USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1951-1957 > Part 5
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$370 of productive farm shop work.
Care and maintenance of athletic field with tractor acquired during year.
3. Activity-Leadership.
Results: 1st place in Eastern States Egg Judging Contest.
Member of State team for NEPPCo Egg Judging Contest-Harrisburg, Pa. .
Members in final eliminations for State Poul- try and Vegetable Teams.
1st place in Western Massachusetts District Public Speaking Contest.
97% paricipation in F.F.A. leadership training school at University of Massachusetts.
4. Activity-Scholarship.
Results: Awarded bronze medals for outstand- ing achievement in scholarship and soil and water management. Medals given to depart- ment by State from F.F.A. Foundation.
5. Activity-Recreation.
Results: Annual outing to Look Park at close of school year.
The credit for the continued development of our Vo-Ag Department goes first to "my boys." However, nothing would be possible without the combined, kindly coopera- tion of the superintendent, principal, teachers, and parents of our community.
GEORGE C. FEIKER
Instructor
110
School Savings Representative
-
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Members of the Hatfield School Committee:
Another year has passed, and again I am pleased to report on your School Savings program in Hatfield.
As you know, this program is conducted by the three Mutual Savings Banks-Nonotuck Savings Bank, Florence Savings Bank and Northampton Institution for Savings.
The first bank day in Hatfield was May 23, 1950, and since then banking has continued each Tuesday -- with the exception of the last Tuesday of each month which has been reserved for transferring money to regular savings accounts.
There are now 218 accounts in Hatfield. This in- cludes Center School and the Freshmen and Sophomore classes in Smith Academy. Children attending the School Street School begin banking each year in January.
The sum banked by school children last year-from September 1950 to June 1951-was $2,989.96. The amount transferred to regular savings accounts was $2,932.00.
You may note that my report last year included a part of the same period as this report; inasmuch as, there were only two banking days in May 1950 and banking resumed at the beginning of the school year in September 1950-the report ending December 1950. This report
111
begins, as stated above, September 1950 and ends June 1951.
The percentage of participation for the entire year was 41.3. This is a somewhat lower figure than reported last time, but of course, it covers a longer period.
We appreciate all that Mr. Jenness has done for us in helping to aid our School Banking program in Hatfield. Mr. Jenness is tremendously interested in it and co-op- erates in every way he possibly can to further the pro- gram.
We should also like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers for their enthusiasm and cooperation. It is our hope that the children will realize, more and more, the benefits to be derived from thrift and saving and that they will make a habit of banking each week.
VIOLETTE S. CONNORS
School Savings Representative
112
School Dental Clinic
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee of Hatfield:
The dental clinic for the Hatfield schools was carried on this year after a lapse of a few years. The teeth of the children in the grade school were examined on October 23, 1951. The dental clinic has been operating since that time, each Tuesday that school has been in session.
The Parent-Teachers Council voted to supply assis- tants for this clinic. The following ladies have been of great value in keeping the records and mothering some of the younger patients. Those who have assisted thus far are Mrs. Francis Godin, Mrs. Joseph Baceski, Mrs. Peter Novak, and Mrs. George Pfeiffer.
As of Tuesday, January 15, 1952, the clinic has com- pleted 163 operations in the following manner :
Cleaning
27
Fillings
99
Extractions
32
Total
163
GLADE P. HALL, D.M.D.
School Dentist
113
Physical Director
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Com- mittee of Hatfield :
I hereby submit my annual report as Supervisor of Physical Education in the Public Schools of Hatfield.
PLAY AND MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
Probably there is no better method in our physical education program for the development of good wholesome mental attitudes than the utilization of games, competitive sports contests, relays, etc., to answer the immediate desires of our students. Unquestionably, this interest in fun-giving situations satisfies their fundamental needs for mental and physical health.
Your Supervisor has noticed that in his experience with "gym" classes there are conditions in the daily school program which have a direct bearing on each student's mental health. Perhaps the most common of these con- ditions is school room fatigue. The monotony of sitting still in a classroom is very tiring to an active boy and girl. The physical education program, therefore, affords each student an opportunity to offset these school room con- ditions and the tensions developed through physical activ- ity-perhaps not too strenuous. At any rate, it fulfills the student's personal desire and satisfaction; at the same time, it invariably influences the students in the develop- ment of more efficient habits and new interests and at- titudes. The writer has witnessed a very marked develop- ment over the past few years in the physical and mental
114
attitudes of each student so that a well-rounded-out per- sonality is the result. Perhaps, in a small measure, this is derived from physical education. Paramount to ali other objectives is the concept of fair play among all the students which eventually leads toward better sportsman- ship and good character traits. A noticeable example of this type of behavior is our splendid basketball team.
CENTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL
As will be noted, the writer has been interested in applying fundamental techniques in the teaching of the various sports in conjunction with a limited variety of other activities offered to the students in the grammar school, with the hope that they may develop mastery of individual skills and attain new ones by the time they reach high school.
CLASSES MEETING FOR ONE 45 MINUTE PERIOD PER WEEK
FALL-WINTER-AND SPRING SEASONS Boys
1. Examinations and organization
2. Free exercise-calisthenics and conditioning
3. Touch football
4. Soccer
5. Health instruction
6. Running
7. Basketball
8. Softball
9. Track and field
10. Relay games
115
Girls
1. Examination and organization
2. Posture and calisthenics
3. Rhythms
4. Soccer
5. Health instruction-formal rules
6. Track and field-high jump, etc.
7. Softball
HIGH SCHOOL
Classes Meeting for Two 45 Minute Periods Per Week
Boys
1. Examination and organization
2. Free exercises-calisthenics, conditioning
3. Touch football
4. Soccer techniques-advanced
5. Volley soccer
6. Basketball-advanced
7. Softball-hardball-advanced
8. Track and field
9. Volley ball (indoors)
10. Running-sprints, etc.
Girls
1. Examination and organization
2. Posture and conditioning
3. Soccer
4. Basketball-advanced
5. Softball-advanced
6. Badminton
7. Elementary tumbling
8. Formal rules in competitive sports
9. Pyramid building
116
INTERCLASS GAMES (TOURNAMENT)
Since the writer has had considerable success with this type of activity in order to close out the winter sea- son a proposed tournament (badminton for girls-basket- ball for boys) will again be conducted. Much benefit is derived from these games. Many boys and girls who are unable to make the J.V. or Varsity teams have an oppor- tunity of playing with them. This type of competition serves as an aid in developing sportsmanship co-operation, serves as an aid in developing sportsmanship, co-opera- tion, a spirit of friendliness as well as many other de- sirable attitudes.
JOHN F. SYMANCYK
Physical Director.
117
Supervisor of Music
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
I hereby present a report of our music program.
The first five grades are visited weekly for a half- hour period each, and the sixth, seventh and eighth grades have a forty-five minute period each, every week with the supervisor.
One of the natural heritages of the child is the love of music and it is our duty to guide and develop this phase of child life. Melody, rhythm, and harmony are the fundamentals to be developed. We should stress care- fully little details that we may do the important things intelligently and correctly; namely, pitch, which involves pianos well tuned, posture, breathing, enunciation, and the understanding of melody, rhythm and harmony.
We are introducing again Rhythm Bands in the First and Second Grades in hopes that it may lead to a fine or- chestra as we had sometime ago.
May I here insert a fervent plea for more and varied instrumental study by the pupils in the grades. It is wisest to start the child in instrumental study just as early as possible that it may grow up with the child. Having music in the homelife of the child is as important as any phase. If we expect little, we get less but expect a great deal and sometimes we are amazed at what we do get.
118
We have prepared and presented the usual programs and the children have been most co-operative and a joy to work with.
We are indeed proud of the result of our new venture in the Junior High, that is, our part taken in the May Festival held in Palmer. The group spent much time in earnest rehearsing. Mr. Getchell and the school officials were most splendid in their interest and backing by fur- nishing music materials and transportation ; also, the three teachers who accompanied us. All concerned felt deep satisfaction in receiving the splendid rating given our students.
It is a great pity that part of this group who did so much to make the festival and programs which followed moments of great beauty and pleasure did not realize how much they could do to build the choral club in Smith Aca- demy and develop in themselves an esthetic side of life by continuing music in the High School. However, we have a goodly number of Freshmen girls in the club.
This is the first year in a great many that we do not have a strong Boys' Glee Club in Smith Academy.
The Choral Club prepared and presented programs for school affairs. They also have done very creditable work. At the festival in Palmer they did some very nice work and conducted themselves in a very praiseworthy manner. You parents can surely be very proud of all the students. I would like to say however that the work of this group really improved wonderfully during the last month of the school year and proved that they were a great credit to themselves and Smith Academy.
Owing to a change in the program in the fall term, vacations and holidays coming when they did, we have not been able to get in many visits, having a period only once in two weeks.
119
In summing up, I would say that satisfactory results and confidence can only be obtained by gradual develop- ment over a long period wherein groups can become fami- liar with material and can sing without tension which is apt to result from rushing many "sings" in a short period.
We have in our Hatfield schools an unusual number of very fine voices and I feel justified in saying that the great majority of our young people love music in some form but need much interest and encouragement along constructive lines.
In December we enjoyed a concert by a group of string instrument players and one woodwind furnished through the courtesy of the Northampton Musicians Union. The students also enjoyed singing a group of Christmas carols accompanied by this group.
In closing I wish to express deepest appreciation to Mr. Getchell, the School Committee, and those principals and teachers who by their interest and co-operation have made teaching in Hatfield a great pleasure.
MAUDE E. BOYLE
Supervisor of Music
120
Art Supervisor
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Commit- tee of Hatfield :
My reports in the past have concerned themselves chiefly with certain aspects of the work that has been done in the year previous to the writing of the report. These reports have invariably been in an optimistic vein for progress in many forms has been noted each year.
Some may wonder if there will not be an end to this progress, if students will not reach a bar of accomplish- ment beyond which they will be unable to work effective. ly. There need not be such a levelling off if administra- tors, supervisors, and teachers are constantly on the alert for new and better techniques, methods and ideas which will in turn be a real challenge to the pupil.
In this report, my fifth since assuming the duties of your art supervisor, I should like to dwell briefly upon two of the weaker spots in our art program and suggest some possible remedies for these deficiencies.
To be taught at a high level of efficiency art should probably be taught in a special art room, a room to which each class would go in proper turn for its art lesson, a room designed and equipped for the specific purpose of art in- struction. It is obvious that such a room is an impossibil- ity in the present Hatfield school system. It seems to me, however, that many projects such as those using clay, cement, wood, and metal could be introduced if the new basement room could house a class working on such pro-
121
jects. Our present art program is weaker in craft work than I like it to be and I believe the occasional use of this space would definitely strengthen the whole art course.
The Center School also lacks sufficient exhibition space for the proper display of student work whether it be art work or work in any other subject. There are several plans available in Art Education publications concerning the use of corridors as exhibition galleries and I believe that this aspect of our program should be given serious consideration.
These two projects are, in my estimation, the most urgent ones and should be given first consideration. In the future the possibilities of introducing art in Smith Academy and re-adjusting the Supervisor's schedule to better fit everchanging needs might also be considered.
In concluding this report I should once again like to thank you, Mr. Getchell, the members of the school com- mittee, the principal, and all of the teachers for your con- tinued support of Art in Hatfield.
RICHARD E. GABEL
Supervisor of Art
122 CORPS OF TEACHERS 1951-1952
-
Smith Academy
Yrs. of Exp. in Exp. Hatfield
John Jakobek, A.B., M.A. (U of M., West
State, Union), Principal, Algebra I,
Algebra II, Trigonometry, Solid Geom- etry, Guidance 9
8
Russell Bastin, A.B. (St. Anselm's College), Basketball Coach, U. S. History,
English, Business Training, General Mathematics 2
1
George C. Feiker, B.S. (Univ. of Mass.), Agriculture, Shop 3
2
Florence Muller, A.B. (Wheaton College), Coach, World History, French I,II, Plane Geometry, Latin I 17
Margaret Pruzynski (McCarthy Business College), Typing, Shorthand, Book- keeping 16
9
Mary E. Ryan, A.B. (Smith College), English, Dramatics
32
31
Mary A. Spakowski, B.S. (Univ. of Mass.), Biology, Home Economics 4
4
John Symancyk, B.S., Ass't Prin., Coach, Phys. Ed., Prob. of Democracy,Gen- eral Science, Physics 6 6
16
Center School
Raymond N. Jenness, B.S. Ed., M.S. Ed. (Bridgewater Teachers, U. of M.), Principal, General Science 21
16
123
Martha Boyle, (North Adams Normal), Grade 2
21
12
Dorothy B. Breor, B.S. Ed. (Bridgewater Teachers College), English, Grade 6, 7,8
11
11
Mary D. Donelson, (Framingham Normal), Grade 3
36
34
Hilda C. Fortsch, (Framingham Normal), Grade 4 10
10
Jean T. Kempisty, B.S. Ed. (Wesfield Teachers College), Math, Grade 6, 7, 8 13
13
Sarah V. Kiley, (Westfield Normal), His- tory, Geography, Grade 6, 7, 8
44
43
Constance B. Mullany, (Smith Academy), Grade 5 35
35
School Street School
Sophie Filipkowski, (North Adams Teach- ers College), Grade I 9 4
Lena P. Fitzgerald (North Adams Nor- mal), Grade 1 37 37
Superintendent of Schools
Gordon C. Getchell, B.S. Ed., M.S. Ed. (Salem Teachers, Boston Univ.) 12 2
124
RTATI
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation Division of Accounts State House, Boston
HENRY F. LONG COMMISSIONER
- FRANCIS X. LANG DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS
February 6, 1952
To the Board of Selectmen
Mr. Henry S. Bokina, Chairman Hatfield, Massachusetts
Genlemen :
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Hatfield for the year ending' December 31, 1951, made in accordance with the pro- visions 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, FRANCIS X. LANG,
Director of Accounts.
125
Mr. Francis X. Lang 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, 1951, 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 committing bills for collection, were exam- ined, checked, and verified.
The books and accounts of the town accountant were examined and checked. The ledger accounts were an- alyzed, the recorded receipts were checked with the treasurer's record of receipts, and the payments were compared with the approved treasury warrants. The departmental accounts receivable were checked with the records of the departments committing the bills and with the treasurer's books. The appropriations, transfers, and loan orders voted by the town were listed from the town clerk's record of town meetings and were checked with the amounts credited to the appropriation accounts. A balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of he town on December 31, 1951.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and checked with the records of the departments collecting money for the town and with the other sources
126
from which money was paid into the town treasury. The payments were compared with the treasury warrants approved by the board of selectmen, and the cash balance on January 23, 1952 was proved by reconciliaion of the bank balance with a statement furnished by the bank and by actual count of the cash in the office.
The savings bank books representing the investment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were examined and listed, the income being proved and the withdrawals being verified.
The records of payroll deductions for federal taxes. Blue Cross, and he contributory retirement fund were checked. The payments to the Collector of Internal Revenue, the Massachusetts Hospital Service, Inc., and the county treasurer were verified, and the balances in the general treasury on January 23, 1952 were proved with the accountant's ledger.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The tax and excise accounts outstanding at the time of the previous examination and all subsequent commitment lists were audited and proved with the assessors' warrants. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, the abatements were checked wih the assessors' record of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
It is again urged that immediate action be taken to bring about a settlement of the overdue taxes.
The financial transactions of the town clerk were examined. The receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued, the pay- ments to the Division of Fisheries and Game and to the
127
town treasurer were verified, and the cash on hand on January 23, 1952 was proved by actual count.
The surety bonds of the clerk, town treasurer, and tax collector were examined and found to be in proper form.
The recorded receipts for licenses and permits issued by the board of selectmen were checked with the records of licenses and permits granted and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The books and accounts of the sealer of weights and measures were examined. The recorded receipts were checked with the record of fees charged and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The records of accounts receivable of the inspector of slaughtering and the tree warden, of the public welfare, veterans' services, school, and cemeery departments were examined. The charges were listed and compared with the commitments reported to the accountant, the recorded receipts and abatements were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
The recorded receipts of the school department for school lunches, the high school athletic program, and the dental clinic were checked and the payments to the treas- urer were verified.
The books and accounts of the wwater department were examined. The charges for the sale of water and for water services were added and compared with the accountant's record of commitments, the recorded col- lections and abatements were checked, the payments to the treasurer were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accountant's ledger.
128
The tax and water accounts outstanding were further verified 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.
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.
129
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Balance January 1, 1951,
Receipts 1951,
$81,869.55 482,572.33
$564,441.88
Payments 1951,
$454,950.01
Error in entering receipts 1950:
Federal Grant-Old age assistance-
administration,
2.00
Balance December 31, 1951, 109,489.87
$564,441.88
Balance January 1, 1952,
Receipts January 1 to 23, 1952,
$109,489.87
25,845.60
$135,335.47
Payments January 1 to 23, 1952,
$7,078.18
Balance January 23, 1952:
Cash in office, verified,$4,596,49
First National Bank,
Northampton,
123,660.80
128,257.29
$135,335.47 =
First National Bank, Northampton
Balance January 23, 1952, per statement, $127,105.69
Balance January 23, 1952, per check book, $123, 660.80
Outstanding checks January 23,
1952, per list, 3,444.89
$127,105.69
---
130
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS Federal Taxes
Deducions 1951, $6,578.85
Pyments to Collector of Internal
Revenue 1951,
$6,578.85
Deductions January 1 to 23, 1952,
$373.20
Balance January 23, 1952,
$373.20
County Retirement System
Deductions 1951,
$1,178.19
Payments to county treasurer 1951,
$1,178.19
Deducions January 1 to 23, 1952,
$51.88
Balance January 23, 1952,
$51.88
Blue Cross
Deductions 1951,
$1,215.15
Payments to Massachusetts Hospital
Service, Inc., 1951,
$1,215.15
Deductions January 1 to 23, 1952,
$109.55
Balance January 23, 1952, $109.55
RECONCILIATION OF COLLECTOR'S CASH
Csh balances January 23, 1952, per tables :
Taxes 1947-real estate, $27.20
Taxes 1948-poll, 4.00
personal property, 99.00
Taxes 1949-poll, 2.00
131
Taxes 1950-poll, 4.00
Taxes 1951-poll, 12.00
personal property, 29.70
real estate, 801.08
Motor vehicle and trailer excise:
Levy of 1948,
34.56
1949,
62.80
1950, 4.42
1951, 184.79
Interest and costs on taxes and excise, 14.01
$1,279.56
Cash on hand Jnuary 23, 1952, verified,
$1,279.56
POLL TAXES-1946
Oustanding January 1, 1951,
$8.00
Payments to treasurer 1951, $4.00
Outstanding ecember 31, 1951, 4.00
$8.00
Outstanding January 1, 1952,
$4.00
Payments to treasurer January 1 to 23, 1952, $2.00
Abatements January 1 to 23, 1952, 2.00
$4.00
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1946
Outstanding January 1, 1951, $3.06
Abatements 1951, $3.06
132
REAL ESTATE TAES-1946
Outstanding January 1, 1951,
$5.10
Payments to treasurer 1951,
$5.10
POLL TAXES-1947
Outstanding January 1, 1951,
$44.00
Payments to treasurer 1951,
$4.00
Abaements 1951,
14.00
Outstanding ecember 31, 1951, 26.00
$44.00
Outstanding January 1, 1952,
$26.00
Payments to treasurer
January 1 to 23, 1952,
$4.00
Abatements January 1 to 23, 1952,
4.00
Outstanding January 23, 1952, per list, 18.00
$26.00
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES-1947
Outstanding January 1, 1951,
$200.00
Payments to treasurer 1951,
$23.20
Abatements 1951,
1.92
Outstanding December 31, 1951,
174.88
$200.00
Outstanding January 1, 1951,
$174.88
Abatements January 1 to 23, 1952, $154.40
Outstanding January 23, 1952, per list, 20.48
$174.88
133
REAL ESTATE TAXES-1947
Outstanding January 1, 1951,
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