USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1945-1950 > Part 5
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formity with this observation I recommend to you that hereafter no classes be held during the evening, and that the evening be devoted entirely to parent-teacher discus- sions.
The Trustees of Smith Academy this past summer installed more units of fluorescent lighting and improved the appearance of the rooms by sanding the dark oiled floors and refinishing them in a light color.
In June the following students were presented diplo- mas by President of the Board of Trustees, William H. Dickinson :
*Rita M. Godin
Laura J. Sadoski
*Eleanor J. Kugler
Robert W. Shea
Frances C. Lizak Mary L. Silva
Tessie F. Michalowski
John A. Skarzynski
Robert F. Mullins
*Stella H. Sliwoski
*Margaret J. Osepowicz Martha J. Osepowicz Helen R. Paszek Elizabeth Zapka
*Evelyn L. Vachula
* William G. Wendoloski
Chester S. Prucnal Anna C. Zima
** Clifford F. Roberts, Jr.
*Pro Merito
** U. S. Navy
Respectfully submitted, CLARENCE J. LARKIN,
Principal.
Principal of Center School
1
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee of Hatfield :
Sirs :
It is again my privilege to submit a report on the ac- tivities of the Center School.
Last February a second school bus was put into opera- tion transporting our grade school pupils. This bus car- ries the children of the West Hatfield and Elm Street sections of the town. The children are now transported without crowding and the bus schedule of the elementary schools in no way conflicts with that of the Academy. A very creditable job is being done by the people handling the transportation of the Hatfield school children.
There was a suggestion in last year's report to the effect that, a regrouping of classes might lead to the en- largement of the science curriculum of the school. This has come about. Grade six has been placed in the depart- mental set-up. This gives Miss Helen Donnis a chance to help with the mathematics and the writer an opportuni- ty to open an elementary general science course in grade eight. If materials are available we hope to establish the work in grades six and seven next year.
A plan fostering a school library of reference ma- terial was presented by Mr. Bristol a short time after he became our school superintendent. We have worked with this in view until it now looks as if the room to be used could be opened before the school year is over. We decided to have our library in the south room on the first floor of the Center School building.
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Money was needed to purchase dry lumber and to hire labor to build stacks for the books. Our scrap paper col- lections netted one hundred twenty-seven dollars and sixty cents profit, with the tin can collection adding fifteen dol- lars to the fund. Mr. Franklin Shea favored the project with a five dollar donation and the proceeds of the operetta, amounting to ninety-one dollars and fifty-five cents were also added to the fund, making a total of two hundred thirty-nine dollars and fifteen cents to work with. We have paid out of the fund one hundred seventy-one dollars and four cents for labor and material. This leaves a bal- ance on hand of sixty-eight dollars and eleven cents. Sev- eral of the pupils have aided in the scrap drives and we have been fortunate in having the use of trucks from the town and the Porter McLeod shop donated for the scrap drives.
The library will be stocked with books purchased by the School Committee, donated editions, and those pur- chased through our library fund.
Earlier in this report, reference was made to an operetta. The pupils of the Center Schools under the di- rection of the Music Supervisor, Miss Maude Boyle, gave an excellent performance of the operetta "Hansel and Gretel" on December sixth.
The presenting of programs for public inspection is fine training for our children. We wish that more could be accomplished in this field but difficulties encountered such as, finding time for rehearsals when the Memorial Town Hall was not being used by other groups, tends to keep our offerings limited.
This fall, the school committee voted to include a weekly course in physical training for pupils in grades six through eight. With the help of Mrs. Dorothy Breor we have been able to hold some classes but the same con-
112
ditions that hinder our public presentations appear here also. Again I say, "We need a school gymnasium".
The school department has recently purchased film strip machines that should aid in presentation of material. This is especially true in the science classes.
In October, Charles W. Furlong presented an illus- trated lecture to the students of the Center Schools. The speaker depicted scenes and customs as found in the west- ern part of this country now and in the past. We expect to have a film entitled "Up and Down the Mississippi", very soon. The author of the film Mr. Robert Parmenter State Extension Forester, is to give explanations and notes on the trip.
The bringing in of travelers to address the students on subjects pertaining to the geography and history of our country is a new project with us. We would like it to continue.
Miss Katherine Hayes resigned December first to take up teaching duties in Northampton. The system lost a good teacher. We were fortunate in securing Mrs. Hilda Fortsch to teach grade four, enabling us to carry on our program with no interruption.
In beginning a revision of our course of study the subjects of reading and mathematics in grades one through eight have been rewritten and brought up to date.
Teachers and parents have co-operated to the highest degree. To both I wish to express my appreciation. To the superintendent of schools and members of the school committee my appreciation for your support, and to all who have helped the school, in our paper drives, operetta, or any of our other activties, a sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND N. JENNESS, Principal Center Schools.
Supervisor of Music
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee :
A brief recall of the objectives of our program of music education reveals the following aims: (1) to inspire a love for good music, (2) to develop a pleasing voice, (3) to teach the sight reading of music, and (4) to instill a sense of musical interpretation and rhythm into the child.
We will always have three classes of people with re- gard to music education. There are the small group of creators, the composers, the larger group of performers and interpreters, the artists, and the largest group of all, the appeciative listeners. With these three groups con- stantly in mind, we aim to develop children in each group to the full extent of their individual capacities. We mean to develop that comprehending love for music which is needed to live a complete and satisfying life.
During the year, we had the privilege of working on Humperdinck's operetta, "Hansel and Gretel". This oper- etta was presented before an audience of parents and friends by the pupils of the Center School. The interest and enthusiasm with which every child in our elementary school entered into this activity was an inspiration, and this pleasant experience will, we hope, long remain a hap- py memory for every child who participated.
Pupils of the elementary grades, comprising a boy's choir and a girl's choir, presented a program at the eighth grade graduation.
The Smith Academy Girl's Glee Club, the chorus, the Boy's Glee Club, and the girl choristers all gave consider- able time outside of regular school hours to prepare pro- grams for the various school activities.
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I wish to thank most sincerely our superintendent of schools, Mr. Bristol, the members of the school committee, and other town officials who so kindly aided us in every way. Also to the principals, teachers, and pupils go my thanks for their excellent cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE E. BOYLE,
Supervisor of Music.
Supervisor of Art
Mr. Gilbert Bristol Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as Supervisor of Art in the Hatfield Elementary Schools.
The study of art follows a definite outline which re- mains fairly constant. Varied and new ideas and projects are readily inserted into this study to keep up with the changes in every day life and to faster interest the pupil.
Before we can appreciate and enjoy art in our daily living, we must understand what it is. In this study we follow three dimensionse: Length, Breadth and Depth.
Length deals with thousands of years of art history in the past. Breadth means the parallel growth of all the forms of art, and the interrelationship of fine arts to music, poetry, the dance, drama and literature. Depth deals with the absorption of art into all man's activities and how it helps to mold each civilization.
Thus, through our class projects, nature, holiday drawings and color and design lessons we hope to develop a high standard of esthetic sense in our pupils.
Greater emphasis is placed this year on creative work, such as full expression and representation. A definite attempt is also made to coordinate every day school sub- jects with the current art program. As the supervisor I am also striving to see that all the work done in the school is absolutely the children's honest efforts without the help of the teacher's hand.
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I wish to thank you at this time, Mr. Bristol, for your fine co-operation and also to thank all other sponsors of this work.
Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN G. MANIATTY, Art Supervisor.
School Nurse
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee, Hatfield, Massachusetts.
Objective-" To help American Youth to be strong in body, sound in mind, firm and zealous in morale and well balanced in personality".
This objective should be the aim of each individual student as well as of their Counsellors. Upon the physical resistance and the moral determination, the courage and self-control of all citizens, our country now depends. The routine program of the schools is planned with this ob- jective in mind. Through interesting recreational periods, supervised gymnastic periods, music, helpful assembly and wise counsel groups, the physical examinations, the study of Health and Physical Fitness cannot but impress the value of intelligent living upon the mind and body of youth.
In regard to physical fitness, the entering grades show that care has been given during pre-school days, dental corrections excepted. The alert, attractive children rep- resent the interest and sincerity on the part of the parents to carry on their responsibility for the health and hap- piness of the youth of the nation. The return to private practice of members of the Medical and Surgical profes- sion will enable a number of pupils to have physical de- fects of Nose and Throat corrected. The Red Cross has discontinued the Dental Clinic but has kindly offered the use of the necessary equipment when required for use in the schools. It is the aim of the local Health Authori- ties of the town to carry on the Dental Clinic as part of the school health program under the direction of Dr. Hall
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of Florence, during the early part of 1946. Pre-school children accompanied by their parents are welcome to this service.
The annual X-ray examination was given at Smith Academy during December as follows:
School examinations, 85. Pre-chool, 1. School Person- nel, 25.
Contacts, 4. Three pupils listed for check-up X-ray.
Diphtheria Immunization Clinic, School 15. Pre-school 17.
Private Pre-school Immunizations, 43.
Special Clinic Superision, 6; all improving.
Physical defects corrections, Nose and Throat, 4. Visual, 6. Hearing, 5. Special, 3.
Pupils having dental corrections, School, 86. Private, 14. Health Teaching Program.
First Aid and Safety.
Personal Hygiene and Sanitation.
Home Hygiene, Home Nursing, Child Care.
The excellent school lunch provided for the school is one of the first steps toward health in the program. The School Health Department appreciates the co-operation of the State, Community and County Department of Health and to the teachers, parents, medical profession, superin- tendent and members of school committee, I extend sin- cere thanks for the interest expressed toward the health program.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN HOLMES, R. N.
ENRY F. LONG
COMMISSIONER
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Arrounts State House, Boston
- HEODORE N. WADDELL DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
February 6, 1946
To the Board of Selectmen
Mr. George J. Zgrodnik, 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, 1945, 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.
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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, 1945, 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. The ledger was analyzed, the recorded re- ceipts and payments were checked, the departmental ac- counts receivable were compared with the records of the departments committing the bills, the appropriation ledger accounts were checked with the appropriations and trans- fers voted by the town, as listed from the clerk's record of town meetings, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial con- dition of the town on December 31, 1945.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The recorded receipts were an- alyzed and checked with the records of the departments making payments to the treasurer and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treas- ury, while the expenditures were compared with the ap- proved treasury warrants. The cash balance on Jonuary 12, 1946 was proved by reconciliation of the bank balance
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with a statement furnished by the bank and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The securities, including savings bank books, repre- senting the investment of trust and investment funds in custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed. The income was proved and the payments to the town were verified by comparison with the treasurer's record of receipts.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were ex- amined and checked in detail. The tax accounts outstand- ing at the time of the previous examination and the com- mitment lists of all subsequent taxes were audited and proved with the assessors' warrants. The recorded col- lections and abatements were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the accounts outstanding on January 12, 1946 were listed and proved with the ac- countant's ledger.
Verification of the outstanding tax accounts was ob- tained 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 financial transactions of the town clerk were ex- amined. The receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, the payments to the State and town treasurers were verified, and the cash on hand January 12, 1946 was proved by actual count.
The charges for the rental of the town hall were ex- amined and listed. The recorded collections were com- pared with the payments to the treasurer, and the cash on hand on January 12, 1946 was proved by actual count.
The accounts of the sealer of weights and measures were examined. The recorded collections were checked
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with the records of fees charged, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand on January 12, 1946 was counted.
The records of accounts receivable of the highway, public, welfare, veterans' aid, school, and cemetery depart- ments were examined. The charges were listed and ad- ded, the recorded collections and abatements were checked, and the accounts outstanding on January 12, 1946 were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
The recorded receipts of the school department for school lunches were checked, and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The recorded receipts of the librarian for fines were checked, the payments to the treasurer being verified and the cash on hand on January 25, 1946 being proved by actual count.
The books and accounts of the water department were examined. The charges for the sale of water were added and compared with the commitments reported to the town accountant, the recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the recorded abatements were checked with the record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger. The water collector's cash on hand on January 12, 1946 was proved by actual count.
The outstanding water accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names ap- peared on the books as owing money to the town, the re- plies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are crorect.
The surety bonds filed with the town by the town treasurer, town clerk, tax collector, and water collector were examined and found to be proper form.
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Appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, are tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's cash, summaries of the tax and departmental accounts, as well as tables showing the transactions and condition of the trust and investment funds.
For the cooperation received from all town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants 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, 1945,
per previous audit
$55,146.57
Receipts 1945
183,852.93
$238,999.50
Payments 1945
$170,144.52
Balance December 31, 1945
68,854.98
$238,999.50
Balance January 1, 1946
$46,854.98
Receipts January 1 to January 12, 1946
4,040.05
$72,895.03
Payments January 1 to January 12,
1946
$778.60
Balance January 12, 1946 :
Cash in office, verified $2,057.11
Deposit memoranda- payroll deductions
for Federal with- holding tax 1,535.66
First National Bank
of Northampton
68,523.66
72,116.43
$72,895.03
First National Bank of Northampton
Balance January 12, 1946, per statement $71,592.68
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Balance January 12, 1946, per check book $68,523.66
Outsanding checks January 12, 1946, per list 3,069.02
$71,592.68
TAXES-1939
Outstanding January 1, 1945,
per previous audit
$34.00
Payments to treasurer 1945
$24.00
Abatements 1945
10.00
$34.00
TAXES-1940
Outstanding January 1, 1945,
per previous audit
$54.00
Abatements cancelled 1945
2.00
$56.00
Payments to treasurer 1945
$36.00
Abatements 1945
20.00
$56.00
TAXES-1941
Outstanding January 1, 1945,
per previous audit
$34.00
Abatement cancelled 1945
2.00
$36.00
Payments to treasurer 1945
$26.00
Abatements 1945
10.00
$36.00
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TAXES-1942
Outstanding January 1, 1945,
per previous audit
$952.45
Abatement cancelled 1945 2.00
$954.45
Payments to treasurer 1945
$940.45
Abatements 1945
12.00
Outstanding December 31, 1945 2.00
$954.45
Outstanding January 1, 1946,
$2.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to January 12, 1946 $2.00
TAXES-1943
Outstanding January 1, 1945
per previous audit
$3,156.90
Payments to treasurer 1945
$2,813.34
Abatements 1945 15.60
Outstanding December 31, 1945
328.96
$3,156.00
Outstanding January 1, 1946 $328.96
Payments to treasurer January 1 to
January 12, 1946
$70.00
Outstanding January 1, 1946, per list
258.96
$328.96
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TAXES-1944
Outstanding January 1, 1945,
per previous audit
$21,500.35
Additional commitment 1945 4.00
Overpayment to treasurer refunded 1945 4.80
Abatement cancelled 1945 60.80
Audit adjustment:
Abatement cancelled 1945, not reported 64.00
$21,633.95
Payments to treasurer 1945
$19,774.75
Abatements 1945
613.84
Outstanding December 31, 1945 1,245.36
$21,633.95
Outstanding January 1, 1946 $1,245.36
Payments to treasurer January 1 to January 12, 1946 $93.76
Outstanding January 12, 1946, per list 1,151.60
$1,245.36
TAXES-1945
Commitment per warrants
$89,297.20
Abatement reported in error 1.50
Audit adjustments :
Collection without commitment
2.00
Abatement granted in error
2.00
$89,302.70
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Payments to treasurer
$78,957.72
Abatements 1,053.50
Outstanding December 31, 1945
9,291.48
$89,302.70
Outstanding January 1, 1946 $9,291.48
Payments to treasurer January 1 to
January 12, 1946 $2,870.15
Outstanding January 12, 1946, per list 6,421.33
$9,291.48
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1940
Outstanding January 1, 1945 per previous audit
$6.00
Payments to treasurer 1945 $4.00
Abatement 1945 2.00
$6.00
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1941
Outstanding January 1, 1945
per previous audit
$18.62
Payments to treasurer 1945
$18.62
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1942
Outstanding January 1, 1945
per previous audit $12.92
Payments to treasurer 1945 $12.92
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MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1943
Outstanding January 1, 1945
per previous audit
$38.35
Abatement granted in error
2.00
$40.35
Payments to treasurer 1945
$27.44
Abatements 1945
12.91
$40.35
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1944
Outstanding January 1, 1945 per previous audit . $338.71
Payments to treasurer 1945 $302.35
36.36
Abatements 1945
$338.71
MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES-1945
Commitment per warrant $2,624.53
Abatement after payment, refunded 22.58
Overpayment to collector, to be refunded 7.83
$2,654.94
Payments to treasurer
$2,267.30
Abatements 42.40
Outstanding December 31, 1945 345.24
$2,654.94
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Outstanding January 1, 1946 $345.24
Payments to treasurer January 1 to January 12, 1946 $99.27
Outstanding January 12, 1946, per list 245.97
$345.24
INTEREST AND COSTS ON TAXES
Collections 1945 :
Interest :
Taxes :
Levy of 1939
$2.55
Levy of 1940
4.23
Levy of 1941
2.75
Levy of 1942
59.06
Levy of 1943
98.21
Levy of 1944
230.64
Levy of 1945
5.11
Motor vehicle excise taxes :
Levy of 1940
.73
Levy of 1941
1.45
Levy of 1942
1.34
Levy of 1943
1.78
Levy of 1944
1.89
Levy of 1945
.05
$409.79
Costs :
Poll taxes :
Levy of 1939
$1.40
Levy of 1940
2.10
Levy of 1941
2.10
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Levy of 1942 2.10
Levy of 1943
1.05
Levy if 1944 1.40
10.15
Other taxes :
Motor vehicle excise taxes :
Levy of 1942
$.35
Levy of 1943 .35
.70
$420.64
Payments to treasurer 1945:
Interest
$409.04
Costs
10.15
$419.19
Costs retained by collector 1945
.70
Cash balance December 31, 1945
.75
$420.64
Cash balance January 1, 1946
$
.75
Collections January 1 to January 12, 1946 :
Interest:
Taxes :
Levy of 1943
$5.00
Levy of 1944
5.07
Levy of 1945
14.60
24.67
$25.42
Payments to treasurer January 1 to January 12, 1946, interest $24.67
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Cash on hand January 12, 1946 :
Interest:
Taxes 1945 .75
$25.42
SELECTMEN'S LICENSES
Licenses granted, 1945:
Liquor
$2,100.00
Common victualler
6.00
Junk
16.00
Sale second hand articles
1.00
Auto dealer
20.00
Gasoline storage
3.50
Sunday sales
6.00
Overnight cabin
.50
Auctioneer
5.00
Slaughter
6.00
Milk
1.50
Oleomargarine
.50
$2,166.00
Payments to treasurer, 1945
$2,166.00
TOWN CLERK
Dog Licenses
Licenses issued 1945:
Males, 119 @ $2.00
$238.00
Females, 10 @ $5.00
50.00
Spayed females, 32 @ $2.00
64.00
$352.00
Payments to treasurer 1945
$319.80
Fees retained 1945, 161 @ $.20
32.20
$352.00
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Sporting Licenses
Licenses issued 1945 :
Resident citizens' fiishing, 102 @ $2.00 $204.00
Resident citizens' hunting, 63 @ $2.00 126.00
Resident citizens' sporting, 95 @ $3.25 308.75
Resident citizens minors' and
females' fishing, 32 @ $1.25 40.00
Resident citizen minors' trapping,
3 @ $2.25 6.75
Resident citizens' trapping, 7 @ $5.25 36.75
Special non-resident fishing, 2 @ $1.50 3.00
Duplicate, 3 @ $.50
1.50
$726.75
Payments to Division of Fisheries
and Game 1945 $650.75
Fees retained 1945, 304 @ $.25 76.00
$726.75
Licenses issued January 1 to January 12, 1946 :
Resident citizens' fishing, 16 @ $2.00 $32.00
Resident citizens' hunting, 2 @ $2.00 4.00
Resident citizens' sporting, 52 @ $3.25 169.00
Rseident citizen minor's and
female's fishing, 1 @ $1.25 1.25
Resident citizen minor's trapping, 1 @ $2.25 2.25
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Resident citizens' trapping, 3 @ $5.25 15.75
$224.25
Cash on hand January 12, 1946, verified
$224.25
TOWN HALL James F. Donlin, Custodian
Cash on hand January 1, 1945,
per previous audit $2.00
Charges January 1 to February 24, 1945 15.00
$17.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to February 24, 1945 $17.00
Waclaw Yanucik, Custodian
Charges February 25 to December 31, 1945 $291.00
Payments to treasurer February 25 to December 31, 1945 $276.00
Cash on hand December 31, 1945
15.00
$291.00
Cash on hand January 1, 1946
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