USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1947 > Part 6
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Financial
This year the Town received by way of reimbursements from the State on account of School Department items the sum of $16,153.64, which was $3,462.12 more than was an- ticipated. The net cost of operating the schools was thereby reduced from $19,478.18 as was estimated to the actual amount of $16,106.06. The budget that will be submitted at this year's Town Meeting will increase the net cost of operating the schools by the sum of $261.67 over the net of 1947.
The School Department Budget is a cut budget in re- spect to many items. It is purposely set up this way because in some years there is a balance in our tuition account to take care of various needs of the school and to provide for emer- gencies. Such a balance in the tuition account in 1943 paid for the finishing of the auditorium. This year such a balance helped pay for the installation of fluorescent lights. This im- provement provides an average illumination of 25 foot can- dles, the minimum recommended by lighting authorities, in- stead of the average of 5 foot candles on dark days as was true before. We are fortunate if we have good eyesight and one of the obligations of any school committee is to eliminate lighting conditions that are detrimental to seeing and that may ruin a child's eyes. No better expenditure of school funds could possibly be found.
Although there is general agreement that State Aid for education is necessary to supplement the local real estate tax, no relief was provided by the 1947 Legislature except for an increase in the transportation aid. Several plans for State
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ANNUAL REPORT
Aid will again be presented at this session of the Legislature whereby a town such as Berkley will be aided appreciably.
Although the cost of all services, equipment, supplies, books, fuel, repairs etc., have advanced it is interesting to note that most changes occur in items that are largely beyond our control.
School Personnel
During the year we had only one change in our teaching staff. Miss Katherine Rogers, a graduate of Bridgewater Teachers' College was chosen by the School Committee as teacher of grades two and three to replace Miss Clementine Magliano who accepted a position in Brockton. By increasing salaries of teachers to the point where they are comparable to the scale paid in Taunton we have been able to keep our faculty intact. The seriousness of the state and national situa- tion regarding teachers and salaries has been discussed in previous reports and needs no repetition here, except to state that the past year has brought little improvement.
School Plant
The following improvements were undertaken during 1947 :
1. Pointing up of building
2. Continuance of redecorating project in classrooms
3. Cleaning and repairing of furnaces
4. Painting of exterior window sash and casings
5. Installation of outside light over east door
6. Telephone installation
7. Construction of classroom bulletin boards
8. Replacement of two old clocks with electric clocks
9. Provisions for auxilliary lighting for auditorium in accordance with requirements of State Law.
The results of the tests made of the school water supply show that it meets all the public health standards.
Support of Schools
Within certain limits the Town will have the kind of
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ANNUAL REPORT
education that the townspeople desire. The schools belong, not to the teachers, the school Committee, or the superinten- dent, but to the citizens of the Town. The Town votes funds for just one reason : to provide an education for the children of Berkley. Very often we find individuals who seem to think that they are doing the School Committee a favor by approv- ing funds, or they believe they are hurting the School Com- mittee by withholding funds. The School Committee is a body of citizens who are elected by the voters to operate the schools according to the Law. If the voters do not like the way in which the schools are operated they have recourse through the ballot box.
School budgets are increasing everywhere, just as are all other services. To provide the same school services as is customary means that we must expect increases from time to time in our budget. The School Committee, being close to the needs of the schools, are in a better position to determine what is necessary than are other individuals. If school pro- blems can be better decided by Selectmen, Finance Commit- tee members, or other Town officials then it is better that the townspeople elect such persons to the School Committee.
General
The purchase of a set of The Book of Knowledge and a set of Encyclopedia Brittanica filled a need that has existed for the past few years.
Only two contractors were interested in bidding for the transportation of the school children. Inasmuch as both bids were for $8,000 the contract was awarded to Mr. Trenouth for that sum.
The report of the dental clinic that was started this year is described by Mrs. Dillingham and deserves your serious attention. More and more communities have realized that pro- visions for the care of the teeth of school children must be accepted as a town problem if we expect the children to have adequate dental service. The difficulties involved in making appointments, in transportation, and in financing, have been factors that have contributed toward making such a step necessary if the very poor condition of the teeth is to be im- proved. Solution of this problem is a function of the Board of Health and is not within the scope of the School Depart- ment.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Conclusion
During the past year improvement in the schools and in the cooperation and interest of the townspeople have been most gratifying. On the whole the morale in the schools and in the Town seems to be on the upgrade. Let us continue to show the interest and support so necessary for harmony and progress in any community.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the towns- people, to the School Committee, and to the aducation-minded town officials for their interest in the best welfare of the child- ren of the town.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. ROLFE Supt. of Schools
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Superintendent John T. Rolfe Berkley, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rolfe :
I herewith submit my report on the work done in music in the schools of Berkley for the year 1947.
During the winter months the course of music study was followed and necessary drill given on each new problem. It was decided to present a cantata. AMERICA THE BEAUTI- FUL, for the graduation exercises. Such a theme requires a large group because of the choruses for boys and the choruses for girls and particularly for inspirational and dramatic effects. The work was begun at once because of memorization. The subject necessitated a knowledge of the historical background that built up this America so beautiful. These things were discussed and research made so the atmosphere would be ab- sorbed by the singers and they in turn would carry the mes- sage of heroic suffering of our forefathers, and the trying problems of the builders of our nation, to the listeners in the
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ANNUAL REPORT
audience. To do this was hard work for all. The fifth and sixth grades joined the seventh and eighth and while the regular school book lesson was abandoned for the time being, it may be those who participated got something out of the words and music that will be with them consciously or un- consciously through the years.
In September we learned the school was to give an entertainment. To do this and to do it well meant much thought, much drill and much patient forbearance. The teachers in the system are not content, far less satisfied, to present to the public something monotonous, with no variety. no attempt at contrast, no precision, and it is astonishing how difficult it is for some children to learn the simplest rhythmic step. A program of the SONGS OF YESTERDAY was de- cided upon with a few folk dances to relieve the monotony of repetition. A large and appreciative audience was present on the night in November. Much credit is due the teachers for the ease with which the respective groups went on and off the platform.
During the year lessons in music appreciation were con- ducted. Music stories were told and heard and selections played for the mere art of learning to listen and to appreciate. Work in the rhythm band was carried on and in the younger grades action songs and folk dances were taught. While the weather was warm the school assembled in the music room on Thursday afternoon for the singing of community songs and on occasion the different grades rose in their places and sang to the others.
The supervisor finds no discipline problems in the school, no lack of courtesy or cooperation.
If the auditorium were only warm enough so it could be used oftener more rhythmic work could be done in folk dances, physical exercises set to music ; piano class instruction could be carried on without interference to other working groups. These things no doubt will come in time.
I wish to thank you and the members of the school board for the necessary equipment furnished me and I would also thank the teachers for their friendly attitude towards me al- ways.
Yours truly, LOIS J. SNOW Music Supervisor
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools Dear Sir :
I hereby submit my annual report as school nurse for the Town of Berkley.
I am glad to report a dental clinic has been started for the pupils of the Berkley Grammar School. The Berkley Women's Club and the Berkley Men's Club have generously given money to start and maintain this clinic for a trial period. H. F. Leroy Latimer DDS is the dentist. Dr. Lati- mer is conscientious and thorough. The pupils are taken to Dr. Latimer's office where they get first class work done in a modern dental office. Work is done on an hourly basis.
Each pupil pays $1.00 per operation. This money goes back into the dental fund. During November and December sixteen pupils were taken to the dentist's office. Fifty-four fillings, 19 extractions, 7 X-rays, and 8 cleanings were com- pleted. This is a much needed service and I hope it will be possible to make the dental clinic a permanent part of the Health Program.
A physical examination was given to every pupil by Charles M. Souza, M. D., school physican. No serious de- fects were found. Poor teeth and defected tonsils were the outstanding defects found among the pupils. These examina- tions are required by Law and are to inform the parents of any physical defects. The correction of these defects is the parents responsibility.
The toxoid clinic was held in the early spring with twenty- four children completing the treatment. A large number of pupils were given a booster dose of toxoid. This booster dose is given to keep up immunity against diphtheria.
The Pre-school clinic was well attended in May.
There was an epidemic of mumps in the early spring. Sixty-five pupils contracted this highly contagious disease. It is so very important that parents watch for early symptoms and keep their children home from school until they are sure the child does not have a communicable disease. This is the only way to prevent the spread of infection from commun- icable disease.
I enjoy working with the pupils, parents and teachers and appreciate the cooperation I have received.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLA F. DILLINGHAM, R. N.
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATION PROGRAM
BERKLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
June 3, 1947
Auditorium 8 P. M.
PROGRAM
PROCESSIONAL INVOCATION
Rev. Joseph Pritchard Pastor, Myricks Methodist Church
RESPONSE "Kamenoi-Ostrov" Rubenstein
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
Patrick H. Rose
CANTATA "America the Beautiful" Grades 5-8
a. "America the Beautiful"
b.
"Our Emblem"
c. "The Pilgrims"
Nancy Smith
d. "The Land of Beginning Again" Girls' Chorus
e. "The Revolutionary War" Edward DeMille Boys' Chorus
f. "America Victorious
g. "Leaders of Men"
h. "Betsy Ross" Viola McCrohan
1.
"Betsy Ross"
Girls' Chorus
j. "Building a Nation"
k. "The Pioneers"
Stuart Hunter
1. "Wagon Wheels"
"God Save America"
ADDRESS
Dr. Margaret M. Poole
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS John J. Rolfe Superintendent of Schools
BENEDICTION Rev. Joseph Pritchard
RECESSIONAL
Lois J. Snow, Music Supervisor
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATES
Edith Louise Brailey
John Cambra
George Thomas Cudworth, Jr.
Edward A. DeMille
Robert E. Flint
Stuart M. Hunter
Viola Mary McCrohan
Richard Paul Miller
Hilda Nunes
Patrick H. Rose
Richard Harold Senechal
Joseph Robert Slivinski, Jr.
Nancy Lee Smith
Ernest A. Victurine
Ruth Aylsworth White
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ANNUAL REPORT
BERKLEY PUPILS ATTENDING DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL DECEMBER 31, 1947
Freshmen
Edith Brailey *Edward DeMille Stuart M. Hunter
+Viola McCrohan *Richard P. Miller
+Hilda Nunes Patrick H. Rose
Joseph R. Slivinski Nancy Smith Ruth A. White
Sophomores
John W. Barrow *Charles Bettencourt Eva Briggs
Margaret DeMoura
Elsie Furtado
Robert H. Hunter
Isabel King Elaine Lefaivre
*Richard Longton Marilyn Mackintosh Sally Ann Milko
*John Rose Ralph E. Sherman Lois Townley
*Paul Trenouth Walter Wonchoba
Patricia Young
Martha Bindon +Frances Crimlisk Priscilla Dillingham *Stanley Hadro Francis Moskal
Juniors
Betty Poole June Reed
Evelyn Remy
*Francis Rose
Dorothy Stetson
Seniors
Edith Baldwin
Joseph Cambra
Emily Dulak Josephine Furtado Rita Garrity
*Lester Makepeace, Jr. +Lorraine Nunes Nelson D. Pittsley
Robert O. Rose Catherine Sellars Alice Young
*Vocational Shop students +Household Arts students
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1947
Appropriation
$32,169 70
Expenditures
General Control
$ 1,002.61
Teachers' Salaries
10,936.11
Books and Supplies
717.76
Janitor's Salary
1,826.75
Fuel
878.85
Repairs
710.05
New Equipment
804.01
Health
540.81
Transportation
7,480.00
Tuition
6,769.56
Miscellaneous
141.14
Electricity
79.56
Insurance
282.00
Balance
.49
$32,169.70
Net Cost to Town
Expenditures
$32,169.21
Receipts - 1947
Reimbursement Teachers' Salaries,
Part I
$ 1,510.00
Reimbursement Teachers' Salaries,
Part II
2,324.52
Reimbursement Voc'l tuition and transportation 1,145.14
Reimbursement Supt's salary and travel
196.52
State Wards, Tuition and Trans.
1,203.04
High School, Tuition
3,844.42
Transportation
5,930.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$16,153.64
NET COST TO TOWN $16,015.57
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ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT - October 1, 1947.
Grade
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Total
Marion E. Redford
30
30
Katherine A. Rogers
21
10
31
Catherine Kula
12
16
28
Edna C. Smith
16
18
34
A. Louise Unsworth
16
17
33
Totals
30
21 22
16
16
18
16
17
156
AGE-GRADE ENROLLMENT - October 1, 1947
Grade
Age
Totals
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 15
1
8 19
2
1
30
2
3 13
3
2
21
3
5
12
5 6
2
1 1
1 1
16
6
4
9
4
1
18
7
1
7
1
16
8
4
7 12
1
17
8
22
20
21
15
19
12
17
20
1
1
156
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1948
School opens January 5, 1948
closes February 20, 1948
School opens March 1, 1948
closes April 16, 1948
School opens April 26, 1948
closes June 11, 1948
School opens September 13, 1948
closes December 17, 1948
School will close on the following days:
March 26, Good Friday
May 31, Memorial Day
October 29, Teachers' Convention
November 11, Armistice Day
November 25 & 26. Tranksgiving Recess
22
4
6
16
5
2 12
BERKLEY SCHOOL FACULTY
School
Teacher
Degree
Address
Education
App'd
Berkley
A. Louise Unsworth
15 Forest St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1939
Grammar School
Catherine M. Kula
B. S. in Ed.
59 Park St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1944
Marion E. Redford
B. S. in Ed.
35 Jefferson St., Taunton Bridgewater
1945
Katherine A. Rogers
493 Central St., East Bridgewater
Bridgewater
1947
Edna C. Smith
B. S. in Ed.
38 Ingell St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1942
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Lois J. Snow
27 Couch Street, Taunton
JANITOR
Walter E. Hamilton, Sr.
Pleasant Street, Dighton
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