USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1948-1950 > Part 33
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May 10 The W. J. Scotland Fund of $150.00 given by William J. Scotland for the perpetual care of Lot 47, Sec- tion F, Lakeview Cemetery.
May 10 The Jacob H. Wood Fund of $250.00 given by Jacob H. Wood of Los Angeles, California for the per- petual care of Lot 181, South Cemetery.
June 23 The James H. Lee Fund of $150.00 given by Mrs. James H. Lee for the perpetual care of Lot 7, North Cemetery.
June 23 The John H. Regan Fund of $150.00 given by Catherine Regan Brown for the perpetual care of Lot 47 Extension, North Cemetery.
October 25. The Alice M. Blevins Fund of $150.00 given by Alice M. Blevins for the perpetual care of Lot 42, Section F, Lakeview Cemetery.
These funds amounting to $1400.00 increase the number of funds to 177, amounting to $31,475.00.
Payments by 101 lot owners totaling $486.00 for yearly care was received and this provided for the care of 105 more lots. Beginning with 1951, these charges will be cumulative and settlement of all charges remaining unpaid will be required before further burial may be made in the lot.
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The sale of lots in Lakeview Cemetery was restricted to those with immediate need, but seven being sold in 1950; and two sold in the North Cemetery make nine in all for which a total of $360.00 was received. .
Forty-nine burials were made: thirty-two in Lakeview and seventeen in the North Cemetery. Receipts from this source were $1309.00.
Foundations were prepared for sixteen tombstones for which the sum of $295.34 was received.
In addition to the routine work of caring for the cemeteries, much has already been done on the development of a further area for Lakeview Cemetery. The work will be continued as long as the weather permits, and will be resumed as early in the spring as may be possible to speed the opening up of much needed new lots.
The small balance remaining in the fund established some years since for the rehabilitation of the North Cemetery was drawn upon for the planting of evergreen trees on the two re- stricted lots where Indian graves are located, and for welding the hinges and locks on the old tombs in the cemeteries thus sealing them fast against any further molestation.
Last winter's open season was possibly a contributing factor in the great number of sunken graves; of which more than three hundred have been filled in and seeded this year. We are much indebted to the School Department for the gift of a large quantity of loam for use in this work, which enabled us to do much more than could otherwise have been accomplished.
WARREN D. VALENTINE ERNEST W. SCHLEICHER RALPH H. YETTON
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Superintendent of Schools AND THE
School Committee
TOWN OF WAYLAND MASSACHUSETTS
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1950
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION, 1950-1951
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
HARVEY C. NEWTON, Chairman Term Expires 1952
CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE Term Expires 1951
ALLAN R. FINLAY Term Expires 1953
SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OWEN B. KIERNAN. . Office, Junior-Senior High School, Wayland Tel. Wayland 294
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
CHARLOTTE A. STEWART, M.D. . Tel. Natick 2177
SCHOOL DENTIST
LAWRENCE F. CUSOLITO, D.D.S. Tel. BElmont 5-5473
SCHOOL NURSE
MARY E. McNEIL Tel. Natick 1980-M
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
MARY E. McNEIL Tel. Natick 1980-M
CUSTODIANS
GEORGE F. DICKEY High School
PETER POLITO High School
LOUIS A. BOURETTE . Center School
FRANK J. KANE Cochituate School
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee herewith submits its annual report for the year 1950.
The members believe that the reports of the superintendent and subordinate officers describe accurately the program of edu- cation being carried on in the public schools. To gain a more comprehensive view, however, citizens should plan for frequent visits to our buildings. A most cordial invitation for such visitation accompanies this annual message.
In the statistical tables your committee has reduced the report to include only major budget allocations. This follows the pat- tern of a majority of the towns and cities in the Commonwealth. A detailed report on any phase of our finances is available at the School Department Office or at the Town Hall.
For the continuing support extended your committee and all members of the staff of the public schools, we express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE ALLAN R. FINLAY HARVEY C. NEWTON, Chairman
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1951
Schools open January 2
Winter Vacation-Week of February 18
Holiday-March 23
Spring Vacation-Week of April 15
Holiday-May 30
Schools close-June 20
Schools open-September 5
Holiday-October 12
Teachers' Convention-November 2
Holiday-November 12
Holiday-November 22, 23
Christmas Vacation-December 21 - January 1
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SCHOOL ENTRANCE
Any child who is five years and eight months of age on September first of the current school year may be admitted to the first grade, but in every case the admission of a child under six shall be dependent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be determined by the super- intendent. Pupils under the age of seven years who have not previously attended school shall not be permitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in September except by special permission of the superintendent. Certificates of birth and vaccination shall be required at the time of entrance.
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
In the event of exceptionally severe weather conditions or when the transportation system is disrupted, WBZ, WEEI, and WKOX will broadcast the no-school announcement between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M. In addition, five blasts will be sounded on the fire alarm in Wayland and Cochituate at 7:30 A.M.
We feel these signals are clear and, therefore, urge parents to refrain from flooding the Telephone Office and homes of School Department personnel with telephone calls.
On days when the signal is not used, weather conditions may warrant the non-attendance of certain children. Lack of normal health would tend to make it advisable for parents to keep the child at home. Since weather reports are not always reliable, and since the School Department desires to render maximum education service by having the schools open the greatest number of days, storm signals will not be used on ordinary rainy or snowy days or when there is reasonable doubt.
A good education can be built only on good health. Safe- guard health by keeping your child home when, in your estima- tion as a parent, conditions warrant.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FOR THE YEAR 1950
Regular Appropriation
$171,821.00
Transferred from Reserve
1,298.52
Total Appropriation $173,119.52
Expenditures
170,825.30
Unexpended Balance SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS
$ 2,294.22
Chapter 70
$ 33,039.21
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards. .
1,154.09
Transportation
7,415.00
Rental of Buildings
141.00
Miscellaneous
206.07
Total Receipts
$ 41,955.37
SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
Expenditures $170,832.59
Receipts 41,955.37
Net Cost of Department to Town. .
EXPENDITURES
$128,877.22
General Control
Superintendent's Salary
$ 4,629.96
Other Expenses
2,659.80
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
107,924.51
Expense of Principals
1,323.97
Textbooks
3,848.46
Supplies
5,196.17
Operation
Janitors' Salaries
11,035.64
Fuel
5,786.28
Miscellaneous
6,485.10
Buildings and Equipment
Maintenance and Outlay
6,033.00
Other Agencies
Transportation
12,470.00
Health
2,582.42
Libraries
650.00
Sundries
199.99
$170,825.30
1
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To The School Committee Wayland, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I am submitting herewith my seventh annual report and the fifty-fourth in the series of reports of the Superintendent of Schools.
Again this year, the National Citizens Commission is urging a continuing drive in the direction of better public schools. Although progress to this date has been noteworthy, the work is far from completion. In addition, the present world-wide con- flict between our democratic way of life and totalitarianism places a tremendous responsibility on public education. Since the beginning days of this great nation we have been committed to a program of universal free education. If democracy is to survive the schools must produce an informed citizenry capable of thinking for itself in governing safely and well. Under totalitarian governments the citizen is taught to let the state do his thinking. His responsibility involves puppet obedience only.
In speaking of the role of education in this growing conflict, Ambassador Warren R. Austin, Representative of the United States to the United Nations, had the following to say: "The conflict among the pattern-makers may be fought out in eco- nomic, social, political, and military terms for years to come. There need not be world war, but the strength of the free world must increase-spiritually and physically. American education carries a heavy responsibility for contributing to this strength."
Obviously, we must be ready and willing to adapt our school programs to the immediate needs of an expanding national defense effort. The Symington Report on Civil Defense followed by the President's Proclamation of National Emergency point
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rather conclusively to a period of years of living in a state of preparedness on both a military and civilian basis. As this report is being organized in the closing months of 1950, plans are under way to provide adequate protective measures for our children in the event of a local emergency. The following steps are being considered:
(1) First Aid courses as developed by the American Red Cross, have been taken by some of our instructors and it is our plan that all staff members be fully informed with reference to this vital service. The course will then be required of all high school students. A final step will involve teaching junior high school students a modified first aid course by means of a recently published American Red Cross junior text.
(2) A warning system keyed to the Department of Civil Defense will operate if emergencies occur during school hours. Bulletins advising parents of this routine are presently being prepared.
(3) Each building will be organized so that specific responsi- bilities are assigned in an effort to protect pupils to the fullest extent of our resources.
(4) Surveys are under way ascertaining the special qualifications of all staff members, inventories of first aid supplies, and refuge areas in and around our buildings.
(5) Publications of federal, state, and local defense agencies will be sent home with pupils. Also materials adapted for teaching purposes both in school and in the home will be published as the need arises.
The above measures are being taken as realistically as pos- sible with continuing emphasis on avoiding excitement and hysteria in any form. It is our hope that the operational plans may never be activated, yet, a preparedness program of this type reflects educational values if for no other reason than developing teamwork among individuals and communities in facing a common task.
GROWTH OF WAYLAND
Over the last fifty years, a number of factors have contributed to the phenomenal growth of our cities and towns. On a nation-wide basis, the United States has almost doubled its
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population since 1900. The enrollments in the public schools are quite naturally related to the general population, and the greatest impact has been felt as a result of sharply increased birth rates. Another factor contributing to an expanding school popu- lation involves migration of people from community to com- munity with particular emphasis on the city to town trend. Attendance laws making for higher enrollments, greater holding power on the part of schools as a result of improved programs, an increasingly technical civilization calling for additional school experience in developing specialized skills, and higher incomes per family enabling parents to provide longer periods of educa- tion for their children, all add to the rapidly increasing school population. That Wayland has been an active participant in these population changes has been apparent to all citizens over the past few years. The following chart of October 1 enrollments portrays graphically the increase over the past decade.
OCTOBER 1 ENROLLMENTS, 1940-1950
1000
975
950
925
900
875
850
825
800
775
750
725
700
675
650
0
1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950
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Ideally situated, there can be little question that Wayland will continue to grow. Usually first among several considerations in moving to a new community, parents and citizens are inter- ested in the effectiveness of the program of public education. To be effective, the Town must be willing to support education to the extent of securing a competent staff in addition to housing the program in safe and modern school plants. This has been done in Wayland and the present reputable status of our school system has been without doubt a major reason for movement to Wayland. In order to retain the present standard, however, efforts must be made in the direction of continuing support, and planning must be a responsibility of all citizens as well as the School Committee. Neighboring towns paralleling our efforts in the direction of better buildings during the past two years have now found it necessary to begin planning and con- struction on new buildings and additions in order to house the increasing enrollments. The fact that the Building Inspector has reported nearly 150 new homes during 1950 is a startling indica- tion in itself of the rapid growth. Our present buildings can efficiently care for the current school population with a reasonable flexibility for expansion. However, the above-mentioned growth conditions warrant an immediate re-examination of our tentative plans for expanding school plants. In September, 1951, the twelfth room in the Cochituate building will be placed in operation. With this building then operating at capacity or near capacity, it will be necessary to consider converting the Center School to a two-unit structure. Considering the size of our community, the Committee has adopted a policy of organizing the Elementary Schools on a one or two-unit basis, i.e., single rooms for each of the first six grades or two rooms for each grade similar to the present Cochituate plan. Such buildings accommodate 25 to 35 pupils per room and can conveniently house 400 students. In order to convert the Center School, which presently has eight classrooms to the two-unit system, it would be necessary to build an adjoining four-room structure to care for grades one and two. It would appear a far wiser policy to build a separate structure in that the present Center School, now in its fifty-fourth year, would not warrant an addition. At some
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future date this modern primary unit could be expanded to include grades three through six. Until this is done, however, it would seem feasible to heat the primary school from the main boiler room of the old building, thus cutting down somewhat on costs of operation.
If the above plan is not followed, consideration might be given to converting the Center School to a single unit school enrolling grades one through six; and building a single unit structure on a new site preferably near the new center of popu- lation which apparently will be north and east of our present center. This building should obviously be of the open- construction type which would allow for ease of expansion to the two-unit plan, in addition to future wings for an auditorium- gymnasium or all-purpose room. The two extra rooms left in the Center School, if such a program were adopted, would be used for health, remedial clinic, library, guidance, or activity purposes. It will be recalled that the Junior-Senior High School building is constructed with provisions for expanding the class- room wing. For every 37 feet that the south wing is extended, four classrooms or approximately 150 pupil stations will be added. The floor space provisions for general shop, domestic science, business and natural science, as well as the cafeteria-library, and auditorium-gymnasium should accommodate a student enroll- ment of approximately 750.
Following the pattern established by the School Committee and School Building Committee during the recent construction program, several comprehensive surveys will be made prior to presenting any specific recommendations to the Town. Again, all citizens and organizations will be asked to take an active part in these surveys. Also of considerable assistance in the planning and construction of schools is the Commonwealth's construction aid program. Under this Act state reimbursement for the Cochituate and Junior-Senior High School additions approximates $300,000, or about 39% of the total cost.
CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
Associated with the growth of our community has been an
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ever-increasing need for re-designing the present school district. Under the school statutes set up by the Commonwealth, approxi- mately 200 towns are organized into districts. The purpose of such an organization is to provide better administrative coverage for a larger student enrollment. Both in terms of operating costs and educational efficiency, a small unit offers very little in the way of a superior program. By means of the superintendency union plan, a larger district is possible with the resulting benefits to each participating town. Under the plan, the administrative costs are shared, thus eliminating a heavy financial burden from falling on any one community. In 1899, a single school district was established for this area, comprising the towns of Wayland, Sudbury, and Dover. This union continued in operation until 1940 when Dover became independent and Sherborn was added. Because of the rapid growth of the towns of Wayland and Sudbury, and the geographical location of Sherborn in the union, the Joint Committee has annually petitioned the State Board of Education for re-districting privileges. This past year, the State Board approved a re-districting measure establishing Way- land and Sudbury as a school union and setting up Sherborn and Dover in a new district. Just five years ago the three-town union employed 83 people serving a student enrollment of approximately 1,100. At the present time, in the two-town union, there are 109 employees and an enrollment of approxi- mately 1,500. This new administrative district should make for a more efficient organization involving the public schools of Wayland and Sudbury.
PERSONNEL
During the calendar year, 1950, the turnover in School De- partment personnel was relatively light considering state-wide and national trends. Among fourteen changes, thirteen involved teachers and one a non-teaching responsibility. Of the thirteen instructors, three represented new positions established in line with the expansion of our enrollment and program, and seven represented replacements for members who had moved to larger school systems. In the remaining group, two left the profession and one resigned to devote full time to home responsibilities.
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In seeking replacements, with the exception of one beginner, the public schools were fortunate in procuring all experienced teachers, two of whom having previously served in the Wayland Public School system.
The two changes attracting the most interest were adminis- trative, involving principalships in the Center and Cochituate Schools. In the Cochituate School, Hubert W. Ward assumed the position of principal on September 1, 1950, following two years of service in a similar post at Russell, Massachusetts. Prior to this he had served in the public schools of Springfield, Ver- mont, and West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Mr. Ward possesses both Bachelor's and Master's degrees and has undertaken ad- ditional graduate study. At the Center School, James A. Mclaughlin was appointed principal also assuming his duties on September 1 of this year. Mr. Mclaughlin received his Bachelor's degree training at the Oswego State Teachers College in New York and later graduated from Boston University being awarded a Master of Education Degree. For the past three years he was a member of the school staff in Reading, Massachusetts. Both Mr. Mclaughlin and Mr. Ward are veterans of World War II and both have been fortunate in obtaining residence in Wayland for their families.
The non-teaching position in which a vacancy occurred during the year was that of secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Herbert Schleicher left this position after five years of exceptionally meritorious work to assume home re- sponsibilities. To replace Mrs. Schleicher, the Committee ap- pointed Miss Barbara G. Cipoletta who, following graduation from the Commercial Course of the Wayland High School, received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University.
PROGRAM
In a brief summary of this type, it is impossible to cover adequately the scope and sequence of program offerings involving the elementary and secondary divisions as well as supplementary services. It may be well, however, to include new or improved services in order that such reports may be combined to give the
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citizen-reader a complete picture of our educational efforts. In 1950, a long-sought-for program of instrumental music was in- augurated. Mrs. Walter Parker and Mr. Harry Iovanelli were assigned responsibilities in beginning orchestra and band classes. Although our start was of necessity a conservative one, neverthe- less, real progress has been observed and at the present writing, 17 students are enrolled in orchestral endeavors while 24 partici- pate in the band group. It is our hope that this all-important co-curricular activity will be encouraged by parents.
A second innovation in the High School this year has been the establishment of a driver-training course. Although given previously in short unit courses, a full year subject approach had not been hitherto attempted. These courses have been enthusi- astically endorsed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Education as providing much needed training in highway safety. The on-the-road phase of the program will be started during the next term, made possible through the courtesy of Mr. Howard C. Phillips of Cochituate Motors in providing a 1951 car with dual controls. The School Department has purchased this car for the sum of $1.00 and looks forward with considerable interest to the development of the program.
A further step in the direction of providing more adequate secondary guidance was the re-assignment of Miss Jean T. Nelson to the High School faculty in charge of this program. We have been well pleased with the initial work of this Department and the guidance discussion included under the Headmaster's report is commended to your reading.
Although not an innovation in a true sense, an occasional appraisal of our remedial reading program appears warranted. Inaugurated five years ago, the elementary students have received many benefits in being brought up to grade as a result of this service. This past year 85 pupils attended the reading centers, 34 of whom represented new admissions and 51 were continued from the previous year. A complete testing program evaluates the abilities and interests of the incoming student, following which he is assigned to regular classes at the Cochituate Reading Center on Mondays and Thursdays or at the Wayland Center on Tuesdays
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and Fridays. During the year, there were 40 children discharged from the clinic for the following reasons; 28 up to grade; 1 up to mental capacity; 6 moved away; 5 transferred to Junior High School. The number being brought up to proper grade level indeed merits commendation. If it were not for this program, the regular instructors with full class responsibilities would find it extremely difficult to assist individual students in this fashion.
Several other phases of our program are covered in the reports of subordinate officers in this volume and are also commended to your reading.
MISCELLANEOUS
Honors
During the year, the public school system of Wayland was singled out for national honors. The 1950-51 edition of THE AMERICAN SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY which is a year- book devoted to the design, construction, equipment, utilization, and maintenance of educational buildings and grounds, named America's outstanding school buildings. These buildings, which have been built since January 1, 1946, included seventeen schools in Massachusetts. Among these new plants, additions to the Wayland High School and the Cochituate Elementary School were cited for honors. A separate national survey conducted by Columbia University in New York named the School Committee of this Town as among America's outstanding School Boards. The letter conferring this honor was forwarded from Dr. Daniel R. Davies, Professor of Education at Columbia University.
Health
This past summer, the Massachusetts Legislature passed Chapter 732 requiring all School Personnel to submit medical evidence of freedom from tuberculosis in communicable form including a chest X-ray. Arrangements were made to have this done at the Middlesex County Sanitorium. It is a pleasure to report that all staff members including principals, teachers, secretaries, cafeteria employees, janitors, bus drivers, nurses, doctors, and dentists have been found free of this infection.
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