USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1960-1965 > Part 5
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Introduction
As I came to Plainville February 15, 1960, in the middle of a school year, I must report that the credit for the many good things this year should go to Mr. Kenneth L. Sharp, your committee and the fine staff that you have assembled. My own first impressions are that (1) up to now the people of Plainville can be highly commended on the educational opportunity they have provided for their children, (2) that your children are responding to the opportunity in a way that should make you proud, (3) that the cooperative spirit and goodwill that is so noticeable make Plainville Elementary School an ideal learning environment, (4) that the supporting people-Mrs. Dorothy Andrews, Mrs. Janet Claudy, Mrs. Evelyn Snell, Mrs. Helen Simpson, Mrs. Edythe Stafford, Mr. Albert Pothier and Mr. Leon Smith-are all ex- tremely capable in their positions and that they also contribute to the school atmosphere, (5) and that despite all this, we cannot afford to
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become complacent as we can expect a 30% to 50% turnover in staff each year and our enrollment is constantly going up and our facilities are taxed to maintain the standards we have now.
Enrollment
As is the trend around the world, the population of Plainville has been going up. We closed school in June 1960 with 460 pupils and opened in September 1960 with 510. We have 65 in the sixth grade and 95 reaching school age for next fall. This means an enrollment of 540 may be forecast for the next school year.
Staff
Two teachers were added to the regular staff in the fall of 1960, making a total of 20 classroom teachers. This same number should suffice in the 1961-62 school year, but the decision on how many of each grade should be deferred until later in the spring. By then, we should have a more accurate measure of the number of pupils there will be in each grade.
Facilities
The new storage shed was built in back of the elementary school by King Philip Regional Vocational High School pupils at a cost of $625. This space has relieved the main building of some equipment that was housed there. All of our classrooms are occupied and we will have a 30-1 pupil-teacher ratio by September 1962 if the present figures hold. Additional meetings on this matter were to be scheduled this spring.
Transportation
Mr. Walter Holmes of Norfolk has transported our pupils this year on a sub-contract with Mansfield Garage whose contract expires in June 1962. Five new 59-passenger buses have given excellent service. Slight changes were made in the routes to give better cover- age to some areas and to provide safer pickups in others. The same buses are also used on separate trips to transport high school students to King Philip. This has worked out very well and provides the best of service at a nominal rate.
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PLAINVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr.' John J. Kent, Principal
The citizens of Plainville have a responsibility in the function of the Plainville Elementary School and they must recognize the goal that each child is entitled to an education necessary to make him an intelligent citizen of our community and our nation.
With this goal in mind I submit my first report as teaching- principal.
The present school building, with the addition completed in 1958, has all twenty classrooms in use. The enrollment on October 1, 1960, was 510 pupils, an increase of 47 pupils over October 1, 1959.
Grades 2 through 6 are homogeneously grouped in that each pupil has been placed in a classroom with pupils of similar achievement with the thought that the teacher will be able to give more attention to specific needs.
All pupils were tested for achievement utilizing the S. R. A. Achievement series in April, producing the following results above the national grade equivalent:
Grade 6
8 months
5
6 months
4
8 months
3
8 months
2
4 months
The pupils exceeded the national grade equivalent in all specific subject matter fields. The results of these tests will contribute much to the evaluation of our system and to the teacher's understanding of the individual pupil's needs in guidance and achievement.
The administration is continuing the physical education program of previous years. Each grade has a weekly physical education period with insistence on various body-building exercises and group partici- pation in games. There is little stress on winning the organized games, but a strong emphasis is placed on participation.
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All grades are now provided with courses of study in the major subjects, since this fall each teacher received a course of study in Science. This guide was prepared by a committee of teachers, chair- maned by John Rogers, and is a valuable addition to our teaching method.
In grades four, five and six French is being taught through the medium of television and the aid of the classroom teacher. Television is also utilized in the instruction of Science, Music and Literature.
To provide enrichment in the curriculum, Audio-visual aids, such as sound films, filmstrips and recordings, are used in the classroom. This year John Chavier, Jr., director of audio-visual aids, conducted a series of weekly meetings with 10 teachers participating in the workshop on the operation, maintenance and evaluation of the school's audio-visual equipment. This is one of the areas of teacher self- improvement. Several of the teachers are also taking accredited courses after school in the community. Here again, our teachers are keeping abreast of the current trends in education and the improve- ment of instruction.
The school library is an essential part of the school system. Under the chairmanship of Mrs. James Finley, the library mothers are able to assist each classroom teacher in providing supplementary books for additional reading. New books have been donated by the Parent-Teacher Association and the Plainville Teachers Association this year. These gifts have allowed us to increase the number of books available to our students.
Parent-teacher conferences were held in November with success when 96% of the pupils' parents met with the teachers to discuss individual pupil achievement. During American Education Week, Open House was held in cooperation with the P.T.A. and the Teachers' Association. Each room had pupils' daily work on display.
The discipline of the school is a credit to the community. In the elementary classroom, discipline is not a serious problem when the teacher stimulates interest in the work and provides enrichment for the children. The teacher generally handles the individual classroom disciplinary problems although close contact with parents and the principal assists in the guidance of the pupil. The school also has the facilities of various social organizations to help any disturbed young- ster.
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Twenty teachers are employed on a full-time basis. Of this num- ber, seven were new to the system in September. Several are also first-year teachers and therefore are supervised as closely as possible by the principal and the senior grade teacher who aids the other teachers of the same grade level in the methods of teaching and clerical procedure.
The play areas are supervised at all times by the teachers. The primary grades are separated from the upper grades during recess and the lunch period.
Conferences and meetings attended by the principal have a direct bearing on the school: A three-day conference, "Improvement of In- struction," held by the National Education Association at Hartford, Connecticut, the Long Range Planning Committee on Audio-Visual Instruction, State Department of Education, The "21 inch Classroom," Parlon Francais planning meeting, the annual Norfolk County Teach- ers Association meeting, and district principal meetings. These meet- ings assist the principal in his evaluation of the local system and the guidance for future policies.
No report would be complete without reference to future needs in the local system: (1) Thought should be given to the increasing school population and the needs for additional space; (2) The use of audio- visual equipment is limited due to inadequate viewing facilities. One plan could be equipping a room each year with suitable draperies or shades; (3) The west side of the play area should be cleared and a suitable surface installed. The south side of the parking area should also be surfaced in a suitable manner; (4) Additional television re- ceivers of a portable nature should be made available. At the present time, classes must be scheduled around the two receivers; (5) Thought must be given to the administrative duties of the principal. In addi- tion to classroom teaching, the principal must carry out the vital duties of assisting the nineteen classroom teachers in the education of our youth.
The operation of the Plainville School is one that calls for team- work. If one classroom falters, the entire school suffers. We have had a high degree of teamwork in our school this year and it is oper- ating smoothly and efficiently.
Teachers, supervisors, custodians, lunchroom workers, school bus drivers, the nurse, the secretary, Mrs. Andrews, and others have done their work in a professional manner often beyond the requirements
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of their positions. The morale of the school personnel and the pupils is high and it is my pleasure to work with them.
May I express my appreciation to the superintendent, Mr. Green, for his support and guidance this year.
ART
Miss Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
For the sixteenth year, I submit my annual report on the art program of the Plainville schools.
To quote Youldon C. Howell: "Lives of children are made pleasant, satisfying and purposeful when they create and build. It must be remembered that children of today are builders of tomorrow and that our American heritage will be enriched by their music, their archi- tecture and their painting. We live in a democracy which is growing and developing. The future of our country depends upon the creative powers of all. Students need and desire opportunities to develop their powers of creative thinking. A vital contribution is made to every child by the arts. The builders of tomorrow must be creative if they are to cope with the problems of a changing world."
Our art education program helps to develop and foster the creative potentialities of every child. Principles of art applied to Represen- tation, Design and Construction problems with the use of a variety of media: crayons, pencil, pen and ink, easel paint, fingerpaint, plasti- cine, watercolor, tempera, paper, cardboard and scrap materials bring out the artistic talents inherent in all children-some to a greater degree than others depending entirely upon individual capabilities. A few specific projects of the past year are worthy of mention: The poster contest, the covers designed for the original songs written for Mrs. Washburn and presented to her at the Music Festivals, the mosaics, the collages, the illustrations for Fire Prevention Week and the Christmas gifts.
Our Safety First poster contest, sponsored by the P.T.A., who pro- vided funds for the Grand Prizes (books-one awarded to each grade), was successful. The Grand Prize winners were as follows:
Grade 1-Susan Payne.
Grade 2-Geoffrey Whitehouse.
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Grade 3-Robert Watson.
Grade 4-Scott Robison.
Grade 5-David Christensen.
Grade 6-Carol Smith.
Certificates designed and printed by the art supervisor were awarded to pupils in each room as follows:
Grade 1 (Martin)-First, Steven Skinner; second, Daniel Don- nelly; third, William Wallace.
Grade 1 (Morgan)-First, Robin Peloquin; second, Shirley Wolo- wicz; third, Jeffrey Schoening.
Grade 1 (Palmer)-First, Cynthia Peck; second, Jan Henrich; third, Joyce Carpenter.
Grade 1 (Thayer-Diamond)-First, Gail Ryan; second, Lori Firth; third, Gary Christian.
Grade 2. (Hammer)-First, Robert Miranda; second, Paul Cooney; third, Bradford Goodknight.
Grade 2 (Henderson)-First, Susan Legon; second, Carol Ann Pelo- quin; third, Brenda Costa.
Grade 2 (Meade)-First, Jean Simmons; second, Diane Bankert; third, Francis Roderigues.
Grade 2 (Titus)-First, Laurel Ann Plante; second, Cynthia Lar- sen; third, Brian MacDonald.
Grade 3 (Carpenter)-First, Sharon Hall; second, Diane DeCristo- faro; third, Alan Hatt.
Grade 3 (Grant)-First, Richard Smith; second, Susan Robinson; third, Everett Norton.
Grade 3 (Kauffman)-First, Kathleen Giacomino; second, Aline Pelletier; third, Mark Wisniewski.
Grade 4 (Donnelly)-First, Carol Jean Zilch; second, Michael Skinner; third, Philip Lapierre.
Grade 4 (Munroe)-First, Raymond Knowles; second, Gregory DuBois; third, Otto Wolf.
Grade 4 (Wood)-First, Karen Snow; second, Alan White; third, Kathleen Plante.
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Grade 5 (Medlicott)-First, Michael Roy; second, Natalie Gard- ner; third, Linda Barrett.
Grade 5 (Watts)-First, Patricia Knowles; second, David French; third, Harry Schoening.
Grade 6 (Rogers)-First, Mary Simpson; second, James Keegan; third, Allan Greene.
Grade 6 (Thayer)-First, Kathryn Patton; second, David Wood- ward; third, Barbara Lemmer.
In all grades, Christmas gifts to take home were made. Grade 1-Kitchen memorandum pads, painted stone paper weights. Grade 2-Finger painted paper snack plates, scraped wax crayon doilies. Grade 3-Decorated juice cans for pencil holders, decorated tuna fish cans for scouring pads. Grade 4-Knitting boxes, necktie holders. Grade 5-Woodsy pins, cone and seed wreaths. Grade 6-Painted tea tiles. The sixth grades made the Christmas decorations for the win- dows and lunchroom. It is hoped that parents appreciate the efforts, thought and love the children put into the making of these simple gifts.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all with whom I have had the pleasure of working, the children, the teachers, the principal, the superintendent, the school secretary, the lunchroom personnel and the custodians.
MUSIC
Mr. Raymond Dellovo, Jr., Supervisor
I take great pleasure in submitting my first annual report on the music department of the Plainville Elementary School.
Vocal
The following activities are taking place in the program:
1. Weekly visits to all classrooms.
2. A Christmas Program.
3. A Spring Program.
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Each classroom is visited every other week for a period of twenty minutes with the exception of Grade 6, which is twenty-five minutes. This year, I am concentrating on the following concepts for each grade:
Grade 1-Matching tones. This is a process which helps the children to discover their singing voices. In this method children repeat tones that I have sung to them. This is done individually. Also with this, children discover whether tones stay the same or go up or down. This may be called phrasing. Matching tones is accompanied by rote singing, a process in which the children repeat phrases which I have sung.
Grade II-In Grade II we are continuing the teachings of Grade I to a higher and more complex degree. Also, we begin to look for beautiful tone in singing, accompanied by correct dynamics and phras- ing. Again, we employ the use of good constructive rhythm and the value of each of the basic notes in music.
Grade III- In addition to everything taught in Grades I and II, Grade III begins a fundamental learning of the theory of music. This is done through the following ideas:
1. Analyzing word context of songs in order to appreciate phras- ing and tone quality.
2. The use of constructive rhythms and how these rhythms in- fluence the style of a composition.
3. The listening to music written by noted composers in order to develop a sense of imagination, whether it be fantastic or realistic.
Grade IV-Along with the concepts taught in Grade III, we add:
1. The ability to hear and sing different degrees of the musical scale.
2. The ability to write something about what they hear, see or experience in music.
3. The power to develop independence in singing, accompanied by good rhythm, correct phrasing and beautiful tone quality.
4. Independence in singing developed by singing unison and two-part songs.
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Grade V-Accompanying the ideas set up for Grade IV, we have:
1. Creative ability in writing their own music, consisting of words, rhythm and melody.
2. Ability to recognize instruments of the orchestra by sound and sight.
3. Ability to recognize the name of famous composers and their compositions.
Grade VI-Everything learned in Grades I through V, plus:
1. Mastery of the musical score.
a. Singing of three-part songs.
b. Reading two and three-part songs.
c. Complex rhythms.
d. Identification of rhythms.
e. Sight reading.
2. Creative work.
a. Experience in conducting the class.
b. Writing of original songs with rhythmic accompaniment.
On December 21, 1960, a Christmas Program consisting of Grades I, II and III was held for the school. The program was very successful.
A Spring Program will be held in the latter part of the year for the students of Grades IV, V and VI.
Instrumental
A demonstration of the basic instruments of the orchestra was given to Grades IV, V and VI in November of 1960. The demonstra- tion was conducted by Mr. Joseph Sorocco, representing the John W. Coffey Music Studios of Boston. At the demonstration, Mr. Sorocco explained each instrument and how it operated. Also, at this time I described briefly how the instrumental program was organized. The following classes are being held to promote the program:
1. String class.
2. Flutophone class.
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3. Band.
4. Advanced woodwind.
5. Beginning woodwind.
6. Beginning brass.
These classes are of the homogeneous and heterogeneous type. In each class we are aiming for the following:
1. Ability to read the musical score and to interpret all of its concepts.
2. Ability to play their instruments to a certain degree of pro- ficiency.
3. Ability to work intelligently and creatively with other mem- bers of the class.
Also, I have found a great demand for the Flutophone, an instru- ment used in Grade II as the beginning of a pre-instrumental program. Almost one hundred percent enrollment of the third grade is being given instructions on the Flutophone. The class is designed to give children the opportunity to develop their ability in reading music. If a child is successful with the Flutophone, many of the orchestral in- struments, such as Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet and Saxophone, will be much easier to play. Members of the band will perform along with Grades IV, V and VI in the Spring Concert.
I wish to thank Mr. Green and Mr. Kent in helping to organize the music curriculum. Also, I wish to thank the members of the teaching staff for their cooperation in helping to promote the organiza- tion of the music curriculum.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS John Chavier, Jr.
In the 1960-61 school year, changes have been made in the ar- rangement of the facilities available for the use of audio-visual equip- ment. We now have a standard equipment room from which all equipment can be taken.
A workshop on the maintenance, operation and evaluation of audio-visual equipment was held. Ten teachers completed this four- week course. The last session was conducted by Kenneth A. Whaley of United Camera.
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An immediate goal of the director is to have the department sponsor an audio-visual club for older students. The members will assist in the operation of the various projectors.
At the present time, the department has two television receivers in good condition, a rear-view projector, a filmstrip projector and a sound projector. The purchase of a filmstrip projector and a new screen is recommended. We are also seeing the evidences of enrich- ing experiences in our pupils in our educational programs because of the televised programs.
I firmly believe that in order for our department to continue to grow, we must first of all strengthen the use of our facilities. I highly recommend a long-range goal that each room become furnished with draped curtains and that one room a year be furnished with curtains.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Dr. John T. Cotter
The annual examination of the school children is nearly completed. The general health of the school children of Plainville is good.
Tonsils and adenoids continue to be the most frequently found disorder and cases so found have been reported to the parents of the children. Two new heart cases were found in the first grade students. These cases were re-examined and the parents notified. Suggestions for correction of posture were discussed with several students.
I wish to thank Mrs. Claudy, school nurse, and the faculty for their cooperation in conducting these examinations.
SCHOOL NURSE Janet Claudy, R.N.
Soon after the opening of classes in September our school physician commenced his physical examinations on pupils in grade 1 and grade 4. Although our doctor's annual examinations included only the pupils in these seven classrooms, any pupil may be recom- mended for examination by parent or teacher. As in the past, all par- ents will be notified of any physical abnormalities.
7
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During September, each student was weighed and measured. This data is recorded on each child's health card. Thus, a year-by-year rate of physical growth and development is obtained. Such a record accompanies all pupils through high school.
Dental examinations for every child have been scheduled for the second semester.
Hearing tests have been given to every pupil. A program to test the vision of each child will be carried out during the early Spring. As a result of these hearing and vision tests no diagnosis is ever made and no treatment is ever recommended except by the family doctor.
The annual spring-time immunization clinics were held for all children whose parents had requested these protective innoculations for their children. Similar clinics will be held again this Spring to offer this protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. A well-attended polio clinic was held. Attendance at all such clinics is optional and innoculations are never given at school except with written permission of parent or guardian.
Because it has been proved that scholastic progress is very defi- nitely affected by physical condition, every attempt is made to dis- cover the presence of such a defect and to notify parents of the child who, because of such an abnormalcy, might be impeded from average progress in school.
The success of our health program can only be achieved by means of cooperation from pupils, parents, teachers and all school officials. My sincere thanks to all these individuals and to our school physician, Dr. John Cotter.
Other Reports
NOON LUNCH
Another facet of our elementary school program is the noon lunch which provides one-third of the required calories and vitamins needed daily by each child. As over 55% of the children are bus pupils, the need for this activity is apparent. An average of 340 pupils each day are served lunch and over 100 more participate in the special milk program. It also enables the school to operate on a 40-minute noon-
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time break which means more time for instruction. Our lunchroom, menus and records not only meet state requirements, but are rated as above average when checked by State Department personnel; and above all, this is a self-supporting activity. The increased enrollment is being felt here, too, as four new tables were added this year. With three seatings now, the time and the facilities are near capacity. Some type of additional cold storage space is a must.
Mrs. Evelyn Snell and her assistants, Mrs. Edythe Stafford and Mrs. Helen Simpson, have continued to do an excellent job and the fact that this is self-supporting is due largely to the capable manage- ment of Mrs. Snell.
SUPERVISORS
Several changes should be noted in our supervisory personnel. Mrs. Harriet Washburn retired in February after twenty-eight years' service as vocal music supervisor. Mrs. Anne Hawkins ably substi- tuted for Mrs. Washburn for the balance of the school year.
Dr. Warren S. Freeman resigned as instrumental music instructor effective at the close of the 1960 school year. Mr. Raymond Dellovo has been engaged for Wednesday and Thursday each week to continue both the vocal and the instrumental music.
Closing
I would like to thank the school committee, town officials, prin- cipals, teachers and all other auxiliary services for making this year such a successful one. I'd like also to express my appreciation to the parents for the support that they have given to me and to the staff. This total mutual effort prevents small problems from becoming big ones and makes big problems seem small.
Respectfully submitted,
CARL W. GREEN
Superintendent
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STATISTICS
Extracts from the School Census, October 1960
Girls
Boys
Pupils between 5 and 7
117
102
Pupils between 7 and 16
437
339
554
451
Perfect Attendance for the School Year 1959-60
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