USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1951-1959 > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
ROBERT W. ROOT Term Expires 1959 Telephone Myrtle 5-5975
Meeting of the School Committee is held in the Library of the Plainville Elementary School on the third Monday of each month.
Superintendent of Schools, Plainville
KENNETH L. SHARP Residence-Myrtle 5-6273 Plainville Elementary-Myrtle 5-6571
Superintendent may be reached at the office in the Plain- ville Elementary School every school day except Wednesday.
AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WORK CERTIFICATES
KENNETH L. SHARP, Supt.
School Physician DR. JOHN T. COTTER Telephone Myrtle 5-6342
School Nurse MRS. JANET CLAUDY Telephone Myrtle 5-6788
Attendance Officer
ELMER PEASE
77
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1956-57
Elementary and High Schools:
First term opens September 5, 1956 First term closes December 21, 1956 Second term opens January 2, 1957 Second term closes February 15, 1957 Third term opens February 25, 1957 Third term closes April 12, 1957
Fourth term opens April 22, 1957 Fourth term closes: Elementary School, June 19, 1957 High School, June 21, 1957
Holidays for all public schools:
October 12, Columbus Day
October 26, County Convention
November 11, 12, Veterans Day November 22, Thanksgiving May 30, 31, Memorial Day
School Sessions:
High School: Regular session 8:30 to 2:30
Elementary School, Grades 1, 6, 7, 8 9:00 to 2:30
Morning Session Grades 2, 3, 4, 5-6 8:30 to 11:45
Afternoon Session Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 12:30 to 3:45
7:30 A.M .- Three double blasts on fire alarm system signifiies no school for all pupils for the day.
7:45 A.M .- Same signal signifies no school for all eight grades (including Morning Session)
11:00 A.M .- No school for Afternoon Session. 11:45 A.M .- One Session Day.
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.
78
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Plainville:
The past year has several important changes in the or- ganization of the Plainville School System. The Norton- Plainville School Union was dissolved as the growth of the schools in each town indicated the need of full-time superin- tendents.
Mr. Laurence G. Nourse, for 32 years superintendent of the Norton-Plainville Union, accepted the full-time position of superintendent of the Norton schools. The School Committee wishes to commend Mr. Nourse for his 32 years of devoted and efficient service with the Plainville Schools. Mr. Kenneth L. Sharp was promoted from Supervising Principal to Super- intendent of the Plainville Schools. He is making a spendid replacement for Mr. Nourse.
Mrs. Kathleen M. Crafts was appointed teaching-principal of the high school and Mrs. Esther F. Grant was appointed teaching-principal of the elementary school. Each of these people is doing a very efficient job in her new duties.
The necessity of holding double-sessions in some grades, due to the unprecedented growth in school population, brought about many problems. The committee wishes to thank the townspeople for the splendid spirit and tolerance they have displayed in meeting the inconveniences brought about by the double session operation. The committee wishes to thank the teachers and administrative staff for the cooperation demon- strated in accepting the advent of double-session operation.
The teacher salary schedule was revised again in this year's budget to keep it in line with the State average. This was done in order to allow Plainville Schools to compete equally with other communities in hiring and holding better teachers.
The Committee wishes to thank the faculty and all other employees of the Plainville Schools for their efforts in the
79
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
successful operation of the schools in the past year. We wish to express our appreciation to all Civic organizations, the 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 Kenneth Sharp and the administrative staff.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES O. PEASLEY, Chairman HELEN A. SMITH, Secretary MELVIN V. CHEVERS MARY V. PROAL ROBERT W. ROOT
80
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Plainville:
At the special Town Meeting of November 19, 1956 the citizens of Plainville cast their votes to substantiate the val- idity of an american heritage; that the strongest and greatest defense any country or nation can hope to possess is to have its future population rich, wise and healthy in education.
We, your elected Building Committee, have been meeting regularly with the architects and State Building Assistance Commission in Boston, along with working in close liaison with the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee in an effort to combine all known factors in establishing a sound, financial and educational working unit. As the program is presently progressing our estimated completion date of October, 1957 is still anticipated.
We met with the Building Assistance Commission on January 3rd and received approval on preliminary plans and now they are being submitted to the commission for a formal vote about January 16th. If approved, our next step is to see Mr. H. Dine of the Division of Accounts and the Emergency Finance Board and then if approved we shall be able to ad- vertise for bids about the last week in February or 1st week in March, hoping to be able to break ground by the first of April in order to have building ready for the fall.
May we, your committee, inject that it has been a pleas- ure to have been allowed to serve our town and towns- people in this worthwhile way.
ROLAND C. CAMPBELL, Chairman MARY V. PROAL, Secretary LeROY B. WILSON FREDERICK M. SHERMAN ELTON I. FRANKLIN KENNETH L. SHARP, Educational Advisor
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
81
MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOLS IN 1956
Appropriation
$113,326.00
Interest on Town School Fund
21.82
$113,347.82
Expenses
General Expenses
School Committee
$ 315.00
Superintendent's Salary
4,386.15
School Union Travel
240.00
Clerical Service
1,330.20
Miscellaneous Expenses
434.81
Special Education
78.00
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries
72,518.25
Books & Supplies
5,732.24
Operation of School Plant
Janitors
6,041.50
Fuel
4,800.98
Miscellaneous
4,152.33
Maintenance
2,527.86
Health
2,160.36
Transportation
8,044.64
New Equipment
438.70
Driver Education
146.39
$113,347.41
Balance
$ .41
6
82
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
THE TOWN RECEIVED FROM THE STATE ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
1953
1954
1955
1956
Chapter 643
State Aid
$17,686.81
$19,196.18
$20,985.87
$22,776.49
For Superintendent 1,477.46
1,457.88
1,493.33
1,468.49
For School Bus
Transportation
2,170.00
2,763.02
2,529.84
2,886.15
From Tuition
Youth Service
Board
362.09
442.89
436.19
305.90
State
250.82
Private
50.00
100.00
60.00
82.00
$21,746.36
$23,959.97
$25,505.23
$27,769.85
Total
Expenditures
76,650.52
83,955.23
95,273.01
113,347.41
Receipts from
Outside Sources 21,746.36
23,959.97
25,505.23
27,769.85
Expenditures by
Town of
Plainville
$54,904.16 $59,995.26 $69,767.78 $85,577.56
1957 ESTIMATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 643, 1948
Chapter 643 State Aid
$26,936.49
15% additional as member of
Regional School District
4,040.47
For Superintendent
3,333.32
For Transportation
3,202.00
$37,512.28
Additional Receipts 1956
1. Cash for damages
$ 3.00
2. Sale of old equipment
10.00
3. Rentals
295.00
$308.00
PLAINVILLE SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET 1957
Budget 1957
Expended 1956
Expended 1955
Expended 1954
School Committee
$ 365.00
$ 315.00
$ 315.00
$ 200.00
Superintendent
Salary
6,000.00
4,386.15
2,810.04
2,660.04
Travel
240.00
240.00
240.00
240.00
Clerk
2,860.00
1,330.20
596.56
552.98
Miscellaneous
400.00
434.81
439.91
576.86
Special Education
100.00
78.00
Teachers' Salaries
73,936.00
72,518.25
63,917.72
55,751.92
Books & Supplies
4,800.00
5,732.24
3,763.60
4,258.62
Operation of School Plant
6,340.00
6,041.50
5,601.67
5,681.00
Miscellaneous
3,676.00
4,152.33
3,548.81
2,511.34
Maintenance
3,300.00
2,527.86
2,392.66
851.47
Health
2,234.00
2,160.36
1,093.70
1,103.25
Transportation
10,360.00
8,044.64
4,758.66
4,956.02
New Equipment
650.00
438.70
2,392.75
1,156.57
Driver Education
100.00
146.39
176.62
163.84
$119,511.00
$113,347.41
$95,273.01
$83,955.23
Total Reimbursements (Est.)
37,512.28
26,785.82
25,505.23
23,959.97
15% additional as member of Regional School District
4,040.47
$ 77,958.25
$ 86,561.59
$69,767.78
$59,995.26
Athletic Budget
$500.00
$600.00
$500.00
$300.00
Janitors Fuel
4,150.00
4,800.98
3,225.31
3,291.32
84
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Plainville School Committee:
It is a pleasure to submit my first annual report as Super- intendent of the Plainville Schools. This first experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
For thirty-two years before September 1, 1956, the Plain- ville Schools were under the able direction of Mr. Laurence G. Nourse. Working with him for the three previous years has given me a good insight into the duties of the office and has made it easier for me to direct and supervise a previously well-planned school system.
Last year at this time we were making plans for double sessions to temporarily solve the problem of rapidly increas- ing enrollments. We are glad to report that plans are rapidly progressing to build a nine-room addition to the present school building, with the hope that it will be ready for occupancy in the Fall of 1957. Preliminary plans are being drawn at the time of this writing. This added space plus the three rooms which will be vacated by Grades 7 and 8 when the King Philip Regional High School opens in September, should solve the problem for several years provided that the town does not experience another extensive building program similar to that of the past three years.
We are, however, not alone in our growth although it has been greater than that of some other towns. The overall in- crease in the United States has been over four percent in Grades one through eight. Many systems are now operating on double-sessions and some are on triple-sessions. Accord- ing to professional literature these unfortunate conditions will exist for some time in many communities. We are fortunate to be able to see in the near future a single session for each child.
It is gratifying to me to be able to state that Plainville is able to obtain qualified teachers. The Nation needs approx- imately 120,000 to overcome the present critical shortage. An
85
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
editorial in the Boston Herald reports that it would be neces- sary to take one-half of the college graduates each year until 1959 to keep educational standards at the present level, and there is little possibility that the situation will soon be relieved. School personnel, colleges, parents and everyone interested in the future of America must encourage the best of our young people to enter the profession. We must also make it so attractive that they will want to stay in it. It is my hope that Plainville will continue to have a constructive attitude toward teachers, toward what they are trying to do and toward the part that parents must play.
Double-sessions have been successful although we all realize that they are not educationally sound. As far as basics are concerned we feel that we are making above average progress. There is, however, a noticeable tension on both pupil and teacher which is not conducive to good educational procedure. Our teachers have cooperated fully in every way in an attempt to make the program successful. All of them have conducted extra classes during out of schools hours to provide for individual differences. Parents have done a great deal to enhance this part of the program by providing trans- portation and by giving assistance to their children at home. Despite their success, it will be gratifying to see the end of double-sessions.
Special thanks are extended to a Plainville family, which desires to remain anonymous, for their very generous gift of an audiometer and a large number of new library books to the Plainville Public Schools. Also thanks to the Plainville High School Alumni for their gift of audio-visual equipment; to the American Legion for an American Flag; to the Plain- ville Teachers' Club for their scholarship and for their con- tribution to the audiometer fund; to the Lions Club for their generosity to the School Christmas parties; to the P.T.A. for their contribution of new library books and their continued interest in the school system; to the Plainville Drug Company for their scholarship; and finally to all who have cooperated to make the schools operate more efficiently.
Many specific phases of the school year are contained in the following reports of the principals and supervisors. The spirit of cooperativeness shown by these people is outstand- ing. I am proud to be associated with them.
86
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Mrs. Kathleen M. Crafts, Principal
It is with a great deal of satisfaction that we can report a very successful school year. With an ever increasing enroll- ment, problems have been met as they came up.
Success in this, as in any endeavor, comes from the co- operation of all involved. It would be presumptuous to believe that we have given complete satisfaction to everybody, but that has been our aim. There has been on the part of the parents a strong desire to assure for their children the best possible education and a willingness to make such education available by allotting a considerable portion of their tax dollar for this purpose. The School Committee, beset by many pres- sures and problems, has shown an awareness of the work to be done and has been unsparing of itself in giving whatever time and study was necessary to meet these problems and to bring them to a satisfactory solution. Superintendent Sharp has worked closely with his School Board and with the teach- ers under his jurisdiction.
In April the Science Fair, sponsored by the P.T.A., was held under the direction of Mr. Warren Kline and Mr. Wil- liam Kummer. Local winners who exhibited at the State High School Science Fair in Boston were Helen McGowan '56, Judith Negus '57 and as alternate, Carol Rogers '57.
Mrs. Grenith Rose, who had been on the faculty for eight years resigned and was replaced by Mrs. Alice Church of East Bridgewater. A graduate of Boston University, Mrs. Church is presently working for her Master's Degree at Bridgewater State Teachers' College.
Student Exchange Day brought five pupils from Newton High School to visit our school, our town and Town Meet- ing. In return, five students from Plainville High School spent the day at their school.
At All State Musical Festival, Helen McGowan repres- ented the Plainville High School in the All State Chorus.
For the first time since 1940 publication of a year book was resumed. Called the Highlighter, it recalled many happy incidents of school life.
87
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
Twenty-two Seniors were graduated in June, 1956. Mr. Laurence Nourse, who was retiring after 32 years as Super- intendent of the local schools, was the principal speaker. First Honors went to Elizabeth McQuade and the Salutatorian was Helen McGowan.
Due to the size of the Class of 1960, an additional teacher joined the Faculty this fall. He is Mr. Richard Scully of Taun- ton, who teaches English and Civics and acts as Varsity Coach.
By classes the enrollment is:
Class of 1957 12
Class of 1958 34
Class of 1959 28
Class of 1960
48
Open House was held in November, when many interested parents took advantage of the opportunity to meet with the teachers. Coached by Mr. Paul Heffernan, Head of the English Department, the Seniors presented their play "If You Knew Susie". The proceeds from the play help the Seniors to take a class trip during the Spring vacation.
In an essay writing contest, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Problems of Democracy class pro- vided three winners. Entitled "I Speak For Democracy", the essay written by Nancy Perreault, '57 won first place. In competition with representatives from five neighboring schools, Nancy read her paper over station WARA. Carol Rog- ers '57 was second prize winner and Richard McLacklan '58 was third prize winner. Under Mrs. Church's supervision, the Civics classes were very active in the get-out-the-vote drive.
The staff of the year book is preparing material for the second issue of the "Highlighter". Mr. Valaitis is director of the typing classes which prepare the pages.
Under the direction of Dr. Warren Freeman, the Glee Club has been rehearsing the opertta, H.M.S. Pinafore, which they plan to present early next year.
Driver Education for High School students is taught by Mr. Alden Randall of the Elementary School faculty to a class
88
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
of 24 members. Physical Education for girls and girls basket- ball are directed by Mrs. Grenith Rose.
All members of the faculty devote several hours a week to curriculum Planning for King Philip Regional High School. In addition, many of them are taking advanced courses toward their Master's degree.
The faculty and I appreciate the guidance and forbear- ance which you, Mr. Sharp, have always given to all our problems.
PLAINVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mrs. Esther F. Grant, Principal
As teaching principal of the Elementary School, I am happy to submit to you the following report.
There are 458 pupils enrolled in the Elementary School as of December 1, 1956. For these children we have fifteen teach- ers of whom seven are teaching on regular sessions and eight are teaching on dual sessions; an art supervisor and two music supervisors.
We are thankful that the double-session program will last only this year and are grateful to the taxpayers who voted for the nine-room addition to our present building.
The double-sessions teachers carry on a regular program of Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Spelling but the many subjects that enrich and inspire the children are not included daily because of the time element.
We are most fortunate in having a group of teachers who are very cooperative and understanding and who are outstandingly interested in the growth and welfare of our future citizens.
The cooperation we have received from the parents has also been most gratifying.
An "Information Booklet" was compiled this year with rules and regulations for the faculty which has been of great value in obtaining a unified system.
89
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
A boy's basketball team has been started with children from grades six through the Junior High School and is being supervised and coached by Mr. Raymond Valaitis of the High School faculty.
Miss Charlotte Wood and Miss Mary Ann Papalia have put a great deal of effort in directing the Junior High School cheerleaders.
Next year, the Elementary School will consist of the first six grades. I would like to see a program instituted wherein a Student Council, a Safety Council and a Thrift Schedule would be in operation for and by the children.
I am deeply grateful for the assistance and support my fellow teachers and Mrs. Andrews, our secretary, have given me as teaching principal; and I am indebted to you, Mr. Sharp, for your guidance and cooperation.
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
My twelfth annual report is herewith submitted. The art program in the schools of Plainville has progressed favorably during the past year. The pupils in all grades are encouraged to express themselves creatively, to apply art principles learn- ed, to enjoy art activities and to appreciate the beautiful. Opportunity to work in various media; such as, crayons, easel paint, finger paint, watercolor, tempera, pen and ink and plas- tercine are provided. Design, color, lettering, representation, illustration, murals, outdoor sketching, posters, art apprecia- tion, construction work for special days, the making of gifts at Christmas time and mechanical drawing are some of the types of work done:
Special help in making properties and costumes for the Music Festival was given to teachers requesting it.
Exhibits of art work were held for Open House in May and November.
In October, Miss Wood, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Hammer, Mrs. Armstrong and myself went to
90
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
Wrentham to attend the very worthwhile Art Workshop con- ducted by Mrs. Wilma Geer Bradbury of Binney and Smith Company. On the fifth of December, a most inspiring Work- shop was held at the Mulcahey School in Taunton on the Arts in the Elementary Curriculum. In addition to a general session dealing with Music, Art and Literature, there were discussion groups for each of these divisions. An exhibition of art work in the Taunton Schools was on display in the corridors and school rooms. It proved to be a most interesting and worthwhile day.
The results of the Massachusetts S.P.C.A. poster contest were as follows:
First Prize
Carol Tucker
Grade 4
Karen O'Brien
5
Karen O'Brien
5
Marilou Cobb
5
Jerrilyn Ruest
6
Martha Reynolds
7
Nancy Keyes
7
Allan Cornell
8
Juanita Ruest
9
Prescott Mason
10
Second Prize
Emily Cargill
Grade
4
Cheryl Cate
4
Karen Evans
6
Beth Perreault
7
James Ruest
8
Leroy Brodeur
9
Philip Andrews
10
Third Prize
Parker Perreault
Grade
4
Richard Miner
5
Irmalee Kiff
6
Noreen Snell
7
Diane Bennett
7
Diane Cardy
8
Barbara Fulton
9
Francis Beauregard
10
It has been a pleasure to work with the splendid staff of teachers in our schools as well as the principals, Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Crafts and our Superintendent, Mr. Sharp. Thank you all for your cooperation and loyal support.
91
ANNUAL REPORT
1956
MUSIC Harriet F. Washburn, Supervisor Primary School
To help children to have some understanding and love for music so that their lives may be enriched is the aim of teaching music in the schools. Through a presentation of music in its many forms, of rote and note singing, rhythmic orches- tra, simple folk dancing, singing games and listening to and learning to recognize music that has value are some of the ways in which I hope the children in this school will obtain that understanding and love.
This past year has been a successful one, the results of which were shown in the Music Festival given by all of the children, by samples of each of the activities above mentioned. Miss Spier was a tremendous help in planning and helping to make stage decorations and some of the costumes. Some of the mothers helped, too. The cooperation of the teachers was, as always, outstanding.
The children in the third grades learned to play the Symphonet and also learned to read music readily. Due to lack of time this year that project had to be dropped, but with a return to regular sessions, lessons will be resumed.
Through June the Boys' Glee Club rehearsed every week and they and I certainly had many happy quarter hours to- gether. The time element this Fall has curtailed that part of the program but December saw it started again and we hope to be able to continue it. Their singing was enjoyed by them and by their listeners, and many boys have asked me if they could belong to the Glee Club. It was my hope when the Glee Club was started that the enjoyment of singing together would carry over into the upper grades; perhaps, in time, it will.
With the cooperation of the teachers, the interest of the children and your support, Mr. Sharp, my work is made most satisfying and enjoyable.
MUSIC
Warren S. Freeman, Supervisor Junior-Senior High School and Director of Instrumental Music
I have the honor to submit my annual report as a teacher of music in the Plainville Public Schools for 1956.
92
TOWN OF PLAINVILLE
1956
During the past year the music program in the Plainville Schools has made steady progress. Mrs. Washburn has carried on a very successful program of vocal music in grades one through five and we have maintained an integration of the program which I carry on in vocal music beginning in grade six. Regular weekly programs of music for grade six, seven and eight are carried on throughout the year. In the High School, the Glee Club meets for one hour each week. All of the pupils in grades six, seven and eight take part in the vocal music program. This program also includes certain listening experiences which aim to develop a better under- standing of music on the part of the pupils. In the High School the Glee Club is a voluntary activity, but it reaches nearly all of the pupils in the High School.
The High School Glee Club presented a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado" during the spring of 1956. The proceeds of this event were used to help with the pur- chase of the band uniforms. More then sixty boys and girls from Plainville High School took part in this production. A student faculty orchestra furnished the accompaniment. The Glee Club also performed at the 1956 graduation exercises of the Plainville High School.
The instrumental program offers instrumental instruction for all pupils from grades three through the high school. The present double-session in the elementary school has made it necessary to offer the instruction on the elementary level outside of school hours. This has been done by forming two elementary groups, one for the pupils who attend school in the afternoon and the other for the pupils who attend school in the morning. Special arrangements have been made by the principal of the elementary school for lunch for these pupils. The instrumental groups from grade six through the high school meet during school time.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.