USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1942-1944 > Part 24
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$6,213.73
Summary of Receipts and Expenditures
Expenditures
$74,069.16
Receipts
6,213.73
Net Cost of Department to Town
$67,855.43
Expenditures
General Control
Superintendent's Salary
$ 2,125.00
Other Expenses
970.57
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
44,003.54
Textbooks
1,726.96
Supplies
1,719.93
Operation
Janitors' Salaries
4,435.90
Fuel
2,680.05
Miscellaneous
2,297.77
147
Maintenance
Repair and Replacement
4,350.00
Outlay
Buildings and Grounds
100.00
New Equipment
500.00
Other Agencies
Transportation
8,187.10
Health
723.26
Libraries
150.00
Sundries
99.08
Total Expenditures
$74,069.16
Teachers' Salaries+-1944
Allen, David J.
$3,150.00
*Bancroft, Hope C.
825.02
*Beatson, Leonice R.
750.00
** Bishop, Elsie M.
15.00
*Boughman, Sarah
40.00
*Bracy, Alfred A.
1,312.50
** Britton, Ada M.
5.00
Campbell, Jane Noel
1,552.50
*Claffey, Francis J.
200.00
*Clark, Herbert A.
1,520.00
** Chamberlain, Mary L.
30.00
Collins, Dorothy F.
1,473.75
*Conley, Grace V.
875.00
Currier, Doris G.
1,552.50
** Decatur, Agnes C.
60.00
*Decker, Molly F.
826.00
Draper, Mabel S.
1,622.50
*Emerson, Annette Goodell
500.00
50.00
** Esty, Mabel K. Foster, Janie C.
1,762.50
** Gladu, Elizabeth S.
220.00
Gladu, Francis R.
2,210.00
Henderson, Mildred A.
1,867.50
Horan, Mary V.
1,552.50
*Irvine, Eva M.
560.00
Irvine, Frances D.
1,389.64
*Johnson, Elinor M.
600.00
Kerr, Mary
1,785.00
Lareau, Marjorie M.
1,395.00
148
Lindsay, Edith M.
1,342.50
McArthur, Elizabeth C.
1,473.75
Merrithew, Maude E.
1,867.50
Morrill, Ethelyn R.
1,552.50
Murphy, M. Rita
1,465.00
*Norris, Thelma
450.00
*O'Connor, Thomas B.
612.50
Partridge, Eleanor W.
1,552.50
Peaslee, Marguerite E.
787.50
*Roudels, John A.
776.00
*Rowe, Ellen M.
750.00
Schleicher, Ernest W.
498.75
Simpson, A. Marion
1,867.50
*Terry, Louise E.
480.00
*Twomey, Dorothy C.
560.00
$45,737.91
+ Includes Bonus payments, $1,734.37
* Part of school year
** Substitute teachers
149
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee, Wayland, Massachusetts)
Gentlemen :
I herewith respectfully submit to you and the citizens of Wayland my first annual report.
Having been a member of the School Department for a period of only six months and since most of the schools' activi- ties will be covered by reports of divisional and departmental heads incorporated herein, I shall attempt to present a general overview of our present educational set-up and invite your attention to some of the problems which should engage our thought and effort in the immediate future.
War has brought to the United States many changes, adjustments, sacrifices. Most of our citizens are making these adjustments willingly. Our social agencies, and among them the schools, must expect to modify their practices in the interest of national welfare. Wartime demands must be met; if they are not met we shall have no national welfare.
At the same time the school must not lose sight of its major function. For American schools, that function has been, and now is, to provide a program of wholesome development of abilities of all youth of school age. This program has been, and will continue to be, thefoundation upon which is built a citizen- ship that can either continue further study or go directly into industry, commerce, agriculture, and the home. The present program, both as to time and content, is the result of years of development and planning designed to provide a wholesome educational life for youth. The premium which now is placed on our graduates by industry, commerce, and the military forces is evidence of the fact that our product is proving its worth. Yet educational shortages are presently existent in our program
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and the need for planning for the years ahead becomes more apparent each day.
PERSONNEL
Teachers are the most important factors in our whole edu- cational scheme. Good buildings, laboratories, and libraries are essential, but without good teachers to utilize them they are of little value. The guarantee of an adequate, modern educational program lies in a professionally trained staff of alert and enthusiastic teachers. These teachers must acquire at frequent intervals graduate training which will broaden their vision and enrich their classroom procedures.
Wayland has been fortunate, indeed, in retaining the ser- vices of competent teachers. It has lost, however, the services of many others due to salary inducements in other communities. The attractive salaries offered in industry, an area in which sal- ary increases have risen eighty per cent against a ten per cent rise in teaching, has been responsible for an exodus of two hun- dred thousand teachers from the profession. This has created a major shortage and with teacher training institutions operat- ing sixty per cent under normal enrolment, the seriousness of the situation is increasing. Facing this problem squarely we have approached a partial solution in the adoption of a salary schedule. This schedule provides more attractive starting sal- aries, higher maximum salaries, and salary incentives for pro- fessional improvement. A comparison with six of our neigh- boring communities, however, finds salary advantages ranging as high as $1,000 above our present levels. This condition will obviously attract the better teachers to those communities. More adequate financial support with possible assistance from state and federal sources could eliminate these inequalities. The increased costs of the finest educational program available is a mere pittance in comparison to the costs of poverty, broken health, economic incompetence, crime and wars which are in large measure the product of poor, inadequate or the wrong kind of universal public education.
The addition to the staff of a remedial supervisor is con- templated to round out our present personnel needs. This special instructor would coordinate the remedial and testing programs throughout the elementary grades. The major emphasis would be leveled at the elimination of reading diffi- culties present in our student body. These deficiencies are
151
usually caused by heterogeneous groupings in large classes, stu- dent immaturities, lack of readiness, poor study habits, lack of application, visual defects, language backgrounds, and a multi- plicity of other causes. Large classes prevent the classroom teacher from giving individual daily attention to these students and constant, discouraging retardation is the result. The remedial supervisor works with these groups in need of special attention and clears difficulties not only in the major field of reading but in other associated subject fields.
BUILDINGS
Our present physical plants vary sharply in terms of age, facilities, structural adaptation to a modern school program, equipment, safety, sanitation, costs of operation, and other com- parable items. Certain maintenance needs must be met immedi- ately or as soon as certain materials are released by the Govern- ment. Among these needs fall: (1) Replacing the stairways in the Cochituate building with modern fireproof stairs, (2) gen- eral painting of the interior, classrooms, corridors, and base- ments, to improve visual conditions in the Cochituate and Way- land Center buildings and, (3) exterior painting and staining of the Center building.
Consideration should also be given to the improvement of floors, insulation, replacement of obsolete equipment, portable seating, and adequate physical education and health facilities.
Certain plant needs have already been cared for this year. In the High School: (1) Installation of supplementary units to improve the heeating system, (2) establishment of a library, (3) establishment of offices for the Dean, Nurse and Physical Education Supervisor, (4) improvement of the teachers' room and headmaster's office, (5) cyclorama for the auditorium stage, (6) painting outside trim and sash, and (7) additional bulletin boards and incidental improvements. In the Center building : (1) New ceilings and painting in the offices of super- intendent and principal, (2) painting of the basement ceilings, (3) repairs in plumbing facilities, (4) re-roofing in sky-light areas where bad leaks had developed, and (5) repairs of the gutters and down-spouts. In the Cochituate building : (1) Roof flashing repairs to eliminate bad leaks, (2) repairs in plumbing facilities, and (3) installation of electric Telechron clocks to replace worn and obsolete hand-wound clocks.
The age, design, and state of repair of our two elementary
152
buildings present many problems for custodial service. Accom- panying the above mentioned renovations should be a constant improvement in the quality of this service. Hygienic and healthful surroundings are a necessity in all of our schools.
Any consideration of plant facilities should include plan- ning for future growth. Present and post-war trends indicate a continuing growth of communities such as ours on the outer suburban rim of Boston. This year eighty-three children applied for admission to Grade I. This growth condition is tax- ing our facilities and if continued will undoubtedly overtax them. One solution to the problem would be a revision of our present 8-4 organizational plan to a 6-6 plan. This would estab- lish the Cochituate and Center buildings as six-year elementary schools and the High School as a six-year secondary school housing grades seven through twelve. This, of course, would call for plant expansion of the type that would adequately house and care for the educational, vocational, and recreational needs of our youth.
CURRICULUM
A school should be judged in terms of the extent to which it meets satisfactorily the educational needs of all pupils who come to it. These basic needs for all youth can be listed as follows :
1. To develop salable skills.
2. To develop and maintain good health and physical fitness.
3. To understand the rights and duties of the citizen of a democratic society.
4. To understand the significance of the family for the individual and society.
5. To know how to purchase and use goods and services intelligently.
6. To understand the influence of science on human life.
7. To appreciate literature, art, music, and nature.
8. To use leisure time effectively and budget it wisely.
9. To develop respect for other persons.
10. To grow in ability to think rationally.
Together these common needs form a pattern around which every curriculum is built. The one apparent gap in our present high school program is the lack of vocational training. This program should not be designed to develop highly skilled crafts-
153
men but rather to provide initial schooling for trade experiences. That our present curriculum offerings in the college-preparatory and commercial fields are sufficient is evident from the fact that we retain these students until graduation. The fact, however, that of every one hundred freshmen students entering New England high schools only thirty remain to be graduated is definite proof of present curriculum limitations. Facilities should be provided for the inclusion of suitable shop courses in our high school.
The elementary curriculum is of the traditional variety and is in need of broadening to include expanded and improved pro- grams of health and physical education, music, extra-curricular endeavors, and domestic and manual arts. In the major subject fields, our recent testing program showed weaknesses in lan- guage and work study skills. These may be remedied through a better subject continuity from grade to grade with the teaching staff meeting regularly to develop improved courses of study. Curriculum improvements on all grade levels will undoubtedly make wider use of visual and sound equipment, supplementary materials, school and public libraries, playgrounds, auditorium and gymnasium facilities, and the rich community resources outside the school buildings.
COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
The education of any boy or girl is the joint responsibility of the school and home, aided by our churches and other com- munity organizations. The effective discharge of this all-im- portant responsibility requires a high degree of mutual under- standing between school and home. This relationship is engen- dered by home visitation by teachers, school visitation by par- ents, parent-teacher associations, advisory councils, open house and exhibits, school publications, and purposeful extra-cur- ricular activities.
One phase in need of improved school-home relations is that of attendance. For that reason special attention is called to the serious consequences of irregular attendance. It is import- ant to remember that the loss of even a portion of the school session often proves to be a serious interruption to progress, and tends to produce a lack of interest in school work. In gen- eral about twenty per cent of our enrolment causes ninety-five per cent of all absence and tardiness, and this group correspond- ingly produces the highest number of subject failures. Although
154
make-up work for absence is compulsory, the habitual absentee usually meets with serious retardation and seldom achieves high school graduation. It has also been noted that in cases of habit- ual absenteeism, parental indifference toward the school exists in the home. It has been mainly this parental indifference and neglect which has caused juvenile delinquency to rise through- out the nation. We are fortunate to have few such cases and these may be entirely corrected by means of closer school and home cooperation.
In closing may I take this opportunity to express my deep- est appreciation to the teachers and staff for their splendid spirit of cooperation, to the School Committee for conscientious direc- tion, and to the parents and patrons for contributing toward the goal of making our schools the finest possible.
Respectfully submitted,
OWEN B. KIERNAN.
155
REPORT OF THE HEADMASTER OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I am submitting to you my first report as Headmaster of Wayland High School.
Before the completion of school last June, I conferred with the high school faculty to study the needs of the school and to acquaint the teachers with plans for the present school year. Teachers submitted inventories and reports, and a careful study was made of the student records and subject registrations.
The new daily program of classes provides for a rotation in the order of classes so that no subject is penalized by coming last each day. The program also includes a separate daily period which is devoted to study, physical education, club meet- ings, music, and special activities. Pupils having class study periods have the benefit of using the school library which is not interrupted by any class recitations. A regular assembly calen- dar provides such educational features as moving pictures, lecturers, student dramatic and oral presentations, and proper observation of holiday and patriotic themes. Armistice Day was observed by the dedication of a Service Flag and a brief address by a member of the American Legion. The purpose of the entire program is to stimulate the pupil in mental and physi- cal growth through creation of a challenging school day. The students themselves take a part in the direction of school affairs through the new student council and the clubs. The production of Dickens' Christmas Carol by the Dramatic Club gave public evidence of the work the clubs are doing. The football team performed with distinct credit in spite of lack of experience, and the basketball season is fully scheduled for both boys and girls. Students have enjoyed themselves thoroughly at the school dances.
The number one item on our school calendar is the mental growth of each child. To measure that growth, a standardized
156
achievement test was given in September to all pupils in the high school. Over 9,000 pupils in other high schools have been scored in this test; hence the rating is unbiased. The results showed defintely that most of our pupils have not been increas- ing their knowledge at the rate of the average in other schools. This is a serious challenge, and we have tried to remedy the present situation by several methods. These include (1) a new method of planning by teachers, (2) afternoon study for those students frequently absent or tardy, (3) a four-week check on failing pupils with letters to parents, (4) more intensive home work assignments, (5) teacher visitation of other outstanding schools and teachers, (6) eligibility requirements for pupils to participate in school activities, (7) raising the class standards for much of our present work, and (8) pupil, teacher, head- master, and parental conferences on particular cases.
Our school records show that the absent and tardy pupils are particularly weak in school achievement so that their absence and tardiness tends to lower the accomplishment of Wayland High School. Those parents who struggle against so many difficulties of these times to get their children into school on time each day will reap a rich reward as their sons and daughters progress. Our percent of attendance this fall and at the same time a year ago is as follows :
Sept.
Oct.
Nov. Dec.
1943
93.42
92.56
88.97
75.78
1944 94.65
92.71
90.67 81.26
Thus, we have made some progress over a year ago but we should do much better. The school year percent of attendance in the high school last year was 88.64 while that of a nearby town was 94.2. We are bending our every effort to make parents realize the importance of regular school attendance for their children.
As our contribution to the war effort, we have made weekly sales of war stamps and bonds. In several courses we have introduced materials of study directly related to (1) our war aims, (2) our allies, (3) preparation for induction into the ser- vices, (4) mathematics and physics of aviation and navigation, (5) currents news in particular relation to the progress of the war, (6) problems of peace, and (7) rationing.
Both pupils and teachers have accepted the challenge which the changes of this year have brought. I have persistently em-
157
phasized that we must all strive to our utmost if we are to attain a worthy goal. On many sides there is evidence of hard work being accomplished. Students generally recognize that they must work faithfully to establish a thorough background for their future. Wayland High School teachers are to be com- mended for their indefatigable willingness to work long hours. The faculty has been most receptive to new suggestions, and Mr. Allen has been particularly helpful in sharing many respon- sibilities. More especially, the parents and townspeople have enthusiastically helped the efforts of our 'teen agers by support- ing our seeveral school activities. We have made progress, but there are yet many difficult problems for us to solve.
My deepest thanks to you and the members of the School Committee for working so diligently in the interest of Wayland Schools.
Respectfully yours, HERBERT A. CLARK.
158
GRADUATION EXERCISES, CLASS OF 1944 Wayland High School
PROGRAM
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
Miss Frances D. Irvine
Invocation
Dr. David M. Angell
Address
Dayton Gilbert Nelson
Intercessory Hymn Edward German
School Chorus
America's Stage Door Canteen Caroline Jane Russell
Romany Life
Victor Herbert
School Chorus Soprano Solo-Jane Schleicher
Life in the Future William Emmet Hynes
Think on Me
Allah's Holiday
Alicia Ann Scott Rudolf Friml
Girls' Chorus
The Prophecy of the Class of 1944
Patricia Alyce Daly
The Will of the Class of 1944 William Alfred O'Connell
A Song at Nightfall School Chorus
Franz Lehar
Presentation of the Good Citizenship Pilgrim's Pin A gift of the Daughters of the American Revolution Mrs. William A. Davidson
Presentation of the History Certificate A gift of the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Mr. David J. Allen
159
Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Cornelius J. Maguire
The Salute to the Flag Led by Robert Clayton Proctor, Jr.
The Star Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key Mendelssohn
Recessional-March of the Priests Miss Frances D. Irvine
CLASS COLORS-Maroon and White CLASS FLOWER-American Beauty Rose ACCOMPANIST-Miss Frances D. Irvine
CLASS ROLL
Gloria Annette Beadle Dayton Gilbert Nelson
Audrey Louise Campbell
Wilbur Fiske Noyes III
Patricia Alyce Daly
William Alfred O'Connell
Faith Rebecca Dame
Rita Irene Palmer
Edith Arlene Dunbar
Robert Frank Parker
Niles Lawrence Ekdahl
Eleanor Dorothy Parrish
Mildred Anne Ford
Phyllis Jane Perry
Thomas Joseph Garvey
Robert Clayton Proctor, Jr. Caroline Jane Russell
Roger Allan Gersbach
William Emmet Hynes
*Edward Robert Lizotte
Martha Patience Merrill
*Carlyle Douglas Scotland Phoebe Georgina Smith John Theodore Starrett, Jr.
Dorothea Arlene Zaniboni
* In the armed forces of the U. S. A.
160
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I hereby submit my report as Supervisor of Music. Dur- ing the past year our aim has been the same as in the past, more participation in good music. I feel that during our present crisis we should do all in our power to promote good music because of its great influence on our morale.
Through the grades the children are taught the technical side of music as they learn their songs containing varied rhythms and progressions of notes, working toward our high school chorus. The high school chorus will be used in assem- blies, while special groups will be chosen for special occasions adding more interest to their work.
The Christmas play by the Center Grade School children was very successful and Miss Frances Irvine, the director, deserves a great deal of credit as well as the other teachers, for their fine cooperation in producing so fine a performance. Miss Irvine is doing fine work with the music program in the Center School. It would be a fine addition to the Cochituate School program if they had an auditorium where assemblies could be held, where parents and friends could attend special programs of various types.
I wish to thank the school authorities and all the teachers for their cooperation and support during the past year and may we have continued success through the coming year.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST W. SCHLEICHER.
161
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my annual report as Art Supervisor of the Wayland Public Schools.
The past year I feel progress has been evident in the art department, and, if this is so, obviously a step forward has been made. It is often difficult to see any outward gain, but by con- stant pressure on the fundamentals, an inkling of previous training along the line is apt to show.
In these times of stress, outside diversified interests take such a part in the Junior High and Senior High students' lives it is difficult to adjust any program to fill the needs of their school life. Every opportunity is taken to impress upon the student the necessity of absorbing the basic principles of art and of fitting them for the adjustments of a later period.
In the many articles by foremost art educators the stress of the future and the vital part that art will play in a changed world is noted with interest. In class discussions, particularly with students who see little apparent use in formal study of the necessary forms of art education, much can be said regarding the place of art in the future of our country. This can be stim- ulating and refreshing and I sincerely hope of benefit to the students in later life. Under the constant plan of finding and experiencing enjoyment in the art class, particularly in the lower grades, there is a look to the future. It is my opinion if this early start is made in the right direction, their later years will be enriched by an enjoyment of craft work or other art activi- ties, not for material profit.
I believe it would be most helpful if more time could be given to the art student, as it seems this lack of time is serious, but we have been fortunate in having several students who have furthered their art training and are doing exceptionally well. We have formed an art group that meets after school for those students who have schedule conflicts but wish to give some time
162
to drawing under guidance. This, we trust, will be interesting and beneficial to the group giving their own time for art instruction
The past year we endeavored to help in various outside activities whenever possible. The Library had a small exhibit. Posters were made for Bond Drives and this fall for the Blood Donor Center. The program is varied each year and we always enjoy helping in any way we can in community activities.
Where the schools are now under an adjustment program I have not given space to an outline of the art course. This may be had at any time.
May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the cooperation of the School Board, and to you, as Superin- tendent. The teachers have been most helpful and I am indeed grateful for their interest in keeping up a high standard of work in their classes.
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