USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1951-1957 > Part 33
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I have considered various methods of correction, such as replacing timbers where necessary; the use of plates along the side of diagonals, top and bottom chords, but have discarded them as of only temporary value. I have discarded these various methods as only makeshift, be- cause, after further investigation, and analysis of stresses, obtained by using the requirements of State and local codes for minimum loading, I find there is no suitable makeshift method that is satisfactory. Reframing of the entire roof is out of question because of the expense in- volved.
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Therefore, I have devised a method which I believe to be satisfactory, and which will be comparatively in- expensive, and result in a roof which will be good for the lifetime of the building, which has many useful years, barring fire or any other unpredictable event.
The proposed method of solution can best be ex- plained by careful examination of drawings Nos. 1 and 2, which are self-explanatory. However, as an aid to a complete understanding, I offer you the following descrip- tion of the procedure used to develop this design:
Loads used are shown on sheet No. 2. The wind pressure was developed by Duchemin's formula, and is based upon the use of 30 pounds per square foot vertical pressure. The actual load deriver for design purposes is 28 pounds per square foot, normal to roof pitch, 20 pounds per square foot at vertical and horizontal components. This roof has a one-half pitch, or 45 degrees to the hori- zontal. The other loadings are based upon judgment and statutory requirements.
Roof rafters, decking, etc., are in good condition, and figure to be safe for loading required.
Trusses have been supplanted by the use of two light steel trusses on each side of present wood trusses. Wood trusses will remain and serve to support loads until steel trusses have been placed in a manner to relieve wood trusses of their entire load.
Trusses and any other large members will be shipped to job knocked down in their component parts, using bolts for their assembly.
Welding, or use of torch, will not be permitted with- out permission of engineer, and then only after every pre- caution has been used to avoid fire by the use of asbestos blankets and Fire Department in attendance.
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Wood trusses will remain in place after completion, thus eliminating their removal, and any damage to ceil- ings below. Bottom chord will be properly hung from steel trusses to obtain the above result. These trusses occur on the East side.
The West side, which is of wood girder and column construction, will be reinforced as shown on drawing No. 1, with steel channels, sizes as specified.
In addition, there will be eight cross frames, braced as shown on drawing No. 1, Roof Plan, and Section AA.
Bearings and anchorage for this work will be as de- signed, and properly amplified with further detailed draw- ings, as work progresses.
In addition to structural reinforcement, there are some recommendations which have been made by Mr. Lane and Mr. Milne of the Department of Public Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These relate to fire hazards, such as fire screens, alterations to some doors, etc. These recommendations should be included as part of the project.
I make the following summary of work involved, and as heretofore described :
1-Reinforcement of footing or footings at North wall and Northwest corner of Southwest wing.
2-Pointing of walls throughout, and where required.
3-Caulking of exterior openings, and pointing of coping.
4-Reinforcement of roof framing.
5-Safety regulations as required by the Department of Public Safety, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Drawings 1 and 2, including this report, are suffi- ciently complete to obtain quotations, and sufficient num- ber of drawings and copies of report will be furnished upon request.
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I respectfully submit this survey and recommenda- tions as based upon fact, and believed you will have a sat- isfactory building.
Respectfully yours, (Signed) C. W. Carroll CHARLES W. CARROLL, R. P. E.
CWC:C
On May 15, 1957, Mr. Milne, Inspector, replied to Mr. Carroll and the School Committee as follows:
May 15, 1957
To: Mr. Charles W. Carroll, P. E., 93 Suffolk St., Holyoke, Mass.
Subject : Hatfield Center School, Repairs
1. I have examined your preliminary plans and report dated May 14, 1957, dealing with necessary corrections of structural defects in the subject school building and ap- prove the general method of correction shown on your drawings Nos. 1 and 2. I have so informed Inspector James Lane of our Greenfield office and am forwarding your plans and report to the Greenfield office.
2. Final plans and details of the work should be submit- ted to Inspector Lane for approval. Inspector Lane will specify any additional required corridor smoke screens and stairs enclosure partitions in accordance with the regulation of this Department.
DAVID C. MILNE, State Building Inspector.
DCM:AML
C.C .: Eugene F. Proulx, Chairman School Committee, Hatfield Arthur Scott, Supt. of Schools, Hatfield Chief of Inspectors, Boston Insp. James Lane (with encs.)
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In order to accomplish the alterations and repairs as ordered, the Committee requested Mr. Carroll to supply an estimate of the cost of the project. Mr. Carroll's esti- mate was $25,000 and after a thorough discussion with the Committee, the estimate was accepted and a joint meeting of the Hatfield Finance Committee and Select- men was arranged.
On May 20, 1957, the joint meeting was held at the Office of the Selectmen and the Center School situation was completely reviewed to date and all parties present were satisfied that a Special Appropriation request was necessary to enable the School Committee to carry out the alterations and repairs as demanded. It was the joint decision of the Committees to call a Special Town Meet- ing for the 28th of May, 1957. A copy of Article 1 of the Warrant for the special meeting follows:
Article 1. To see if the town will vote to appro- priate from Surplus Revenue the sum of $25,000.00 for Repairs to the Center School Building Roof and other re- pairs as ordered by the state building inspector, or act anything thereon.
The Special Town Meeting was held May 28, 1957, and Article 1 was voted by a simple "Aye" - "No" vote.
The alterations and repairs were divided into two general categories for specification and bid under the di- rection and approval of the Committee. Specifications were prepared for 1-Steel work in attic; 2-General con- tract work and bids were invited on both categories.
On June 5, 1957, invitations and specifications for the General Contract work were delivered to the following contractors: Aquadro & Cerruti, Inc .; M. I. O'Connor, Inc .; and D. A. Sullivan, Inc., all of Northampton, Mass. Specifications and invitations for the steel work were de- livered to the following steel contractors on June 3, 1957:
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National Steel Fabricators, Newington, Conn., and R. B. Dearden Co., Holyoke, Mass.
Bids were received and opened on June 12, 1957, as follows : General Contract - D. A. Sullivan, Inc .- no bid; Aquadro & Cerruti, Inc .- no bid; M. I. O'Connor, Inc .- $14,000 without foundation work. Steel Bids - Nation- al Steel Fabricators-$12,540; R. B. Deardon Co .- $9,535.
The Committee moved and voted on June 12, 1957, to investigate each low bid and bidder and to further in- vestigate the possibility of providing for the general con- tract work by some other method.
On June 17, 1957, the Committee met with Mr. Car- roll, Mr. Thomas Wickles, and Mr. Zenan Barsh and dis- cussed the possibility of dividing the General Contract work into the specialties of the respective contractors. Both Mr. Wickles and Mr. Barsh verbally agreed that they could do the work and would further do it on a cost plus basis if employed.
The Committee voted to reject the M. I. O'Connor bid. The bid for steel work was awarded by vote to the R. B. Dearden Co., Holyoke, Mass. It was voted by the Committee to employ T. J. Wickles and Son to do the gen- eral contract carpentry work and Z. J. Barsh to do the general contract masonry work. Both Wickles and Barsh were awarded contracts on the basis of "cost plus," which both the Committee and Mr. Carroll considered to be a better financial arrangement and would result in lowered general contract costs. This decision was to prove very judicial as the resulting general contract cost did prove to be considerably less than the bid received.
During the summer months both the steel and gen- eral contract work progressed satisfactorily. At the end of August the steel work was completed. The bulk of the
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general contract work was completed by the end of August, but some minor work was carried through to the middle of November, when all work was finally completed.
On August 30, 1957, Mr. Lane, Inspector, issued an Inspection Certificate for the Center School building upon the basis of the completion of the major alterations and repairs as demanded by the Department of Public Safety. The certificate issued was for a one-year period with a ยท building capacity of 250 persons. The basement rooms were not and are not approved for use except by verbal acknowledgment and on a time limit period with condi- tions as previously reported.
On December 9( 1957, upon the final acceptance by the engineer, Mr. Carroll, the School Committee voted to accept the completed work and signed the final bills due all parties.
A complete financial statement of the Special Appro- priation for Alterations and Repairs to the Center School follows :
SPECIAL APPROPRIATION
Alterations and Repairs
Appropriation received $25,000.00
Expenditures :
Charles W. Carroll, P. E.
$1,860.50
Zenan J. Barsh 5,736.95
Thomas J. Wickles & Son
3,873.71
Robert B. Dearden 9,535.00
Woodward Insurance Agency 40.70
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Chester Celatka
Arthur G. Scott, Jr.
60.57 7.20
Total Expenditures
$21,114.63
Returned to Surplus Revenue
$ 3,885.37
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE F. PROULX
HENRY F. KULESZA
ARTHUR E. FITZGERALD
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Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee and Citizens of Hatfield :
I herewith submit my third annual report as Super- intendent of Schools, it being the second full year report of this administration.
The past year has been one of considerable accom- plishment for the schools of Hatfield, both in the quality of educational offerings and in the physical and material aspects of the buildings and educational equipment.
Elementary
Under the very capable direction of Mrs. Dorothy Breor, the elementary schools have shown good progress and results. Mrs. Breor's "Center School Principal's Re- port" enumerates the activities which have been carried out in grades 1-8. I have read and approved the report as written. Your attention is directed to her report.
Secondary
One course was added to the curriculum at the sec- ondary level. The demand for French II was sufficient to warrant offering the course this year. Because of the large enrollment in Typing I, the class was divided into two sections to facilitate individualization of instruction and to accommodate the enrollment without adding new equipment to the Commercial Department. The driver education course was continued for the third year. This year physics is being offered to junior and senior students on an alternating schedule with chemistry.
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The major textbook changes made this year were in the General Mathematics and Biology courses. The texts of both classes were replaced because of the condition and age of previous texts. Selection of the new texts was made on the basis of content, after careful examination and comparison of several texts in each field. The pres- ent text for General Mathematics is a transition text and presents both an extension and review of previously taught math as well as an introduction to algebra and geometry, which should prove invaluable for those pupils who decide to enter advanced math courses after their freshman year. The selected Biology text is very well edited and contains up-to-date information of the ad- vances in the biological and medical fields. The text in- troduces the historical background, results of and prac- tical explanations and applications of biological informa- tion.
The pupils of Smith Academy are for the most part very capable, ambitious and determined pupils. A large number have shown these qualities by taking more than the required four graduation credits per year. Pupils, who by their previous records of high accomplishment indicate capacity to succeed, are encouraged to take ad- vantage of every opportunity offered at the Academy. The course requirements for every pupil are maintained at a high standard and every pupil is expected to work to the full extent of his or her capacity in each course.
The Academy is a member in good standing of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, a regional accrediting agency for college en- trance requirements. The agency recognizes the course content and standards maintained as meeting college en- trance requirements if an average of eighty-five per cent . or more is maintained by the pupil. Many colleges will accept a candidate without examination if course require-
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ments and averages are maintained. Not all colleges have the same entrance requirments or standards and it is the best policy to investigate these personally and at the col- lege where entrance is sought.
Each year, because many colleges demand the re- sults, information is forwarded to the junior and senior pupils regarding the College Entrance Board examina- tions which are administered nationally. All arrange- ments are made by the pupils on an individual basis.
This past October the Scholarship Qualifying Tests were administered to all seniors. The scores represented a full range of aptitude and matched the staff's judgment of pupil abilities very accurately.
The regular testing program at the secondary level includes two mental ability tests ; three achievement tests, one aptitude test prior to enrollment at the Academy. The commercial pupils are tested several times with spe- cial testing instruments and all pupils receive teacher- made tests and quizzes in their respective courses. The Massachusetts Division of Employment Security admin- isters vocational tests to all seniors and consults with each pupil prior to graduation regarding its diagnosis of the results of their testing.
Pupils who are planning to continue their education beyond the secondary level are finding that only those who possess better than average records of accomplish- ment are being considered for admission. Recently sev- eral colleges have announced plans for accelerated college courses for those pupils who show exceptional aptitude. It is to the advantage of any pupil who has plans for en- tering post-secondary education to do more than the minimum amount of secondary work, as well as to main- tain a record of accomplishment which cannot be ques- tioned.
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Activities at the secondary level are not limited to those in the classroom. The Academy offers a wide range of pupil activities outside the formal educational situa- tion. The activities in which pupils participate by choice are: Student Council; Thespians; boy's soccer, basketball and baseball; girl's basketball; yearbook; school news- paper; public speaking; Student Government day; school savings; on-the-road driver education; Glee Club.
As a matter of public interest, the enrollment in the various secondary courses for the current school year is as follows: English I, 29; English II, 32; English III A, 14; English III-IV B, 14; English IV A, 11; Latin I, 10; Latin II, 12; Problems of Democracy, 19; French I, 23; French II, 10; French III, 6; Algebra I, 17; Algebra II, 12; Plane Geometry, 17; Solid Geometry, 8; Trigonom- etry, 8; Physics, 16; General Science, 22; U. S. History, 20; World History, 29; Junior Business Training, 10; Home and Family-boys, 15; Home and Family-girls, 14; General Math, 14; Biology, 32; Home Economics, 13; Typing I, 17; Typing I, 17, total 34; Typing II, 9; Short- hand I, 7; Shorthand II, 6; Bookkeeping, 8; Secretarial Practice, 8; Driver Education, 23. The average number of graduation credit courses taken by each pupil at the academy is 4.6. There are 11 pupils taking six gradua- tion credits this year; 40 taking five credits ; and 48 tak- ing four credits. A large percentage of pupils partici- pates in one or more extracurricular activities.
Smith Academy
Until 1921 the secondary education, grades nine through twelve, was provided by trustees of the Sophia Smith will, which established as a gift to the Town of Hatfield, Smith Academy, to be used for the purpose of secondary education for the town. Under this arrange- ment the trustees provided the building, instructors, and
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controlled the curriculum and activities which were of- fered.
In the year 1921 the trustees relinquished all control of secondary education which they had previously held and by vote of the town, in town meeting, leased the building known as the Smith Academy building from the Trustees to the Town of Hatfield for the amount of one dollar per year. The Trustees guaranteed to maintain the physical property at their own expense. Under the arrangement all control of instructors, curriculum and ac- tivities was vested in the school committee and this ar- rangement has been in force to the present time. It is in- teresting to note that, as nearly as can be determined, only one lease payment of one dollar has ever been de- manded by the trustees and this occurred in 1921 to legal- ize the lease arrangement. Since 1921 the trustees have maintained and improved the physical properties of the building from their own resources and at no time has the town been a contributor to the maintenance or improve- ment of the Academy building. The original lease con- tained the request by the trustees, that the name Smith Academy be retained.
The Academy trustees have recently expressed their willingness and desire to continue to provide building facilities to house grades nine through twelve. They have assured the town that should additional space be needed to house secondary pupils they will make their re- sources available and provide the facilities which it now appears may be necessary.
Properties
During the year extensive alterations and repairs to the Center School building were carried out as demanded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. A full report of this project is contained in the separate
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"Center School - Alterations and Repairs" report of this school report.
Changes in the Center School not made under the demands of the Department of Public Safety were:
1. Conversion of the south basement area to a tem- porary classroom. The conversion included the in- stallation of an asphalt tile floor, blocking of two archways, installation of lighting fixtures and outlet, blackboards, bulletin board and bookcase. The room was decorated in a two-tone cocoa color combination. Movable pupil desk and chair units were provided; also such items as a table, teacher's desk, chairs, elec- tric clock and venetian blinds.
2. Redecoration of two classrooms, boys' and girls' base- ments and basement corridors, health room and teachers' room.
The redecoration consisted of making necessary minor repairs and painting.
3. Repair of a water damaged ceiling in one classroom.
4. Replacement of four toilet fixtures on the second floor of Center School.
5. Painting of outdoor steel play equipment.
6. Minor repairs and maintenance were carried out where and as necessary to maintain the building in good condition.
Only minor repairs and maintenance were carried out for the School Street School. The most important was the servicing of one heating blower unit.
The Trustees of the Smith Academy building carried out the necessary maintenance and repairs to the build- ing. During the summer a new door casing for the rear entrance was installed, one room was redecorated, two lights of clear safety glass were installed in the main
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front entrance, fire retarding installations were complet- ed in the boiler room, additional gas jets were installed in the laboratory and other minor repairs completed.
The maintenance and repairs enumerated above were provided, without cost to the town, by the Academy Trustees. The co-operation of the Trustees in maintain- ing the Academy building continues to be of the highest calibre.
Costs
Each year the State Department of Education re- leases per pupil cost comparisons for all communities in the Commonwealth. The cost comparisons are made on similar administrative divisions and for all pupils in the communities' schools in all grades.
The Hatfield schools are administered on the ele- mentary system of grades one through eight and the sec- ondary unit of grades nine through twelve. For the school year ending June 30, 1957, Hatfield's per pupil costs for grades 1-8 was $203.74, the average for other communities in the same category was $232.03; the aver- age cost for all pupils grades 1-8 for all communities in the state, regardless of size but with the same adminis- trative unit, was $241.01. For the school year ending June 30, 1957, Hatfield's per pupil costs for grades 9-12 was $400.48, the average for other communities with the same administrative unit was $418.94, the average cost for all pupils grades 9-12 for all communities in the state regardless of size but with the same administrative unit was $364.47.
When the comparison of costs is based on all pupils in all grades in a community and all pupils in all grades in the state, the comparison shows the following posi- tions : Hatfield's cost per pupil in net average membership for all grades from all sources of support, local support
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and state reimbursement combined, is $246.41, while the state average using the same comparison is $275.57.
When comparison of per pupil costs of all pupils in all grades in communities "under 5,000 population with high schools" is made, the comparison shows the follow- ing position : Hatfield's cost per pupil in not average mem- bership for all grades from all sources of support, local and state reimbursement is $246.41, while the average for communities in the category is $277.29.
A comparison of per pupil support for schools from local sources and from State reimbursement shows the following: from local support per pupil for Hatfield. $189.32; the average support per pupil from local sources for the state, $226.83. Support per pupils received from state reimbursement for Hatfield, $57.09. The average support per pupil for the state from state reimbursement was $43.03.
The per pupil school costs of Hatfield have been be- low those of the state average. Costs have influenced and continue to influence the decisions which must be made.
It is prudent to provide those facilities and mate- rials which will enable the teachers to carry out the func- tions of instruction and enable each pupil to realize the full extent of his or her ability.
Staff
The Hatfield school staff, as in the past, has con- tinued to provide the high calibre of service to the schools and the community that is expected. Their interest in their work and the pupils they serve is exhibited daily both in and out of the classrooms. The number of staff members who continue to fortify their professional back- ground by additional study and preparation is indeed gratifying. They have shown a willingness and desire to
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improve their teaching ability by adopting new teaching media and approaches to the learning situation.
The staff is always anxious and willing to discuss in- dividual pupil problems with parents and invites sched- uled parental conference after regular school hours. Visits to the classrooms are invited at any time.
The service staff of the schools, which includes the school nurse, cafeteria workers, school clerk and janitors, carry out their assignments in a competent and efficient manner.
During the year several staff changes occurred in the elementary grades and these are enumerated in the school committee report. Our secondary staff remained con- stant. In both units staff reassignments were made. In the elementary grades Miss Kempisty was assigned as social studies teacher of sixth, seventh and eighth grades; Mrs. DeCarolis to all reading and spelling instruction for the same grades; Mr. Rudzik to all science for the same grades, Mr. Gallagher to all math and junior high coach; Mrs. Ryack to a third grade, Mrs. Stenglein to a grade two; Mrs. Labbee to a grade three, and Mrs. Brassord to a grade four. At the secondary level, Mr. Symancyk was assigned Freshman World History and the Junior Busi- ness Training course and Mrs. Muller to the Senior Prob- lems of Democracy class and French III, which was added to her instructional duties.
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the townspeople ,the staff of the schools, Trustees, pupils, the School Committee and others who have assisted the schools and me during the past year. The co-operation which has been extended to me by all persons is most gratifying.
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