USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1960 > Part 13
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Heretofore the Department has only been half equipped with radio. The use and importance of radio communication in Fire Department work warrants a complete equipment. The few sets now in use could be used by the Police Department.
A capital expenditure would be justified at this time to procure these items even if it were necessary to amortize the expenditure over a period of years.
To His Honor the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen who have evidenced a keen interest in the Fire Department, to the Officers and Members of the Somerville Fire Department of whom I am justly proud, to my fellow Department Heads, City Employees and Civic Minded Citizens I wish to express my appreciation for your kind cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
W. F. CULLINANE, Chief Engineer
219
LAW DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE LAW DEPARTMENT
May 8, 1961
To the Honorable the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
I respectfully submit the annual report of the Law Depart- ment for the year 1960.
During the past year, there was a significant increase in the number of suits brought against the city for injuries sus- tained from defects in the public ways and claims resulting from the operation of city-owned motor vehicles, so that court activity in handling these matters claimed a sizable portion of the department's time.
In addition, numerous appearances were made by this of- fice before the Appellate Tax Board in behalf of the Board of Assessors, in the Land Court on zoning and tax title cases, and before the Industrial Accident Board on workmen's compensa- tion proceedings. A considerable amount of time was devoted to aiding the Department of Public Welfare in the many phases of its operation.
The normal work of the department continued as usual, that is, drawing of contracts, deeds and agreements, approval of bonds and other legal instruments in which the city was a party, and rendering opinions to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and department heads.
I wish to express my appreciation to His Honor, Mayor Harold W. Wells, the Board of Aldermen, and the various de- partment heads for their sincere cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
VINCENT R. BERTOCCI, City Solicitor
220
ANNUAL REPORTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE Somerville, Massachusetts 1960
EDWARD A. CIAMPA
HAROLD D. MacDONALD
Chairman Vice-Chairman
MEMBERS Ex-Officiis
HAROLD W. WELLS, Mayor .
18 Walker St. ALEXANDER J. LYNCH, President, Board of Aldermen . 152 Walnut St.
Ward One
EDWARD A. CIAMPA
Ward Two
15 Kingman Rd.
ELEANOR S. COYNE
59 Preston Rd.
SARAH M. MCLAUGHLIN
Ward Five
19 Brastow Ave.
ROBERT J. BOWDRING
9 Summit St.
HAROLD D. MacDONALD
278 Powder House Blvd.
Superintendent of Schools LEO C. DONAHUE
Office: West Building, High School, Highland Avenue
Residence: 108 Summer 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 GEORGE K. COYNE 59 Preston Street
Business Agent WILLIAM E. HOGAN 12 Richardson Road, Newton
Superintendents' Office Force
Marion E. Marshall, 62 Highland Avenue Regina Truelson, 22 Blackrock Road, Melrose Frances C. Geaton, 40 Highland Avenue Mary P. Brady, 273 Washington Street Mrs. Eileen M. Mahoney, 137 Highland Avenue Mrs. Josephine Galligani, 29 Burnside Avenue Margaret M. Corcoran, 13 Mt. Vernon Street Mrs. Lucy A. Sliney, 2 Pioneer Road, Arlington
Meetings Second and Fourth Tuesdays of each month during school year.
LAWRENCE F. BRETTA
Ward Six
Ward Seven
28 Connecticut Ave.
WALTER J. CASEY
Ward Three
Ward Four
167 Central St.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In Memoriam
MARY A. HICKEY Teacher, September 1918 - December 1937 Head of Bookkeeping Department, January 1938 - March 1960 Died, March 30, 1960
CHRISTOPHER J. KIRK Teacher, September 1937 - May 1960 Died, May 9, 1960
222
ANNUAL REPORTS
To the Honorable School Committee Somerville, Massachusetts
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In accordance with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations of the Somerville School Committee, the Super- intendent of Schools has prepared and submits herewith his third annual report, which is the eighty-ninth in a series of annual reports of the Somerville Public Schools, and covers the calendar year 1960.
Respectfully submitted, LEO C. DONAHUE, Superintendent of Schools
December 27, 1960
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
PART I REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 1960
The year 1960 was a period of marked accomplishment for the Somerville schools as continued progress was made in providing services to meet with success the challenge of the changing times.
A start on an elementary school building consolidation program was initiated by the School Committee in October with the adoption of an order that the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to select proper professional personnel to assist the committee in a program of proper consolidation of schools, and that on selection such names be submitted to the School Committee for approval. The order further stipu- lates that the expense of the planning program be paid out of Public Law 874 funds.
Under Public Law 874 which provides federal funds to communities for the education of children whose parents work in certain designated federal installations, the Somerville schools expect to receive almost $80,000 for the school year 1959-1960. This money has been used as matching funds for purchases under Public Law 864 and to reduce the budget, primarily for the adjustment of teachers' salaries. This fund is administered solely by the School Committee and is not subject to reappropriation or to approval for its use by any city agency.
Under Title III of the National Defense Education Act, Public Law 85-864, we have applied for and received funds to. purchase equipment for strengthening instruction in science, mathematics, and foreign languages. In order to obtain these funds we must spend at least as much of our own money. In 1960 we received $6,733.02 of Title III money and spent all. of it as well as an equal amount of our own funds. Much equipment was purchased for science in the high, junior high, and elementary schools as well as many audio-visual aids for science, mathematics, and languages in the high and junior high schools.
224
ANNUAL REPORTS
Under Title V of this same act Congress provided funds for guidance counseling and testing. Under our state plan we received 100% reimbursement for certain guidance materials and for equipment needed for doing the statistical work on test results. We followed the State plan and tested in grades eight and ten ability and achievement, for which we received full reimbursement. The federal government has approved projects totaling $5,238.35, for which full reimbursement will. be received.
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SIGHT CONSERVATION CLASS - CHOLERTON SCHOOL
During the time that the Sight Saving Class was discon- tinued because of low enrollment, the children needing this service were sent to a neighboring community, with the City of Somerville paying their tuition and transportation costs. The class has now been reestablished at the Cholerton School. It is operated in cooperation with the Division of Special Educa- tion of the State Department of Education.
As a highlight of American Education Week a two-day edu- cational presentation, "Your Schools Prepare for Tomorrow", sponsored by the Somerville Teachers' Club with the coopera- tion and approval of the Somerville School Committee, was
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
held in November in the Somerville High School to acquaint the people of Somerville with the educational resources em- ployed in the schools to prepare students for the competitive future. The exhibit opened with a program in the High School Auditorium, at which a nationally known educator was the guest speaker. Live demonstrations and exhibits dealing with health, culture, special services, and vocational training were set up in twenty-four different booths and the stage of the gymnasium. An electronic system of lighting designated the
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"YOUR SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR TOMORROW"
start and finish of the exhibits. Among some of the materials used were motion picture cameras and projectors, tape re- corders, slide projectors, audio phones, and many other pieces of audio and visual equipment. The exhibit, which represented the work of pupils from the kindergarten through grade twelve, as well as adult education, was very enthusiastically received by the public, with a capacity attendance of parents and visitors from other communities.
It is with considerable regret that the Superintendent notes the termination of employment of the following very valuable employees:
226
ANNUAL REPORTS
Edmund M. Lanigan, thirty years of service in the system, Building Master in the Somerville High School
Ellen L. Bellamy, thirty-nine years, commercial teacher in Somerville High School
Gertrude W. Burns, twenty-four years, Head of Commer- cial Course, Somerville High School
Amy I. Webber, thirty-seven years, Head of Home Eco- nomics Department, Somerville High School
Gertrude W. Chaffin, forty-four years, commercial teacher, Somerville High School
Mary A. Hickey (deceased), forty-two years, Head of Book- keeping Department, Somerville High School
Dorothy T. Rice, thirty years of service, Biology teacher, Somerville High School
Madeleine N. Parsons, twenty-nine years, Music teacher, Northeastern Junior High School
Ruth H. Conner, thirty-nine years, Latin teacher, Southern Junior High School
Evelyn E. Weston, thirty-six years, Mathematics teacher, Southern Junior High School
Edson E. Dewey, thirty-three years, Industrial Arts teacher, Western Junior High School
Catherine E. Giles, forty-one years, English teacher, West- ern Junior High School
Wilson L. Geary, twenty-eight years, Mathematics teacher, Western Junior High School
Francis G. Parker, twenty-one years, Machine Shop teacher, Somerville Trade High School
Christopher J. Kirk (deceased), twenty-three years, Auto- mobile teacher, Somerville Trade High School
Anna R. Canfield, forty-six years, Vice Principal, Bingham School
The influence of these teachers upon the lives of the youth of Somerville will continue for many years to come and their contributions merit the praise and approbation of the citizenry of the community.
227
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
One of the most important developments in the Somerville High School during the past year was the formal evaluation of the High School by a visiting committee of twenty-four teachers and administrators selected by the New England Asso- ciation of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Since early in 1957, when committees were formed and a chairman selected, the faculty did the preliminary work and then proceeded to do a self-evaluation of the High School. This meant that each teacher, each department, and each course had to be scrutinized and evaluated most carefully, and forms and procedures prepared for the day when the Visiting Committee of Evaluators would arrive. On March 21, 22, 23, and 24, under the chairmanship of Massachusetts State Sec- ondary School Supervisor, Mr. John J. Millane, the Committee of twenty-four educators evaluated the High School. This sur- vey involved a full review of the physical plant, the faculty, and the educational offerings of the school. The report of the Evaluating Committee indicates that the school is meeting the recommended values which were developed by the cooperative. study of secondary school standards. It was gratifying to re- ceive a favorable report from the Committee that the School was functioning in an efficient manner.
228
ANNUAL REPORTS
The following quotation briefly summarizes the Commit- tee's reaction:
"The New England Association Visiting Committee in its work here in Somerville recognizes Somerville High School for the good school it is. One of the School's real assets is its staff and the fine professional attitude of its staff, as well as the fine job which is being done all along the line in administration, in teaching, in secretarial serv- ices, and in custodial services. Another real asset of the school is the kind of young people enrolled as this commit- tee found, and the committee quickly became cognizant of the pride of Somerville students in their school. Cer- tainly, too, the good order of the school as the committee found it is still another mark of a good school. The general observations of the Visiting Committee indicate that this school to a very high degree is meeting the needs of boys and girls at this upper secondary level.
"On behalf of the Somerville High School Visiting Committee of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, I wish to express our sincere ap- preciation for the really fine job which you folks have done through a great deal of hard work in your self-evaluation, which made our task here lighter. We enjoyed too the nice reception you folks have given us, your cordiality, your hospitality, and your real professional attitude."
It was a valuable experience to have this committee visit and give us the assurance that we are favorably compared with other secondary institutions in Massachusetts. We also re- ceived the benefit of their recommendations in areas where improvements could be made.
To meet the challenges and problems of the present day, during the past year the program was revised from a five-period day to a six-period schedule. This was done in order to enable pupils to take advantage of additional offerings in science and mathematics and yet not neglect the regular curricular re- quirements.
Some of that which has been accomplished has been done through the National Defense Education Act with the means it provided to obtain materials and other aids that are not available through the usual channels. This Act helps in many ways not only in the Science and Mathematics Departments, but also in the language groups. In visual aids alone appa-
229
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ratus has been made available in science equipment, motion. picture projectors, screens, and maps, and more progress on the audio-visual level has been made with the addition of two tape recorders.
The National Defense Education Act has been most bene- ficial to our Guidance Department and this department, too, has been able to obtain equipment to help in its development of the students. The Guidance Department, through its testing program, has during the past year integrated itself into the fabric of the school and has made its influence felt throughout the student body. This department has also offered its services: to the community as a whole.
A well rounded program of athletics and extra-curricular activities was carried on during the year.
The High School participated in the National Talent Proj- ect which was supervised by the Guidance Department.
The new typewriters received during the school year were: added to the "updating" of the equipment in the Commercial, Department.
During the past year the midyear and final examination system was permanently added to the program. These tests: have done much to encourage the students to apply themselves. more seriously to their studies.
Much has been done to enhance the school library. Funds: have been provided both from regular and from other sources for the purchase of more volumes and this year showed a sub- stantial increase in the use of this facility.
In view of the stress placed on languages at every level, there is being built up a library of tapes that will ultimately fit any plateau of ability. Acquisition of a duplicator has been a great help to the language departments, both in time saving and in making it possible to present more material to the stu- dents for their notebooks. All the language departments have shown a substantial increase in the number of pupils electing these subjects.
A large number of pupils participated in the High School Science Fair held in March. The High School has many new pieces of equipment and apparatus as well as excellent labora- tories in biology, physics, and chemistry.
230
ANNUAL REPORTS
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HIGH
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SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND
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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
231
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Many of the graduates have entered higher institutions of learning, others have obtained excellent positions in the busi- ness world as a result of their interest and achievement in school. Efforts are made to convince the students that atten- tion to their studies will result in greater success in later life.
While the school and the grounds have been maintained to a good degree, deterioration, due to the large number of pupils and to the use of the building by both day and evening classes and by other organizations, is inevitable. The greatest need is the improvement of the lighting system in the two wings and in the gymnasium. A complete renovation of both wings and the gymnasium and the installation of new stands in the gymnasium are imperative.
SOMERVILLE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL
Vocational education, which this year is commemorating its fiftieth anniversary at the Trade High School, provides functional education for the youth who has native ability, de- veloping occupational competency along with social and civic responsibilities. Preparation for skilled employment in specific trades, occupations, or services is the predominant function of the training. It is not a program for everybody in the secondary schools. It is or should be for a limited number of students who because of their interest, ability, and aptitude are able to profit by the training, achieve course objectives, and qualify for employment in the specific trades for which they received their trade training.
Good education is synonymous with quality. The challenge for improvement in quality is being met each year. Changes in courses of studies are of necessity a continuing process. Craft advisory committees from industry met every Wednes- day of the school year from October to March at the Trade High School. Their chief function this past year was to advise shop and related technical instructors whether or not their courses of study were up to date to meet the present-day needs of industry. The experiences were pleasant ones and all the faculty look forward to future meetings of this type.
Much new needed equipment for instructional purposes was furnished the various departments this year by the school authorities, thereby increasing the potential of learning proc- esses. Many new and up to date textbooks were purchased for the academic and related technical instructors. The visual
232
ANNUAL REPORTS
aids library, used by instructors to create student interest and impart knowledge more efficiently, was enhanced by the pur- chase for the school of a modern opaque projector. Ninth
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THE NEW BRIDGEPORT VERTICAL MILLER SOMERVILLE TRADE HIGH MACHINE SHOP
periods were utilized to assist students who were failing in subjects and those who were seeking extra help. An evaluation program was carried on with instructors engaged in a self- evaluation of the school.
Health, safety, and sanitation received special interest this past school year. The electrical department checked all ma-
233
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
chines and the power input, in general, throughout the entire school. Maintenance repairs were made by the carpentry de- partment; a few classrooms were painted by the painting and decorating department; guards for machines were made by the metal fabrication department, assisted by the machine department. The purchase of eye shields for the machine department, and the installation of Brett guards for the cir- cular saws in the carpentry department did much to relieve hazards in these departments. A new school nurse introduced a health and accident safety check-up that has done much to alleviate the possibility of accidents. Teachers are informed of student deficiencies so that instructors may be aware of and correct possible limitations. Fire alarm systems have been checked and an efficient fire exit drill program was in opera- tion. The cafeteria served excellent meals and was commended for its cleanliness. The physical education division introduced a first aid course for all juniors. Safety instruction was em- phasized by all shop and related technical instructors.
The promotion of competition among students was out- standing this year. Midterm examinations were introduced to stimulate interest. Competition for Student-of-the-Month, General Motors Scholarships, Plymouth Trouble Shooting Con- test, the School and State Science Fair, Student Government Representation, Athletics, Class Officers, Student Council, etc., reached a new high. An increase in awards for graduation also stimulated competition. In athletics all who won awards were tendered a dinner by the School Committee.
The Vocational Division of the Massachusetts State Depart- ment of Education sent a favorable report commending the school to the Superintendent of Schools.
Quantity of education has presented a different problem. The Trade High School has grown from 88 high school stu- dents in 1956 to a capacity enrollment for September 1960 of 275 students, with qualified student applicants on a waiting list. With the assistance of the State Department of Educa- tion, a plan for revamping the machine department so as to provide some additional cubic feet of space has been carried out. The question of expansion is imminent. When one con- siders the additional growth in the future high school popula- tion, coupled with the fact that only 14% of our present high school population are afforded the opportunity of vocational education, it is a foregone conclusion that present facilities will not meet the increased demands of industry.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Other trades under study for advisability in our community are Offset Printing, Industrial Electronics, Machine Drafting, Welding, and Auto Body courses. The administration recom- mends that a research and study program be authorized by school authorities in order that more students may have the opportunity of contributing to the economic life of the com- munity. Some phases of industry are still undergoing an evalu- ation stage. It may be possible that these changes may cause the curtailment of some courses and the addition of others.
As we in vocational education look forward to another fifty years we can anticipate in this day and age of superior tech- nical skills a challenge and opportunity to serve our youth and their community by wise counseling, diligent research, and a purposeful dedication to the art of teaching.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
The 1959 Annual Report emphasized the need for greater articulation between the elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. A combination of the three units functioning as one is an ideal objective. The accomplishment of this end depends largely upon the elimination of gaps between grades and schools. Subject matter and courses should blend into the general plan in such a manner as to create continuity and prog- ress, exclusive of barriers.
The junior high school is a connecting link which joins the elementary schools to the high school. It is a very important period in the educational program. During this time there is a need for wise and proper counseling. Guidance plays a major part in informing, testing, and directing pupils toward definite goals. The challenge of preparing our young people for a happy and successful future is ever present.
An intensive program of guidance has been introduced in the junior high schools during the past year due to the fact that a full-time guidance counselor has been assigned to each junior high school. Various tests were conducted throughout the year in order to obtain a better understanding on the part of pupil, teacher, and parent, of the individual student's capa- bilities. Individual conferences have increased in number. Problems ranging from selectivity of subject matter and courses to what is best for future success were discussed. This is a period in which sound advice, proper direction, and en- couragement to prepare for a broader and more successful life are most essential.
235
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Science fairs which were held in each junior high school attracted hundreds of people. Many parents availed them- selves of the opportunity to attend the afternoon exhibits while a larger number took advantage of the evening programs. Pupils were located in close proximity to their exhibits ready to explain their purpose and function. The task of judging the best projects was very difficult due to the fact that so many were of an excellent quality. Weeks and months of prepara- tion and work were evident wherever one visited. Numerous exhibits were unique and demonstrated the varied skills of the creators. Science departments have done remarkably well in encouraging such an enthusiastic interest in the activity. All who participated were rewarded as a result of an increased knowledge, a greater interest in science, an appreciation for creativity, or the stimulation and satisfaction of being a winner. The entire program of exhibits reflected considerable credit on the principals, teachers, and pupils who contributed so much to such an outstanding achievement.
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