USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1951-1957 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
This has been a stimulating and challenging year. It has been a year of accomplishment. It has also been a year with many problems to solve. To all who con- tributed to our accomplishments and to those who helped us surmount our problems-School Committee, faculty, parents, pupils, various townspeople, and town officials -- I owe an inexpressable debt of gratitude.
GORDON C. GETCHELL,
Superintendent of Schools
87
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1951
Regular, day schools-
Appropriation for support
$73,252.00
Transferred to school account
1,300.00
Total available for year
$74,552.00
Total expenditures
74,549.73
Unexpended balance
$ 2.27
Cost of regular, day schools to Town-
Total expenditures
$74,549.73
Credits :
Chap. 70 (amended Chap. 643) $17,148.12
Chap. 679 (transportation) 1,932.50
High School Agric. Dept. 1,697.14
Veterans I. O. F. Training 88.16
Tuition and trans .; out-of-town
pupils 435.32
Miscellaneous income
6.10 $21,307.34
Net cost of schools from local taxation
$53,242.39
Vocational education (out-of-town)_
Appropriation for support $2,600.00
Expended-tuition and transportation 1,518.45
Unexpended balance $1,081.55 .
Cost of out-of-town vocational education to Town-
Total expenditures $1,518.45
Reimbursement from state
857.99
Net cost of voc. ed. from local taxation $ 660.46
88
Financial Statement-New Center School Heating Plant-January 1, 1952
Appropriation
$25,000.00
Expended to date:
General contractor-R. F. Mutter Co. $20,606.59
Engineering fees-D. F. McCarthy 899.13
Legal fees-John R. Callahan 40.00
Advertising for bids 27.99
Totl paid to date $21,573.71
Bills outstanding :
R. F. Mutter Co. $1,871.76
D. F. McCarthy
224.79
Total bills outstanding
$2,096.55
Total, incurred expenses 23,670.26
Balance-after completion of plant
$ 1,329.74
SCHOOL BUDGET FOR 1952
1951
1951
1952
Approp. Cost Classification Estimate
Instruction, Teaching Staff
$20,241.43 $20,319.47 H. School, Academic $22,110.22
3,117.50 2,695.95 H. School, Vocational 3,362.00
24,876.64 25,455.64 Elementary Schools 27,717.16
1,905.00 1,934.21
Mus., Penmanship, Art 2,045.00
$50,140.57 $50,405.27
Total, Teaching Staff $55,234.38
89
Instruction, Books, Supplies
$1,000.00
$1,031,03
H. School, Academic
$1,000.00
250.00
155.06
H. School, Vocational
250.00
1,875.00
1,873.47 Elementary Schools
2,100.00
200.00
302.25
New Equip. and Inst. 200.00
200.00
188.93
Audio-Visual Sup.
200.00
$3,525.00
$3,550.74
Total, Bks., Sup., Etc.
$3,750.00
Janitors' Services
$2,064.00
$2,256.40
High School
$2,400.00
2,064.00
2,373.15
Elementary Schools
2,400.00
$4,128.00
$4,629.55
Total, Janitors' Serv.
$4,800.00
Plant Maintenance
$400.00
$454.12
Janitors' Supplies
$350.00
1,200.00
1,983.84
Elem. Schools Repairs
2,417.00
100.00
131.84
Ath. Field Main.
none
200.00
76.30
Equipment Repairs
200.00
$1,900.00
$2,646.10
Total, Plant Main.
$2,967.00
Heat, Light and Power
$1,230.00
$880.23
High School
$1,100.00
70.00
54.72
H. School, Vocational
70.00
1,700.00
1,130.49
Elementary Schools
2,650.00
$3,000.00
$2,065.44
Total, Ht., Lgt., Pwr.
$3,820.00
Transportation
$3,294.00
$3,534.68
Regular Daily
$4,914.00
250.00
297,39
Athletic and other
450.00
$3,544.00
$3,832.07
Total, Transportation
$5,364.00
1
90
School Health
$1,290.00 50.00
$1,328.34 43.16
Salary of Nurse
Supplies
$1,390.00 50.00
$1,340.00
$1,371.50
Total, School Health
$1,440.00
Administration
$3,755.04
$3,816.71
Sup. of Schools
$4,055.00
375.00
273.28
Exp. Accts. (Supt.
and Prin.)
300.00
200.00
249.13
Telephone Service
200.00
50.00
47.14
Post., Prtg., Statnry.
50.00
45.00
50.00
School Census
50.00
150.00
115.50
Clerk (part-time)
150.00
$4,575.04
$4,551.76
Total, Administration
$4,805.00
Physical Education
$250.00
$277.67
Equip. and Supplies
$250.00
250.00
388.42
Towels
150.00
500.00
595.75
H. S. Ath. Program
500.00
$1,000.00
$1,261.84
Total, Physicol Ed.
$900.00
Other Expenses
$50.00
$84.16
Graduation
$75.00
175.00
126.50
Athletic Insurance
150.00
25.00
24.80
Gen. Liability Ins.
25.00
$250.00
$235.46
Total, Other Expenses
$250.00
$73,252.00
1,300.00 trans.
$74,552.00 $74,549.73 Grand Total, Schools $83,330.38
Vocational School
$2,600.00 $1,518.45 Tuition & Trans. $2,000.00
91
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1951 - 1952
Sept. 4, 1951
Tuesday - Staff meeting 10:00 A. M. Smith Academy Auditorium
Sept. 5, 1951
Wednesday - Schools open with full ses- sion
Oct. 12, 1951
Oct. 19, 1951
Friday - Schools closed - - Columbus Day Friday - Schools closed - Teacher's Con- vention Day
Nov. 12, 1951 Monday - Schools closed - Armistice Day
Nov. 21, 1951
Wednesday - Schools close at noon - Thanksgiving
Nov. 26, 1951
Monday - Schools open
Dec. 21, 1951 Friday P. M. - Schools close for Christ- mas vacation
Jan. 2, 1952
Wednesday - Schools open
Feb. 22, 1952
Friday - Schools closed - Washington's Birthday, Beginning of Winter vaca- tion
Feb. 26, 1952
Tuesday - Schools open
Apr. 11, 1952
Apr. 14, 1952
Friday - Schools closed - Good Friday Monday - Schools closed - Beginning of spring vacation
Apr. 21, 1952
Monday - Schools open
May 30, 1952
June 9, 1952
June 10,1952
Friday - Schools closed - Memorial Day Monday-Elementary School Graduation Tuesday - Elementary Schools close Cafeteria closes
June 11, 1952 Wednesday - High School Class Day June 12,1952 Thursday - High School Graduation School closes
Elementary School - 180 days High School - 182 days
Approved by the School Committee
June 5, 1951
92
SCHOOL CENSUS As of October 1, 1951
Boys
Girls
Total
From five to seven years
33
35
68
From seven to sixteen years 144
115
259
Total by sex
177
150
327
Comparative Totals for Five-Year Period
Years
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
From 5 to 7 years
45
56
74
81
62
From 7 to 16 years
269
257
249
257
255
Totals
314
313
323
338
317
"NO SCHOOL" SIGNAL
It is the policy of the Hatfield School department to hold regular sessions on mornings when it is practicable to operate the school buses. Parents are asked to use their own discretion as to the wisdom of sending their children on stormy mornings. In other words, the safety of the bus pupils shall be the deciding factor in deter- mining whether or not school shall be held on a question- able, stormy day.
In the event that it becomes necessary to cancel school sessions, the .'No School Signal" will be broadcast over radio station WHMP (1400 on the dial) on the Dawn Patrol program at 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, 8:00 and 8:15 in the morning.
93
Principal of. Smith Academy
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my sixth annual report.
The 1951-52 school year opened with eighty-eight students enrolling by grades as follows: ninth grade- 25, tenth grade-26, eleventh grade-20, and twelfth grade-17. This is the highest enrollment since 1946. At the present time, every one that enrolled is still attend- ing school.
The educational program at your high school has been outlined for you in detail in recent years. No major pro- gram changes were made in the curriculum during the past year. However, one significant change in the school day program was the introduction of club activities to enrich the educational offerings, and give guidance to leisure-time student activities.
Another change that was instituted in the high school was the work-experience program for Seniors. After May 1, under the rules laid down by the School Commit- tee, the principal may release students for immediate employment. Three students from the Commercial De- partment found suitable employment and were released. This experience has proven to be very helpful to students participating in this plan.
The only change in the teaching staff occurred when Mr. Cassidy resigned as teacher and coach of basketball. This position was ably filled by Mr. Russell Basin.
94
In my 1949 annual report, reference was made to teacher in-service training being carried out locally by the teachers in the high school. This training was continued during the past year. In reviewing this training pro- gram, certain advantages have accrued to benefit the school. This program has secured unity of purpose and objectives on the part of the teaching staff. Its main purpose is to improve teaching and thereby help pupil learning. This aim has been realized.
Since there is an occasional request for information relative to what happens to the receipts at basketball games, I am including a brief summary of the procedure in this report. In conformity with the law that went into effect on October 18, 1949, all moneys received by the athletic department are immediately deposited with the Town Treasurer. Since the Town Treasurer handles all the money, any expenses incurred must be paid by vouch- ers drawn against the School Department, passed by the School Committee, and paid by the Town Treasurer.
Finally, in reviewing the progress of your high school in the past five years, it is obvious that great strides have been made in making your high school the kind of school that this community needs and desires. This has been possible through your many suggestions, your interest in the school and the support that you have given to it. As has always been our practice, the high school seeks and welcomes all suggestions for making partially artic- ulate the aspirations that the community has for its children.
JOHN C. JAKOBEK
Principal of Smith Academy
95
SMITH ACADEMY PROGRAM OF STUDIES, 1951-1952 FRESHMAN
College Course Required - English IA, Algebra I, World History, General Science, ¿Guidance.
Commercial Course Required - English IB, General Math, World History, General Science, ¿Guidance.
Vocational Course Required - English IB, General Math, Agriculture, ¡Guidance.
Electives - * Shop, *Home Economics, Music.
¿Guidance - 2 times a week *Shop - 3 times a week for boys * Home Economics - 3 times a week for girls
SOPHOMORES
College Course Required - English IIA, Biology.
Commercial Course Required - English IIB, Biology, Business Training, Typing I.
Vocational Coruse Required - English IIB, Biology, Agri- culture.
Electives - Plain Geometry, French I, Llatin I, Typing I, Home Economics, Music.
JUNIORS
College Course Required - English IIIA, U. S. History.
Commercial Course Required - English IIIB, U. S. His- tory ,Shorthand I, Typing II.
Vocational Course Required - English IIIB, U. S. History, Agriculture.
Electives - Physics, French II, Algebra II, Typing I, 11, Home Economics, Music.
96
SENIORS
College Course Required - English IVA, Problems of Democracy.
Commercial Course Required - English IVB, Problems of Democracy, Shorthand II & Secretarial Practice, Bookkeeping.
Vocational Course Required - English IVB, Problems of Democracy, Agriculture.
Electives - Physics, French II, III, Algebra II, Typing I, II, Plane Geometry Home Economics, Music, Trigo- nometry, Solid Geometry.
SMITH ACADEMY GRADUATION - 1951
PROGRAM
Processional The National Anthem
Student Speakers
The World is Ours if We Have Vision Nancy A. Barsh
The World is Ours if We Have Friendship
Mildred A. Novak
The World is Ours if We Have Education Eugene J. LaFrance
The World is Ours if We Have Faith Eleanor M. Vollinger
The World is Ours if We Meet the Challenge
Phyllis A. Kochan
Come To the Fair In A Monastery Garden Glee Clubs
Martin Ketelbey
Presentation of Class Gift Henry Kabat
Address - Dr. Leo Gans, Principal, Springfield Technical High School
97
Presentation of Awards
Principal John Jakobek
Presentation of Diplomas Robert C. Byrne, M.D. Chairman of School Committee Member of Smith Academy Board of Trustees School Song Recessional
AWARDS
Pro Merito Pins - Phyllis Kochan, Mildred Novak, Nancy Barsh
Sons of the American Revolution - James Smith
Becker College Scholarship Key - Eugene LaFrance
D.A.R. Award - Patricia Mason
The Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Awards - Patricia Mason, Robert Hojnoski
Hatfield Book Club Award - Esther Thayer
Woman's Endeavor Society Award - Phyllis Kochan M. Larkin Proulx Shield - Donald Jandzinski Emily Post Good Manners Award - Mildred Novak Reader's Digest - Phyllis Kochan
GRADUATES
*Nancy A. Barsh Chester W. Foster
+Clyde Gallant Francis Godin Robert F. Hojnoski Donald M. Jandzinski
Henry F. Kabat
*Phyllis A. Kochan Eugene J. LaFrance Patricia A. Mason *Mildred A. Novak David E. Omasta Marilyn K. Pelc Satnley J. Pichko
Eleanor M. Vollinger
*Pro Merito +Veteran
98
Principal of Center School
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee of Hatfield :
Last fall we changed the time schedule at Center School in order that we might have four full forty-five minute periods in the forenoon. Thus we are able to schedule classes for the four major subjects offered to the upper grades during the first portion of the school day.
The extra period was created partially to make sci- ence a full time study in our junior high school. Why should we teach science in our upper grades? It is un- doubtedly commonplace to say that this is the Scientific Age for there probably never has been a time when the human race was more dependent upon discoveries and achivements of science than it is today.
So much of the reading matter and news of today is science that unless we have made a special effort to keep up with new discoveries and inventions, we adults, school children of a past generation, are at a loss to com- prehend large portions of it. Our children are living in this same scientific environment and in many ways are better able to cope with it than we. These children have been trained, we hope, in developing attitudes and under- standings - a way of thinking.
Four steps are considered by which pupils may achieve openmindedness through science: building desir- able values, creating good climate, thinking critically, and
99
making decisions. The third step seems essential to any scientific program as we believe the stages in the critical thinking process are: 1. Select and clarify the problem. 2. Locate and collect evidence. 3. Organize the data. 4. Draw a conclusion. 5. Test the conclusion through action. We believe our science courses offer such a pro- gram. Because it is new with us I am using enough space in this article to outline our science program.
Topics Used in Grade Six Science Program
Animals need food for energy and growth.
How sound is produced and conducted.
The place of the earth in the universe.
Some minerals important to man. Forecasting the weather.
Enemies and friends of health.
Conservation of wildlife.
Water birds - Their adaptations & habits.
The value of air to man. Water on the earth.
Magnetic and electrical energy.
Community health.
Unit Outline for Science in Grade Seven Unit One. Science in Our Lives
1. What is science and what has it done for us ? Unit two. The World of Water.
1. Is water necessary to life ?
2. What is water?
3. How do we get the water we need ?
4. How do we use water in our work?
Unit three. The World of Air.
1. How does air behave ?
2. What is air?
3. What are the differences between good and and bad air ?
100
Unit four. The World of Rock.
1. What is rock ?
2. What is soil?
Unit five. The World of Living Creatures.
1. What is the business of living ?
2. What is the web of life ?
3. How are creatures fitted for the life they lead ?
4. What part does food play in our lives ?
5. How does man fit into the web of life?
Unit six. What Is Energy and How Do We Use It ?
Science Outline for Grade Eight.
Unit one. The Changing Sky.
1. What are the stars ?
2. What is the solar system ?
3. What is the moon ?
Unit two. The Changing Air.
1. What is the drama of weather?
2. How does the weatherman study the wea- ther ?
3. What is the nature of the weather in North America ?
Unit three. The Changing World.
1.How do the changing seasons affect plants ?
2. How do the changing seasons affect an- imals ?
3. How are plants and animals adapted for life in the desert ?
4. How are plants and animals adapted for life in the oceans ?
5. How is man adapted for the life he leads ?
101
Unit four. The Changing Landscape.
1. What forces are tearing down the lands ?
2. What forces are building up the lands ?
3. What kinds of plants and animals lived in in the past?
Unit five. Our Life in the Changing World.
1. How do our bodies use energy ?
2. What is health ?
Unit six. Conservation in the Changing World.
1. How can we save our plant and animal re- sources ?
2. How can we save our minerals and soils ?
3. How can we save our increasing produc- tion ?
The talk given by Mr. Arthur Jenkins at the Decem- ber meeting of the Parent-Teachers Council has served to focus added attention to our reading program. In teach- ing reading we aim to teach children to read well and to love to read, for unless they learn to read well children will not love to read and vice versa.
The child from the beginning must read naturally and freely. He must relax as naturally as an adult does when he takes up his favorite book or newspaper. Good natural reading requires a properly balanced and unified array of techniques. It needs a highly co-ordinated unity of skills. Yet the test of success in teaching reading is not how well the pupil can perform in any of the com- ponent skills but how well he really reads and how much he enjoys doing it.
We are having excellent results using the reading system as explained by Mr. Jenkins. We extend an in- vitation to all parents to visit any of the reading classes
4
102
in order that they may realize how far we have progressed in the teaching techniques of reading.
Our reference library has grown until we are now able to assure students authoritative background material in many fields. Volumes added since the beginning of the school year include biographies of James Fenimore Cooper Wilbur & Orville Wright and Juliette Low, The Encyclopedia Americana, 1951 edition, and The Books of Popular Science. This is a 10 volume set dealing with the story of all things and their world plus modern dis- coveries and progress of science. Other source books are Rocks and their stories, Our F. B. I., Photography for Teen Ages and The White Continent.
We are glad to welcome members of the Parent- Teachers Council as members of our staff. The Council voted to furnish the school dental clinic with assistants. This they have done. It is this type of association be- tween school and parents that enables us to better care for the whole child.
On June 14, 1951, 30 pupils received certificates at an impressive commencement program. All 30 have en- rolled this fall in some higher educational venture. This is a good record and in a measure signifies that your grade schools are adequately preparing pupils to continue their studies.
We have had the highest type of support and co -- operation from all people connected with the schools -- parents, pupils, teachers, and school authorities. There- fore, to all, I take this means of saying "Thanks."
RAYMOND N. JENNESS
Principal of Center School
103
CENTER ELEMENTARY GRADUATION - 1951 PROGRAM
Scripture Richard Cechvala
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Gr. 6, 7, 8 Gr. 6, 7, 8
Song of the Skylark
Welcome
Ronald Barrett
Life of Oliver Smith
Stephanie Majeski
The Founder of Smith Charities
Jean Klocko
The Life of Austin & Sophia Smith
Phyllis Baceski
Miss Sophia's Legacy
Kathleen Deinlein
Sweet Molly-O Gr. 6, 7, 8
In the Time of Roses
Gr. 6, 7, 8
Presentation of Library Awards
Mrs. Theresa Godin
Presentation of Penmanship Awards Principal Raymond Jenness
Presentation of Diplomas Superintendent Gordon Getchell
Robert C. Byrne, M.D., Chairman, School Committee
Class Song Class of '51
Star Spangled Banner All
GRADUATES
Baceski, Phyllis Barrett, Ronald Barsh, Gerald Billings, Judith Ann
Merriam, Edward Pitchko, Helen Porada, Frances Raffa, Michael
104
Breor, Carol Byrne, Robert Cechvala, Richard
Cybulski, Phyllis
Deinlein, Kathleen
Duga, Ethel Dugal, Eugene
Klocko, Jean
Kukucka, Paul
Kugler, Stella
Majeski, Stephanie
Raffa, Peter Romanowski, Jane Romanowski, Joan Sadoski, Charles Sadoski, Donald Schlitz, Stanley Start, Margaret Wells, Jean Wolass, Lorraine Zagrodnik, Patricia Zgrodnik, Patrick
105
Penmanship Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee of Hatfield :
I am pleased to submit the following report on the operation of the handwriting program in the Hatfield schools for the school year of 1950-1951.
In the initial handwriting tests administered to your pupils in November 1946, 15.3% received a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; and 22.9% received a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 61.7% scored less than "B". In the tests administer- ed in June 1951, 97% of your pupils received a grade of "A"; 2% received a grade of "B"; and 1% scored less than "B". Handwriting certificates were awarded to 100% of your graduates.
During the school year we graded approximately 2,270 formal and 6,800 informal handwriting samples for your pupils. A formal test was administered month- ly and a report was furnished each teacher giving a care- ful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in her room.
We furnished the following instructional materials : monthly teachers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certificates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates for pupils who qualified, month- ly and term envelopes, seals, etc.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our app- reciation for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
W. L. RINEHART, Penmanship Supervisor.
106
School Nurse
To the Superintendent and School Committee of Hatfield :
It is of value to think of Health as the condition that makes possible the highest enjoyment of life, the con- structive achievement that shows itself in the best service .
to the world and mankind.
For youth the first knowledge is the ability to note the value of the scientific factors that help to build up resistance to infections that destroy normal health. Health is a science and as such should be studied carefully and practiced intelligently. Good mental and physical habits should extend from early youth to old age if one expects to enjoy the full reaction of normal living.
All youth should pay attention to good posture, proper diet, good eating habits, exercises, sleep, rest, recreation, and cleanliness.
The modern school program is a splendid factor enabling students to enjoy activities that create pleasure in normal habits of living and thinking. The practice and teaching of disease prevention is a definite factor in the Health Program. The parents and children are very cooperative in the program. Several boys and girls attended Camp Hodgkins during vacation and enjoyed the splendid health program and activities.
The schools appreciate the service given by the Hampshire County Health Association and the Red Cross for many factors that help the Health Program. This service covered the following: Pupils receiving Visual Correction 10; Tonsillectomy, 4; Dental Correction, 21.
107
Immunization Report
Triple Injections, Complete-6 children
Triple Injections, Incomplete-5 children
Booster Injections, Pre-school-10 children
Grade 1-25
Grade 5-15
Grade 2-12
Grade 6-16
Grade 3-1p
Grade 7-14
Grade 4-3
Grade 8-25
X-Ray Clinic-January 23, 1951
Students : Boys-Negative 22
Girls-Negative 24
Teachers: Negative 17
Lunch room: Negative 4
Janitors: Negative 2
School bus drivers: Negative 4
Dr. Kaiser, School Physician, Negative
Mr. Getchell, Superintendent, Negative
Marian Holmes, R.N., School Nurse, Negative
My sincere appreciation is extended to the school physicians, teachers, and parents for their cooperation in the school health program.
MARIAN HOLMES, R.N.
School Nurse
108
Vocational Agricultural Department
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
It is a pleasure for me to submit my first report con- cerning the Hatfield Vocational Agricultural program.
It is my strong conviction and philosophy that my basic duty as an instructor is to help in the development of stronger rural leadership which in turn instills those qualities which are so necessary in intelligent, honest citizenship.
The Future Farmers of America, a national organiza- tion, established to provide leadership training, individual development, and other activities for boys enrolled in Vocational Agriculture, is the instrument through which instructor and pupils work together for a better voca- tional program.
At a round table discussion at the beginning of each year a Program of Work is equally decided upon by my students and me. Our Program for the year 1950-51 included the following activities and outstanding results :
1. Activity-Supervised Farming.
Result: 100% participation with a total tan- gible productivity from ownership projects and other supervised work of $12,151.82.
2. Activity-Cooperation and Community Service. Results: Purchase of a spray rig through a cooperative selling venture, resulting in a community service to 42 families by an apple tree spraying program.
109
Testing soil and milk samples.
Measurement and mapping of 81 acres of land in the community.
Treatment of poultry flocks for control of coccidiosis.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.