USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1954 > Part 7
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The annual spring concert was again under the cap- able leadership of Mrs. Doris Currier. I feel that high praise is due our music supervisor for the remarkable job that she does. Her patience and deep interest in the talents of our youngsters has made our musical program out- standing.
The baseball team was coached by Mr. Frederick Noone and captained by Leonard Tilton. Although they did not win the league championship, they managed to have a winning season. The softball team was under the direction of Miss Margaret O'Riordan and played an in- formal schedule with Georgetown, Hampstead and Tops- field.
The seniors went on their class trip during the spring vacation and were chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Bardsley. The group traveled from Boston to New York by train and while in New York they visited Radio City, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. In Washington their visits were too numerous to mention but the highlights were the White House, Capitol Building, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Arlington Cemetery.
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An added educational enjoyment for the seniors on the trip was a journey to Virginia through the Shenandoah Valley where they stopped at the Sky-Line Caverns, Val- ley Forge and Gettysburg.
For the first time both the Baccalaureate service and the graduation exercises were held at the New Elemen- tary School. They were directed by Miss Isabelle Phelan and credit must be given for a very commendable job. Twenty-two seniors were graduated and top scholastic honors went to Valedictorian Marilyn Wolfe and Saluta- torian Dorothy Wechezak.
During the year the testing program was continued. The Kuhlman-Finch Intelligence Test was administered to all and the California Mental Maturity Test also was used as a supplement. The Division of Employment Se- curity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts admini- stered general aptitude tests to the seniors and by means of personal interviews, interpreted the results for each individual.
The outstanding academic change of the school year was the use of the platoon system for the high school and the junior high. The school hours for the high school, as a result of the change, are from 7:30 A. M. to 12:05 P. M. The junior high hours are from 12:25 to 5:00 P. M. The reduction of schools hours has not effected the time given the subject-matter classes. By shortening recess and eliminating the activity period, enough time was material- ized to give full time allotment to all classes. This has made for a concentrated schedule and the main points of hardship are on after-school and extra-curricular activi- ties. As a result of the program also making it difficult for parents to have consultations with members of the faculty, conference nights have been arranged for parents follow- ing the close of each marking term.
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SCHOOL REPORT
On the evening of October 29, 1954 the Senior Class presented its annual play entitled "Hillbilly Weddin", written by LeRoma Rose. This play, with its setting in a delapidated hillbilly cabin and its characters in barefeet and patched clothes, was well received by the largest audience ever to attend a class play. The financial success also provided a great boost to the Senior Class treasury.
The play directed by Mr. Rodney F. Mansfield of the high school faculty had the following cast:
Maw and Paw Belsnickle were played by Sandra Turner and David Hoyt and their six children Ceelie, Bonnie Mae, Juney Lou, Four, Five and Six by Patricia Flynn, Marie Fowle, Phyllis Dudley, Frances Smith, Ger- trude McCarron and Sylvia Yelle, respectively. Two neigh- boring hillbillies, Chiz and Obeey Upshlager were por- trayed by Ernest Brooks, an assisting underclassman, and Walter Currier. A charitable medical student and his haughty aunt were played by Wallace Furber and Fern Corson. The village parson was Harry Kimball and Al- fred Sampson led the Hillbilly Band. The wedding soloist was Carol St. Jean.
Several committees from the class assisting on stag- ing, properties, tickets, publicity and a concession, all of which helped in making the production a success in many ways.
The school year is a very busy one and the highlights have been briefly portrayed in this report. In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Page and the Merrimac School Committee for their guidance and co- operation. It goes without saying that my duties have been made enjoyable by the fine spirit of cooperation from the students and members of my fine and capable faculty.
EDWARD S. MORROW
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1953 - 1954 Honor Roll
Seniors
High Honor
Sally Stuart Dorothy Wechezak Marilyn Wolfe
Honor
Dorothy Reynolds
Juniors
High Honor
Virginia Kneeland
Honor
Lynn Hayward
Sophomores
High Honor
Eugene Getchell Barbara Sargent
Honor
Richard Fowler Constance Hoyt
Freshmen
High Honor
Marie Dressler Charles Getchell
Honor
George Denault Jack Hawes Mary Kimbrell Caleb Wolfe
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SCHOOL I REPORT
REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Although the past four months have brought con- siderable change and readjustment for both faculty and student body, it has been a busy and happy period. Housed in the High School building, the Junior High School has once again become a unit unto itself which situation, psychologically, is more wholesome for the adolescent student.
The enrollment for the fall term numbered 98 which was divided into two seventh and two eighth grade home- rooms.
The testing program, begun in 1954, was continued with the administration of the Kuhlman-Finch Intelligent Test to all students in the late fall.
Our Junior High School (350 book) library was transferred to the High School building where student librarians kept the books in active circulation.
In October the first school social, a dance with a Patriot's Day theme, was sponsored by the 7A division. 88% of the students were in attendance to present a fare- well gift of a briefcase to Mr. Nute.
Basket-ball practices and games, due to the platoon- ing, took place in the evenings. In spite of the late hours, 80% of the girls and 60% of the boys have participated. Enthusiasm ran high as teams were picked to play Sea- brook, Groveland, Amesbury, and Salisbury. An intra- mural tournament in which all will take part will end the basket-ball season.
Each week the students have enjoyed one activity period. Some of the programs have included educational movies, class meetings, and special programs of short.
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plays, recitations, singing, and instrumental music. At one special program two Conservation Officers spoke to the school on "New Conservation Laws especially pertaining to the Junior High School Age."
As the newly-appointed Assistant Principal of the Junior High School, I should, in closing, like to express my appreciation for the help and co-operation I have re- ceived during this past term from Dr. Page and the School Committee.
CORNELIA WOLFE
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
It is my pleasure to report the following from the Elementary School activities from January 1, 1954 through December 31, 1954.
Essex County Agricultural School extended an invi- tation to the boys of grade 8 to visit the school for a day. The boys did so on January 8th accompanied by Mr. Noone. Three of the boys decided to attend Essex "Aggie" during their spring vacation. During that week the boys follow the regular schedule of the school to get acquaint- ed with the program of the school and decide if they wish to attend for the remainder of the year. If this is done, the marks are sent back to our school for recording and at the end of the year the students are promoted from our school. They can register at the "Aggie" as freshmen and profit by having had this preparation period. John Zalenski took that training period and is now enrolled as a student there.
Three of the boys of grade eight took the tests for entrance to the Haverhill Trade School. All three were
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SCHOOL REPORT
accepted. However, in September only two wish to attend. Leon Smith and Gary Vincent are attending.
Basketball was coached by Mrs. Cornelia Wolfe and Mr. Millard Nute. Because of the late dismissal time of the second platoon, it was impossible to have a schedule of "outside" games. Intra-mural games were enjoyed. Awards were given at a Field Day held in the spring.
On May 20th Chief of Police Carey introduced In- spector Higgins of the Registry of Motor Vehicles who showed motion pictures and talked to the children about "Safety on the Highway."
Memorial Day was observed by all grades, including the High School, by a program in the all-purpose room.
Our children are to be congratulated on their prompt and efficient response to the Civil Defense drill held on June 14th. The children remain in their classrooms but kneel beside their desks (the little ones are taught to get under their desks) and lower their heads, placing their arms and hands to protect the head from the pos- sible danger of flying glass and debris. This position is held until the danger period is over.
Class trips were made during the last week of school. Each class is allowed one day for a field trip of educa- tional value.
Mr. Arthur Sager of Governor Dummer Academy was the speaker at the Junior High Graduation exercises, which were held in the all-purpose room on the morning of June 22nd. Dr. Frederick Sweetsir presented the di- plomas.
September brought many changes to our school. The change of staff is in Dr. Page's report.
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Mrs. Felch added the supervision of Art to her pro- gram. Her results have been most gratifying to the teach- ers and to the pupils.
Platooning was taken from our building as the grade level of platooning was changed. This changed the school hours back to a one session day from 8:30 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. Teachers are on duty until 2:45 to have time to give individual help when needed, also for parent conferences and extra curricular activities.
There are two things I would like to mention here. First, parents are welcome to visit school at any time but due to classroom duties teachers will talk to parents only after school hours. Secondly, no invitations are sent out to parents for assembly programs which all the children of the school attend because of the fact that the number of children in the grades almost fills the all-purpose room. Parents who do wish to visit at this time will please over- look this inconvenience.
A program of assemblies has been planned for the school year of 1954-55. All parents received a copy but for friends who are interested the schedule is as follows:
November 10th
Open house all day, National Education Week November 18th
Parent Teacher Association program
December 16th
Christmas program
February 4th Assembly, Grades 1-2-3
February 11th Assembly, Grades 4-5-6 May 3rd May Day program
May 27th Memorial Day program
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SCHOOL REPORT
New report cards were planned and printed this year. There are two types. One is for the Primary Unit and the other is for the Intermediate grades.
The Primary Unit is so called because of the new way of placing pupils in their first years of school to make it possible for them to progress at their own rate and receive as much individual attention as is possible in reading. Reading is the subject which forms the basis of future education.
To encourage having someone read aloud to children at home, a supplementary library was started in Novem- ber. This was explained at the November P. T. A. meeting in correlation with National Book Week. Children are allowed to borrow these books to be taken home for one week.
Mrs. Currier, music supervisor, has asked that the citizens of Merrimac be told of the Rhythm Band instru- ments which Mrs. Felch made to augment our small sup- ply of instruments. These were needed due to the enlarged enrollment. They are very colorful and attractive to the pupils. The performances by our Rhythm Band at the Santa Claus Parade and the P. T. A. meeting prove be- yond doubt the value of these instruments in teaching rhythm and music appreciation to our young children.
A Tonette Band of 12 instruments was started in the 6th grade under Miss Pooler's supervision. This year it is hoped that we can enlarge this to an instrument for each member of that grade.
Our thanks in appreciation for her gifts to the school, and her time and effort go to Mrs. John Chipman. Mrs. Chipman and her son, Curtis, traveled to England last spring. They did not forget our school at any time as the cards, letters, posters and books that we received from them can verify. Since school opened in the fall Mrs. Chipman has given much time in visiting our classrooms to give illustrated talks to the children.
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TOWN OF MERRIMAC
We thank the Merrimac Board of Selectmen and Chief of Police Maurice Carey for their cooperation in helping us take care of our traffic problems. Mrs. Stan- wood Frazier was appointed special police officer in charge of the crossing at Main, Locust and Woodland Streets. Mrs. Gertrude Kopanski is her substitute. One way traffic is enforced on Union Street Extension from Union Street to Locust Street from 8:00 to 8:30 A. M. and 1:45 to 2:15 P. M. to lessen the possibility of acci- dents at the beginning and ending of school.
It is with sincere appreciation of the time and effort the Merrimac School Committee and Dr. Page have given our school for the benefit of the physical care and edu- cational advancement of our children, that I wish to ex- press my thanks to them. It has been a pleasure to work with them to attain these objectives.
HELEN R. DONAGHUE
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
My report is herewith submitted, dating from Janu- ary 1, 1954 to December 31, 1954.
Number of school visits 127
Number of home visits 255
The Pre-school Clinic was held on May 20th, 21st and 27th.
Number examined by Dr. A. Francis Davis 57
Children who did not attend Pre-school Clinic were examined by Dr. Davis after registration in the fall.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The Diphtheria Clinic was held on March 18th, April 15th and May 13th, 1954.
Number of children receiving three doses 21
Number receiving Booster shots 139
Children in the fifth and ninth grades were given complete physical examinations.
Children in Junior High and High School were given physical examinations by Dr. Davis.
Every child was weighed and measured at the be- ginning and end of the school year.
Number of children tested with the Audiometer for hearing 539
Number of children given the Massachusetts Vision test
167
ANNIE L. GLEED, R. N.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL LUNCH MANAGER
The following is a report of the Merrimac School Lunch Program for the year of 1954.
From January through June, we serve a daily aver- age of 173 Type A Lunches and 118 Type C. Lunches.
From September 1954 through December 1954, a period of sixty-six school days, we served 15,378 Type A
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TOWN OF MERRİMAC
Lunches or a daily average of 233. This was an increase over last year as we can now serve the entire first six grades.
A Type A Lunch has to meet one third of the daily nutritional requirements, or better, of each pupil. For this lunch, the pupils pay only 25 cents and the state re- imburses the program .09 cents for each Type A Lunch that meets the above state requirements.
A Type C Lunch consists of a bottle of milk served to the pupils that bring their lunch. From September to January we served 3,305 bottles of milk, a daily average of 50.
As a needy case has been brought to our attention, we have served a free lunch and from September through December, we served a total of 144 free Type A' Lunches and 519 meals have been served to pupils as compensa- tion for working in the Lunch Room.
From the above figures, it is very gratifying to ob- serve that a very large majority of the pupils participate in the Hot Lunch Program.
I wish to thank Dr. Page, the School Committee and the Teachers for their fine cooperation this past year. Also a great deal of thanks is due the several students who have given of their time and effort this past year in the Kitchen.
ISABEL L. TAYLOR, B. S.
GRADUATES, 1954
Merrimac High School: Florence Priscilla Bixby, Sandra Ann Brennan, Christine Dorothy Chase, Nancy Lorraine Comley, Bernard Hughes Connors, Patricia Anne
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SCHOOL £ REPORT
Doyle, LeAnn Dressler, June Marcine Hartwell, Joyce Virginia Heath, Richard Ralph Kimball, Priscilla Ruth Lovell, Marie Suzanne Morrill, William D. Murphy, Doro- thy Margaret Reynolds, Shirley Elizabeth Rines, Shirley Marie St. Jean, Virginia Thelma Seymour, Sally Ann Stuart, Richard Charles Sutherland, Leonard Alvin Tilton, Dorothy Roberta Wechezak, Marilyn Roberta Wolfe.
Grade 8: Edna Anne Armstrong, Thomas Irving Atwood*, Richard Edward Brady, Karen Linda Bruce, John Gilbert Buzzell. Robert Charles Calnan, Lloyd Donald Crossman ** , Richard Paul Danforth, Joanne Elizabeth Donaghue*, William Furguson, Sheela Anne Fowler ** , Jo-Ann Marie Goodrich, David Wayne Grant, Marsha Joyce Hargraves ** , Fred Malcom Heath, Steph- anie Eliason Hurley, Lawrence W. Ingraham, Carol Ann Joralmon, James Joseph Manning, Francis Arthur McComas*, Carolyn Jean Merritt, Donna Lee Morgan, Virginia Maidee Morse, George Lester Openshaw, Barbara Ann Peirce*, Ginger Ann Prescott, Marjorie Diane Roberts, Mable A. Rogers, Dudley Currier Sargent*, George Stanley Saunders, Peter Ronald Sharkey, Leon Burton Smith, Lillian Smith, Margaret Ann Staples*, Wayne Bradley Stone*, Robert Arnold St. Jean, Constance Colbert Sweeney, Donald Roland Therrien, David Harry Trenholm, Gary George Vincent, Bessie Eva Walker, John Henry Zalenski **.
*High Honors
*Honors
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appropriations Made 1954
13
Fire Alarm
9
In Memoriam
120
Jury List
11
Town Officers
3
Town Warrant
111
Reports of-
Assessors
24
Board of Public Welfare
41
Cemetery Trustees
40
Dog Officer
38
Finance Committee
17
Fire Engineers
22
Inspector of Wires
43
Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
37
Municipal Light Board
35
Pentucket Regional School District Com.
122
Playground Commissioners
28
Police Department
20
Public Health Nurse
42
Public Library
31
School Committee
125
Sealer of Weights and Measures
39
Selectmen
12
State Auditor
96
Tax Collector
26
Town Accountant
44
Town Clerk
3.0
Town Forest Committee
43
Town Treasurer 23
Trustees of Kimball Park
40
Water Commissioners 32
Vote for Town Officers 107
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