USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1936-1944 > Part 17
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The supervision of drawing by Mr. Maniatty has con- tinued and has been increasingly valuable for the pupils in the elementary grades. Just as soon as his time allot- ment possible for Hatfield can be increased how very worthwhile for the pupils of the Academy would be cours- es in mechanical drawing for boys and sketching for the girls. They might be useful in future defense needs.
The noonday luncheon program for all pupils who re- ceive transportation and as many others as can be accom- modated has continued in the town building. How fortu- nate it is that those who planned facilities in that building when it was erected made sufficient provision for rooms which may be used to the present advantage. I believe that a majority of townsfolk agree with me in the worth of the proposition and should Federal support in some measure be withdrawn then additional local support will appear. The joint enterprise of Federal Surplus Commo- dities, WPA -NYA with local individuals has made a genuine contribution to the pupil advantage in a healthful standard.
Although not definitely recommended bus room was available when school opened for September and the North Hatfield pupils were brought to the Center for the last three grades. The committee invested this saving in a new Victor projection machine and with present restric- tions spreading into all fields of civilian production that
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purchase was made at an opportune time. The education- al value will be more evident as the months advance.
A great many towns and cities where increased em- ployment and more money is in circulation have voted to restore changes and salary set-ups as existed ten years ago. Provision has been made for these restorations in the budget as presented by the committee and superinten- dent. I know that the residents will give the matter thoughtful attention.
I believe that the present arrangement of pupils and classrooms is reasonably efficient and that the scope of the educational offerings available for the pupils, as they achieve promotion through the grades and high school classes is for the most part satisfactory for the town. There is music' supervision, penmanship supervision, health supervision, and art supervision for the grades, which leaves only a program of physical education town- wide and some art courses for the academy students to give the educational picture a completion. These are un- usual times so rather than suggest additional teaching in this year may we not plan for a change of program for present teachers as classes become smaller.
For most of the fiscal year the attendance has been good. Just at the close of the year there were more ab- sences for mumps and other to be expected school diseases.
I thank all, official, teacher, citizen and pupil for the interest in the operation of your schools.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. HEBARD,
Superintendent of Schools, Hadley and Hatfield.
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Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I submit to you my annual report for the year 1941.
In September the enrollment was 105, 37 of whom were boys. There were 16 Seniors, 20 Juniors, 27 Sopho- mores, 42 Freshmen.
The Household Arts and the Agricultural Depart- ments have maintained their average enrollments of ap- proximately 25 and 17 respectively. There are now 42 pupils studying typewriting. The business and the col- lege English classes have enrolled 55 and 50 pupils respec- tively.
The school paper staff put out its first year book last June. Although a sizable undertaking for a small school, it proved to be a decided success from the point of experi- ence in organization and financial manipulation.
The Victor motion picture projector which you pur- chased for us is a major addition to our equipment and its value has already been realized. A weekly showing of educational films has been scheduled with little or no cost to the school. The acquisition of a microphone will great- ly enhance the usefulness of its accompanying amplifica- tion system, making the machine available for pseudo- radio programs in the English department, and for the purpose of amplification of music for our school parties.
As a method of promoting democratic ideals among our students, most of the government of student activities has been vested in a student council. Elected by the stu- dent body, they have taken over the supervision of all
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extra-curricular activities and have shown an active in- terest in things strictly academic.
As usual our athletic teams have participated in or- ganized league games ; soccer, basketball and baseball for the boys, and basketball for the girls. Three of these leagues play their games in the afternoon, starting at three o'clock, very often necessitating the cutting of class for both coach and players.
The above situation leads me to recommend for your consideration a one-session program for Smith Academy, with no change in the afternoon bus schedule. It would offer to some bus people an opportunity to try out for the athletic teams ; to others, time for club work; and to those not indulging in extra-curricular activities, time for home- work. Provision for the lunch period, I believe, would offer the most harassing problem.
In November a group of Smith College girls under the direction of Richard Ballou, Professor of Education, ad- ministered general intelligence tests and reading tests to our students. A comprehensive report was later delivered to us. This has proved very valuable to us in analyzing the case of each pupil. The faculty has since met with the professor and his examiners, and I am sure much good will come from it.
Mr. Arthur C. Bardwell, custodian of the building for the Smith Academy trustees, has shown an active interest in the maintenance and improvement of the building. Be- sides the general repairs, the principal's office was com- pletely refinished in decorative wall board this past sum- mer.
I am happy to report that the morale of the student and of the faculty of the high school is very good.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE J. LARKIN,
Principal.
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School Health Report
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee:
The school health program during the year did not vary from routine schedule to any extent until an epidemic of mumps and chicken pox, in mild form swept through schools and cummunity during the latter part of November and on through December interfering considerably with school attendance but no serious complication to those affected by the disease.
The importance of early detection of defects and personal responsibility in regard to correction is the aim of the school health program. The physical examination given to all pupils by school physicians, the opportunity for dental correction at minimum cost through the Red Cross Dental Clinic, the Nose and Throat clinic resumed at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Diphtheria Immuni- zation clinc open to all children over the age of six months. without charge the X-ray clincs, the State and Shriner's Hospital clinics. All these excellent health facilities are extended to all parents for the children.
It is the continued objective of the health program to stress the importance of safe-guarding health as a prin- ciple as well as a factor of resistance against infection and disease. Obviously, one cannot enjoy physical play with- out healthy functioning muscles and mind. In many ways health may be had for the seeking: immunity to certain diseases through innoculation; attention to diet; regular periods for rest, sleep and recreation ; respect for sanita- tion and the early correction of physical defects.
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The splendid local project, the school lunch cannot be over estimated as an important factor in the school health program.
The need of a more efficient vision testing device is advocated by the State Department of Hygiene, Vision Conservation Department. One instrument would serve for all schools in the union and expense may be divided.
Report of Physical Defects Correction-
Students having dental defects corrected, clinic service 150
Students having visual defects corrected, private service
70
Nose and Throat correction
15
Toxoid Immunization, school complete
12
Toxoid Immunization, pre-school, complete
30
Toxoid Immunization, pre-school, incomplete
2
Under supervision Orthopedic Clinics 7
Under supervision, Special Clinics 3
Children attending Health Camp, four weeks 3
Special X-ray 7
Health Teaching Report, High School-
First Aid and Safety.
Personal Hygiene and Sanitation.
Home Economic.
Child Care and Home Care of the Sick.
Home Economic Department.
The school health department is indebted to the Com- munity, State and Local departments for making this health program possible, and to the Red Cross, Public Health, Shriner's Hospital and Federal clinics, parents and teachers for cooperation and interest in the welfare of the children.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN HOLMES, R. N.
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Report of Supervisor of Music
To Mr. Hebard and the members of the Hatfield School Committee:
In this report I shall review the work of our music program fro mthe beginning of the school year, and state that the development of music has been carried on much as has been reported in former years.
Many children entered the first year with a good sense of melody, and many, too, who had the voices but who must develop the tone sense by listening. It was gratify- ing to find by the Christmas vacation that the great ma- jority of the pupils had learned that they could sing with a pleasing tuneful voice. We found a few who did not find his or her singing voice until later grades. These pupils are usually good in theory. Thus we know that practically every child has gained something from music. Melody and rhythm were developed in the first three grades.
Two part singing, the beginning of harmony was started in the fourth grade. Later three parts increasing in difficulty until four part songs were very creditably pre- sented in the eighth grade.
As culmination of the years study a patriotic pageant, "America the Beautiful" by Martha Binde was given in May by the pupils of the Center School by pupils from all grades from the first through the eighth.
The Girls' and the Boys' Glee Club of Smith Academy had a forty period each week, and much extra time was given the chorus for special programs. These organiza- tions prepared and presented musical numbers for the
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special occasions of Prize Speaking, Memorial Day, Class Day and Graduation.
In closing I express my most sincere gratitude to the members of our school committee, our superintendent, principals, teachers and pupils for their splendid efforts and results which can come only from a keen interest and a fine cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE E. BOYLE,
Supervisor of Music.
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Report of Supervisor of Art
Mr. William E. Hebard, Supt. of Schools, Hatfield, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Art in the Hatfield Schools.
In the schools each grade teacher has been very co- operative in following and executing the outline of study for Art.
The general aims in this course of study are as fol- lows :
1. Appreciation.
2. Design.
3. Color.
4. Representation.
5. Picture study.
6. Free Expression.
With these six basic aims great care is taken to guide the development of skills by giving the pupils practical problems and projects to develop these skills, to represent ideas in an intelligible manner through graphic mediums, to select, analyze, apply and arrange objects and colors in a pleasing manner.
Practical projects form attitudes of observation and discrimination in appearance and in design, the elements of which are form, line color. Then a habit well formed
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may help to develop the desire to create and to love that which is beautiful, also gives a clearer understanding of the creations of others.
I cannot help stressing that during these times one of the aims of the Supervisor is to cultivate happiness and joy in the pupil-joy in his work and pride in that which he has created.
Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN G. MANIATTY,
Supervisor of Art.
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HENRY F. LONG COMMISSIONER
THEODORE N. WADDELL DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Arrounta State House, Boston
January 27, 1942
To the Board of Selectmen Mr. Joseph V. Porada, Chairman Hatfield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Hatfield for the year ending December 31, 1941, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a re- port made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Di- rector of Accounts.
Very truly yours, Theodore N. Waddell,
Director of Accounts.
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Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Hatfield for the year ending December 31, 1941, and submit the following report thereon:
The financial transactions, as entered on the records of the several departments receiving or disbursing town funds or committing bills for collection, were examined and checked in detail.
The audit was started on December 29, 1941, on which date the treasurer and town clerk, upon his arrival at the office, was requested to produce his cash on hand for veri- fication and his books for purposes of auditing. He re- fused to open his vault or to allow a count of the cash in his possession and thereupon left the town office and did not return during business hours. A request was made of the selectmen on December 30, 1941, for the treasurer's books, and after a diligent search they were unable to lo- cate them or communicate with the treasurer and town clerk, as a result of which they appointed a temporary town treasurer and town clerk to serve to such time as the treasurer and clerk might be able to resume his duties or until another is elected.
The town vault was opened on December 31, 1941, and upon opening the outer vault door, cash and checks were found on the floor totaling $10,758.65, and inside the inner door on the floor were also found cash and checks amount- ing to $9,566.67. This money, totaling $20,325.32, was deposited in the bank in a special account until the treas-
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urer's accounts could be reconciled. From information and departmental schedules found with the cash, the detail showing the source of the receipts was written in the treasurer's cash book.
The books and accounts of the treasurer were ex- amined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were compared with the departmental records of payments to the treasurer and with the other sources from which money was paid into the treasury. The payments were checked with the selectmen's warrants, the cash book was footed, and the cash balance as of December 27, 1941, was proved by actual count of the cash previously mentioned and by reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement received from the depository.
It was found that the treasurer had not added his cash book since April, 1941, that receipts and payments since November 1, 1941, had not been entered, that bank statements containing cancelled checks from the bank had not been opened since January 11, 1941, the date of the previous audit reconciliation. Loose checks made out but undelivered bearing dates from August, 1941, were found, and after verification as to their correctness, these were mailed out. It was necessary to sort the returned checks cancelled at the bank for the entire year and to check them t othe selectmen's warrants, which disclosed items totaling $362.74 which had not been paid.
The final reconciliation of the treasurer's cash showed that there was excess cash of $5.41, which amount was set up on the books of the town pending its proper alloca- tion. This is within seven cents of the difference accord- ing to the previous audit.
The temporary treasurer's accounts were reconciled on December 31, 1941, and the cash balance was proved by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the bank of deposit.
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The tax title account as kept by the treasurer was ex- amined and checked with the accounts of the tax collector and accountant.
8he payments on account of debt and interest were compared with the amounts falling due during the period covered by the audit. It was noted that a temporary loan in anticipation of revenue which came due December 19, 1941, had not been paid or renewed by the treasurer on the audit date, and a renewal note had to be made after the temporary treasurer had qualified.
The savings bank books representing the investment of the cemetery and library trust funds in the custody of the treasurer were examined and listed, the income being checked and the withdrawals being verified; but a coupon bond for $500. comprising part of the investment of the cemetery perpetual care funds, could not be found or any evidence located of its disposition and, therefore, could not be examined.
The receipts of the town clerk for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the records of licenses issued. The payments to the treasurer and to the Division of Fish- eries and Game were verified. No payments to the treas- urer or to the Division of Fisheries and Game had been made by the town clerk since July, 1941, and a final pay- ment schedule for the balance of the year was made as of December 31, 1941, and the cash on hand was used to make the payment required.
The town clerk's records of vital statistics had not been written up for the year, and such information and returns as were found were turned over to the temporary town clerk for safe keeping.
The town clerk's record of town meetings had not been written up since September, 1940, and the record of appropriations had to be obtained from the clerk's certified
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list of appropriations as reported to the assessors and the town accountant.
Found in the vault were numerous boxes containing memoranda and small balances of cash which had ap- parently been kept by the treasurer as separate funds from which he had made disbursements. These balances were turned over to the temporary town treasurer and entered on the cash book during the audit, as follows:
Sale of trees 1939
$38.05
Flood Relief 1936
10.15
Student telephone tolls
3.41
Unidentified
3.18
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the treasurer's books, while the pay- ments, as recorded were compared with the treasury war- rants and the treasurer's record of abatements. The ap- propriation accounts as recorded on the ledger were checked with the list of appropriations as certified by the town clerk, and all other accounts were checked with in- formation in the departments in which the transactions originated. The ledger was analyzed, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, showing the financial con- dition of the town on December 31, 1941, was prepared and is appended to this report.
It was noted that the town voted an appropriation of $533.85 at the annual town meet in 1941 for the payment of previous years' bills. In the future, appropriations for unpaid bills should be made in accordance with the pro- visions of Chapter 179, Acts of 1941.
The surety bonds of the town officers required to fur- nish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
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The receipts for licenses issued by the selectmen were checked with the records of licenses granted. The pay- ments to the treasurer were verified, and the surety bonds filed with the town by individuals to whom liquor licenses were granted were examined and checked with the record of licenses issued.
The recorded receipts for rentals of the town hall were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified and the outstanding accounts were listed. It is recom- mended that the collections be paid to the town treasurer monthly.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were ex- amined and checked. The tax accounts outstanding ac- cording to the previous examination were audited, and all subsequent commitments were proved with the assessors' warrants. The collections, as recorded, were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, the recorded abatements were checked to the assessors' abatement rcords, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger accounts.
The outstanding accounts were further verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names ap- peared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the replies received it appears that the outstanding ac- counts, as listed, are correct.
The recorded receipts of the sealer of weights and measures were compared with the record of work done and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The records of bills sent out for collection by the public welfare, soldiers' relief, school, and water depart- ments were examined and checked in detail. The commit- ments were reconciled with the accountant's ledger ac- counts, the recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the disallowances and abate-
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ments were checked, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the ledger accounts.
It was necessary to check the water department records in detail, and during the audit new forms of com- mitment sheets to the water collector were installed, which will tend to eliminate the difficulty in compiling the unpaid water accounts. It is again recommended that action be taken to collect the old accounts outstanding.
The librarian's records of fines collected were checked and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
In addition to the balance sheet, there are appended to this report tables showing a reconciliation of the treas- urer's cash, summaries of the tax and departmental ac- counts, as well as tables showing the transactions and con- dition of the trust funds.
While engaged in making the audit, cooperation was received from all town officials, for which on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
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RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH John R. McGrath, Treasurer
Balance January 1, 1941, per
previous audit
$22,249.07
Receipts January 1 to December 27,1941 182,978.67
Unpaid warrant items December 27, 1941 362.74
Excess cash, December 27, 1941
5.41
$205,595.89
Payments January 1 to December
27, 1941, per warrants
$161,725.30
Balance December 27, 1941:
Cash in office, verified $20,325.32
First National Bank, Northampton 23,545.27
$43,870.59
$205,595.89
First National Bank-Northampton
Balance December 27, 1941, per
statement $25,995.16
Balance December 27, 1941, per check book $23,545.27
Outstanding checks December 27, 1941, per list 2,449.89
$25,995.16
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RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Dewey J. Ryan, Temporary Treasurer
Balance December 28, 1941 $43,870.59
Receipts December 28 to 31, 1941
9,617.71
$53,488.30
Payments December 28 to 31, 1941,
per warrants
$8,882.38
Balance December 31, 1941:
Regular Account
$23,545.27
Temporary Account
21,060.65
$44,605.92
$53,488.30
First National Bank-Northampton
Regular Account
Balance December 31, 1941, per statement $25,158.65
Balance December 31, 1941, per check book $23,545.27
Outstanding checks December 31, 1941, per list 1,613.38
$25,158.65
Temporary Account
Balance December 31, 1941, per statement $21,278.35
Balance December 31, 1941, per check book $21,060.65
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Outstanding checks December 31, 1941, per list 217.70
$21,278.35
TAXES-1934
Outstanding January 1, 1941, previous audit $36.00
Abatements 1941
$36.00
TAXES-1935
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per previous audit $34.00
Abatements 1941
$34.00
TAXES-1936
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per
previous audit $70.88
Overpayment to treasurer refunded 1941 4.00
$74.88
Payments to treasurer 1941
$24.88
Abatements 1941 50.00
$74.88
TAXES-1937
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per
previous audit $248.40
Payments to treasurer 1941 $162.76
Outstanding December 31, 1941, per list 85.64
$248.40
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TAXES-1938
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per previous audit $2,655.84
Payments to treasurer 1941 $2,172.63
Outstanding December 31, 1941, per list
483.21
$2,655.84
TAXES-1939
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per
previous audit
$12,723.92
Payments to treasurer 1941 $9,583.25
Outstanding December 31, 1941, per list 3,140.67
$12,723.92
TAXES-1940
Outstanding January 1, 1941, per previous audit $33,770.99
Payments to treasurer 1941 $24,973.02
Abatements 1941 60.72
Outstanding December 31, 1941, per list 8,737.25
$33,770.99
TAXES-1941
Commitments per warrants $73,845.56 Abatement after payment refunded 55.20
Abatements reported in error 63.48
Overpayment to collector adjusted .01
$73,964.25
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