USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1942-1950 > Part 46
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A course in Driver Education has been approved by the Superintendent and the School Committee and will be offered to as many students of legal age as possible by the end of the present school year. In many communities, this course is also offered to adults in the community as part of the adult education program. It is a service which might well be pro- vided at some future time here in Plainville.
The music program has been increased in scope with the hope that music will have a greater part in our curriculum and thus a wider influence among the student body. Under the direction of Mr. Gillespie, the Glee Club has appeared before the public frequently. Members of the Glee Club were given the opportunity to attend a Gilbert and Sullivan opera in Boston. Considerable progress has been made towards en- larging the music program even though instruction is provided on only one day each week. We should attempt to provide more school time for music education in order to make it pos- sible for the youth of Plainville to develop an appreciation for music. Music appreciation is an art one can enjoy throughout his life.
We are fortunate in Plainville that sufficient funds are made available for the purchase of new text books and supplies in order that we may keep abreast of the many changes in the various scientific, social, economic, and politcal fields, as well as in the improved teaching methods of known value. New texts have been added in the following departments: Latin, French, Economic Geograhy, and Junior High Mathe- matics, and Social Studies. The Chemistry Department was supplied with much needed materials and supplies. The in- stallation of a new gas line into the building has provided sufficient gas pressure to operate the required number of Bunsen burners by this year's large Chemistry class.
The movie projector purchased in December, 1948, has
55
ANNUAL REPORT
been widely used for class room instruction, assemblies, and entertainment. Each week members of the Junior High Social Studies classes present a "World News Broadcast" to their class by means of the microphone and loud speaker.
The baseball and girls' and boys' basketball teams en- joyed very successful seasons. The new Mayflower Basket- ball League which we joined proved successful and popular. Our relationship with other team members has been most pleasant. This fall, under the impetus and direction of Mr. MacDonald, the high school boys were introduced to six-man touch football. It is highly possible that this sport may well provide the fall sport for the boys. The girls have been intro- duced to field hockey by their instructor, Miss Rood. Bas- ketball practice for Junior High boys has been held whenever the gym has been available and several games have or will be scheduled with nearby schools. Our Physical Education program is greatly handicapped by the heavy classroom sched- ule demanded of the two instructors. The most desirable pro- gram of health and physical education requires full time in- structors and in the small school this is not often found. Here again is an item for the future.
The school lunch room was completely redecorated and furnished with curtains. A program has been started to re- place the old dishes with new plastic dishes of uniform size. It is hoped that by the end of this school year this replace- ment program can be completed. This past year an average of 175 students and teachers has been served daily in the lunchroom under the direction of Mrs. Maude Cheever. This low cost service is made possible with the aid of Federal Sub- sidy. On December 21, a full course Turkey dinner was pre- pared and served to 303 students, teachers, and guests by the lunchroom staff assisted by several members of the Parent- Teacher Association.
The Open House Night held during National Education Week in co-operation with the Parent-Teacher Association proved of considerable interest to the parents and friends who visited the schools that evening. The large attendance was very rewarding to the members of the faculty and students who made this type of program possible. It is believed that the greater the interest in our schools from parents and citi- zens, the better schools we will have in Plainville.
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ANNUAL REPORT
During the year a student committee has met at various intervals to discuss and render decisions on various school problems. It is hoped that the student interest in this method of student government will soon be solidified into a Student Council whose purpose would be to: 1. Provide training in leadership; 2. Promote a closer student-faculty relationship: 3. Practice the democratic processes by initiating, discussing and taking action upon various school problems; 4. and act as the source of energy, as well as the controlling unit. for school morale.
The annual magazine campaign again proved a very profit- able method of providing funds for athletics, assembly pro- grams, and other special extra-curricular activities.
To a very friendly and co-operative faculty, to Mr. Nourse, and to members of the School Committee, I wish to extend my sincere thanks for the opportunity to have served with you on this important task of attempting to provide the best possible education for Plainville's youth.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
School opened with an increased enrollment, distributed as follows:
Grade I
38
Grade II
39
Grade III
26
Grade IV
25
Grade V
25
Total
153
Our enrollment at the present time is 163. As was the case last year, the first grade is again especially large, and indications are that we can expect overcrowded beginning classes for some time.
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Drusilla Lyford was added to the staff of the Primary School upon the resignation of Miss Barbara Allen. Miss Kathleen Joyce became the teacher of Grade 1 in September following the resignation of Miss Elizabeth Snow.
The financial activities of the Primary School continued as usual. The pupils contributed to the annual Junior Red Cross drive, achieving the 100 per cent membership we have had for several years. Present plans call for Grades 4 and 5 to make favors for the trays of patients in the various hospitals-this work to be carried out in the art classes under the direction of Miss Spier.
Our entire quota of pencils to aid the Tuberculosis fund was sold, and another box was received to be distributed later on.
In the early spring the sale of seeds was successfully completed. The sale of these seeds is limited to the Primary School, and as usual quite a sum was added to our treasury.
We have had several assemblies, usually in the form of motion pictures which are used as teaching aids. Also, Mr. Hawkins of the Registry of Motor Vehicles paid us his annual visit. In addition to his talk he gave the children copies of safety rules, and Safety Pledge cards were given to those children who own bicycles.
This year a portable electric record player was put into use, and several albums of records were purchased for use in all classrooms.
Our programs for the public consisted of a Play Day which was directed by the third grade teacher, Miss Allen. This program was made up of singing and action games, folk dances, drills, and marching, and was a culmination of the ac- tivities conducted in each classroom during the year.
On Memorial Day, our exercises were again combined with those of the Junior and Senior High Schools. This unified program was well attended, and were we pleased to have members of the local Legion post and auxiliary as guests.
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Our National Education Week activities were a little dif- ferent than usual this year. We held Open House during the week, but on Wednesday evening the parents visited the classrooms and listened to brief talks and explanations by the teachers on various phases of the work that is carried on.
The Christmas operetta was omitted this year, due to the fact that the basketball equipment partly obscured the view of the stage. In its place presented a Thanksgiving pro- gram which featured an operetta "Thirty Minutes With the Pilgrims." Once again, Mrs. Washburn, our music supervisor, gave generously of her time, in order to make the program a success.
The course in Nature Lore, supervised by the Massachu- setts Audubon Society, was carried on in Grade 5. This course consists of nature talks, informal discussions, visual aids, and field trips.
This fall the revised editions of our Modern School Arith- metic books were put into use in Grades 3, 4 and 5. This edition has a simplified vocabulary, and the material is pre- sented in an interesting way. More important, the problems are within the child's interest and knowledge.
During the year I have continued the practice of visiting the classrooms to observe teaching procedures and results. Quite a varied testing program has also been carried on throughout the school. This included achievement, intelli- gence, and reading readiness tests in the different grades.
Again, Mrs. Cheever is to be commended for her work in the lunchroom-not only for the nutritious lunches she serves, but also for her good nature and patience with the children.
I should like to express my gratitude to the Primary School teachers for their willingness and co-operation. They join me in thanking Mr. Nourse and the members of the School Committee for their interest and efforts in behalf of both pupils and teachers.
59
ANNUAL REPORT
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
I herewith submit my fifth annual report. I cannot re- frain from repeating the Art Education Creed which was pre- sented by the Committee on Policy and Research to the Na- tional Art Education Association this year and which so ade- quately expresses my beliefs :-
"The National Art Education Association believes the Art experiences are essential to the fullest development of all people at all levels of growth because they promote self- realization of the whole individual by integrating his imagina- tive, creative, intellectual, emotional and manual capacities and social maturity and responsibility through cultivating a deep- ened understanding of the problems, ideals, and goals of other individuals and social groups.
"Art is especially well suited to such growth because it: Encourages freedom of expression, emphasizes emotional and . spiritual values, integrates all human capacities, and univer- salizes human expression.
"Art Instruction should encourage: Exploration and ex- perimentation in many media. Sharpened perception of es- thetic qualities, increased art knowledge and skills, and the creative experience in significant activities, and the realiza- tion that art has its roots in everyday experience.
"Art classes should be taught with full recognition that: All individuals are capable of expression in art. Individuals vary markedly in motivations and capacities, and art is less a body of subject matter than a developmental activity.
"Because art experiences are close to the core of individual and social development and because they prevade all phases of living, the National Art Education Association believes that ALL teachers should have basic training in art."
The Plainville Schools participated in the International School Art Program which is sponsored by the National Art Education Association and the American Junior Red Cross.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Fifteen paintings were sent from our High School Art classes and the same number from the Junior High School. These paintings were exhibited in the Town Hall for the children to see and enjoy and also for the P. T. A. at the April meeting. Word has been received through the Junior Red Cross that some of these paintings were sent to the National Exhibit, Belgium, Canada, France, Poland, Sweden and Yugoslavia.
The results of the annual Animal Poster contest which our schools have entered for many years were as follows :-
High School-
1st Prize-Jacqueline Desjardins, Grade 10 2nd Prize-George Bucklin, Grade 12 Honorable Mention-Dorothea Perrerault, Grade 12
Junior High School-
1st Prize-Paul Moody, Grade 7 Sally Lovely, Grade 6
2nd Prize-Karolyn Youngdahl, Grade 7 Anne Kilham, Grade 6
Primary Building-
1st Prize-Barbara Kettell, Grade 5 Susan White, Grade 4 2nd Prize-Betty McQuade, Grade 5 Honorable Mention-Audrey Peck, Grade 5 Carol Rogers, Grade 4.
In April, the pupils in our schools and the P. T. A. had the opportunity to see the work of other children in the ex- hibit of "Elementary Art Work in the Philadelphia Schools," one of several traveling exhibits from the Eastern Arts Asso- ciation. Last October, we had another exhibit "Elements of Design." This was suited to older children and was shown to the fourth grade and up.
Patricia Davis, graduate of the Class of 1949, received an honorable mention for her Easter Seal Design which was
61
ANNUAL REPORT
submitted to the Society for the Crippled and Handicapped in their Easter Seal Design Contest.
George Bucklin, who also graduated last June, has entered the Massachusetts School of Art.
The regular art outline has been followed as usual. Art work and murals from the grades and high school were shown at Open House on June 2. On November 9th, samples of art work done since the beginning of school in September from the first grade up through high school were exhibited at the Open House evening for American Education Week in connec- tion with a talk on "Why Art for Your Children?"
My sincere thanks to Mr. Nourse, the principals and teach- ers for their continued co-operation and friendliness.
MUSIC
Hariret F. Washburn, Supervisor Primary School
I herewith submit the annual report of the music work in the Plainville Primary School.
The regular work of rote singing, rhythm work, rhythm orchestra, folk dancing and record listening has been carried on as usual this past year. The music has helped to make the Memorial Day and Thanksgiving programs much more inter- esting. A year ago we gave a Christmas operetta but found it difficult to use the Town Hall because of conflicts with bas- ketball practice. This year we presented a Thanksgiving op- eretta "Thirty Minutes With the Pilgrims" which gave a fairly true picture of that historical period. The costuming and stag- ing were simple and the performance was well acted and well sung, and although the audience was small, it was an appre- ciative one. Mrs. Lyford's accompaniments of some of the songs was a great help.
"The Song Book With a Plan" which we are using in the upper three grades are proving very valuable; the two part music book has helped tremendously in developing the chil- dren's ability in that direction.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The feeling of satisfaction gained by teachers, pupils and me is most gratifying and makes the bi-monthly visit some- thing to be anticipated with pleasure by all concerned. A cul- tural subject needs that pleasurable anticipation.
Thanks to the co-operation of the teachers and the atten- tion and interest of the children, the music work in the Pri- mary School is making excellent progress.
MUSIC
Nahum P. Gillespie, Supervisor Junior-Senior High School
If someone should ask me what my objective as Super- visor of Music in the Junior and Senior High Schools of Plain- ville is, my answer would be to have all the students love good standard music, to have a desire to hear the same, and better still to wish to produce some music, not necessarily profes- sional, and thereby become an active party to good music. Youths who are interested in good music are on fairly safe ground. In my many years of teaching both in school work. and in my private studio work I know this to be so. I like the slogan I read in a musical magazine "Blow a trumpet and you will not blow a safe." In other words get youth interested in good music.
School music should be of such character that the student will have become fond of it, so that after he graduates he will carry it with him into the home, and his future years of family life. I still am strong for having a piano in every home, because it sort of invites one to take an active part in producing music for their own enjoyment.
This past year the most outstanding events in the music department were first, the trip to Boston by the High School Glee Club to witness a performance of the Princess Ida, a Gilbert-Sullivan production presented by students of the Col- lege of Music of Boston University. There were over sixty-five High Schools represented in the audience. The second event was the Christmas program presented at the December meet- ing of the P. T. A. The title was "Christmas in Song and
63
ANNUAL REPORT
Story." The characters, some fifteen in number, were taken mostly from Mrs. Brinton's sixth grade. The High School Glee Club opened and closed the program with a candlelighted pro- cessional and recessional in choir robes. During the program the Glee Club sang the various carols. On the stage these carols were seen in tableau. Mr. Wolcott, Mrs. Brinton and Mrs. Millett gave me splendid co-operation.
Mr. Wolcott is most co-operative with me in endeavoring to make the music program of the school have a definite place, and time set aside for same. I hope in this way that we may build up the musical department of your Junior and Senior High Schools, for there is much to be done.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. John T. Cotter
The annual examination of the children in the Plainville schools is nearly completed. It is noted that several of the tonsil cases in which operation was recommended had been taken care of with marked improvement. There seems to be the usual number of defective teeth but many of the children report that they have recently started to get dental care.
The general health of the students is good.
In the spring several suspicious cases of ringworm of the scalp were screened and reported negative.
In the spring a diphtheria prevention clinic was held and was poorly attended.
The pre-school clinic was well attended.
It is planned to hold the usual diphtheria prevention and pre-school clinics in the spring of 1950.
I wish to thank Mrs. Claudy, the school nurse, for her in- valuable assistance to me in helping me with the examina- tions.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Closing
The past year has been one of many problems. It has also seen the start of plans for meeting these problems. I wish to express appreciation for the untiring efforts and earnest zeal of the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE, Superintendent.
65
ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Exercises, June 23, 1949
General Theme-"Education for What?"
Processional Seniors
Invocation Reverend John M. Bowmar
Salutatory, "Education-the Road to Freedom"
Esther Anne Clentimack
High School Glee Club- "Come to the Fair" Martin
Valedictory, "Tomorrow"
Patricia Davis
High School Glee Club- "Czecho-Slovakian Dance Song" Manney
Address, "The Best of Times, the Worst of Times" Professor Max R. Grossman
High School Glee Club- "June is Busting Out" from "Carousel" Rogers
Class Gift Presentation Patricia Davis
Presentation of Awards
Presentation of Diplomas
Reverend John M. Bowmar, Secretary
Plainville School Committee
Class Song
Graduates
National Anthem
Benediction
Reverend John M. Bowmar
Recessional
Seniors
66
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Patricia Davis
Elizabeth Ann Mathewson
Marjorie Joan Lovely
Georgette Mary Boelker
Patricia Davis Esther Anne Clentimack
CLASS ROLL
Gilbert Hatley Berkley
Georgette Mary Boelker
John Melbourne Bowmar, Jr.
George Bucklin, Jr.
Esther Anne Clentimack
Arline Davis
Patricia Davis
Barbara French
Jean Ann French
Robert Gene Hemmingsen
Marjorie Joan Lovely
Arthur Ernest Malo
Barbara Theta Martin
Elizabeth Ann Mathewson
Dorothea Jane Perreault Marilyn Louise Turner
Frank Joseph Voyer, Jr. Clifford Harland White
Elizabeth Ethel White
CLASS COLORS Blue and Gold
CLASS MOTTO "To Succeed Where Others Fail"
FACULTY
Mr. Roland L. Wolcott, Principal Algebra and Guidance
Mrs. Virginia Brinton Social Science
Mr. C. Bateman Ewart, Jr. English and Physical Education
Mr. William J. Galarneaux Commercial
Miss Grenith M. Rood Social Studies and Physical Education
Miss Rose Marie Downie Foreign Languages and English
67
ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. June L. Millett Mathematics and Science Miss D. Rita Davis Mathematics, Penmanship, Art
Miss Louise B. Spier Art Mr. Nahum P. Gillespie Music
STATISTICS Extracts from the School Census October 1949
Girls
Boys
Pupils between 5 and 7
33
37
Pupils between 7 and 16
148
149
181
186
Perfect Attendance for the School Year 1948-1949
Grade 12-Gilbert Berkley
Grade 11-Natalie Grant
Grade 10-Arthur Moody, June Crotty
Grade 9-Alfred Felicia, Ronald Fredrickson, Bruce Hayes, Carolyn Easterbrooks
Grade 8-Gary Berkley, Leslie Negus
Grade 6-Eugene Barton, Robert Stolworthy, Audrey Whent
Grade 5-Mildred Fredrickson, Ronald Felici
Grade 4-Judith Negus, Roberta Wilson, Joan Fredrickson, Douglas Cole, Roy Davis, Richard McLacklan
Grade 3-Michael Barnes, John Thomas
Grade 2-Linda Morris, David Barnes.
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued 5
Number of education certificates issued 38
Average number of days the Elementary Schools were in session 176
Number of days the High School was in session 182
ATTENDANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1949
Aggregate Attendance
Average
Daily
Attendance
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Per cent of
Attendance
Number of
Tardy Marks
Number of
Dismissals
High School
12,458
68.45
74
71.33
95.85
228
60
Grade 8
2,890
15.88
16
15.57
97.27
29
6
Grade 7
4,380
24.07
28
25.68
93.71
71
8
Grade 6
6,500
35.65
40
37.51
95.04
67
22
Grade 5
4,387
24.93
26
28.00
95.77
10
12
Grade 4
4,713
26.21
28
28.62
92.28
22
3
Grade 3
3,810.5
21.65
23
22.79
94.99
20
0
Grade 2
4,809
27.32
31
30.03
90.98
9
0
Grade 1
6,010
34.14
35
38.46
88.77
8
5
Total
49,957.5
278.30
301
297.96
94.35
464
116
LIST OF TEACHERS-JANUARY 1, 1950
School
Name
Where Educated
Date of Appt.
Junior-Senior High School
Roland L. Wolcott, Principal
Middlebury College, A.B.
1948
Boston University, Ed.M.
D. Rita Davis
Bridgewater State Teachers College
1948
Charles P. MacDonald
Harvard University, A.B.
1949
Virginia C. Brinton
Salem State Teachers College, B.S.
1946
Boston University, A.M.
Thelma E. Edmunds
Boston University, B.S. 1949
Grenith M. Rood
Boston University, B.A.
1947
Angela M. Romay
Jackson College, A.B.
1949
Boston University, A.M.
June L. Millett
Boston University, B.A. 1949
Primary 5
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
Framingham State Teachers College 1930
Primary 4
Esther F. Grant
Bridgewater State Teachers College 1946
Primary 3 Drusilla G. Lyford
Fitchburg Normal School 1949
Primary 2
Clarice Van Ummersen
Bridgewater State Teachers College 1946
Primary 1
Kathleen M. Joyce
Bridgewater State Teachers College, B.S. 1949
Drawing Louise B. Spier
Mass. School of Art, B.S. 1945
Music Nahum P. Gillespie
New England Conservatory of Music 1948
Music Harriet F. Washburn
Boston Teachers College 1948
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1949 GIRLS
Ages
. 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 Total
Grade 1 7
16
18
Grade 2
4
13
1
17
Grade 3
2
12
2
1
14
Grade 4
3
6
3
2
17
Grade 5
2.
14
1
16
6
5
2
2
1
Grade 6
1
7
6
3
Grade 7
7
6
5
1
Grade 8
1
6
2
Grade 9
1
4
2
7
Grade 10
1
6
2
1
10
Grade 11
3
3
Grade 12
7
20
15
16
10
24
16
15
12
13
8
11
5
1
173
.
23
6
17
19
9
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1949
BOYS
Ages
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 Total
Grade 1
2
12
1
15
Grade 2
1
16
6
23
Grade 3
2
8
1
11
Grade
4
6
5
2
13
Grade 5
3
5
1
9
Grade 6
5
5
3
13
Grade 7
1
8
5
6
1
1
22
Grade 8
3
6
9
Grade 9
6
1
1
8
Grade 10
1
11
2
1
15
Grade 11
1
5
6
Grade 12
2
2
1
1
1
7
2
13
19
20
9
13
14
11
18
3
14
9
2
2
1
1
151
72
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF COLLECTOR OF TAXES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen of Plainville:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit to you my report as Collector of Taxes for the year ending December 31. 1949.
194: Account
U'ncollected Jan. 1, 1949
Collected
Abated
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1950
Personal
$72.53
$72.53
None
Real Estate
92.91
92.91
None
1948 Account
Uncollected Jan. 1, 1949
Collected
Uncollected Abated Jan. 1, 1950
Personal
$827.74
$550.38
$277.36
Real Estate
5,196.68
4.002.42
$3.80
1,190.46
Motor Vehicle
Excise
233.01
Jan. Warrant 155.23
388.24
343.18
45.06
None
1949 Account
Assessors
Total
Collected
Abated Uncollected
Poll
$1.240.00
$1,240.00
$1,212.00
$28.00
None
Personal
13,430.19
13,430.19
12,383.14
9.68
$1,037.37
Real Estate 67,542.47
Dec. Warrant
58.05
67,600.52
59,785.02
763.25
7.052.25
Motor Vehicle
Excise
12.262.56
12.262.56
10,973.47
588.87
700.22
For
For
For
1947
1948
1949
Interest collected and paid Treasurer
$13.83
$105.74
$12.48
Charges collected and paid Treasurer
1.75
28.00
70.70
73
ANNUAL REPORT
Collector's Expense Account
Appropriation Expended
$200.00
199.93
Unexpended Balance .07
Respectfully submitted,
T. A. WICKMAN, Collector of Taxes
REPORT OF MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen-
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual report as Moth Superintend- ent for the year ending December 31, 1949.
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