USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1951-1959 > Part 36
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Holidays for all schools:
October 12, Columbus Day
October 28, County Convention
November 11, Veterans Day
November 23, 1/2 day Elementary
November 24-25, Thanksgiving
March 30, 1956, Good Friday May 30, Memorial Day
School Sessions:
High School: Regular session 8:35 to 2:30
Elementary School 8:45 to 2:35
7:30 A. M .- Three double blasts on fire alarm system signifies no school for all pupils for the day.
7:45 A. M .- Same signal signifies no school for Ele- mentary pupils.
11:30 A. M .- Same signal signifies no school in the afternoon and Elementary pupils will stay in school until 1:00 P. M.
Plainville NO SCHOOL signals are broadcast over Station WARA 7:00 A. M., 7:30 A. M., 8:00 A. M. and 8:30 A. M.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Plainville:
The Plainville Public Schools have outgrown their present housing making it necessary for the school committee to decide between having available outside classroom space or holding double sessions in some classes. The committee finally decided the best solution was to hold double sessions in some classes. Recent school census figures show a definite possibility of an eighteen-unit Elementary school in six years time. Serious and considered thought should be given imme- diately by the taxpayers to the problem of providing enlarged Elementary school housing facilities.
The school committee revised the teacher salary schedule in this year's budget for the purpose of continuing to solve two problems:
1. To discourage teacher turn-over.
2. To attract the highest possible teacher candidates to Plainville.
We feel we have an excellent corps of teachers at present and would like to do everything possible to keep them and maintain present high standards. We were most fortunate in having a low turn-over this last year.
Educationally, splendid progress has been made in solving the reading problem in the school system.
The budget was prepared this year with every considera- tion of the rising tax rate in Plainville. We do not feel, how- ever, that educational standards should be sacrificed in the interest of too stringent economy.
The committee wishes to thank the faculty and all other employees of the Plainville Schools for their efforts in the successful operation of the schools in the past year. We wish to express our appreciation to all Civic Organizations, the
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ANNUAL REPORT
Alumni, Town Officials, Town Service Departments and all other groups and individuals who in any way helped the committee in operating the schools.
We urge careful study of our budget and the reports of Superintendent Laurence Nourse and Principal Kenneth Sharp.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES O. PEASLEY, Chairman HELEN A. SMITH, Secretary MELVIN V. CHEVERS MARY V. PROAL ROBERT W. ROOT
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ANNUAL REPORT
MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS IN 1955
Appropriation
$95,250.00
Interest on Town School Fund
11.44
Refund
12.41
$95,273.85
Expenses
General Expenses
School Committee
315.00
Superintendent' Salary
2,810.04
School Union Travel
240.00
Clerical Service
596.56
Miscellaneous Expenses
439.91
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries
63,917.72
Books & Supplies
3,763.60
Operation of School Plant
Janitors
5,601.67
Fuel
3,225.31
Miscellaneous
3,548.81
Maintenance
2,392.66
Health
1,093.70
Transportation
4,758.66
New Equipment
2,392.75
Driver Education
176.62
Total
$95,273.01
Balance
$ .84
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ANNUAL REPORT
THE TOWN RECEIVED FROM THE STATE ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
1952
1953
1954
1955
Chapter 643
State Aid
$14,811.80
$17,686.81
$19,196.18
$20,985.87
For Superintendent 1,493.33
1,477.46
1,457.88
1,493.33
For School Bus
Transportation
2,136.89
2,170.00
2,763.02
2,529.84
From Tuition
Youth Service
Board
787.36
362.09
442.89
436.19
State
17.10
Private
100.00
50.00
100.00
60.00
$19,346.48
$21,746.36
$23,959.97
$25,505.23
Total
Expenditures
$68,710.22
$76,650.52
$83,955.23
$95,273.01
Receipts from
outside sources $19,346.48
$21,746.36
$23,959.97
$25,505.23
Expenditures by
the Town of
Plainville
$49,363.74 $54,904.16 $59,995.26 $69,767.78
1956 ESTIMATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 643, 1948
Chapter 643 State Aid
$22,926.49
For Superintendent
1,493.33
For Transportation
2,366.00
$26,785.82
Additional Receipts 1955
Rental
$275.00
PLAINVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET 1956
Budget 1956
Expended 1955
Expended 1954
Expended 1953
School Committee
$ 315.00
$ 315.00
$ 200.00
$ 195.00
Superintendent
Salary
4,424.00
2,810.04
2,660.04
2,560.00
School Union
240.00
240.00
240.00
240.00
Clerk
1,280.00
596.56
552.98
497.19
Miscellaneous
350.00
439.91
576.86
342.79
Special Education
100.00
Teachers' Salaries
75,084.00
63,917.72
55,751.92
49,971.63
Books and Supplies
4,600.00
3,763.60
4,258.62
4,052.65
Janitors
6,149.00
5,601.67
5,681.00
5,315.00
Fuel
3,600.00
3,225.31
3,291.32
3,368.63
Miscellaneous
3,500.00
3,548.81
2,511.34
2,930.67
Maintenance
2,400.00
2,392.66
851.47
437.13
Health
2,200.00
1,093.70
1,103.25
983.20
Transportation
7,834.00
4,758.66
4,956.02
4,552.19
New Equipment
1,100.00
2,392.75
1,156.57
1,094.97
Driver Education
150.00
176.62
163.84
109.17
$113,326.00
$95,273.01
$83,955.23
$76,650.52
Total Reimbursements (Est.)
26,785.82
25,505.23
23,959.97
21,746.36
Net Expenditures (Est.)
$ 86,540.18
$69,767.78
$59,995.26
$54,904.16
Athletic Budget
$600.00
$500.00
$300.00
Operation of School Plant
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee:
I have the honor of submitting to you my thirty-second annual report and the forty-ninth in the series of reports. The Town of Plainville has made phenomenal growth in the past year, with resulting problems in the Plainville Public Schools. This report covers some of these items and recom- mendations for the future plans for meeting the situation.
Survey of the Status of Education
In order to set forth the local status of education, it would be well to set forth, for background for this picture, the national status. Recently the Ford Foundation announced the biggest gift from a private source ever made for the support of education. At approximately the same time, the Foundation published a bulletin "Teachers for Tomorrow." From this bulletin and from recent bulletins by the United States Chamber of Commerce, the National School Boards Association and the National Association of Manufacturers, I quote below very, very briefly a few statements to set the background for the Plainville data.
How Important Is Education?
"The good Education of Youth has been esteemed by wise Men in all Ages, as the surest Foundation of the Happiness both of private Families and of Commonwealths." -Benjamin Franklin.
"The teachers of this country, one may say, have its future in their hands."-William James
"The future growth of America, of our economy and of our security, is directly dependent upon our ability to continue to increase the level of education in the United States."- Charles E. Wilson
School Enrollments
The rise in births has already caused an acute overcrowd- ing of our Elementary Schools. By 1960, Elementary enroll-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ments will be 68% above 1946 and 28% above 1954. By 1969, the children already born will push secondary school enroll- ments to more than 70% above the 1954 level. Another estimate-by 1960, the Elementary enrollments will increase 47% over 1950 and the High School enrollments by 52%. The Massachusetts estimate is that by 1960, the High School population will increase 32% over 1954. The Elementary increase for Massachusetts is estimated as 16%.
How to Find the Teachers Needed
The rise in enrollments confronts American Schools with a staggering problem of finding enough good teachers. The total teaching force must expand more in the next ten years than in the past thirty-five. There are three main sources for teachers for tomorrow: (1) The teachers we now have, (2) Young people coming up through school and college, (3) College-educated adults in the community. There are three essential conditions for attracting and holding able people: (1) The prestige and status of teaching. This must be com- parable to other professions in the eyes of the community, the teachers themselves and the able young people who are choosing careers. (2) The salary structure. This must be high enough and flexible enough to compete effectively with other fields bidding for quality manpower. (3) The teacher's job. This must be so defined and organized as to challenge and utilize effectively the interest and ability of talented people.
Teacher Salaries
The weakness of the typical salary schedule in teaching is not simply that it is in general too low, but that it is too rigid, too unrelated to ability and performance and too prone to treat all teachers and all teaching assignments as if they were essentially identical.
Average Annual Earnings in Various Occupations 1953
Non-teaching
Teaching
Railroad Engineers $7,352
Teachers in small city High Schools $4,292
Railroad Conductors 6,676
Teachers in big city Elementary Schools 4,817
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ANNUAL REPORT
Workers in Automobile Manufacturing Industry $4,947
Telephone Operators of the N. Y. Telephone Co. 3,224
Teachers in small city Elementary Schools $3,682
Teachers in small town
Elementary Schools 3,190
Careful consideration of above data in comparison with Plainville schedule shows the Plainville needs. With the recent revision, the teacher salary schedule is as follows:
Bachelor's Degree
Min. $3000
Max. $4450
Master's Degree Min. 3200
Max. 4650
This change will merely keep the same relative status with other towns-which is low.
Plainville Public School Enrollment Survey
The present school enrollments for 1955-56 and the anticipated enrollments for 1956-57 are given below. This data is based on the present enrollments and the recent school census. The most careful consideration and early action to meet the emergency caused by the phenomenal increases in school enrollments due to the rapid growth of the Town is respectfully called to your attention.
Grade
1955-56
Grade
1956-57
1
63 pupils
1
25 pupils
1
25
1
25
2
56
2
31
2
32
3
67
3
23
3
33
4
56
4
33
4
34
5
47
5
34
5-6
32
6
39
6
37
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ANNUAL REPORT
7
43
7
28
8
44
7-8 26
8
28
415 (13 rooms)
446 (15 rooms)
12 in Elem. School
12 in Elem. School
1 in H. S. not available in 1956-57
3 new rooms needed
Plainville High School Enrollment Survey
Grade
1955-56
Grade
1956-57
9
31 pupils
9
44 pupils
10
26
10
31
11
15
11
25
12
22
12
14
94
114
High School 1955-56
High School 1956-57
5 Teachers
6 Teachers
Use Assembly Room
Grand Total
Grand Total
Elem. & H. S. £ 509
Elem. & H. S.
560
Average gain 1955 over 1954 - 22%
Summary of Needs:
3 more Elementary Classrooms
2 more Elementary Teachers
1 more High School Teacher
Plainville Elementary Enrollment Survey Grades 1-6
Grade
1955-56
1956-57
1957-58
1958-59
1959-60
1
63 pupils
75 pupils 80 pupils 80 pupils 85 pupils
2
56
63
75
80
80
3
67
56
63
75
80
4
56
67
56
63
75
5
47
56
67
56
63
6
39
47
56
67
56
328
364
397
421
439
The above table gives the enrollments in the first six grades as at present, with the projection for the next four years. While there was an increase of 22% in 1955 over 1954
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ANNUAL REPORT
in the total enrollment, the above tables estimates only an approximate 10% yearly increase. This is a conservative estimate. A change in housing developments may radically change these figures. The above are probable minimum figures. No estimate of increase in grades above the first by pupils moving into Town has been included.
Grade 1 in 1953 had 42 pupils. The same grade in 1954 became 49 and the same grade in 1955 became 65 in number. Likewise, Grade 1 in 1954 with enrollment of 37 became in the next year, 1955, 53 in number. A similar drastic enrollment is not anticipated but some increase is inevitable based upon the present Census data.
439 students in September 1959 will require 16 classrooms, based upon the standard, accepted classroom size for Elemen- tary Schools of 27 pupils. While there are 12 classrooms being used at the present time, 2 should not be used except in emergency situations. The Library should be reserved for its own purpose and equipped and allowed to function for library purposes. The Kindergarten Room was designed and planned for that purpose and should be reserved for that function. Therefore, plans should be started at once for a minimum of six additional classrooms. These will be needed even after Grades 7 & 8 are transferred to the Regional High School. A minimum of two years, and preferably three years, is essential for the purpose of proper planning and construc- tion of a new school or major addition.
In the National Survey of Education quoted earlier, the enrollment increase from 1946 to the estimated 1960 is 68%. The corresponding figure for Plainville is 196%. Likewise, the Plainville increase in the Elementary enrollment from 1954 to the estimated 1960 is 78% while the National estimate is 28%. These figures confirm the general statement of the seriousness of the Plainville problem.
I urge the Plainville School Committee to bring this situation to the attention of the Citizens of the Town.
School Bus Transportation
The rapid increase in school enrollment has also dras- tically affected the bus transportation. In 1950-51, there were
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ANNUAL REPORT
138 pupils transported with two buses on three routes. With the same number of buses and routes in 1952-53, 181 were transported. With a similar system in 1953-54, 190 pupils were carried. In 1954-55, with two buses and four routes, 200 pupils were transported. In the fall of the present year, 260 pupils were on the standard school bus routes. This required each bus to do three routes or six routes in all. As it was not possible to add another bus within the present school budget, additional routes had to be added. This system requires much more waiting by pupils, both before school and after school, with many inherent problems both for the school and for the home. With a probable school bus enroll- ment of 300 pupils in September 1956, a third bus has been estimated in the school budget. Each bus will make two trips. As the same mileage will be covered, each route will be shorter and the time of waiting, therefore also will be shorter With one overflow elementary classroom during the current year, noon transportation had to be furnished. The final determination of the school housing problem for the three additional classrooms will also affect the school bus sys- tem.
The Regional School
On November 15, 1954, the Towns of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham voted in favor of forming a Regional School District. The plans call for a six-year High School, grades 7 through 12, starting in September 1957. There is every expec- tation that this time schedule will be maintained.
The Regional Committee appointed the Superintendents of the three Towns to act as Educational Consultants and work with them in making plans for this school. Weekly meetings with the Regional Committee; frequent conferences with the architect for analysis and revision of his plans; conferences with the Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commis- sion in Boston; study conferences with teachers of the three towns on the proposed plan; and frequent meetings of the three consultants for the purpose of making recommendations to the Regional Committee have been held. On January 6, 1955 the first report on the educational specifications was made to the Regional Committee. This was revised and enlarged in later reports on February 2, 1955 and March 14, 1955. At two public meetings-one in Wrentham and one in Plainville-
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ANNUAL REPORT
a progress report to the public was made. The educational specifications for the new school include:
1. The Educational Program.
2. The Statement of Objectives.
3. The preliminary report on the school site.
4. The estimated school enrollments.
5. The program of studies giving the schedule of classes in each curriculum for all grades, 7 through 12.
6. The estimated enrollment in each subject taught each year of the school.
7. The recommended number of rooms and size of rooms for all classes and administrative and oper- ational activities.
The estimated number of teachers is 46, with an antici- pated enrollment of 1000 pupils.
I wish to report that the most conscientious effort and enthusiastic interest has been given by the three Plainville Representatives to the work of the Regional Committee: Mr. Melvin V. Chevers, Mr. Edward H. Hemmingsen and Mr. Clarence E. Skinner Jr. It has been both a privilege and a challenge to work with these men and the representatives from the other towns on the Regional Committee.
Workshop in the Language Arts
For the in-service training of teachers, a Harvard-Boston University Extension Course running through the school year 1955-56 was organized. Dr. B. Alice Crossley of Boston University was secured to carry on this program. Dr. Crossley had two years ago brought much technical help and inspiration to the teachers who took the course in "The Teaching of Reading." Therefore, we felt fortunate in securing her for organizing the Workshop in the Language Arts.
The main object is to build a curriculum in this field for the Plainville Schools by the Plainville Teachers, under the direction of Dr. Crossley. This program is being shared cooperatively with the teachers of Mansfield and Norton who each have a similar objective for their schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A curriculum for the Elementary Grades will be built covering the following topics:
1. Oral Language
2. Written Language
3. Handwriting
4. Spelling
5. Literature
6. Choral Speaking
Emphasis will be placed on grammar, punctuation, capi- talization and usage in all written work. The importance of conversation and discussion in the oral program will be stressed. There will be correlation of the Language Arts with other activities and school projects. A most practical program of direct benefit to the teachers and to the school system is planned.
The following teachers from Plainville are enrolled in the class: Beatrice Wood, Frances Dustin, Esther Grant, Lucille Zwicker, Seymour Kaitz, Alden Randall, Mildred Hart, Ida Meade, Mary Zajac and Phyllis Martin.
The reports received from the Principal, Supervisors and Special Staff Members follow. Your careful examination of these is urged. The outstanding work being done by Principal Sharp was commended in the report of last year. I am most happy to repeat that commendation. All of the Plainville School Staff have worked together most faithfully and effec- tively to make the past year an outstanding one. The new work in the field of instrumental music by Mr. Freeman deserves special attention.
PLAINVILLE HIGH AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Mr. Kenneth L. Sharp, Principal
It is a pleasure to submit my third annual report to you on the Plainville Schools. Continual support, cooperation and sincerity have made the past year beneficial and enjoy- able.
We are this year increasing our efforts in the guidance program. The Senior Class has been given aptitude tests by the State Employment Office and the results will be given
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ANNUAL REPORT
to the students in interviews later this year. The State Employment Office helps to find employment for the graduates in the Spring, particularly those not planning further formal education. College representatives, including those from four- year colleges, business colleges, industrial schools and others have visited school and talked with students. Parents have discussed educational and vocational plans with us. Seniors have in many instances applied for admission to the colleges of their choice. There is a good indication that more than one-third of the Senior Class will continue their education in the fall of 1956. Other than helping Seniors, we are working at all times with every grade to guide them in the right educational direction and to build up sufficient materials through formal and informal testing, so that greater assist- ance can be given later.
We were pleased to receive from the Alumni Association, one hundred dollars to be used for Audio-visual materials. We have bought fifty film strips so that all grades will benefit from them.
The Plainville Teachers Club has for the past two years awarded a $100 scholarship to some member of our Senior Class. In 1954, Marilyn Bowmar won it and in 1955 Robert Hayes was the recipient. This scholarship will continue in 1956.
The Adult Education Program showed considerable growth this past year. Eighty-eight people registered in the following courses: Sewing, Rug Braiding, Painting and Sketching, Short- hand and Typing, Ceramics, Upholstery, and Woodworking. In the fall of 1955, thirty-one pupils signed up for Driver Education. These people will complete their course in early spring. In all, one hundred nineteen have taken advantage of the program in the past year. Further plans are being made to continue this self-supporting program.
For the first time since 1940, the High School will publish a yearbook. It is called "The Highlighter" and will attempt to record activities of High School pupils during their years in school. All teachers are cooperating with students in the preparation. It is hoped that this project may continue another year and that valuable experience may be carried into the Regional School.
6
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ANNUAL REPORT
Many of our faculty members are enrolled in extension courses. All except one of the teachers in grades one through five plus the eighth grade English teacher are taking a work- shop course in Language Arts which was arranged by the Plainville and Norton School Departments. Meetings are being held throughout the year in both of these towns as well as in the town of Mansfield. One of the objectives of the course is to revise the Language Arts Course in each system if this is found to be necessary. Other teachers are studying in their particular fields to keep abreast of the times and to complete work on advanced degrees. Work such as this on the part of the faculty is commendable.
In the fall of 1956, forty-four Freshmen will be eligible to enter the High School. It will be necessary to split this class into two groups for English, Civics and General Science. When this is done we shall have to have another teacher and we shall have to utilize the classroom now occupied by the sixth grade.
Increased enrollment has caused us to enlarge our lunch program. Additional tables have been purchased and near capacity floor space is now being utilized. As compared to an average daily meal count of 230 to 250, the lunchroom staff of three is now feeding a daily average of 330 to 350. Any marked growth in enrollment will force us to divide the lunch periods into three parts and may necessitate one addi- tional helper. We are very pleased with the manner in which the program is being carried out by our present staff and wish to commend them for their part in making our program successful.
Both Elementary and High School have produced several very successful social programs during the year. Although our athletic teams did not win a large percentage of their games, we did provide the opportunity for a large proportion to take an active part. A very good program of Physical Education and sports is being carried on in grades six, seven and eight by William and Harry Kummer. The Annual Music Festival, The Science Fair, Class Dances and the Senior Play were all successful. Ample opportunity is being provided so that each student may participate in at least one extra curricular activity.
The past school year has been a challenging one for all. The big problem has been one of adequately caring for a
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ANNUAL REPORT
continual increasing enrollment. Only cooperation on the part of the School Committee, the Superintendent, Teachers and Citizens has made the solution of these problems possible.
Your kind assistance, guidance and leadership are greatly appreciated.
ART Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
"Art is expression and creation with visual elements: line, form, color, texture, space, light and motion."-Stanley A. Czurles
Basically, art is a process, a way of doing. It affects the mental and emotional development within the individual as well as the structure of material things one creates. The art program in our schools has endeavored to develop each child to his fullest creative capacity.
Crayons, easel paint, finger paint, transparent watercolor, tempera paint, pencil, ink and cut paper are some of the art media used. Illustration, design, posters, art appreciation and construction work for special days have been done as usual. Slides on Ceramics from the Eastern Arts Association Loan Service were shown to the upper grades. Paintings were submitted to the International Art Exchange Program; and animal posters, to the M.S.P.C.A. The results of this annual poster contest were as follows:
1st prize: Prescott Mason Grade 9
Juanita Ruest
8
Diane Coady 7
Jerrilyn Ruest 5
David Schofield 4
2nd prize: Clifford O'Brien 11
Eleanor Pierce
8
Lee Newman 7
Beth Perreault
6
Peter Rubyck 5
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