USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Hatfield > Hatfield Annual Town Report 1958-1963 > Part 4
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For a more detailed report about our elementary schools, your attention is directed to Mrs. Breor's prin- cipal's report.
I wish to express my appreciation to the pupils, staff, school committee, trustees, townspeople and others for their assistance.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN SKARZYNSKI Superintendent of Schools
88
Bus Route
High School-7:30
Morning - From the Hatfield Garage, to the Hatfield Post Office, to Bradstreet, to the main highway in North Hatfield, down main highway to West Hatfield, down Bridge, down Dwight, down Elm, down Main to high school.
Elementary
Run #1 - 8:05
From Hatfield Garage, down Bridge, down Dwight, down Elm to Sunset Avenue, but not including Sun- set Avenue, then to schools.
Run #2- 8:20
From Sunset Avenue, down Elm, down Maple, down Main to schools.
Run #3 -8:10
From Hatfield Garage to Highway Club, turn left on Pantry Road to Ed. Dickinson's, down to Wolfram's Corner, down to main highway, down to West Hat- field, down to Joe Deinlein's, down Gore Avenue, to Chestnut, down to Joe Wendlowski's, turn around, down Chestnut Street, down School Street to schools.
Run #4 - 8:10
From the high school, up School Street, up Chestnut Street, up Prospect Street to the main highway at North Hatfield Club, to Whitcomb's corner, down to Bradstreet Cafe, down to schools.
NOTE: The afternoon trips are in reverse.
89
Principal of Center School
To the School Committee and Superintendent of Schools:
I wish to submit this third annual report as principal of the elementary schools of Hatfield.
Curriculum
Last year, in the annual report, I submitted a new daily time schedule for the junior high division, which was to be tried during the 1957-1958 school year. For the first time the work in the junior high was departmen- talized for the entire day. This program was organized to place emphasis on the five major subject areas-name- ly, mathematics, science, English, reading, and social studies. This would assure us that these major areas would be taught five days a week for a period of forty-five minutes each day. Less emphasis was placed on the minor areas, which include penmanship, art, music, and spelling. These are taught only twice a week for a half hour period each.
I believe this program has definitely proved most successful. At first, it took the children time to adjust to it, but the children and teachers have informed me that this new schedule has many merits over the old schedule. It is a more definite schedule, and it emphasizes the most important subject areas. It, also, assures you, the par- ents, that your children are definitely being taught "the three r's".
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 Studeis
Reading
Science
English
9:45-10:30
English
Science
Math.
Reading
90
10:30-10:45
Recess
Recess
Recess
Recess
10:45-11:30
Math.
English
Social Studies
Science
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.
DAILY TIME SCHEDULE - 1:45-2:45
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
1:45-2:15
Gr. 8 Pen.
Gr. 8 Spell.
Gr. 8 Music
Gr. 8 Art
Gr. 7 Art
Gr. 7 Music
Gr. 7 Spell.
Gr. 7 Pen.
Gr. 6A Spell.
Gr. 6A Pen.
Gr. 6A Art
Gr. 6A Music
Gr. 6B Music
Gr. 6B Art
Gr. 6B Pen.
Gr. 6B Spell.
2:15-2:45
Gr. 8 Art
Gr. 8 Music
Gr. 8 Spell.
Gr. 8 Pen.
Gr. 7 Pen.
Gr. 7 Spell.
Gr. 7 Music
Gr. 7 Art
Gr. 6A Music
Gr. 6A Art
Gr. 6A Pen.
Gr. 6A Spell.
Gr. 6B Spell.
Gr. 6B Pen.
Gr. 6B Art
Gr. 6B Music
Note: Wednesday
1:45-2:00 Homeroom Study Hall 2:00-2:45 Release Time for Religious Education Classes
91
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In September Mrs. Robert Cutter was hired as art in- structor for the elementary and junior high classes for one day each week. In the last few years Hatfield has been without an art instructor. Mrs. Cutter has been able to co-ordinate the art program and to assist the in- dividual teachers with the problems that confront them.
The teachers and administrators were concerned about the reading program. As you know, children in any grade differ widely in reading ability. In order to base the reading program on the needs and abilities of each child, a careful study was made of each child so that he would have a reading program suited to his own needs, ability, and development. Therefore, from the first grade through the eighth, each child has been placed in a read- ing group situation at his own reading level. Books and materials were carefully selected so that each child would have a continuous development reading program through- out his eight years.
In each of the grades one will find children reading at two or three levels. This is not an indication that each child is not doing satisfactory work according to his abili- ty, but it certainly indicates that all children do not pro- gress in the reading skills at the same rate.
Years ago, every child was given the same graded reading book, regardless of his ability to cope with it. That was one reason why so many failed and lost interest in the school program. Today each child is considered, and everything possible is done to assure him that the materials selected for him are based on his own reading needs and ability.
It is difficult for some parents to understand why children in one grade are not all reading at the same level, but parents know that children within families vary widely in mental, physical, social, and emotional develop- ment. So, too, they differ widely in various areas of learning.
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Release time for religious education has been provid- ed for children in grades one and two. These children are released to the churches of their choice every Wednes- day afternoon from one o'clock to two o'clock.
With the increase in enrollment and number of classes, it has been necessary to have the music super- visor, Mrs. Esther Norris, teach two days a week instead of one day a week as has been done in the past. This en- ables her to visit each classroom in the elementary schools without any conflict with her high school schedule.
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:
Tuesdays are bank days in the Center and School Street schools.
The three mutual savings banks: Florence Savings Bank, Nonotuck Savings Bank and Northampton Institu- tion for Savings sponsor the School Savings program in which the students participate.
The total amount banked in the Hatfield Schools for the year - September 1957 through June 1958 - was $8,505.46, an increase of more than $2,000 over the pre- vious year.
The amount transferred was $8,462.76.
At intervals during the year, school money is trans- ferred from School Savings accounts to regular interest- bearing accounts. Transfers are processed in the School
Savings office and a transfer slip is then issued to the stu- dent at school.
94
The transfer slip states the date of the transfer, the amount transferred, and the correct balance at that time. Instructions are on the slip for deducting the transferred amount from the balance in the School Savings passbook.
The total participation for the year was 56.4%- a slight decrease from the previous year.
In Smith Academy the banks sponsor a 50-week Club Plan. There are two clubs for the student to select- 50ยข and $1.00 weekly.
Clubs may be opened at any time and cashed or trans- ferred to a regular bank account when the club is com- pleted.
The club plan is especially good for students who are accumulating graduation funds-for the many expenses incurred at that time.
Many high school students who are anticipating col- lege start clubs in their freshmen year.
(MRS.) V. S. CONNORS School Savings Director
Promotion Policy
Since children develop and progress at various rates of learning, it is a known fact that each child at the end of a school year has not mastered all of the basic skills necessary to have him achieve success in the next grade. Therefore, careful consideration and study was made of our promotion policy, particularly in the primary grades. It was evident that "wholesale promotion" was not solv- ing our problems. It was increasing our problems. The teachers and administrators found that they were actual- ly doing some children an injustice by promoting them. Children were falling so far behind in their school work, they not only were disinterested but also were developing emotional and social problems.
95
The staff felt that if a child had not mastered the essential basic skills and knowledge in one grade, how could anyone expect him to achieve success in the next grade? After careful consideration, it was decided that some children in the primary grades should be given an opportunity to acquire more of the basic skills and knowl- edge before they were promoted to the next grade. By repeating a grade, these children would be given an op- portunity to develop better understanding of the basic skills. With the firmer foundation, the children could enter the next grade with more assurance of success.
It is difficult for parents to understand that a repeti- tion of a grade for certain children is very important to the child. It is our responsibility as educators to do every- thing possible for the child so that he might achieve suc- cess at his own rate of development. It is our policy to have a conference with all parents of such children, to ex- plain our policy to them, and to try to arrive at some com- mon understanding. It is only when there is understand- ing of a situation among parents, teachers, and adminis- trators that a problem can be solved.
Renovations
The four classrooms on the second floor have been painted in soft pastel colors. Venetian blinds have been installed in each of these rooms, plus one on the first floor. The Venetian blinds enable the teacher to control the light in the classroom. Since the only natural light comes through the east windows, it has been difficult to control the light in the rooms so that children can see the chalk- boards with a minimum of glare and shadow.
In two of the junior high classrooms the floors have been sanded and movable furniture installed.
96
National Education Week
National Education Week was observed throughout our nation during the second week in November. The ele- mentary schools urged all parents to visit the classrooms during that week and opened their doors to the public at "Open House" on Wednesday evening, November twelfth. Many parents filled the classrooms to view the work of the pupils and to meet with the teachers. Again, it was impossible for all of the parents to hold a personal confer- ence with the teachers.
Since the parents show increased evidence that they are interested in a personal conference, I recommend that we consider such a conference period for the next school year. This conference period could be a day set aside in the school calendar for parental conferences.
These have proved very valuable to the parents and teachers in other communities. The conference period enables the teacher to explain in detail the work done in the classroom, to show the parent how his child fits into the classroom situation.
Both teacher and parent are given an opportunity to discuss problems that confront each child so that each can arrive at a mutual understanding of the child and his per- sonal problems.
Skating Rink
The Hatfield Fire Department members and any others who have provided the children with the skating rink on the Center School playground should be highly commended for the fine community spirit they have shown. These men spent many cold hours, night after night, preparing this rink for skating. During our noon recess, after school hours, and during the early evening hours the children have a safe place to skate. To these
97
men, I wish to express my sincere gratitude in behalf of the pupils, parents, and staff for the interest you have shown in the welfare of the children of Hatfield.
Tribute to Mr. Scott
In September I was sorry to learn that Mr. Scott, the superintendent of schools, had resigned his position in the Hatfield Schools. Working closely with Mr. Scott on various school problems and policies, I realized that he was a true educator, upholding at all times the finest tra- ditions and ideals of education. There never was a prob- lem too great or too small that confronted me that Mr. Scott wasn't willing to aid in its solution. At all times, he tried to keep pace with changes in educational thought and to provide the best educational facilities for the chil- dren of Hatfield.
To Mr. Scott, I express my sincere gratitude for the assistance he gave me throughout my years as teacher and principal of the Hatfield elementary schools.
98
Center School Graduation Program-1958
Scripture
Little Brown Church
Welcome
Sally Wilkes Grades 6, 7, 8 Martin Wilkes Clare Pickett
United Nations-A Plan for Peace
Home of the United Nations Mary Patricia Rogaleski
United Nations-Power Unlimited Constance Zack
Hymn to the Nations Grades 6, 7, 8 Hymn of Brotherhood Grades 6, 7, 8
Presentation of Class Gift Robert Daniels
Presentation of Library Awards Mrs. Theresa Godin
Presentation of Penmanship Awards Miss Jean Kempisty
Presentation of Diplomas Superintendent Arthur G. Scott, Jr.
I Like It Here Grade 8
Star Spangled Banner
All
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Graduates
Boys
William Burke William Celatka
Charles Cichanowicz Robert Daniels
David Englehardt Richard Harubin Carl Kalentek
Charles Kovalski
Richard Merriam
Robert Omasta
Donald Petcen
Robert Petrick
Joseph Penkowski John Rogalewski David Rudy John Ryan George Sadowski Donald Sikorski Charles Symanski Joseph Wanczyk Lewis Wendolowski Martin Wilkes Paul Wykowski Thomas Yarrows
David Zapka
Girls Carol Banas Judith Kempisty
Rose Ann Martino
Paula Paciorek
Kathleen Petrowicz Clare Pickett
Mary Patricia Rogaleski Jane Sadowski Henrietta Sliwoski Sally Wilkes Elizabeth Yanginski Constance Zack
Conclusion
May I express my sincere thanks to the school com- mittee, the new superintendent of schools, Mr. Skarzyn- ski, the teaching staff, the parents, the custodians, and the pupils for their loyalty and assistance during the school year. This spirit of co-operation has done much to make the school year a successful one.
Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY M. BREOR Principal of Center School
100
School Health
To the Superintendent and School Committee of Hatfield:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as the School Nurse of Hatfield.
School Health services include all services aimed at promoting optimal growth and development for each in- dividual child. They include careful appraisal of each child's status together with health counseling of parents in respect to the correction or improvement of conditions which tend to prevent the child from achieving maximum health. These services also provide First-Aid procedures for meeting medical emergencies which arise in schools and include procedures to prevent or control the spread of communicable disease. Health appraisal includes teacher-nurse conference, health history, screening tests and parent-nurse conferences.
The classroom teacher is a key person in any school health program. Her day to day contact with her pupils gives her an opportunity to detect deviations in the health of individual children which might go unnoticed by others.
School health examinations have been completed. A complete physical was given to each child in the elemen- tary grades as well as the sophomores, seniors and ath- letes in the High School. As a result of the findings six children underwent surgery for hernias, five for tonsillec- tomies, three children were referred to the heart clinic and two were referred for orthopedic care. Several young- sters were found to be considerably overweight and many in need of dental care. The physicians made recom- mendations for the correction of these defects.
101
A dental survey was conducted last spring in grades one through eight. The purpose of the survey was to de- termine the number of children who are receiving private dental care. Of the 345 forms which were sent home, 226 were returned. The results were as follows: 12 children had no dental defects; 133 had defects and treatment was started; 36 had defects and had the work completed. The number of children who did not report for an examination was 154. This indicates that 54% of school children are receiving proper dental care. Another survey will be done this spring.
The following is a report of our Hearing Testing pro- gram:
Number of children tested 443
Number who failed the individual test 10
Number seen by ear specialist 7
Number seen by family physician 2
Number that did not report 1
Through the generosity of the Hatfield Lions Club, our health department has its own Maico Audiometer. It is an electronic instrument which has two calibrated air receivers whereby sounds may be switched from ear to ear without reversing the headband, which will make test- ing faster and easier.
Vision testing has been completed, with the follow- ing results :
Number of children tested 443
Number of failures in the retest 48
Number of children seen by an eye specialist 40
Number of children who did not report 7
Registration for incoming first grade pupils was held in May. The number of children who were registered was 44.
102
Communicable diseases reported during the year are as follows :
Mumps 27
Measles 21
German Measles 12
An immunization clinic is planned for this spring.
My sincerest appreciation is extended to the physi- cians, school officials, teachers and parents for their co- operation and assistance in the school health program and to the Hatfield Lions Club, which has donated the Audio- meter to the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCILLE H. GODEK, R.N.
103
School Lunch
To the School Committee of Hatfield :
The lunch room is staffed by six people consisting of Mrs. Hazel Roberts, manager, Mrs. Irene Labbee, Mrs. Helen McGrath, Mrs. Susan Zima, Mrs. Winifred Betsold and Mrs. Phyllis Kuzontkoski.
During the past year the lunch room has shown good growth of participation by the students. The program has served a meal of high quality for a reasonable cost. The type "A" lunch is served and consists of foods which meet the following minimum daily requirements of 2 oz. protein (either meat, fish, cheese, egg, 1/2 cup beans or 4 tablespoons peanut butter), 1 slice bread, 2 teaspoons butter, 3/4 cup vegetable or fruit and 1/2 pint of unflavored milk. Our menus must include Vitamin C every day and Vitamin A at least two times a week. For this meal the child pays 20 cents per day.
The menus of the program are published in the daily newspapers and are also posted in the classrooms.
During the lunch period, the high school students are supervised by the high school teachers who have lunch at the cafeteria. The elementary pupils are supervised by their homeroom teacher, with overall supervision handled by the elementary principal, Mrs. Breor.
Mrs. Marie P. Sheehan is the authorized agent for the lunch program and handles the accounting and rec- ords system of the program.
104
The financial account of the lunch program can be found in the Town Accountant's reports, which appear in another section of this town report.
The following is an accounting of the number of lunches served during the past year.
Month
Days Lunch Served
No. of Lunches Served
January
22
8,307
February
14
5,109
March
21
7,371
April
16
5,543
May
21
7,142
June
8
2,831
September
20
7,769
October
21
8,358
November
16
6,338
December
17
6,677
Total
176
65,445
Respectfully submitted, JOHN SKARZYNSKI Director, Hatfield School Lunch
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HATFIELD SCHOOL ENROLLMENT October 1, 1958
Elementary Grades
Elem. Total
H.S. Grades
H.S. Total
Total All Grades
1951
35
38
35
36
28
18
22
22
234
25
10 26
11 20
17
88
322
1952
48
38 32 31
40
26
20
21
256
18
25
21
20
84
340
1953
54
44
29
38
31
35
25
21
277
20
16
26
19
81
358
1954
38
54
42 32
38 34
38
26
302
21
20
16
23
80
382
1955
49
33
51
41
29
37 32 36
308
24
21
18
15
78
386
1956
42 53
33
54
41
28
39
32
322
32 23
20
17
92
414
1957
48
47 56 37 51
40
28
40
347
29 34 20
19
102
449
7
8
9
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
Read horizontally
105
PREDICTED ENROLLMENT CHART Based on October 1, 1958 Census of in-school and pre-school children
Elementary Grades
Elem. Total
H.S. Grades
H.S. Total
Total All Grades
1957
48
47
56 37 51
40
28
40
347
29
34
20
19
102
449
1958
46
53
47
54
38
52 40
25
355
37 25 33
19
114
469
1959
44
46
53
47 54
53
47 54
38
52
370
40
25 37 25
127
497
1961
45
36
44
46
53
47
54
38
363
52
40
25 37
154
517
1962
55
45
36
44
46
53
47
54
380
38
52
40
25
155
535
1963
44 55
45 36 44 46
53 47
370
54
38
52 40
184
554
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
38
52
40
374
25 37 25 32
119
493
1960
36
44
46
Read horizontally
106
107
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR 1958
Regular Day School
Regular Day School:
Appropriation for support $122,604.00
Unexpended balance-returned
to surplus cash
70.21
Total Expenditures $122,533.79
Credits : Reimbursements to Town of Hatfield from Commonwealth of Massachusetts
General School Fund (Chap. 70) $ 15,287.00
Transportation (Chapter 71)
5,231.00
Total reimbursement for regular day school to Town of Hatfield from Commonwealth $ 20,518.00
Credits : Reimbursement to School Committee from Federal Government
Federal Law-PL874
$
2,499.24
Total reimbursement to School Committee
received from Federal Government
$
2,499.24
Vocational Tuition and Transportation
Vocational Tuition and Transportation:
Appropriation of support
$
4,500.00
Transferred from Reserve Fund
2,471.52
Total support
$ 6,971.52
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Credits : Reimbursements to Town of Hatfield from Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Vocational Tuition and Transportation Vocational Tuition $ 1,403.33
Vocational Transportation 334.44
Total reimbursement for Vocational Tuition and Transportation to Town of Hatfield from Commonwealth $ 1,737.77
STAFF CONTRACTS
School Year 1958-1959
(As of October 1, 1958) Professional Staff
Number
Amount
1
$1,600.00
4
3,500.00
1
3,600.00
2
3,700.00
1
3,800.00
1
3,875.00
3
4,000.00
1
4,100.00
1
4,400.00
1
4,500.00
1
4,600.00
3
4,800.00
1
5,400.00
1
5,800.00
Nurse
1,600.00
1
Custodians
3,150.00
1 1
2,950.00
109
Penmanship
1
500.00
On-the-Road Driver Education
Per hour
2.50
Per day
12.00
Per day
19.00
Clerk
Per hour
1.00
HATFIELD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SCHOOL BUDGET ESTIMATE
1959
General Control
$ 3,250.00
Instruction
104,835.00
Operation
11,475.00
Maintenance and Repair
1,000.00
Capital Outlay
2,456.00
Other Agencies
11,940.00
Total 1959 Budget Estimate $134,956.00
1959 Budget Estimate GENERAL CONTROL
Superintendent's Salary
$ 2,100.00
Superintendent's Expenses
300.00
Office Expenses
150.00
Census
50.00
Work Certificates
250.00
Clerk
400.00
Total
$ 3,250.00
Substitute Teachers
Art
110
INSTRUCTION
Salaries
Elementary salaries
$ 60,775.00
Secondary salaries
34,900.00
Instruction-Handicapped Children
800.00
Penmanship, Art, Music
2,800.00
Elementary, Instructional Supplies, Texts, etc.
Elementary-Instr. supplies 2,700.00
Elementary-Principal's expenses
50.00
Elementary-A. V. Aids
175.00
Elementary-Office expenses
50.00
Secondary, Instructional Supplies, Texts, etc.
Secondary-Instr. supplies
2,200.00
Secondary-Principal's expenses
50.00
Driver Education supplies
175.00
Secondary-A. V. Aids
100.00
Secondary-Office expenses
60.00
Total
$104,835.00
OPERATION
Elementary-Janitor's salary $ 3,300.00
Secondary-Janitor's salary
3,100.00
Elementary fuel
2,200.00
Secondary fuel
1,000.00
Misc. Operational-Elementary
900.00
Misc. Operational-Secondary
400.00
Town Hall-Janitor's supplies
150.00
Telephone service-Elementary
175.00
Telephone service-Secondary
250.00
Total
$ 11,475.00
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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
Center School
$ 900.00
School Street School
100.00
Total
$ 1,000.00
CAPITAL OUTLAY
New Equipment
$ 100.00
Alterations
2,356.00
Total
$ 2,456.00
OTHER AGENCIES
Transportation
$ 7,800.00
Transportation-Athletic
700.00
Salary of Nurse
1,800.00
Health Supplies
75.00
School Library-Elementary
200.00
School Library-Secondary
200.00
Physical Education-towels, supplies
500.00
Athletic Insurance
420.00
Graduation-Elementary, Secondary
150.00
Insurance-Liability, etc.
45.00
Miscellaneous
50.00
Total
$ 11,940.00
Total Budget Estimate
$134,956.00
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 1958 - 1959
1958
Sept. 2 Staff Meeting-9:30 a.m.
Sept. 3 Schools open-full sessions.
Oct. 22 F.C.T.A. Convention-no school.
Nov. 11 Veterans' Day-no school.
Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Recess Schools close at noon-no lunch.
Dec. 23 Elementary Schools close for Christmas recess. Full sessions.
Dec. 24 High School closes at noon for Christmas recess. No lunch.
1959
Jan. 5 Schools reopen-full sessions.
Feb. 20 Schools close for Winter vacation.
Mar. 2 Schools reopen-full sessions.
Mar. 27 Good Friday-no school.
April 17 Schools close for Spring vacation.
April 27 Schools reopen-full sessions.
June 10 Cafeteria serves last lunch. Elementary pupils not participating in Junior High School graduation dismissed with report cards after full sessions.
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