USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > Town annual report for the town of Duxbury for the year ending 1946-1950 > Part 9
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Mrs. Muriel O. Ferrell, Secretary
Earl P. Bassett Manual Arts B. S. E., Massachusetts Normal Art School, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard School of Engineering, Rhode Island State University.
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Bassett English A. B., Boston University, Rhode Island College of Education, Harvard Graduate School.
Mrs. Elesebeth B. Bencordo Librarian
Ralph N. Blakeman Physical Education, Science, Math B. S. in Ed., Ed. M., Boston University.
Miss Marjorie H. Buckle Grade Five and Six B. S. in Ed., Hyannis State College, Posse-Nissen.
Miss Virginia M. Carlson Home Economics
B. S. in Ed., Framingham State Teachers' College.
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Miss Genevieve M. Collins B. S., Boston University.
Commercial
Miss Ellen W. Downey Grades Seven and Eight Partridge Academy, Boston University, Harvard Ex- tension Courses.
Mrs. Ella B. Hebberd Art Bridgewater State Teachers' College.
Mrs. Carola E. Kapff Physical Education, Health Thayer Academy, Bouve, Pitt University.
Miss Charlotte D. LeClaire Foreign Languages A. B., Boston University, Harvard Graduate School.
Miss Helen Newhall Grade Five B. S. in Ed., Boston University, Perry Kindergarten, Tufts College, Harvard Graduate School.
Mrs. Alice L. O'Neil Grade Six North Adams Normal School.
John S. Peck, Jr. English, Commercial, Science B. S. in Ed., M. S. Ed., New York State College for Teachers, Castleton Normal School.
Kendall W. Reynolds Music Mus. B., Boston University, Graceland Junior Col- lege.
Rodney R. Wood Social Studies A. B., Ed. M., Tufts College.
Charles Schwab Custodian
Ellis F. Harrison Custodian
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Miss Eleanor Hodgdon
Mrs. Gladys MacKeown
Miss Laura Merry
Miss Dorothy Morrison
Mrs. Verna Schwab
Lunch Room
Lunch Room
Lunch Room
Lunch Room
Lunch Room
POINT SCHOOL
Mrs. Ethel D. Tiffany Grade One MacDonald College, Harvard, Boston University.
George R. Needham Custodian
VILLAGE SCHOOL
Miss Sara E. Paulding, Principal Grade Four
Partridge Academy, Columbia University, Harvard, Hyannis Normal School, State Extension Courses.
Miss Helen M. Card Grade Three and Four Ed. B., Rhode Island College of Education.
Mrs. Ruth E. Krueger Grade Three
Bridgewater Normal School.
Nahum Hodgdon Custodian
TARKILN SCHOOL
Mrs. M. Abbie Peckham, Principal Grade Two Partridge Academy, Hyannis Normal School, State Extension Courses.
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Mrs. Lena A. Macomber Salem Normal School.
Grade One and Two
Manuel Martin
Custodian
AMERICANIZATION CLASS
Mrs. Ella B. Donovan, Plymouth, Mass.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1946-1947
September
4
School Opens
October
18
Teachers' Convention
November
11 Armistice Day
November
21-22
Thanksgiving Recess
December
20
Christmas Recess
January
2
School Reopens
February
24
Winter Recess
March
3
School Reopens
April
21
Spring Vacation
April
28
School Reopens
May
30
Memorial Day
June
13
High School Graduation
June
20
Summer Recess
ADMITTANCE
Any child who is five years and eight months of age on or before September 1, may be admitted to the first grade. Any child who is five years of age Septem-
223
ber 1, and whose mental age is six years or more as determined by means of standard tests, and whose physical condition and social maturity is satisfactory, may be admitted to the first grade. Any child five years and eight months or older may be excluded by the School Committee upon the recommendation of the Superintendent if investigation indicates that admit- tance would not be in the best interests of that child or of the other children in the school.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
School is usually called off only when bus trans- portation is unsafe. It may occasionally be called off during an extremely severe storm. On such days an announcement is made over Stations WBZ and WEEI, between 7:15 and 745. Parents are not expected to send their children to school on days when, in their opinion, the weather is such as to endanger the health of the child. Such absences are excused on receipt of a written excuse.
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Report of School Committee
To the Citizens of Duxbury :
Approximately one year ago, your School Commit- tee presented to you a "Three Year Plan of Educa- tional Development" for Duxbury. In many respects we have been able to attain our objectives; in others, circumstances beyond our control have forced us to delay our schedule. This is your first opportunity for comparison and we present herewith our report for the calendar year 1946 together with a statement of future needs.
In the field of ADMINISTRATION, the School Com- mittee has revised its Rules and Regulations. The simple system of accounts mentioned in the Annual Report for last year has been satisfactory and instru- mental in enabling the School Department to stay within its budget during the very difficult year of 1946. Particular attention has been given this year to the subject of discipline. The method by which new teachers are selected has been improved and standard- ized. The Superintendent of Schools and two members of the School Committee have devoted considerable time in aiding the Elementary School Building Com- mittee in the design of the proposed new elementary school building. The Superintendent and the Principal of the High School have held regular and frequent ยท teachers' meetings to solve current problems and to develop a course of study.
In the field of INSTRUCTION, we have added the three new teachers scheduled in the "Three Year Plan." Following the resignation of Miss Jeannette
225
Woodward, the position of remedial reading instructor was left unfilled inasmuch as most of the problems in this field had been corrected by Miss Woodward. The High School library is now able to provide an expanded service with the librarian on a half-time basis. An ad- ditional combination grade in the basement of the High School relieves the teaching burden in the fifth and sixth grades-in an unsatisfactory manner, but the best apparent temporary solution.
The supervisory service in handwriting proved satis- factory and has been continued through the present school year.
We are glad to welcome back from the United States Navy-Mr. Leroy N. MacKenney who will again teach mathematics and science, again act in the capacity of Vice-Principal of the High School, and by assuming some of the duties of Principal Walter Scott will per- mit the latter to become Guidance Officer as well as Principal of the High School.
This past year to a greater extent even than in the previous year, the teachers have engaged in outside study. The School Committee is particularly appre- ciative of this cooperation on the part of the teaching staff in bringing to Duxbury the newest developments in public school education. The Iowa Tests, introduced last year, have shown effectively which areas of in- struction need emphasis and this emphasis has been given. This year's Iowa Tests show definite improve- ment in the areas of :
1. Correctness in writing.
2. Reading, natural sciences and social studies.
3. Uses of sources of information.
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Duxbury should have a kindergarten, but the abso- lute lack of space in our present buildings together with the great expense of converting any other avail- able buildings for temporary use make it appear neces- sary to defer this project until a new elementary school building is available.
We cannot emphasize adequately the inadequacy of the SCHOOL PLANT. There are at present two ele- mentary classes in basement rooms which are utterly inadequate. It is quite probable that any delay in the construction of a new elementary school building will force the schools to operate on a two-session basis in the elementary grades. In 1947-1948, a large class will enter the High School to cause crowding. The only economical long-range solution to the problem of hous- ing is the construction of a consolidated elementary school building as soon as possible.
In FINANCES, the School Committee is pleased to report that it has been able to complete the calendar year without the necessity of requesting additional funds although 1946 was a year of rapidly rising costs. Our budget of $109,484 for the support of the schools during 1947 is well above the 1946 budget (and actual expense) of $77,991 and also above the figure in the "Three Year Plan" which estimated $85,000 for 1947 (exclusive of Outlay, however.)
During the past year, the cost of materials and sup- plies has increased approximately 25%. By far the greater part of the increase in the budget, however, will be in the salaries for all School Department em- ployees; (1) Replacement of three teachers who re- signed was possible only at an added cost of $2,000. (2) Two war-time teaching substitutes have been re-
227
placed by higher-salaried permanent teachers who have returned from military service. (3) The increased cost of living requires an upward adjustment in the salaries of non-professional staff. (4) The teachers have re- ceived a cost-of-living adjustment of approximately $200 (provided in the Salary Schedule) plus a general increase of $300 in each basic salary step of the Salary Schedule.
This School Committee, in agreement with a great many school committees in our state, has acted on the premise that the increase in the cost of living has com- pletely outstripped the increase in the rate of renumer- ation for teachers. This fact, coupled with an acute shortage of teachers, make a drastic upward revision of salaries necessary at this time. It was not possible to foresee this condition a year ago nor it is possible to tell definitely at this time as to whether enough has been done to maintain or recruit a competent staff. Unless further radical changes become necessary, our budget for 1947 makes satisfactory provisions for sal- aries and expenses.
During the past year many changes have been made at your request. Please continue your interest and criti- cism in order that we may continue to adapt the schools to the needs of Duxbury.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH G. GARSIDE, Chairman LORING R. C. MUGFORD, Secretary GEORGE C. SCOTT, J. NEWTON SHIRLEY, HERBERT C. WIRT.
228 Report of Superintendent
Duxbury School Committee
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith present my second annual report as Su- perintendent of Schools. The year 1946 has been a diffi- cult one in the management of schools as it has been in the management of any enterprise. The schools have been faced with the problem of maintaining quality of personnel, materials and standards of work at a time when a rapidly rising market was making it extremely difficult to do so on a fixed budget. Under such condi- tions, it became impossible to do all the things necessi- tating the spending of money to the extent that they were originally planned. During this period of infla- tion, it has been and will be our policy to employ the very best personnel that we can obtain within our means, to give priority to those educational materials which are the most promising in terms of furthering the learning process, and to make those repairs that are needed in order to save greater expenditures in the long run.
THE SCHOOL PLANT. During 1946, work on the high school roof was completed, the windows on the east were weatherstripped in order to reduce leakage of water and to save fuel, and the front trim was painted. Work on the interior was largely confined to making emergency repairs on the plumbing and to increasing the quality of treatment of the floors, and
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general cleaning of the building. In the elementary schools only those repairs were made which were abso- lutely necessary or would make a definite contribution to the instructional program. It is felt that this is the wisest policy if we are looking toward the building of a new elementary school.
THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM. The work done in connection with improving the instructional program in the high school is treated at some length in the re- port of the Principal. It might be mentioned that dur- ing the year our high school was admitted to the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, an organization that requires set standards and to which all schools are not admitted. Since some of these standards concern the curriculum, this indi- cates that the work done in Duxbury is in accordance with the best practice.
The elementary school teachers have adopted one of the best basic reading systems for use in grades one to six. This assures a well developed program through all the years of elementary schooling and provides for the development of the many skills needed in reading as the child grows older. A single arithmetic program now extends from the first grade through the sixth and this too, is organized in such a way as to consti- tute a course of study although it is not written up as such. Modern English books were adopted for basal use in grades three and four and this system will grad- ually be extended to grades five and six. Besides the spelling that is taught in connection with the regular school work, a systematic program is used which not only develops ability to spell, but improves dictionary practices as well. Our major project started in 1946 and continuing into 1947, will be the formulation of
230
a course of study in social studies which includes his- tory and geography for all elementary grades. The method used in developing it will assure us of having a program that is consistent with the best successfully developed courses in other school systems.
There are several problems that are always with us or with any school system. They might be briefly stated as follows:
1. How can a class of thirty pupils be conducted and at the same time provide for the groups that learn at varying rates of speed ?
This is done in the tool studies by having pupils work in small groups, and in social studies work by having various types of assign- ments which are given to pupils according to their needs and interests. No school has com- pletely solved the problem, but in Duxbury as in other systems, we are conscious of the prob- lem and continually building up materials and studying methods that will make progress pos- sible.
2. What policy will be followed in regard to pro- moting or retarding pupils in the grades?
The policy being followed at the present time is an individual one. There are no rules, but no child is held back unless the teachers or parents, or both, feel that it would be of ad- vantage for a child to repeat the grade. Double promotions are seldom given and then only under exceptional circumstances. Since there are likely to be many levels of ability within any grade, this promotion policy serves to keep the child close to his own age group but at the
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.
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same time does not complicate the process of providing for the individual differences among children.
FINANCING THE SCHOOLS. The problem of fi- nancing the schools has been brought sharply into focus in the last few years because of the inflationary period and an acute shortage of teachers. The outlook for help to the towns from the Federal Government is not favorable. The possibility of help to the towns from the state government is favorable at the present time because in many of our municipalities tremendous pressure on the real estate owner is demanding that another way be found to finance schools.
There is a strong realization of the importance of education in the post-war world accompanied by pub- lic insistence that greater efforts be made to adapt education to all the children of all the people. It is this change in viewpoint as well as the inflationary tendencies of the time which have made such increases in school budgets necessary. We, in Duxbury, must choose between an increase in our budget or a severe curtailment of the standards and services we are seek- ing to provide. We have chosen to maintain our standards.
SERVICES. With a great deal of cooperation from the Health Department, the Nurse's Association, and the School Doctor, distinct improvements have been made in some services rendered this year. This is par- ticularly true of :
1. The physical examinations. The Nurse's Report explains this in some detail, but I would like to emphasize here that such an examination
232
is far more helpful than a more superficial one. It is unfortunate that we do not have the facili- ties within our school system to do it in our school buildings.
2. The Nurse's Association, on an experimental basis, is helping the Lunch Room to the extent of paying an amount equal to the cost of the meat for one meal a week. This enables us to serve three meat meals per week at the present time-the complete dinner costing twenty- three cents. This does not change the nutri- tional standard of our meals, but does make them more appealing to children and thereby encourages more people to take advantage of the opportunity.
3. The return of the boys' physical education in- structor from the services has made it possible to give our boys the advantages of a skilled instructor in that field. A great deal of credit is due to the men on the faculty who gave their time to carry on the boys' athletic program in addition to their regular work, when the school was without its director. However, a trained person for the boys and one for the girls are great assets to any school system and we are now fortunate enough to have both.
MAJOR PROBLEMS. As we look forward to the new year, the major problem in Duxbury will be organ- izing our program in such a way that we can make our work increasingly effective while outgrowing the physical plant. This will not be an easy task, but we should get by for one more year. If the new school is not forthcoming in 1948, we probably will
233
have no choice but to curtail the school program. In common with other schools, there are three problems which will have great emphasis for the next few years :
1. The problem of securing competent replace- ments when teachers leave. A visit to our class- rooms will indicate that up to the present time we have been able to cope most successfully with that problem.
2. The study of the curriculum and making changes in it in order to prepare pupils for the life or training that will come beyond the high school.
A reading of the various reports in this book will indicate that this phase of the work is not neglected and that progress is being made. In some respects, it is possible to make rapid progress and in others, progress must be slow. We are conscious of the problem and feel that we are making real strides in solving it.
3. In all school systems, in varying degrees, there is likely to develop misunderstandings between parents on the one hand and teachers on the other. This develops into a very bad situation for the child unless parents and teachers can get together on it without delay. If parents feel that their children are not getting what they should in the school, the best policy is to take the time to arrange a conference with the teacher so that difficulties may be ironed out before they become too great.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the School Com- mittee for its help and cooperation in improving the schools during this past year. I would also like to
234
thank all the members of the school staff for their co- operation and their willingness at all times to incon- venience themselves in order to do better work or to provide better services for our children.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN A. WHITEHEAD,
Superintendent of Schools.
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Report of High School Principal
Mr. John A. Whitehead
Superintendent of Schools Duxbury, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
When the present high school principal assumed his duties in 1944, he accepted as his responsibility the improvement of the program of secondary education (Grades Seven through Twelve) in Duxbury. The as- sumption that changes, looking toward improvement, were desired by the School Committee and towns- people, as well as necessary in the light of educational science, was based chiefly on the report of a survey of the schools (1943) by the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Since this is the third year of work on this program of improvement, a report on the progress being made should be presented.
The survey committee made specific recommenda- tions for improving the program of the High School.
1. Duxbury needs an adequate supervisory program.
Since 1944 regular weekly faculty meetings have been held in which the problems peculiar to this school and its students have been discussed. Research and study have been carried on and procedures and regulations have been adopted by faculty agreement which have completely solved some problems and made much progress
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in the gradual solution of others of a long term nature. Many will take longer than three years. Consequently, the staff expects progress, not a complete solution, in a period of two and a third years.
2. In Grade Nine, a full-year course should be re- quired in English, general science and community civics.
In Grade Nine English, general science, commu- nity civics, and mathematics are required of all students.
3. A course in junior business training should be offered in either Grade Nine or Grade Ten.
Junior business training is now offered for students in Grade Ten.
4. There should be a home mechanics course in Grade Nine open to boys and girls.
At present a home mechanics course including some elementary layout drawing is required of all boys in Grades Seven and Eight. General shop practice including mechanical drawing and ele- mentary blueprints, electricity, wood work, sheet metal work and use of power tools is elective by boys or girls in Grade Nine. A course in mechan- ical drawing is elective by boys and girls in Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve. Advanced shop work is open to boys and girls of Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve upon election. The time schedule for all industrial courses above Grades Seven and Eight is flexible and may vary from the minimum with the interest or objective of the student.
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5. Restrictions which hedge the mechanical draw- ing course should be removed.
Mechanical Drawing is now open to boys or girls in Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve.
6. In Grade Eleven, only one English course need be offered.
One English course is now offered in Grade Eleven.
7. The present senior course in Problems of Ameri- can Democracy should give direct and specific preparation for the civic responsibilities to be as- sumed by students in the high school.
At present a course in Modern Problems is re- quired in the Twelfth Grade. It is carried on under modern dynamic teaching procedures and deals with political, social and economic prob- lems facing the people of the United States and the world at this very moment.
8. Reschedule the program of studies to a seven- period day or even a six-period day of approxi- mately the same length as the present schedule.
The high school program is operating on a six- period day, each period fifty-five minutes long, thirty minutes for lunch.
9. Revise the content of the present courses so as to emphasize development not only of the mechani- cal skills in the subjects taught but also the understandings, interpretations and applications of these skills. This is a project for all teachers in the school as well as for the principal.
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Partly through the supervisory program of staff improvement and partly through careful discrim- ination in the employment of new teachers when vacancies occur in order to maintain our stand- ards in these difficult times, progress is being made in providing for this need.
This is one of the problems mentioned above which requires time and study to complete and even more time before any results will become apparent.
10. Expand the guidance program so that its services are related more closely to the classroom activi- ties. This includes guidance not only in academic matters, but also in personal problems. Provide for all boys and girls in the vocational courses near the end of the high school careers some work experience related to their occupational in- terest.
Up to 1945, the guidance carried on was chiefly that in educational planning. In 1945-46 the re- sponsibilities of carrying an expanded guidance program was given to one of the regular mem- bers of the high school faculty. Guidance in edu- cational, social and vocational matters was in- cluded in this program. New and more complete ways of recording, filing and testing were insti- tuted. Group guidance classes for Grades Eight and Nine were started. A work experience pro- gram for all twelfth graders not planning to enter college was begun through cooperation of Dux- bury and Plymouth businesses and stores.
Part time work experience opportunities are arranged by the school office to the mutual bene- fit of students and townspeople. Our own cafe-
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teria is used to provide experiences for several students in both business and foods work. Home room teachers were made responsible for general guidance of their students. The guidance director is now on call whenever particular problems arise. Each student is interviewed by his home room teacher in planning his complete educa- tional program in our school. Each student is also interviewed at least once or twice a year by the guidance director. A series of twenty vocational guidance motion pictures are shown during the school year to Eighth and Ninth Grade students and others who are interested.
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