of Miss Pauline R. Lyons and Mr. John R. Kal- loch.
Under their leadership, both the boys and the girls were successful in winning the championships in their re- spective basketball leagues. These victories granted us the pleasure of entertaining both leagues at banquets held at the Memorial Town Hall. These banquets were served under the supervision of Miss Dorothy Allaire of the Household Art Department. Because of the small enroll- ment of our school compared to the enrollment of other schools in the leagues, our coaches and our players are worthy of special approbation.
Last year our school received its first invitation to a championship tournament. We participated in the West- ern Massachusetts Championship Tournament at Westfield and were defeated by Adams High School, winners of the tournament.
Our baseball team, although not belonging to a league, played eight interscholastic games. The soccer team had a fair season as a member of the Hampshire Soccer League.
Supplementing the activity program in health, Miss Marion Holmes, R. N. gives weekly talks and demonstra- tions to special groups. All students have received physi- cal examinations by our school physician, Robert M. Byrne, M. D.
Practically our entire health program is financed by the revenue from our basketball games. During the last
59
year the total expenditures of the Athletic Association were over $700.00.
An enrichment of some courses would be appreciably enhanced by the addition of some new equipment. This need is especially felt in our cooking laboratory, science laboratory, farm shop and in the commercial department.
This year the carpentering division of the farm shop work has been housed in the rear of the Primary School Building. This has many advantages and is proving more satisfactory daily. Mr. Pius Levitre, who has served the past few years as instructor in carpentering, resigned in December. Mr. Michael Janos, Jr. has been appointed to fill this position temporarily. In all courses, bimonthly examinations are given prior to the issurance of report cards.
All phases of our transportation problem have been satisfactorily taken care of under. the new bus arrange- ment.
The Smith Academy Board of Trustees has been very attentive to our physical needs. During the past summer, in addition to many minor repairs, a new ceiling was in- stalled in Mr. Kalloch's room.
Police Chief Arthur Breor and Peter Backiel, Cus- todian of the Town Hall, have been especially cooperative in their respective capacities, and are deserving of our commendation .-
My short term as your principal has been a very pleas- ant one. The students have been working earnestly; the teachers have willingly assumed heavy teaching loads ; and your cooperation in my efforts has been very generous. I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to you, Mr. Superintendent and School Committee, and to the Faculty, Trustees and Selectmen.
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE J. LARKIN, Principal.
60
School Health Report
-
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee:
The general health of the school population was good during the year. The routine physical examination show the students to be interested in maintaining normal health standards. It is our hope to make the physical examina- tion more detailed in 1940, through scientific, clinical test- ing for tuberculosis tendencies and defects in the High School and all contacts in the grade schools and the pre- school children. This project will need the cooperation of all persons interested in better health for young people.
The correction of defects and prevention of communi- cable disease is an important part of the health program of the community as well as of the school department and the following report of the Diphtheria Immunization is commendable-
Pre-school children, complete immunization
at clinic 55
Pre-school children, complete immunization private 7
Pre-school children, incomplete immunization 2
School Children, complete immunization 17
School Children, incomplete immunization 4
85
Correction of Nose and Throat defects
4
Correction of Visual defects
6
Correction of Dental defects
104
Correction of Nutritional defects 12
126
61
The temporary suspension of the regular Nose and Throat clinics held at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital pre- vented several children from having that particular defect corrected, nevertheless, as the hospital service will permit, children already listed for operation will receive treatment as the service can arrange, and emergency cases will be treated as the family physician may advise.
Observation Clinic Report-
Students X-rayed and examined, Chadwick clinic 6 Students X-rayed and examined, Leeds Sanatorium 6 Students X-rayed and examined, Westfield Sanatorium 4
Students under supervision, Shriner's Hospital 6
Students referred to Public Health Clinic for
observation and occupational adjustment 2 Children examined at the Child Guidance Clinic 2 Children attending Health Camp, 4 weeks 2
Discharged from Shriner's Clinic 1
29
Throughout the year classe in First Aid and Safety were held at the North and Centre Grammar schools. In the Home Economic Department, High School classes in- First Aid and Safety.
Sanitation and Nutrition.
Hygiene and Physiology.
Again, the school health department is sincerely ap- preciative of the cooperation and help received from- American Red Cross, Hampshire County Public Associa- tion, State and Local Boards of Health and Education, our teachers, pupils and parents in making school health an interesting occupation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION HOLMES, R. N.
62
Report of the Music Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools and the
School Committee of Hatfield :
The real value of music education is in developing a feeling of response to the singing and hearing of good music.
We teach, therefore, to instill a desire for, and a knowledge of music.
During the first school year singing is taught by imi- tation, then comes the "bridging-over period" during which simple principles of notation and rhythm are pre- sented while continuing song singing by imitation. The third stage is a period of adjustment spent in applying these facts in relation to note and word reading.
By this procedure we hope to develope pleasure and self-reliance in rendering and the happiness of intelligent listening to fine music.
The schedule of the music supervisor consists of a visit weekly to all the grades in the Center and School Street buildings, once in two weeks to the Hill, North Hat- field and Bradstreet buildings. There are two music periods weekly in Smith Academy.
The Girls' Glee Club, the Boys' Glee Club and the Smith Academy chorus presented numbers in the pro- grams of the State Agricultural Prize Speaking, Smith Academy Prize Speaking, Memorial Day and the usual commencement programs. The pupils of the Center School presented a Christmas pageant in December. All of the children of the town joined for the elementary portion of the Memorial Day program.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our Superintendent, School Committee, principals, teachers and pupils for their hearty cooperation and interest in our school music.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE E. BOYLE, Supervisor of Music.
63
TEACHER DATA-JANUARY 1, 1940
Smith Academy
Principal-Clarence J. Larkin, Haydenville $2,100.00
John H. Kalloch, Hatfield 1,900.00
Mary E. Ryan, Hatfield 1,450.00
Pauline R. Lyons, Methuen 1,200.00
Margaret E. Stoddard, Hatfield 1,000.00
Alice J. Cullinan, Holyoke 1,000.00*
John P. Carroll, Salem 1,800.00
Dorothy M. Allaire, Hatfield 1,200.00
Center Schools
Principal-Raymond N. Jenness, Hatfield 1,600.00
Peter G. Staszko, Agawam 1,100.00
Grace W. Bardwell, Hatfield 1,150.00
Sarah V. Kiley, Hatfield
1,150.00
Constance B. Mullany, Hatfield
1,150.00
Catherine T. Shea, Holyoke
1,150.00
Katherine I. Hayes, Hatfield
1,150.00
Anna Osley, Hatfield
1,150.00
Marie A. Proulx, Hatfield
1,150.00
Eileen M. Larkin, Holyoke
1,050.00
Hill School
Martha K. Pelissier, Hatfield
1,100.00
Bradstreet School
Lena P. Fitzgerald, Hatfield 1,100.00
North Hatfield Schools
Mary D. Donelson, Hatfield 1,100.00
Jennie T. Kempisty, Hatfield 900.00
Music
Maude E. Boyle, Hatfield 750.00+
School Nurse and Health Education Marion Holmes, R. N., Northampton 850.00+
*Afternoons in the elementary schools as supervisor of penmanship.
¡An equal amount and equal time is allotted to Hadley.
64
HENRY F. LONG COMMISSIONER
THEODORE N. WADDELL DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Arcounts State House, Boston
. February 3, 1940
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Joseph V. Porada, Chairman Hatfield, Massachusetts
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