USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1956 > Part 22
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The Charles G. Pope School, the third school built in this stage of the long term building program, was erected on the same lot where the original Pope School stood, which was con- demned as unsafe in the Summer of 1949. This building has six elementary class rooms and a kindergarten, in addition to a general purpose auditorium equipped with stage, and other necessary facilities, and was dedicated on October 28, 1956.
These two latter schools were ready for occupancy at the opening of school for the year 1956-57, on September 6, 1956.
The afternoon of October 28, 1956 was devoted to the dedication exercises of the three schools, and inspection of the schools by the general public. The order of exercises was similar in the three schools, and was presided over by the Supervising Principals of the schools Edward L. Smith, Joseph M. Thornton and Francis W. Escott. The exercises consisted of the posting of the colors by veterans' organizations, invo- cation, salute to the Flag, and singing of the Star Spangled Banner, presentatiorn of the keys of the schools, an address by the Honorable William J. Donovan, Mayor, and remarks by Everett W. Ireland, Superintendent of Schools, and repre-
338
ANNUAL REPORTS
sentatives of the family of the person for whom each school was named, unveiling of the plaque followed by a benediction and a selection by the Somerville High School ensemble. In each case a school song was sung by pupils of the school, the words and music of which were written by William A. Howard, Supervisor of Music in the Somerville schools. The whole program was under the general direction of Honorary Chair- men, Mayor William J. Donovan, President of the Board of Aldermen, Francis L. McCarthy, Chairman of the School Com- mittee, Walter J. Casey, and Public Works Commissioner, Walter J. Manning. The General Committee, under the chair- manship of Everett W. Ireland, Superintendent of Schools, was composed of Dr. Leo C. Donahue, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Irving L. Stackpole, Mary F. Murphy and Anthony C. Rosselli. Each school had a sub-committee composed of the principal of the school, aldermen at large and school committee members of the particular area.
On January 5, 1956, less than two hours after the students had completed their sessions and had left for the day a very serious and costly fire broke out on the stage in the High School Auditorium. Exceptionally efficient work of the Somer- ville Fire Department, aided by fire fighters from Departments of neighboring communities, confined the fire damage to the auditorium, but the damage was seriously increased by water in the cafeteria and several other parts of the central building. At a cost approaching $200,000 the central building was renovated and used for the first time for the Class Day Exer- cises on June 8th 1956.
Approximately two hours after this exercise, students and teachers having left the building, another very disastrous fire broke out on the fourth floor in a loft adjacent to the art room. The fourth floor was completely gutted and extensive fire and water damage was created throughout the central building except for the auditorium and cafeteria, which had previously been thoroughly renovated on account of the earlier fire. Present code and fire laws left no alternative but to construct an entirely new interior.
While it might have been possible, through extensive rearrangement of program and room assignments, to continue junior and sophomore classes for the remaining two weeks of the school term, the Chairman of the School Committee ordered the school sessions closed due to the possibility of injury to students. In consequence of this action, and the loss of two weeks of the school year in September 1955 on account
339
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of the polio scare, and the loss of two school days because of the fire of January 1956 it can be seen that the High School year was shortened by twenty-two days.
Much delay was experienced before it was possible to make a beginning on rehabilitating or replacing the damaged portion of the building, because of necessary investigations and surveys, to determine whether the building could be repaired and remodelled, or the central building torn down and plans for the replacement of the section be studied by an architect.
The School Committee gave much study to this phase of the problem. Sessions were held with Public Works Com- missioner, Walter J. Manning, to discuss the many factors involved in arriving at the proper solution, and with local and state officials, representing, the offices of the Fire Marshal and the Department of Public Works, not only to obtain accurate information about what must be done, what could be done, estimated costs, and what would satisfy building codes and fire laws, but also determine the proper steps which should be taken to prevent the recurrence of such fires and other similar hazards in the future.
After investigation, the State Fire Marshal's office assured the School Committee that there was no evidence to cause suspicion of incendiarism.
After much study due to differences of opinion, and delay in the procuring of appropriations, it was finally decided to remove the fourth story and top the building with a flat roof, thus making the architectural structure conform with that of the east and west wings which had been constructed in 1927 and 1928 with three floors. This part of the project was completed during the latter part of the summer of 1956. Because the quarters of the art department had been removed after being burned out, new quarters were provided in newly renovated and equipped rooms in the east wing. Before the opening of school in September a complete renovation of the basement of the central portion of the building had been made so that the cafeteria could be used for some classes, the shop rooms were available, and a passage between the east and west wings was provided.
The complete renovation of the three floors is now in progress and we are assured that the new interior required by the present building codes and fire laws will make available
340
ANNUAL REPORTS
for use for many years a much more modern and fully suitable and adequate High School than Somerville ever had before.
In September, however, the problem of making arrange- ments for the instruction of the students in seriously abbre- viated and restricted quarters without laboratories, required much thought, study and discussion. It was finally found possible to care for all the academic, commercial, and shop work, with a modified science curriculum, by resorting to an undesirable but necessary procedure of a two session plan.
The seniors and juniors in the High School attend school from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon while the sophomores attend school from 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. The five period-a-day schedule is carried out as usual, but the shortened day is accomplished. by eliminating recesses and lunch periods during school hours. Lunches were provided betwen 12 Noon and 12:30 P.M.
The complete cooperation of teachers and pupils was necessary to make the plan successful, but few difficulties have been experienced. The teachers had to be divided into three shifts on account of complications of program making. While a bit difficult to accomplish, a proper cooperative spirit of devoted teachers brought about as successful an accomplish- ment as could be desired.
One of the recommendations contained in the survey of Elementary School Building Needs called for a long term program of rehabilitating those schools which were not to be replaced in the near future. It had been pointed out that proper housing of school children is an important factor in providing the services necessary to obtain the highest edu- cational objectives. Buildings should be functional and effi- cient. Older buildings which are structurally sound can become, through rehabilitation and modernization, a very effective and usable part of the eventual modern school plant.
During 1954 and 1955 considerable progress was reported on this phase of the program, and now as a result of continu- ance of the plan it can be reported that during the three years over one hundred classrooms and auxiliary rooms, such as gymnasiums, auditoriums, lunch rooms, teachers rooms and offices have been renovated by redecoration, new floors, new lighting, and new furniture. Many lavatories, corridors, and stairwells have been repainted, and unused air vents and win- dows were bricked in.
341
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Classrooms for special classes and kindergartens have been provided at several schools, and boilers have been retubed in at least three schools. In two schools toilet facilities almost fifty years old have been replaced by modern facilities, and the health room at the Southern Junior High School was redecorated and new plumbing was installed. At the new Healey School, considerable work was done on the grounds, including a play area for the kindergartens, erection of wire fences, and an eight foot wide hot top walk was constructed! from the rear of the schol to Mystic Avenue for the safety and convenience of the children.
Constant attention has been given to general maintenance. Minor repairs which included the replacement of hundreds of panes of glass. 170 metal towel dispensers, 170 liquid soap dispensers, and 518 toilet tissue holders were provided where none had been available.
It is very evident that it is the intent of the Public Works Department to continue to give major attention to the rehabili- tation program, and surely the amount of such work done during 1956, in addition to the completion of and occupation of the three new schools during the year, and the fine progress. made in the rebuilding of the central section of the High School. necessitated by the two disastrous fires, calls for much sincere and grateful commendation to the Commissioner of Public Works for the exceptional accomplishment made in the interest of the school children and the faculties of the schools.
PERSONNEL
Each year it is with serious regret and grave concern that reference is made to the great loss which is experienced by the school system when some very capable associates sever their connections with the schools.
Of the twenty-three, whose active services were terminated during the year, two were called to their great reward. Sue A. Fitzpatrick, a teacher and principal's assistant over a period of forty-four years in the Knapp District, who gave loyal and devoted service, passed away on February 7, 1956, and Philip J. Koen, teacher at the Northeastern Junior High School for fourteen years passed away on October 9, 1956.
Thirteen of the remaining twenty-one retired from the service, seven resigned, and one entered another field of
342
ANNUAL REPORTS
activity. Notable among those who retired, were the terms of devoted service of Margaret Macleod, teacher at the Cholerton School, after forty-four years, Alice Hayes, teacher of special classes and sight conservation class, at the Bennett and Cholerton Schools, forty-three years, Mary A. Whitney, teacher and Supervisor of Americanization and Citizenship, forty years, and Arthur J. Marchant, teacher and later Vice Principal of the Western Junior High School, forty-two years.
Others who had periods of exceptional and efficient service include:
Velma B. Strout, N.E. Jr. H. School, thirty-eight years.
Adela L. Balch, N.E. Jr. H. School, thirty-four years and 7 months.
Ruby F. Sutherland, High School, thirty-four years.
Carolyn E. Crockett, Cholerton School, thirty-three years.
Abigail Bailey, Kindergarten, Bennett School, thirty-two years.
Lillian Rollins, Forster School, thirty-one years.
Roy C. MacGee, Trade High and Vocational School, thirty years.
Arthur L. Morrissey, Vice Headmaster, High School, twenty-eight years.
Bryant W. Patten, teacher, Trade High and Vocational School, fourteen years.
The services of these persons have been outstanding and valuable, and best wishes were expressed to those who retired 'for happy leisure in their retirement.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before concluding this report, covering the calendar year 1956, it is the duty of the Superintendent to present to the 'School Committee recommendations upon matters which he considers to be deserving of study and action during the coming year.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
It is therefore recommended:
1. That continued support be given to bills before the General Court which will increase the state's contri- bution toward the expenses of the educational systems of the various communities of the Commonwealth.
2. That earnest consideration and action be given to the revision of the Rules and Regulations of the School Committee, which has been discussed for a period of over five years, so that the Rules will conform with the requirements of recently adopted legislation, and so that necessary revisions may be made to the eligibility rules for candidates for teacherships and positions above the classroom level.
3. That the School Committee continue its determination to stress the continuation, as fast as moneys can be made available, of the long term building program of new school units, and the rehabilitation of those struc- tually sound buildings which need substantial renova- tion to make them suitable to be part of a modern school plant, which has had such a fine improvement in the last three years.
4. That, as a part of the previous recommendation, con- sideration be given to the necessary enlarging of the quarters for the Auto Body and the Painting and Dec- orating activities at the Trade School, either by making additions to the building, or by giving serious thought to replacing the Prescott School, allowing elementary pupils from the Edgerly School to go there, and thus releasing some rooms for expansion of the Trade School.
5. That continued study be made upon the need for ex- pansion of the present offerings in the fields of research, guidance, speech therapy, and the program of instruc- tion for exceptional children.
6. That, in view of the fact that all recommendations for additions to and revisions of the curriculum, and re- placement and renovation of structurally sound build- ings, call for the expenditures of large amounts of money, and that tax rates seem always to be on the increase and never on the decrease, it is very earnestly recommended that serious study be made of the mobility of the population of the community and the decrease
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ANNUAL REPORTS
of residential areas of Somerville. Such a study would reveal the necessity of redistricting the schools, which would in turn reduce the size of the faculty, thus allow- ing for increased activities and eventually increased salaries with no effect of increasing the tax rate or the expenditures of the School Committee.
CONCLUSION
The Superintendent of Schools has previously called the attention of the public, through his annual reports, to the. fact that the continued development of the American way of life requires an ever-improving system of public education. An ancient philosopher once said, "Good education makes good citizens; and good citizens, helped by good education, become better than they were." The greatest need of our city, state, and country is the development of good citizens.
Good schools are the responsibility of all the citizens. The instructional program must be extended and enriched, and it must be geared to the individual and social needs of the students. Functionally designed and adequately equipped buildings must be provided, and those who provide the instruc- tion must be thoroughly and properly prepared, and have the ability to present the latest and most up-to-date methods and techniques for the successful accomplishing of their tasks. To wish for good schools is not sufficient.
The curriculum and the courses of study are constantly and continually being reviewed and revised, and every possible effort is made by the instructional force to maintain and im- prove the quality of the teaching, the supervision and the administration.
Over the period of the past seven years following the completion of the Survey of Elementary School Needs, con- siderable progress has been made in Somerville with respect to the planning for and the development of a modern school plant through this projected long-term building program. Three new elementary school buildings have been completed and occupied during the year just closing. The rebuilding of the central section of the High School, due to the two very disastrous fires, is progressing rapidly toward full capacity use, and the end of the two session plan, and the rehabilitation program has made extensive improvements.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The citizens of our community are urged to concern them- selves with the present and future needs of the schools, so that the necessary important decisions will be wisely deter- minded. Many of our citizens are already giving much thought, and devoting much time and effort to the schools, including Parent-Teacher Associations and similar parent groups, service clubs, and fraternal organizations. There must be assurance that the children and grandchildren will enjoy freedom in a world where dignity and integrity of human life are respected. Equality of opportunity for all people is demanded.
The results of such a combination of thinking and acting will maintain the faith of the public in the power of education and in the necessity of demanding good schools and providing for them.
In concluding this, his twenty-ninth annual report, in a series of eighty-five such school reports, the Superintendent of Schools expresses his grateful and sincere appreciation to all those connected with the school system who have been associated with the continuing and furthering of the educa- tional program, and have exerted much time and effort to the responsibilities of their tasks; and it is his earnest hope that the citizens of Somerville will share with him the realization and appreciation of the fine task which has been accomplished.
EVERETT W. IRELAND,
Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORTS
ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL BOARD, 1957 SCHOOL COMMITTEE Somerville, Massachusetts
ALBERT G. CIAMPA LAWRENCE F. BRETTA
Chairman Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS Ex-Officiis
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN, Mayor 71 Bay State Avenue . PETER J. MORRISSEY, President, Board of Aldermen . 33 Fairfax Street
Ward One
ALBERT G. CIAMPA
73 Perkins Street
WALTER J. CASEY
15 Kingman Road
ELEANOR S. COYNE
59 Preston Road
SARAH M. MCLAUGHLIN
167 Central Street
LAWRENCE F. BRETTA
90 Lowell Street
ROBERT J. BOWDRING
Ward Six
29 Holland Street
JOHN J. BRENNAN
Ward Seven
50a Gordon Street
Superintendent of Schools EVERETT W. IRELAND
Office: West Building, High School, Highland Avenue Residence: 18 Day Street
The Superintendent's Office will be open on school days from 8:00 to 4:30. His office hour is 3:30 on school days.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools LEO C. DONAHUE 108 Summer Street
Ward Two
Ward Three
Ward Four
Ward Five
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL BOARD, 1957 - Continued
Superintendent's Office Force Marion E. Marshall, 62 Highland Avenue Regina Truelson, 23 Blackrock Road, Melrose Frances C. Geaton, 40 Highland Avenue William E. Hogan, 12 Richardson Road, Newton Mrs. Julia DeFranco, 21 Benedict Street Claire F. McAnneny, 33 Pearson Road Mrs. Eileen M. Mahoney, 14 Madison Street Elizabeth A. Cassidy, 431a Broadway
Meetings
Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month during school year.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
PART II SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
Population and school census School buildings
Teachers
Attendance for year
Cost of school maintenance
Miscellaneous
Cost of Schools
MISCELLANEOUS TABLES CONCERNING FINANCE
No. of Table
1. Schedule of School property.
2. Cost of maintaining schools, school year 1955-1956.
3. Cost per capita of maintaining schools, school year 1955-1956.
4. Cost of maintaining schools for a series of years.
5. Cost per capita for maintaining schools for series of years.
6. Amount spent annually for new school buildings and for repairs for a series of years.
CONCERNING PUPILS
7. Population and school registration.
8. Attendance, etc., of the schools for school year 1955-1956.
9. Statistics of the high school for school year 1955-1956.
10. Pupils by grades, June 1956.
11. Separate statistics for high, junior high, elementary and vocational schools, for school year 1955-56.
12. Admission to first grade in September 1956.
13.
Number of junior high graduates, 1956.
14. Truant Statistics for a series of years.
15. Evening school statistics, 1955-1956.
16. Elementary school promotees for a series of years.
17. Attendance statistics of all schools for a series of years.
18. Statistics for the high school for a series of years.
19. Promotions, junior high schools, 1956.
19a. Promotions, elementary schools, 1956.
CONCERNING TEACHERS
20. Registration of teachers, 1956.
21. Teachers elected in 1956.
22. Leave of absence of teachers.
23. Transfer of teachers.
24. Number of teachers employed for a series of years.
25. Changes in text books, 1956.
26. High and Junior High School graduation exercises, 1956.
26a. Evening High School graduation exercises, 1956.
27. Vocational School graduation exercises, 1956.
28. Organization of school board for 1956.
29. Teachers in service, December, 1956.
30. Officers in service, December, 1956.
31. School Custodians.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
1-POPULATION AND SCHOOL CENSUS
Population, United States census, 1895
52,200
Population, United States census, 1900
61,643
Population, State census, 1905
69,272
Population, United States census, 1910
77,236
Population, State census, 1915
86,854
Population, United States census, 1920
93,033
Population, State census, 1925
99,032
Population, United States census, 1930
103,604
Population, State census, 1935
100,773
Population, United States census, 1940
102,304
Population, State census, 1945
105,883
Population, United States census, 1950
102,254
Population, State census, 1955
97,032
Children, between five and fifteen years of age inclusive,
October, 1956 by school census
16,192
2-SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Number of school buildings in June
25
Number of classrooms in use in June
514
Valuation of school property
$4,657,000
3-TEACHERS
1955
1956
Change
In high school
121
118
-3
In junior high schools
120
121
+ 1
In elementary schools
208
216
+8
In Kindergartens
34
34
Total: elementary and kindergar-
ten
242
250
+8
Vocational School for Boys
21
20
-1
Independent Household Arts
1
1
Atypical Classes
12
13
+1
Sight saving
1
1
-7
Special
13
14
+1
Cont. and Jr. Vocational
2
2
Americanization
1
1
......
Total Teachers
541
541
...
Supervisors, Principals, etc.
22
23
+1
Total
563
564
+1
4-ATTENDANCE FOR THE YEAR
1955
1956
Change
Entire enrollment for the year
13,377
12,957
-420
Average number belonging
12,448
12,148
-300
Average number attending
11,386
11,220
-166
Percent of daily attendance
91.46
92.36
+.90
High School graduates
613
581
-32
Junior High School graduates
782
800
+18
Cadet teachers
7
..
. .
350
ANNUAL REPORTS
5-COST OF SCHOOL MAINTENANCE
*1955
Salaries of teachers ..
$2,612,147.06 91,620.13
*1956 $2,714,706.33 87,632.09
3,988.04
Cost of care of build- ings
598,361.39
597,430.24
- 931.15
Total cost of day and evening schools ...
3,408,984.82
3,513,293.94
+ 104,309.12
Per capita cost
273.86
289.21
+
15.35
Cost of High School instruction
645,712.26
650,258.56
+ 4,546.30
Per capita cost
320.14
339.21
+
19.07
6-MISCELLANEOUS
*1955
*1956
Change
Repairs & permanent improvements ... ..
Total school expendi- tures
Valuation of city
133,039,200.00
133,335,000.00
Number of dollars
spent to maintain
schools out of every $1,000 of valuation
1.78
1.69
-$ .09
Number of dollars
spent for all school
purposes, etc. ....
25.62
26.35
+ .73
7-COST OF THE SCHOOLS
The total amount spent for the maintenance of the schools of Somerville for the school year ending June 30, 1956, is $3,513,293.94.
This includes the sum spent for care of school buildings, including salaries of officers, the amount spent for school and administrative supplies and services, and the sum paid for salaries of teachers. .
The expenditures for care for school buildings is wholly in charge of the City Government.
The amount paid for janitors is $222,721.87
The cost of fuel is 91,315.60
The cost of light is 39,499.48
Miscellaneous expense of operation 18,164.23
A total cost of 371,701.18
A total cost per capita of 30.60
Cost of repairs
225,729.06
Change +$102,559.27 -
Salaries of officers ....
Cost of books and supplies
106,856.24
113,525.28
+ 6,669.04
$237,416.05
$225,729.06
3,408,984.82
3,513,293.94
The second important expenditure is wholly under the control of the School Committee and is covered by what is known as the "School Contingent" appropriation. The following is the itemized account.
-Day Schools-
-- Evening Schools
Expenditures
Total
High
Junior High
Elementary
Vocational
High
Elementary
Vocational
Office Salaries
$87,632.09
Office Expenses
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