USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1942-1950 > Part 24
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55
ANNUAL REPORT
2. Exercises planned for a wide range of pupil interest and abilities.
3. Lessons built on pupils' natural experiences.
4. An excellent testing program.
5. More material for both oral, written and supple- mentary use was presented in these books.
You, as a school committee, have given approval for the adoption of this series. The books are now in use and a careful check-up of the results will be made this year. The members of this committee of teachers deserve much credit for a careful study of the problem. The Plainville members of this joint committee were:
Beatrice H. Wood
Dorothy M. Cleary
F. Sumner Turner
Pupil Accounting
The Pupil Accounting Plan has been in operation for ten years. In some of the past reports references and some description of this plan have been given. It has been somewhat unique and outstanding in an effort to gather all possible data about the progress of each pupil which might be used as a basis of pupil guidance. It has not functioned as fully as desired due to the lack of personnel to carry on the system as it is done in some larger school departments. At the present time this topic is being given further consideration with a plan for revision of the original set-up to increase its effectiveness and operation for both pupils and teachers. A part of this general problem is the form of the report to parents concerning pupil progress. The teachers in both Norton and Plainville high schools have been studying and analyzing the report cards used in many other towns in this state. I have called a joint meeting of these two groups for further con- sideration of the subject. All of these efforts are directed at making the report of pupil progress valid and as helpful as possible to the parent. No form of pupil records or of pupil report cards can take the place of teacher and parent con- ferences in mutually friendly, helpful, and cooperative under- standing.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The New England School Development Council
During the past Summer I spent three days at conferences at Harvard University with a group of Superintendents from all of the New England States who had been invited for the consideration of the study of school problems. These discus- sions resulted in an organization of the New England School Development Council. It is the basic purpose of this Council to forward significant improvements in public education through broadly based cooperative participation in educational planning.
The Council will work through committees which will determine the school problems for study and report to the Superintendents and towns cooperating with this organization. Study committees of teachers, school executives, school com- mittee members, and interested citizens will cooperate in these studies of ways and means of improving the work of the public schools. Since the basis of democratic growth is appreciation and understanding of problems by the community as a whole, the representatives of the Council will seek every means possible to interest the general public in its support of local education and to locate and develop potential leaders who will have the capacity to recognize and appraise good school policy and practices, as well as to participate in their develop- ment. This community leadership and active participation will be represented in as many committees as possible. This organ- ization is a forward looking step in educational development.
Harvard Report
During the past year there was issued by the Harvard faculty the committee report on General Education in a Free Society. This report analyzes the present status of educa- tion on the high school as well as the college level. It has made many excellent recommendations which will be of exceptional influence in both high school and college education for some time. The dangers from extreme specialization and technical education are stressed. It urges full, well rounded, basic education for all citizens. This report stresses "educa- tion for an informed responsible life in our society, and to give the acquisition of common standards and common pur- poses."
The following reports from the High School Principal, the Primary School Principal, the Art Supervisor, the School
1
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Physician and the School Nurse, give important data on the Plainville Schools in 1945. The earnest efforts of all members of the school staff is gratefully recorded.
PLAINVILLE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
It is with pleasure that I submit to you my fifth annual report as principal of the Plainville Junior and Senior High School. (Excerpts.)
The consolidation of the English classes under one teacher has begun to show commendable results. This fall, after considerable study, a new basic English text extending from grade three to grade twelve, was adopted. We look forward to being able to equip our students with basic English that will stand them in good stead wherever they may go.
The Glee Club, under the competent leadership of Miss Priscilla Pinel, grew in favor with the student body. Practically fifty per cent. of the student body was actively engaged in musical endeavors. The Glee Club renditions at graduation were most outstanding. This good work is being continued by Miss Dorothy Cleary. Almost two-thirds of the student body are now enrolled in the Glee Club. A very fine Christmas musical concert was given before the Plainville Parent- Teacher Association.
Last year, the school supported a boys' and girls' basket- ball team and a boys' baseball team. The girls' basketball team, under the coaching of Mr. Smith, achieved outstanding success, winning six of its eleven games. During the season they defeated North Attleboro and Medfield girls twice, and Westwood and Wrentham girls once, and lost to Attleboro and Foxboro.
This fall, under the leadership of Mr. Thomas A. Morse, a cross country team was organized. The team placed in the Massachusetts Headmasters Cross Country Meet, held at
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Franklin Field, Boston. It placed third, in a field of nine schools, in the South Shore Annual Cross Country Meet held at Brockton. This sport is ideal for a small school in the fall season and I feel certain the Plainville High boys will bring further laurels to the school.
Wishing to make use of the outstanding abilities of Mr. Thomas A. Morse, the physical education program has been extended to the boys of grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Included in the regular physical program will be basketball, boxing, and wrestling. It is hoped that next year suitable leadership will be found to extend to the girls of grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, a program of physical education.
Classes in physical hygiene for boys in grades 9 to 12 were organized. This course parallels the course given to the girls last year. There is a great need of this instruction, and these courses should be offered each year to both sexes.
The program of assemblies organized last year has been continued with increasing success. Supplementing the pupils' own endeavors have been many outstanding personalities. Among them have been Elliot James, liquid air demonstrator; Edith Marshall Clarke Duo, Swiss bell ringers; Charles Copp, former teacher in Japan; A. B. Keeler, Mexican Explorer; and Jessie Rae Taylor, Personality Portraits.
The sale of magazine subscriptions was continued with success as our one money-making activity for the year. Clifford Dodge of grade six was the outstanding salesman with a total of $49.00.
Our visual aid program goes forward under the direction of Mr. Alfred Dorosz. Over one hundred different motion picture reels and sets of slides have been shown. Almost every class from grade 1 to grade 12 have been recipients of this program.
The annual spelling bee under the auspices of the G. & C. Merriam Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was won by Alice Sharron, Grade 12; Second, Carl Benander, Grade 11, and Third, Louis Pollock, Grade 10.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The school lunch is being continued on the same basis of Federal Subsidy as last year. With the rise in prices of food it requires greater skill and organization to maintain the same dietary values at the same prices. So far, we have been able to accomplish this ideal. Too great credit cannot be given Mrs. Maude Cheever for the splendid work she is doing in our lunch room.
Since the beginning of public schools in 1635, the education of our youth has been considered a problem of the state and the concern of every individual within that state. Our phil- osophy of education has been to grant to every boy and girl an equal opportunity to be of greatest service to his fellow man and of greatest pleasure to himself. We can equalize the opportunities afforded within the town, but, in that our boys and girls will go beyond the town limits for their future livelihood, we must be prepared to see that our boys and girls have equal opportunities with the boys and girls elsewhere. I am convinced that, in many phases of education, our students are given far better training than that generally granted else- where. This is particularly true of the work dependent on personnel and day-to-day supplies and equipment. However, much of this good work is lost or greatly hampered by the arrangement and deplorable conditions of our buildings.
The faculty of Plainville Junior and Senior High School wish me to extend to you, Mr. Nourse, and to the School Committee their appreciation of your untiring efforts to create the most favorable environment possible for "pupil-teacher relationships" which is the true basis for education within a democracy.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
It is with pleasure that I submit my third annual report as principal of the Plainville Primary School.
60
ANNUAL REPORT
Our enrollment on the opening day of school, September 5, was as follows:
Grade 1
24 pupils
Grade 2
21 pupils
Grade 3
29 pupils
Grade 4
25 pupils
Grade 5
13 pupils
Total
112 pupils
At the present time, our enrollment is 118 pupils, which is the largest number we have had in some time.
During the period from January 1, 1945 to December 31, 1945, the pupils and teachers of the Primary School purchased War Savings Stamps and Bonds totaling $1,878.20. This seems quite an impressive record for primary pupils. Although the monthly totals have lessened somewhat since the end of the war, the majority of the pupils continue their purchase of the stamps each Friday.
The pupils also contributed generously in the Junior Red Cross drive, some of the rooms attaining a membership of 100%.
The pencils which are usually sold to benefit the Tuber- culosis fund were not available this year, but the boys and girls bought instead the small red crosses which are the symbol of the Tuberculosis League.
In the late winter, our annual sale of garden seeds was conducted. The Primary School pupils are the only ones who sell these really excellent seed packets, and quite a size- able sum is realized each year for our school treasury.
We have again enjoyed the nourishing lunches served in our school lunchroom. Mrs. Cheever deserves much credit, particularly for her patience with the children.
The upper grade pupils have shown considerable interest in reading more library books since the awarding of State Reading Certificates was started. Many of them have received the smaller certificates, given to those who have read five books on the State Reading List.
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ANNUAL REPORT
During the year we have had several assembly periods. Two of these were of special significance. One, out of respect to the late President Roosevelt, was held together with the Junior High and High Schools. The other, a V-E Day program, planned for far in advance, was held for the Primary School pupils.
We were also privileged to have several special programs. These included a Chalk Talk, a Magician, and a Lecture about Mexico, illustrated with colored moving pictures.
Mr. Hawkins of the Department of Public Safety spoke to the children about Safety, and showed movies relating to his topic.
Since school opened in September, we have held monthly assemblies with the grades taking turns in presenting the programs. In December the entire school gathered to sing Christmas carols and enjoy a Christmas play. These assem- blies are usually held on the last Wednesday of the month, and are open to all who care to visit.
We observed National Education Week by holding Open House. Many parents attended the tea held in conjunction with the observance of the 25th anniversary of Education Week.
In conclusion, may I express my sincere thanks for the interest and cooperation shown by Mr. Nourse, and the mem- bers of the School Committee.
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
"Art tends toward balance, order, judgment or relative values, the laws of growth, the economy of living-very good things for anyone to be interested in"-Robert Henri.
They certainly are good things in which to be interested. It is my aim to continue the excellent work of my esteemed
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ANNUAL REPORT
predecessor by encouraging each and every pupil in our schools to build a broader art vocabulary, to learn the simple laws and principles of design and to express himself creatively and freely so that the enjoyment and appreciation of art will make his life richer and more meaningful.
The freehand high school classes have drawn flowers in pastel and crayon; delved into color theory, its hue, value, in- tensity and harmony; applied color harmonies to creative mod- ernistic, floral or animal compositions; studied figure drawing; designed and executed central balance designs for tea tiles; and designed, cut and printed linoleum blocks. William Nowick did the block printed covers for the P.T.A. year books.
The mechanical drawing classes have new drawing board, T squares and triangles which should be an incentive for doing better and more serious work. The beginning class has had a good deal of lettering and is now attaining skill with the use of the drafting equipment. The advanced students are reviewing orthographic drawing as a preliminary to machine drafting.
In the grades and junior high school, outlines have been planned every month. Directed observation and creative ex- pression have been stressed in the illustration, design and con- struction work. Figure drawing, trees, houses, lettering, meas- uring, color, borders showing repetition and alternation, axial and central balance design, special day porjects and picture study are some of the subject matter which has been covered.
All the grades from the fourth up through the high school are to enter the annual poster contest of the Massachusetts So- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The winners of these awards during the past year were:
George Bucklin, First Prize Jacqueline Crowell, Second Prize Clifford Dodge, Honorable Mention
My sincere thanks to the Superintendent of Schools, the High School Principal and the Teachers for their splendid co- operation and friendliness.
63
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. John T. Cotter
The following is the report on the examination of the stu- dents of the Plainville, Massachusetts, Schools for the years 1945-1946.
The annual examination of the students of the Plainville Schools is being conducted at the present time. The health of the students, in general, is good. No student has been barred from athletics, and all students participating have been ex- amined.
In the Spring of 1945, the routine pre-school examination was held.
A Diphtheria prevention clinic was also held in the Spring and fourteen children were immunized.
It is planned to repeat these clinics next Spring.
SCHOOL NURSE
Isabel M. Maddocks, R.N.
Fourteen children were present at the clinic for preven- tion of Diphtheria starting in March. Three innoculations are given at intervals of three weeks. This clinic helps to keep the immunity of the town at a high level.
In June, eighteen children were examined at the pre- school clinic. By finding conditions at this time needing atten- tion, they can be corrected during summer months.
The annual tests for defective eye-sight have been com- pleted. Notices recommending attention to this defect were sent to parents, and many corrections have been made.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Although colds have been prevalent this fall, the coopera- tion of the teachers and the parents have helped keep the at- tendance high. Weekly conferences with the teachers, and ex- aminations of the pupils are held, and the cause of many ab- sences determined.
Closing
To the School Committee:
During the war years unusual and difficult problems have been presented to you. Your interest and attention to these and to the present post-war needs of the schools is sincerely ap- preciated.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE,
Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT 65
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
EXERCISES, JUNE 21, 1945
PROGRAM
Processional Seniors
Invocation-The Lord's Prayer
Chanted by Grade Eight
Salute to the Flag Audience America Audience
Salutatory-"Opportunities in the GI Bill of Rights"
Teresa Veronica Vine
High School Glee Club- "Roses of the South" Johann Strauss
Valedictory-"Problems of Post-War Germany"
Alice Sharron
Presentation of Class Gift Teresa Veronica Vine President of Class of 1945
Presentation of Plainville High School Alumni Award Mrs. Theodore A. Wickman President of the P.H.S. Alumni Association
Presentation of Awards to Graduating Class Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
High School Glee Club- "Stouthearted Men" "Peace of the River"
Sigmund Romberg Viola Wood
Address-"Wisdom and Emotion" Mr. F. Alenxander Magoun Professor of Humanics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Diplomas presented by Mr. Sidney A. Maddocks Secretary of the School Committee
Vocal Solo-"Now the Day Is Over" Joseph Barnby Geraldine DesJardins, Class of 1948
Star Spangled Banner Audience
Benediction
Reverend Paul Kurtz
Recessional
Seniors
5
66
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Teresa Veronica Vine Alden Eugene Rammel Leona Emelda Malo Margaret Mary Perreault
CLASS ROLL COLLEGE PREPARATORY CLASS
Vivian Marie Brin 4, 5
Ann Marilyn Proal
Frank Edward Mielauskas 3 Elizabeth Howe Sweeting Mildred Arlene Walron
COMMERCIAL COURSE
Leona Emelda Malo Alice M. Sharron 1, 7
Teresa Veronica Vine 2
GENERAL COURSE
Walter Lee Coleman
Charles Edwin Harris
Raymond Everett Crowell Barbara Holly Oldham
David Buell Dickinson Margaret Mary Perreault
Alden Eugene Rammel 6 Malcolm Keith Grant (Class of 1944)
1. Valedictorian
2. Salutatorian
3. Awarded Vernon W. Young Award
4. Awarded Plainville High School Alumni Award
5. D.A.R. Good Citizenship Pilgrim
6. Awarded Class of 1927 Cup
7. Awarded Washington Franklin Medal 1944
CLASS MOTTO
"Education, the Foundation for Lasting Peace" CLASS COLORS CLASS FLOWER Red Rose
Blue and White
FACULTY Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal Aeronautics and Guidance Mr. Ralph S. Smith, Assistant Principal English and History
67
ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Janet P. Avery Commercial Mrs. Esther C. Smith Foreign Languages and English Miss Priscilla Pinel Mathematics and Science Miss Dorothy Schrader Mathematics and Science
Miss Dorothy M. Cleary English Miss Estelle W. Cotton Social Sciences
Mrs. Rowena B. Rice Art
STATISTICS
Extracts from the School Census of October 1945
Males
Females
Total
Pupils between 5 and 7
21
22
43
Pupils between 7 and 16
91
101
192
112
123
235
Sight and Hearing Ttests
Number of pupils examined
248
Number of pupils found defective in eyesight
13
Number of pupils defective in hearing
8
Number of notices sent to parents
21
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued
5
Number of educational certificates issued
59
Average number of days the Elementary Schools were in session
175
Number of days the High School was in session
181
Perfect Attendance for the School Year 1944-1945
High School-Mildred Franklin, Arlene Waldron, Frances Voyer.
Grade 7-Raymond Fulton, David Gaulin.
Grade 5-Bruce Hayes.
Grade 4-Leslie Negus.
ATTENDANCE TABLE FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1945
Aggregate
Attendance
Average
Daily
Attendance
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Per Cent. of
Attendance
Number of
Tardy Marks
Number of Dismissals
High School
10,768
59.48
63
61.59
96.52
284
66
Grade 8
4,105
22.79
25
23.12
96.01
17
9
Grade 7
2,730
15.08
16
16.12
93.56
22
12
Grade 6
3,783
20.90
22
22.04
94.81
44
15
Grades 4 and 5
5,130
29.39
33
31.42
93.57
10
19
Grade 3
3,808.5
21.83
25
23.21
94.05
25
10
Grade 2
4,373.5
25.06
25
26.37
95.03
35
13
Grade 1
4,117
23.59
26
27.10
87.05
43
6
Total
38,815
218.12
235
230.97
95.07
480
150
LIST OF TEACHERS - JANUARY 1, 1946
School
Name
Where Educated
Date of Appt.
Junior-Senior High School
F. Sumner Turner, Principal
Dartmouth, A.B .; Harvard, Ed.M. 1941
Thomas A. Morse
Boston University, B.S. in Ed. 1945
Betty R. Louison
Janet P. Avery
Pembroke College, A.B .; Boston University, A.M. 1945 Boston University, B.S. 1944
Mary J. Connors
Boston University, B.S. in Ed. 1945
Beatrice M. Thibeau
Washington State Normal School 1945
Alfred M. Dorosz
Bridgewater State Teachers, B.S. in Ed. 1945
Dorothy M. Cleary
Middlebury College, A.B. 1944
Primary4 & 5
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
Framingham State Teachers College 1930
Primary 3 Dorothy H. Lee
Primary 2 Marion R. Welch
Primary 1 Elizabeth J. Snow
Drawing Louise B. Spier
Teacher in Military Service:
Sgt. Donald W. Read
North Adams State Teachers, B.S. in Ed. 1942
Perry Kindergarten Normal School 1943
Bridgewater State Teachers College 1945
Massachusetts School of Art 1945
Det. 122nd Airways Comm. Sq. 1941
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1945
GIRLS
Ages
5
6
7
8
3
9
10
11
12
13
14 15
16
17
18
Total
Grade 1
1
14
15
Grade 2
5
9
1
15
Grade 3
6
6
1
1
14
Grade 4
5
7
1
13
Grade 5
1
5
1
7
Grade 6
1
4
3
8
Grade 7
1
7
2
1
11
Grade 8
4
4
8
High School
First Year
3
6
2
2
13
Second Year
1
5
1
7
Third Year
2
1
3
Fourth Year
4
5
1
10
Total
1 19
15
12
9
8
5
11
9
12
9
7
5
2
124
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1945 BOYS
Ages
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 15
16
17
18
Total
Grade 1
2
9
1
7
Grade 2
4
3
16
Grade 3
9
5
2
12
Grade 4
2
8
2
8
Grade 5
2
6
1
2
1
Grade 6
4
6
1
1
Grade 7
1
2
3
1
7
Grade 8
High School
1
5
1
7
First Year
1
2
3
3
1
10
Second Year
2
3
2
7
Third Year
5
3
8
Fourth Year
Total
2
13
13
7
15
5
12
8
7
9
8
13
6
118
5
1
2
12
12
12
72
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1945
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit to you my report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for the year ending December 31, 1945.
Not Sealing
Scales:
Adjd. Sealed Sealed Fee
Total
Platform over 10,000 lbs.
1
$2.00
$ 2.00
Platform, 100-5,000 1bs
4
.50
2.00
Counter under 100 lbs.
4
.10
.40
Spring over 100 1bs.
1
.50
.50
Spring under 100 1bs.
1
9
.10
.90
Computing under 100
6
.10
.60
Personal Weighing
2
.50
1.00
Weights:
Avoirdupios
5 33
.03
.99
Capacity Measures:
Liquid under 1 gal.
8
.03
.24
Automatic Measuring Devices:
Gasoline Tank Meters
23
1 .50
11.50
Tank Truck Meters
1
2
1.00
2.00
Oil Measuring Pumps
1
.10
.10
Grease Measuring Pumps
8
.10
.80
Totals
7 102
1
$23.03
Reweighing of Commodities Put Up For Sale
Bean 2; Bread 15; Butter 9; Flour 5; Lard 7; Potatoes 5, Coal 1.
Cash Paid to Town Treasurer
$23.03
Appropriation
$75.00
Salary
$50.00
Transportation and Supplies
25.00
75.00
Respectfully submitted,
ADRIAN G. WHEELER,
Sealer
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73
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen, Town of Plainville Plainville, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Water Commissioners for the year ending December 31, 1945.
One new service was installed.
Two old services renewed.
Hydant at West Bacon and Walnut broken off by some un- known person.
One service shut off.
Amount collected and paid Treasurer
$4,673.49
Collected from water rates
$4,629.34
Collected for supplies 44.45
$4,673.79
Amount due and unpaid $1,898.79
Amount appropriated for 1945 $3,500.00
Total amount expended: $3,500.00
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY B. THOMPSON, Chairman R. D. BERKLEY F. V. HENRICH
Board of Water Commissioners
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen:
The management of the Library has been the same as in the previous year with the same officers in charge. Due to conditions it has been necessary to use some assistants for li- brarian duties, but the work has been handled nicely by the substitutes.
A fuel shortage caused a bit of discomfort last fall but has been remedied. The condition still exists however, wherein only one room is heated; so for the winter months all work is confined to one room. We are still without toilet facilities and the building is still minus panes of glass in some of the rooms.
We have had several gifts of books and have purchased our usual quota, discarding worn and obsolete books. We have given some unused books to the hospitals and army camps.
The circulation has remained about the same as in pre- vious years. The State Reading Certificates are an incentive for the school children and many younger pre-school age have been interested in their age books under the care of their par- ents. Many adult readers are again finding time to read as a rest from their war-time labors.
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