USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1946 > Part 5
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I herewith present my thirty-sixth report as Superin- tendent of Schools in Palmer. This is the fifty-fourth in the series of reports issued by the superintendents of the Town.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The public schools of our country need no defense. Their work throughout the century, and more, of their existence speaks for itself. No encomium is necessary. Without them, the America of to-day would be non-exis- tent. They have been the nursery of democracy.
The recent World War was an outstanding demon- stration of the effectiveness of our democratic system of education.
There are weaknesses. Mistakes and errors crop up. Human instrumentality, the director and guide, is always weak. The path has always been upward and on- ward. Every fall has been a body-length nearer the goal.
The motives are clean; the endeavors, honest and real ; the results good.
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The public schools deserve public support-moral as well as financial.
America, deep down in her heart, is proud of her schools.
ATTENDANCE
The attendance statistics for the school year of 1945-1946 were as follows :- Enrollment, 1,360; Aver- age Membership, 1,269.452; Average Attendance, 1,177.019; Per Cent of Attendance, 92.719; Tardinesses, 227.
Our attendance statistics over a 35-year period have invariably been indicative of a healthy condition.
GRADES
The quality of work done in the grades has always been good.
Pupils transferring from Palmer to other school systems, provided they have normal, or better, ability, have always gone into the same grade-often have been advanced a grade.
Superintendents, principals, and teachers in near- by systems have always rated the grade work highly.
Palmer has had a fine reputation for her work in primary reading-a reputation that has even gone be- yond state boundaries.
The work in arithmetic has been often commended.
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Recently, an instructor of a foreign language in a western university who knows Palmer, commented on the preparation given locally in English grammar as compared with that-or the lack of it-in the west.
The method of attack in all grade subjects has a distinct Palmer flavor. Good, bad, or indifferent-the results have been quite satisfactory. The period upon which to form judgment-35 years, more or less-is sufficiently long for "proof of the pudding".
Don't mistake us! We are not boasting. We are simply stating facts as we see them, bearing definitely in mind all factors that enter into any appraisal-phy- sical equipment, money, pupils, teachers, etc. If anyone knows these conditions, we should.
We are not perfect, in any particular-far from it. We know the weaknesses as well as the strengths. We willingly admit them.
HIGH SCHOOL
The Palmer High School was instituted in 1851. Five years from now-1951-will be the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the school. A fitting recognition should be made.
Rating. The record of the high school down through the years has been good. She has had the certificate privilege to any college that will accept pupils upon certification from any high school. With rare ex- ception, all such pupils have done well-we have proof for such statement.
All statments to the contrary, the school is still rated in Class A by the State Department of Education,
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the last rating being given last spring.
Recently, A. Russell Mack, Supervisor of Secondary Education, State Department of Education, visited the high school. He made a complete inspection of the school, visiting every teacher and room. He expressed himself verbally to the Superintendent to the effect that he found the school in excellent condition, commenting upon the very fine spirit that existed between teachers and pu- pils. His only adverse criticism was the use of the old high school.
His visit was followed shortly by one from Daniel J. Kelly, Director of Physical Education, State Depart- ment of Education, who expressed approval of the set- up and work done. He said that Legion Field was one of the finest set-ups in the state.
Never in the history of the school have so many graduates been in higher institutions-universities, col- leges, professional schools, etc .- as now, This number includes Ex-GI's as well as our other graduates. Never before have so many institutions over such a wide geo- graphical spread been represented-north, south, east, and west.
If the high school has "slipped", as reported, these graduates would not be where they are.
Criticism is not resented, provided it is based upon fact.
Function. Fitting for college is only one phase, of high school work. This touches only 10% to 15% of the graduates. The other 85% to 90% go out directly into the activities of everyday life. Are they fitted to be- come "good citizens"-in its broadest connotation? If so, the school has done the major part of its task well.
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The public ought to be a good judge of this, as so many of them are former members of the school.
Addition. The greatest need is an addition to the high school as briefly outlined in last year's re- port. Plans, as outlined in a Federal Government set- up, should be secured at once. At the most favorable time, an addition should be made.
Accounts. A conception of the amount of money handled in the high school by the various organiza- tions is impossible without a brief picture.
The statement for the school year September 1945, -June, 1946 will be found on page 136.
All money is carefully handled, paid out upon pro- per authorization, and accounted for in monthly finan- cial statements by certain designated teachers who act as treasurers.
Lunchroom. Last spring, you adopted the Federal Lunch Program. This gives us a subsidy of 2¢ on half-pints of white milk, 7¢ on hot dish without milk, and 9¢ on hot dish with milk. As a result, milk and hot dish are furnished pupils at a price correspondingly less. For example, a hot dish-2 ounces of meat or protein, 2 vegetables, bread and butter-costs the pupil only 121/2¢; with milk, 171/2¢; with dessert, 24¢. This would cost elsewhere double or more.
Our prices have not been increased, in spite of the fact that wages and cost of food have risen materially. Nearly all other schools have increased prices. We hope to avoid it. Our aim is the most food for the least money. We are very fortunate in having a manager with the skill of Mrs. Randlett.
STATEMENT OF PALMER HIGH SCHOOL ACCOUNTS School Year September, 1945 - June, 1946
Account
Balance Sept., 1945
Receipts 1945-1946
Total Receipts
Total Payments $ 132.71
Balance June, 1946
Assembly
$ 133.97
$
162.99
$ 296.96
Athletic Association
421.70
1,929.83
2,351.53
2,048.25
$ 164.25 303.28
Band
63.42
1,410.48
1,473.90
1,452.01
21.89
Class of 1946
163.60
5,036.57
5,200.17
5,200.17
0.00
Class of 1947
95.27
1,253.76
1,349.03
1,157.64
191.39
Class of 1948
79.50
181.25
260.75
133.00
127.75
Class of 1949
0.00
81.00
81.00
0.00
81.00
Dramatic Club
239.38
254.04
493.42
219.91
273.51
Football Equipment Fund 0.00
1,043.83
1,043.83
0.00
1,043.83
French Club
12.30
6.25
18.55
9.27
9.28
General Fund
268.21
1.34
269.55
.84
268.71
Glee Club
25.38
0.00
25.38
0.00
25.38
Lunchroom
537.48
7,224.81
7,762.29
6,910.90
851.39
Orchestra
17.04
0.00
17.04
0.00
17.04
"Palmer, The"
235.02
482.15
717.17
472.60
244.57
Pep Club
54.12
145.74
199.86
168.73
31.13
Pro Merito
10.20
0.00
10.20
4.50
5.70
Student Activity Fund
0.00
829.80
829.80
829.80
0.00
Student Council
91.33
64.07
155.40
59.87
95.53
Treasurer's Fund
0.00
14.00
14.00
2.54
11.46
$2,447.92
$20,121.91
$22,569.83
$18,802.74
$3,767.09
136
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Another feature under this set-up is the gift of Fed- eral Commodities. We have received since September the following :- 4,400 lbs. of potatoes ; 500 lbs, of onions; 500 lbs. of cabbage; 20 cartons of beets-6-No. 10 cans per carton ;16 cartons of carrots-24-No. 2 cans per car- ton; 12 cartons of tomato flakes-6-No. 10 cans per car- ton; 7 cartons of crushed pineapple-24-No. 21/2 cans per carton; and, 5 cartons of orange juice-6-No. 10 cans per carton. The total value, roughly, is $428.46. This helps materially in keeping prices down.
We have been very materially helped out in equip- ment by the Federal Program. They gave us $600 to- ward a $775 electric ice-box-a 43 cu.ft. box; and paid in full for a 10-burner-2-oven gas stove, installed, $250 .- 53; also, a mixmaster valued at $35. The total is $885 .- 53. Later, we hope to get a dishwasher-sink combination.
We are limited by the Federal set-up to cash on hand of $1,000. There is no limit on inventory. At the end of 1946, our balance was $728.22; our inventory, $615.42; total, $1,343.64. We have an "eye" on the "rainy day".
Athletics. This fall, through the efforts of Mr. P. E. Shearer, $843.83 was made available for foot- ball equipment. In addition $400 was made available from Palmer High School Athletic Association funds.
There were good attendances at the games. At the close of the year, the Athletic Association had a balance of $1,693.37.
Band. The band was uniformed last spring at a cost of $1,173.90. Mr. Turner, leader, was largely re- sponsible for raising the money. The note for the balance was discharged just recently.
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The band has done well and added much "pep" to the football games.
VETERANS' EDUCATIONAL CENTER
On January 28, 1946, the Veterans' Educational Center opened at Palmer High School with an enrollment. of 21 students.
The purpose of this center is to furnish training for veterans who desire:
1). To meet the requirements for a high school diploma, or state high school equivalency cer- tificate;
2). to prepare veterans to meet college entrance requirements ;
3). to further train in special fields not necessarily leading to a diploma.
Courses in all levels of English ; Algebra ; Geometry, Review of Mathematics; American History; Social Prob- lems; Chemistry; Physics; French, Shorthand; Book- keeping; and Typewriting have been offered. Since Eng- lish and Mathematics are basic subjects, these courses naturally attracted the greater number of enrollees.
These statistics tell briefly the story :
Enrollment :
Winter and Spring 63
Summer (July 1 - Sept. 5) 35
Fall 49
147*
Enrollment by towns :
139
(From January, 1946, to present)
Palmer
97
Belchertown
2
Brimfield
1
Monson
7
Warren
2
Wales
1
Woburn
1
111*
Diplomas granted 8
Diplomas earned (not yet given out) 4
Prepared for college and accepted 18
Entered Preparatory school
3
Now working for P. H. S. diploma
20
Now working for diploma from other towns 4
Now taking refresher courses for college 11
* - Actually 111 different students ; some are counted in more than one term.
HIGH SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION TO
WORLD WAR II
As of graduation time in 1946, roughly speaking, 1,563 men and women from Palmer were, or had been, in the Armed Forces.
This number was made up as follows:
Graduates 598
140
Members-not graduates 366
Total 964
Non-Members 599
Grand Total 1,563
Graduates and members made up 61 2/3% of the total number-not a bad showing.
The Gold Star Honor Roll for the Palmer High School contains 25 names-16 graduates and 9 members.
In order that the names of those who made the su- preme sacrifice be placed upon record for future refer- ence, the list is here given :
GRADUATES
Brozek, Joseph J.
Frydryk, Frank
Giza, Joseph P. Goodreau, George E.
Hannant, Fred
Hryniewicz, Frank
Janik, Chester Frank Kusek, Stanley J.
Les, Albin W.
Mosio, John S.
Mulvey, Leo F. Murphy, David
Roman, Joseph A.
Small, Lloyd W. Jr. St.Amand, Walter H. Sullivan, John R.
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NON-GRADUATES
Blair, James F.
Dominik, August J. Jr.
Hamilton, Richard J.
Johnson, Clark J.
Kos, Raymond A.
Mietelski, Joseph S.
Thomas, Philip L.
Topor, Adam J. Zalenski, Walter
In all, 44 lives were lost, 25 of which were former high school pupils.
This whole picture bespeaks much for the school. Much as it reflects credit upon the school, it reflects much more upon the pupils themselves.
This showing was not true of Palmer only; it was duplicated throughout the length and breadth of the country. In fact, this is America !
HEALTH WORK
Health work in our school has always been good- especially since 1921 when we first took on a school nurse.
Tuberculosis. In 1921, work in detection of tubercu- losis was begun in the Palmer Schools. Palmer was the first school system to ask Dr. Chadwick of Westfield State Sanatorium to do this work. Later, the State, as a result, adopted a 10-year program under which some 400,000 children were examined .For many
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years, yearly clinics were held for both children and adults.
In 1926, a large clinic was held, manned by some dozen experts in medicine ,nutrition, and nursing. Thor- ough and full examinations were given all children whose parents gave written consent.
Briefly, the results were :
Total Number of Children Examined, 1,583
Total Number of Contacts Examined, 37
Total Number of Children Given Tuber- culin Test 1,582
Total Number Re-actors, 452
Percentage of Re-actors, 29%
Total Number X-rayed, 471
Total Number Cases of Hilum Tuberculosis, 37
Percentage of Hilum Cases of X-rayed, 8%
Percentage of Hilum Cases of Children Examined, 2%
Total Number of Suspects, 51
Percentage of Suspicious Cases of Child- ren X-rayed, 11%
Total Number of Cases Classified as Negative, 376
Percentage of Negative Cases, 81%
Total Number of Children With Enlarged or Diseased Tonsils and Adenoids, 574
Percentage of Tonsil and Adenoid Cases, 36%
Total Number in Need of Dentistry, 1,140
Percentage of Dental Cases, 72%
Total Number of Children with Abnormal Heart Sounds, 36
Percentage of Abnormal Heart Sounds, 2%
Total Number of Cases of Malnutrition, 111
Percentage of Malnutrition 7%
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Notices were sent home where defects were found and later a re-examination was given for a check-up.
Diphtheria. In 1927, a very intensive effort was made to secure as wide an immunization of pupils as possible against what was then the great child- hood scourge - Diptheria. A large clinic was held, the first, I believe, in western Massachusetts. Permissions were gotten from parents where possible to allow their children to be immunized. Those 10 years or over were first Schicked to determine their susceptibility. Those who proved susceptible were then given this Toxin, Anti- Toxin without Schicking.
A re-Schicking was given in the fall to determine whether or not immunity had been established. Where not, three more treatments were given.
The statistics of this immunization work in the schools were:
Diptheria Immunization SPRING 1927
Schicking and First Administration of Toxin Anti-Toxin.
(Pupils under 10 years of age given Toxin Anti-Toxin without Schicking; pupils 10 years or older first Schicked and, if found positive, given Toxin Anti-Toxin.)
Summary
Enrollment
1,888
Permissions
1,249
Per cent. Permissions 66.15
Number Schicked 624
Number Positive
314
Number Negative 310
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Number Toxin Anti-Toxin Treat- ments 2,829
Each pupil given three treatments 943 pupils treated.
OCTOBER, 1927
Re-Schicking
(All pupils given Toxin Anti-Toxin six months previously Schicked to see if immunity was established.)
Summary
Number Schicked 764
Number Positive 289
Number Negative 475
Per cent. Positive 37.82
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1927
Second Administration of Toxin Anti-Toxin
(All pupils given Toxin Anti-Toxin who, by re-Schicking were found to be still suscep- tible, were given second administration of Toxin Anti-Toxin.)
Summary
Number First Treatment 284
Number Second Treatment 276
Number Third Treatment 273
Number Toxin Anti-Toxin
Treatments 833
First Administration of Toxin Anti-Toxin to First Grade Pupils
(It is our purpose to give each fall Toxin Anti-Toxin to all first graders where parental permission is granted.)
.
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Number First Treatment 81
Number Second Treatment 78
Number Third Treatment 77
Number Toxin Anti-Toxin
Treatments 236
Grand Summary
Total Number of Schickings 1,388
Total Number of Toxin Anti-Toxins 3,898
In 1927, I said in this report: - "If every parent would allow his child to be immunized, diphtheria would absolute'y become an unknown quantity in Palmer. It is difficult to make the parents realize, in many cases, that treatments such as these should be given their children. Some parents are suspicious of any effort of this kind that is put forth. It is all in the best interests of the child. Nothing bespeaks more highly the present- day attitude throughout the country of those in author- ity than work of this sort, which, distinctly lessening the number of deaths, is given to the children without any cost to them individually."
Since then, every year this clinic has been held. Many lives have been saved. Were all children immun- ized, there would be no diphtheria. We can offer; we cannot compel.
The cases of diphtheria since 1927 number as fol- lows :- 1927-17; 1928-3; 1929-7; 1930-3; 1931-5; 1932-4; 1933-0; 1934-1; 1935-0; 1936-0; 1937- 2;1938-1; 1939-0; 1940-0; 1941-0; 1942-0; 1943 -0; 1944-0; 1945-0; 1946-47-7. Fifty cases in 20 years.
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Our school system is among the leaders - if not first-in percentage of pupils immunized. Back in 1934, a report on status of immunization among school chil- dren in the State revealed these facts: - In Group IA, cities of 25,000 and above, 64% have been immunized; in Group IB, cities between 10,000 and 25,000, 58%; in Group II-our group-towns of 5,000 to 10,000, 64% ; Group III, under 5,000, 41% ; State, 48%. Palmer's 81% far exceeds any of these and shows the effectiveness of the work that was done.
In 1936, after 10 years of clinics, over 3,000 chil- dren had been immunized.
In these 20 years, not a person who has been fully immunized has had the disease.
The flare-up of the past few weeks has caused us to offer, in conjunction with the Board of Health, further treatment. We had just finished a few weeks ago our yearly clinic - 150 children were immunized. Booster doses were given 641 pupils. 272 high school pupils were Schicked. Additional clinics are being held to allow any who now desire immunization a chance to get it.
The schools and Board of Health have done their part for 20 years and are now extending themselves to meet the present situation. If parents will respond, diphtheria can be "licked". It is "up" to the parents. Some still refuse to give consent. May I repeat-we can offer; we cannot compel !
SCHOOL SUPPORT
The time has come-and is long overdue-when relief from taxation on real estate must be given. In the 1937 school report, I wrote :- "Locally, the cost of edu-
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cation has never been high. Even the most ardent advo- cates of cutting who are at all fair admit this. Their desire is to lower tax rate and relieve real estate of its burden. They are correct in their desire to relieve real estate. Their method is not always correct. They should tackle the problem at its source. The schools do not cost too much; the method of taxation is wrong, antiquated, and archaic.
"Years ago, real estate - land, buildings, cattle, horses, etc .- was the only way for the individual to in- vest his money. It was tangible investment, easily apparent and, therefore, easily taxed, with no possibility of escape. Consequently, the tax on real estate came into existence and has, with persistency, continued to prevail as the main source of income to support local govern- mental functions.
"The day has long been here when a change should be made. Throw much of the burden on other taxable sources !
"A recent recess State legislative committee has just suggested a sale tax of 2 per cent to handle relief. From this, Palmer, I believe, would profit to the extent of lowering its tax rate about $7.50.
"A similar proposal for legislation by the Massa- chusetts Superintendents' Association would do the same for education. This latter proposal strikes me personally as the better, inasmuch as educational costs will, I hope, be more even, year by year, in their impact upon local costs. But, which ever method is adopted - and one should be, I feel-Palmer would profit greatly.
"In my opinion, every taxpayers' organization and every citizen should back one or the other. Here is where
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real relief can be secured if the demand is sufficiently great."
At the present time, the Mayors' Association, the Selectmen's Association, the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation, etc., are active in attempting to secure more money from the State in order to relieve local taxation from its burden in part, at least. Sales tax and other taxes are suggested. Whereas Massachusetts is about eighth in financial ability, she is about forty-sixth in furnishing State funds in support of education. There must be relief !
CONCLUSION
The report is not as brief as usual. There was some factual matter that should be presented. The report is, indeed, more factual than inspirational.
Appreciation is extended to all-school committee, citizens, parents, teachers, and pupils-who have, in any way, aided us in our endeavor to give Palmer a fairly good and efficient school system.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFTON H. HOBSON
Superintendent .of Schools
Palmer, Massachusetts, January 16, 1947.
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TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Hampden, Town of Palmer,
To either of the Constables of the Town of Palmer, in said County, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, you are hereby required to notify and warn all the inhabitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at the several poll- ing places in said Palmer, designated by the selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, in the High School Gymnasium on Converse Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at the Thorndike Grammar School in Thorndike; in Pre- cinct C, at the Three Rivers Grammar School in Three Rivers, and in Precinct D, at the Bondsville Grammar School in Bondsville, on Monday, the third day of February, A. D. 1947, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to the precinct officers of the several voting precincts of said town, for the following officers, to wit: 3 Selectmen, 5 Constables, 3 License Commissioners, Town Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, 3 Auditors, and a Tree Warden, all for the term of one year; 1 Member of the Board of Health, 1 Member of the Board of Public Welfare, 1 Assessor, 1 Cemetery Commissioner, 2 Members of the
150
Planning Board and 2 Members of the School Committee, all for the term of three years.
Also to vote by ballot, which shall be "Yes" or "No", upon the following question: "Shall the provisions of section forty of chapter seventy-one of the General Laws, as amended, relative to equal pay for men and women teachers be in force in this town ?"
The polls will be open at ten o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at eight o'clock in the evening.
And you are further hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Palmer, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet at the Town House at Four Cor- ners in said Palmer, on Monday, the tenth day of Febru- ary, A. D. 1947, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all other usual town officers.
Article 3. To act on the reports of the town offi- cers.
Article 4. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1947, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 5. To raise money and make appropria- tions to defray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
15:
Article 6. To hear and act on reports of commit- tees.
Article 7. To choose committees and give them in- structions.
Article 8. To determine the manner and state the terms and conditions of collecting taxes for the ensuing year, and fix the compensation of the collector of taxes.
Article 9. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money to convey pupils to and from public schools and instruct the school committee as to the manner of letting the contract for such conveyance.
Article 10. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the Young Men's Library Association, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 12. To see what action the town will take in respect to lighting the streets and whether it will auth- orize the selectmen to make contract therefor, and raise and appropriate money for the same.
Article 13. To see what action the town will take relative to suits and claims now pending against the town.
Article 14. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the care and improvement of ceme- teries.
Article 15. To see if the town will raise and appro- priate money for the suppression of the gypsy, brown-
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