USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1947 > Part 6
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TRANSPORTATION
On the first of October, 147 of the 392 Merrimac public school pupils (37.5% ) were transported regularly by the Massachusetts Northeastern Transportation Com- pany. 128 pupils rode an average of at least one and one- half miles each way each school day. The 147 trans- ported included 30 of the 83 high school pupils, 22 of the 65 pupils in the seventh and eighth grades, and 95 of the 244 pupils in the first six grades. From Birchmeadow there were 29, from Bear Hill and Lake Attitash 51, and from the Port 67.
VOCATIONAL
In the fall of 1947 six boys enrolled for vocational
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
training at the Charles W. Arnold Trade School in Haver- hill. Two were in the Sheet Metal Course, one in the Electrical, one in Printing, and two in the General Voca- tional. The tuition of trade schools goes up from $170 to $200 a year beginning January 1, 1948.
In the fall there were also three Merrimac boys, including two veterans, in the Essex County school at Hathorne.
PUTNAM FUND
In the fall of 1947 the Supreme Judicial Court, Essex ss, handed down the findings of the Master in No. 2426 Equity pertaining to the future disposition of the funds left at the disposal of the Trustees of the Putnam Free School, Newburyport. After long litigation the funds were set up for scholarships, not to exceed $500 a year, "in recognized colleges, universities, and institutions of learning authorized by law to award degrees" *
"in awarding scholarships, institutions be selected which pro- vide courses in English and in mathematics the first year, and as a condition of the award the student be required to take first year English, mathematics, or both" * * * and the trustees "give preference to applicants within the area from which attendance at the Putnam Free School, when it operated, was largely drawn, viz., New- buryport, Newbury, West Newbury, Georgetown, Rowley, Amesbury, Merrimac, Salisbury, Groveland, Boxford and Topsfield."
In setting up this scholarship, much credit is due to the pleadings of Attorney John H. O'Neil of Amesbury.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Dr. John C. Page, Superintendent of Schools, and Members of the School Committee.
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My report is herewith submitted dating from Jan- uary 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947.
Number of School Visits 150
Number of Home Visits 63
Number of Pupils examined by Dr. Davis
(annual physical examination) nurse assisting 345
The Toixoid Clinics were held March 27th, April 17th and May 8th at the Centre School under the direction of Dr. Davis to immunize children against Diphtheria.
Due to the fact there had been a death in the district from Diphtheria, it was advocated that we do Schick test- ing and also give Booster doses (one inoculation) of toxoid to those having been immunized previous to 1945.
The Schick test was given to pupils above the sixth grade through High School (parent's consent) on March 31st at the High School.
Number receiving the Schick Test 98
Number of Positive Reactors 26
The pupils having a Positive Reaction to the Schick test were then given the opportunity to become immunized with toxoid inoculations. Several of the teachers as well as pupils had the Schick test followed by toxoid if found necessary.
Number receiving Booster doses of Toxoid (one dose) 132 Number of Pre-School Children receiving
Booster doses 17
Number receiving the 3 inoculations of Toxoid to establish an immunity. 51
The Pre-School Clinic was held June 5th at the Centre School by Dr. Davis. This clinic was for all child- ren who would be entering the first grade in September and was held for the purpose of giving a Physical Exam- ination to each child, so that any physical defect which was found could be corrected during the summer months.
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
These children were registered for the first grade by the teachers at the same time instead of having Regis- tration day in September.
Number attending
28
The Tuberculin testing clinic was held at the High School December 1st , 3rd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 15th. This clinic was conducted by Dr. Davis and was for all pupils from the eighth grade through High School.
Number enrolled in the school 125
Number tested 114
Number Positive Reactors 11
Those pupils having a Positive reaction to the test will have Chest X-Rays sometime in January at the High School.
Respectfully submitted
RAMONA H. HEWSON, R .N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC
From January 9, 1947 to June 11, 1947 the fol- lowing work was done at the school dental clinic under the direction of Dr. J. A. Hawes :-
Cleanings
36
Silver fillings
245
Porcelain fillings
37
Cement fillings
26
Extractions
58
There were 41 dental certificates given to pupils that their work done and completed at the clinic between the above dates.
From September 10, 1947 to December 17, 1947 the following work has been done at the school dental clinic by Dr. Hawes :-
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
Examinations
297
Cleanings
11
Silver fillings
143
Porcelain fillings
16
Cement fillings
21
Extractions
26
There have been 55 dental certificates given to pupils having their work done and completed during this period at the clinic.
Respectfully submitted
CLARA T. ANDERSON, Dental Assistant
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Many very interesting pictures, and useful objects were created by the students of the Merrimac Schools, this year, as they applied their lessons in Design, Color, Composition and Object Drawing to the various projects assigned to them.
Art Portfolios, P. T. A. Posters, silhouettes, masks and Christmas gifts were among the lessons carried out by the seventh and eighth grades. Poster Paints, water colors, papier-masche, and colored papers were used by these students.
The fifth and sixth grades designed Animal Posters, party hats, Art Folders, and painted with water colors, Tempera Colors, and Textile Paints.
Grades three and four made paper Mosaics, window decorations, miniature aquariums and Christmas presents. They drew animals, people, houses and trees.
Simplified object drawings, repeat patterns, Christ- mas presents, a Thanksgiving sandtable project and a mural were enthusiastically made by the first and second grade children.
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
The High School students have made ash trays, belts, lawn figures, bracelets, bowls and hot mats in the Handi- craft Course.
Such materials as felt, wood, crepe paper, copper, aluminum and glass were used in this course.
EFFIE KNAPP.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Physical Education Program for the town of Mer- rimac is being conducted the same as last year. The pro- gram is based on a three-season plan; fall, winter and spring.
Last spring the girls from the Prospect School played softball with the West Newbury girls.
This fall the boys of the Prospect School played soccer against the West Newbury boys.
In the winter program of the Prospect School, folk dances were taught in connection with a musical program given by Mrs. Currier last spring.
The Centre School held their field day last June. Each grade participated in a race. Prizes were awarded to the winners in each grade. The games consisted of three ·leg- ged, sack, wheelbarrow, and relay races.
Respectfully submitted
MARY E. WALKER
REPORT OF ACTING PRINCIPAL OF THE PROSPECT STREET SCHOOL
Due to the continued overcrowded conditions at the Centre School the sixth grade was again placed in the Junior High School building on Prospect Street with Miss
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
Burns as teacher of the sixth grade and Mrs. Wolfe as teacher of the seventh grade.
On October 1, 1947, there were 39 pupils enrolled in the sixth grade and 26 pupils in the seventh grade making a total enrollment of 65 pupils.
Since September the regular school program has in- cluded various interesting activities. The Friday after- noon assembly programs, organized by the pupils, have included the following activities: Spelling Bees between the grades, holiday and musical programs, and an educa- tional, illustrated travelogue by Mrs. A. Roy Swenson. Under the leadership of the class officers the sixth grade has organized a Current Events club. The seventh grade also holds weekly class meetings with their officers in charge.
At the Christmas assembly, during which a program and refreshments were enjoyed, the occasion was high- lighted by the presentation of a soccerball and a football to the children.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY C. BURNS
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Dr. John C. Page and Members of the Merrimac School Committee:
On October 1, 1947, there were 83 pupils enrolled in the four grades of the high school, 36 boys and 47 girls. The eighth grade, also housed in the building, had 39 pupils enrolled, 24 boys and 15 girls, making in all 122 pupils in the building.
The resignation of Miss Dorothy Kyros, effective in September, made necessary some changes in the teaching assignments. Mr. Edward Morrow, who was shifted from
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
the eighth grade, took over the science field with the fresh- man course in mathematics and sociology along with his work as boys' coach. Miss Isabelle Phelan resumed all the English classes and continues her capable coaching. Mr. Chase returned to the foreign languages with the advanced algebra course added. Spanish, which had been added to the curriculum during the war, was dropped chiefly because it was elected by too few pupils to justify its continuation. A sophomore laboratory course in bio- logy was added to fill out a well rounded offering in the sciences.
In the Spring of 1947 the Iowa Survey tests were taken by the high school pupils as a follow-up on the tests taken in the previous year. These tests did show what the principal had hoped they would: namely, a definite improvement in scientific knowledge, especially in the lower classes where the revision in electives and pre- scribed courses was in effect. A further improvement can be expected as a result of the increased offering described above.
In December of 1947 a new duplicator was placed in the Commercial Department, purchased by the School Committee for the use of the whole school system. The Convenience and efficiency of this machine, especially for the comparatively short runs which a system of our size usually has, makes this a great improvement over the mimeograph which has had a long and hard use in the past.
Academic courses alone in any school, important as they are, fall far short of filling all the educational needs of the average high school student. A list of extra-cur- ricular affairs and activities offered by the high school and directed by the various members of the faculty shows how we attempt to meet many of these needs: tag football, basketball, and baseball for the boys; basketball and softball for the girls; cheerleading; publication of a year-
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
book by the senior class, and publication of a school paper at stated intervals; the New York trip by the seniors; the senior play; "Stunt Night" and a "Variety Show;" the Varsity Club and the Tri Hi Y clubs; visits to the Free- dom Train; participation in the State-wide observance of "Good Government Day;" and finally the Baccalaureate and Graduation exercises themselves. Some schools pro- vide for participation in many similar activities by in- cluding them with the time allotted to the school day. In. Merrimac their time is nearly entirely outside of the reg- ular school hours. Unless the school day should be lengthened, they should remain so; but youngsters should be encouraged by their parents wherever possible to. take active parts in these social, athletic, and extra-cur- ricular affairs.
It is worthy of note that the Amesbury high school and Merrimac co-operated in the observance of Good Government Day by having assemblies in the two schools .. where the "candidates" gave campaign speeches. As a result of the voting which followed the assemblies,. James Swenson, Merrimac '48, was elected the student. representative from this district.
A group of parents and friends of the school joined together in the Fall of 1947 to form a "Boosters Club" to help support the athletic program of the school. Through their efforts it was made possible to send not only the boys' baskeaball team to play a game at the Boston Gar- den on December 12th, but also a large delegation of supporters with them.
On June 16, 1947, at excercises held in Sargent Hall thirty-two pupils were graduated from the eighth grade. The eighth grade graduation is a local tradition which most other localities observe by simple exercises held at the school. A list of the eighth grade graduates. follows this report.
On June 18, 1947, twelve students were graduated
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
from the high school at appropriate exercises in Sargent Hall. The number was far below what is to be expected from the larger classes following. At the present writ- ing one of the twelve is in the U. S. Navy, one girl is married and has moved to another state, three members are in college and one is about to enter, and the others are all employed.
The class parts were awarded as follows:
Valedictory
Evelyn J. Nicol
Salutatory
Class Will
Class Prophecy
Onni H. E. Mustonen Judith M. Flynn Maryjane E. Paul Robert E. L. Whitcomb
Class Gifts
Class Poet
Class History
Barbara A. Greeley George R. Buzzell, Jr.
The day when the Merrimac Schools can move into their proposed new building is in the very indefinite future. In the meanwhile the high school faculty con- tinues to work with excellent human material and poor physical equipment to produce results which compare very well by every standard we know how to use.
Respectfully submitted
ISAIAH CHASE,
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES OF 1947
George R. Buzzell, Jr., Robert L. Dupois, James A. Flynn, Judith Mary Flynn, Jean Elizabeth Grant, Barbara Anne Greeley, Onni H. E. Mustonen, Evelyn Jane Nicol, Maryjane Evelyn Paul, Donald Fader Robinson, Robert E. L. Whitcomb, Violet Yurkovich.
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
GRADUATES OF GRADE EIGHT, 1947
Betty-Jane Beardsley, Arthur Joseph Bisson, Charles W. Bisson, Loretta M. Bisson, Earle George Brooks, Jr., Shirley Eleanor Bunker, Judythe Ann Buzzell, Anthony J. Casazza, Ralph A. Dudley, William Henry Franklin, 3rd., Nancy Louise Gilmore, Richard Francis Gilmore, Marcia Bernadette Hall, Shirley Ann Kneeland, Patricia Ann Lambert, Roland Marlon Lambert, Richard Austin Lavalley, Wallace George Leighton, Jr., Robert Marshall Lord, Sally Lou Lund, Elizabeth Katherine Malmquist, George Raymond Mooers, Virginia Annabelle Murray, Robert Edward Owens, Louise Ellen Sanborn, Lois Janet Sloban, John Edward Stewart, Margaret Mae Stewart, Richard Wright Taylor, Joan Dorothy Wade, Phyllis A. Wechezak, Juanita Verlyn Hardy.
HONOR PUPILS
Loretta M. Bisson Patricia Ann Lambert
Earle George Brooks, Jr.
Shirley Eleanor Bunker
Judythe Ann Buzzell
Juanita Verlyn Hardy
Shirley Ann Kneeland
Sally Lou Lund
Louise Ellen Sanborn
Lois Janet Sloban
Richard Wright Taylor
Phyllis A. Wechezak
ATTENDANCE HONOR ROLL
High School:
Grade 12: *** Maryjane Paul.
11: Phyllis Clark, Edna Dwinnells. 10: none.
9: William Andrews.
8: ****** Charles W. Bisson, Loretta M. Bis- son, Robert M. Lord.
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MERRIMAC SCHOOL REPORT
Prospect Street School:
Grade 7: Francis Boetti, Rita Dudley, Richard Emery 6: Elizabeth Weigel, John Woodard.
Centre School:
Grade 5: Elsie Hoyt. 4: Ethel Chase, Joanne Dufault, Richard Knight.
3: Robert Jewett.
2: Richard Jewett. 1: None.
Not absent for 3 years, September, 1944 to June, 1947. Not absent for 6 years , September, 1941 to June, 1947.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appropriations Made 1947
16
Fire Alarm
26
Jury List
7
Town Officers
3
Town Warrant
94
Reports of-
Assessors
13
Board of Public Welfare
23
Bureau of Old Age Assistance
25
Cemetery Commissioners
21
Dog Officer
28
Finance Committee
38
Fire Engineers
Inspector of Wires
Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
27 15 37 32
Municipal Light Board
Playground Commissioners
37
Police Department
9 24
Public Library
19
School Building Committee
29
School Committee
103
Sealer of Weights and Measures
36
Selectmen
8
State Auditor
87 84
Town Accountant
41
Town Clerk
11
Town Forest Committee
31
Town Treasurer
20
Trustees of Kimball Park
21
Water Commissioners
34
Vote for Town Officers
100
Public Health Nurse
Tax Collector
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