USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1941-1950 > Part 21
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Control of Communicable Diseases
1. Householders to Give Notice:
When a householder knows, or has reason to believe, that a person in his family or house is sick with a disease
69
dangerous to the public health, he shall immediately give notice to the Board of Health, provided, however, that in cases in which a physician has been called in, his notifica- tion will be accepted in place of that of the householder.
2. Method of Isolation in Certain Diseases :
Whoever is sick with anterior poliomyelitis (infantile paralysis), diphtheria, meningococcus meningitis, scarlet fever, smallpox, typhoid fever, or any other of the diseases declared dangerous to the public health that the Board of Health may designate, shall be immediately isolated in a place or room, approved by the Board of Health, or its agent, or shall be removed to a hospital set apart for the treatment of such diseases, and no person so isolated shall leave such room or hospital until the period of isola- tion for the disease with which he is sick shall have elapsed and until the Board of Health, or its agent, shall permit him to do so.
3. School certificates :
Children who have recovered from or have been ex- posed to any disease declared dangerous to the public health may return to school only after certification by the Board of Health, or its agent, or after examination by the school physician as prescribed in Chapter 71, Sec- tion 55, of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 265 of the Acts of 1938.
In order to manage the collection of garbage and to protect the collector of garbage, the following regulations were enacted.
Nuisances .
1. House Offal, Commonly Called Garbage or Swill:
House offal, commonly called garbage or swill, shall be placed in suitable watertight receptacles properly cov-
70
ered and so located that the house offal may be easily re- moved by persons authorized by the Board of Health. Receptacles used for the storing of house offal, shall, at all times be kept in a reasonably clean condition. No metal, glass, crockery, poisonous substance or substances other than house offal shall be placed in such receptacles.
2. Transportaion of House Offal. Permit Required.
No person shall remove or transport garbage, offal or other offensive material through any public street, court, lane or way without first obtaining a permit from the Board of Health, and provided further that he shall re- move and transport the material herein mentioned in ac- cordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be established by the Board of Health. All such permits shall expire on December 31 of the year in which they are issued, but may be renewed annually. They may be revoked by the Board of Health, at any time for cause. No permit shall be transferred except with the approval of the Board of Health. Carts, vehicles or containers used for transporting offensive materials shall be water tight and shall be securely covered with a wood, iron or canvass cover.
As a step toward cleaning up the streams, the follow- ing regulation was enacted to prevent further pollution of the streams. The existing situation is not good and presents a difficult set of problems. The Board of Health would warn the townspeople that stricter anti-pollution laws are being considered by the State Department of Pub- lic Health, and would recommend that, wherever possible, septic tanks be substituted for those sewer lines and privy- vaults that now empty into the streams.
Cesspools, Privy-Vaults and Public or Private Sewers
1. No cesspool, permanent privy-vault, or other means of sewage disposal shall hereafter be constructed or in-
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stalled in this town until a permit has first been obtained from the Board of Health.
A respectable number of such permits has been granted.
All of the regulations above were enacted under the authority granted by Section 31, Chapter 111 of the Gen- eral Laws, as amended by Chapter 285 of the Acts of 1937.
No fee is required for any of the permits mentioned in these regulations.
We wish to thank the Selectmen who were especially helpful in acquainting us with the previous business of the Board of Health. Our thanks are due to the Water Commissioners who have been very cooperative and to the School Department for furnishing us with a meeting place. We have appreciated the spirit in which we have been accepted by the citizens of the town.
Respectfully, NAN C. DUNPHY, RUTH V. HEMENWAY, KENNETH SHERK.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF WILLIAMSBURG
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1946
-
74
Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Warren E. McAvoy, Chairman, Tel. 4663 1948
Lauri S. Ronka, Secretary, Tel. 281 1949
William G. Loomis, Tel. 4743 1947
SUPERINTENDENT
Lucius A. Merritt, Williamsburg Tel. 229
Office, High School Tel. 4421
SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Olive A. Healy, West Chesterfield Tel. 2351
SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mrs. Olive Thayer, Cummington Tel. 2133
SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Charles L. Kistner, 211 Elm St., Northampton
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Joseph Hobbs, Williamsburg
Tel. 266
Dr. Charles Wheeler, Haydenville Tel. 260
SCHOOL NURSE
Mrs. Harry A. Strong, 106 No. Maple St.,
Tel. 1083J
Florence
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
G. Vernon Warner, Williamsburg
Tel. 3951
MEETINGS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE Last Friday of Each Month
75
TEACHER'S MEETINGS
At Call of Superintendent
HELEN E. JAMES SCHOOL
Tel. 4421
TEACHERS
Tel.
Principal, Anne T. Dunphy, Latin, French
Haydenville 4781
Helena J. Webber, Math., History, French
159 West St., Winchendon 374-M
Edward C. Foster, Science, Williamsburg 4561
Raymond B. Hill, English, 60 Housatonic st. Worcester, Mass. 28444
Mrs. Frances Grinnell, Commercial, 32 Maple st. Northampton, Mass. 1348
Martha L. Dickerman, 7, 8, 106 Main St., Spencer 593
Nelle A. Dolan, 5, 6, Haydenville 3693
Dorothy R. Colburn, 3, 4, Williamsburg
4436
Marion B. Hickey, 2, 3, Haydenville
Sophia D. Eaton, 1, Williamsburg
4601
HAYDENVILLE SCHOOL
Tel. 4912
TEACHERS
Principal, Margaret Trainor, 7, 8, Haydenville
Margaret Gore, 5, 6, 165 West st., Florence 2173-J
Louise M. Gagnon, 3, 4, 13 Pratt Aue. Beverly 2754
Mary Crampton, 1, 2, Haydenville
Gertrude Ranstrom, Asst. 1, 2, Haydenville 4701
76
SCHOOL CENSUS, OCTOBER, 1946
Over
Wiliamsburg
5-7yr. 7-14yrs.
14-16 yrs.
16 yrs
Boys
12
51
12
8
Girls
17
64
12
9
Total
29
115
24
17=185
Haydenville
Boys
15
59
9
2
Girls
9
37
13
3
Total
24
96
22
5=147
Combined Totals
53
211
46
22-332
SCHOOL STATISTICS June 30, 1946
Boys Enrolled
Girls Enrolled
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
Aggregate
Attendance
WILLIAMSBURG
High, Grades 9-12
33
53
84.13
77.57
92.34
13,975.
Grades 7 and 8
15
16
29.60
27.75
93.81
4,865.
Grades 5 and 6
14
21
33.44
31.34
93.68
5,472.5
Grades 3 and 4
9
14
25.35
23.48
92.66
4,125.5
Grades 2 and 3
18
12
30.99
28.10
92.50
4,918.
Grade 1
10
10
19.44
17.33
90.65
3,080.
HAYDENVILLE
Grades 7 and 8
14
7
22.192
20.392
91.955
3,550.
Grades 5 and 6
16
7
22.568
20.824
92.309
3,617.
Grades 3 and 4
18
8
25.99
24.55
94.19
4,254.5
Grades 1 and 2
17
17
34.54
31.93
92.41
5,528.5
Totals
164
165
327.64
303.166 926.504
53,386.
-
-
-
-
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Report of School Physician
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the pleasure of again submitting my annual report as school physician for the Williamsburg Center School.
The routine examinations were completed during the month o September and October with the assistance of the school nurse, Mrs. Elna D. Strnog, who proved most capable and interested in her work. We were for- tunate in having her available for this work this year.
It was recommended to parents in several cases that consultation with a nose and throat specialist be considered in regard to the advisability of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. There seemed to be a few more children than usual requiring this chiefly because of the ommission of the regular Clinic for this at Cooley Dick- inson Hospital during the war years!
A few children were referred as usual for chest x-ray examination.
The children seemed in good general health and the appointment of a part time physical education instructor should help to improve the problem of posture. It is to be hoped that the older girls, as well as the boys, will relax in the advantage of supervised sports.
78
It is again recommended that an additional girls' rest room be provided to avoid certain obvious problems. I believe it would also, be advantageous if two could be provided for the boys, one for the grade school and one for the high school.
The school has been free from epidemics of contagious disease to date.
It is expected that the usual diphtheria immunization clinic will be held next spring in 1947.
May I add that I am glad to be back.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. HOBBS, M.D.
79
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. L. A. Merritt Superintendent of Schools Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The annual report of the School Nurse is herewith submitted for September through December 31, 1946.
The first two months I assisted Dr. Hobbs with phy- sical examinations of all pupils in the Helen James School in Williamsburg. The pupils of Center School in Hayden- ville were examined by Dr. Wheeler with my assistance. Following these examinations, Twenty-five students were taken to the Hampshire County sanatorium for chest X- rays. Reports for eleven children have been received. Sev- en were reported negative and four will be re-X-rayed in six months.
All pupils in. both schools were then weighed and measured. Routine health examinations followed.
Vision tests yielded the following results :
Not defective 351
Defective
(parents notified) 8 Total tested 359
The Red Cross audiometer was used for 288 pupils (first and second grades not tested). Of these ten pupls indicated defective hearing and their parents were noti- fied. In addition, fist aid was given to forty-two students. Made 12 home visits.
Respectfully submitted
ELNA D. STRONG R.N.
80
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Supertendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The annual report of school nurse from February 1st to June 21st inclusive is herewith submitted:
Pupils in grades 1 - 8 weighed and measured in Feb- ruary and May.
13 Pupils taken to Hampshire County Sanatorium for chest X-rays.
9 pupils taken to Clarke School for further audio- meter tests.
73 Home Vsits made.
81 Pupils received first aid.
Well child clinic held in June. Dr. Hemenway exam- inating pediatrician.
3 children sent to Camp Hodgkins, one for month of July and two (2) for month of August.
I wish to thank Mr. Merritt, the school committee, teachers, pupils and parents for their co-operation in as- sisting me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
NAN C DUNPHY, R.N.
School Nurse
81
Superintendent's Report
To the Members of the School Committee:
The annual report of the Superintendent of Schools is herewith submitted. It is the twenty-sixth of present series and the forty-fifth since the establishment of this school union.
Changes in the teaching staff were not as many as had been feared, but nevertheless three vacancies had to be filled during the summer and two additional teachers secured. Mrs. Esther Thornton resigned and is now teaching at Syracuse University. Mrs. Madeline A. Brown became a member of the faculty at the Northamp- ton Commercial College, and Mrs. Helen McCoy gave up teaching to remain at home.
The above openings were filled as follows. Mr. Raymond B. Hill, a graduate of Clark University, was appointed to the English position. Mr. Hill served in the U. S. Army during four years of the war, and comes from Worcester. He has completed part of the work for his master's degree. Mrs. Frances Grinnell, who is a graduate of Bay Path Institute, was elected to the va- cancy in the commercial department. Mrs. Grinnell, whose home is in Northampton, has had eight years of teaching experience in the Drake Business School in New York City. The vacany left by the resignation of Mrs. McCoy was filled by the appointment of Mrs. Marion Hickey of Haydenville. Mrs. Hickey is a graduate of Westfield Teachers College and taught for seventeen years in Haydenville.
82
In the spring the school committee voted to employ a director of physical education. Mr. Charles L. Kistner of Holyoke was secured for this work. Mr. Kistner was trained and educated at Springfield College where he was captain of the Varsity basketball team for two years. After graduating from Springfield, he served as an en- sign in the U. S. Navy for four years.
When schools opened in September, the number of pupils in the first and second grade room at Haydenville was too large for one teacher to direct effectively, and Mrs. Gertrude Ranstrom was appointed as the assistant there. Mrs. Ranstrom is a graduate of Bridgewater Teachers College and has had one year of teaching ex- perience.
All of these teachers are well prepared for the work assigned to them. They should help to strengthen our program of instruction.
The work of caring for the health of our students has been under the direction of Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway, Dr. Charles H. Wheeler, and Dr. Joseph Hobbs who have served as school physicians. Our nurses have been Mrs. Nan C. Dunphy and Mrs. Elna Strong. We were glad to welcome back from war services Dr. Joseph Hobbs, who was on leave for the war period. It was with regret that the resignation of Mrs. Nan C. Dunphy was received. Mrs. Dunphy was an excellent nurse and her loss was keenly felt. Dr. Glade P. Hall has served as school den- tist. There have been no epidemics and the general health of the pupils is reported as good.
Miss Olive Healy has directed the school music and excellent progress has been made. Miss Healy has taught all of the music in the grades. She has two glee clubs and a chorus in the high school. The high school orchestra has also been under her direction. The know-
83
ledge and appreciation of music are lasting values in the life of every persons.
The pleasure of creative work is evident in the per- formance of our pupils in drawing. Mrs. Oliver Thayer has served as our supervisor. Much progress has been made which is evident in the upper grades where the re- sults of the number of years of training are shown in very fine work. It is hoped that an exhibition of this work can be held in the spring.
The high school was organized as follows for the year 1946-1947 : Principal, Anne T. Dunphy, two classes in Latin, one in French; Miss Helena Webber, four classes in mathematics, one in U. S. History, one in French, coaching debate teams; Mr. Edward C. Foster, five classes in science, one in World History; Mr. Ray- mond B. Hill, five classes in English, one in speech train- ing, assembly programs; Mrs. Frances Grinnell, three classes in typing, one in bookkeeping, one in general mathematics and one in junior business; Miss Olive Healy, one class in glee clubs, two orchestra rehearsals; Mr. Charles L. Kistner, coach of athletic teams. School opens at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 2:20 P.M. There are eight regular periods and a lunch period. The eighth period from 2:20 to 3:00 P.M. is used for extra cur- ricular activities.
Last January our debating team won the champion- ship of the Connecticut Valley Debate League. The de- baters who were on the winning teams were Ruth Bow- ker, Robert Dana, Floyd Merritt, and Marilyn Williams. This team was coached by Miss Helena J. Webber, our mathematics instructor. Both the coach and the team are to be congratulated for their most excellent achieve- ment.
84
The teachers assigned to the Helen E. James School were: Miss Martha Dickerman, grades seven and eight; Miss Nelle A. Dolan, grades five and six; Mrs. Dorothy Colburn, grades three and four; Mrs. Marion C. Hickey, grades two and three; Mrs. Sophia Eaton grade one.
At the Haydenville School the organization was as follows : Principal, Miss Margaret Trainor, grades seven and eight; Miss Margaret Gore, grades five and six; Miss Louise Gagnon, grades three and four; Miss Mary Crampton grades one and two; Mrs. Gertrude Ranstrom, . assistant in grades one and two; Miss Olive Healy, super- visor of music in all schools ; Mrs. Olive Thayer, drawing supervisor for the lementary schools; Mr. Charles Kist- ner, director of physical education for all schools.
The transportation routes were operated the same as last year. There were 125 pupils carried which was seven more than a year ago. The routes were as follows : Mountain Street, 21; Haydenville to Williamsburg, 28; Searsville and Old Goshen Road, 32; South Street, 16; Chesterfield Road, 10; and Nash Street 18. This work has been done efficiently and well, and all have been transported safely.
The Helen E. James building has served as the meet- ing place for various community organizations and com- mittees. During the year there were 200 meetings of different kinds there. It is a source of satisfaction that this school building is of so much use to the community in general.
Our program of studies has remained the same as last year. However, changes and modifications in the work are always being made whenever it is possible to improve the offerings. This year a course in consumer science has been added to the high school list. This sub- ject is designed to inform the students as to the quality
85
and desirability of the things they buy, and to aquaint them with the scientific facts back of such things as the refrigerator, the motor car, tooth paste, fire extin- guishers, and the numerous machines and appliances which modern young people live with every day. We shall also begin soon a course in driver education in co- operation with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Since 90% of all automobile accidents occur to young drivers from 16 to 25 years of age, it is evident that this group needs a better understanding of the motor car and its possibilities for good or evil. We now have fifty pupils who have elected this course. They will be instructed in the mechanical working of the car, the rules and laws of the highway, and the courtesy of the road. In the spring tests in physical reactions and vision will be made. The private instructors of young drivers will be assisted when- ever they request it. It is hoped that through this course will come a greater sense of responsibility in the saving of lives and property. The work in penmanship should be emphasized by the employment of a supervisor. This work should be extended to all grades and the high school.
This department faces several problems in the years ahead. For example, we have no place which is adequate for the development of our physical education program. How and when a gymnasium can be built is not clear at the present time although there is general agreement as to the need for it. The teacher shortage also presents the problem of securing and retaining teachers who are well educated and properly trained for the work of tea- ching. Large increases in salaries in nearby com- munities have left our schedule far behind. Amherst, to take one case, has set $2,000. a year as the salary for beginners. It would be seem that adjustments must be made here, also, in order to make up some degree for
86
the 51.8% increase in the coast of living. Teachers should be adequately paid for the important work that the community requires of them.
Recommendations :
1. Build a gymnasium.
2. Employ a supervisor of penmanship.
3. Increase teachers salaries.
Education is a co-operative undertaking in which School Committee, Superintendent, teachers, parents, pupils, and many other work together for the best development of youth. I feel that I have had such co- operation during 1946, and extend my thanks and ap- preciation for it.
Respectfully submitted, L. A. MERRITT,
Superintendent of Schools.
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WILLIAMSBURG SCHOOI CALENDER
1947-1948
Schools open Schools close
Sept. 3, 1947 16 weeks Dec. 19, 1947 16 weeks
Christmas Vacation
Schools open Schools close
Jan. 5, 1948 Feb. 20, 1948 7 weeks
Winter Vacation
Schools open
Schools close
Mar. 1, 1948 Apr. 23, 1948 8 weeks
Spring Vacation
Schools open
Schools close
May 3, 1948 June 11, 1948 6 weeks Total for School year 37 weeks
High School Graduation June 17, 1948
High School closes June 18, 1948 7 weeks
Total for School year 38 weeks
All schools will close at noon on Good Friday.
The usual holidays will be observed.
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NET EXPENDITURE FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS YEAR 1946
Total Expenditures for Support from All Sources $44,508.92
Income on Acount of Schools :
1. General Fund, Part I $4450.00
2. Mass. School Fund, Part II 4206.71
3. Reimbursement on Account of Superintendent 932.62
4. High School Grant
1250.00
5. State Wards' Tuition 277.60
6. Boston Wards' Tuition 619.80
7. High School Tuition 2701.20
8. £
Smith's School Reimbursement 576.82
9. Ethel Curry Fund
20.00
10. Collins School Fund
933.77
11. Byron Loomis Fund
148.72
12. Spelman School Fund
813.94
13. Sanders School Fund
81.77
14. Hyde School Fund 24.97
15. James School Fund
500.77
Total Income $17,538.69
Net Expenditure from Local Taxation $26,970.23
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Report of the School Committee
The School Committee has again endeavored to ful- fill the needs of the Town in operating an efficient and high grade School System.
A much needed repair to the Haydenville School base- ment in waterproofing and repairing the wall was com- pleted and new blackboards installed in the room previ- ously used for the Ration Board. Miss Trainor's classroom was transferred downstairs to this room making all class- room activities on the main floor. This arrangement should contribute to a reduction of operating costs. The roof is in need of repair and the plan at present is to apply a heavy application of asphalt next summer which will pro- bably hold for possibly five years. We have discussed weatherstripping the building but at present have been unable to accomplish the project. Emergency exit lights have been purchased for this building.
We were able to redecorate the Helen E. James Building on the outside this year, and upon orders of the State Department of Safety were required to make a change in the basement classroom and lunchroom by sup- plying an inter-room and outside exit. Installation of em- ergency exit lights in the auditorium were also required.
One of our chief problems was the securing of a qualified teaching staff. However, our Superintendent provided a suficient number at the opening of the school . year, but, only after a salary schedule adjustment. One ad- justment that must be made by the townpeople is that we
90
must meet the competition of other towns and cities and establish salaries that will enable us to continue a first class School System.
We regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. Henry J. Dansereau as of November 1st because of ill health. We wish to commend Mr. Dansereau for his many years of fine service to the Committees and Town. To Mr. Russell Johndow, who was appointed to succeed Mr. Dansereau, we wish success in his undertaking.
Your Committee shares with you the fact that im- provements can be made in the School System, however, many are contingent on the expenditure of moneys which are not available.
Since the Town has no practical place for the meet- ings of organizations, committees and public gatherings the Helen E. James School Building is put to a great deal of extra use as heat, light and janitor service are always available. These extra activities are added expense to the System and are reflected in the budget.
In cooperation with Smith's Agricultural School we have a part time Physical Education program in effect. It would be of value to the Town to maintain such a pro- gram and look well to the future and prepare for a full time program with adequate facilities, which, would not only be to the benefit of the young folks but would open a field of opportunity for the Town as a whole.
The Committee appreciates the cooperation received from the Superintendent, Teachers and Janitors during this year and the good will of the townspeople.
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School Department :
Teachers', Salary
Appropriation $22,790.00 4,050.00
Expended $22,916.09 4,061.29
Janitors', Salary
Janitors', Supplies
300.00
342.22
Drawing Teacher
380.00
380.00 .
Music Teacher
450.00
453.28
Clerical Assistant
600.00
543.00
Superintendent
1.650.00
1,650.00
Union Expenses
200.00
150.57
Nurse
550.00
530.00
Physicians
200.00
85.00
Transportation
4860.00
4801.00
Fuel
1200.00
1743.64
Sundries
300.00
245.83
Books
400.00
772.84
Classroom Supplies
600.00
531.50
Office Supplies
100.00
148.01
Athletics
150.00
244.89
Smith's School
1200.00
969.43
Lights
300.00
275.10
New Equipment
340.00
522.71
Insurance
548.00
652.00
Committee's Salary
250.00
250.00
Transfers : Byron Loomis Fund 817.86
Helen E. James Fund
500.77
Collins Fund
84.91
Finance Committee
187.88
Balance
.50
$44509.42
$44509.42
WARREN E. MCAVOY LAURI S. RONKA WILLIAM G. LOOMIS
School Committee
Repairs
1500.00
2240.52
92
Report of School Physician
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
My annual report as school physician of the Hayden- ville schools is submitted herewith.
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