USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1936-1944 > Part 13
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Installed a new line of 396 feet of 14 inch pipe to Martin Zapka's, from there 716 feet of 1 inch pipe to the residence of Michael Saydlowski.
Three new copper services were installed. Seven services were renewed with copper tubing.
Six galvanized services were installed.
Several hydrants were broken by autos and repaired.
The small reservoir was cleaned seven times.
The large one was cleaned twice.
Ten small samples of water were sent to Lawrence, Mass. Three to Boston.
These samples according to the department of health are not up to the standard.
We would respectfully remind you that your water system is nearing the half century mark. It is a long
47
time for a water system. Nothing lasts for ever and from now on the upkeep of your system must naturally in- crease.
Since the above article was made up a letter has ap- peared in the Springfield Republican, February 2nd.
Some people might think too much money is being spent on the system, evidently the state board disapproves.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES J. EBERLIN, ARTHUR E. SMITH, SIMEON BOURDON,
Board of Water Commissioners.
48
Police Report
Hatfield, Mass. December 31, 1940.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The report of the Police Department for the year end- ing December 31, 1940 and the number of arrests made in the Town of Hatfield, is respectfully submitted.
Drunkness
19
Motor Vehicle Violations
24
Driving so as to endanger
4
Cruelty to animals
1
Disturbing the peace
4
Operating, influence of Liquor
8
Illegitimate Act
4
Neglect of Children
4
Vagrants
6
Assault and Battery
5
Larceny
5
Breaking and Entering, Night Time
1
Returned to Institutions
5
Arson
1
Respectfully submitted, 91
ARTHUR R. BREOR,
Chief of Police.
49
LIST OF JURORS SUBMITTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN FOR 1941
Stanley T. Rogalewski
Peter P. Backiel
Peter Raffa
Alfred E. Breor
Alexander Celatka
Roman Sadoski
Raymond Labbee
John Pelis, Jr.
William E. Boyle, Jr.
Herman N. Harris
George L. Goller
Bernard Wilkes
Robert Field
Stanley Filipek
George M. Deinlein
Joseph M. Slusars
John R. McGrath
Raymond W. Gore
John Osley, Sr.
Adolph Toczko
Marcus G. Mullins
John J. Fusek
James S. Bardwell
David Mullany
Anthony W. Jandzinski
Albert S. Kirejczyk
Thomas E. Sheehan
Thomas L. Mullany
Samuel Omasta Leonard H. Vollinger
Howard B. Abbott
Harold J. Morse
Clifford L. Belden
George A. Englehardt
50
Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Old Age Assistance
Payments January 1, 1940 to December 31, 1940
January, 33 Cases
$894.00
February, 33 Cases
1,026.39
March, 33 Cases
902.00
April, 38 Cases
1,090.74
May, 38 Cases
1,257.00
June, 35 Cases
1,098.19
July, 36 Cases
1,044.90
August, 36 Cases
955.06
September, 32 Cases
931.00
October, 37 Cases
1,011.48
November, 38 Cases
1,035.00
December, 39 Cases
1,082.72
$12,328.98
Paid other Cities and Towns
451.21
$12,780.19
Received from Federal Government
$5,769.20
Received from State 4,114.62
Received, other Cities and Towns
146.70
$10,030.52
Cost to Town $2,649.67
Bureau of Old Age Assistance, JOSEPH V. PORADA, Chairman, JOHN W. MULLINS, 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, 1940
53
School Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
A. E. Celatka, Chairman
S. G. Carl, Secretary
Joseph F. Chandler
Term expires 1942
Term expires 1943
Term expires 1941
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
Thomas Breor
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term-January 2 to February 14. Recess of one week.
Spring Term-February 24 to about April 4. Recess of ten days or so.
54
Summer Term-About April 21 to June 18. Vacation for summer.
Fall Term-September 3 to December 23-Academy. September 8 to December 23-Elementary.
Winter Term for 1942 to begin Monday, January 5th.
Holidays not in recesses nor vacation
Memorial Day, Friday, May 30th.
Columbus Day on Monday, October 13th.
Armistice Day, Tuesday, November 11th. Thanksgiving and day after.
SCHOOL CENSUS
As of October 1, 1940
Boys
Girls
1940-1939 Total
Between 5 and 7
30
27
57
57
Between 7 and 16
154
158
312
340
184
185
369
397
A decrease of 38 pupils. Last year the decrease was 43 pupils.
55
Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of Hatfield :
Your committee has held the usual regular monthly meetings for the approval of accounts and the considera- tion of other matters which concern the interests of school activities in Hatfield. The superintendent has attended these meetings.
At the March meeting it was voted to have Superin- tendent Hebard study the drawing situation with a pos- sibility that part-time supervision in that subject would result. Thus Stephen G. Maniatty was secured on a ten- tative schedule for the rest of the last school year. The trial was very satisfactory so drawing as a regularly supervised subject was included within the program of the present school year.
During the spring months a study was made of heat- ing problems in the Center School and in the summer Vacu-Drafts were installed on the heating units of that building. Then all window and door casings were re- caulked and from both improvements there have been bet- ter heated classrooms. A smaller size coal is now used which within a comparatively few months will save the cost of the new heating controls.
Members of the committee and other town officials late in the fall sponsored a warm lunch project in conjunc- tion with the WPA and the Federal Surplus Commodities. This project already has proved its benefit to the children who receive transportation and others whose parents have recognized the value of a warm lunch.
56
The year of 1941 should provide for certain other necessary improvements ; better sewage disposal at North Hatfield and start toward visual projection equipment.
The financial estimates were considered at length with the superintendent and we endorse them as a frank forecast of school needs for 1941.
We request your consideration of the entire school report.
Respectfully submitted, A. E. CELATKA, S. G. CARL, JOSEPH F. CHANDLER,
57
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee and Citizens of Hatfield :
Herewith is my tenth annual report as your superin- tendent of schools and with the supplementary reports of Principal Larkin, Miss Boyle, Miss Holmes and Mr. Maniatty.
There were no changes during the fiscal year in the faculty of Smith Academy. On the other hand several changes occurred among the teaching positions of the elementary classrooms. Miss Ann Osley resigned to be- come married and the committee elected Dorothy Boyle as teacher in the Grade III at the Center School. Peter G. Stasko requested a years leave of absence that he could teach with study in Puerto Rico which the committee al- lowed. Miss Jennie T. Kempisty was transferred from the North Hatfield grammar grades into this vacancy. Miss Anna Lovett was then elected to the North Hatfield position until December when she was transferred into Grade VI at the Center to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Miss Catherine Shea to accept a position in Holyoke. Miss Shea had taught a large grade member- ship very acceptably and her home city gained in my opinion an excellent teacher. For the latest North Hat- field vacancy Miss Helen Donnis was elected. All three of these teachers were residents of the town and had gradu- ated from the State Teachers' Colleges at Bridgewater and North Adams in June, 1939.
I was very much pleased to have the committee mem- bers join with my wish to return the services of a drawing
58
supervisor as a part of the educational program for the elementary schools. It happened that the drawing super- visor of the Conway-Deerfield-Sunderland-Whately union had free days in the month and trial program was arranged for the spring months. It proved very worth- while and so Stephen G. Maniatty of Greenfield was elect- ed as supervisor of drawing for this school year. Mr. Maniatty is a graduate of the Massachusetts School of Art and has had the drawing in the other district for several years. As soon as his schedule will permit I would like to arrange periods for pupils in Smith Academy especially in Household Arts.
The two following charts show how the pupils are en- rolled by buildings and grades for the elementary pupils ; and then, the pupils for whom transportation is necessary and to the indicated classrooms.
Pupil Distribution by Grades and Schools
Grades
Totals
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII VIII
1941
1940
N. Hatfield
2
2
3
6
4
4
7
-
28
38
Bradstreet
5
4
3
4
16
20
School St.
23
27
14
50
36
Center
14
25
31
33
38
44
185
191
1941
30
33
20
35
35
37
45
44
279
1940
38
23
34
36
37
46
43
45
302
Transportation Distribution Smith Academy
Elm Street
W. Hatfield
N. Hatfield
Bradstreet
Seniors
3
7
2
3
15
Juniors
2
0
1
4
7
Sophomores
6
2
3
3
14
Freshmen
3
3
4
5
15
-
-
-
-
-
14
12
10
15
51
-
-
59
At Center Schools
VIII
5
2
5
5
17
VII
4
6
0
8
18
VI
1
2
0
2
5
V
3
1
0
8
12
IV
4
3
0
0
7
III
0
2
0
0
2
II
4
6
0
0
10
I
2
3
0
0
5
-
-
-
23
25
5
23
76
From a glance at the foregoing charts it will be noticed that there are two more in Grade VIII who receive transportation than do in the Senior class of the Academy. Also that there are eleven pupils in Grades VII at North Hatfield and four in Grade IV at Bradstreet to receive transportation into the Center classes as against only five pupils in the Senior Class who will terminate their trans- portation.
Again there are ten Seniors from the Elm Street-West Hatfield area and with the present trend there may not be as many about to enter Grade I to re- quire bus space. However with the grade membership as shown and the transportation apparently required I would not want to recommend for this year that there be any change in the number of classrooms with teachers there- for. Hence I am making no reduction in the anticipated elementary salary forecast on another page.
The transportation as furnished by the Hatfield Garage has been very satisfactory and the cost for the last fiscal year was roughly 6 1/3ยข per day pupil which is very reasonable all will agree.
60
Financial Forecast
1940 Expended $3,353.33
1941 Forecast
General Administration
$3,235.00
29,273.35
Teaching
29,450.00
1,783.91
Book and Supplies
2,325.00
2,689.57
Janitors and Supplies
2,600.00
1,411.29
Transportation
1,500.00
2,719.11 Fuel, Light, Power
2,500.00
924.39
Repairs and Maintenance
900.00
187.35
Miscellaneous
140.00
$43,342.30
$42,650.00
I do not care to predict the probable income from Fed- eral Funds for with the establishment of many new voca- tional courses pointing toward improved defense needs there will be likely a greater spread of these funds with a decrease likely for the older established units. Some al- lotment of the George Deen money may come as a result of the Potato Unit course under progress for adults but such money will be ear marked and cannot apply against local appropriation.
I cannot too heartily endorse the plan of serving warm lunches to pupils during the cooler months of the year and I believe that the arrangement whereby the basement and kitchen facilities of Memorial Hall are available is very convenient to all classrooms at the center. There are inequalities of needs of children by reason of age and ac- tivity for which a blanket price as charged this year is hardly fair. By all means would I think it desirable to have warm lunches continue as an accepted part of com- munity school enterprise. However I think another type of lunch maintenance with a unit price per dish would more nearly meet the variation of pupil requirements and Federal Surplus Commidities can be used. However the
61
wages of the kitchen personnel would have to be met from the cash receipts. Mrs. Godin and her associates have served over 200 lunches per noon.
Again I shall call attention to an absence of a town- wide organized physical education program for all pupils, boys or girls, academy or elementary. In-door and out- door contests for a fee or without do not constitute the entire range of possible physical program helpful to grow- ing youth and should be expanded into participation by all pupils not physically handicapped. Now that all local teacher college gradates are employed in town perhaps the next vacancy in the elementary grades could be filled by a candidate from a locality in which more emphasis is given to this subject than here in Hatfield. Notwith- standing that two year normal schools have become four year teacher colleges I still hold the belief that most in- experienced teachers will teach as they were taught not as they were taught to teach, for the force exerted during the school years from association and environment is strong.
Many school systems in towns the size of Hatfield and smaller now have projection apparatus for the show- ing of sound and silent pictures-visual education. Pic- tures have always been a real source of teaching and when motivated by motion and sound become very much more effectual. With an apparent consolidation to come in a few years for all elementary pupils would it not be a prop- er plan to use some of the financial difference saved to match equipment of similar towns for visual education ?
The attendance for the past fiscal year has been generally good and there were no extended absences caused by epidemics. Part of this condition can be at- tributed to the cumulative effects of a continued health program with the examinations of local and special phy- sicians along with the zeal and follow-up of your school nurse, Miss Holmes. The dental service under Red Cross sponsorship also is a share in the situation. Attendance
62
has been satisfactory and therewith results a satisfactory scholarship progress-each pupil more or less a case as an individual.
It seemed to me personally that the school system lost a fair, efficient attendance officer when conditions made it necessary for Chief Breor to sever his connections with active school assignment. I regard him very high among attendance officers with whom I have dealt in close to thirty years of principal and superintendent experience.
In conclusion I thank each individual, town official, citizen, teacher, and pupil, for your friendly cooperation during 1940 and anticipate a continuance for 1941.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. HEBARD, Superintendent of Schools, Hadley and Hatfield.
63
Report of Supervisor of Music
To the Superintendent of Schools and School Committee of Hatfield :
We will not go into the detailed outline which has been given in former reports as we are carrying on along practically the same lines.
We strive to develope a true, clear, pleasing singing voice, a working knowledge of the principals of music and an enjoyment of the art, and the ability to choose between that which is music and that which is a jumble of mean- ingless sounds.
Thus may we gain something to help in the joy of living and in the making of better citizenship.
I visit each grade in the Center, weekly, and Brad- street and North Hatfield for a longer period every two weeks, and Smith Academy twice weekly. In Smith Academy more intensive work is done with the glee clubs to make a better chorus.
We are sadly in need of more material for the Acad- emy groups as much of the music has to be copied or hec- tographed which is quite a task for so large a group.
In May a group of pupils from the seventh and eighth grades participated in the Music Festival held at Smith School in connection with the State Conference of Super- visors and Instructors of Music and Art. This conference is usually held in Boston but was held in Northampton so that children from the western part of the state could participate. Our children joined groups singing selections from four famous American composers, Sousa, Nevin, Foster and Herbert. Our only regret is that more of the Hatfield pupils could not have shared in the civic, cultural
64
and educational benefits from this project. Before the Festival we were very fortunate to have Miss Martina McDonald, state supervisor of music, visit our schools.
Our usual programs for the Prize Speaking Contest, Memorial Day, Class Day, and graduations were prepared and presented.
My sincerest gratitude goes to the school committee, Mr. Hebard and to those principals, teachers and pupils who by their splendid spirit and cooperation are helping to build a cultural background through that noble medium, "Music."
Respectfully submitted, MAUDE E. BOYLEL,
Supervisor of Music.
65
School Health Report
-
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee:
The objectives of Health Education and Health Serv- ice are to prevent, detect and correct defects that tend to break down or restrict normal physical health and develop- ment, and to stimulate a feeling of individual responsibili- ty in regard to these objectives throughout the student body.
Class room teaching, physical examination, physical education and recreation afford opportunity to the student to study personal needs and the means of attaining normal health and development.
Through the cooperation of the State, Local Health and School departments the physical examination of the High School students was followed by X-ray to detect pos- sible defects not available otherwise. Several pupils from the Grammar and Primary schools and six adults were in- cluded in the clinic.
The following report in detail-
High School students X-rayed 110
Grammar School students X-rayed 4
Primary School students X-rayed 4
Pre-school children X-rayed 1
Adults X-rayed 6
125
66
Findings of examination as follows-
Negative X-ray
109
Further observation
13
For orthepedic treatment
1
Discharged from Chadwick Clinic
2
125
Report of Correction of defects-
Dental defects, clinic service
102
Dental defects, private
31
Nose and throat defects
3
Visual defets 8
Attending orthepedic clinics 6
Receiving special hospital treatment 2
X-rayed and examined, Leeds Sanatorium 6
Attended Health Camp, 4 weeks 3
Discharged from Shriners' Cllinic
2
Health Teaching Report-
Classes in
First Aid and Safety.
Hygiene and Sanitation.
Child Care and Training.
Home Care of the Sick.
The clinic for immunization against diphtheria will be held in 1941. All parents of pre-school children not im- munized are invited to attend this clinic and protect chil- dren against diphtheria.
The school health service gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of parents, pupils, teachers, physicians, and members of school department, health department and state, clinic and hospital organizations for help and coun- sel freely given during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN HOLMES, R. N.
67
Report of Supervisor of Art
To School Committee and Superintendent of Schools of Hatfield :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my first annual report as Super- visor of Art in the schools of Hatfield.
Art work in the schools is being carried out with much enthusiasm and interest. In each grade the teacher has been very cooperative in following and executing the outline of study for Art as assigned.
Project work is very important for it helps to bring together and to develop a clear understanding of the sub- jects being studied in their class lessons. It is the aim throughout the course in Art to correlate Art with other lessons. We try to encourage this in both mural and con- struction projects.
Along with project work, representation, free expres- sion, and object drawing are emphasized. This is done with the guiding hand of teacher and supervisor. In this work, color, form and composition are stressed. Imagina- tion is fostered through a sequence of problems each rela- tive to a subject familiar to the child.
During the fall months of the school year, nature, plant and bird life were reproduced and studied in many ways. During November and December lessons dealing with Thanksgiving and Christmas subjects were executed.
January finds us in the study of the human figure. In February we will study color. The following month we will correlate our knowledge of color with design. In
68
this manner each month is devoted to specific study rela- tive to each other.
In closing I wish to state that the pupils of the schools of Hatfield have grapsed the art work enthusiastically and an improvement in their creative powers is already noticeable. I also wish to thank the teachers of Hatfield for their kind help and Mr. Hebard and the school com- mittee for sponsoring the subject so generously.
Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN G. MANIATTY,
Art Supervisor.
69
Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my second annual report as Principal of Smith Academy.
The enrollment of 121 pupils is the same as that of last year. We now have 31 Seniors, 23 Juniors, 25 Sopho- mores, and 42 Freshman. Last June, eighteen seniors were presented the new booklet type diploma by Mr. Wil- liam H. Dickinson, chairman of the Board of Trustees.
This academic year has been divided into four sec- tions for the purpose of issuing report cards. These cards are the only official contact we have with the parents. When an unsatisfactory mark is given to a pupil, we feel that the parent should take the initiative in contacting the school. We are sure, then, that in most cases, ad- justments can be made that will prevent the likelihood of failure. Although actual inability rarely is the cause of failure, this coming June about four of our students, who have spent four years in high school, will not have suf- ficient points to graduate.
The resignation of Mr. Michael Janos, Jr., instructor in farm shop work, caused our only change in the faculty this year. His place has been taken by Mr. Frank Betsold, Jr. As recommended last year, the equipment in the farm shop has been increased.
The athletic teams have participated in their respec- tive major sports. The boys' basketball team took part in the M. S. C. tournament last spring and Miss Pauline Lyons' girls again won the championship fo their league.
70
The varsity sports program is supplemented with gym work for all the other pupils. Miss Marian Holmes, R. N., gives weekly instructions and makes other visits of in- spection to the school. At her request on several occasions the school doctor, Robert C. Byrnes, M. D., has made several visits besides the regular yearly examinations.
Slight changes in the program of studies and in cer- tain courses have been made. A new method of present- ing first year French is being tried by Miss Pauline Lyons. By this method conversational ability is attained more quickly and consequently the interest factor is enhanced. In the social science department Mr. Kalloch has aban- doned a freshman course in Civics in favor of a course in Problems of Democracy for the more matured mind of upperclassmen. The freshman English course has been enriched by the use of a new grammar and composition text book, supplemented with work books for developing skills in practical English. A course in Modern Litera- ture has been introduced in the Junior-Senior non-college group. This fills a need for good literature that does not require a classical background for appreciation. The Household Arts course has been chosen this year by 27 girls. This is the largest enrollment that Miss Allaire has ever had.
The Purple and White Echo, our school paper, has returned to publication and is now being issued bi-monthly. The experience obtained by the large staff is a valuable asset to their learning. This function of our school life is made possible by the local business men who have so graciously bought space in the paper. The literary work of the paper is under the guidance of Miss Mary E. Ryan, head of the English department. Miss Margaret E. Stod- dard, head of the commercial department, supervises the business end of the paper and the printing, which is done at school.
The WPA lunch project has proved valuable from
71
many points of view. Nearly half of our students are tak- ing advantage of it.
The trustees have been very attentive to our physical needs. This past summer many desks and chairs were reconditioned, the front porch was repaired, and the heat- ing unit was completely overhauled.
The truant officer, Mr. Thomas Breor, has answered all of our calls cheerfully and promptly.
Advantage is taken by us of the generosity of the selectmen in granting to us the use of the town hall. We wish to thank them and the other officials for the courte- sies that they have shown us during the past year.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Superintendent and School Committee, for the professional attitude that you have maintained in our discussions of pedagogical problems. Please be assured that I am not unappreciative of the co- operation of the entire faculty nor of the fine spirit of the student body.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE J. LARKIN,
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