USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1951-1959 > Part 11
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Use of the Auditorium-Gymnasium
In all of the preliminary plans for the new school in Plainville, strong emphasis had been placed on the impor-
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tance of an auditorium-gymnasium for the use of both the schools and the citizens of the town. The first full year of use has demonstrated the value of that part of the new school. Both the High School and the Elementary School make use of this room for Physical Education and many special occasions; such as, school exhibits and other special functions. As plans develop, that part of the new school will be used more and more extensively. The record of applications for the use of the auditorium-gymnasium for after-school use follows:
Plainville Parent-Teacher Association
Plainville Teachers' Club
Plainville High School Classes and Clubs
Plainville High School Alumni Association
Plainville Firemen
Plainville Grange John E. McNeil Post American Legion
Plainville Methodist Church (Hallowe'en Party) Tawasi Club Plainville Lions Club
Eastern Tire Sales Town of Plainville(for Town Meeting 1953)
The Teaching Staff
The enrollment data given earlier in this report shows in comparison with previous tabulations a substantial increase in the number of pupils attending school. Two additional teachers were placed on the Staff during the past year and one additional teacher is anticipated for September 1953. The present teaching Staff in professional preparation, teaching ability and devotion to their tasks is at a high mark. Every effort possible should be made to continue this Staff. An av- erage salary increase, going into effect in September 1953 in accordance with the current budget estimate, is $205. For the school year 1951-52 the following data on teachers' salaries is very significant. The average salary of all teachers through- out the Nation is reported as $3,530. The same figure for Massachusetts is $3,720. The Plainville figure is $2,810. The current figure is $2,889.
The Importance of the Teacher
"All the high hopes which I do avowedly entertain of a more glorious future for the human race are built upon the
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elevation of the teacher's profession and the enlargement of the teacher's usefulness. Whatever ground of confidence there may be for the perpetuation of our civil and religious liberties; whatever prospect of the elevation of our posterity; whatever faith in a more glorious future for the world-these aspirations and this faith depend upon teachers, more than upon any, more than upon all other human instrumentalities united." Horace Mann, 1858. (Father of the Public School System)
The following reports which I have received from those in charge of special divisions of the school program deserve careful study. The recommendations of the High School Principal receive my approval.
PLAINVILLE HIGH AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Mr. Roland L. Wolcott, Principal
Considerable progress has been made during the year 1952 in the task of providing pupils with improved educational opportunities. The previous year provided the new elementary building and the renovated quarters of the high school. During the past year we have strived to make constant improvements in our curriculum and in our teaching methods. I would like to point out some of the outstanding changes which I know have been the results of our efforts toward this goal.
A series of health conferences were held by the faculty during the winter and spring to determine the general subject content desired at the different grade levels throughout all twelve grades. As a result of these conferences, new reference books have been provided each teacher, a series of 40 film strips and an excellent series of charts covering health and physiology were purchased through Christmas Seal Sale Funds.
The three-day Art Workshop held in Norton and attended by all teachers in the elementary school is another example of faculty effort toward better teaching.
The pre-school conference held prior to the opening of schools this fall I consider highly successful. It provided an opportunity to organize completely for the opening of school and thus both the high and elementary schools' first day was
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a full day. With a combined faculty consisting of almost 50% new members, and with the addition of another first grade and a new room consisting of grade 2-3 pupils, this opportu- nity of having a pre-school workshop made it possible for the new teachers to become acquainted and oriented to the tasks desired without the normal rush and confusion so typical of first days when faculty meetings and pupils descend upon the teacher the same day.
Our Adult Education Program which was introduced in early December consists of classes in typewriting, decorative painting, driver training, and public speaking with 42 adults currently enrolled. It was necessary to establish this program on a self sustaining basis for this first year as no funds were available from the school committee.
The school cafeteria continues to provide a full meal, including milk, for the sum of $1.00 a week to 225-250 pupils daily. This service is provided without financial assistance from the town and to date we are operating with a comfortable financial balance which I believe we can maintain during the next year. The success of this program is in no small way due to the fine interest and cooperation from the cafeteria staff.
Plainville High School
During the year, Plainville High School in competition with larger schools succeeded in having one of its members place third in the State High School Science Fair at Boston in April. Leslie Negus of the Class of 1953 received this award for his exhibit on the chemical analysis of water. This fall, Eugene Norton of the Class of 1955, received first prize for his original radio broadcast in the "I Speak For Democ- racy" contest held over WARA. Karolyn Youngdahl, formerly a student at the high school but transferred this fall to the Peabody School, received the third award. These pupils were in competition with students from Attleboro and North Attle- boro High Schools.
Lip service is being given to an erroneous statement that our high school is not "accredited". I feel that the public should know the facts so that no discredit is reflected upon the schools, pupils or tax payers. Plainville High School is recognized as a Class A school by the State Department of
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Education and this represents their highest possible classifica- tion. Graduates who desire to further their education in schools and colleges of advanced standing will be certified by our high school only if all grades received during the four years are "B" or above. Today nearly all colleges administer entrance examinations or require the results of College Board examinations. The majority of colleges evaluate the appli- cant's high school record including the principal's recom- mendations, together with test results and the personal inter- view before accepting or rejecting an applicant. Due to this procedure, schools are no longer rated in the strict sense that they were twenty to thirty years past. Plainville stu- dents who have been certified by the high school and who can meet the entrance requirements demanded are, and will con- tinue to be, accepted by all schools and colleges in New England and elsewhere. Today there are individual schools and colleges which often accept a student who has not re- ceived certifiable grades in high school yet who in their opinion warrants an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to make good at the advanced level.
We have continued to offer such recent additions to our curriculum as Driver Training, Personal Use Typing, and the variety of Club Activities. In last year's report, an extensive account was given of the several Clubs which are in operation in the High School. This program has continued successfully during the past year. More students are enrolled in the Per- sonal Use Typing program. In the Sewing Club, the addition of a new electric sewing machine will give opportunity for an expanded program. Mrs. Helen Smith, in giving her services, has made this opportunity possible. All the rest of the Clubs are carried on by the regular staff of the High School. Perhaps within the community there are others capable of offering skilled training in other lines. This would be most welcome.
Our Open House program this fall consisted of a panel discussion by the faculty with the purpose of presenting the high school curriculum to the parents in an informal manner.
Our Science Fair held in early April was larger and better in every way to the highly successful start made the year before. Although exhibits were not compulsory, about 90% of the students who were enrolled in the science classes
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entered this competition. The direction, guidance and inter- est demonstrated by Mr. David Parfitt, Science Instructor, was instrumental in producing this outstanding event. Stu- dents from grades 7 and 8, under the direction of Miss Rita Davis, had a most successful collection of exhibits. The experience and training received by these younger exhi- bitors ensures the future of Plainville's Science Fairs which in turn continues the educational values derived from this activity.
I am pleased to be able to report that I consider our pres- ent high school faculty highly capable; and individually and collectively it is the strongest faculty Plainville High School has had since I came here as Principal in 1948.
Elementary School
Numerous faculty meetings have been held concerning our school marking methods and system. As a result of these meetings, the members of the faculty have renewed their efforts to ensure that each child's report card indicates a clear and reliable picture of the child's demonstrated success in his school work and in his associations with others. Particular emphasis has been placed upon the reporting of each child's reading achievement through added comments on the card and in letters to individual parents. We have been most pleased with the interest and cooperation received from parents.
The addition of two teachers in the primary grades has made it possible to limit the class size to a most desirable number in the first three grades. Grades four and five, with 42 and 40 pupils respectively, are far too large for effective teaching. A study of these conditions showed that a large number of these pupils required considerable concentrated help in their reading. With such a large group, it was not possible for the individual teacher to provide the remedial work needed. A remedial program was attempted in Decem- ber on a trial basis of having a substitute teacher available for a two-week period to handle the regular class work in these two grades. This made it possible for Miss Wood and Mrs. Grant to give special help in reading to those requiring it. A half day was devoted to this plan in each grade for the two weeks. The substitute teacher was able to give a more con-
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centrated program to those pupils who did not require the remedial assistance. I am pleased to know that on the basis of the success reported we will be able to continue this pro- gram for a few additional weeks.
Playground equipment; consisting of swings, teter boards, slide, merry-go-round and softball backstop; was installed soon after school opened in the fall and has proved to be a tremendous help in providing wholesome activity for the children during the recess periods. The equipment was pro- vided from money donated by the Alumni, Teachers' Club, Mr. Harry Dunnebier, and profits from the school magazine sales. The merry-go-round is loaned by the Park Committee during the school year, and in exchange for this service the Park Committee will have the use of the slide during the summer months. I believe that our playground accidents have been minor and infrequent because of the presence of the equipment and the adequate supervision of the faculty members.
Through the cooperation of the American Legion, a revised and highly desirable program has been established for the annual Legion School Award presented to one boy and one girl in Grade eight each June. As a result of this new procedure, a member of the Legion will address the members of the grade each month during the school year beginning in October and will discuss on each visit one of the honor qualities used as a basis for this honor award. In this way, the true objectives and meaning of this award will be con- stantly before the students during the year.
The pre-school registration of grade one pupils was held in May and again proved to be the most satisfactory arrange- ment for pupils, parents, and the school. We plan to continue this practice in the future.
Through such faculty efforts as our Open House Pro- gram in the fall and the Spring Music Festival, and through the efforts of the P.T.A., I find that parents are taking a greater interest in the school activities and in the educational preparation of their children. We are always striving toward the 100% participation of parents in school activities and we are making rapid gains in this direction each year.
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I take this opportunity to make the following recom- mendations which I believe are most desirable if we are to continue the recent trend toward better schools for Plainville youth.
1. Priority should be given the matter of surfacing the present play area at the elementary school. The present sur- face conditions are highly dangerous and most unsatisfactory. We can only expect some very serious accidents under the present surface conditions.
2. We need two additional teachers to provide the most desirable educational opportunity throughout all eight grades. It appears to be necessary to divide two or three additional grades in order to reduce the size of the classes if one additional teacher is secured.
3. The appropriation of $300 for physical education and athletics which has been voted the past two years should be continued in order that we may continue the present athletic program for both boys and girls.
4. The pre-school workshop which was tried this year should be continued if possible.
5. In the high school, there is a definite need for con- tinued study of the curriculum in order that we may not be guilty of failing to meet needs of all students to the degree that our staff and budget will permit. Our present staff is operating on a heavy class schedule and this will not lessen as each year the number of students is increasing. I feel that we must seriously question the value of offering sten- ography in the high school. During the past four years, our graduates have not accepted employment requiring stenogra- phy and employers desiring this skill are seldom willing to accept a high school graduate's level of proficiency. Today if a graduate desires to become a stenographer it is almost imperative that she attend a secretarial school. The typical office employment in this area open to graduates requires com- petency in typing, filing, bookkeeping, and general office routine. I believe that we might better prepare these young people if we considered the possibility of dropping the sten- ography and substituting an additional year of office procedure combined with actual supervised vocational experience in
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offices in the surrounding area. In this way, the commercial teacher would have time in the day's program which would permit him to make arrangements for placing these people in nearby offices and setting up a well-supervised training pro- gram to the benefit of both students and potential employers.
6. I sincerely hope that the recent start in classes in Adult Education can be continued and expanded as the needs warrant.
7. I cannot complete this report without mentioning the definite need for additional classroom space in the elementary school. Starting in the fall of 1953 all classrooms will be filled in this new building and an additional room will be a must the following September. This does not provide for the space necessary if we are to eliminate the overcrowded classes nor does it provide space for the introduction of a kindergarten in the public school system.
The Faculty and I appreciate, Mr. Nourse, your inspira- tion and guidance which you have given to any and all our tasks and problems throughout the past year.
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
"We believe that creative power and a sense of design are native to all people in varying degrees and grow with use." -Freeman and Ray.
The art program in the Plainville Schools has been car- ried on as usual, giving the children the opportunity to use the various art media-crayons, easel paint, finger paint, plaster- cine, ink, pencil, paper, watercolor and tempera-at the suit- able age level. The art activities consisted of picture making, design, color, lettering, construction work, art appreciation and integration with other school subjects. The success of the art program has depended largely on the classroom teacher who should provide encouragement and guidance, and most important of all, opportunity for creative work.
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An exhibit of the International Art Exchange consisting of children's painting from various sections of the United States and from Greece, France, Venezuela and Japan came to us through the North Attleboro Red Cross Chapter early in January and was viewed by the pupils of Grade 3 through 8 and the High School Art Club. In March, through the Eastern Arts Exhibition Service, all of the children in the grades and the Art Club saw a splendid exhibit of Art Work of Kanawha County Schools, West Virginia. This fall, in October and November, we have had two sets of slides from the Eastern Arts, one on Paper Sculpture and the other on Early American Crafts.
Our 7th and 8th grades and the High School Art Club painted illustrations of American Life from their own ex- periences to submit to the International Art Exchange Pro- gram. The pictures which were selected were matted, labelled and sent in March to the area headquarters of the Red Cross at Washington, D. C. to be distributed to foreign countries. We have participated in this worthwhile program for five years.
The results of the annual animal poster contest, sponsored by the American Human Education Society for pupils in the 4th grade through the High School were as follows:
1st Prize, Silver Pin: Ann Kilham, Grade 9 Thomas McKechnie, Grade 7 Frederick Clentimack, Grade 5 Alden Smith, Grade 4
2nd Prize, Bronze Pin: Lynn Kahler, Grade 9
Gail Austin, Grade 8 Rose Reynolds, Grade 6 Juanita Ruest, Grade 5 Gerald Bodmer, Grade 4
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Honorable Mention:
(a year's subscription to "Our Dumb Animals") Audrey Peck, Grade 8
Douglas Cole, Grade 7
Jean Skinner, Grade 6
Sylvia Power, Grade 5 Marcia Grant, Grade 4
A full schedule as to time is being carried out this year with only twenty-five minute periods for each 7th and 8th grades so that the lesson continues after my departure. An- other year, if there is to be an increase in the number of grades we now have, more time will undoubtedly be needed for the art supervisor.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Nourse, Mr. Wolcott and the teachers for their continued loyal support, cooperation and friendliness.
MUSIC
Nahum P. Gillespie, Supervisor Junior-Senior High School
In looking back over the school year 1951 and 1952 here in Plainville, I think one of the outstanding events of the year was the presenting for the first time in my period here a Spring Festival. After the regular music classes of the fall and winter months with their note reading, theory, etc., the students seem to get real enjoyment out of a Music Festival. Such an event teaches them the art of working together, de- velops poise on the stage and their ability to memorize. A ca- pacity and enthusiastic audience was Mrs. Washburn's and my reward for many hours of drill.
Our Girl's Glee Club has a membership at present of twenty-three. Recently they sang at the Christmas Assembly.
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They rendered a group of individual carols. They are soon to have some Glee Club membership pins and later we plan to take in some worthwhile musical event in Boston.
This fall, new books were pruchased for Grade 6; namely, The American Singer. This new book brings us up to this modern age with catchy rhythms and tunes which they all en- joy. This Grade 6 was featured in the Christmas assembly presenting a twenty-minute play entitled "Christmas Here and There."
A back log to good musicianship is the ability to play to some extent on the piano or some musical instrument. I would like to see a course in the study of instruments put into the Plainville Schools, with the anticipation of having a small orchestra.
MUSIC
Harriet F. Washburn, Supervisor Primary School
This past year has seen continued steady progress on the part of the children in music. In the first three grades, all of the songs have been learned by rote, and sung with enjoyment. Individuals and groups took their turns at singing for others. Besides singing there was a great deal of rhythm work such as singing games and folk dancing in which all participated, thus learning to work together happily and successfully. The Rhythm Orchestra was also part of this same rhythm work. Here they learned to listen and to concentrate as well as to perform together. We found that ears are a most important part of us, for if we don't listen we don't learn.
We listened to short selections of good music so that the melody, the name of the piece and the composer were remem- bered. We have a good selection of records. Mr. Wolcott has been helpful in obtaining several of them for us.
At the beginning of the new year, the third graders com- menced their simple theory work, learning of the staff, the G clef and a variety of notes, enough to give them an ability
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to read music themselves. The third graders continued the Rhythm Orchestra work by performing more difficult numbers as their ability increased. The Fourth and Fifth grades did a considerable amount of theory work and learned the great majority of their songs by note or reading. They continued the singing games and folk dances and apparently enjoyed this activity to its utmost.
Last Spring, a combined music program was presented by the entire school from grade one through High School. It certainly showed progress in learning, ability, and understand- ing. Those participating had as much enjoyment as those watching.
A definite effort was made to improve the children's taste in music, for the primary aim of music education is to develop in our children the ability to differentiate between what is good in music and what is not.
May I express my appreciation to the wonderful coopera- tion of the teachers and children and my gratitude to you for your continued interest and support.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. John T. Cotter
The examination of Students of the Plainville Schools is being conducted and is nearly finished. Two primary grades remain to be examined.
The health of the children is generally good. The usual dental defects are seen. Two children had athletes foot and were restricted from athletics until it was healed. A few ton- sillectomies were recommended.
The new stagger system of examining alternate grades each year was started, and a more comprehensive examination is being given.
The Diphtheria Clinic was well-attended this year.
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SCHOOL NURSE
Janet W. Claudy, R.N.
During the Spring months a series of three immunization clinics were held in the new Health Unit. Protective innocula- tions of a triple antigen were given to eligible pre-school and school children to protect against tetanus, whooping cough, and diphtheria.
A spring-time registration for prospective first graders was held during May. At this time, candidates for first grade were enrolled and introduced to school officials who explained the necessary school regulations. Refreshments were served in the cafeteria by members of the P.T.A.
According to a recent Health Law, children in Grades 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11 will be examined by the school physician. At present, physical examinations have been completed in grades 7, 9, and 11. At the conclusion of examinations, parents will be notified of any existing physical defects.
All school children have been weighed and measured. Hearing and vision tests will be conducted on pupils in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.
Senior students and all school employees received chest X-rays during October.
I should like to thank Dr. Cotter, Mr. Nourse, Mr. Wolcott and all members of the teaching staff for their excellent co- operation in our Health program.
Closing
I wish to record the sincere interest, extensive time, and devotion which the members of the School Committee have given to the study of the problems of the operation of the Plainville Schools. With the increased growth, there are cur-
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