USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1941-1950 > Part 26
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The Board again recommends the substitution of septic tanks for othe rmeans of sewage disposal, especial- ly along the streams.
Respectfully Submitted,
NAN DUNPHY, RUTH HEMENWAY, KENNETH SHERK.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
OF THE
TOWN OF WILLIAMSBURG
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1947
68
Organization
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Warren E. McAvoy, Chairman, Tel. 4663 1948
Lauri S. Ronka, Secretary, Tel. 281 1949
Mrs. Rollo Purrington, Tel. 3462 1950
SUPERINTENDENT
Lucius A. Merrit, Williamsburg Tel. 229
Office, High School Tel. 4421
SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mrs. Olive Thayer, Cummington Tel. 2133
SUPERVISOR OF PENMANSHIP
Rinehart System directed by Mr. R. Crowe
SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Olive A. Healy, West Chesterfield Tel. 2351
SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Wilbur J. Eaton, Williamsburg
SCHOOL PHYSICIANS
Dr. Joseph Hobbs, Williamsburg Tel. 299
Dr. Charles Wheeler, Haydenville Tel. 260
SCHOOL NURSE
Margaret L. Madison, Williamsbhrg Tel. 4984
SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
G. Vernon Warner, Williamsburg
Tel. 3951
MEETINGS OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE Last Friday of Each Month
.
69
TEACHER'S MEETINGS
At Call of Superintendent
HELEN E. JAMES SCHOOL Tel. 4421
TEACHERS
Tel.
Principal, Anne T. Dunphy, Latin, Haydenville 4781
Robert M. Branch, Math., History,
61 Meadow St., Florence, Mass. 105JK
Edward C. Foster, Science, Williamsburg 4561
Raymond W. Williamson, English, Haydenville 4624
Mrs. Frances Grinnell, Commercial, 32 Maple St., Northampton, Mass. 1348
E. Doris Skrivars, English, Hist., French, 5 Boardman St., Worcester 5, Mass. Martha L. Dickerman, 7, 8, 45 High St., Spencer, Mass. 3474
253
Nelle A. Dolan, 5, 6, Haydenville
3693
Dorothy R. Colburn, 3, 4, Williamsburg 4436
Mrs. Elizabeth Warren, 2, 3B, Williamsburg 3605
Sophia D. Eaton, 1, Williamsburg
4601
HAYDENVILLE SCHOOL Tel. 4912
TEACHERS
Principal, Margaret Trainor, 7, 8, Haydenville Mrs. Donald Shannon, 5, 6, 165 West St., Florence, Mass. 2173J
Mrs. Marion Hickey, 3, 4, Haydenville Mary Crampton, 1, 2, Haydenville
70
SCHOOL CENSUS, OCTOBER 1947
Over 16yrs
Williamsburg
5-7yr.
7-14yrs.
14-16yrs
Boys
13
63
18
4
Girls
15
69
14
9
Total
28
132
32
13=205
Haydenville
Boys
17
50
17
2
Girls
8
38
8
7
-
-
Total
25
88
25
9=147
Combined Totals
53
220
57
22=352
SCHOOL STATISTICS June 30, 1947
Boys Enrolled
Girls Enrolled
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per cent of
Attendance
Aggregate
Attendance
WILLIAMSBURG
High, Grades 9-12
47
53
88.6
82.34
92.55
14,991
Grades 7 and 8
12
20
32.424
30.49
93.859
5,398.5
Grades 5 and 6
14
23
34.59
33.21
94.62
5,911.5
Grades 3 and 4
16
17
31.23
29.64
94.91
5,299
Grades 2 and 3
15
16
29.83
27.93
93.67
4,974
Grade 1
14
14
23.39
21.38
91.42
3,840
HAYDENVILLE
Grades 7 and 8
13
7
20.6
19.49
94.61
3,419
Grades 5 and 6
16
6
19.39
18.48
95.29
3,216.5
Grades 3 and 4
18
12
28.23
26.79
94.91
4,729
Grades 1 and 2
22
21
40.17
37.25
92.9
6,632
Totals
140
136
348.454
327.00
938.739
58.410.5
-
-
71
Report of School Physicians'
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I have the pleasure of submitting my annual report as school physician for the Williamsburg Center School.
During the year 1946-1947 a few sporadic cases of diphtheria were reported in some towns in this county. Because of this it was recommended by the State Depart- ment of Public Health that all school children up to 12 years of age be given "booster shots" of diphtheria toxoid. The age limit of 12 was set because older in- dividuals may have a more severe reaction to this toxoid and they were Schick tested for immunity instead.
In the spring of 1947, a total of 97 pupils were given these inoculations, and 93, who were over 12, were Schick tested. Only 9 of the latter proved to be Schick positive, or non-immune. It was not considered necessary to reimmunize these 9 because if 90% of a group are im- mune the chances of diphtheria occurring are very small.
A small epidemic of whooping cough occurred in April and May. Many cases were not typical, probably due to some immunity lasting from inoculations given during infancy. However, the etiology of this infection was easily proved by having cultures by the so-called
72
"cough plate' method made and the typical organism was identified by the Laboratory at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
The State now requires that careful examination of the pupils feet be made for the presence of correctible deformities. This was included but I wonder if it might not be beneficial if this part of the examination were checked by Dr. Lazell Brainard.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. HOBBS, M.D.
73
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith my annual report as school phy- sician to the Haydenville Schools.
The health of the pupils has been very good during the past year. The usual "colds" and many severe sore throats have inconvenienced some pupils but no epidemics were experienced. We were sorry that Miss Crampton was disabled for several weeks in the first part of the school year.
A Diphtheria Immunization Clinic was held in May and June with booster doses given to several who had received the treatment some years previous.
I conducted a well-child clinic July 10th with the assistance of Mrs. Margaret H. Madison, Mrs .Nan Dunphy, and Miss Mary Crampton. Several serious de- fects were discovered which the parents will now have an opportunity to have corrected.
The annual examination was made in September with the aid of Mrs. Margaret H. Madison, R.N., School Nurse. Recommendations were made for the correction of certain defects as well as consultation with Dr. F. E. O'Brien in regard to x-ray of the chests of a few pupils.
Games and exercises under the direction of Mr. Wil- bur J. Eaton will certainly be an aid in correcting posture defects as well as the pyschic benefit resulting from the given and take of competitive games.
The Conference of school physicians, nurses, and superintendents held at Northampton December 17th was well attended and discussion brought out important parts of an examination.
CHARLES H. WHEELER, M.D.
74
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. L. A. Merritt, Superintendent of Schools, Williamsburg, Mass.
The annual report of the school nurse is herewith submitted for March 1 through December 31, 1947.
Pupils in grades 1 through 8 in Haydenville and Williamsburg were weighed and measured in March, May, and September. High school pupils were weighed and measured in September.
Dr. Glade Hall, school dentist, came in March and examined the teeth of all pupils in both schools. Forty- nine were treated in Haydenville with 165 operations done. Fifty-one were treated in Williamsburg with 187 operations.
Routine class room inspections were made in all grade rooms every three weeks.
The pre-school diphtheria immunization clinic was held on March 21, April 18 and May 16 by Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway for the Board of Health. Eighty-three child- ren were immunized ; thirty-five had combination "shot", eleven tetanus and whooping cough, thirty "booster shots" and seven toxin and antitoxin.
The school diphtheria immunization clinic was held in May and Dr. Wheeler gave seventy-nine "booster shots" in Haydenville. Ninety-seven were given in Williamsburg by Dr. Hobbs. Ninety-three pupils over 12 years old from the 5th grade through high school had the Shick test. Nine were positive. Thirteen pupils who had never been immunized were given three in- noculations.
Eighty high school pupils and fifteen personnel were x-rayed on April 7th. All were negative.
75
The well child conference was held under the aus- pices of the Visiting Nurse Association in Williamsburg on July 9th with twenty-six children attending. Dr, Hemenway was examining physician. The clinic was held in Haydenville on July 10th and twenty-two children came. Dr. Wheeler was examining physician.
Dr. Wheeler did physical examinations on 105 pupils in Haydenville. 258 have ben examined by Dr. Hobbs in Williamsburg. Fifteen have had chest x-rays at Hampshire County Sanatorium. Four will be re-x-rayed in the spring.
Two children were sent to Camp Hodgekins, one for month of July and one for month of August. One gained 3} pounds and the other 22 pounds.
The Red Cross Audiometer were used to test the hearing of 280 pupils. (First and second grades were not tested.) Six indicated defective hearing and will be examined further.
Thirty-eight pupils received first aid and 19 home visits were made.
We had an epidemic of whooping cough a few weeks before summer vacation and a few cases of German measles were reported.
Vision tests have been started but not completed at this date.
I wish to thank Mr. Merritt, the School Committee, pupils and their parents for co-operation in assisting me with my work.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET MADISON, R.N. School Nurse.
76
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-seventh of the present series and the forty-sixth since the establishment of this school union.
During the year the call of larger opportunities and higher salaries caused the resignation of four of our teachers, Miss Louise Gagnon went to Beverly, Mass. Miss Helena Webber accepted a position at Nw London, Conn. Mr. Raymond Hill returned to Clark University to complete the work for his master's degree. Mr. Charles L. Kistner was appointed to the physical educa- tion department at Agawam High School. One other teacher, Mrs. Gertrude Ramstrom resigned to remain at home. All of these teachers were well prepared and had done excellent work. It was with regret that their re- signations were accepted.
To fill these vacancies the following teachers were selected. Mrs. Marion Hickey was transferred to Hay- denville to fill the third and fourth grade position left open by Miss Gagnon's resignation. Mrs. Elizabeth Warren of Williamsburg was appointed to fill the second and third grade place at Williamsburg made vacant by the transfer of Mrs. Hickey. Mrs. Warren is a graduate of Castleton Vermont Teachers College and attended Vermont University. She has had exerience in teaching in Vermont, Puerto Rico, Northampton and Chesterfield. The vacancy in the English department was filled by the
77
appointment of Mr. Raymond Williamson of Unionville, Conn. Mr. Williamson received his college degree in English from Trinity College, Hartford, and did graduate work at New Britain Teachers College. He served in the army during the last war. Mr. Robert Branch of Florence was elected to fill the mathematics position. Mr. Branch graduated from Worcester Polytecnic Insti- tute and took his master's degree at Boston University. While in service with the navy, he taught work on diesel engines. He has taught at Williamstown High School at Stanton Military School and Cushing Academy. Miss Doris Skrivars of Worcester was appointed to the new position in the high school created because of the in- creasing needs of our pupils. Miss Skrivars is a gradu- ate of Worcester Teachers College where she majored in English, French and social studies. She recieved her teacher training in the Holden High School. Mr. Wilbur J. Eaton of Springfield was appointed physical education instructor for the schools to replace Mr. Kistner. Mr. Eaton took his degree in physical training at Springfield College. He served as a B-29 bomber pilot during the war.
These new teachers come to us well prepared for the work they have to do, and should make a great contribu- tion to the education of the youth of Williamsburg.
Systematic training and instruction in penmanship was added to our program this year in September. It is given to all pupils who attend our schools from grade one through the high school. The system used is called the Rinehart. It is directed and supervised by special instructors sent from Waltham. Results have been most excellent, and it is hoped that this service may be con- tinued.
The direction of the health services for the schools has been in the hands of our school physicians, Dr. Joseph
78
Hobbs, and Dr. Charles H. Wheeler, and our school nurse Mrs. Margaret Madison. Dr. Glade P. Hall has served as our school dentist. Regular physical examina- tions have been made, needed corrections of defects refer- red to parents, and the usual clinics, held. No epidemics have been reported and the general health of our pupils has been good.
Miss Oliver Healy has supervised the school music during the year. Last May a choral group of about forty children from the Haydenville School sang at the Western Massachusetts Music Festival in West Springfield. They did very well and were given an excellent rating by the music judges there. This was a fine experience for them. It is hoped that the group from Williamsburg will attend this spring. Miss Healy directs the Helen E. James School orchestra as well as a glee club in the high school. The work of this department has proved highly satisfactory.
The supervision of drawing has been under Mrs. Olive Thayer. Many of our pupils have attained great skill in this work. They have also felt the pleasure that comes from creative endeavors.
The physical education work for the grades has been conducted by Mr. Wilbur J. Eaton. Classes are held Mondays at Haydenville either on the playground or in the Community Hall depending on the weather. The classes at Williamsburg meet on Wednesdays either on Wednesdays either on the playground or in the Town Hall. This program develops strong, healthy bodies. It has been well directed this year.
The program of the high school was expanded by adding another teacher to the staff in September. This was done after a survey of the needs of the pupils showed the desirability of offering more work in mathematics, history, commercial subjects and science.
79
The organization of the high school for 1947-1948 was as follows: Prin. Anne T. Dunphy, two classes in Latin, and the guidance work with all pupils. Mr. Robert Branch, five classes in mathematics, one in history; Mr. Edward C. Foster, six courses in science, one in driver education; Mr. Raymond Williamson, five classes in English, debating, and assembly programs; Mrs. Frances Grinnell, three classes in typing, one in stenography, one in bookkeeping, and one in junior business; Miss Doris Skrivars, two classes in English, two in French, one in His- tory, and coach of girls basketball; Miss Olive Healy, one in glee club, two in orchestra; Mr. Wilbur J. Eaton, coach of boys athletics. School is in session from 9 A.M. to 2:20 P.M. There are eight regular periods and a lunch period. The eighth period is used for special study and extra-curricular activities.
At Williamsburg the grades were organized as fol- lows : Miss Martha Dickerman, grades seven and eight; Miss Nelle A. Dolan, grades five and six; Mrs. Dorothy Colburn, grades three and four; Mrs. Elizabeth Warren, grades two and three; Mrs. Sophia Eaton, grade one.
The assignments at the Haydenville School are : Prin. Margaret Trainor, grades seven and eight ; Mrs. Margaret Shannon, grades five and six; Mrs. Marion Hickey, grades three and four; Miss Mary Crampton, grades one and two. Serving all grades are : Miss Olive Healy, mu- sic; Mrs. Olive Thayer, drawing; Mrs. Crowe, penman- ship; and Mr. Wilbur J. Eaton, physical education.
The transportation routes were the same as last year. Mr. R. Graves put a new bus into operation during last fall on the Searsville and Old Goshen route. This bus serves the Chesterfield route also. The number of pupils carried as of September 5, was 153 which is 28 greater than last year. The routes and loads were as follows: Mountain Street, 22; Haydenville to Williams-
80
burg, 46; Saerville, Old Gosehn Road, 37; South Street, 16; Nash Street, 22; Chesterfield Road, 10; total 153. Under the new law, Chapter 679 of the General Laws, passed last year the town will receive as aid for trans- portation $3,077.55. Operators and owners deserve special credit for the excellent transportation services which they have provided.
Various community organizations, committees and other groups have held 194 meetings at the Helen E. James building during the year. Of these 117 were held afternoons and 77 evenings. This department in making the building available for such extensive use is carrying out the wishes of Mrs. Helen E. James who realized many years ago that a central meeting place for community activities is essential in the life of every town.
In order to revise and improve our offerings com- mittees of teachers were appointed last fall. These com- mittees will make a careful study of the work in their own grades in the elementary school or the subjects they teach if they are in the high school. After this study they will present outlines of programs for adoption. It is hoped that this work can be completed this year and the new revised program put into operation next Septem- ber. This complete revision of the curriculm should pro- vide our pupils with the best program of studies it is possible to offer.
There are several problems which this department will have to consider in the near future. For example, there is the continuing shortage of fuels. One solution might be to close during the very cold period of the winter and keep schools in session in the warmer months. Such a program could effect a considerable savings. Rising costs of operation, also, tend to limit what can be done. The shortage of teachers on the grade level continues, but the situation in regard to high school teachers is much improved over that of two years ago.
81
Education should be considered as an investment in the future lives of our young people. Since earning- power determines in a large measure the standard of liv- ing of the individual and of the community, it is evident that the greater the earning-power the better both will be. In a recent national survey made to show the relation bet- ween education received and earning-power, it was stated by Dr. Franklin Phillips of Bates College that ability to earn is directly related to the amount of education re- ceived. If we take 100 as the basis of what a person with no education can earn, we find that the completion of elementary school moves a person up the scale to 201, the high school graduate to 288, and the college graduate to 385. These differences can be accounted for only through the differences in the amount of education each level represents. In addition to these practical advan- tages education provides opportunities for training in democratic living, for cultural pursuits, and for a broader and happier life.
For the fine cooperation which I have have had dur- ing the year, I extend to the School Committee, the teach- ing staff, and all other connected with the schools, my sincere thanks and appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIUS A MERRITT,
Supt. of Schools.
82
WILLIAMSBURG
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1948-1949
Schools open
Schools close
Sept. 8, 1948 Dec. 22, 1948 16 weeks
Christmas Vacation
Schools open
Schools close
Jan. 3, 1949 Feb. 18, 1949
7 weeks
Winter Vacation
Schools open
April 25, 1949
Schools close (Grade)
June 17, 1949
8 weeks
Total for Grades 38 weeks
High School Graduation June 23, 1947
High School Closes
June 24, 1949
Total for high school 39 weeks
83
NET EXPENDITURE FOR SUPPORT OF SCHOOLS YEAR 1947
Total Exenditures for Support from All Sources
$50,518.44
Income on Account of Schools :
1. General Fund, Part I $4,450.00
2. Mass. School Fund, Part II 3,811.22
3. Superintendent's Reimburse- ment 925.49
4. High School Grant
5. Reimbursement for Transporta- tion Chapter 679 1,863.07
6. State Wards' Tuition and Transportation 304.01
7. Boston Wards' Tuition and Transportation 581.26
8. High School Tuition 4,346.80
9. Smith's School Reimburse- ment 559.61
10.Collins School Fund
1,439.82
11. Ethel Curry Fund
136.67
12. Spelman School Fund 791.24
13. Sanders School Fund
134.39
14. Hyde School Fund 45.06
15. Helen E. James School Fund .50
16. Byron Loomis School Fund 176.28 Total Income
$19,565.42
Net Expenditure from Local Taxation $30,953.02
84
Report of the School Committee
With the passing of another year of this complex era we humbly submit this report.
In spite of present conditions we feel that we have been quite fortunate in satisfying the needs of the town and the students in offering a well balanced and systema- tic field of endeavor in the school system. Our gratitude is due to the superintendent and teachers through whose cooperation the sense of stability and harmony has been realized.
The end of the school year admitted us to the prob- lems of school systems throughout the state through the loss of more teachers than has been experienced for some years. We take this opportunity to express our appre- ciation for the efforts of those who have gone to greater fields of service in education and wish them continued success in their endeavors.
Our new teachers have made remarkable adjustment to the requirements of the staff. Through their efforts and cooperation the program of the school year as pre- pared by the Principal and Superintendent is progressing satisfactorily. We wish these new teachers success with their undertaking and happiness in this school system.
To provide a more comprehensive field of study in our High School it became necessary to engage a new teacher. This offering affords the students, who have definite ambitions, courses for preparation ; and also pro- vides an opportunity for the Principal, who has under- taken the problem of guidance, to suggest helpful in-
85
formation for the benefit of all students in the selection or adjustment of their courses.
The Rinehart Handwriting System has been pro- vided in the Schools of Williamsburg and Haydenville with most gratifying results.
With the increased demand for the Business Course we were obliged to purchase three new typewriters. Since these were the first to be purchased for some years we feel that the systematic exchanging of machines will we fele that the systematic exchanging of machines will afford efficiency in the system and a saving to the town over a period of years.
At the Haydenville School we accomplished the im- mediate problem of repair by coating the roof with as- phalt. Our second project of providing enclosures for the entrances to protect the public and children from the hazards of overhanging snow and ice was not completed through the lack of funds. We have included this proj- ect for 1948 with that of cementing the balance of the basement so that suitable room or rooms may be avail- able for the storing of supplies and a workshop for the janitor. This project will contribute to the efficiency of the system and the protection of materials.
The Helen E. James School repairs consisted of ex- tensive work to the plumbing in the laboratory, and spot patching of the roof. The roof will need further atten- tion in the near future. Classroom repairs and furniture refinishing was carried on at each of the school buildings.
We must again bring to your attention the fact that the demands by the public for the use of the Helen E. James School is ever increasing and that several times during the yar it was used for school and public meetings seven days a week. We appreciate having at our dis-
86
posal a building with the facilities required by the people, and with its use greater service is rendered the commun- ity. However, we have an immediate problem in that these services call for the expenditure of monies from our budget which are other than school activities and re- quirements.
We wish to express our appreciation to the superin- tendent, teachers, janitors and townspeople for their con- tinued cooperation and foresight in their willingness to contribute of time and money in the most important in- vestment of our time; the education of our young people that we all may benefit in the future by their achieve- ments and contributions to peace and a better way of life.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN E. MCAVOY LAURI S. RONKA MARION H. PURRINGTON
87
School Department Report
Teachers' Salaries
Appropriation $29,220.00
Expended $29,400.92
Janitors' Salaries
4,500.00
4,789.25
Janitors' Supplies
350.00
321.20
Drawing Teacher Salary
450.00
435.36
Music Teacher Salary
600.00
586.72
Clerical Assistant
600.00ยท
525.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,800.00
1,725.00
Union Expense
200.00
144.04
Nurse and Travel
600.00
577.00
Physicians
200.00
200.00
Transportation
4,580.00
4,644.55
Fuel
1,600.00
1,635.59
Repairs
1,000.00
1.023.02
Sundries
300.00
233.47
Books
600.00
813.72
Classroom Supplies
600.00
720.23
Office Supplies
100.00
128.65
Athletics and Transportation
300.00
121.95
Smith's School Tuition
1,000.00
696.00
Lights
300.00
321.86
New Equipment
650.00
537.87
Insurance
417.00
379.53
Committee's Salary
250.00
250.00
Balance
6.07
$50,217.00
$50,217.00
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN OFFICERS OF WILLIAMSBURG MASSACHUSETTS
-,
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st
1948
INDEX
Office Hours
3
Warrant 5
Selectmen 11
Finance Committee 13
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