USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1939 > Part 4
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Perry, H. Huntley
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Silvan, Arnold
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Perry, Richard
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Silvan, Eino
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Peterson, Charles
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Slivinski, Joseph
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Phelan, John
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Slocum, Matthew
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Phelan, Micheal
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Smith, Arthur
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Phelan, Walter
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Smith, James
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Phillips, Benjamin
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Smith, Kendell
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Phillips, Edmund
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Smith, Merle A.
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Phillips, Walter I.
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Smith, Manuel
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Pittsley, Nelson
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Souto, John S.
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Poole, Elmer
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Souza, Adelino T.
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Poole, Percy
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Souza, Gilbert
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Potter, Charles
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Souza, Marion
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Pysz, Wojciech
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Staples, Calvin
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Quintin, Leo
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Stedman, George
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Quintin, Nelson
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Stetson, George
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Quintin, Norman
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Stone, Ernest
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Ratcliff, Albert
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Storey, Albert T.
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Ratcliff, William
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Storey, Elliott J.
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Raymond, Ernest
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Storey, Waldo G.
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Reed, Frederick A.
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Swift, George H.
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Reed, Thomas H.
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Swift, Lawrence
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Reed, William V.
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Sylvester, Thomas
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Regan, Albert
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Sylvester, Maynard
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Rich, C. Elliott
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Sylvester, Warren
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Robbins, Arthur
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Sylvia, Anthony
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Rogers, John
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Sylvia, John
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Rogers, Manuel
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Talbot, Allen
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Reynolds, Henry
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Talbot, Frank
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Roman, Barney
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Tavares, Joseph
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Rose, Anthony
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Thornton, Felix
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Rose, Frank
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Thompkins, Lloyd H.
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Rose, Joseph D.
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Theruze, Frank
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Rose, Manuel
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Tolly, Edward
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Rose, Richard
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Townley, Alfred W.
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Rose, William
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Townley, Alfred W., Jr. 2.00
Sellers, Freeman
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Travers, John
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Senechall, Adelarde
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Travers, Manuel
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Seward, Leland
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Trenouth, Clarence
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Shaw, Charles
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Trond, Lewis
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ANNUAL REPORT
Turcott, George
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Whittaker, Merle
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Turner, Henry
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Whittaker, Norman
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Victorine, Joseph
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Wallace, Irving
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Victorine, Joseph, Jr.
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Whipple, Arthur
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Washburn, Forrest
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Williams, Frederick
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Washburn, Charles
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Williams, Norman
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Washburn, Gordon
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White, Merton
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Westgate, Daniel L.
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Wilson. Frederick
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Westgate, Daniel W.
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Wilson, George
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Westgate, Harold
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Wilson, John T.
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Westgate, S. Erford
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Wilson, Meredith
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Westgate, Willard
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Winchoba, Walter
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Whalen, Milton
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Winslow, Edward
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White, Chester
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Winslow, Gilbert
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White, Joseph
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Wood, Henry
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White, Louis
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Woolley, Walter
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White, Manuel
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Yurgutis, Adam
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White, Stewart
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Yurgutis, Adam, Jr.
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Whitman, Wayne
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Young, Hiram
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Whittaker, Elmer F.
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Zeitler, Charles
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Whittaker, Linneus
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Zrebrec, Martin
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Arthur E. Robbins, Chairman
Berkley, Massachusetts
Mildred A. Babbitt, Secretary 1942
Berkley, Massachusetts
Stephen A. Dow 1940
Myricks, Massachusetts
Term Expires 1941
SUPERINTENDENT Norman D. Bailey
Residence: 76 Spring Street, North Dighton
Office: Dighton High School, Segreganset
Telephone. Dighton 3361
Office Hours: 7:45-8:45, and by appointment.
Office Open: 7:30-5:00 School Days, 9-12 Saturdays.
Secretary Jessie A. Perry
School Physician Charles A. Briggs, M. D. Assonet
School Nurse Ruth A. Deane, R. N.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
In severe weather a no-school signal is broadcast from Station WEAN at 7:15-7:30, 7:45 and 8 A. M.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, BERKLEY
To the Citizens of Berkley:
After two years' absence, Mrs. A. Louise Unsworth returned to the principalship of the Berkley School in September, following the resignation of Principal Benjamin D. Thomas, who accepted a similar position at West Bridgewater.
The resignation of Mrs. Mildred Walker as teacher of grades one and two was accepted in March. Her work was taken over by Mrs. Margaret Harrington of Fall River, who served until the close of the school year. Miss Genevieve Harrington of Fall River, a graduate of the State Teachers College at Hyannis, was elected to the position, she assumed her duties in September.
The committee accepted in October the resignation of Miss Margaret O'Keefe as teacher of grades three and four. To the vacancy thus created came Miss Anne Allen of Fall River, a graduate of the State Teachers College at Bridge- water.
Some improvements in school property made during the year 1939 are worthy of mention:
a. A cement floor has been laid in the basement of the new addition to the Berkley School.
b. One room at Myricks and two at Berkley have been newly painted.
c. New screens have been provided at the Myricks School; this through the cooperation of the Myricks P. T. A. group.
d. Repairs of a general nature.
The interest of the town in a school budget is actually in that amount of the budget which may be charged against local taxation.
There follows, then a need for legislation which would make it possible for funds to revert directly to the school department and thus enable the department to ask of the town only the net amount to run the schools. The depart-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ment's budget for the year 1940 calls for a sum of $21,606.78. Reimbursement by the state will amount to approximately $13,863.61, leaving an estimated net cost to the town of $7,743.17.
Attention is called to the report of the superintendent of schools. The committee would suggest a careful reading of this report by the townspeople, since it gives a rather complete picture of the entire school program.
The committee meets regularly on the Wednesday preceding the first Saturday of every month, and it welcomes at any time the opportunity of meeting with interested individuals in regard to problems affecting the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED A. CARR BABBITT
Secretary, School Committee
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Berkley School Committee:
Mrs. Babbitt and Gentlemen:
In preparing this tenth report as superintendent of schools in the district of which Berkley is a part, I am definitely concerned with the problem of the individual child. In the last analysis schools exist for the benefit of the child, and children must be considered as individuals. In the report which follows I have stressed the attempts which the school is making to meet the needs of the individuals I have attempted to study the problem from the point of school subjects, health, guidance, and extra- curricular programs.
It has been a pleasure to work with the Berkley School Committee through these years. Problems which have come up have been approached thoughtfully and studied carefully. Time has been given to school activities and for meetings without question. For the cooperation of the members through these years I am grateful and assure you that I shall continue to give the best I can of service to Berkley boys and girls.
The Child and the Teacher.
I have used the slogan "as the teacher, so the school" many times in reports but feel it can afford repetition many times more. It is our desire that in the schools of the town there should be competent teachers, trained to meet the needs of boys and girls.
The importance of a strong teacher is indisputable. It should be pointed out, however, that because of the financial situation of the town the salary schedule has been kept at as low a point as possible. If we are to retain strong teachers any length of time it will be necessary to increase the schedule now paid.
If the teacher is to do his or her best work for the child there must be a healthy, friendly relationship existing between the child's home and the school. To foster this relationship, the department encourages home visits by
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ANNUAL REPORT
teachers and urges strongly that parents visit the schools and see, at first hand, just what is being done for the boys and girls. In the choice of teachers the department en- deavors to secure those who will fit into the friendly life of the small town.
Why have a School?
The school of a generation ago attempted to mould all of the children who entered its doors according to the same pattern. It recognized little, if any, difference in individual abilities, possibilities, or needs. It was generally assumed that every child must fit himself or herself to the program of studies offered by the school. Today, we are coming definitely to a far saner and more practical viewpoint i. e. that schools exist in order that each and every child as an individual future citizen may realize the finest development possible within his capabilities. We believe that "schools exist for the child and not the child for the school".
This concept, fundamental to the preservation of a democratic form of government, has forced educators and thinking people everywhere to look at the school program not with any attitude of placid acceptance of existing conditions, but with a challenging and questioning attitude which seeks to know what the school is really doing about the whole matter. If the school is to function effectively as a "child-centered" institution, certain basic changes in our thinking are necessary.
1. For generations the elementary school program has been organized to fit the educational needs of the average child - that fictitious child who exists only in theory. Neglect of the child who is able to acquire knowledge more rapidly and of that child whose rate of learning is slower or whose skills are manual rather than academic has been all too evident in American Education.
2. For generations we have expected children to move through school at a set rate of speed. Inability to keep this pace has been branded "failure", and ability to exceed the "average" speed has produced "misfits".
3. Outstanding ability in the manual or hand-skill was looked upon not only without favor, but even with extreme misgivings. All too often, educators attempted to set them-
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ANNUAL REPORT
selves and their personal training up as the only worth- while type of goal to be sought.
To the new ideal in education which is outlined below. - to its study and evaluation in terms of our own local needs, your department is definitely committed. Four steps are summarized:
1. Provision must be made for educational progress at a rate suited to individual capacity.
2. The "failure" concept must be eliminated-espec- ially at the elementary level.
3. Curriculum revision with the goal in mind of (a) enriched offering for the child whose physical well being and social adjustment would suffer from a short- ened school life in terms of time, (b) increased offerings in terms of hand-skilled subjects for the child who is definiely not book minded.
4. Closer adaptation of diagnostic testing and remedial instruction to the end of prevention of difficulties before they become too great to overcome.
Measuring Results:
While those general terms - "good citizenship", "ability to earn a living", general culture, and adjustability to life problems are estimates and goals of educational achieve- ment, they lack the tangible reality of measuring devices. Each year in the schools of the district we have carried on a comprehensive program of standardized testing which has as its aim the measurement of attainment in the field of specific instruction in the various subject fields. In order that the program may be of value in studying the needs of the individual child, the tests used are of a type that can determine the type of error made by each child and this provides a basis for remedial work. The program and steps followed, may be summarized.
A. Tests Used: Progressive Achievement Test - two forms, diagnostic in type, providing for discovery and analysis of individual difficulties in the various subdiv- isions of each subject field.
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ANNUAL REPORT
B. Measurements Made:
1. Achievement of each grade measured and compared with standard set for test on basis of nation-wide scores.
2. Achievement of each pupil within the grade measured and compared not only with his own grade but with the nation-wide scores.
3. Progress made by each pupil and grade over the period between tests measured and charted. Progress compared with expected normal progress.
4. Analysis of weaknesses and errors shown by rooms of pupils and by the individual pupil.
5. Analysis of range of scores - difference between high and low scores in each grade.
6. Inspection and study of our own school program in the light of the results shown.
C. Results: 1. Almost without exception the rooms in the district scored above the norms set for the test.
2. In cases of pupils whose work showed specific weaknesses it was possible to organize a program of remedial work aimed at correction of these difficulties.
3. In cases where less than normal progress was made thorough investigation to determine the reasons for this situation has been made.
Teachers are ready and glad at anytime to discuss the work of any child with parents and feel that such conferences are helpful. The attention of parents is called to the "attitude" mark shown by the small figure following the letter mark. A detailed explanation is given on the report card. It may well be pointed out, however, that where the attitude mark is less than "1" there is room for improvement. Teachers will be glad to help by pointing out just what improvement should be made.
The Child's School Attendance.
No child can be expected to do satisfactory school work unless his attendance is regular. Special emphasis should be given to the responsibility of the home in this problem. If children are to receive full value from school, they must come to school adequately fed and ready for the day's work.
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ANNUAL REPORT
If this cooperation is not given the school can not hope to do the best possible for the child.
The Health Program.
Provision is made in the school program for annual physical examination by a competent physician. Follow-up visits by the school nurse make the results of this visit known to parents. Various health clinics are made avail- able to the children of the town thro' the State Department of Public Health.
The 1940 Budget.
In preparing the 1940 budget the committee has been very careful to keep expenditures at a minimum in order that the cost to the tax-payer may be as low as possible without sacrificing matters essential to the child's education. Two matters should be called to the attention of the voters:
1. The item for insurance which has hitherto been charged in the general appropriation for town expenses is, by direction of the State Accountant's Division, placed in the school budget.
2. An emergency expenditure for a new furnace in the Berkley building is listed under New Equipment.
Berkley pupil costs are low, - and yet children are well-housed, taught by trained teachers, transported in modern busses adequately supplied with essential materials and text books.
The budget of 1940 shows a very slight reduction from that of 1939. If the item of insurance is disregarded the reduction amounts to approximately $300.00. It may be of interest to know that with two exceptions the cost of the elementary education program per pupil in Berkley is the lowest in group IV - made up of towns of under 5,000 popula- tion and not maintaining a high school. The per pupil cost in Berkley Elementary Schools is $55.60 whereas the average for Group IV towns is $82.21.
In the expense for high school education the net cost to Berkley after reimbursements - is $20.14 per year per pupil in high school.
Respectfully submitted, NORMAN D. BAILEY
Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT - FINANCIAL SUMMARY Year 1939
Expenditures:
General Control
$
765.31
Teachers' Salaries
7,289.10
Books and Supplies
582.59
Janitors' Salaries
1,058.80
Fuel
576.25
Miscellaneous Operation
84.59
Repairs
548.32
Health
505.34
Miscellaneous
9.56
Transportation
5,127.44
Tuition
5,098.50
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$ 21,645.80
Reimbursements:
General School Fund - Part I $ 3,087.84
General School Fund - Part II
2,043.00
High School Tuition
3,205.08
-
High School Transportation
3,590.40
Vocational Education
Tuition
412.06
Transportation
100.89
State Wards:
Tuition and Transportation
965.77
Superintendent
216.48
TOTAL REIMBURSEMENTS $ 13,621.52
NET COST TO TOWN
$ 8,024.28
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ANNUAL REPORT
BERKLEY PUPILS ATTENDING DIGHTON JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL December 31, 1939
Seniors-16
Adams, Margaret
Makepeace, Edwin
Dumoulin, Lorraine
Pierce, Cynthia
Harrison, David
Poole, Stanley
Haskins, Frederic
Stedman, George
Hyde, Richard
Trond, Stella
Hyde, John Paul Jack, William Jennings, Helen
Trond, Rose
Wilson, Ruth
Wood, Doris
Juniors-12
Boyle, Mary
Colpitts, Arnold
Dulak, John Hall, Helen Ide, Constance Jones, Rossa
Martin, Lena
Martin, Evelyn
Medas, Isabelle
Paull, Willard
Phillips, Sheldon
Whitman, Verna
Sophomores-12
* * Dansereau, Louis Dumoulin, Olive Fernandes, Victoria Forrest, Dorothy Furtado, Gilbert Hathaway, Norman
Howland, Alfred Marshall, David
* Marshall, Eleanor Ratcliffe, Albert
*Senechal, Fenalla Williams, Lester
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ANNUAL REPORT
Freshmen-19
* Ames, Edith Brier, Gloria
Colpitts, Thelma
Paige, Margaret
Forrest, Mildred
Pearson, Bertha
Hadro, Helen Harrison, Ernest
Pierce, Clifford
Silvia, James
Souto, Mary
* Westgate, Madeline
*Williams, Helen
Special Class-5
*Everett Clinton
** George Hoyt
Walter Jones ** Fred Hoyt ** Kenneth Allen *Household Arts Pupils ** State Wards
New Bedford Vocational School
Rose, Manuel Rose, Franklin
Edward Victurine
Jennings, Hollis Little, Iona
** Lord, Fred McAlice, Robert
Milko, Mary
Moskol, Celia
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN AND SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir:
We hereby submit our annual report.
It is with pleasure we report that a dental clinic has been established through the interest of the Myricks Parent Teachers Association and parents of the Berkley Common School pupils. We feel confident that the clinic will become an accepted part of the school health program.
The Well Child Conference held in both precincts of the town were well attended, with twenty-nine children examined. Much interest was shown by the mothers. Al- though this conference is held under the direction of the State Department of Public Health, the Myricks Parent Teachers Association and the Sewing Circle of the Berkley Congregational Church were the sponsors of the program.
We again had the use of the State Audiometer instru- ment for the ear testing of the pupils. Of the five pupils showing defective hearing, three have irremediable defects, the others are under advisement of Doctors. This type of testing is much more scientific than the whisper test form- erly used proving of great value to pupil, teacher and parent.
When the physical examinations were given this fall 188 pupils were examined. A great improvement in posture was noted among the Berkley school pupils. Which we feel shows the results of the physical exercise classes started in the school in September 1938. Of the six pupils needing tonsil operations, one has received necessary treat- ment and plans are underway for the treatment of the others. A number of borderline defective eye sight cases were noted, the cause of which is still undetermined.
At the diphtheria immunization clinic seven children received treatment and four children attended the pre- school clinic.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In closing we wish to thank the teachers for their cooperation which is so necessary in the carrying out of the Health Program.
Nurse's home calls 101
Nurse's classroom visits 305
Nurse's hours 302
Nurse's mileage 1,216
Respectfully submitted CHARLES A. BRIGGS, M. D. School Physician
RUTH A. DEANE, R. N.
School Nurse
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Mr. Bailey:
It is with pleasure that I again submit a report on the work accomplished in music in the Berkley schools this past year.
Grades 1 and 2 have learned a large number of rote songs some of which were purely art songs taught for their melodic beauty, others for their time precision, for rhythmic action; and still others for future basic development. Scale singing, tonic chord skips, simple board notation for reading and writing comprised very largely the techinical work of these two grades.
Again, throughout the system, special emphasis was placed on tone quality and facility in reading. A real effort was made to train the child in recognizing groups of notes and so speed up the work in visualization. Choir leadership and individual singing are always encouraged. Antiphonal singing by individuals, groups or grades has given much pleasure and stimulated class interest and enthusiasm. Some songs lend themselves very delightfully to this type of choral ensemble.
In September grades three and four were again com- bined in one class at the Berkley Common School. It also seemed wise to admit to the adult class those sixth grade boys whose voices were undergoing a change. The text books for sixth grade do not take care of the changing voice. The adolescent voice causes much embarrassment, uncer- tainty and lack of confidence. The range in some cases is so limited the boy feels helpless and hopeless. However this all resolves itself into permanency with excellent results in the high school chorus.
In Myricks I think the 5th and 6th grade group could easily handle a more advanced text book. This is a good working class and the pupils have pretty thoroughly covered the present material. A new book would increase interest and stimulate enthusiasm.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Berkley is to be congratulated for carrying on its work in music in these difficult times. But Music is Beauty, - and Beauty, Love and Wisdom help us to live. Aside from its cultural values, school music is one of the best instruments in training for good citizenship.
Yours very truly LOIS J. SNOW,
Supervisor of Music
SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Berkley Grammar
*A. Louise Unsworth, Principal James Horton Francis Champagne * Anne Allen *Genevieve Harrington
Grades 7-8
Berkley, Mass. Orchard St., Taunton, Mass.
Grade 6
Grades 4-5 21 Walnut St., Taunton, Mass.
Grades 3-4 4666 N. Main St., Fall River, Mass.
Grades 1-2
298 Whipple St., Fall River, Mass.
Myricks
Millicent B. Hackett Dorothea McAloon
Grades 5-8 185 Dean St., Taunton, Mass.
Grades 1-4 34 Myrtle St., Taunton, Mass.
Music Supervisor Lois J. Snow
Superintendent of Schools Norman D. Bailey
Secretary Jessie A. Perry *New teachers employed in 1939
Taunton, Mass.
North Dighton, Mass.
Dighton, Mass.
Resignations received in 1939 Margaret O'Keefe Benjamin Thomas Mildred Walker
ANNUAL REPORT
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ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE SHOWING MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES
December 31, 1939
Room
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Berkley V
14
19 33
Berkley IV
30
30
Berkley III
10
22
32
Berkley II
16
7
23
Berkley I
14
16
30
Myricks II
4
7
5
3
19
Myricks I
5
5
6
4
20
19 21 22
21 26
37
19
22 187
Grand Total in Local Schools
187
New Bedford Vocational School
3
Dighton - Regular
54
Dighton - Vocational
5
Dighton - Special
4
66
Total pupils in local and outside schools 253
PROPERTY OF ATAKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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