USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1943 > Part 4
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61.20
3. Tuition for non-resident pupils for 1943
701.76
4. Sale of Supplies.
1.46
$6,243.74
Tuition for non-resident pupils received after Jan. 1, 1944 $48.96
Expenditures
Telephone
$38.26
Gas
34.51
Electric lights
183.89
Power
113.05
Books
141.78
Supplies
1,036.88
Maintenance and replacement .
23.23
Janitors' Supplies
43.86
Transportation
147.11
Miscellaneous
26.68
$1,794.25
$1,794.25
New Equipment.
Alterations to building .
Rent
1,800.00
Teachers' Salaries
8,312.33
Total Expended
$11,906.58
Balance .
41.75
$11,948.33
Federal Funds
Balance from 1942, George-Deen Fund.
$1,068.46
Received from State Department, George-Deen Fund
1,320.00
Balance from 1942, Smith-Hughes Fund .
131.67
Received from State Department, Smith-Hughes Fund.
345.49
$2,865.62
Expended for salaries of teachers in the Attleboro Jewelry Trades School .
$1,411.67
Balance, George-Deen Fund
1,108.46
Balance, Smith-Hughes Fund
345.49
$2,865.62
50
ANNUAL REPORT
George-Deen Fund for Evening Classes
Balance from 1942. $63.00
Balance December 31, 1943
$63.00
Vocational Education of Defense Workers
Receipts
Federal Funds, Balance from 1942. $3,410.61
Received, 1943. 600.00
$4,010.61
Expenditures
Salaries
$2,955.90
Other Expenses .
566.80
Return of unexpended balance to Treasurer of Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, October 11, 1943
487.91
$4,010.61
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS
Watson Avenue School Construction Account
Balance from 1942.
$360.24
Expended
Balance
$360.24
Balance from 1942
$1,342.83
Expended
855.65
Balance
$487.18
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Attleboro:
I submit herewith my first annual report. it being the fifty-ninth in the series of superintendents' annual reports.
STATISTICS
I. Population
Census, 1930 .21,769
1935 21,835
1940 22,071
II. School Census, October, 1943
Number of children between the ages of 5 and 7
561
Number of children between the ages of 7 and 16 2,866
Total 3,427
III. Attendance, 1942-1943
Total number of different pupils enrolled.
3,421
Average daily membership
3,194
Average daily attendance.
2,926
Per Cent of attendance
92
Shades Account
51
ANNUAL REPORT
Table showing the average membership of the High and the Elementary Schools from 1932-1933 to 1942-1943. High Elem. Schools
All Schools
Gain
Gain
Gain
Av.
or
Av.
or
Av.
or
Memb. Loss Memb. Loss Memb. Loss
1932-1933
920
97
3356
54
4276
151
1933-1934
893
-27
3263
-93
4156
-120
1934-1935
918
25
3192
-71
4110
-46
1935-1936
895
-23
3036
156
3931
-179
1936-1937
875
-20
2949
-37
3824
-107
1937-1938
919
44
2836
-113
3755
-69
1938-1939
924
5
2769
-67
ยท3693
-62
1939-1940
943
19
2669
-100
3612
-81
1940-1941
901
-42
2525
-144
3426
-186
1941-1942
808
-93
2485
-40
3293
-133
1942-1943
744
-64
2450
-35
3194
-99
Loss in 10 years
176
906
1082 == 25%
Fall Term, September-December, 1943
High
Elementary
All Schools Avg. Memb.
September
720
2444
3164
October
719
2465
3184
November
709
2461
3170
December
710
2444
3154
Loss since September
12
0
10
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Number of School Buildings in Use.
11
Number of Classrooms (H. S. 34; Grades 85; Voc'l. 6)
125
TEACHERS
Number of Teachers
December 1943
High School
31
Grades I-VIII
90
Kindergartens
3
Supervisors and Special teachers
5
Vocational School.
3
132
APPROPRIATIONS
Compare the decrease in appropriations with the decrease in number of pupils in average membership for the same period as given above.
Fiscal year
Salaries
Other expenses
Total
1932
$284,737
$45,605
$330,342
1933
232,210
43,163
275,373
1934
244,902
45,845
290,747
1935
248,255
49,558
297,813
1936
272,000
57,777
329,777
1937
272,000
46,810
318,810
1938
272,506
46,940
319,446
1939
268,480
47,560
316,040
1940
265,308
47,880
313,188
1941
259,935
54,565
314,500
1942
254,574
50,456
305,030
1943
255,498
50,000
305.488
Decrease since 1932
$29,249
$24,854=8%
Increase since 1932
$4,395
Since 1932 there has been a drop of 25 per cent in the average membership and a decrease of 8 per cent in the appropriations.
Sept .-- June
Avg. Memb.
Avg. Memb.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
COST OF INSTRUCTION
Valuation of Attleboro, 1943
$28,740,220.00
Tax Rate per $1,000, 1943 $28.50
Expended for support of schools, excluding Vocational School . .
$288,029.33
Average membership of day schools, Sept. 1942-June 1943
3194
Expended per pupil based on average membership $90.18
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$3.09
High School
Total expended for High School, including High School share of general expense. .
$80,741.90
Average membership of High School, 1942-1943
744
Cost per pupil .
$108.52
Cost of books and supplies per pupil .
$5.18
Elementary Schools
Total expended.
$207,287.48
Average membership, 1942-1943
2450
Cost per pupil .
$84.61
Cost of books and supplies per pupil
$2 45
RESIGNATIONS
The following resignations have occurred during the year:
1943
Teacher
School
June 7 Christina M. Plumer
Richardson
June 14
Jeannette L. Reed
Finberg
June 16 Gertrude M. Mitchell
Lincoln
July 28
Beatrice Smith
High
July 31
Barbara J. Garcelon
High
Aug. 2
Janette Smith
High
Aug. 3
Curtis S. Edgett
High
Aug. 18
Arleen E. Weston
Finberg
Aug. 20
Robert K. Straker
Jewelry Trades
Oct. 1
Roland B. Taylor
Vocational
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
1943
Feb. 5
Philip L. Garland
High
To enter military service
Feb. 5
Howard A. Tozier
High
To enter military service
May 28
Edith V. Potter Bliss
To enter military service
June 30
Ruth A. Ramsdell
High
Family illness
Aug. 8
Pauline I. Hardy Bliss To study at Boston University
Sept. 17
Elizabeth Cooney
High
To enter military service
53
ANNUAL REPORT
RETIREMENTS
On August 1, 1943, Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools in Attle- boro, retired after serving in that capacity for thirty-nine years. During these many years Mr. Fales devoted his entire time and strength to the welfare of the schools and the interests of the city. Always an honest, capable and efficient ad- ministrator he built up a system of schools of which Attleboro may well be proud. Mr. Fales retires with the appreciation of the community for his long and valued services and the sincere wish of all that he may enjoy the many years of leisure and freedom from responsibilities which he has so richly earned.
ATTLEBORO SCHOOL COMMITTEE Lida M. Holbrook, Chairman
March 29 Alice M. McNerney, for thirty-five years a teacher in the Attleboro Public Schools.
PENMANSHIP Summary of Awards 1942-1943 By Schools
Rank
School
Enrollment
Pupils holding grade award or higher in June
Percentage of pupils holding grade award
1.
Pleasant St
68
68
100%
2.
Washington
268
265
99%
3. Finberg
193
186
96%
4.
Richardson
402
382
95%
4.
Tiffany
222
212
95%
4.
Willett
398
379
95%
5.
Bliss
418
393
94%
5.
Lincoln
197
186
94%
6.
Farmers
82
76
93%
7. Briggs Corner
77
68
88%
2325
2215
95%
This report shows that 95 per cent of the pupils in the Attleboro schools write as well as they are expected to write judged by the drills submitted to the Palmer Company.
Summary of Awards 1942-1943 By Grades
Grade
June, 1943 Enrollment
Pupils holding grade award or higher in June
Percentage of pupils holding grade award
VIII
255
247
97%
VII
293
261
89%
VI
324
302
93%
V.
268
254
95%
IV
274
263
96%
III
307
296
96%
II
292
290
99%
I.
312
302
97%
2325
2215
95%
Only 110 pupils did not have the award for the grade they were in.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK Statement December 31, 1943
Dr.
Balance on deposit Jan. 1, 1943, including interest ($1541.17) . $2,963.70
Deposits in First National Bank from Jan. 1, 1943 - Dec. 31, 1943. 1,787.31
Interest from November 1942 to November 1943 23.26
$ 4,774.27
Cr.
Transferred to pupils' individual accounts, Jan. 1, 1943 to Dec. 31, 1943.
$2,040.00
Withdrawn, 1943, from interest to cover expenses .
9.57
Balance on deposit Dec. 31, 1943, including interest ($1554 .86) . 2,724.70
$4,774.27
Total amount deposited since October, 1908
$208,564.33
Number of individual accounts opened at First National Bank from October 1908 to December 31, 1942
7443
January 1943 to December 31, 1943
33
7476
Number of pupils depositing in the school bank December 31, 1943
560
Deposits since the Establishment of the Bank in 1908
Year
Deposits
1908-1935 (inclusive)
$166,905.96
1936
5,072.90
1937
5,950.33
1938
5,655.94
1939
6,666.65
1940
5,942.65
1941
7,584.51
1942
2,998.08
1943
1,787.31
Total deposits to December 31, 1943
$ 208,564.33
This, my first annual report, will of necessity be very brief and incomplete as my work in the Attleboro School System covers only the last five months of the calendar year 1943. The Mayor has also requested that all reports from this office and its departments be restricted as much as possible with only vital in- formation presented. The Auditor's Report will contain all essential financial data so this will be omitted in departmental reports.
Through the work of Teacher Committees organized in the elementary school faculty, a new course of study will be developed for the grades. These Com- mittees will work in subject matter fields reviewing available textbook material. After planning and reviewing takes place, basic text adoptions will be made when the work is completed. This will result in a standardization of requirements, teaching activities, and basic text material throughout the system which will make it possible for a child to transfer from one school to another within the city with a minimum adjustment to be made. Under this system each teacher will know what is expected in her grade and results can be more accurately measured with all schools having the same objectives. Last October a new report card was developed for use in the Kindergarten and first four grades which attempts to give the parent a fairly complete picture of the child as he appears in school with scho- lastic work constituting only part of the report.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. A. Russell Mack, State Supervisor of Secondary Education, inspected the work of the High School in December visiting each teacher and submitting a very satisfactory report after returning to his office. He recommended the in- auguration of a physical education program for the High School as soon as the services of a qualified instructor may be obtained.
Again this year the work of the schools has been interrupted with two ration- ing programs and the teachers have given freely of their time during these regis- trations. Their efficiency is increasing with each registration, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for the war emergency service rendered. Registration for War Ration Book II was held on February 22, 23, 24, and 25, 1943, and for War Ration Book IV on October 25, 26, and 27, 1943.
A survey of the present school buildings is being made by a sub-committee so that the School Department may recommend certain projects for the consideration of the Post War Planning Committee. This report when completed will show the condition of each building with a general plan for reconditioning and maintenance work. Future needs in the building program can be anticipated after analyzing and studying population trends in the different school zones. A schedule is being developed which will provide for the reconditioning of each building that is in need of repairs and which in all probability will remain in service for some years to come. Under this plan one or two buildings will be reconditioned each year until the work is completed, and in conjunction with this a separate maintenance program will prevent more than normal depreciation.
From January 1, 1942, to December 31, 1943, a period of two years, forty- four members of the teaching staff have resigned, retired, or have been granted a military leave of absence and of this number sixteen have left during the last calendar year. In normal times this would be a large number of teachers to re- place, but with the present shortage of teachers which is growing more acute, it is becoming extremely difficult to obtain new teachers capable of meeting educa- tional standards and experience requirements.
Through the generosity of the Trustees of the Richardson School Fund, a new andiometer has been purchased for the School Department so that each child in the elementary grades may have a hearing test every two years. Corrective and re- medial work will depend largely on the interest shown by parents after the results of the test have been reported.
The Public Schools are today facing the greatest challenge in the history of free democratic education and revolutionary forces are at work thus making it more essential than ever that we continue to receive the loyal support of the people.
Ernest F. Forbes Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my annual report as acting principal of the Attleboro High School.
Due to the present national emergency the enrollment for September, 1943 was 728. The faculty was reduced by two members as a result of this decrease in the number of students.
The pre-induction courses have begun with two classes in elementary aero- nautics and one each in refresher mathematics, advanced aeronautics, basic shop, fundamentals of machines, and automotive mechanics.
These courses, together with college physics, are splendid training for the young men taking V-5, V-12, and A-12 examinations.
The military forces have claimed countless graduates, and several faculty members including Principal Philip L. Garland, Coach Howard A. Tozier, William Lee and Miss Elizabeth Cooney. The School Committee has been very successful in replacing our losses with very fine instructors, and these together with the vete. ran teachers are carrying on in their usual efficient manner.
Respectfully submitted, Freeman Hall, Jr.
56
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year 79 pupils have left the school. At the present time the Continuation Division has a greatly increased enrollment due to the employment of boys and girls 14 to 16 years of age. The pupils of the Vocational and Continu- ation Schools form a heterogenous group. Their ages range from 14 to 16 years, while their grade attainment is from grade III to High School. Such a situation presents a very challenging problem. Teaching in these classes requires, in ad- dition to careful preparation, sympathetic understanding, diplomacy, and versa- tility. The program for the girls has included, in addition to the regular home- making classes, home projects, Junior Red Cross activities, assistance during the rationing activities, and a course in home nursing and infant care under the di- rection of Mrs. Wendell. Since it was impossible to secure a shop instructor to succeed Mr. Roland B. Taylor, who resigned on October 1, the situation has been met by having the boys do their shop work at the Jewelry Trades School. Gas rationing has restricted follow-up work which served as a connecting link between home and school. We hope sometime to be able to resume this important phase of our work.
Respectfully submitted, Norman S. Tukey
REPORT OF THE ATTLEBORO JEWELRY TRADE SCHOOL
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
Defense Training classes closed June 30. Training was given 358 people in two years. Mr. Robert K. Straker resigned September 1. Mr. Williams now teaches both Die Cutting and Toolmaking. State Department of Education made a survey of school accomplishments in November. November 3 Continu- ation and Vocational boys started getting their shop work at the Trade School. About 15 boys attend daily. Sixty-five boys enrolled in Trade School during the year. Twenty-seven left for the following reasons, thirty-eight are still en- rolled.
1 Graduated
3 Joined the Navy
1 Moved
19 Went to work
3 Transferred to H. S.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank H. Straker, Director
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
The music work in the school department has been faithfully carried out by the teachers during the year 1943.
Many fine programs have been given where the music of the pupils has been commended.
The Glee Clubs, Orchestras, and Band still continue to attract pupils and have been of great service to the schools and community.
Respectfully submitted,
John Laing Gibb
57
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith present my annual report for the year 1943.
Last Spring our schools participated in the annual S. P. C. A. Poster Contest; and our pupils received a large number of awards. In June a four day exhibit was held in the Museum of Art Room in the local Court House; every school contri- buted, and the exhibit was well attended. July 12-16 I attended a "Workshop on Latin America" at Harvard University, sponsored by the Pan American Society and the Harvard School of Education. October 28th and 29th I attended meet- ings of the Rhode Island Teachers' Institute. Outstanding was an inspiring talk by Dr. Harold Rugg of Teachers' College, Columbia University as guest speaker of the R. I. Art Teachers' Association. After several helpful conferences with you, a new set-up was established for the course of study in art education in our schools; unlimited in scope for the teaching of fundamental principles, the en- couragement of originality and practical application. The addition of some new material has served to inspire both teachers and pupils; Thus, there is greater evi - dence of more creative work being done in the various classes about the schools. A new innovation is an Art Bulletin put out by the supervisor to convey news of up to date trends, activities and materials to the teachers of our school system. Plans are now being formulated for all schools to participate in two school-wide activities, namely, Pan American and Attleboro Sesquibicentennial Celebration. Thus we close a very busy year and look forward to another.
In closing this report I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the interest. help and spirit of cooperation which has been given me this year to further this work within the school system.
Respectfully submitted, Myrtice A. Perrin
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
Wartime physical education demands a condition of strength, endurance, stamina, co-ordination, and agility beyond that ordinarily required in peace time. Now, as never before, is the necessity of a complete school health and physical edu- cation program obvious. With this thought in mind, and after a careful study of the booklet "Physical Fitness Through Physical Education For The Victory Corps", prepared by a committee appointed by the Commissioner of Education, with the collaboration of the United States Army, the United States Navy and the United States Public Health Service, I have come to the conclusion that much of its content may be adopted to the public school physical education program, and this I am trying to do.
Respectfully submitted, J. Raymond Cooney
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Ernes F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Physician for the year 1943. Health supervision of the schools has been maintained throughout the year. A broader and more comprehensive program has been planned for the future. A condensed summary of the year's work follows:
School Visits 134, Office Visits 737, Athletic Exam. 119, Special Exam. 228, Physical Exam. 2421.
Respectfully submitted,
H. G. Vaughan
-
58
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my report as School Nurse for the year ending December 1, 1943.
The general health program was carried out as usual, this year with the ad- dition of two very important improvements. The equipment was provided to give the Massachusetts Vision test which is a great improvement over the old Snellen method. An audiometer was provided through the Richardson Fund, so that now we are able to discover many more defects through this method of testing hearing. The recognition of these defects and their correction will be a great asset in the child's progress in school.
Due to the shortage of personnel, and the need for clinic services elsewhere, it was found necessary to discontinue the clinics for the prevention of tuberculosis and for the examination of the mentally retarded children. For the same reasons, it was found necessary to discontinue the Bristol County Health Camp, where 20 of our children went every year.
However, the strict supervision of the health of the school children has con- tinued with satisfactory results.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N. School Nurse
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. Ernest F. Forbes, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my sixth annual report as Attendance Officer.
Number of cases investigated, 256. This is 93 more than last year. Of this number 43 were from Vocational and Continuation Schools.
Truancy and negligence cases show a marked decrease but the number of illness cases is much higher than last year.
There is a sharp reduction in the number of home permits, due in part to the liberalization of the labor laws, allowing children to work at more occupations.
Court action was necessary in four cases, two for truancy and one each for an habitual school offender and negligence. One boy was sent to the training school, one boy received a suspended sentence to the training school and the other two cases were placed on file.
Investigation revealed the following reasons for absence:
Absent on account of clothing 1
Absent on account of illness 102
Home permits . 13
Detained by parents for other causes 49
Moved from city
2
Left school 3
Taken to court 4
Truants 68
Attending city schools
3
Attending school out of town 6
Negligence 5
Total
256
Respectfully submitted,
W. Wesley Young
59
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Board of Public Welfare
January 15, 1944
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Municipal Council Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
In compliance with the City Ordinance the Annual Report of the Board of Public Welfare for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1943, is submitted.
All relief cases were refigured to comply with the budgetary standard set by the State Department as of July 1, 1943.
The Board is pleased to report that the number of recipients in all three cate- gories of relief has been reduced from 499 on January 1, 1943, to 453 on December 31, 1943. This reduction was made possible to a large degree by the efforts of the staff in securing employment in private industry for those recipients able and wil- ling to work.
The City Infirmary continues to operate, and at the present time, there are fourteen inmates. Some money for repairs and maintenance of the City Infirmary should be expended this year.
Figures of receipts and expenditures will be found in the Auditor's Report.
Respectfully submitted, Board of Public Welfare Paul H. Weiss Norman J. Stone Daniel A. J. Doyle
Report of the License Commissioners
January 29, 1944
Mayor John W. MeIntyre
City Hall,
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. McIntyre:
Enclosed is a copy of the report sent to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Com- mission of the total revenue received by the City of Attleboro for the licenses is- sued for the year 1943.
Very truly yours, Frank P. Cronan Chairman
January 1, 1944
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts
Total Revenue received for alcoholic beverage licenses . $ 8,773.00
Total number of alcoholic beverage licenses for the year 1943 26
INDIVIDUAL LICENSE FEE for EACH INDIVIDUAL CLASS as follows:
All Alcoholic Beverages
Innholder $ 450.00
Class A Restaurant .
Class B Restaurant 450 00
Tavern
300.00
Package Goods. 450.00
Fraternal Clubs
250.00
60
ANNUAL REPORT
Wine and Malt Beverages
Inholder
Restaurant
300.00
Package Goods. 200.00
Fee for Seasonal Licenses
Club
100.00
8 Special One-Day Licenses
40.00
6 Wholesale Beer Permits $3.00 each 18.00
27 Common Victuallers licenses $2.50 each 67.50
Total Revenue received for all licenses $ 8,840.50
Report of the Soldiers' Relief Agent
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Municipal Council:
I submit herewith report for the year ending December 31, 1943.
Soldiers' Benefits Paid by the City
$17,681.71
State will reimburse the City $ 3,538.20
Refunds received 252.00
3,790.20
Net cost to the City
$13,891.51
Administration:
Salary
$ 1,000.00
Other Expenses
213.15
1,213.15
Number of Soldiers' Relief vouchers given for food, fuel, etc. .
218
Applications for War Allowance, State Aid and Military Aid, appro- ved by the Commissioner
95
Applications rejected .
11
Number of callers at office seeking information
1820
Investigations calls made by Soldiers Relief Agent .
60
Consultations with Commissioner, Boston .
22
I wish to express my thanks for the helpful and cheerful cooperation shown this Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, Arthur B. Cummings Soldiers' Relief Agent
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
February 18, 1944
To His Honor the Mayor and Municipal Council Attleboro, Massachusetts.
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