USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1955 > Part 4
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Mr. J. Walter Richard was secured for the work as supervisor of elementary education which in this case includes grades 1 through 8. Mr. Richard is a graduate of Fitchburg Teachers' College and will receive his mas- ter's degree from the University of Massachusetts dur- ing this summer. He has had six years of experience as an elementary principal in the schools of Amherst and has taught one year at the Air Force base in Tripoli, North Africa. We were, indeed, fortunate to get such an able and well trained young man for this important position.
The change to the 6-6 plan of organization was made when schools opened in September. One Junior- Senior high school was prepared for grades 7 through 12. Two elementary schools, having grades 1 - 6 in each, were also established. One is at Haydenville and one at Williamsburg. The Junior-Senior high school has 203 pupils. Westhampton now sends 16 to our Jun- ior High School.
Only one change in teachers occurred at the close of schools in June. Mrs. Richard B. Warren decided not to teach this year. She had served as our art instructor.
The Williamsburg Junior-Senior High School was organized for the September opening with the following instructors : Principal Anne T. Dunphy, two classes in Latin, one in civics and local history, and guidance; Rob- ert Branch, four classes in mathematics, one in U. S.
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History, also audio-visual education; Peter P. Ball, five classes in science; Mrs. Lula Smith, five classes in Eng- lish, assembly programs; Mrs. Francis Grinnell, three classes in typing, one in office practice, shorthand, book- keeping and junior business, also school publications ; Earl Tonet, two classes in French, one in Problems in Democracy, one in World Geography, coach of boys' ath- letics, and driver education; Miss Maria Lovechio, five classes in English, and debating. Miss Lovechio taught in the Williamsburg Schools from 1949 to 1951 when she left to get her master's degree. She received her B.A. degree in English from American International College and master's degree from Boston University.
Miss Martha Dickerman, who has been teaching eighth grade in the Helen E. James School, was assigned to teach two classes of eighth grade social studies and two classes of eighth grade science and music and art in her home room. Mrs. Joanne Wolff of Amherst was assigned to teach two classes of seventh grade social studies, one class of eighth grade reading and oral Eng- lish, one class of high school world history, supervise girls' physical education for the Junior-Senior High School, and art and music in her home room. Mrs. Wolff received her A.B. from Tufts College with a major in history and a minor in education. She taught social studies for one year in the Greenfield Junior High School. Mr. Henry Hmieleski was assigned to teach four classes in junior high arithmetic, supervise the boys' physical education in the Junior-Senior High School, and teach art and music in his home room. Mr. Hmieleski has a B.A. from the University of Mass. and an M.S. from Springfield College.
Miss Dorothy Wickman of Springfield was assigned to teach one class of junior high English, three classes in junior high reading and oral English, and teach music and art in her home room. Miss Wickman received her B.A. from American International College. She had one
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year of previous teaching experience. Miss Wickman resigned on Oct. 14. Mrs. Evelyn Kmit worked as a substitute in this grade until November 23. On Novem- ber 28, Mrs. Anna B. Curtis was appointed to this posi- tion. Mrs. Curtis received her training at North Adams Teachers' College and has had 11 years' teaching experi- ence.
The senior high school provides three courses of study. There is a college course, a general course, and a commercial course. A special plan for driver educa- tion for those who may plan to get a driving license dur- ing the year is also offered. We are again indebted to Richard Graves for supplying a car for the training on the road. For extra-curricular activities, students may take part in girls' and boys' athletics, glee club, orches- tra, school plays, debates, and the preparing of school publications. The junior high offers the usual seventh and eighth grade work. The school is in session from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. and there are eight periods a day.
Our coaches and players have found the new gym a delightful place in which to practice and play games. This year's teams have shown fine skill and ability when they have played against other teams. The classes in physical education now have proper suits for the course and look well when doing the work required.
The Anne T. Dunphy School was opened with six classrooms in operation. Mrs. Edith Foster is the prin- cipal and teaches grade 6; Mrs. Margaret Breckenridge, grade 5; Mrs. Eleanor Soden, grade 4; Mrs. Dorothy Colburn, grade 3; Mrs. Gertrude Ramstrom, grade 2; and Mrs. Sophie Eaton, grade 1.
At the Haydenville School, the first six grades were cared for as follows: Miss Margaret Trainor as princi- pal and teaches grade 6; Mrs. Marion Hickey, grade 5; Mrs. Pricilla Kostek, grade 4; Mrs. Ruth Nash, grade 3;
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Mrs. Doris Tilley, grade 2; and Miss Mary Crampton, grade 1.
In addition to the above teachers, our special sub- ject supervisors were Miss Olive Healy, music; Mrs. Mary Hitchcock, art; and Mrs. Elizabeth Koss, penman- ship. A corrective reading teacher, Mrs. Jean Snow, was added to the staff during the fall. Mrs. Snow re- ceived her A.B. degree at Smith College and her M.S. degree at Columbia Teachers' College. She has had eight years teaching English in New York City high schools.
These teachers who train and educate our children are well prepared for their work. Reading tests given in the fall by Dr. Deming Hoyt of Smith College and his group showed that our pupils were above the national average in reading ability. His comment was that we have had very good teaching in our schools. The good work of these teachers is sincerely appreciated.
The health department has been under the direction of Dr. Joseph Hobbs and Dr. Ruth Hemenway as school physicians, Dr. Glade Hall as school dentist, and Mrs. Barbara Swanda as school nurse. The usual clinics have been held and the necessary examinations com- pleted. The health of our children has been well pro- tected.
Since the new school was opened, we have three custodians to care for and protect the three school build- ings now in operation. Maintenance of school buildings is a never ending task. The faithful work and super- vision of these buildings is deeply appreciated.
Five bus routes have transported 199 children to and from school each day. These routes cover 101.2 miles each school day. The work has been done with- out accident or injury. The operators are commended for another successful year.
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The new office of the superintendent of schools is greatly appreciated by your superintendent. It is quiet and efficient as well as being attractive. Our secretary, Mrs. Jeanette O'Neill, is a most excellent one, and her fine work is of great value to this department.
There will be some problems for the department to solve during this coming year. For instance, the short- age of well trained teachers still continues. A new law requires the establishment of a special class if five or more retarded children are living in town. We are also expected by law to employ an adjustment counselor to study maladjusted children and try to correct their diffi- culties. On the list is also the repair and renovation of the Helen E. James Building. This building has been in constant use for 41 years. It needs some repairs and changes in order to make it more suitable for the high school students who attend it. All of these problems will have to be considered during 1956.
Building good citizenship may be considered the chief objective of the schools. Young people need to have knowledge and understanding if they are to manage and control the government under which they live. To this end, our forefathers established schools and passed laws requiring all pupils to attend. Progress far beyond their dearest hopes has come to this great country be- cause of its program for free education for all.
Miss Nelle Dolan retired from teaching at the close of schools in June. She had taught the boys and girls of Williamsburg for 47 years and was one of the best teachers the schools have ever had. She had an under- standing of children and great ability to instruct them. Some of the best teaching I have ever seen has been in her classes. No better tribute can be given to her than the old but ever new, "Well done thou good and faithful servant". We wish her many happy years in her retire- ment.
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To principals, teachers, janitors and all others who have cooperated in our work, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation.
The Members of the School Committee have been very helpful and I thank them for their continued guid- ance, kindness and support.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCIUS A. MERRITT Superintendent of Schools
1-19-56
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Report of School Nurse
Mr. L. A. Merritt Superintendent of Schools Williamsburg, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merritt :
The annual report of the School Nurse is herewith submitted for January 1, 1955 - December 31, 1955.
All children were weighed and measured during the year. This year the P.T.A. took over the weighing of pupils in Williamsburg.
Dr. Hobbs was assisted with physical examinations in Williamsburg. Dr. Ruth Hemenway was assisted with physicals in Haydenville. Two children were found to have defects and are to go to the orthopedic clinic in Springfield.
All pupils in Williamsburg and Haydenville were tested with the vision machine. Some were found to need glasses and have obtained them. All children were tested with the audiometer. Several failed the test and wre retested at a later date. Only one child failed the final test and he is being treated by his own physician.
Several children were ill with the measles and a great many were out with the common cold.
Dr. Glade Hall, the school dentist, examined all pupils including the high school at the teachers' request. Only one high school pupil had work done. 81 treat- ments were done on 33 children in Williamsburg. 141 treatments were done on 41 children in Haydenville.
Many home visits were made during the year and most parents were quite cooperative.
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Sanitary inspection was done once during each month and found to be in good condition.
Several children were injured during the school hours and were taken to the doctor for treatment.
Miss Harris of the S.P.C.C. has visited me several times to help me with various cases in both Williams- burg and Haydenville. Her advice is most helpful.
Three girls and three boys were sent to Camp Hodg- kins and all showed improvement in weight.
At each school visit a conference was held with the principals. The daily attendance book is a great help in checking pupils who are absent.
Dr. Hobbs gave the first Salk vaccine polio shots to 50 first and second grade pupils in Williamsburg and 28 first and second grade pupils in Haydenville.
Classroom inspection has been done and several chil- dren have been given slips because of dirty heads.
The Anne T. Dunphy school cafeteria has been quite successful. However, some children were found to be throwing away their milk. After inspection, the chil- dren improved a great deal. Parents should impress upon their children to eat and drink all their food at noon.
Miss Sullivan, State Nursing Supervisor, has visited me at school. Her suggestions and information are most helpful.
The need for an audiometer is very great. As yet for the 1956 school year, the audiometer has not been available from the State.
Several of the cafeteria workers were treated for cuts and burns.
I wish to thank the teachers and Miss Harris for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA W. SWANDA, R.N.
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