USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Williamsburg > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1963 > Part 4
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I am pleased to submit my fifth annual report as your Superintendent of Schools.
Today one reads and hears considerable discussion of the changing arithmetic curriculum of the elementary school. Mathematics is becoming increasingly important in today's culture. It is coming to play a significant role in the physical and biological sciences, in all branches of technology, and in industry and business. This increas- ingly important role of mathematics demands a new kind of arithmetic education which will enable the individual not only to "do arithmetic' but also to understand why he does what he does.
Elementary school education has, in the past few years, awakened to the challenge of our expanding technology with a surge of interest in arithmetic and a wave of change. The so-called "revolution" in mathematics is making inroads into the arithmetic curriculum of the elementary school. To recognize the existence of these changes one need only look to: (1) the number of experi- mental elementary school arithmetic programs under the sponsorship of various academic, philanthropic, and gov- ernmental organizations; (2) the advent of new, im- proved, and more mathematically sophisticated textbooks ; (3) the prevalence throughout the country of teacher in- service re-education programs in arithmetic; and (4) the increased attention given to the content and study of arithmetic by the press.
Out of these recent events have come the changes in arithmetic which usually referred to as "modern math- ematics."
71
A modern arithmetic program does not mean a compli- cated or difficult arithmetic program. It merely means that the approach and to some extent the content are new.
A modern arithmetic program introduces material earlier than was previously thought possible or advisable. Experimental programs have provided evidence of what children can be taught at each grade level.
Recent experience in classrooms over the country in- dicates that modern arithmetic is more interesting, more stimulating, more meaningful, and more useful than that experienced by children in the past.
The introduction of "new" content to the elementary school arithmetic curriculum presents a challenge to our elementary teachers. Some of the "new" mathematics topics which are being considered for inclusion either as enrichment or as part of the regular arithmetic curricu- lum are unfamiliar to many elementary school teachers. Much of the newer subject matter pertains to topics which, until recently, have not been included in the usual elementary school teacher training courses.
Therefore, arrangements have been completed to pro- vide an in-service training program for our elementary teachers.
Mr. John F. Cody, a mathematics specialist, will offer a fifteen week course in modern mathematics to the elemen- tary teachers of School Union #51. This course will be held in Williamsburg and will begin on Wednesday, Feb- ruary 5, 1964.
The program of planned repairs, maintenance, and im- provements continued during the year in all three build- ings.
HAYDENVILLE CENTER SCHOOL
Grade 3 classroom-vinyl tile floor was installed and the room was painted.
72
A custodian's sink was installed on the first floor. Additional shelving and storage space was provided.
ANNE T. DUNPHY SCHOOL
Some roof repairs and a coating of roofing material was applied during the summer.
A ceramic tile floor was installed in the boys' locker room. This was done to improve sanitation and appear- ance.
The trim was painted where necessary and some win- dow sill brick was done.
HELEN E. JAMES SCHOOL
A stairwell area was enclosed to provide storage space for audio visual equipment and as an area for teachers to preview audio-visual materials before presenting them in the class.
In order to secure the required certificate of safety from the Department of Public Safety it was necessary to pro- vide two independent means of egress leading to separate exits for three of the second floor classrooms, erecting a smoke screen door and relocating exit lights. It was an unexpected and substantial cost item in the repair budget but essential in providing increased safety for our pupils.
A science demonstration table with water, gas and electrical connections was constructed to provide im- proved facilities for science instruction.
Following is a report by Mr. Donald Buss, High School Principal, concerning the evaluation of the high school.
As a member of the New England Association of Col- leges and Secondary Schools last evaluated in 1955, the high school is presently recognized as a fully accredited institution of secondary education. In order to maintain this accreditation, however, it is required that the school
73
be re-evaluated by the association every ten years. To this end, the administration and faculty for more than a year have been involved in the complex procedure of making preparations for this evaluation.
On April 6th, 1964, a team of fourteen selected educa- tors will come to Williamsburg to carry out this evalu- ation. They will study every possible phase of the school and its program. Every class will be visited, every course will be analyzed, the qualifications of every teacher will be questioned, the adequacy of books, supplies and equip- ment will be checked, the physical facilities will be looked into in great detail, students will be questioned and all school records will be carefully examined.
The NEACSS recognizes that schools which are quite different may be equally good. One school, for instance, may have as its only function the preparation of students for college while another school may have no function other than to prepare its pupils for employment immed- iately upon graduation. It should be understood that the better of these two schools is the one which accomplishes best what it sets out to do. Similarly, no school can be con- sidered a good school if it has the responsibility for the education of all of the youth of a community and yet offers a program in which only a highly selected part of the stu- dent body is offered a program of studies which meets its needs, interests and abilities.
The evaluation which Williamsburg High School is about to undergo may be considered as a ratio of accom- plishment where the nature and the quality of the work being done is balanced against what should be done in order to satisfy the philosophy and objectives of the school. Yet at the same time the association has certain minimum standards to which all member schools must adhere regardless of their individual philosophies. Con- tinued accreditation, therefore, will be based upon our "ratio of accomplishments" and upon our adherence to minimum association standards. From the recommen-
74
dations of the visiting committee, the NEACSS will do one of several things: continue our accredited standing for another ten years; continue our accredited status for a short period of time during which we would have the op- portunity to correct any deficiencies uncovered by the committee ; or be dropped from membership and accredi- tation.
At this writing we have no way of knowing what the outcome of the evaluation will be. We do know, however, that anything less than continued full accreditation will have a serious effect upon the reputation and standing of our high school.
Enrollment figures in all schools taken October 1, 1963 are as follows :
Anne T. Dunphy School
167
Haydenville Center School
127
Helen E. James School
350
644
Smith's School
16
Holyoke Trade
1
Springfield Trade
2
Northampton Special Class
4
23
Total School Pouplation
667
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation to the var- ious organizations and individual citizens who contributed to the progress of the youth of Williamsburg.
I wish also to thank the School Committee and the teaching staff for the excellent relationship we have en- joyed during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS P. REDDINGTON Superintendent of Schools
75
Report of School Nurse
The report of the school nurse is herewith submitted for the year 1963.
Immunization clinics sponsored by the Board of Health were held in January, April and May to give types I, II, and III Sabin Oral Vaccine. Types I and III were given to those children who had not had these types in 1962. Type II was given to all children with the permission of the parents.
The audiometer was loaned in February by the Public Health Center in Amherst and screening tests were done on all pupils in the three schools.
The Tine TB Test was used this year on April 22 by Dr. Goodhue, assisted by Miss Miller. This test was done on pupils in grades 1, 7 and 12 with parents' permission. A chest Xray was advised for any positive reactions.
On May 10, 24 and 31, Dr. Modestow did dental exami- nations on all pupils with parents' permission. This examination is free and a reminder to parents that a visit to the family dentist is necessary. Parents are more aware of the importance of dental care for their children, and at an earlier age, in the past few years. However, the pro- blem still exists.
Boosters for diphtheria and tetanus were given to all pupils in grades 1 through 6 on June 4 and 6 sponsored by the Board of Health.
In September the visual screening tests were done in the three schools. The audiometer was available earlier
76
this year and screening tests were completed in October. Children who failed these tests were referred to specialists for further examination and diagnosis.
Classroom inspection was made in all elementary grade rooms at least once a month. The children were weighed and measured twice during the school term. Dr. Hemen- way was assisted with physical examinations in Hayden- ville and Dr. Hobbs was assisted in Williamsburg. All athletes had physicals before participating in strenuous sports. The high school pupils are weighed and measured at the time of their examinations.
Parents were notified of any defects noticed and were most cooperative in further examination by the family doctor.
Several cases of chicken pox, mumps, and German measles were reported amoung the three schools.
First aid was given to many cases of minor bumps, bruises, cuts and nose bleeds.
Home visits were made in regard to reasons for absen- teeism and for referral on defects found.
I wish to thank Mr. Reddington, the school staff, the school physicians, the school committee and parents for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET MADISON, RN School Nurse
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Jury List
Lewis H. Black Fred E. Blobel
Leroy A. Dansereau Leo M. Duval
Esther A. Golash
Helen S. Kellogg
Harold Madison
John J. Mathers
George William May
Traffic Manager
Ruth Mongeau
Dorothy M. Morey
Mary H. Munroe
John N. Nehring
Kenneth I. Nichols
Neva Nash O'Neil
Josephine Roberge
Thomas Talbot
Helen A. Taradaina
Allan T. Walsh
David E. West
Michael O'Brien
Steward
Ernest A. Parker
Merrill J. Parrow
Earle T. Peavey
Glenn Pierce
Margaret Pomeroy
Melvin T. Ramstrom
David F. Ross
Machinist Retired Laborer Operator Teacher Shipping Clerk Farmer
Frederick M. Shea
Robert W. Smart
MacDonald E. Smith
Morton G. Stowe
Richard H. Turner
Farmer Shovel Operator
Machine Operator
Self Employed Assembler Housewife Guard Auto Mechanic
Bookkeeper Inspector Housewife Maintenance
Automobile Mechanic Cook Housewife Maintenance Laborer Director of Research Self Employed
Truck Driver Laborer Salesman Maintenance Service Manager
78
Report of Visiting Nurse
JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 1963
RECEIPTS :
Nurse's Collections
$414.00
EXPENDITURES :
Nurse's Salary
$1,225.00
Less Tax Withheld
154.44
1,070.56
Taxes forwarded to Government
147.36
1,217.92
Less Town appropriation
1,000.00
217.92
F.I.C.A. Tax paid for nurse
42.19
Upkeep and gas for nurse's car
217.76
Covers for mattresses
24.00
Supplies for nurse
7.19
Postage
2.00
511.06
Excess of expenses over receipts
$97.06
79
Director of Welfare
Board of Selectmen, Williamsburg, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The following is the report of the number of cases on the several divisions of the welfare of the Town of Wil- liamsburg for the year ending December 31, 1963.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Jan. 1, 1963
Dec. 31, 1963
Balance 16
Added
Closed 7
Balance 15
6
Medical Aid to Aged 7
4 6
3
0 4
Disability Assistance
4
0
0
4
General Relief
0
4
4 0
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER W. WELLS
Director
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3
Aid to Dependent Children 1
Report of Sealer of Weights and Measures
During 1963 I inspected and sealed weights and mea- sures at 16 places of business.
The units were as follows :
3 scales 100 to 5,000 lbs.
15 scales under 100 lbs.
10 avordupois weights
16 metric weights
11 apothecary weights
15 gasoline meters 7 oil and grease meters
I collected $37.70 sealing fees and turned same over to town treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH H. TAYLOR, SR.
Sealer of Weights and Measures
81
INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Williamsburg Industrial and Development Com- mission was appointed by the Selectmen March 4, 1963, following town meeting authorization with a $200. ex- penses appropriation.
Members sworn in by the town clerk included Richard R. Graves, chairman ; Martin J. Dunphy, Robert Christen- son, Raymond Besner, John Breguet, Frank Smith and Edith Bowie, secretary.
The commission held two organizational and planning meetings with Massachusetts Department of Commerce area field men who supplied literature to help with pro- cedure. On their recommendation it was decided to survey the local employment potential, and to make an inventory of local industrial sites and buildings, so that information could be immediately available to prospective occupants of the Haydenville mill or other properties. With the help- ful cooperation of the Grange home and community ser- vice committee under June Braman's chairmanship - and the gift of printed questionnaires from Richard Warren - this survey was made, its findings indicating a genuine in- terest in both part time and full time employment in Wil- liamsburg should a new industry offer it (more than 100 townspeople expressed interest in employment) and some 668 acres of land and numerous buildings were listed for sale. Data was processed and sent immediately to the state Commerce Dept. for inclusion in its new brochure of development sites and buildings, and for listing in its New York and Boston offices from which Massachusetts pro- motional material is dispensed.
Updated Williamsburg area information has been sent to the New England Guide, on request of its editors, and out-of-state letters of inquiry about the town, referred to the commission by town offices, have been answered. In-
82
formative letters have been sent to newspaper advertisers seeking factory buildings or sites, and a New England area plant setup engineer has been advised of local oppor- tunities in case any of his contacts should express in- terest in Western Massachusetts. Several employers seeking help have been provided information concerning residents who had indicated in the work study that they would take part time jobs.
A cleanup campaign was conducted to make the town more attractive to newcomers, the public school art de- partment assisting with a poster contest. Numerous un- tidy areas were spruced up during this period. The com- mission sent several appeals to the selectmen concerning a few particularly bad eyesores, and had the cooperation of the board of health in publicizing river pollution warn- ings.
The commission held one meeting with the former town planning group (an unofficial body) to consider possibities for setting up some sort of protective by-law or' master plan for the town. Further action has been deferred pend- ing word from town counsel concerning zoning law phraseology acceptable to state authorities. Commerce Dept. officials having indicated that industrialists hesitate to locate in communities not offering the protection of zoning laws, it would appear that the town should expedite study of this matter.
Attempting to find occupants for the Haydenville mill through national advertising, the commission placed ads on two dates in the New York Times, at a total cost of $38.22. This has been the commission's only expenditure (postage, stationery, and other costs having been met by the members) so the account has a balance of $161.78.
The commission voted to have copies of the local tax map and property lists made, for use in study of local industrial and development sites. From these has been compiled data on larger tracts of land which owners would
83
sell, and this information has been sent to Boston to meet a Commerce Dept. special request as 1964 listings are being compiled.
The two major deterrents to prospects for occupancy of the Haydenville mill, cited repeatedly by persons shown the property, have been high local taxes and lack of sew- age disposal facilities. Industrialists are well aware of current state crack-downs on river pollution, so hesitate to locate where acceptable sewage facilities are not of- fered.
Concern about the river pollution problem, from com- munity health and recreation standpoints as well as in consideration of industrialists' reticence to locate here, the commission feels that to expedite the sewage system in- stallation long urged by the state would be of long range benefit to the community's entire economy and well being. To this end the commission has asked Senator Bisbee to meet soon with this group, the selectmen, and other per- sons interested in conservation and recreation, to study possible state and federal helps which might enable the town to take care of this program at the earliest possible date.
The commission was represented in a recent area meet- ing sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Association, in which was presented a newly designed chart, graph, and lecture program to promote development of towns and cities in the valley, by introduction of new industry.
The commission is grateful to all townspeople who have expressed an interest in and offered suggestions for the development of Williamsburg, and is hopeful that, through contacts made and improvements proposed, new industry or other business may be enticed to this com- munity to help its over-all economy.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD R. GRAVES, Chairman EDITH C. BOWIE, Secretary
84
Report of Town Accountant
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Williamsburg, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
In accordance with the provisions of Section 61, Chap- ter 41 of General Laws, I submit my annual report as Town Acountant.
Following will be found a statement of receipts and expenditures for the year of 1963 as well as a summary of the appropriations, balance sheet, trust fund accounts and debt accounts.
I wish to thank all the people who have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN E. MCAVOY
Town Accountant
85
RECEIPTS GENERAL REVENUE
Cash on hand January 1, 1963
$163,753.71
Taxes :
Current Year :
Poll,
$ 1,068.00
Personal Property,
11,346.35
Real Estate
229,968.80
242,383.15
Previous Years :
Poll
204.00
Personal Property
1,597.61
Real Estate
54,912.02
56,713.63
Licenses :
Liquor
4,500.00
Amusement
200.00
Automatic Music
14.00
Automobile, New and Used
30.00
Milk
5.00
Manufacture of Ice Cream
5.00
Junk
16.00
Sunday
30.50
Special
14.00
Late Opening
6.00
Common Victualler
16.00
Gasoline
7.00
4,843.50
Pistol and Dealer Permits
51.00
51.00
86
Fine and Forfeitures : Court 138.00
138.00
Grants from Federal Government :
Disability Assistance :
Administration
176.15
Assistance
2,230.00
Aid to Families of Dependent Children : Administration 1,550.77
Aid 4,032.50
Medical Aid to Aged :
140.43
Administration Aid
7,697.15
Old Age Assistance :
Administration
664.30
Assistance
10,140.73
Schools :
P. L. 81-874, Education 4,972.00
P. L. 85-864, NDEA Title III 1,078.74
P. L. 85-864, NDEA Title V 4,366.75
Public Health :
Sewer Project, P-Mass-3122
3,250.00
40,299.52
Grants and Gifts from State :
Schools :
Chapter 70
41,900.78
Chapter 69 & 71
1,762.87
State Wards Tuition and Transportation 373.48
Vocational School Tuition and Transportation 2,388.76
Superintendent 1,400.00
Transportation 1962
8,935.00
87
Transportation 1963
9,678.00
Youth Service Board
3,600.00
School Building Assistance Commission
17,482.15
Highways :
Chapter 81, 1962
3,241.61
Chapter 81, 1963
6,932.51
Animal Inspection
35.00
Income Tax
3,473.00
Corporation Tax
12,525.92
Meals Tax
1,053.62
114,782.70
Loss of Taxes, State :
State Owned Land
148.72
Paraphlegic & Disabled Veterans 1962 122.00
Paraphlegic & Disabled Veterans 1963 945.00
1,215.72
Grant from County :
Dog Licenses
278.36
Wild Cat Bounty
10.00
288.36
Privileges :
Motor Vehicle Excise :
Current Year
21,952.36
Previous Years
9,851.90
Farm Animal Excise :
Current Year
305.87
Previous Years
270.61
32,380.74
88
Special Assessments : Water Betterment: Eastern Avenue Petticoat Hill
120.00
210.00
330.00
General Government: Tax Collector :
Tax Title Fees, 11.00
Municipal Liens Fees, 9.00
Collector's Cost & Fees, 354.00 Poll Tax Costs and Fees, 97.60
417.60
License Commissioners
27.00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
37.70
Dog Officer 231.00
Police, Insurance Investigations
30.00
Health, Tuberculosis
303.58
Health, Polio Clinic
18.25
1,119.13
Highways:
State, Chapter 90
Construction 1962
10,000.00
State, Chapter 90
Maintenance 1962
2,000.00
County, Chapter 90
Construction 1962
5,000.00
County, Chapter 90 Maintenance 1962
2,000.00
State, Chapter 782-1962
5,991.64
Truck and Tractor Earnings, State and County
3,217.43
Truck and Tractor Earnings, Town
4,356.25
Sale of Material and Junk
73.45
32,638.77
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Public Welfare:
General Relief :
Cities and Towns 624.00
Disability Assistance :
State, Administration
56.11
State, Assistance
2,906.44
Aid to Families of Dependent Children :
State, Administration
204.80
State, Aid 2,342.32
Medical Aid to Aged :
State, Administration
47.03
State, Aid
5,228.73
Old Age Assistance :
State, Administration
243.61
State, Assistance
10,363.49
Cities and Towns
617.26
Temporary Aid and Transportation : State 83.89
22,717.68
Veterans Services :
State
4,415.45
Workmen's Compensation,
Recovery
155.75
4,571.20
Schools :
Towns, Tuition
59,639.87
Towns, Telephone
323.70
Miscellaneous Sales
9.22
Gymnasium Rent
225.00
60,197.79
Sale of Town Histories
27.50
27.50
90
School Cafeteria : State Local
8,440.54 21,344.32
29,784.86
School Athletic Fund : Receipts 1,205.97
1,205.97
Library :
Fines
14.01
14.01
Water Department :
Rates
11,564.80
Service Connections and Repairs
1,109.87
Water Connections
and Entrances, Deposits
275.00
American Telephone and
Telegraph Right of Way
2,485.00
15,434.67
Interest :
On Deposit
1,978.03
On Deferred Taxes
2,221.61
On Farm Animal Excise 4.71
On Motor Vehicle Excise
301.94
On Water Betterment Assessments .10
On Charity Funds
2,025.66
On School Funds
5,303.10
On Clock Fund
85.00
11,920.15
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Municipal Indeptedness :
Anticipation of Revenue Loan 50.000.00
50,000.00
Agency, Investment and Trust :
Agency :
Dog Licenses for County
713.25
Investment :
Collins School Fund 12.27
Anne T. Dunphy School Fund - Benefit Anne T. Dunphy School 2,829.28
Anne T. Dunphy School Fund - Benefit
Helen E. James School
3,234.58
Onslow G. Spelman Fund
624.40
Albert D. Sanders School Fund 168.67
Byron L. Loomis School Fund
152.92
Henry M. Hills Hospital Bed Fund 82.21
Trust :
Federal Withholding Taxes 42,002.68
State Withholding Taxes 4,002.61
Massachusetts Hospital Service 4,903.06
County Retirement System
2,906.65
Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System
10,378.87
Town Hall Modernization Plans 100.00
Town Hall Sub-bid Deposits
650.00
Town Hall Prime Bid
Deposits
1,500.00
Old Age Assistance
Recovery
221.10
Cemetery Perpetual Care Income 49.72
74,532.27
92
Refunds : 4.00
Treasurer
Elections and Registration 45.00
Public Welfare
Medical Aid to Aged, Federal 7.50 Old Age Assistance, Federal, 44.30
51.80
Highways, Truck and Tractor Earnings 5.63
Fire Department
1.50
Fire Insurance, Town Buildings
22.50
Recreation Committee,
Athletic Field
16.80
State, Withholding Tax
Compensation
39.08
186.31
Transfers :
Henry M. Hills Hospital Bed Fund Income 625.50
625.50
$962,155.84
PAYMENTS GENERAL GOVERNMENT
MODERATOR
Appropriation : Payments : Moderator $ 35.00
$ 35.00
35.00
93
SELECTMEN
Appropriation : Salaries Expenses Advertising
$ 800.00
334.00
75.00
1,209.00
Payments :
Salaries
800.00
Expenses :
Postage, Travel, Telephones etc.
256.35
Dues
41.00
Pioneer Valley
25.00
Meeting
6.50
Route 143, County Petition
5.00
Advertising
56.47
1,190.32
Balance
18.68
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Appropriation :
Salary
1,300.00
Expenses
150.00
From Assessors' Recapitulation Sheet : State Audit
1,031.38
2,481.38
Payments :
Salary
1,300.00
Office Supplies
49.21
Printing, Postage and Stationery
17.75
Meetings
77.01
Dues
5.00
94
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Audit 1,031.38
2,480.35
Balance
1.03
TREASURER
Appropriation :
Salary
1,500.00
Expenses
750.00
Check Returned
4.00
Payments :
Printing, Postage
and Stationery
359.51
Bond
152.40
Dues
4.00
Office Supplies
30.88
Machine Service
25.00
Meetings
22.50
Mileage
41.75
Telephone
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