USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1936-1944 > Part 5
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I am very appreciative for these two committee ac- tions.
Future Desirable Service
It is now several years since the position of drawing or art supervisor was discontinued within this school
50
union. Necessary retrenchments had to be made then and that particular subject along with penmanship-since restored-seemed to be the one to lose the stress of super- vision. I do not regard drawing, a phase of art in the wider sense, to be a fad. There is scarcely a day in the year when a householder, his wife or kin, do not make application of some principle of art in the selection of dress, household decoration, or a descriptive sketch with printed directions. In this wide use surely the stigma of frill can no longer be attached. I believe that again more stress should be given to the subject. I would suggest that when another teacher is required for a vacancy that one strong in the art background be engaged and a schedule for interchange of classrooms can be evolved.
Again, many of the towns of the state as well as cities now have supervisors of physical education whose activi- ties include not merely the formal coaching, physical drills, but as well playground direction. It would seem that as a decrease in the enrollment in Smith Academy occurs with a change in class schedule that time would be avail- able to permit assignment of time to Mr. Kalloch for more physical activity direction.
Again, there is the field of visual education in which our offerings are extremely meager. At the present time there is a wide range of offerings and with small expense of maintenance. There is a larger initial outlay. There is a broad range of narrow films with sound provision so that the education process is through the ear as well as the eye. I really believe that film service in a restricted way could be sponsored through a local association and thereby made available for civic as well as educational purposes wholly under local supervision.
Comparative Expenditures
In the next diagram will be shown how many of the divisions of educational expense and support in Hatfield
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compare with similar expenses in the Commonwelath at large. These figures come from the last report of the State Department of Education. In some comparisons Hatfield is above the average and in others below but as a whole it would appear as a reasonably satisfactory com- parison. All of the figures are based on the per capita cost and net average membership.
Hatfield
Commonwealth
$5,249.00 Valuation per Pupil
$9,188.00
10.33 School Support from Local Taxation
9.47
per $1,000 Valuation
School Support from all Sources
72.35
Elementary
77.92
81.85
High School
105.28
54.25 Teaching
70.27
1.22
Books
1.29
2.50
Supplies
2.75
10.19
Fuel and Janitors
11.01
3.47
Transportation
2.66
2.01
Health
1.59
1.40
Repairs
3.43
At Random
In another paragraph I have referred to a vote of the committee in recognition of study along accepted fields by members of the teaching group. Last spring a course in Remedial Reading was given by Mr. Keough of Holyoke under the sponsorship of the Extension Service of the De- partment of Education here in your Center School. An- other course in Literature was assigned to Hatfield but did not receive enought support from the surrounding towns to warrant continuation nor completion. A large majority of the teachers of Hatfield during this past year have been doing study and as superintendent I am very
52
grateful. I believe that the interested citizens regard the cultural activities wholeheartedly.
Standard achievement tests as given from time to time reveal that your boys and girls are doing normal grade work-grade for grade.
In conclusion I wish to thank all officers, teachers, pupils and interested citizens for their grateful support.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM E. HEBARD,
Superintendent of Schools, Hadley and Hatfield.
53
Principal of Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my eighth annual report as Principal of Smith Academy.
The opening registration was 128. The present en- rollment is 126-78 girls and 48 boys.
The graduating class of 1937 numbered 36. Of this number 19 entered the following institutions of learning : Smith College 1, Becker College 1, Lasell Junior College 1, Massachusetts State College 1, Cooley-Dickinson Hospital Training School for Nursing 1, New England Conservatory of Music 1, Commercial College 6, McCarthy's Business College 4, Cushing Academy 2, and one returned for post- graduate work.
The school maintains a Class A rating by the State department of education and enjoys the New England Col- lege Entrance Certificate privilege.
The curriculum lists the following courses: Classical, Scientific, Commercial, Household Arts, and Agricultural. These courses are functioning successfully.
The athletic program for boys and girls is as varied and intensive as the curriculum and the number of teach- ers allow.
The boys' basketball team placed second in the Hamp- shire League with 11 victories, and 3 defeats, while Hop- kins was undefeated in league competition. The school entered the tenth annual small high school basketball tournament at Mass. State College. In the opening game of the tourney, Smith Academy defeated Agawam 21-7, but in the semi-finals lost to Dalton in the second over-time period 30-27.
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The Baseball team won nine games and lost three, a creditable showing in their first regular schedule played since the baseball season of 1935.
Smith Academy was again represented on the soccer field by a light, but versatile team, and playing against some of the leading elevens in the valley, turned in a sea- sons's record of ten victories, two ties, and three defeats.
The girls' basketball team enpoyed another successful season, placing 2nd in the Hampshire League with a record of 6 victories, 2 ties, and 1 loss ; the tie games were played with Hopkins Academy, the League champions.
After a lapse of several years, track athletics were re- vived. A relay team entered the 7th Annual Small High School relays held at M. S. C. in June and outran the St. Michael's team in the 880 yd. relay to win this event.
In the 8th Annutl Field and Track meet held at M. S. C. in September, entries were made in the 880 yd. relay and the dash events. The relay team placed fourth and no points were gathered in the dashes. At the Three County Fair at Northampton, the team failed to place in the relay, but scored a point by placing third in the 220 yd. dash. Considering the newness of the sport and the strength of the competition, the boys made a favorable showing in their return to the cinder path.
26 large steel lockers, equipped with locks, were in- stalled in a newly arranged girls' dressing room in the basement of the Memorial Town Hall. The girls appre- ciate very much the generosity of the School Committee in furnishing these fine lockers, the first equipment of this kind to appear in their dressing room.
Under the supervision of Trustee Arthur C. Bardwell, several renovations were made to the school interior, all of which improved the general appearance of the building and added greatly to the comfort of the students and facul- ty. The major project was the removal of the stage from the assembly hall on the third floor. The ceiling was
55
lowered, lighting fixtures added and the entire room painted. An excellent room is the result which in time, I hope, will be utilized for a combined study hall, library, and assembly room.
The general progress of the school during the year has been uniformally good. The students were pleasant, loyal and cooperative. The teachers have conducted all the work on a high level of efficiency and maintained a fine spirit in the classroom as well as in their supervision of extra-curricular activities. For their loyal support I am deeply grateful.
May I express my appreciation of the cooperation of the Superintendent, members of the School Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Selectmen, and the Custodian of the Memorial Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. BURKE,
Principal.
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School Health Report
-
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee, Town of Hatfield, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
It is with deep interest I herewith submit a report of the Health work in the schools during the year 1937.
"The questions of child health and protec- tion are a complicated problem requiring much learning and much action. And we need great concern over the matter. Let no one believe that these are questions which should not stir a nation ; that they are below the dignity of states- men or government. If we could have but one generation of properly born, trained, educated and healthly children, a thousand other problems of government would vanish" ...
Herbert Hoover.
This excerpt taken from the 'Foreword' as published in "The Psychological Approach to Child Health," New York State Dept. of Health Conference, 1932, need no ex- planation, no further comment to commend the welfare of our school and pre-school children to an intelligent, in- terested community.
In the local schools the health rating advances from year to year. This is no accident, but the result of co- operation, interest and mutual understanding between parents, schools, health workers and the children them- selves.
57
There is no doubt about health and protection being a complicated problem and becoming more complicated as the stream of human travel becomes more and more fluent. A child is no longer safe at home or on the highway against carriers affected with a mild form of communicable dis- ease, paying a social call or attending public services. This source of infection is difficult to control except through immunization of young children and adult educa- tion, in regard to prevention of communicable disease, in- sofar as it is possible and reasonable. Parents of young children are urgently advised to consult their physician as to the value of immunization as related to the individual case.
To combat all the forces arrayed against the health of children, two major offensives are outlined. Health Service and Health Education. Health, important as it is, is not an objective in itself, but a factor in the pursuit of a purpose. Health, today, means-
Personal Efficiency, and never before has the need been so great.
Health gives one the ability to serve and to be proud of this service.
Health means attitudes trained to enjoy life in a wholesome whole-hearted way, giving and re- ceiving pleasure through cooperation of a healthy mind and body.
To carry out this objective is a major project for all concerned in the welfare and education of children.
Report of the Health Service -
Annual Physical Examination by school physicians, grades 1-12.
Dental Examination, grades 1-8.
Dental Corrections, clinic service, 113 pupils.
Private dental corrections, 26 pupils.
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Nose and Throat Clinic, Cooley Dickinson Hospital 10. Nose and Throat private 4.
Vision correction, 8.
Chadwick Clinic Chest examination-
X-rayed at the school, 14. X-rayed at Westfield, 5.
X-rays negative, 10 and discharged from clinic.
No. improved, 8 will be examined 1938.
No. unimproved, 1 admitted to Westfield Sanatorium.
Diphtheria Immunization Clinic-
Pre-school children immunized, 41.
School children immunized, 29.
Shriner's Hospital Service-2 children for operation, 3 under observation, O.P.D.
Hampshire County Public Health, Camp Hodgkins, 2 girls during August.
Health and Safety Education Service-
Through formal text book teaching in the classroom, physical exercises, athletics and practical First Aid and Safety instruction, the mind and body of the school child is being built up for efficiency and service.
Classes for girls, Smith Academy-Personal Hygiene and Physiology.
For Boys and Girls, Smith Academy-First Aid and Safety.
Center School, 8th grade-First Aid and Safety.
North Hatfield, 7th and 8th grades-First Aid and Safety.
The Health Service of the school is indebted to the State Dept. of Health, The Hampshire County Public Health Association, The Hampshire Red Cross, Metropoli-
59
tan and Hancock Life Insurance Companies, for valuable assistance and advice, for material freely given and for pleasant association and cooperation in the health work of the school.
To all persons interested in the health work day by day and to the children proud of their efficiency and serv- ice, this report is sincerely dedicated.
Respectfully submitted, MARION HOLMES, R. N.
60
Report of the Supervisor of Music
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Members of the School Committee of Hatfield:
"Music is the smile of education smoothing out frowns, giving dimples in place of wrinkles, and when rightly taufht and practised gets into the life of boys and girls and stays there into manhood and womanhood."
The real value of music education and music training in our public schools is in the developing the feeling of response in the singing and learning of beautiful music. We have three classes of musicians-the small class of creators of music, the larger class of performers, and the great class or mass of listeners.
With this thought before us, that music is not for a few but for all, we are working to develope the material heritage of every child with a training which will enable him to interpret music intelligently with a pleasing tone quality, natural rhythm, and a feeling of ease in any musi- cal activity. From this background one can expect that each pupil of today as he becomes the adult will enjoy listening to good music.
I have visited the rooms in the Center Building every week, the outlying schools once in two weeks and Smith Academy twice a week for chorus and Girls' and Boys' Glee Clubs.
The activities in which these organizations took especial part were the State Agricultural Prize Speaking Contest, the Smith Academy Prize Speaking Contest, Me- morial Day, Class Day and Graduation, also the teachers' institute in October as well as a sharing and singing with the Hampshire Male Chorus at its concert in town.
61
As in other years practically every child in town sang at the Memorial Day exercises. The children at the Cen- ter and School Street buildings joined in the Christmas program recently in Memorial Hall. All of these activi- ties are very valuable in the training of the child, helping in part to develope poise and self confidence.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Hebard, the School Committee, principals, teachers and friendly in- terest of the pupils. We feel that this fine spirit shown by so many has developed a singing child who as a singing adult will become a music lover.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUD E. BOYLE,
Supervisor of Music.
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TEACHERS AND SALARY DATA, AS OF JANUARY 1, 1938
Smith Academy, Vocational,
E. J. Burke, Holyoke $2,800.00
Dorothy Allaire, Hatfield 1,100.00
John H. Kalloch, Hatfield, 1,800.00
Clarence J. Larkin, Haydenville
1,700.00
Mary E. Ryan, Hatfield
1,450.00
Elizabeth F. Baker, Lynn
1,200.00
Pauline R. Lyons, Methuen
1,150.00
Margaret E. Stoddard, Hatfield
950.00*
Elementary, Center
Raymond N. Jenness, Hatfield
1,550.00
Margaret A. Ryan, Hatfield
1,100.00
Grace W. Bardwell, Hatfield
1,100.00
Sarah V. Kiley, Hatfield
1,100.00
Constance B. Mullany, Hatfield
1,100.00
Catherine T. Shea, Holyoke
1,100.00
Katherine I. Hayes, Hatfield
1,100.00
Eileen M. Larkin, Holyoke
1,000.00
Peter G. Staszko, Agawam
1,050.00
School Street
Anna Osley, Hatfield
1,100.00
Marie A. Proulx, Hatfield
1,100.00
Hill
Martha K. Pelissier, Hatfield
1,100.00
Bradstreet
Lena P. Fitzgerald, Hatfield
1,100.00
North
Mary D. Donelson, Hatfield
1,100.00
Hatfield
Helen F. Boyle, Hatfield
1,000.00
Music
Maude E. Boyle, Hatfield
750.00f
Nurse and Health Education
Marian Holmes, R. N., Northampton 850.00;
*Afternoons in the elementary schools as supervisor of penmanship. ¡An equal amount is paid by Hadley.
Academic
63
HENRY F. LONG COMMISSIONER
THEODORE N. WADDELL DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Accounts State House, Boston
January 27, 1938
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, 1937, made in accordance with the provis- ions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. Herman B. Dine, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours, Theodore N. Waddell,
Director of Accounts.
64
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, 1937, and submit the following report thereon :
The financial transactions as recorded on the books of the several departments collecting or disbursing money for the town, or sending out bills for collection, were ex- amined, checked, and verified.
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the records of the departments collect- ing money for the town or committing bills for collection and with the treasurer's cash book. The payments, as re- corded, were compared with the treasury warrants and with the treasurer's cash book.
The appropriations voted by the town were listed from the town clerk's record of town meetings and were checked with the appropriation ledger accounts.
The ledger was analyzed, the necessary adjustments resulting from the audit were made, a trial balance was taken off, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on December 31, 1937.
As may be seen from the appended balance sheet, the expenditures on the highway Chapter 81 account were $1,200 in excess of the funds available at the close of the year. A temporary loan in anticipation of reimburse-
65
ment due from the State could have been issued under Section 6A, Chapter 44, General Laws.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The recorded receipts were checked with the records of the departments collect- ing money for the town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were compared with the warrants approved by the board of selectmen and authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds. The cash book was footed for the period covered by the audit and the cash balance January 7, 1938, was proved by a reconciliation of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The payments on account of debt and interest were proved by a comparison with the amounts matured during the period covered by the audit and with the cancelled securities on file.
The securities, including the savings bank books, rep- resenting the investment of the trust funds in the custody of the treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and the withdrawals being compared with the treasurer's cash book.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were ex- amined and checked. The taxes outstanding at the time of the previous examination were audited and proved, and the subsequent commitment lists of taxes were added and proved with the assessors' warrants. The recorded col- lections were checked with the commitment lists, the pay- ments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's record of receipts, the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the ac- countant's ledger.
66
Verification of the outstanding accounts was obtained by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts as listed are correct.
The collector's cash balance January 7, 1938 was proved by actual count of the cash on hand.
The record of tax titles held by the town was ex- amined and checked with the collector's and the treas- urer's accounts and with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The finanacial transactions of the town clerk were examined. The receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, and the payments to the Division of Fisheries and Game and the town treasurer were verified.
The surety bonds of the town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, and water collector were examined and found to be in proper form.
The recorded receipts for licenses granted by the board of selectmen were checked with the record of li- censes issued, and the payments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book.
The surety bonds filed with the town by individuals to whom alcoholic beverage licenses were issued were ex- amined and checked with the record of licenses granted.
The record of town hall rentals was examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the record of charges, and the payments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's record of receipts.
The accounts of the sealer of weights and measures were examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the record of work done and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
67
The record of accounts receivable of the health and public welfare departments were examined. The charges were listed and compared with the commitments entered on the accountant's records. The recorded receipts were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the abate- ments and disallowances were checked, and the outstand- ing accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
The receipts of the librarian for fines, etc., were checked, and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The books and accounts of the water department were examined and checked in detail. The charges outstand- ing April 4, 1937, the date of a special audit of this de- partment, were audited and proved and the commitment lists of subsequent charges for the sale of water and for services were added and compared with the amounts re- ported to the town accountant. The recorded collections and abatements were checked, the payments to the treas- urer were verified, and the accounts outstanding January 7, 1938, were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treas- urer's cash, summaries of the tax and departmental ac- counts together with tables showing the transactions and condition of the trust funds.
For the cooperation extended by all town officials dur- ing the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my as- sistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
Herman B. Dine,
Assistant Director of Accounts.
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RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Balance January 1, 1937, per previous audit, Receipts,
$27,331.02 112,613.34
$139,944.36
Payments,
Balance December 31, 1937,
$127,341.15 12,603.21
$139,944.36
Balance January 1, 1938, $12,603.21
Receipts January 1 to 7, 1938, 1,214.20
$13,817.41
Balance January 7, 1938 : First National Bank of Northampton, Cash in office, verified,
$12,603.21
1,214.20
$13,817.41
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF NORTHAMPTON
Balance January 7, 1938, per statement, $12,968.88
Balance January 7, 1938, per per check book, $12,603.21
Outstanding checks January 7, 1938, per list, 365.67
$12,968.88
RECONCILIATION OF COLLECTOR'S CASH Cash balance January 7, 1938, per tables : Taxes :
Levy of 1936, $472.66
Levy of 1937, 3,597.34
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Motor vehicle excise taxes : Levy of 1937, 28.35
Interest on taxes :
Taxes :
Levy of 1936,
$16.39
Levy of 1937, 35.09
Motor vehicle excise taxes :
Levy of 1937, .45
$51.93
$4,150.28
Cash on hand January 7, 1938, verified,
$4,150.28
TAXES-1932
Outstanding January 1, 1937,
per previous audit, $14.66
Payments to treasurer 1937,
$
.66
Abatements 1937, 14.00
$14.66
TAXES-1933
Outstanding January 1, 1937,
per previous audit, $18.63
Payments to treasurer, $2.63
Abatements, 10.00
Outstanding December 31, 1937 and January 7, 1938, per list, 6.00
$18.63
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TAXES-1934
Outstanding January 1, 1937, per previous audit, $172.95
Payments to treasurer,
$111.01
Outstanding December 31, 1937 and
January 7, 1938, per list,
61.94
$172.95
TAXES-1935
Outstanding December 31, 1937, per previous audit, $8,158.68
Payments to treasurer,
$6,010.08
Abatements, 39.75
Outstanding December 31, 1937 and
January 7, 1938, per list,
2,108.85
$8,158.68
TAXES-1936
Outstanding January 1, 1937,
per previous audit,
$22,862.85
Overpayment to treasurer, adjusted,
.02
$22,862.87
Payments to treasurer,
$13,736.22
Abatements not reported,
52.00
Outstanding December 31, 1937,
9,074.65
$22,862.87
Outstanding January 1, 1938, $9,074.65
Outstanding January 7, 1938, $8,601.99
Cash balance January 7, 1938, 472.66
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