USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1942-1950 > Part 16
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Charges
51.65
63.70
Refund from Register of Deeds, Account of 1943, $5.50
Collector's Expenses for 1944
Appropriation
$185.00
Expended
174.56
Balance unexpended
10.44
Respectfully submitted,
O. P. BROWN,
Collector of Taxes
Annual Report
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of
PLAINVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS
PI AINVI
of
MASS
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FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1944
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E. MASS.
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64
ANNUAL REPORT SCHOOL OFFICIALS
School Committee
HARVEY C. MORSE, Chairman Term expires 1947 Telephone North Attleboro 294-W
SIDNEY A. MADDOCKS, Secretary Term expires 1945 Telephone North Attleboro 372
HENRY S. TAMBLYN Term expires 1946 Telephone North Attleboro 1112-W
Meeting of the School Committee is held in the office, Town Hall Building, on the third Wednesday of each month.
Union Superintendent of Schools, Norton and Plainville
LAURENCE G. NOURSE Residence Telephone, Norton 66 School Telephone, North Attleboro 385-R
Superintendent may be reached at the office in the Town Hall Building every Tuesday, and other days by appointment.
Authorized to Issue Work Certificates F. SUMNER TURNER Telephone North Attleboro 1546
School Physician DR. JOHN T. COTTER Telephone North Attleboro 204
School Nurse MRS. ISABEL M. MADDOCKS Telephone North Attleboro 372
Attendance Officer
ELMER C. PEASE
65
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDER 1944-1945
Elementary and High Schools:
First term opens September 6, 1944 First term closes December 21, 1944 Second term opens January 2, 1945 Second term closes February 16, 1945 Third term opens February 26, 1945 Third term closes April 20, 1945 Fourth term opens April 30, 1945 Fourth term closes:
Elementary Schools-June 15, 1945 High School-June 22, 1945
Holidays for all schools:
October 12, 13, 1944
October 27, 1944
November 23, 24, 1944
December 21, (1/2 day), 1944
April 19, 1945 May 30, 1945
School Sessions:
Junior-Senior High School: Regular session 8:30 to 2:00.
Primary School 9:00 to 11:45 and 1:00 to 3:00.
No School Signals:
7:30 A.M .- Three double blasts on fire alarm system signifies no school for all pupils for the day.
7:45 A.M .- Same signal signifies no school for pri- mary pupils.
5
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ANNUAL REPORT
11:45 A.M .- Same signal signifies no school in the afternoon and Primary pupils will stay in school one hour longer than the usual morning session and then be dismissed for the day.
Plainville NO SCHOOL signals are broadcast over radio station WEAN 7:00 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. and 7:45, and 8:15 A.M.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Plainville:
We feel that our schools have been exceptionally for- tunate this year in holding all of our teaching staff with the only exceptions being Miss Alison Boright and Mrs. Harriet Washburn. Miss Boright served us faithfully for four years and we regret not being able to keep her. Mrs. Washburn's resignation was difficult to accept as she performed her duties as Supervisor of Music in an earnest and conscientious manner. She inaugurated "music appreciation" in the Plainville Schools. Mrs. Washburn replaced Mrs. Tisdale in 1927 and served our schools diligently for the past seventeen years.
During the past three years the State Board of Education has required more hours in sciences and mathematics to pre- pare young men and women for our country's service. This increase was more than our former teaching staff could possibly carry. We studied this problem carefully and in all fairness to our graduates-to-be voted to add a new teacher to our unior-Senior High School staff. We were most fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Dorothy Cleary, a graduate of Middlebury College, to teach English in both the Junior and Senior High School classes. Miss Janet Avery, a graduate of Boston University with a degree of B. S. in commercial education, has taken over the work of the commercial depart- ment in a most creditable manner.
In regard to the physical condition of the school buildings, we make the following report. The second phase of our ten year school redecorating plan was fulfilled. The ceilings and
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ANNUAL REPORT
walls were redecorated in grade three and grade seven and the principal's office. We sincerely hope that this plan may continue and restore and maintain our classrooms in good condition. There are several major repair problems that we have been unable to correct due to the present war time con- ditions.
One of the largest problems facing us in the not too distant future is a new heating system. Our present heating system is antiquated and costly and parts are so obsolete they are almost impossible to obtain.
We feel more and more the very great need for a modern school plant and wolud welcome an opportunity for the study of this problem with the Rehabilitation Committee.
We wish to record our appreciation of the work of the school staff this past year. Superintendent Nourse has worked diligently in improving our schools and maintaining the in- creased demands imposed by our State Department of Educa- tion. Our principals and teachers have assumed their tasks in a pleasing and earnest manner and are showing efficient results.
The Plainville Parent Teacher Association is carrying on an excellent program and is showing splendid interest in the schools and co-operation with the School Department.
We recommend your careful study of the reports of the Superintendent, Principals, and Supervisors.
The following tables set forth the expenditures for 1944 and the needs of the schools for 1945. The increased budget is in our opinion essential to the maintenance of school stand- ards under present general conditions.
Respectfully submitted,
HARVEY C. MORSE, Chairman SIDNEY A. MADDOCKS, Secretary
HENRY S. TAMBLYN
MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS IN 1944
Appropriation
$32,481.00
Interest on Town School Fund
11.05
Refund on Town Hall Lights
102.53
Refunds, Miscellaneous
8.98
$32,603.56
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ANNUAL REPORT
Expenses
General Expenses:
School Committee
$ 120.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,600.00
Expenses
229.80
Expenses of Instruction:
Salaries, High and Elementary
19,651.00
Books and Supplies
1,712.22
Operation of School Plant:
Janitor
1,664.00
Fuel
1,833.00
Miscellaneous
1,026.92
Maintenance
951.12
Health
435.03
Transportation
2,700.00
Tuition
83.64
New Equipment
238.30
Total
$32,345.74
Balance
257.82
The Town received from the State on Account of Schools:
1943
1944
General School Fund, Part I
$1,980.00
$1,980.00
General School Fund, Part II
3,236.23
2,990.86
For Superintendent
773.33
773.33
For High School
1,142.75
1,142.75
$7,132.31
$6,896.94
From Tuition of State Wards
106.70
83.64
39.72
From Tuition: Jewelry School Pupils Total
$7,322.65
$6,936.66
Total Expenditure
$30,727.88 $32,345.74
Receipts from outside sources
7,322.65
6,936.66
Expenditure by Town of Plainville
$23,405.23 $25,409.08
PLAINVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET 1945
Budget 1945
Expended 1944
Expended 1943
Expended 1940
Expended 1935
School Committee
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
$ 120.00
Superintendent's Salary Expenses
1,700.00
1,700.00
1,600.00
1,600.00
1,599.96
375.00
229.80
385.61
270.25
160.37
Teachers' Salaries
22,495.00
19,651.00
17,866.52
15,114.62
15,939.18
Books and Supplies
1,700.00
1,712.22
2,212.59
1,839.31
2,005.84
Operation of School Plant:
Janitor
1,664.00
1,664.00
1,680.00
1,664.00
1.696.00
Fuel
1,883.00
1,833.00
1,816.27
1,327.29
1,218.47
Miscellaneous
879.00
1,026.92
869.85
704.91
482.59
Maintenance
1,335.00
951.12
881.95
383.07
610.83
Health
445.00
435.03
399.19
421.28
420.97
Transportation
2,700.00
2,700.00
2,630.00
2,685.00
2,675.00
New Equipment
190.00
238.30
188.50
297.98
370.19
Tuition
150.00
83.64
77.40
30.60
$35.636.00
$32,345.74
$30,727.88
$26,460.02
$27,229.40
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee:
I have the honor of submitting to you my twenty-first annual report as Superintendent of Schools and the thirty- eighth in the series of reports.
Comment On Last Year's Report
Before presenting this year's report the present status of several topics in last year's report should be stated.
The increase in the enrollment of the entering classes has continued. The first grade this year is twenty-nine pupils which makes the average for the past three years, twenty-nine pupils in comparison with nineteen in the entering class for each of the preceding four years. All reports on population trends indicate a much larger entering school enrollment be- ginning about 1947. With the trend towards larger enroll- ments already established in Plainville, this increase should make even larger than normal the increase in our local schools. Shortly this situation will affect the secondary school enrollment.
Extensive statistical data was given in last year's report on class room lighting. The excellent results secured in two rooms using the new fluorescent lighting system were evident in these figures. The present school budget for 1945 has an item for extending this system to one more class room. A similar plan should be continued to correct this situation by yearly progress in making these changes.
The school bus transportation is still under the control of the Federal Office of Defense Transportation. The local bus
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ANNUAL REPORT
routes were drawn up for that office under the standards required by them and these have been approved and placed on file. Changes will be granted by that office only under special emergency conditions.
Teacher Supply
The Massachusetts Educational News for November, 1944, which is published by the Massachusetts Department of Edu- cation gave some significant facts in regard to the number of young people training to become teachers at the Massachusetts State Teachers College. The normal enrollment in all these institutions in Massachusetts is 3,200. At the present there are 1,800. A decrease of 43 per cent. Over the whole country during the past year the enrollment in teacher training insti- tutions decreased 60 per cent from normal. Therefore, for at least the next four years a decided decrease in the supply of teachers from these institutions will be inevitable. In this matter as in all matters of supply, unless there is some governmental control, there will be competition for this smaller number of graduates. For example, the graduates of Bridgewater State Teachers College of last June have all been placed in teaching positions. Already a number of those who will graduate next June have been definitely placed in teaching jobs. Married women who have been teachers in the past are being used in many school systems because of the present emergency. Many are offering their services as a patriotic duty for the duration of the war and will not be available in peace times. It has been most difficult during the past year to secure substitute teachers to take positions during the illness or absence of classroom teachers. The factor of the probable teacher supply for the next few years must be considered in planning the school budget and educational program.
Teachers' Salaries
The largest item in the school budget as in most business and industrial enterprises is that of salaries. The quality of the work done is more dependent upon the teaching personnel than on any other factor. Buildings, equipment, and supplies are essential for maximum results. Certainly, it is true in teaching that the skill and personality of the teacher is the
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ANNUAL REPORT
most important item in the teaching situation. Nearly always the quality of the teaching staff is in close relation to the salary schedule. The recent minimum salary law in Massa- chusetts raised the minimum salary throughout the state. Since then the shortage of teachers due to the fewer graduates and the leaving of the profession for war activities of large numbers of teachers has resulted in a large general increase in the salary being paid. In many of the surrounding places, either a large increase in the salary schedule or in the bonus factor has taken place. The net result of this has been that while five years ago, it was possible for Plainville to compete on even terms for the best of the graduates of the teacher training institutions and colleges, at the present time Plain- ville is paying less than most of the towns and cities who are competing for outstanding graduates. In order to carry on the program of recent years in securing the highest rated graduates and endeavoring to hold them for two or three years of service, this difference in salary must be met either with a revised schedule or a special war time or cost of living salary increase.
New High School Program
A new and enlarged conception of the purpose of the high school in the educational program has been arising under war time conditions. In the post-war world this conception will continue to grow and demand practical recognition. The vocational needs of a large part of our youth in addition to the college preparatory function has long been recognized. There will be a greater demand for opportunities for adult education. Many young men returning as veterans will feel the need for a high school diploma. This need they found for advancement in military service and they will realize that this continues in peacetime pursuits. The limited col- legiate program of the high school will not appeal to many. Central schools under county and state supervision will take care of some young people but many will not be able to take advantage of such opportunities and will need to receive such training locally. The conception of the enlarged high school program will also give a broader and more practical training in civic responsibilities and democratic procedure. The out- standing example in Massachusetts is the so-called, "Spring- field Plan." This is being studied and copied by many school systems. High schools are also beginning to offer training
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ANNUAL REPORT
in the distributive occupations and the general business world . in addition to the usual skilled vocations. The number of young people going into such occupations is a large per cent. of the total. A new course with these objectives in mind is necessary for proper preparation and later participation in these fields. Plainville High School made notable progress in the enlarging the service to its young people through the addition of another teacher. The educational progress is far stronger especially in the important field of the teaching of English. The organization and the supervision of the school was greatly strengthened at the same time by the additional time for this purpose in the principal's program. Mr. Turner has continued the excellent work of past years and under this new opportunity has been enabled to carry forward many school enterprises in a splendid manner. His report which follows shows tangible evidence of this fact. The pre- induction training which has been carried on extensively for a school of this size is of great importance to the high school students. I have recently received reports of the value of this work from the young men who have already gone into the armed forces and from military authorities. In some cases definite reports have been received of our pupils receiving special rating and military advancement upon entering the armed forces because of this training.
WHAT BUSINESS EXPECTS FROM THE SCHOOLS
At the recent meeting of the Bristol County Teachers' Association, Mr. James V. Toner, President of the Boston Edison Co., and who recently became a resident of Plainville, presented a stimulating address on the topic, "What Business Expects From the Schools." His speech was based on the reports which he had received from 17 of the larger business firms in New England such as General Electric Company, Lever Bros., United Shoe Machinery, several banks and rail- roads, and public utilities which in total employed over 150,000 persons. This report gave an excellent summary of the successes and failures of the schools and the responsibilities of business, the home, and the schools in increasing the efficiency of young people entering business and industrial life. I give below several quotations from this speech. These are worth careful consideration in planning our educational program.
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ANNUAL REPORT
"A complete summary of the deficiencies noted in new employees coming directly from the schools in the order of the number of times they are mentioned in the replies are:
1. Lack of interest, reflected in attitude toward job and poor attendance.
2. Lack of willingness and ability to concentrate upon the job until finished or during working hours.
3. Lack of a thorough training in the fundamentals of Arithmetic, Mathematics, English, Spelling, and inability to write legibly.
4. Lack of accuracy and thoroughness. Poor work habits.
5. Lack of a sense of responsibility, or unwillingness to assume responsibility.
6. Lack of self-discipline, and lack of respect for supervisors.
7. Belief that promotion will result without effort, and without any attempt to improve one's equip- ment or knowledge of the job.
"Some part of the responsibility for these deficiencies might fairly be chargeable to the schools, but I believe that the following quotation from one of the answers reflects the majority opinion of business: 'The most common deficiencies noted in our new employees coming directly from the schools are at the present time inaccuracy, indifference, lack of en- thusiasm and enterprise, and, unfortunately in many cases, failure to realize the importance and dignity of work. I might say that in normal times the High School graduates we hire are, on the whole, satisfactory. The above deficiencies are probably due to the present unusual economic conditions, and should not necessarily be charged to the public school'."
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ANNUAL REPORT
"The schools should be looked upon by the parents as a supplement to the home training, and not as a substitute for it. Character is a retail job, and cannot be wholesaled out to the schools. Schools cannot possibly in twenty-five hours a week take over the parents' responsibility or that of the Church. Students are impressed very strongly by the char- acter and personal habits of the instructors.
"I think on the whole the schools are doing a pretty good job now in preparing students for business. I do think most school people are too sensitive to criticism and I have observed that business is very quick to cover up its own defi- ciencies in supervision and training by 'passing the buck' to the schools.
"The first suggestion that I might make is that school and business people get to know each other better so that the one understands the problems of the other. If the two groups could have more of an opportunity to sit down to- gether as co-workers on a common problem of vital interest to both, I think each group would profit by the experience.
"Students working part time while attending school have done much to bridge the gap between the classroom and the business office. Perhaps some plan of developing further the scheme of alternating class work with actual office ex- perience would be desirable. Teachers, as well as students, would profit, I think if they could spend some time occasion- ally in a business office."
Plainville Junior-Senior High School
Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
It is with pleasure that I submit to you my fourth annual report as principal of the Plainville Junior and Senior High School.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The School Committee took a great stride forward in the progress of the Plainville Junior and Senior High School when it voted to obtain the services of an additional teacher. This enabled us to revise the program of studies of each teacher, thereby giving teachers classes in subject for which they have had specialized training. It was possible to lighten the teaching duties of the principal, giving him more time for organization and supervision. It became possible to bring the major part of our English classes under one teacher.
Each year the school conducts an annual campaign in the sale of magazine subscriptions. This event constitutes the one money-making activity of the school for the year. This year the campaign set new records on all counts. Three hundred, eighty-three magazine subscriptions were sold for a total of $1,106.75. One hundred and four salesmen sold one or more magazine subscriptions. During the campaign, Rita Renner of Grade 11 was high salesman, with a total of $84.50. After all expenses were paid a net profit of $320.30 remained. This fund is used to subsidize our motion picture program, athletics, assemblies, and other activities in which the school as a whole engage and which are not provided through other means.
Last year, the school supported a boys and girls basketball team and a boys baseball team. During the season of 1943-44 the girls played nine basketball games, the boys basketball team, fourteen games, and the baseball team, ten games. Although the girls won only one game, (North Attleboro High School Girls), they showed steady improvement in each game through the coaching of Mr. Ralph Smith, and the team this year is showing great promise. The boys after losing three games proceeded to win nine straight, reaching the semi-final of the South Shore Tournament in Brockton before they were again defeated. The baseball team won six of the ten games played.
Our program of assemblies has been greatly improved and enlarged during the past year. As far as possible the four assemblies each month have been assigned as follows: (1) talent found within the school, (2) professional talent, (3) class meetings, (4) motion pictures. The Science Classes and Music Department have conducted assemblies worthy of
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ANNUAL REPORT
much praise. The outside group has included: LaFollette, the Magician; Pitt Parker, crayon expert and philosopher; Alfonzo Pond, world adventurer and lecturer, and William Wallace, mental wizard. These programs have been well received and lend much to our school. Among the programs we have planned before June are, a liquid air demonstration, Swiss Bell Ringers, Lecture by a former teacher of High School in Japan and internee of this war.
Last year a spelling bee was conducted under the auspices of the G. & C. Merriam Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. Lists approved by the Merriam Company were studied in all English classes and an old fashioned, spelling bee was con- ducted at an assembly. Winners were awarded dictionaries by the school and a medal by the Merriam Company. The cham- pion speller was Betty Osterholm, grade ten; second prize, Marjorie Newman, grade nine; third prize, Alice Sharron, grade eleven.
Our school library, which has suffered in the past years for the lack of ample teacher supervision and suitable location, is receiving much attention this year. New bookcases have been built in the main room which will enable us to place our books within easy reach of the pupils, and where it will be warm and comfortable to use during the whole school year. The supervision of the library has been greatly aided by our new English teacher.
The Food Distribution Administration through the State Department of Education has conducted the same plan of subsidies as we used last year i. e. a type of complete meal granting a 7 cent subsidy. We have been very fortunate in being able to continue the services of Mrs. Maude Cheever, who has done a splendid job with the means placed at her disposal. We have received several commendations from the State Department on her fine work. During the Christmas vacation the School Committee undertook to redecorate our lunch room. As the work nears its completion it at last gives us a very clean, light, and suitable place for our lunches. This has been needed for many, many years.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Our school continues its splendid record in the purchase of war bonds, commenced in the fall, September, 1942. We have been able since that time to have been continuously mentioned on the Public Schools War Savings Honor Roll, as published by the Treasury Department for 90 per cent. par- ticipation during each month of the school year. Plainville Junior and Senior High School has had the enviable record of having had 100 per cent. participation each and every month month during the past year.
As the demands of our Armed Forces fall more and more upon the boys of our schools, as they approach their eighteenth birthday, it becomes the duty of the school to see that every effort is made to fully prepare these boys for the tasks that lie ahead. The Armed Forces seek to cooperate with the schools in this tremendous undertaking. They have listed the needs of the boys as follows:
1. Physical Fitness
2. Mathematical Skills
3. Knowledge of and ability to apply scientific principles
4. Basic Language Skills
5. Occupational Skills
6. Knowledge of why we fight
7. Orientation to Army Life
8. Health, sanitation, and first aid
9. Map-reading ability
In the Fall of 1942 it was decided to make Algebra I and Biology required courses in the Freshman and Sophomore year, and Red Cross First Aid a required part of Biology. This step taken at that time enabled us to do a fine job in respect to these particular needs. Wherever possible in every
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