USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1942-1950 > Part 29
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The Hope of American Education-Look, October -, 1946. One-Room School-Life, October 28, 1946.
Education for the Modern World-Atlantic, November, 1946.
I am Through with Teaching-Saturday Evening Post, November 9, 1946.
These are well worth careful reading.
The greatest acknowledgment of the value of education and at the same time the greatest challenge to education is the establishment by the United Nations of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This agency of the United Nations has the function of helping to establish peace through understanding and universal respect for justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The United Nations' constitution, itself, states that "since wars be- gin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." Scientists state that peace is the only defense against atomic bombs. The way of life is the way of peace. These objectives are the work of the new organization of the United Nations, UNESCO. How to bring about these objectives will be a long and challenging
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ANNUAL REPORT
problem. The big world problem has its local application on a small scale in every town, school, and classroom. How to live and work together co-operatively and democratically is a challenging job for every teacher and educational leader. The solution of this type of living together is essential on the country cross roads before it can be a part of the way of life between states and nations.
GOOD EDUCATION-GOOD BUSINESS
The relation of education and business has been recently surveyed by the United States Chamber of Commerce. In sev- eral countries of Europe and South America and in various states of our own country, a study showed that with good education, the living standards were high. Education can con- tribute hugely to our expanding economy by increasing the productive capacities of people so that they can earn higher wages. The only way to get more consumers is to train them into those wants and to educate them to earn enough money to fulfill those wants. The greatest natural resource of any nation is the capacity of its people to be educated. For these reasons, the Chamber of Commerce reported that they found there is more interest being shown in education by laymen today than ever before. Business is learning and learning fast that educa- tion is good investment.
SALARIES OF TEACHERS
This may seem an old story, but it has an urgent and dra- matic appeal with the newspapers and magazines full of nation- wide stories of teacher strikes and articles by former teachers on why they gave up teaching. News articles in many local as well as city newspapers are full of stories of teacher salary schedules and demands for increases. The increased cost of living has brought these demands to the fore, but with this factor, there has also been a strong emphasis on the relative value placed on the work of the school teacher in comparison with indudstrial workers and other professions. This com- parison has clearly shown that the teachers have been far underpaid. For many years the larger and wealthy towns hired only teachers with several years of experience and therefore, locally, the best of the graduates of the Colleges with teacher training were available for a small increase over the minimum salary. Now, however, due to the teacher shortage, cities and large towns are taking these graduates because we cannot compete with them at the beginning salaries which we are
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ANNUAL REPORT
paying. Unless recent increases are maintained and definitely advanced, the local ability to secure new teachers will suffer drastically. More than ever, it is now necessary to work to hold the present staff of teachers due to the rapid increase of salaries and the attractive teaching conditions in other towns. The statistical data show these facts very clearly.
Teachers' salaries are changing so rapidly in many towns that it is very difficult to give comparative data at the present time which will be accurate. From the reports filed at the State Headquarters, salary increases range from $230.00 to $800.00. The average increase in teachers' salaries has been $420.00. Salary schedules that will be somewhat permanent are being reported for January 1, 1947. The following tabula- tions are the results of two separate studies to give the general picture on a percentage basis:
Percent of Towns
Minimum Salary January 1, 1947
35%
$2,000.00 or over
20%
$1,800.00 - $1,900.00
10%
$1,700.00
35%
$1,600.00 or less
Average $1,700.00 to $1,800.00
Percent of Towns Maximum Salary January 1, 1947 State Wide Study
40%
$3,000.00 or over
20%
$2,800.00 - $2,900.00
20%
$2,600.00 - $2,700.00
10%
$2,400.00 - $2,500.00
10%
Under $2,400.00
Percent of Towns Study of Towns in Souteastern, Mass.
25%
$3,000.00 or over
20%
$2,800.00 - $2,900.00
10%
$2,600.00 - $2,700.00
35%
$2,400.00 - $2,500.00
10%
Under $2,400.00
The maximum salary in the Plainville Elementary School is $2,100.00; High School $2,200.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATE AID TO EDUCATION
At the present time, there is very widespread demand for a larger amount of state aid to local education. There is also the objective on the part of educators to equalize the quality of education offered in the larger and more wealthy places. Sev- eral formulas have been devised to give general aid and equalized aid. The Massachusetts Teachers' Federation has filed a bill for this purpose, the details of which are given be- low. The Massachusetts Taxpayers' League has filed a bill which will give greater aid to education. The Boston Teachers' Association and other groups are also filing bills. Whether these will give us greater aid in 1947 or not is uncertain, but some form of greater aid is nearly sure to be granted before long.
State aid to Plainville now is $7,500.00. This is 20% of the budget. The net cost to Plainville is approximately $30,000.00
Under the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation Plan, the first year the following aid will be given:
$8,000.00 General Aid 750.00 Special Aid on Superintendent's Salary 1,250.00 Special Aid on High School 2,500.00 Special Aid on Bus Transportation
$12,500.00
This will be 30% of the School Budget with a net cost to Plainville of approximately $27,500.00.
Under the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation Plan, the second year the following aid will be given:
$16,000.00 General Aid 750.00 Special Aid on Superintendent's Salary 1,250.00 Special Aid on High School 2,500.00 Special Aid on Bus Transportation
$20,500.00
This will be approximately 50% of the School Budget mak- ing a net expenditure of $20,000.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
SPECIAL REPORTS
Careful attention is called to the data given in the follow- ing reports on special activities or divisions of the school pro- gram. In the High School report, the outstanding record of the Senior Class this past year is a source of pride to the school staff and to the parents of the members of that class. The form of the new report card and the manner in which it was developed is especially to be commended. The enrollment problems in the Primary School are reaching serious propor- tions and creates a major problem which is being well met temporarily as outlined in this report, but will need further consideration shortly. The new work being carried on in co-operation with the Massachusetts Audubon Society should be carefully noted. Parents are urged to visit these classes which they will find most inteersting. In the Art Department, a very extensive and well prepared outline or Course of Study in Art has been prepared for the use of the teachers by Miss Spier, the Supervisor. The Health Program is proceeding very satisfactorily. Several interesting health activities are noted in these reports.
PLAINVILLE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. F. Turner Sumner, Principal
It is with great pleasure that I submit to you my sixth annual report as principal of the Plainville Junior and Senior High School.
This year the Plainville Junior and Senior High School felt directly the effects of the teacher shortage and was the victim of the largest faculty turnover in recent years. Mr. Thomas A. Morse, Mr. Alfred Doroz and Miss Betty Louison left Plainville for higher salaries elsewhere. Miss Janet Avery left to be married and Miss Mary C. Connors left to enter another vocation. Several of these resignations came well toward the end of the summer which made the securing of replacements doubly hard. By the dint of much effort and perserverance, and a large measure of good fortune, a very fine faculty was secured. The present faculty compares favor- ably with any that have served Plainville Junior and Senior High School.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The graduating class of 1946 achieved many scholastic records. Its entrants placed in the upper quarters of the Pepsi- Cola Scholarships Examinations. One member received a five hundred dollar New England Textile Association scholarship. In these most difficult times in placing students in higher institutions of learning, nine of its eighteen members are now doing well at the following institutions: Cornell, Brown, Graceland, Lowell Textile, University of Rochester, Massachu- setts State, Quincy Memorial and Sturdy Hospital.
By careful scheduling of classes it was found possible to offer typewriting to all members of the Sophomore Class re- gardless of the course of study pursued by each student. In the present machine age, this ability will be most useful re- gardless of the vocation the students may enter. In the past, typewriting has been confined to commercial students only. Also, by a re-arrangement of the schedule Miss Spier now instructs art classes in Grade 6 to 8 twice in every three weeks. This doubling of the art instruction has shown splendid results both in achievement and interest of the pupils.
During the year, a boys' and girls' basketball, boys' base- ball and boys' track team were maintained. Three heavy wrestling mats providing a 15 feet by 15 feet area were pur- chased. This makes possible wrestling and tumbling in our physical education classes. Also, during the basketball season, two of the mats are used to pad the outer edge of the stage. This protruding surface has been exceedingly dangerous and it has been our good fortune that some youth has not been seri- ously injured in years past.
Under the direction of Mr. Maurice Gouchoe a boys' bas- ketball team has been organized in the Junior High School. These boys are following a regular practice schedule and will play as many other schools as have organized similar teams. This team, if continued, will assure Plainville High School of capable teams in the future.
The annual magazine subscription campaign, which is the sole money raising event entered by the shools and the profits of which subsidize our athletics, assembly programs and other special extra-curricular activities, surpassed all former records with a total sale of $1,256.25. Eighty-seven pupils sold one or more subscriptions. Clifford Dodge of Grade 7 was the leading
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ANNUAL REPORT
salesman with a total of $122.00. Eight other pupils were awarded the Certificates of Achievement by totaling more than $30.00 in sales.
The removal of the unnecessary blackboards in Rooms 11 and 12 and replacement with bulletin board, plus the additional bulletin boards in the art room, have been a splendid help in our visual education program. Inu general, motion pictures and slides form the usual conception of visual education, but, in fact, they are only a part of the program. The skillful use of bulletin boards for display purposes is a major aspect of any well conceived visual education program. The addition of the new maps and map rack in Room 12, which now makes our map set-up uniform throughout the buildings, is another fine step in visual instruction. The use of motion pictures, slides and opaque projection continues at a most favorable pace.
Again, our school joined the American Junior Red Cross 100 per cent. The sale of Christmas Seal Pencils was well received and the supply exhausted in two days.
During the year, the supply of report cards was consumed. It was felt that before new cards were printed, the problem of reporting achievement to parents should be thoroughly studied and recommendations made. Copies of the report cards of the leading schools of the state were obtained and completely analyzed. Three committees, teachers, pupils and parents, worked diligently and made very clear their wishes. These ideas were then pooled and a final card was composed which combined the outstanding ideas of each group. The co-operative way has given us a report card of outstanding merit. Its re- ception by our school family has been most generous. The reports from other schools who have studied our new card have been most favorable.
An extensive study of the offering of the Plainville Schools in the field of Social Studies has been engaged by a committee composed of Mr. Gouchoe, Miss Crowe and Miss Wood. A complete program has been outlined and suitable texts for American History in Grades 7 and 8 and 11 have been deter- mined and purchased. It is hoped that during the coming year, this study will be completed. The field of Social Studies is the last of the major fields to be carefully examined and brought up-to-date.
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ANNUAL REPORT
With the end of the war, considerable heretofore unob- tainable and much needed Physics equipment has been added to our laboratory. We have recognized this need for several years and are very pleased to be able to obtain these items to enrich the teaching of Physics.
The school lunch is being continued with the aid of the Federal Subsidy. The new gas range which the Plainville High School Alumni Association so generously aided in purchasing has been installed. The new refrigerator, ordered by the Plainville Parent-Teachers Association, is now being given an early delivery date. These and other pieces of new equipment will enable us to serve better our pupils a most nutritious and appetizing lunch. The School Doctor and Nurse feel strongly that our lunch program has been quite instrumental in the fine health records of our students. Once again, it is evident that too much credit cannot be given Mrs. Maude Cheever, and her assistant, Mrs. Irene Lougee, for the splendid work they are doing in our lunch room.
Our plan of dividing our assembly period into four general types; (a) motion picture, (b) outside professional talent, (c) student talent and, (d) home room periods has been continued and is bringing fine results. Among the outside talent has been Irwin Williams, Leon Smith, Ernest Johnson and Charles O. Gorst.
The heating of our building becomes more of a problem each year. Not only does the situation lead to unhealthy conditions, but it is requiring more and more time and atten- tion which could be placed more profitably elsewhere. There are many other building difficulties, but once the winter sets in, heating assumes chief priority.
The faculty join with me in extending to you, Mr. Nourse, and to the School Committee, our appreciation of your efforts in obtaining the best environment possible for the task of educating the youth of Plainville.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
It is with pleasure that I submit my fourth annual report as principal of the Plainville Primary School.
On the opening day of school in September, our enrollment was as follows:
Grade 1
24 pupils
Grade 2
29 pupils
Grade 3
22 pupils
Grade 4
32 pupils
Grade 5
25 pupils
132
The total of 132 pupils is an increase of twenty over our enrollment the previous year. At the close of school in Decem- ber, we had 134 children enrolled in the five grades.
Because of the large numbers in the third and fourth, and fourth and fifth grade rooms, the School Committee very con- siderately appointed an assistant or "helping" teacher. Mrs. Austin Grant, a former teacher in the Plainville schools was engaged to fill this position. She is doing an excellent job, and her assistance is most valuable to Mrs. Donoghue and to me. Mrs. Grant teaches reading and arithmetic two hours each morning. Her schedule is so conducted as to allow the same time for approximately half the class that formerly suf- ficed for the entire grade. The following schedule provides four hours a week in Grades 3 and 4, and six hours a week with the larger group, Grades 4 and 5.
Monday, Tuesday: 9:25 - 10:25; 10:45 - 11:45, Grades 3 and 4. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:25 - 10:25; 10:45 - 11:45, Grades 4 and 5.
Through the generosity of the Parent-Teachers' Associa- tion and the School Committee, a course in Conservation and Nature Lore was introduced in the fourth and fifth grades.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Mary Louise James from the Massachusetts Audubon Society presents a lesson on alternate Tuesdays at 1:00 P. M. So far, these lessons have dealt with "The Three Kingdoms" (animal, vegetable, and mineral), "The Mighty Weavers" (habits of spiders), "Fun With the Birds" and "Be Weather- Wise" (signs to help forecast the weather), "Seeds," and the "Earth's Neighbors." These classes include informal discus- sion groups, visual aids such as blackboard drawings, charts, living or mounted specimens, still or motion pictures, and out- door excursions.
Our financial activities were carried on as usual. In the Spring, we again sold seeds from the Hygrade Seed Company. Money from the sale of these seeds helps to swell our school fund, and provides many little extras for the pupils.
The boys and girls contributed to the Junior Red Cross with some rooms having a membership of 100%.
Pencils provided by the Tuberculosis League were once more available, and our entire allotment was sold almost im- mediately.
It seemed advisable to continue some form of weekly savings for the children, as Thrift is such a necessary part of their education. Accordingly, we have kept on with our weekly sales of Victory Stamps. From January 1, 1946 to December 31, 1946, these sales amounted to $865.15.
During the year, we have had several programs of various kinds. We were entertained by Mr. Leon Smith and his trained animal act, and Mr. Johnson, who sang Negro songs.
Mr. Ralph Hawkins of the Registry of Motor Vehicles again showed moving pictures about Safety.
We had movies in the classroom about twice a month, and each grade took turns in planning and presenting simple monthly programs.
Since my last report, we have given two assembly pro- grams for the public. Our Memorial Day program was excep- tionally well attended, and we were privileged to have several veterans of World War I and World War II as our guests.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A Christmas assembly was held the week before Christ- mas, which was also very well attended. This was most en- couraging for we hope to make it an annual event.
We observed National Education Week with Open House, during which time parents were free to visit any classes they wished to observe. We also sponsored a tea which provided a pleasant and profitable social hour after lessons were over.
Our teachers this year are to be commened for the fine work they are doing, and they join me in thanking you, Mr. Nourse, and the members of the School Committee for the interest and untiring efforts on the behalf of the pupils and the teaching staff.
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
"Lives of children are made pleasant, satisfying and pur- poseful when they create and build. It must be remembered that children of today are builders of tomorrow, and that our American heritage will be enriched by their music, their architecture, and their painting. We live in a democracy which is growing and developing. The future of our country de- pends upon the creative powers of all. Students need and desire opportunities to develop their powers of creative think- ing. A vital contribution is made to every child by the arts. The builders of tomorrow must be creative if they are to cope with the problems of a changing world." Youldon C. Howell.
The art program of the past year has endeavored to teach art principles, to encourage creative power, and to give enjoy- ment and satisfaction to the pupils.
In the grades, directed observation and creative expression lessons in design, representation and illustration have been given. Some of the teachers had their pupils make murals to correlate with other school work. The media used in the lower grades has been mostly crayons, some easel paint, finger paint and plastercine. The upper grades have had watercolors in addition to these.
ANNUAL REPORT 81
In the high school, the freehand classes have had color study, its harmonies and application; flower study in pencil, crayon, pastel and watercolor; lettering; object drawing in various media; figure drawing; fashion design; freebrush design-borders, balance and surface patterns; posters; block printed P.T.A. covers; and stencilled school report covers.
The mechanical drawing class has continued the study of orthographic, cabinet and isometric drawing and surface de- veloping.
The results of the annual poster contest for the Massachu- setts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals con- ducted in our schools is as follows:
The High School (winning five prizes, out of seven posters entered): 1st Prize-George Bucklin, Robert Hemmingsen and Patricia Davis; 2nd Prize-Wililam Nowick and Arline Davis.
Junior High School: 1st Prize-Joan Rudlow; 2nd Prize- Gail Avery; Honorable Mention-June Crotty and Jean Mc- Quade.
Primary Building: 1st Prize-Ina Peck; 2nd Prize- Rodger Morse and Paul Moody; Honorable Mention-Bradford Youngdahl.
The first prize was a gold medal; the second, a silver medal; and the honorable mention, a year's subscription to the Society's magazine, Our Dumb Animals.
My sincere and grateful thanks to the Superintendent, the principals and the teachers who have been so helpful and co-operative during the past year.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. John T. Cotter
The following is my report as School Physician in Plain- ville.
6
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ANNUAL REPORT
The annual physical examination of the students attending the Plainville schools has been completed.
In general the health of the students is good. There is still need of considerable dental work in the students, espe- cially in the grammar school grades. Improvement was noted in the high school students.
All students with suggestively diseased tonsils were noted and parents notified.
One new heart case was observed. The students who had previously been observed as heart cases were either improved or unchanged.
In the interest of the students, I wish to recommend that the heating systems of the school be checked. On two occa- sions last winter on cold days, I was in the primary building examining children and felt that there might be coal gas present in the room. If this matter has not been investigated recently, I feel that it should be.
The diphtheria prevention clinic will be held in the early Spring of 1947, as will the annual pre-school examination of children who are to enter school in September 1947.
At this time, I wish to thank Mrs. Weir, the School Nurse, for her able assistance to me in carrying out the examinations.
SCHOOL NURSE
Ruth W. Wier, R.N.
In May, the pre-school clinic for children entering the first grade was held.
The annual physical examination of all the students in school has been completed.
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ANNUAL REPORT
All students were given the hearing and eye tests. Notices to parents of the defects have been sent and corrections are being made.
In March the entire high school, teachers and other per- sonnel, were X-rayed. We are happy to report that all were negative. This speaks well for our community.
This Fall, informal talks on Personal Hygiene were given to the girls of the Senior High School.
At present, plans are being made to hold Diphtheria Clinic in March.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the help and co-operation given me by Dr. Cotter, Mr. Nourse, Mr. Turner, and my predecessor, Mrs. Maddocks.
CLOSING
The challenge of better schools and of education as a problem of major importance has been well met by the Plain- ville School Committee. It has been pleasant to work under these conditions.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE, Superintendent
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
EXERCISES, JUNE 19, 1946
Processional Seniors
Invocation-The Lord's Prayer
Chanted by the Glee Club
Salute to the Flag
Audience
America (1st and 4th verses)
Audience
Salutatory-"The Importance of Education in the Post-War World" Madeline Barbara Onopriychuk
High School Glee Club- "Finlandia" "I'll See You Again"
Jean Sibelius
Noel Coward
Valedictory-"Right is Might"
Betty Virginia Osterholm
Presentation of Class Gift
Carl Vincent Milton Benander
Vice President of Class of 1946
Presentation of Plainville High School Alumni Award Miss Mildred Voyer President of Plainville High School Alumni Association
Presentation of Awards to Graduating Class Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
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