USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1947 > Part 7
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Traditionally in the past we have spent about $3,000 in a feeble effort to maintain our school buildings. As a result most buildings are in great need of maintenance and repair. We spend less than one-half of one percent of the valuation of a school build- ing on its repair and maintenance when we should be spending at least two percent. To turn our backs on repair items is not a good practice; it is very unsound business. We are not unwise in the repair of our homes, our business places, our motor vehicles or the equipment used in our daily work and neither should we be unwise in the appropriation and expenditure of funds to main- tain the taxpayers' school property.
I recommend strongly that adequate funds be appropriated annually for proper maintenance and repair of school property. Gifts
A piano was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Howard F. Celley for use in the Claflin School.
Another piano was presented by Mrs. Robert Moore for use in the High School.
Through the combined efforts of the Sacred Heart Church Choir and the students of Milford High School an electric organ was presented to the High School.
An electric record player and amplifier was presented to the Stacy School by the students of that school.
Books valued at $50.00 were presented by the Class of 1936 and another gift of books of the same value were presented by the Class of 1938. Both of these classes presented the books to the High School Library in memory of classmates who died during World War II.
Radios were presented to the South School and the Purchase School by the respective students in those schools.
135
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROGRAM
Certain revisions in the offering to students were made during the previous year. These changes came about after an investigation of the former offering was made by a committee of faculty mem- bers. This committee, known as the Program of Studies Com- mittee, sent questionnaires to a representative cross-section of high schools; investigated current literature in the field of pro- grams of study, and attended classes at schools of education where developments in particular subject matter fields were being ex- amined. They studied the problems, discussed the issues and submitted their recommendations to the School Committee. The recommendations approved by the School Committee resulted in the addition of the following new courses:
1. Problems of Democracy (including a unit in pre-driving education) -elective at the Senior level.
2. Consumer Education-required of Freshmen enrolled in the College preparatory and in the General curriculum.
3. Appreciation of Art and Music-required of all students at the Freshmen level.
4. Choral Music-elective for members of the four classes.
The Program of Studies Committee also recommended an ex- pansion of the physical education offering at the high school level.
Mr. Charles J. Brucato, Director of Athletics, favors such an expansion. Because of the money involved in an expanded physical education program the School Committee did not approve this recommendation. The Program of Studies Committee is deserving of high commendation for the excellence of their work which un- doubtedly will result in raising the standards of our high school offering.
I recommend that as soon as funds are available that the physical education program throughout all the schools in town be expanded so that every student will have a better opportunity to develop physically as well as mentally.
An increasing emphasis has been placed upon Guidance in the High School, with the appointment of a full time Director. Considerable educational and occupational information is now being offered to students through the Guidance Department. Vet- erans of the recent war have also been the recipients of assistance along the same lines. The Guidance Department is devoting itself to counselling of students who are having difficulty with subject matter and the objective is to minimize and eliminate the number of failures in the High School. A considerable amount of part time and full time placement has been effected through the Guid- ance Department during the past year.
A Director of Audio-Visual Education has been appointed with the result that films, slides and records are being used to a much greater extent in supplementing the instruction given
136
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
by teachers and the material gleaned from textbooks. The ex- pansion of the service has reached into the Junior High and Ele- mentary grades as well as the Senior High School.
MUSIC
Classes in Theory and Harmony are at present distinct and separate classes, each carrying academic credits. Choral groups are now open to students in which the objectives are primarily recreational singing and acquaintance with good choral literature and fine quality in part singing.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
This year the activities of the High School band have greatly increased. The organization has cooperated continually with agencies of the community by participating in various civic, patriotic and memorial exercises.
ART
The art program in general has been carried on as in previous years. The department has frequently cooperated with other de- partments in the school system and other agencies in the com- munity in helping with art problems.
STACY SCHOOL
No major changes were made in the program of the Stacy School, although studies are under way toward better provision for the student who is now mal-adjusted or retarded, and who will terminate school life soon. Another study is in progress dealing with an earlier introduction of science training. As for the former matter there are many pupils whose education ter- minates in the Stacy School or shortly after leaving the Stacy School. The problem of offering these pupils more practical train- ing that will better prepare them for early entrance into out of school life is an acute one, and I trust that progress will be made in the solution of this problem. In consideration of this matter, work of a satisfactory nature is being done with the girls in the Home Economics classes and Continuation School classes for girls. However, the problem with boys presents a challenge which I trust will be met successfully in the near future.
As for science training, this matter is being investigated to determine the wisdom and practicality of opening the door of science training at an earlier age than heretofore. I am confident that this problem will be solved satisfactorily by the personnel of the Stacy School faculty.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The principal change in program in the elementary classes has been the adoption of a functional handwriting program known
137
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
as the "Rinehart System." This program, adopted in grades one through six early in 1946, has proven itself highly satisfactory and I strongly recommend the continuance of this program. Another progressive stęp which was sponsored and approved by the School Committee during the past year was the introduction of a Harvard- Boston University Extension course entitled "Reading and Study in the Elementary School." I am happy to report that thirty- eight Milford teachers enrolled in this course which will be com- pleted in January, 1948. These teachers who spent their money, who devoted their time to attending classes, studying, and pre- paring assignments are deserving of the sincere gratitude of everyone in our community who is interested in the improvement of teaching and the better development of our children. I trust that such courses will continue to be held in the future and that a greater number of our teachers will avail themselves of the opportunity to improve themselves professionally.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES
The School Committee approved the plan whereby pupils are released during school time for religious instruction not only at the sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels but also at the fifth grade level. For the first time children of the Jewish faith are also attending such classes. I believe that the classes are well organized and that they are functioning smoothly through the cooperation of the instructional force at the various churches and the teachers in our school system. I heartily recommend the continuance of the practice under existing arrangements.
SAFETY
Additional emphasis has been placed upon traffic safety in all the schools in the community. Safety patrols are now organized to regulate foot traffic to and from every school in our town. The patrol members are equipped with raincoats, rainhats and safety flags, and it is hoped that in the near future additional clothing will be provided. With the exception of traffic belts, all special clothing and equipment used by the patrols have been purchased by funds raised by the patrol members themselves. Mr. William W. O'Brien, Motor Vehicle Inspector, has been greatly responsible for the organization and training of safety patrols in our schools, and he is especially deserving of high commendation for his suc- cessful efforts.
A committee of teachers representing each public school is presently at work building a safety instruction program. This program will cover the entire scope of safety, that is, traffic, fire, home, swimming, skating, coasting, etc. Upon the completion of the program, it is expected that a comprehensive accident pre- vention program will be in effect in your schools throughout the entire school year.
138
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
RADIO IN EDUCATION
Two schools, the South and Purchase, are at present taking advantage of the outstanding educational programs that are pre- sented over the air each day by the Massachusetts Department of Education and other affiliated agencies. Education through radio, although in its early stages locally, shows good promise of opening up new and rich sources of training and information for our pupils. I trust that an expansion of these programs will result in the near future in our community.
HEALTH
Training in the important field of Health Education has progressed satisfactorily in our schools. Examinations are made by the school doctors and notification of results are submitted to parents. Under the supervision of Mrs. Helen Breault, R.N., school nurse, various clinics have been held successfully through- out the school year. A Red Cross Home Nursing class is being held for students in the High School. The dental clinic under the supervision of Dr. Cleary has functioned efficiently while caring for the dental needs of school children in the lower grades.
PRE-PRIMARY
Because of increased enrollment in Pre-Primary classes, it was necessary to create a new class. Consequently, a pre-primary class in the South School was opened with Miss Dorcas M. Magurn as the teacher. The opening of this class brings the number of pre-primary classes to six.
The matter of program for our students is one which should merit constant attention. All school personnel should continually examine their offering and be critical of it with the thought in mind that a changing society may require revision of our pro- gram. I am certain that the teachers in our schools are aware of their responsibility in this matter and will continue to be critical of their own program.
ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION
In our community there exists a substantial need for adult education. Many adults in Milford need training to become citi- zens; many cannot read or write, thus being disqualified as appli- cants for motor vehicle driving licenses.
At present there are no Adult Education classes in Milford.
I recommend the revival of adult classes for people of our community who are desirous of qualifying for citizenship or who are interested in increasing their knowledge because of other valid reasons.
139
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL
RETIREMENT
Miss Helena F. Swift, Music Supervisor in our schools for many years, retired after devoting a lifetime of service to the schools of our community. A lady of generous disposition and kind manner, she has concluded her duties with the reassuring knowledge that she had earned retirement after an outstanding career. Countless friends among pupils and teachers wish Miss Swift many years of happiness and good health.
CHANGES
The School Committee promoted David I. Davoren to the position of Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Joseph J. Tosches was promoted to the position of Princi- pal of the Milford High School.
Mr. Harold M. Moran was appointed Director of Guidance on a full time basis. Previously Mr. Moran had devoted only part of his time to Guidance and the remainder of his time to the teaching of English.
Mr. J. Gerard Sweeney was appointed to the position of Director of Audio-Visual Education and teacher in the Milford High School. Previously Mr. Sweeney had held the position of Supervisor of Elementary Schools.
Miss Mary B. Ford, Miss Margaret A. Pianca, Mr. Fred A. Metcalf, and Miss Madeleine W. Kynoch were appointed Heads of the Mathematics, Foreign Language, Science and Social Studies Departments respectively.
Mr. Charles J. Brucato, former Physical Director and Coach, was appointed Director of Athletics.
RESIGNATIONS
Mr. Frederick T. Cahill, Jr., resigned from the School Com- mittee on March 8, 1947.
Miss Edith Z. Rose concluded her duties as a teacher in the Milford High School.
Miss Margaret M. Scully concluded her duties as a teacher in the George E. Stacy Junior High School.
Mr. John Besozzi, Instructor of Boys' Machine Trade School, concluded his duties when this school was terminated because of lack of enrollment.
TRANSFERS
Miss Dorcas Magurn from grade one Claflin School to Pre- Primary class at the South School.
Miss Gertrude E. Moran, teacher of remedial reading, to grade one Claflin School.
140
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Mr. William W. O'Brien was appointed a member of the School Committee on March 19, 1947, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Frederick T. Cahill, Jr.
Mr. Alex DiGiannantonio was appointed Supervisor of Music to succeed Miss Helena F. Swift.
Miss Philomena Colavita was appointed as a teacher in the Milford High School to succeed Miss Edith Z. Rose.
Other Personnel of the Department December 31, 1947
CLERKS: An. Salary
Superintendent's Office
Margaret C. Dillon $2,013.96
High School
Pierina Ramelli
1,597.96
BUILDING CUSTODIANS:
High:
Clement H. Moran 2,845.96
Celio Pillarella 2,429.96
George E. Stacy :
Edward R. Glennon
2,689.96
Chapin and Claflin:
Daniel M. Visconti 2,273.96
Spruce Street and Park:
Harry Anderson 2,689.96
Oliver Street and South: Nunziato DiVitto
2,533.96
Plains:
Alfred DiGiannantonio
2,689.96
Purchase Street (Part time) :
Ernest Griffith
624.00
Commencement Program of the Milford High School - June 18, 1947
Marche Militaire Schubert
Processional
A Capital Ship
Old English Tune
SENIOR GLEE CLUB Under the direction of Miss Helena F. Swift, Supervisor of Music
141
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Essay : The Rights We Defend
REGINA ANN SHUBER
Through the Years Youmans
Memories . Van Alstyne
SPECIAL GIRLS GROUP
Essay: Wake Up, America! EVEMARIE GRACE CELOZZI
The Lost Chord SENIOR GLEE CLUB
Sullivan
Presentation of Diplomas MR. JOSEPH J. TOSCHES, Principal
Awarding of Diplomas MR. MARCO A. BALZARINI, JR. Chairman of the School Committee
Remarks by the Chairman of the School Committee
Class Ode
.Tune: Aloha Oe
Words by Helen Mae Morin
SENIOR CLASS
Presentation of Prize Awards
MR. DAVID I. DAVOREN Superintendent of Scrools
CLASS MOTTO "GOD, COUNTRY, DUTY, HONOR"
The Steinway piano used was kindly loaned by M. Steinert and Sons, Steinert Hall, Boston.
Class of 1947
James Robert Ahearn Rita Mae Aldrich Robert Stephen Andreotti, Treasurer
Dorothy Veronica Antolini *Josephine Carmen Areano Louise Kathleen Beccia
Robert Charles Bemis Romana Anna Berardi Jean Marie Bernardi
142
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Theresa Rachel Bernardi
Regina Ann Berrini
Anthony Paul Bibbo
Peter Michael Bibbo Jeannette Marie Bruno Pasquale Anthony Bucchino Mary Patricia Capuzziello Eleanor Marie Cassanta *Evemarie Grace Celozzi, Vice-President
Rose Marie Ciaramicoli Lillian Olga Cifizzari
Eleanor Beatrice Circone
Aldina Marie Coelho Albert Richard Consigli Robert Louis Consigli, President
Robert Joseph Cosetta Marjorie Cox
Alfred Raymond D'Alesio
Guy Robert D'Amelio James Anthony D'Arcangelo Jennie Theresa De Luca Michael John De Luca Mary Louise Del Vecchio Alfred George De Paolo Lucy Marie Di Mino Shirley Ann Donahue Marilyn Frances Doxey
Joseph Peter Eliase Georgina Reid Falconer Stanley Edwin Farr
Palmira Elaine Fernandes Frances Josephine Ferrante Janice Lucille Finklestein, Pianist
Louise Claire Fitzgerald Edward Joseph Ghelli
Irene Dorothy Gomes
Lorraine Charlotte Guerra
Lorraine Barbara Guido
Jeanne Marie Healy
Robert John Herlihy Elise Wanda Hoilo Thelma Janice Chase Johnson
Eileen Frances Kelley Eva Edith Lancia Santo Joseph Lasorsa
Elizabeth Alice Lewis * Lucy Ann Lombardi Ruth Mabey
143
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
David Charles MacRae
Mary Ann Maietta Isabel Edith Mancuso
Marguerite Mary Manguso Joseph Andrew Marcolini Concetta Florida Mastroianni Marie Ann Mastroianni Esther May McTurk Florence Madeleine Morelli
Michael Anthony Morganelli, Jr. *Helen Mae Morin, Writer of Class Ode Dominic John Morte
Rosemary Catherine Murphy Elizabeth Sheila Murray
Jean Harriet Murray
Anthony Ralph Albert Oliva Alice Mary Ovsanian Ruth Mildred Palanzi
Madeline Mary Paradiso Robert Joseph Pederzoli Alma Marie Petrilli, Secretary
Francis Peter Pessotti
Sisto Domenic Petrini Ada Louise Pettinari
Alfred Joseph Pighetti Josephine Mary Piscia Nancy Carpenter Prouty Natalie Bernice Reynolds Mary Louise Romanazzi Alfio Alfred Rosati
Angelina Georgina Rosati Anthony Andrew Rossacci
Henry Robert Ruggiero
Jennie Rose Sannicandro Jenny Mary Santacroce
Alma Rose Sarkisian
Kathryn Arlene Seviour *Regina Ann Shuber
Blanche Mary Shuras
James Louis Sidoni Irene Florence Silva
Robert Kenneth Smith
Claire Gloria Stone Dorothy Eileen Sullivan
Aram Tarpinian
Hilda Ann Teixeira
Madeline Margaret Tocchi Anna Marie Tosches
144
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
David Harris Tredeau Anthony Joseph Villani Arnold Alfred Votolato
Carlton Bryars Walker Harry William Webber
William Charles Wrenn Ada Frances Zacchilli Rose Marie Zacchilli Theresa Mary Zacchilli
* This pupil achieved one of the five highest averages through- out her four years at the Milford High School.
Diploma Awards for Returned Veterans
Joseph Compagnone-Class of 1945 Charles Alosius Grillo-Class of 1944 Rudolph Ernest Nelson-Class of 1945 Irving Pearson-Class of 1944 Antonio William Pilla-Class of 1945
Charles Asa Skaff-Class of 1946
Sidney Smith-Class of 1946 John Adam Tosti-Class of 1943
Interesting Facts and Figures
"The depreciation of paper money was frightful to contem- plate. In 1781 Continental bills of the old tenor passed five hun- dred dollars for one dollar of hard money. . .. Thus we find that on Sept. 4, 1780, one thousand pounds were raised for Schooling Children; but in 1782 only twenty pounds in silver. Probably the current value of the latter was equal, at least to the former."
"June 24, 1880-High school graduating class held its exercises. There were eight graduates."
"Sept. 10, 1894-High School has 151 pupils."
"November 6, 1894-At a special town meeting it was voted to build a brick schoolhouse on Spruce street at a cost not to ex- ceed $16,000."
Administrative and Teaching Personnel, December 31, 1947
An. Sal. Ap. Subject
An. Sal. Ap.
Catherine E. Curtin
$2500.
1927
Off. Prac., Type, Com'l Arith.
Mafalda DeSalvia
2180.
1945
Agnes R. Lynch
2750.
1918
Asst. Principal
James A. Higgiston
3850.
1932
Rev. Math.
Claire D. Lynch
2500.
1935
Geom. Alg.
Department Heads:
Rose A. Farese
2950.
1941
Com'l
Sadie A. O'Connell
2750.
1916
English, Exp.
Mary B. Ford
2950.
1906
Math.
Philip O'Donnell
2500.
1935 .
History, English
Madeleine W. Kynoch
2700.
1938
Soc. Studies
Margaret M. Pyne
2500.
1931
Type,
Fred A. Metcalf
2950.
1927
Science
Harold M. Moran
3150.
1933
Guidance
Margaret A. Pianca
2950.
1913
For. Lang.
Dr. Marion A. Ryan
3250.
1911
English
J. Gerard Sweeney
2850.
1940
Aud .- Vis. Ed.
Teachers:
Eva L. Burns
2500.
1932
Off. Prac.
Mrs. L. Birmingham
2145.
1946
Soc. St., Math.
Eleanor J. Daigle
2145.
1941
Soc. St., Math.
Mary L. Burns
2500.
1934
Geog. French
Josephine Calarese
2500.
1930
Com'l Arith.
Beatrice J. Fleming
2310.
1933
Dorothy M. Callahan
2500.
1931
English, Latin
Continuation
Hannah E. Callanan
2750.
1913
History, Civics
Mary T. Gilmore
2350.
1901
Pre-Primary English
Marie Cenedella
2500.
1925
Eng. History,
Miriam G. Kirby
2145.
1924
Rita Mawn
2345.
1934
Opportunity
Philomena Colavita
1850.
1947
English, Italian
Zaroohie Noorjanian
2125.
1945
English, Soc. St.
Benj. F. Consoletti
2550.
1935
Algebra
Mildred C. O'Brien
2145.
1935
English
Science, Civics,
Joan Smith
1650.
1946
Soc. St.
Stacy School
Paul F. Raftery, Prin.
3050.
1935
Rose Bertorelli
2310.
1918
Social Studies
Bookkeeping
Rita M. Daigle
2145.
1924
Math.
Ada DiGiannantonio
2145.
1926
English
H.A. and H.E. &
Bookkeeping
Subject
High School
Principal
Joseph J. Tosches $3750. 1938
Italian, Type
Off. Prac.,
Stenog., Type Civics,
Bus. Science, El. Science
Com'l Arith., Com'l Law
145
Bus. Training
Administrative and Teaching Personnel, December 31, 1947
An. Sal. Ap.
An. Sal. Ap.
Spruce Street
*Irene K. Gallagher
$2380
1907
*Maude D. Frost
$2390.
1920
Charles J. Brucato
$3400. 1940
Asst. Drawing Supervisor Margaret V. Condon 2310.
1926
Supervisor of Music Alex DiGiannantonio 2700
1947
Oliver Street
*Evelyn C. Curran
2380.
1908
Mrs. Ida V. McNary
2145.
1946
Anna H. Swift
2310.
1918
Flora M. Youngson
2145.
1926
South
*Gertrude A. Wallace
2205.
1925
Chapin Street
*Florence N. Aldrich
2370.
1907
Evelyn M. Beckett
2145.
1924
Claire F. Hogan
2310.
1918
Plains
*Irene M. Meighan
2415.
1913
Purchase Street
Mary C. Casey
2145.
1928
Mary C. Edwards
2310.
1917
Isabelle MacLachlan
2145.
1928
Rose E. Keany
2310.
1902
Mary F. Lynch
2310.
1911
Eva R. Realini
2145.
1931
Florentia H. Sennott
2145.
1932
Veronica O'Neill
2145.
1934
2310.
1919
2145.
1936
Eva M. Kennedy
2310.
1919
Rita J. Edwards
2145.
1926
Catherine M. McNamara 2310.
1919
Gertrude E. Moran
2145.
1941
Margaret E. Roche
2310.
1917
Park
*Viola F. Leland
2380.
1922
Grace M. Carron
2310.
1920
Mrs. Catherine R. Cronin 2310.
1911
Anna M. Heroux
2145.
1946
Dir. of Instrumental Music Ben C. Lancisi 2420.
1935
Supervisor of Drawing Dorcas Whipple 2975.
1922
Dorcas M. Magurn
2145.
1937
Mrs. Helen R. Maxfield
2145.
1934
Supervisor of Attendance Arthur E. Vesperi 2250.
1939
School Nurse Mrs. Helen G. Breault, R.N. 2200.
1940
*Dorothy King
2195.
1930
Pre-Primary-High School
School Physicians John V. Gallagher, M.D. 550. Joseph E. Lenares, M.D. 550.
146
An. Sal. Ap.
Claflin
Athletic Director
Margaret M. Cochran
Dorothy Burns
Where The School Dollar Comes From
.93
$1
COMMONWEALTH
OF
LOCAL
THE
R
MASS.
.06
APPROPRIATION
M. HS. " 48
Eleanor Bagnoli,
Where The School Dollar Goes
04 TRANSPORTATION
.03 FUEL
.83
.03 INCIDENTALS
$1
.03 REPAIRS
. 0.2 TRADE SCHOOL Books ARE
SUPPLIES
SALARIES
.02
H . S. 48
Eleanor BagNa
TUITION + RENTAL
SourCES .01
-
148
Report of your Library Trustees
The Trustees of the Milford Town Library submit the following report for the year 1947.
The Trustees thank the Commonwealth Division of Public Libraries for their valuable assistance during the year in:
(1) Preparing for the Trustees a comprehensive report of the facilities and methods of the Milford Town Library as compared with the standards of the American Library Association.
(2) Conducting a one-week summer session in modern library procedures. This course was held at Simmons College and was attended by Librarian Comba and Miss Wallace of the Staff.
(3) Weeding out the Library's obsolete books and instituting the rearrangement in alphabetical order of all fiction books so that now all fiction books by one author are grouped together on one shelf and in one section.
(4) Rendering their valuable advice and suggestions to the Trustees in their efforts to bring the standards of the Milford Town Library closer to the minimum standards set by the American Library Association for towns the size of Milford.
The Trustees express their thanks to the Milford Daily News for publishing the column entitled "New Books at the Milford Town Library."
The Trustees express their gratitude to the members of Sgt. John W. Powers Post, American Legion, for their decision to sponsor a scholarly, yet readable American History Shelf.
The Trustees express their sincere thanks to Librarian May A. Comba and Miss Cecilia Wallace, Mrs. Alice Morgan and Mrs. Grace Rooney of the Library Staff for their cooperation and dili- gence during the past year.
The Chairman of the Board calls your attention to the Librarian's report which follows, describing in detail the activities of the year 1947, what facilities the Library offers, and the work done during the year.
Respectfully submitted, Frederick H. Gould, CHAIRMAN.
149
Report of your Milford Jown Librarian
To the Trustees of the Milford Town Library: Gentlemen:
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1947.
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