Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Williamsburg 1963, Part 4

Author: Williamsburg (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1963
Publisher: Town of Williamsburg
Number of Pages: 166


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


77


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


80


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


89


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


91


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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