USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1951-1957 > Part 34
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Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SCOTT, JR.
Superintendent of Schools.
105
Principal of Center School
To the School Committee of Hatfield:
I wish to submit this second annual report, which is my first report as principal of the elementary schools of Hatfield.
Curriculum Reorganization
Our educational philosophy today considers the total growth and development of each child-physically, social- ly, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, the curriculum offered must be based on the interests, needs, and abilities of all the children. Consequently, it becomes a responsi- bility of the school to provide a curriculum that will bring about the most desirable organization of learning experi- ences for the pupils.
For that reason, the junior high schedule has been reorganized this year. The program listed below has many advantages over the curriculum organization of for- mer years. It is now a departmentalized program for the entire day. Each teacher in a subject area has the pupils throughout their junior high school years. Therefore, the teacher can most effectively organize a program of studies based on the children's interests, abilities, and needs. Such a developmental program can assure each child of continuous growth and development according to his own needs. There is opportunity for a greater co- operative relationship between teachers of different sub- jects and greater correlation of all areas of learning.
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In past years reading, art, music, spelling, and pen- manship were taught by the homeroom teacher. Today we have capitalized on the interests and talents of each of these teachers. Each teacher is responsible for one of these programs.
Physical education is taught in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades by Mr. Symancyk of the high school staff. Each class of boys and girls has a forty-five minute period of physical education every week. We all know the advantages of physical education to the total develop- ment of each child. Because the only facilities available are in the Memorial Town Hall, one realizes that it is im- possible to have more classes in physical education in the elementary grades. With the present limited facilities it is difficult to schedule the classes we now have. Still one cannot ignore the fact that physical education has an im- portant bearing on the physical, social, and emotional de- velopment of each child.
DAILY TIME SCHEDULE - 8:45-1:45
Grade 8
Grade 6A
Grade 6B
Grade 7
8:45-9:00
Open. Exer.
Open. Exer.
Open. Exer.
Open. Exer.
9:00-9:45
Social Studies
English
Science
Reading
9:45-10:30
English
Reading
Math.
Science
10:30-10:45
Recess
Recess
Recess
Recess
10:45-11:30
Math.
Science
Social Studies
English
11:30-12:15
Science
Math.
Reading
Social Studies
12:15-1:00
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
1:00-1:45
Reading
Social Studies
English
Math.
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DAILY TIME SCHEDULE - 1:45-2:45
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
1:45-2:15
Gr. 8 Pen
Gr. 8 Art
Gr. 8 Music
Gr. 8 Spell.
Gr. 7 Art
Gr. 7 Pen.
Gr. 7 Spell.
Gr. 7 Music
Gr. 6A Music
Gr. 6A Spell.
Gr. 6A Art
Gr. 6A Pen.
Gr. 6B Spell.
Gr. 6B Music
Gr. 6B Pen.
Gr. 6B Art
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2:15-2:45
Gr. 8 Spell.
Gr. 8 Art
Gr. 8 Pen.
Gr. 8 Music
Gr. 7 Art
Gr. 7 Spell.
Gr. 7 Music
Gr. 7 Pen.
Gr. 6A Pen.
Gr. 6A Music
Gr. 6A Art
Gr. 6A Spell.
Gr. 6B Music
Gr. 6B Pen.
Gr. 6B Spell.
Gr. 6B Art
Note: Wednesday 1:45-2:00 Homeroom Study Hall 2:00-2:45 Release Time for Religious Education Classes
109
Penmanship Report
Copy : Mrs. Breor, Principal Hatfield Public Schools Hatfield, Massachusetts
December 17, 1957
Dear Mrs. Breor:
Once again I am pleased to report on the operation of the handwriting program for the past year.
Your teachers have continued to give us the splendid cooperation which has become traditional in your schools and for many courtesies extended to me and my person- nel I am most grateful.
Our records show at the conclusion of June, 1957, that 99% of the papers scored were Excellent or Good. It is reasonable to conclude, therefore, that 99% of the papers were eminently satisfactory. Only 1% of the papers were rated Fair or Unsatisfactory.
During the past school year we graded and diagnosed approximately 8,500 samples of handwriting for your pupils. A formal test was administered at 4 teaching- week intervals and a report was furnished each teacher in writing giving a careful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in the room. We supplied the following in- structional and motivational materials to your pupils and teachers: teacher outlines and folders, pupil folders, mo- tivation graphs, individual certificates to pupils who quali- fied, diagnostic charts, handedness tests, envelopes, seals, etc.
Our primary objective is to teach your students to read and write both cursive handwriting and hand letter- ing in order that they may have these two tools as effi-
110
cient aids in school, business, and social correspondence. At each grade level we attempt to achieve the standard norm in speed and never lose sight of the fact that the concomitants of neatness, accuracy, and attention to detail in doing work are desirable charcteristics that need to be developed along with technical skill.
Sincerely yours, W. L. RINEHART
Director
School Savings Program
Mrs. V. S. Connors, School Savings Director, has sub- mitted the following report which I should like to include in my report :
The students in the Center and School Street schools participate in the School Savings program sponoserd by the three mutual savings banks: Florence Savings Bank, Nonotuck Savings Bank and Northampton Institution for Savings.
Tuesday is bank day each week.
The total participation for the past school year from both schools was 57.7%.
The total amount banked for the year was $6,473.30. Of this amount $4,814 was transferred from School Sav- ings to regular interest-bearing accounts.
In September of this year a new envelope system was adopted.
Previously, the books were either kept in school or taken to school each Tuesday and the teacher made an entry in the passbook when she accepted the bank money.
111
This year, the passbooks are kept at home and on Mondays, envelopes are given to the students by the teachers for their bank money.
Either the parents or the students make the entries in the books and tear out the deposit slip to enclose in the envelope with the money. With this system, the parents should have an accurate record of the money banked at school each week.
The banks sponsoring the program feel that the par- ents appreciate this record and, therefore, are glad to furnish the envelopes to the students.
When the school money is transferred to regular in- terest-bearing accounts it is done in the School Savings office and a transfer slip is then issued to the student at school. The transfer slip states the date when the trans- fer took place and the correct balance at that time. In- structions are printed on the slip.
If any explanation is desired, please feel free to call the School Savings office, JU 4-4048. It will be a privilege to answer questions.
(MRS.) V. S. CONNORS
School Savings Director
Supervision of the School Lunch Program
From the school lunch director's report, we realize that the majority of our school children are taking ad- vantage of the hot lunches served in the school cafeteria in the basement of the town hall. Here, under the capable management of Mrs. Hazel Roberts and her staff, a hot, nutritious lunch is served to the school children. From the menus published weekly the parents are fully aware
112
of the type of lunch served each day. It is not only a Grade A lunch, but it offers a variety of nourishing food to the hungry children.
Many of you should be aware of the fact that our teaching staff and children have given one hundred per cent co-operation to this project. From the moment the children leave the classroom to go to lunch, the children are under the care and supervision of the teaching staff. A typical day will find each child not only eating a well- balanced meal, but also given the opportunity to learn proper lunchroom and table etiquette.
Each class has appointed hosts and hostesses for each table. These children not only lead the children in saying grace before meal, but also assist in seating and dismissing pupils from the tables. Each group of chil- dren helps in removing the dishes from the table after lunch has been eaten. It isn't a great task for the chil- dren, but it certainly gives them a little responsibility which all share equally.
Our lunchroom situation is a picture of true democ- racy at work. Such co-operative effort by the lunchroom personnel, the teaching staff, and the children has made the program most successful.
National Education Week
Throughout our nation the second week of Novem- ber was celebrated as National Education Week. In ob- servance of this week, the schools of Hatfield held "Open House" on Thursday, November 14, from seven to eight o'clock.
113
The large group of interested parents that visited the schools that evening once again verified our belief that you, the parents, appreciate the opportunity of meeting with the teachers, viewing the classroom work, and noting the physical improvements that have been made in our schools.
Most of the parents were particularly interested in the work of their own children, but one hour was not long enough for any teacher to hold a private conference with each and every parent, although the teachers did their best to talk to as many parents as possible. "Open House" is fine for general discussions about the workings of the schools, but it is difficult to hold private discussions about particular children. Time is limited and furthermore, the situation is all but private. It creates a difficult situation for the teacher and for the parent. This is the main rea- son why we urge parents with particular problems to ar- range for private conferences after school hours at a time convenient for both the teacher and the parent.
Our doors are always opened. We welcome visits from citizens of the town. By visiting the classrooms, while school is in session, you will better understand the work done by the various classes. Only by first-hand ob- servation can you understand what is being taught, how it is taught, and how your child fits into the total class- room situation.
Audio-Visual Aids Program
This past year our audio-visual aids program has grown and developed tremendously due to the interest of the school committee, Mr. Scott, and the teachers. Not only has much needed equipment been purchased, but there has been some greater enthusiasm and interest shown in the program by all concerned.
114
The new portable Du-All screen enables us to use the. audio-visual materials in any classroom throughout the building, whenever a teacher requests such a program. No longer is it necessary to disrupt and re-schedule classes so that the permanently fixed wall screen in the science room can be used. This daylight screen also has an added feature-a flannel board on the reverse side which can be used effectively in our instructional program.
A new filmstrip projector has been added, which is easy to operate and most effective.
Many new filmstrips and records have been pur- chased which can be used at various grade levels and in many different areas of learning. These will aid the teachers by supplementing their instruction.
The new tape recorder has unlimited use and value in our educational program. It can be used to develop proper speech and reading habits. In the fields of lan- guage arts, music, social studies, arithmetic, and for spe- cial events, tape recordings can be used advantageously. Many programs from radio and television can be brought directly into the classroom on tape.
In education today there are countless uses for these teaching and learning aids that will increase student in- terest and learning. The time, effort, and expense that any teaching aid involves can be justified when one real- izes its contribution to the total educational progress.
The Music Program
This year for the first time in many years rhythm band instruments have been purchased for the first grades. This instruments include rhythm sticks, clogs, tambourines, castanets, rhythm bells, triangles, cymbals,
115
tone blocks, a snare drum, and rhythm claves. These are simple percussion instruments which primarily teach rhythmic recognition in music. The rhythm band is an excellent means of group instrumental instruction before children can read music. It also teaches them a little about melody and harmony.
"Music for Living" was the title of the spring mu- sical program presented at the Memorial Town Hall Fri- day evening, May 3, under the direction of Mrs. Esther Norris, the music supervisor, assisted by the other teach- ers. Representatives of each of the grades throughout the Hatfield schools participated in this delightful pro- gram.
The music chosen for this program was taken from the regular school music program. Grades one, two, and three presented "Music for Play"; grades four and five, "Music, Our Heritage"; grades six, seven, and eight, "Music for Worship"; and the Smith Academy Glee Club, "Music for Today."
Tuesday, December 10, the pupils of the Hatfield public school presented a Christmas program, “An Inn in Bethlehem," to a large audience of interested parents and friends. Richard Byrne and Dorothy Sadlowski of the high school very vividly portrayed the lives of the inn- keeper and his wife. The children of the elementary, junior high, and high school delighted the audience with their singing of Christmas carols and songs which had their origin in many foreign lands.
New Classroom Materials and Equipment
A new third grade classroom was opened in the base- ment of Center School this fall. The new movable fur- niture, tile floors, and freshly painted walls provide a
116
pleasant physical environment for children in this third grade.
It was also encouraging to see the new movable fur- niture in two of the junior high classrooms. These units enable a teacher to group her children in any way desired to provide the best possible learning situation.
With the present concern about science in education today, the administration has been increasingly interest- ed in developing a science program that will meet the needs of the children in the elementary and junior high schools. New science textbooks have been ordered from the L. W. Singer Co. so that children from the first grade through the eighth grade will have a continuous develop- ment program in science. New science equipment has been added to our science kit so that teachers and pupils may demonstrate scientific principles through experi- ments.
Supplementary library books have been purchased for the various classrooms so that the children will have available some interesting reading materials. If we can get children interested in reading good literature, many of our reading problems in the future will be eliminated.
The latest addition to classrooms has been the in- stallation of Venetian blinds. These have been installed in the basement rooms and the third, second, and fourth grade rooms on the first and second floors. These blinds are invaluable for controlling light in the classroom.
.
117 CENTER SCHOOL GRADUATION PROGRAM-1957
Scripture Follow the Gleam Welcome
Carol Maslanka Grades 6, 7, 8 David Byrne
Early Elementary Education in Massachusetts
Marcus J. Boyle
Early Secondary Education in Massachusetts
Albert Cechvala
Twentieth Century Trends in Education Old Hundred Yankee Doodle We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder America
Mary Ann Osley Grades 6, 7, 8 Grades 6, 7, 8
Grades 6, 7, 8 Grades 6, 7, 8
Presentation of Class Gift Judith Porada
Presentation of Library Awards Mrs. Theresa Godin
Presentation of Penmanship Awards Mr. Vernon Stiles
Presentation of Diplomas Superintendent Arthur G. Scott, Jr.
Class Song Star Spangled Banner
Class of '57
All
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Graduates
Boys
Frank Betsold
Marcus Boyle
David Byrne
Albert Cechvala
Joseph Chandler
Ronald Goller
David Hoffman
Thomas LaBelle
Thomas Michaloski
George Osley Stephen Osley Bernard Pelis
Richard Petrowicz Robert Slysz Robert Start Richard Vachula Richard Wanczyk Henry Wykowski
Robert Osepowicz
Girls
Kathleen Bucala
Judith Buckman
Marion Buckowski
Carol Celatka
Carol Maslanka Mary Ann Osley Judith Porada Sarah Watson
Eileen Deres Claire Galenski
Patricia Wilkes Joyce Zehelski
Joan Goller
Conclusion
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the school committee, the superintendent, the teaching staff, the custodians ,the townspeople, and the pupils for the assist- ance they have given me during this past year. It is only with a spirit of co-operation between the school per- sonnel and the people of the community that our schools can provide the type of educational program we want for the children of Hatfield.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY M. BREOR
Principal of Center School
119
School Nurse
To the Superintendent and School Committee of Hatfield:
Teamwork is essential in the school health program. The primary responsibility for the health of children rests in the home. An obligation for helping the home main- tain and improve child health is shared by many-the school, the health department, the school doctor, the school nurse and others.
The schools have a major responsibility for the edu- cation of children and youth in health, as well as in other fields, and have certain responsibilities for health serv- ices. The following health services are offered to the chil- dren in our schools: health examinations, screening tests for vision and hearing, measurement of height and weight and the provision of emergency service for injury and sudden illness. Follow-up visits are made to the homes of children who are found to be in need of further diag- nostic work and care. The school is dependent on the parents, the child's physician and other health resources that are necessary. Many children have disabilities, often chronic or permanent in nature, which may create prob- lems in obtaining an education. These are the children who are orthopedically handicapped; children with poor sight and hearing, allergies, heart disease and other con- ditions.
Health examinations have been completed. All the children of the elementary school, sophomores, seniors and all those who participate in athletics have been given thorough examinations. Parents of children in grades
120
ones and four were invited to be present at the time of their child's examination. Several parents were present and were given the opportunity to discuss their child's health with the examining physician.
Screening tests for Vision and Hearing have been completed. These tests are important for a child needs to see and hear reasonably well in order to progress in school. Visual keenness in childhood often changes rap- idly - for this reason, tests are done annually. The fol- lowing is a report of our vision testing program:
Number of pupils tested via the Massachu- setts Vision Test 416
Number of pupils who failed the re-test 33
Number of pupils who have seen an eye spe- cialist and have received correction 26
Number of pupils who did not report for fur- ther examination 7
The children's hearing is tested by means of the Audiometer and any hearing loss may readily be detect- ed through this instrument. A report of this program is as follows :
Number of pupils tested 312
Number of pupils who failed the re-test 10
Number of pupils who were seen by an ear specialist 8
Number of pupils who did not report 2
It was possible, through the Board of Health, to con- duct several immunization clinics. In February, two Polio clinics were held. The Booster Polio injection was given to 299 students. There were 17 students who re- ceived their first injection and 28 received their second injection.
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In the spring, Booster immunizations were given for Diphtheria-Whooping Cough and Tetanus. At the March clinic 113 children were inoculated, in April, 111 and in May, 72. In addition, eight children received the series of three injections.
Communicable diseases reported during the school year are as follows:
Mumps German Measles
14 4
In accordance with the State Health Laws, all per- sonnel having contact with school children are required to be X-rayed every three years. All personnel were X-rayed and were reported to be negative.
Registration for entering first grade pupils was held in May. There were 47 children enrolled.
My sincere appreciation is extended to the school officials, physicians, teachers and parents for their co- operation and assistance in the school health program.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCILLE H. GODEK, R.N.
122
Visiting Nurse
-
To the Citizens of Hatfield :
The following is the report of the Visiting Nurse to the Board of Directors of the Hatfield Visiting Nurse Association :
It is again my pleasure to submit my annual report, the 10th, as the Visiting Nurse of Hatfield.
As this service is about to conclude its 10th vear, we may note, by the total number of visits made, that public health nursing is still a vital service in our community. Many patients have been given earlier discharges from the hospital because nursing service was available in the home. The return to routine homelife has been a great asset in their recovery and in many instances has has- tened their return to near normal health.
During 1957, a total of 485 visits were made. Many types of nursing care have been rendered to individuals. Besides bedside care to the chronically and acutely ill person, post-operative care, injections of various medi- cines, care of the newborn, and instructions have been given. On many occasions the method of administering insulin has been demonstrated to the patient or to a mem- ber of his family.
A Well Child Clinic was conducted in May. Dur- ing the two-day session, 51 children were examined by Dr. Fredericka Smith of Northampton. The nutrition- ists who assisted were Miss Florence Gates of Northamp- ton and Mrs. Thomas Williams of Amherst. Follow-up
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visits were made to the homes of those for whom recom- mendations were made for further care.
On March 6, a polio clinic was held. Booster polio injections were given to 88 pre-school children. There were 11 who received their second injection and 13, their first.
An immunization clinic was held in the spring, whereby pre-school children were given injections as a protection against whooping cough, diphtheria and teta- nus. Booster inoculations were given to 59 children. Five children who had never had this protection received the series of three.
Upon request received from the District Health of- fice, visits have been made to the homes of children who attend the State-conducted Crippled Children's Clinics.
The following is a reports of the calls made during the year, which classifies as follows:
Chronic Medical 297
Acute Medical
50
Surgical 35
Maternity and Newborn
21
Child Welfare
63
Prenatal
4
TB Contacts 15
The fees collected for these visits amounted to $295.50. There were 109 visits made to Welfare recipi- ents, for which no payment was received. The total num- ber of miles travelled amounted to 2,837.
At this time, I wish to express my appreciation to the Board of Directors and to the townspeople for their assistance and cooperation in making this past year a successful one.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCILLE H. GODEK, R.N.
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EXPENSES AND RECEIPTS FOR 1957
Balance as of January 1, 1957
$ 188.57
Receipts :
From Visiting Nurse
$ 286.50
From Town of Hatfield
1,250.00
-
Total Receipts for 1957
$ 1,725.07
Expenses :
Nurse's salary
$ 1,300.00
Mileage
126.56
Social Security
29.02
Bank charges
1.22
Printing of check book
3.52
Clerk
25.00
Total Expenses
$ 1,485.32
Balance as of January 1, 1958
$ 239.75
Respectfully submitted,
ETHEL I. BYRNE, Chairman
1
Nursing Advisory Committee
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School Lunch
To theS chool Committee of Hatfield :
The past year has shown a continued rise in the number of pupils participating in the school lunch pro- gram. During the year an average of 351 Type "A" pupil lunches were served daily during the one and one- half hour serving period.
Our Type "A" lunch and lunch program conforms to the State and Federal School Lunch Program require- ments for financial reimbursement and distribution of surplus commodities. At least once a year our program undergoes an inspection by a Commonwealth School Lunch representative who inspects menus, financial rec- ords, storage and preparation facilities, conditions of sani- tation and such other phases of the program as are deemed necessary.
The Type "A" lunch served in our program consists of foods which meet the following minimum daily re- quirements :
1. One-half pint of milk as a beverage.
2. Two ounces of one or a combination of eight pro- tein-rich foods.
3. Three-fourths cup fruit and/or vegetable.
4. A slice of whole grain or enriched bread or rolls, muffins, etc., made from those flours.
5. Two teaspoons butter or fortified margarine.
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The school lunch menus are published both in locally available newspapers and posted in each home room so that parents and pupils know what is being served on any given day. On occasion, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to change a menu - however, this possibility is held to a minimum by early ordering of mer- chandise from our suppliers.
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