USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Merrimac > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Merrimac 1956 > Part 7
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25
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
The Kuder Preference establishes an individual's desire for certain types of activities. When his prefer- ences are identified, he can investigate the occupations that involve these activities. In this way, he narrows the field of investigation to those occupations most deserving of his attention. In many cases a person's attention may be called to an occupation for which he is suited, but which he had not previously considered simply because of unfamiliarity with it.
Sometimes an adolescent selects his career on the basis of superficial qualities, or for some reason well re- moved from the occupation itself. He may enter an occu- pation because his friends did, or because he once knew someone in that field, or because of the prestige value usually associated with the occupation. For these reasons, a check on career choice is very desirable before vocation- al preparation is far advanced.
Establishing preference is important but it must be substantiated by evidence of possible success based on needed abilities for the particular areas of interest. The S. R. A. Mental abilities Test is given to the student to establish ability factors. The test is constructed with the idea in mind that intelligence is not just a unitary trait but that it can be described in terms of several different abilities.
A student may be high in one primary mental ability and low in another. All of us are aware of youngsters who are especially good at some kinds of activity and re- latively poor at others. The highly verbal student who has trouble with arithmetic is a common example. Most teachers, also, have seen children in their classes whose intelligence scores are the same, but who differ widely in their specific intellectual abilities.
When the student has completed the Kuder Prefer- ence and the Mental Abilities Test, his scores are profiled on separate charts and then a comparison is made. Interest
26
SCHOOL REPORT
is allied with ability. When this is done, the student is given a personal interview at which time the scores are fully explained to him. The results of these tests give a realistic approach to individual guidance.
In the short time that this program has been in operation, I have observed excellent opportunity to give meaning and direction to our guidance program. All Seniors will be interviewed by February and then the Juniors will be completed by May. In the past, the major share of personal guidance has been done in the senior year but it is intended in the future to concentrate on this phase of our guidance program in the Junior year. This will allow the student to begin earlier preparations for his career following high school graduation.
Understanding the needs and ability of each student will also provide means of improving classroom instruct- ion. A good society recognizes the importance of each individual member. In education, this recognition has led to the study of students as individuals and to the idea that boys and girls should be educated according to individual differences and needs. Only in this way can they develop into useful and happy members of society.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the superintendent and members of the school board for providing this program. I am certain that the end results will justify their support.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD S. MORROW, Principal
27
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
1955 - 1956 HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL
Seniors
High Honor Richard Fowler Barbara Sargent
Honor Roll
Joan Atwood
Eugene Getchell
Constance Hoyt Carol Sharkey
Juniors
High Honor
Honor Roll
Marie Dressler
Patricia Cahill
Judith Ferrick Charles Getchell
Mary Kimbrell Caleb Wolfe
Sophomores
High Honor Lloyd Crossman
Honor Roll
Elizabeth Donaghue Sheela Fowler
Marsha Hargraves Margaret Staples
Freshmen
High Honor John McCarron
Honor Roll
Patricia Sowick
George Denault
28
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
My report is herewith submitted for the period from January 1, 1956 to December 31, 1956.
Number of school visits 130
Number of home visits 307
A complete physical examination was given to children in the first and fifth grades who were not examined by their own family physician.
A complete physical examination was given to all students of the freshman class.
A check-up was given to all other students of High School and Junior High School.
The Essex County Health Association has initiated a five-year tuberculin testing program. This is to deter- mine the number of children who have been exposed un- knowingly to tuberculosis. The Vollmer Patch is applied. Any child reacting to this test is taken for X-rays. The Patch Test was given in the first, fourth, seventh and ninth grades on February 6, 1956.
Number of students tested 216
Number of students reacting and
taken for X-rays 2
Number given the Patch Test
on November 5, 1956 211
Number of students reacting and
taken for X-rays 10
Number of children receiving Salk Polio
Vaccine in 1956 at clinics 735
29
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir and Mrs Cecile Sargent, public health nurse, helped at some of the clinics.
The Diptheria Clinic was held October 25 and November 29:
Number receiving the initial 3 doses 28
Number receiving booster doses 239
The Pre-School Clinic was held on May 16, 17 and 18:
Number examined at this time 53
Number of children tested with Massachusetts Vision Test 541
Number of children seen by an eye specialist and received treatment 33
Number of children tested with Audiometer 516
Number of children treated by a doctor to correct deafness 7
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE L. GLEED, School Nurse
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Our Lunchroom Staff :
Manager: Mrs. Margaret S. Martin
General Workers:
Mrs. Amber Murdock, Mrs. Esther Smith
Part - time Worker: Mrs. Mary Morgan
During the 1956 school year the School Lunch Program was completely self-supporting.
30
SCHOOL REPORT
1956
1955
Total number of Type A Lunches served
43,981
39,438
Total extra pints of milk served
16,269
9,384
The Type A Lunch consists of 2 oz. protein (either meat, fish, cheese, egg, 1/2 cup beans or 4 tbsp. peanut butter) 1 slice bread, 2 tsp. butter, 3/4 cup vegetable or fruit, and 1/2 pint of unflavored milk.
The Special Milk Program consists of 1/2 pint of unflavored milk for the children that bring their lunches from home, or desire extra milk with our Type A meal, or have a bottle of milk as a recess drink. The child pays 3 cents per bottle, and may buy one or more daily. Because the State and U. S. Government reimburse the School Lunch for each bottle purchased, it is possible to sell the milk at this price. This is to encourage the children to drink more milk.
The entire lunchroom staff has tried to attend all the lectures and classes conducted by the School Lunch Office in Boston, and the American School Food Service Associ- ation. These meetings are to keep us informed of any new methods, recipes and news of commodities. Such meetings were held on January 16th, in Medford; April 10th, in Winchester; May 26th, in Gloucester; and Septem- ber 26th, in Boston.
The School Lunch Program held its 1st Annual Spring Workshop in Boston at the Boston Consolidated Gas Co. on April 16, 17, 18th. As school was in session in Merrimac, I attended these alone. I also attended the Annual School Lunch Workshop at the State Teachers College in Fitch- burg for the week of July 16 to 20 . I have tried to bring back as much as possible to our School Lunch so that we may really profit from the information they offer to us.
MARGARET S. MARTIN
School Lunch Manager
31
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT BY GRADES October 1, 1956
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1955
1956
Readiness Group
75
75
Adjustment Group
56
60
Mixed Level Group
64
63
Grade 4
50
67
Grade 5
40
54
Grade 6
48
37
333
356
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
1955
195€
Grade 7
49
48
Grade 8
58
1 49
107
97
HIGH SCHOOL
1955
1956
Freshman
36
54
Sophomore
27
26
Junior
21
24
Senior
18
21
102
125
32
SCHOOL REPORT
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Gr. 9
Gr. 10
Gr. 11
Gr .12
Total
Haverhill Grade School
7
3
2
1 13
Essex Co. Agricultural
1
1
3
5
Haverhill Trade Extension
10
Haverhill Evening
6
REPORT OF THE PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Boards of Selectmen:
Towns of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury
The third annual report of the Pentucket Regional School District Committee is submitted to you for your consideration. The report for the year 1956 marks the culmination of the planning stage for the regional Junior- S. nior high school for which this district was formed and for which we have worked so long.
On Monday, December 17, 1956, ground was broken in a quiet ceremony before the influx of mechanical ma- chines and earth-movers for the preparation of the site on which the approved Pentucket Regional Junior - Senior High School will stand. With this start, the construction stage of our school began.
Before presenting to you our report for 1956, let us retrace briefly the planning which has gone into this build- ing which we believe will be an outstanding illustration of cooperative planning and an enduring contribution to the common weal of all the communities.
-
33
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
After a number of years of preparing and planning, the towns of Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury joined effectively to form what is now known as the Pentucket Regional School District. The actual date of acceptance whereby the district became operative by acceptance of the regional agreement was May 25, 1954. Due to complications in the manner of voting, it was necessary to secure a legislative enactment to give proper legal status to the district. This was passed on February 3, 1955.
From the time of the acceptance of the district by the people of the region, plans were formulated to provide our children with the type of education that they need and deserve. The advice and counsel of taxpayers, school administrators, teachers and educators was sought to en- able the committee to plan this school. Some of these plans were outlined in the report for the year 1955 and will not be repeated here.
On March 9, 1956, this committee received the ap- proval of the School Building Assistance commission for the preliminary plans of our proposed building. Pre- liminary plans provide for the number, shape, sizes and purposes of the classrooms. Upon the acceptance of these plans, the committee, in consultation with the arch- itect, Harry Korslund of the architectural firm of Kors- lund, LeNormand and Quann, proceeded to a refinement of the needs of our school. Although this function has often been considered the sole province of the architect, and some building committees have chosen to allow the architect complete freedom of detail, it was the will of all to have frequent consultation in planning, to provide for the facilities in keeping with the immediate needs of our pupils, based on sound educational practice.
On October 11, 1956 the plans for the construction of the proposed school were advertized. On November 8th these bids were opened and a bond issue of $1,876,000 in
34
SCHOOL REPORT
addition to the $84,000 bond issue of October 1, 1955 was authorized to construct and equip our school.
In accordance with the regional agreement, special town meetings were requested to approve or disapprove of the actions taken by the Regional School Committee. Special town meetings were held in the respective towns: on November 24, West Newbury voted favorably 213 - 6; on November 26, Merrimac voted favorably 204 - 1, and on November 27, Groveland voted unanimously 272 - 0 in favor of the action of the Pentucket Regional School Committee.
On December 10 the committee voted to award the construction bid for the proposed school to G. L. Rugo & Sons of Boston, low bidders, at a cost of $1,461,600. On December 17 construction of the Pentucket Regional Junior-Senior High School began.
ALLOCATION OF CONSTRUCTION COSTS
The total cost of the building will include the $84,000 bond issue dated October 1, 1955, nearly all of which was used in the planning costs and which is nearly 100% reim- bursable by the School Building Assistance Commission. The $1,876,000 voted in 1956 is to be used for the actual construction of the building, equipping it and grading the site. The breakdown of the total costs is as follows:
General contract $1,461,600.00
Architects' fees 102,312.00
Equipment 175,000.00
Cost of land 15,000.00
Site development 115,000.00
Other costs, including clerk of works,
change orders, and contingencies 91,088.00
$1,960,000.00
35
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
This building is being financed by the issuance of bonds approved in town meetings by each town. Each town's share of the amortization costs is controlled by the Regional School Agreement and based on the last equaliz- ed valuation (1945) as determined by the Bureau of Accounts and accepted by the Commonwealth.
The $84,000 Bond Issue of 1955 (almost 100% reim- bursable)
Groveland 31.3456% - $26,330.30
Merrimac 39.7264 % - $33,370.18
West Newbury 28.9280 % - $24,299.52
The $1,876,000 Bond Issue of 1957
School Bldg. Assistance Commission - 65 % - $1,219,400.00 35% of the building costs will be borne by the towns of the region as follows:
Groveland 31.3456% of 35 % $205,815.21
Merrimac 39.7264% of 35% $260,843.54
West Newbury
28.9280% of 35% $189,941.25
WHAT FACILITIES WILL BE CONTAINED IN THIS SCHOOL?
The educational facilities can be described best in the following summary:
1. Twelve Junior high school classrooms in the junior high wing of the building for pupils in grades seven and eight.
2. The exclusive senior high school facilities are as follows :
7 General Classrooms
3 Rooms for Business Education
4 Science Rooms, one each for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Science
36
SCHOOL £ REPORT
3. Classrooms to be used by both junior and senior high school students:
3 Home Economics rooms
1 Gymnasium with folding partition; locker and shower rooms
2 Corrective physical education rooms
2 Arts and Crafts rooms
2 General Shops
1 Shop Planning room
2 Music rooms
1 Auditorium and stage
1 Library
1 Guidance and counseling area
4. Administration facilities
5. A common Health area
6. A Cafeteria to be used by all students
THE NEED FOR THIS SCHOOL
Locally as well as nationally there has been an emphasis on conservation of natural resources (as forests, soil, water power), but perhaps the single most valuable of all resources, our natural human abilities, are now re- ceiving more attention. In this respect we have always claimed that all individuals should be developed to their fullest capacities. This ideal, prevalent for more than a century, has not been generally realized for economic or social reasons.
The Regional School will take us closer to the goal of providing for all the abilities of our children. We have taken this step at a time which portends the need of this type of effort more so than ever before. Demands for efficient manpower are increased by our steady rise in standards of living with the development of mass commun- ications, rapid transportation and technological advances.
37
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
The development of automation will make increasing inroads upon the pool of skilled manpower which is available. We need and all parents want to supply their children with the additional education which our society demands.
In nearly every field of endeavor, the current lack of skilled manpower shows needs which go unfilled. We need not turn for this information to technical journals, for the daily press and the demands of industry have kept us informed of the shortages. Right now there are many areas of scientific research demanding more personnel; engineering and technology, plagued by vacancies, are combing the colleges for talent; the health services lack adequately trained people; executive and supervisory services desire competent leadership ; others are in similar straits.
By providing our children with the education, guid- ance and determination they need, we will not only be preparing them to assume their places in our communities, but also preparing them for the ever-changing society in which we live. Your Regional School, since it is planned to meet the needs of your children, will make a sub- stantial contribution to your and their welfare.
From a practical point of view, the coming of this school solves most of the housing problems of the three towns. The Town of Groveland, which has tuitioned most of its high school students to Haverhill and a smaller number to Georgetown, was being faced with a discon- tinuation of this policy due to the forthcoming critical classroom situation in these places. The rooms left vacant by the seventh and eighth grades at the Groveland High School Building will be needed to accomodate the increas- ing elementary school population.
38
SCHOOL REPORT
Merrimac has had a platoon system for several years at its high school building for both the junior and senior high school pupils. This school plant was taxed to its capacity and provided limited educational services due to its nature and crowded conditions.
The Central School in West Newbury was over- crowded with its present school population and the de- parture of grades seven and eight will permit a more flexible elementary school arrangement when the Regional School opens. The tuitioning of high school pupils to Newburyport, though it has proved to be very helpful, was a temporary arrangement which will be solved when this school opens.
OPENING OF REGIONAL SCHOOL
Your Regional High School is scheduled for opening at the beginning of the 1958 school year. Present esti- mates provide for an enrollment of 660 students the first year, with an increasing school population of nearly 750 students about 1965. A general levelling in the rise of the school population will provide accomodations for the children of the three towns for many years to come.
SCHOOL SITE
The Pentucket Regional School will be located in West Newbury on property formerly owned by the Albert- son family. This site lies on Route 113 and adjoins the Groveland town line. The area acquired for the erection of this school contains 19.506 acres of land.
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Regional School Committee pays homage to the memory of Mr. Francis E. Harriman, member of the Grove- land School Committee and Regional School Committee, who passed away on January 16, 1956. His untimely pass- ing was a personal loss to each member of this committee. His sincerity and devotion to duty made his loss a grievous one.
39
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
The Pentucket Regional School Committee held
12 regular monthly meetings 8 special meetings
3 meetings with the School Building Assistance Commission
1 meeting with the Emergency Finance Board 4 sub-committee meetings
8 special open hearings on matters pertaining to the Pentucket Regional School
The Regional Committee is composed of the three members of the Groveland and West Newbury School Committees, and the Merrimac Committee, now composed of five members, elects three of its members to the Regional Committee. During 1956 the Groveland members were as follows, with their terms of service:
Mr. Francis E. Harriman, died January 16, 1956
Dr. Douglas V. Crook, served throughout 1956; chair- man of committee April 2, 1956-
Mr. Joseph E. Joyce, Jr., resigned November 12, 1956
Mr. Harold A. Bilodeau, elected March 12, 1956
Mr. Sydney A. O'Neill, named November 15, 1956 to fill out unexpired term of Mr. Joyce
West Newbury members during 1956:
Miss Louise E. Mills Mr. Leo A. Soucy Mr. T. Tait Bender
Merrimac members during 1956:
Mr. Irving A. Blake, term terminated April 1, 1956 Mrs. Virginia Webster, term began April 2, 1956 Mr. Carl Olson Mr. Kenneth Fowle
The treasurer's report and the 1957 budget will be
40
SCHOOL REPORT
found on the following pages.
DR. DOUGLAS V. CROOK, Chairman T. TAIT BENDER, Vice Chairman MRS. VIRGINIA WEBSTER MISS LOUISE E. MILLS
MR. LEO A. SOUCY CARL G. OLSON
KENNETH FOWLE
HAROLD A. BILODEAU SYDNEY A. O'NEILL
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Pentucket Regional School Committee has adopt- ed the following Budget for 1957:
AMORTIZATION :
Principal ('55 issue of $84,000) ... $ 5,000.00
Interest ('55 issue of $84,000) 2,172.50
Interest ('57 issue of $1,876,000)
1/2 year at 3.2% 30,016.00
Total Amortization Costs $ 37,188.50
OPERATING COSTS:
Superintendent's Salary $ 500.00
Office Expense
200.00
Treasurer's Salary
500.00
Treasurer's Expense ; File, etc.
150.00
Treasurer's Bond
750.00
Legal Fees
500.00
Contingencies
2,000.00
Total Operating Costs $ 4,600.00
$ 41,788.50
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 1957 BUDGET DETERMINATION BY TOWNS
Enrollment per town October 1, 56
% of Total Enrollment
PLUS
% of Assessed Valuation =
1/2 of Preceding Column = % of 1957 Operating Costs
GROVELAND
259
38.8306
31.3456
70.1762
35.0881
MERRIMAC
254
38.0810
39.7264
77.8074
38.9037
WEST NEWBURY
154
23.0884
28.9280
52.0164
26.0082
TOTAL
667
Amortization
Operating Costs
Total
Total - $37,188.50
Total - $4,600.00
GROVELAND
31.3456 or $11,656.96
35.0881 or $
1,614.05
$ 13,271.01
MERRIMAC
39.7264 or 14,773.65
38.9037 or $
1,789.57
$ 16,563.22
WEST NEWBURY
28.9280 or 10,757.89
26.0082 or $ 1,196.38
3 11,954.27
$37,188.50
$ 4,600.00
$ 41,788.50
TOWN OF
MERRIMAC
41
42
SCHOOL REPORT
TREASURER'S REPORT
RECONCILIATION OF CASH
Cash Balance January 1, 1956 $ 83,505.92
Receipts
Assessments to the Towns
$ 10,110.00
Interest on U. S. Treasury Bills
544.52
$ 10,654.52
$ 94,160.44
Expenditures
Operating and Maintenance $ 1,629.80
Construction 68,662.77
Amortization
7,310.00
School Site
15,000.00
$ 92,602.57
Cash Balance on Hand December 31, 1956 $ 1,557.87
Receipts
Assessment to Town of Merrimac $ 3,993.50
Assessment to Town of Groveland 3,268.13
Assessment, West Newbury 2,848.37
Interest on U. S. Treasury Bills
544.52
Total Receipts
$ 10,654.52
Expenditures
Superintendent's Salary ... $ 500.00
Treasurer's Salary
300.00
Legal Fees
225.00
Brochures
455.20
Treasurer's Bond
50.00
Office Supplies
61.66
43
TOWN OF MERRIMAC
Budget Advertisement
11.58
Postage
26.36
Total Operating and Maintenance Costs $ 1,629.80
Architect $ 65,000.00
Consultant
2,666.67
Surveying
750.00
Advertising for Construction Bids
171.10
Digging Test Pits
75.00
Total Construction Costs $ 68,662.77
Note on $84,000.00 Bond Issue $ 5,000.00
Interest on $84,000.00 Bond Issue 2,310.00
Total Amortization Costs
$ 7,310.00
School Site
$ 15,000.00
Total Expenditures
$ 92,602.57
SYDNEY A. O'NEILL, Treasurer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appropriations Made 1956
14
Fire Alarm
9
In Memoriam
125
Jury List
11
Town Officers
3
Town Warrant
115
Reports of-
Assessors
22
Board of Public Welfare
39
Cemetery Trustees
37
Dog Officer
35
Finance Committee
42
Fire Engineers
20
Inspector of Wires
21
Inspector of Milk, Animals and Slaughtering
45
Municipal Light Board
32
Planning Board
21
Playground Commissioners
27
Police Department
19
Public Health Nurse
38
Public Library
44
School Committee
127
Sealer of Weights and Measures
36
Selectmen
13
State Auditor
100
Tax Collector
25
Town Accountant
46
Town Clerk
28
Town Forest Committee
41
Town Treasurer
41
Trustees of Kimball Park
40
Water Commissioners 30
Vote for Town Officers
111
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