Official reports of the town of Wayland 1951-1953, Part 37

Author: Wayland (Mass.)
Publication date: 1951
Publisher: Printed at the Middlesex Freeman Office
Number of Pages: 774


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wayland > Official reports of the town of Wayland 1951-1953 > Part 37


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38


(3) Beginning at a point on the southerly line of Oxbow Road, at its intersection with the town line between Lincoln and Way land about thirty-five feet, more or less, northwesterly from the northeast corner of land now or formerly of F. Winchester Denio; thence Southeasterly, about thirty-five feet, more or less, along said southerly line of Oxbow Road to said northeast corner of said land of Denio; thence Southwesterly, on various courses, along the southeast boundary of said land of Denio to land now or formerly of Thomas B. Hoye; thence Southerly, on various courses, along the boundary between said land of Hoye and land now or formerly of J. S. Hays Company and along the boundary between land now or formerly of Dominic L. and Lucille W. Bartholomew and land now or formerly of J. S. Hays Company to Sherman's Bridge Road; thence West-


240


erly along Sherman's Bridge Road to the Sudbury River and the Sudbury Town line; thence Northerly, along said Sudbury town line, following the Sudbury River, to the Lincoln town line; thence Southeasterly; along the Lincoln-Wayland town line to the point of beginning.


Approved December 29, 1953 by George Fingold, Attorney General.


Voted: To adjourn the Meeting at 11:00 P. M.


A true copy Attest:


LEILA SEARS Town Clerk of Wayland


241


RESULTS OF TOWN ELECTION March 2, 1953


Prec. 1 Prec. 2


Total


Moderator


Howard S. Russell


505


324


829


Town Clerk


Leila Sears


509


340


849


Selectman


John W. Leavitt


487


341


828


Treasurer


Dorothy Small Damon


500


325


825


Collector of Taxes


Theodore H. Harrington


503


359


862


Board of Public Welfare


Carlisle D. Scotland


469


310


779


School Committee


William A. Waldron


473


307


780


Planning Board (Five Years)


Thayer Rudd


359


181


540


Edward A. Veno


188


200


388


Planning Board (Three Years)


George F. Bowers


480


326


806


Planning Board (Two Years)


Frederick G. Perry, Jr.


464


321


785


Planning Board (One Year) Mary N. Baldwin


462


287


749


Assessor (Three Years)


Charles M. Mathews


472


355


827


Assessor (One Year)


B. Allen Benjamin


491


325


816


242


Water Commissioner


Fern A. Taylor


481


339


820


Cemetery Commissioner


Ralph H. Yetton


484


319


803


Trustees of Public Library


Helen C. Morgan


487


302


789


J. Sidney Stone


484


285


769


Board of Health


Norman G. Fair


480


308


788


Park Commissioner


Thomas F. Murray


464


352


816


Road Commissioners


Ronald S. Campbell


253


269


522


Robert M. Carson


278


123


401


Tree Warden


Charles L. Fullick


484


388


822


Commissioner of Trust Funds


J. Warren Olmstead


474


291


765


Constables


Clarence O. Baker


420


304


724


John P. Butler


390


280


670


John W. Butler


367


228


595


George A. Celorier


133


201


334


Alfred C. Damon


397


265


662


Ernest H. Damon


427


284


711


Philip R. Gladu


162


209


371


Thomas Francis Linnehan


483


241


72-1


Frederick H. Perry


390


289


679


Total Vote


557


429


986


243


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE


The School Committee herewith submits its Annual Report for the year 1953. One change in the membership of the Committee occurred when Allan R. Finlay did not seek re-election due to the press of business affairs. Mr. Finlay was a member of the Committee for nine years and three times chairman between 1943 and 1953. During the decade of Mr. Finlay's service on the Committee, Wayland's school needs increased acutely like those of most other communities. From the outset of this growth the Town has recognized the challenge. Allan Finlay has made a major contribution in developing this community understanding. He has worked effectively in planning solutions to these school needs. Mr. William A. Waldron was elected to fill this vacancy on the Committee.


The reports of the Superintendent and other staff members describe the program of the schools. The financial report for the year is included in the report of the Town Accountant. Detailed information concerning any phase of the schools is available at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.


The eight-classroom addition to the high school authorized in 1952 has been completed and has been placed in full use during the present school year. The twelve-room elementary school authorized at a special Town Meeting on November 30, 1953 is now under construction.


The School Committee wishes to extend its appreciation for the under- standing support which the Town has given in meeting the growth needs of the public schools.


Respectfully submitted,


HARVEY C. NEWTON, Chairman CORNELIUS J. MAGUIRE WILLIAM A. WALDRON


244


REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee Wayland, Massachusetts


Gentlemen:


This is my third Annual Report and the 57th in the series of reports of the Superintendent of Schools. This report reflects the dedicated and effective service of the school staff, members of the School Committee, the School Building Committee, and the School Site Committee, as well as other community leaders who have continued to give so generously of their time in the ongoing development of the community's schools. While during the past year a very large measure of attention has been given to the building needs of the schools it is appropriate to re-emphasize the com- munity function which the schools serve.


Deep within our American heritage lies our commitment to public education, a commitment which has grown constantly stronger with the years. Our public schools are one chief and effective means of making our democratic aspirations fully meaningful in the lives of succeeding genera- tions. The public school can meet its responsibilities effectively only if it considers the diversity as well as the commonality of interest and ex- perience which characterizes our people. The success with which the public school does its job depends upon the interest, support and participation of all the citizens of every American community; but more than this it depends upon their understanding of those educational principles and practices without which the democratic aspiration cannot survive. All who are engaged in the work of American public education must be free to provide learning situations which exemplify democracy at its best and to participate as individuals in constructive citizenship and democratic prac- tices. Our richest resource in the fight to maintain a free society lies in our people. The strength of the public schools in the years ahead may well be critical in winning this fight.


During the past year the Wayland public schools have continued to meet urgent problems of obtaining adequate school facilities and of maintaining a superior teaching staff. A major step was taken in meeting the school building needs through the purchase of a site; the planning of a twelve-room elementary school by the School Building Committee; and the authorization to construct the school at a Special Town Meeting on November 30. The School Site Committee, which planned the location of the elementary school now under construction is continuing its long range studies of sites for future schools as they become necessary. The


245


Special Town Meeting also authorized the creation of a Regional School Study Committee to review Wayland's interest, if any, in the develop- ment of regional schools.


The second major problem of maintaining and developing our schools arises from the nationwide shortage of teachers. This shortage has been primarily at the elementary school level resulting from sharp increases in enrollment. This enlarged enrollment will soon be entering high school and will create a similar deficiency at that level. In a time when more teachers have become essential a major change in the American economy has occurred which has resulted in a relative decline in the standard of living of the teaching group causing a reduction in the numbers of young people entering the profession as well as a loss of personnel to other fields. Salary schedules have been increased in response to this competitive situation. The salary schedule in Wayland has been increased in each of the past two years and will need to be changed again in 1954 in order that salaries become more nearly comparable to the typical salary in the six adjacent towns. The extent to which our competitive position is improved will have much to do with our success in selecting and holding the best quali- fied teachers from the insufficient numbers available. The elimination of large classes and the provision of improved buildings will also aid in the development of a superior teaching staff.


TEACHING STAFF


The teaching staff has increased to fifty-eight members with twenty- six joining our staff during the past year. Eight teachers filled new posi- tions, while eighteen replaced those who left the system. Twenty-two teachers have served in our community more than three years. During the year there was one principalship change with Mrs. Reta Hubler, who was on the Brookline School Staff last year, replacing James McLaughlin at the Center School.


After thirty-two years of most noteworthy service to the young people of Wayland, Mrs. Mabel S. Draper retired from the school system last June. No tribute can indicate the true contribution which Mrs. Draper has made to the pupils under her charge at the Center School and in the Junior High School. All who know Mrs. Draper were most regretful that it became necessary for her to withdraw from active teaching service.


SCHOOL FACILITIES


The Town appropriated $12,000 at the March Town Meeting to purchase a fifteen acre school site east of Old Connecticut Path and between


246


the Old Weston Aqueduct and Maiden Lane. The Town also appropriated $21,000 to plan a twelve-class-room elementary school to be located on this site. At a Special Town Meeting on November 30, the Town appro- priated $603,000 to develop the site, and to build and equip this school. All of these appropriations, except that for the purchase of the site are subject to reimbursement by the State of approximately 45% based on the formula at this time. The exact reimbursement is computed after the pro- ject is completed.


The Town also appropriated $18,000 to extend a water main from the pumping station on Old Connecticut Path along Old Connecticut Path, Maiden Lane, and Pequot Road to connect with a main in the Happy Hollow project. The appropriation to construct the building includes the reconstruction of Maiden Lane from Old Connecticut Path West to Pequot Road and the building of the section of Pequot Road from Maiden Lane to Juniper Lane. This water and road development completes the connection between Old Connecticut Path West and Cochituate Road. Doing this work in connection with the school building assured economy in construction costs and makes it possible for the maximum State reimburse- ment to be received by the Town.


GROWTH OF WAYLAND SCHOOLS


The enrollment of the schools increased again in 1953. High birth rates account for a portion of this increase; the remainder results from the construction of new homes in the Town. The enrollment on October 1, 1953 was 102 pupils higher than that of the previous year and was dis- tributed through the grades as follows:


1-167


5-132


9- 74


2-151


6-117


10- 57


3-129


7- 86


11- 49


4-127


8- 91


12- 51


A census of pre-school children is made each year by the Town Clerk. The pre-school population on January 1, 1953 was 67 higher than in 1952 and was distributed according to year of birth as follows:


1948-153


1950-134


1949-168 1951-190 1952-144


These factors in relation to the school enrollment in the past five years have been used in developing the estimate of future enrollment.


247


SCHOOL TAX RATE


The Board of Assessors under a new State law established a tax rate for schools which appeared on your property tax bill for the first time in 1953. The computation of the school tax rate is based on all appropria- tions for the operation of the schools including salaries of all personnel, supplies, books, repairs, and equipment. It is also based on all expense in connection with planning, construction and equipping school buildings including payments for debt and interest. It also includes any special ap- propriations under various Warrant Articles.


Incomes from sources other than the property tax are credited. These include all state aids distributed to the Town for school purposes and a proportionate share of the general receipts of the Town which are not assigned to specific functions of various Town departments.


The school tax rate will vary from year to year depending upon the balance of these factors. Unless increased incomes become available from other than the property tax it is likely that the school tax rate will rise in response to the rapid increase in the number of pupils and the necessity of maintaining salaries which are competitive with those of neighboring communities.


JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL


W. Maxwell Griffin has continued his able leadership of the Junior- Senior High School.


In describing certain developmental aspects of the six-year instruc- tional program, it is appropriate to begin with the junior-high division. In this two-year growth period designated as the 7th and Sth grades, each student receives instruction in English, Social Studies, Art, Shop or Home Economics, Arithmetic, Science, Music, and Physical Education. The pro- gram is characterized by a daily schedule which permits a student to study English and Social Studies with the same teacher for approximately two hours daily. This longer period of time offers opportunity for the organi- zation of effective learning experiences, for extended use of community resources, for individual and group planning, and for meaningful drill and corrective measures. The classrooms are of a self-contained nature with ready reference material and furniture adaptable for different learning activities. Providing these rooms with adequate resource material is a part of the Library development.


Through differentiated assignments, the more able student is en- couraged to tackle jobs at his level of maturity and often groups of such


248


students work together toward common goals. Each teacher gets to know each student well and plays the role of a guidance person. This relationship tends to offer stability for the youngster who is meeting departmentalized instruction for the first time. Helping students select courses for the ninth grade is an example of the guidance work at the eighth grade level.


The art program reflects definite enrichment patterns in that Mrs. Lillian Jones is now working full time in the Junior-Senior High School. The new art room is now fully equipped, including six hand potters wheels, an electric potters wheel and an electric kiln. Each student will have a chance to make at least one piece of "real pottery." An exhibit of ceramics work will be held in the Library near the end of the year.


The schedule permits the teaching of art either as a separate subject of an integrated part of the English-Social Studies classes. The students have made pictures and murals to illustrate literature they are studying. Later they will make puppets and write plays to give to other groups. During the year they do one or more projects with cut paper, pastel chalks, water color, tempera paint, clay, paper mache, charcoal, colored pencils, linoleum block printing and finger painting.


The new junior-high science room is fast becoming a functional unit. It now has a demonstration table with gas and electricity, several permanent pieces of scientific equipment including weather instruments and an aquarium, and several "home-made" pieces of apparatus. Adjacent to the science room is a dark room which is being equipped to carry out the common photographic processes.


Accompanying these developments has been a concentrated staff effort to study the junior high program in relationship to the grades below and above it.


The senior high school program designated as grades nine through twelve reflects certain changes from a year ago. There are now three sec- tions at the ninth grade level. This increase in number of sections affords a more purposeful selection of elective subjects. All freshmen take English, Orientation, General Science, and either General Mathematics I or Algebra I. The elected subject for college-bound students is Latin I; business stu- dents take General Business Training; and general education students take Shop or Home Economics. In terms of the daily schedule, this means that students with like purposes are grouped together and share the same sub- jects together.


249


Other ninth grade subject changes are as follows:


1. Orientation in addition to its "How to Study" guidance function has become a ninth grade social studies course aimed at develop- ing understandings of local government.


2. General Business Training is an introductory course for students interested in the business field and is now the beginning course in that sequence.


3. All freshmen now take a mathematics course whereas in former years it was necessary to make a choice between General Business Training and General Mathematics. The present requirement in- sures that all students progressing through high school will have two units in mathematics. This, it is felt, strengthens the back- grounds of general education and business students.


4. The General Science course currently includes a unit in "first aid." A student through this class can qualify for a Red Cross Certificate.


At the tenth grade level a new course "World Civilizations" has been added. This is an elective course but one which is designed to add a developmental sequence to the four-year social studies program. This course brings together learnings formerly included in World Geography at the tenth grade level and World History for a few students at the twelfth-grade level. The four-year sequence of Orientation, World Civi- lizations, American History, and Problems of American Democracy now gives a desirable pattern for developing understandings of our American heritage.


General Mathematics II is now available for General Education and Business students. This course is part of the plan to offer more mathematics to our students and at the same time enable some of our students to meet the two unit mathematical requirement of advanced schools.


Biology, an elective subject, is now taught as a laboratory science. Each section has one scheduled laboratory period per week in which the funda- mental experiments recommended for college entrance work are per- formed. The laboratory now has three microscopes as well as many other group and individual pieces of apparatus and it is now possible for Biology students to do thirty-five fundamental biological experiments.


Courses entitled "High School Art" and "Music Appreciation" are available for grades eleven and twelve. Chemistry is scheduled with a


250


double laboratory period. New laboratory equipment enables students to do several of the experiments on an individual basis.


The driver education program has been extended and revised so that the classroom instruction is scheduled for sophomores, and the "behind- the-wheel" driving for those who are sixteen years of age. The driver's license then becomes the culminating objective. The driver education car is furnished through the courtesy of Cochituate Motors.


The business department has added three additional classes in typing permitting any student to acquire this skill. This development will aid the college bound student as well as those seeking more immediate em- ployment.


Occupational meetings are being held through the school year with the assistance of Northeastern University. Specialists in the several areas aid the seniors to understand the nature of various occupations and the specific advanced education that is needed:


November


What it is like to be a nurse (all levels) .


How young men and women train to become engineers.


Jobs for high school graduates in large stores.


January


Careers in advertising and selling.


Careers for young men in cabinet and furniture making, sheet metal work, watch repairing, jewelry-making and repairing, and piano tuning.


Careers for girls in nursery school teaching.


February


Careers for girls in medical technology, physical therapy, and occupa- tional therapy.


Jobs with airlines (mechanical and clerical).


Applying for jobs in the trades, or with the government.


March


How girls are trained for careers in beauty culture.


Careers in teaching.


How to become an auto mechanic.


April


What it is like to be a social worker.


251


Opportunities for young men in physical education. Jobs for high school graduates in large offices.


CLASS OF 1953


OFFICERS


President, Raymond Humphrey Secretary, Alma Foley


Vice-President, Warren White


Treasurer. Linda Robinson


GRADUATES


Dominic Anzivino, Jr.


Raymond Francis Humphrey


Thomas Albert Baker


Audrey Addition Ide


Marion Joan Bolton


Eva Jenkins


Marilyn Vincent Bolton


Suzanne Patience Johnson


Betty Claire Bragg


Frances Ruth Kane


Margaret Joan Campbell


Joan Marie Lindbohm


Stephanie Carter


Allen W. McConnell


Daniel B. Clifford


Margaret O'Brien


Judith Ellen Cook


Noel A. O'Neill


Robert J. Crowley


Grace Victoria Parmenter


Daniel Joseph Curley


David Carlisle Potter


John B. Davis, III


Barbara Ann Regan


Georgia Mae Dearborn


Mary Elizabeth Reid


Carol Ann Deane


Linda Martin Robinson


George A. Dusseault


Robert M. Shomphe


Jane Patricia Flanagan


Barbara V. Smith


Barbara Ann Flynn


Wayne Lawrence Smith


Alma Anne Foley


Robert D. Varey


Shirley Ann Hakanson


Patricia Katherine Weeks


Herbert Hilton


Warren White


Bernard Charles Houghton


Kitty Belle Wilkinson


John Stokes Yetton


COMMENCEMENT SYMPOSIUM


BROTHERHOOD


In the Home


Joan Campbell


In Education Linda Robinson


In Society


David Potter


In Economy Robert Varey


In the World .Georgia Mae Dearborn


252


AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS


Jane Campbell was awarded the Woman's Club Scholarship. The High School Parent Teachers Association Scholarships were received by Frances Kane, Raymond Humphrey and Linda Robinson. The Cochituate Mother's Club award went to Betty Bragg. Joan Campbell received the Bausch Lomb Science Award and Judy Cook won the D. A. R. Good Citizenship Award. The Becker Junior College Business Key was won by Shirley Hakanson. Frances Kane earned the Social Studies Award.


With more students enrolling for training beyond high school there is an increasing need for scholarship funds.


Twenty-two members of the Class of '53 were placed in advanced schools. Twelve have gone to colleges including Bethany, Brandeis, Boston University, Mount Saint Mary, Norwich, Framingham State Teachers Col- lege, Brown University, Connecticut College for Women, Northeastern University and the Coast Guard Academy. Ten students entered St. Elizabeth's Hospital Technical Training Program, Cushing Academy, the Garland School, the Chandler School for Women, Middlesex Secretarial School, the Waltham Hospital, Attendant Nursing program, and West- brook Junior College. Eight students entered factory or construction work and twelve students are employed in secretarial and clerical positions. It is very gratifying to note the increase during the last five years in the number of students attending some form of post-high school training. Advanced training is becoming more and more necessary if young people are to become successful both in work and in civic life.


ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS


Elmer R. Kane has continued as principal of the Cochituate School and Mrs. Reta A. Hubler assumed this responsibility in the Center School last September.


All of the increase in elementary enrollment has been provided for in connection with the Center School during the first two years by utilizing the recent addition to the High School for fifth and sixth grade classes. During this school year seven 5th and 6th grade classes are housed in this addition with nine classes in grades one to four in the Center School building completing the school under Mrs. Hubler's supervision. Thirteen classes in grades one to five are located in the Cochituate School. The thirteenth classroom is made possible by using the conference room.


253


When the new elementary school is completed the elementary schools will be reorganized with the Cochituate School having twelve classes in grades one to six, the new school being similarly organized, and the Center School having eight or nine classes in grades one to six. In revis- ing the areas of the town to be served by each school, children will be placed nearest to their homes when possible. In some cases the efficient planning of bus routes will need to govern school placement. Whenever possible all elementary children in a given family will attend the same school.


Some members of the teaching staff will transfer to the new school providing a nucleus of present staff members in each school to insure a continuity of program and an awareness of individual pupil progress.


It is hoped that weather conditions and other factors will make it pos- sible to open the new school in September. If this is not possible tempo- rary arrangements will need to be made in September. The exact plan will depend upon the date when the building will be ready.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.