USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1945 > Part 16
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139.38
$7,402.29
Boys' Machine Trade School:
Haynes Welding Co.
$21.15
Niro and Niro Co.
2.00
Seaver's Express
.62
-
352
Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. Vitalini, B. Co. Zocchi, Leon Co.
11.12
450.42
3.77
$489.08
BALANCE SHEET - 1945
Item I-Available for Salaries and Wages :- .
Appropriation
$178,000.00
Credit-Reimbursement
85.00
George-Deen Funds
487.50
Smith-Hughes Funds
61.86
Total available $178,634.36
Teachers' Salaries
$147,836.70
Supervision (Superintendent,
Clerk and Attendance
Officer)
7,275.51
Care (Janitors)
15,310.98
Health (School Physicians, School Nurses) 3,415.00
Machine Trade School
2,989.15
176,827.34
Balance $1,807.02
Item II-General-Available :-
Regular Appropriation $35,000.00
Carried over from 1944 for uncompleted order of books
455.00
Total available $35,455.00
353
Books and Supplies
$4,625.93
Fuel 8,157.49
Repairs
2,853.66
Transportation 8,815.74
Tuition-Worcester Trade School
2,608.56
Incidentals 7,402.29
Boys' Machine Trade School
489.08
Total expended
34,952.75
Balance
$502.25
Carried over to 1946 to pay for
order of supplies not com- pletely received, as follows:
Cahill's News Agency $276.00
Petroleum Heat & Power Co. 130.00
406.00
Net Balance
$96.25
354
Resolutions
IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, with the unfortunate death of Mary E. Naughton, a concientious and faithful worker em- ployed by the Town of Milford as its first full-time school nurse, the Milford Public Schools and the community as a whole have lost an efficient, capable, and loyal public servant, as well as an esteemed citizen, beloved and respected by all those with whom she came in contact in her professional and ยท civic life; and
WHEREAS, by her death the Milford School Department has sustained a loss that leaves us with a feeling of sincere sorrow and deep appreciation for her noble efforts that contributed so magnanimously to the formation and successful conduct of a department that has proved itself to be so essential in our school system, and
WHEREAS, we bow submissively to God's holy decree and humbly commend her spirit to Him Who has summoned her to go forth from this world to be numbered with His elect in the fellowship of eter- nal beatitude:
THEREFORE,
Be it resolved that the School Committee of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts, acknowledges with deep regret the untimely passing of Mary E. Naughton and expresses to her family sincere sym- pathy on the occasion of her death; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that a copy of these resolutions be inscribed upon our records and presented to her family.
Joseph V. Carey, Chairman Thomas F. Davoren Marco Balzarini, Jr. Joseph D. Battista Walter E. Gabett Mary E. Murray
355
Report of Superintendent of Schools
This is my fifth annual report. It is the sixty seventh annual report from a superintendent of schools.
During the year 1945 we saw the end of hostilities in two wars. The Germans surrendered on May eighth and the Japanese on September second. Since 1941 we have passed through four years of war and can now look hope- fully to a quick return to normalcy.
As we enter on the road back to normal times, I think it might be appropriate to dwell briefly on the habits formed during school life. Habit is the result obtained by the constant repetition of some act, the nature of which depends completely on the kind of act. Good habits should be formed early in life. The habit of being on time requires the same amount of effort in its formation as that of always being late. The habit of study starts with the beginning of school life. If this habit of study is continued and cultivated in successive grades it will grow stronger and stronger. The child who studies his lessons each day will find that it is easier to do this work than to neglect to do it. We live by habit. School chil- dren must cultivate the habits of study, work, recreation, association with others, honesty and punctuality because each of these is essential to success and happiness in life. Take care of the habits formed daily and the habits of the years will take care of themselves. Wise habits, wherever and whenever formed will always be vital to success.
CHANGES
Miss Gertrude E. Wallace was transferred to take the principalship of the South Grammar School. Miss Wallace was formerly in the Stacy School.
Miss Rita Mawn was transferred from the South Grammar School to take over the opportunity class in the Stacy School.
356
Miss Veronica O'Neill was transferred from the South Grammar to the High School Pre-primary.
Miss Dorcas Magurn was transferred from the West Street School to take the Pre-primary in the Stacy School.
Miss Gertrude E. Moran was assigned to do remedial work in the grades.
RETURNED TO SERVICE
J. Gerard Sweeney following his discharge from the army returned in December.
Harry Anderson following his discharge from the navy returned in November.
ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Miss Mary Ranahan.
ADDITIONS TO THE SERVICE
Miss Mafalda DaSalvia was appointed to teach com- mercial in the High School in August.
Miss Edith Z. Rose was appointed to teach in the High School in August.
LEFT THE SERVICE
In September the school department was saddened by the loss by death, of Mrs. Mary E. Naughton as a school nurse. Mrs. Naughton was a member of this department for twenty four years. She was a tireless worker and most cooperative. It is our hope that her faithful service and will to do good will find for her the reward she has so well earned.
357
RETIRED
Miss Mary H. McDermott, principal at the South. Grammar School, retired at the close of school in June. Miss McDermott leaves her work with the kindest wishes and good will of all with whom she has been associated. Since 1893 she has worked faithfully in our schools. The memory of a task well done will be her most cherished treasure in the years to come. We all join in wishing her many years of health and happiness.
RESIGNATIONS
We had four resignations during the year, three from the high school and one from the grades.
High School-
Miss Ida Kurlansky-To marry Mr. Irving Teed Miss Evelyn Pinardi-To marry Mr. Samuel Ianzito
Miss Martha Molinari - To marry Mr. William P. DiVitto
Grades-
Miss Esther Gagliardi-To marry Mr. Joseph P. Con- tois
Closing I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all of the employees of the department and to the members of the School Committee for their help and cooperation.
Rspectfully submitted,
FRANK C. BERRY
358
MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL
At the graduation exercises, held on June 13th, diplo- mas were awarded to 110 members of the Class of 1945; and to eight additional boys whose educational program was interrupted by the Armed Services, special war cer- tificates were presented. In checking back, when we com- pare the size of this class with the all time high of 184 graduates in the Class of 1942, we then begin to fully re- alize the extent to which a world at war had brought about the curtailment of educational pursuit.
The Fall session opened September 5, 1945 with a total enrollment of 554 pupils. This compares with an opening day membership of 567 pupils for the previous year. In addition to this regular membership, practically every school day one or more returning veterans make contact here relative to a continuation of their respective educational programs. The G.I. Bill of Rights offers a most enticing inducement for the ex-service man to im- prove his educational status; and apparently our boys are exceedingly anxious to exercise these rights.
A new marking system, in which percentages have been discarded in favor of letters (A, B, C, D, etc.), has been approved by our local Committee, and its adoption went into effect this year. According to the most recent State survey at least 245 of the 259 high schools in Massa- chusetts have now discarded percentages in favor of let- ters on report cards to parents.
During the past year, as a result of School Commit- tee action, the total number of points required for gradua- tion has been increased from the traditional 72 to the State recommended total of 75 points.
359
Also during the course of the past year, we, of the faculty, have been successful in our endeavor to estab- lish new scholarship funds. In most towns there are en- dowed funds established for the specific purpose of awarding scholarships to worthy high school graduates, who wish to further their respective educations at institu- tions of higher learning. Although this practice is car- ried out in our parochial school and in nearby towns. There has been, in the past, virtually a complete absence of civic minded individuals or organizations sufficiently interested to encourage such projects at Milford High School.
A $500.00 scholarship award, which is to be presented to a member of the graduating class of 1946, has been made possible by setting aside the proceeds of our Annual Show for this benefit. The award will be based upon the results of competitive examinations, for which all mem- bers of the honor group are eligible.
A scholarship benefits at least one directly, and sev- eral others indirectly; because it serves the purpose of motivation, and focuses attention and importance on class- room achievement. On March 1st, the Rotary Club of Milford is to sponsor and present a special entertainment performance in the John C. Lynch Auditorium for an additional Milford High School scholarship fund. It is hoped that a sizable amount will be realized. To this civic organization for such a manifestation of community spirit, we are most grateful. These gestures constitute a stimuli in building up educational interest and determination on the part of our future citizens. Possibilities of attainment must be within their grasp if education, to them, is to seem vital and worthwhile.
In the field of extra-curricula activity, our Student Association continues to command great interest and en- joys much success in its wide range of promotion. Also the yearbook publication-the Oak, Lily, and Ivy-carries on in traditional fashion. It is definitely a morale builder for the establishment of school spirit.
360
As the world changes with time, so do the functions of the secondary school, which serves democracy. During the five year period in which I have had the privilege of serving as acting principal, I have endeavored to render cognizance to these changes; and have attempted to keep our school abreast of the times. To the members of our honorable School Committee and Superintendent, who have listened so patiently to my recommendations, and to my colleagues who have been most cooperative in working towards the successful establishment of new pro- cedures, I express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES A. HIGGISTON, Acting Principal.
DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT
January 17, 1946
Mr. Frank C. Berry Superintendent of Schools Milford, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Berry:
This report terminates the first full year of activity in this department. We have been cautiously feeling our way, pioneering in a field that is so essential in a pro- gressive school system. The results have been satisfac- tory and encouraging. They are presented herewith:
Pupil Counseling
Individual conferences, along lines of educational or occupational guidance, are held daily. Pupils are sent to this office by Mr. Higgiston or the teachers, or they come of their own accord to receive help and advice in plan- ning their course of study, in following recommendations for improvements in their lessons, in selecting a school or college after graduation from this school, or in searching for occupational information dealing with their expressed
361
interest. We devote most of the time between Septem- ber and December to the freshman and senior classes, get- ting the former started on the right track and guiding the latter as safely toward "home" as we can. A special pro- bationary list of freshmen was so carefully watched that most of them have improved in scholarship. We continue to counsel these groups throughout the year, but from January to April our attention is centered chiefly around the sophomores and juniors. The months of May and June are devoted exclusively to counseling the undergraduates who are in need of assistance in making out new courses of study or to the graduates-to-be who may not as yet have reached a conclusion relative to their future educa- tional or occupational careers.
Because there is not a full-time Director of Guidance in our school (though the Massachusetts Department of Education recommends that there be one in schools hav- ing an enrollment of 500 pupils or over) and because of my classroom duties and responsibilities, I am unable to devote as much time to this phase of the program as I would like to. I believe that there should be a full-time director and that an adviser should be named from our faculty for each of the three lower classes so that he could be "on call" for at least one school period. If the former recommendation is not adopted, I strongly urge that the second one be given approval. This would result in a distinct benefit to our pupils.
Veteran Counseling
It is to be regretted that there is no central office in our town, to which a veteran may go for advice and as- sistance. I hope the time is not too far away when there will be a Veterans' Counselor in Milford. Limited in time and personnel though we are, we try to accommodate our own veteran-graduates as well as we can. Hardly a day goes by but that a veteran contacts us either per- sonally, by phone, or through the mail relative to educa- tional guidance. We do the best we can, and well we should, to help him avail himself of the educational ad- vantages and opportunities of the G.I. Bill of Rights.
1
362
Testing
Although there has not yet been devised an accurate means of measuring one's intelligence, and perhaps never will, it is possible to arrive at a helpful index, as a result of scholastic aptitude tests. The pupil's achievement on such a test, however, can in no way be considered final; many other factors must be taken into consideration. Such tests, however, properly interpreted, are most valuable and absolutely essential to any guidance program. We now have for each pupil in our school a record of his achievement on a battery of "intelligence" tests adminis- tered either by the Boston University testing service or by our own faculty. As a result, the doctrine of individual differences is not forgotten.
Occupational Inventory
For each senior we have a record of one or three ex- pressed interests in the field of occupations. This was made possible by the Fisher School of Boston, whose Director of Guidance, Mr. E. Newton Smith, administered and interpreted on January 9-11, free of charge, the "Kuder Preference Record". We are very grateful to the Fisher School, and to Mr. Smith for a valuable service from which we are profiting daily. The results of the tests are most helpful, especially to a pupil who doesn't really know just what he wants "to be."
Imparting Occupational and Educational Information
On the open shelves and in the files in our office the pupil finds available several catalogs, pamphlets, books, and monographs imparting information within his field of interest. He may also read further about the school or college of his choice. Our list grows larger daily. In addition to discovering the information in assigned read- ing matter, the pupil also learned more about occupations or about certain schools or colleges by attending lectures given here on topics related to occupational or educational fields. In time I hope that a course in "Everyday Occupa- tions" will be added to our regular school curriculum.
363
This becomes more and more necessary, especially when we realize that there are 20,000 ways in more than 600 distinct vocations in which a person can earn his liv- ing. Pupils should become acquainted with as many of the major fields as he can so that after graduation his field of occupational interest is a broad one.
Follow-up
At this writing, Miss Lucy Dota, secretary of the class of 1945, is making a check on last year's graduates to de- termine how many have gone on to school, how many are in the armed services, how many are employed, and how we may be of further service to them. We hope in this way to keep in touch with our recent graduates so that they will not feel that our interest in them dies when they have been graduated.
Placement Service
We do not conduct an employment bureau at the school, but we do attempt to meet requirements of local firms or individuals who wish to employ one of our grad- uates or pupils on a full or part-time basis. An occupa- tional preferment list has been established, eligibility be- ing determined by necessary personal qualifications and achievement in school subjects, particularly those that might be necessary for a certain position. We have placed several of our pupils in jobs ranging from mothers' help- ers to office assistants. Last year we asked permission of the managers of local department stores to affiliate our- selves with them during the Christmas period. We were very careful of our recommendations, usually naming only those pupils who were on our honor roll. So suc- cessful was the project that the managers came to us this year, requesting the same plan be followed.
Records
To date we do not have a satisfactory method of keep- ing a permanent record of our conferences and other in- formation pertinent to counseling. It is my hope that be- fore too long we shall have an improved personal record sheet for each pupil, giving a complete school history
364
from the first grade through to the day he leaves us. It is also my hope that a part-time clerk be assigned to attend to the many necessary clerical details that are becoming more numerous as time goes on.
Scholarships
We are happy to report that on the recommendation of this office a scholarship of $500 to Boston University, College of Business Administration, and one of $200 to Becker Junior College in Worcester, were awarded last June to Mr. Philip Lucier and to Miss Celia Pigalargi, respectively. Both are members of the class of 1945. It is our policy to recommend pupils for scholarships to schools that grant such financial inducements for superior achievement in high-school subjects.
I wish at this time to express thanks to the School Committee, to you, to Mr. Higgiston, to the commercial department, and to other members of our faculty for the full measure of cooperation they showed to this depart- ment during the past year. I wish also to thank Miss Juli- ette Ferreira, a member of the senior class in Office Prac- tice, for valuable clerical assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
HAROLD M. MORAN, Director of Guidance and Placement.
THE GEORGE E. STACY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Report of the Principal
January 7, 1946
The program at the Stacy Junior High School is es- tablished to prepare the students for entrance to High School. Every part of the curriculum is determined with this preparation as an immediate objective and to assist the students in the adolescent period of their school lives.
365
The past year Religious Education classes were in- augurated for students on an elective basis. The Milford Council of Protestant Churches conducting a one hour weekly program, the clergy of Sacred Heart of Jesus and of St. Mary's Church likewise sponsoring for members of those churches. The work has met with success and in the opinions of the sponsoring groups offers a solution for this type of training.
The Librarian and staff of the Milford Town Library have assisted in our school Library program and given every help to stimulate student use of this community facility.
A new History textbook, "The Building of Our Na- tion" by Barker, Commager and Webb, approved and adopted by the School Committee, increases the number of new and modern texts now provided for our students.
Miss Dorcas Magurn has been assigned to the pre- primary class now in the Stacy Building and this school unit operates with efficient and satisfactory results.
Our school Association organized in September and the following officers were elected: President, Louis Berto- nazzi; Vice President, Richard Innis; Secretary, Kenneth Hutchinson, and Treasurer, Attilio Giamarco. The Body sponsors student Assembly programs and activity.
I have enjoyed the cooperation of the teachers, su- pervisors, Mr. Berry, Superintendent of Schools, the Members of the School Committee and am appreciative to them for the help and kindness extended during the past year on so many occasions.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL F. RAFTERY,
Principal.
366
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Milford High School baseball nine under the capable direction of Coach Vincent Dagnese, enjoyed fair success last season. A three game series with the rival St. Mary's team, which was witnessed with interest by many baseball fans, highlighted the season. The team's play and spirit reflected credit to the school throughout the year.
On the gridiron, again the Milford High eleven did credit to their Alma Mater. The feature of the fooball season was the smashing Thanksgiving Day victory over St. Mary's. Coach Reggie Brown worked hard to instill in his boys the fighting spirit which proved them a fine de- fensive team throughout the season. Their record showed three wins, one tie and five losses, the latter with close scores. Milford High has every reason to anticipate a promising and exciting season for the forthcoming year.
An organized intramural basketball league for boys and girls is now under-way at the high school. A league for the boys of the Stacy School has also been started. Physical exercise instruction for boys and girls in the public schools has begun after a lapse of three years with each school being visited once weekly.
CHARLES J. BRUCATO, Physical Director.
REPORT OF THE ART DEPARTMENT
My annual report submitted at this time covers the period ending World War II and the beginning of peace. Our hopes and prayers are for a finer, brighter future. An appreciation of art will be needed in this new future; it will be needed in our homes, our communities and in- ternationally. Through this appreciation of each others art, we shall be brought into closer harmony with the na- tions of the world.
High School
Enrollment in classes during the past has been some- what disrupted by boys leaving school to enter the service of their country. A warm welcome awaits the ex-service- men, several of whom have already returned to classes.
367
Supplies have not been too easily obtainable during this war period and needed repairs have been postponed.
Ten entries were sent to the sectional Scholastic art contest and exhibit, held in March at the Jordan Marsh Co., Boston, Mass. Certificate awards went to William Mancini and Ernest Lucier. The highest award, a gold key, was won by Arthur P. Clarridge II whose drawing was later sent on to the national exhibit in Pittsburg, Pa. A design of his was also used for the Commencement cover.
Stacy School
A rearrangement of classes and time schedule on Wednesday now allows more supervised time to be given to these grades although the released time for religious in- struction is also on this day.
All classes have cooperated in the work of the Junior Red Cross providing neat, attractive, woven-paper candy- baskets and place-cards for hospital trays.
As always I am grateful to the teachers who help make my work with them a pleasure.
Respectfully submitted,
DORCAS WHIPPLE, Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR FOR THE ELEMENTARY GRADES
During the past year the children in the first six grades have shown a decided enthusiasm for art work. The results accomplished reveal an improvement each year in originality, color harmony, and proportion. Each room has an exhibition of the children's art achievements.
For February the boys and girls designed Valentines on V-Mail and sent them to relatives. Some classes con- tributed their art efforts to the Red Cross.
368
There is always a great satisfaction in realizing that the pupils in the Special Class derive great pleasure as well as pleasing results from each art lesson.
I appreciate the co-operation of the teachers during the year.
MARGARET CONDON.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
I take pleasure in submitting my annual report to you.
Now that peace has been restored, the world can really enjoy the pleasure of song both within and with- out the classroom. Group singing brings as much, if not more satisfaction and pleasure than any other activity. It is not enough that our children should know how to sing but that they should know how to enjoy to sing.
The enthusiasm, the sense of well-being, the stimula- tion which can be created by these singing gatherings in our schools prove that music is a living thing and has an important function to perform in the life of the individual as well as in the group.
In all our music work we try to provide the op- portunity for the entire student body to participate in songs that will make a strong appeal to the interests and normal moods of young people. Traditional songs, which occupy such an important place in the development of our country, songs of courage and heroism, songs for fun and recreation, carols, and hymns, songs of sentiment and aspiration all bring about loyalty, unity and optimism.
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