USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1948 > Part 5
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In order that Berkley might be able to keep its teaching force intact the School Committee on November 24, 1948 ap- proved an increase of $200. for each teacher effective as of January 1, 1949, with a further increment of $200. in Septem- ber of 1949. As has been mentioned in previous reports, Berkley must pay a salary scale comparable to that paid in Taunton if it wishes to retain the present staff and if it wishes to maintain the standards of efficiency that now exist. Failure to recognize the seriousness of the problem and refusal to make the adjustments necessary will affect the progress of all the pupils of Berkley. The effect on the tax rate will be discussed under the financial section of this report, but the citizens of the Town must always bear in mind that the situation is not one that can be viewed in terms of what should be paid to teachers, but in terms of what must be paid. Statewide and nationwide the teacher shortage is worse than ever and many communities such as Berkley that have a relatively low per capita valuation must make a supreme effort to retain those teachers who have proven themselves to be of a superior type or lose them to other communities. The possibility of replace- ment with personnel of equal ability is almost hopeless.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Financial
This year the Town received in reimbursements from the State on account of Schools the sum of $16,346.41. The School Department turned back to the Town the sum of $778.24, mak- ing the net cost of school operation $17,088.05.
The amended Chapter 70 of the General Laws which was passed by the 1948 Legislature replaces the reimbursements formerly received as high school tutition and those received under General School Fund Statements Part I and Part II. According to Section 10 of this Act, "school committees shall annually, in submitting estimates of the amount of money necessary for the proper maintenance of schools, include their estimate of the amount of school aid the town will receive under this Chapter, and of other reimbursements to be re- ceived from the Commonwealth on account of the support of schools. In making recommendations for appropriations for the support of schools, the finance committees of towns and similar committees in cities shall specify the estimated amount to be received as such school aid or reimbursements from the Commonwealth and the amount to be raised by local taxation".
Berkley will receive more money from the Commonwealth in 1949 on account of schools than it received in 1948 because of this new law. From the information that we have, Tax Commissioner Long is allowing considerably more on his so- called "cherry sheet" for the Town than was allowed last year as estimates of income to be used in figuring the tax rate. All income must, by statute go into the town treasury, but may be used with tax income to meet appropriations made at the Town Meeting.
Several bills providing for further State Aid for educa- tion will be presented to the 1949 Legislature for considera- tion. Such legislation would assist Berkley considerably. The original bill of 1948 was so changed that many of the small towns benefitted but little. A federal Aid Bill for education on an equalization basis will be presented to the United States Congress and will have a good chance of passage. This Bill will particularly benefit the poorer states.
Out of the 118 towns in the State with populations under 5000 and not maintaining a high school, only in eight is the amount of taxes paid per capita less than in Berkley.
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ANNUAL REPORT
School Plant
The following repairs and improvements were under- taken during 1948:
1. Painting of ceiling in Mrs. Unsworth's room.
2. Painting of window sashes and casings in three rooms and painting of auditorium walls.
3. Replacement of water pump with one of greater capacity.
4. Re-setting of flagpole.
5. Purchase of ten new desks.
6. Purchase of liquid duplicating machine.
7. Replacement of sections of school fence.
8. Cleaning and repair of furnaces.
9. New outside door of auditorium.
10. Replacement of urinal waterpipes in boys' basement.
11. General minor repairs.
For years we have needed a drinking fountain in the west hall of the building. At the present time the children in Mrs. Unsworth's room either have to pass through other class rooms or go downstairs and across the basement to get a drink. The installation of such a drinking fountain would cost $138.00 but it seems that providing adequate drinking facilities must wait until installation costs come down.
General
The moving picture projector that was purchased by the Woman's Club is available for use in the Berkley School. The availability of this machine will make is possible to expand our audio-visual aids program appreciably. The gift of a radio for the school has also helped out our program. The purchase of cloth for blackout curtains has made it possible to show films at any time. Previously, adequate results could be at- tained on dark days only.
The School Committee was able to find but one company interested in bidding on our coal contract. The Pratt Coal Company, the concern that has supplied for the past few years was awarded the contract for its bid of $18.60 per ton. This included the cleaning of the furnaces.
Our dental clinic is a definite sign of progress in the school. This program is for all of the pupils in the school.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Those who can afford it pay one dollar per operation. Those who cannot pay are taken care of at no cost. It is not neces- sary to be on welfare to receive free treatment as we recog- nize that there are children who are borderline cases and must be taken care of. It is definitely not a charity clinic but one that is set up to encourage dental care of all of the children.
Conclusion
Although many of the improvements in the Berkley School have come about through many difficulties, it seems that after they have become an established fact the towns- people are enthusiastic about them. We should continue to endeavor to provide as harmonious surroundings as possible and as good an education as the times allow.
The School Committee and the Superintendent wish to express their appreciation to the townspeople for their co- operation during the past year and solicit their support for the education of the children of Berkley during the coming years.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. ROLFE,
Superintendent of Schools.
S
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Superintendent John J. Rolfe Berkley, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rolfe:
I hereby submit my annual report as school nurse for the Town of Berkley.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absance of diseases or infirmity. In this coming year may we all strive for better health.
A physical examination was given to every pupil by Charles M. Souza, M. D. These periodic examinations are im- portant and are made to inform parents of defects which need correcting. Swollen glands and large and infected tonsils were outstanding defects found.
Posture is a growing problem. The time to form good habits of posture is when we are young and pliable. The teachers are stressing correct posture throughout the school. It is our aim to have every pupil posture-conscious.
A vision test was given to every pupil. Six pupils had difficulty with the test. The parents were notified and all six pupils were taken to an optometrist for a thorough examina- tion. Five of the pupils needed glasses. The sixth pupil had a muscular defect which can be corrected at this time with- out glasses. It was very gratifying to both the teachers and myself to have such prompt response by the parents.
The diphtheria preventive clinic was not as well attended as in previous years. Diphtheria immunization is very largely responsible for the fact that both case rate and death rate from this disease are now only one twentieth as high as they were thirty years ago. We should be profoundly grateful that a way has been found to save so many lives. A diphtheria prevention clinic will be held in the early spring. Be wise! Immunize. Be sure your child is protected.
I am glad to report the dental clinic is running smoothly. Forty-three children have had all dental work completed. The floride sodium treatment to prevent tooth decay is available to pupils in the third and sixth grades. I hope every pupil will take advantage of this opportunity. Tooth decay usually be- gins by neglect. The mouth provides the warmth, moisture and nourishment which are needed by bacteria to reproduce.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Correct eating habits, careful cleaning and regular visits to your dentist will largely avoid future trouble. The dental clinic is a necessary part of our school health program and is a step forward towards better health.
Through the efforts of the seventh and eighth grades, the 1948 March of Dimes Campaign was a success in Berkley. One hundred and eight dollars ($108.00) was collected by the pupils. This was an excellent job and we can all be proud of the record and of the boys and girls who were so willing to do the work.
I feel more emphasis should be placed on the preventive aspect of school health work. It is a very difficult task to deal with health problems through the school unless the home is brought more closely into the school health program. I hope that it will be possible for me to make more home visits next year.
I wish to thank the teachers, school committee and the parents for their interest in the school health program. The cooperation is appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, ELLA F. DILLINGHAM, R. N.
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Superintendent John J. Rolfe
Berkley, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rolfe:
I take pleasure in submitting my annual report as Music Supervisor in the schools of Berkley.
Although music is not required by the State of Massa- chusetts, yet thinking people everywhere have come to recog- nize its educational value to the child, and so it has become a necessary subject in the school curriculum. Unfortunately, in most rural schools, it is limited to just class room instruc- tion from a song book. There is no time allowed for a broader knowledge of music appreciation through the use of the phono- graph. This is not the case with Berkley, however, where this work is carried on regularly every two weeks and the selections employed have been those adapted to the age and grade of the child. There is no more fascinating study nor more cultural
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ANNUAL REPORT
than the art of music. Pupils hearing any of the selections over the radio recognize old and familiar friends. A teacher remarked to the supervisor recently after listening to a lesson on Grieg's PEER GYNT, "How much more the music means when you know the story back of it all." Certainly the music of the great masters would not have lived through the years if it had not had intrinsic value. What we sing our children will sing. They are not born with bad tastes but often have it thrust upon them.
Gretchen, in Germany, scrubbing her floor is singing tunes from Wagner; the street boy in Rome is whistling Verdi's musics. Why should the American child be filled with the syrupy masterpices of mawkish sentimentality, here today and gone tomorrow. Who, today is singing "Let Me Put My Arms About You"? But we still hear that beautiful tribute of love, "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes."
Children of the lower grades have used the rhythm band. sometimes orchestrating the songs they have learned. Older pupils using the instruments have had sheet music and learned some of the fundamentals of the orchestral score. They all respond enjoyably to these lessons.
The four upper grades are learning the building of the major scales and how keys are established. They recognize the reason for the peculiar melodies of those countries whose music is based on the five-tone scale instead of the eight.
All the classes have followed the prescribed course of study. In the first grade the supervisor experimented on the possible ability of the children in tonic chord writing from dictation. A most gratifying result was seen. Some children work with ease and flash-like speed in placing "do-mi-sol" on the staff. To work at the board is always a joy to the child ; it holds the attention of those in the seats, and reveals.to the teacher where help is most needed.
In closing I wish to thank all those who have given me sich courteous co-operation this past year.
Yours truly, LOIS J. SNOW.
Music Supervisor
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATION PROGRAM
BERKLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
June 8, 1948
Auditorium 8 P. M.
PROGRAM
PROCESSIONAL
INVOCATION
Rev. Wayne Philbrook
RESPONSE
"Prayer from Rinaldo" (Handel)
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
Irene Rose
CHORUS "Neapolitan Nights" "Florian's Song"
(Godard)
RECITATIONS
"Soil Conservation" Charles Ashley "Pippa Passes" Edith Fernandes (Robt. Browning)
CHORUS
"Pippa's Song" (Wm. G. Hammond)
RECITATIONS
Antone Tavares
"Good Citizens" "The Graduates' Challenge" Shirley Babbitt
CHORUS "Valleys of Memory" (Brechelt)
ADDRESS
Dr. Howard Carroll Superintendent of Schools, Taunton
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Mr. John J. Rolfe Superintendent of Schools
BENEDICTION Rev. Wayne Philbrook
RECESSIONAL Lois J. Snow, Music Supervisor
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATES
Charles Munroe Ashley
Shirley Babbitt
Barbara Jane Baldwin
Jane Crandell Briggs
Daniel D. Cambra
Kenneth W. Carpenter
Florence Elizabeth Delano
Jeanette E. DeMille
Francis Everett DeMoura
Edith Fernandes
James Joseph Furtado
James Edward Garrity
Carl Overlock
Virginia Irene Reagan
Elizabeth Ann Rines
Irene Rose
Antone Tavares
Donald Richard Wonchoba
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ANNUAL REPORT
BERKLEY PUPILS ATTENDING DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL DECEMBER 31, 1948 Freshmen
Charles Ashley Shirley Babbitt
Jane Briggs Daniel Cambra
*Kenneth Carpenter Florence Delano
Edith Fernandes * James J. Furtado *James E. Garrity Virginia I. Reagan
Elizabeth Rines Irene Rose
*Donald Wonchoba
Sophomores
Joan E. Aquas Edith Braley Stuart Hunter
+Hilda Nunes *Patrick Rose Joseph Slivinski
Juniors
John W. Barrow *Charles Bettencourt Eva Briggs
Isobell J. King
Marilyn Mackintosh Sally Ann Milko
Margaret DeMoura
Elsie Furtado
Robert Hunter, Jr.
*Richard Longton
Seniors
Martha Bindon
Bettina Poole
Frances Crimlisk
June A. Reed
Priscilla Dillingham
Evelyn G. Remy
*Stanley F. Hadro Francis Moskal
*Francis A. Rose Dorothy Stetson
*Vocational Shop students +Household Arts student
TAUNTON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Edward White
*John Rose Ralph E. Sherman
Lois Townley Walter Wonchoba
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1948
Appropriation
$34.212.70
Expenditures
General Control
$ 1,116.80
Teachers' Salaries
12,553.89
Books and Supplies
900.59
Janitors' Salary
1,831.17
Fuel
930.41
Repairs
494.79
New Equipment
545.53
Health
566.66
Transportation
8,014.36
Tuition
6,000.30
Miscellaneous
119.94
Electricity
86.98
Insurance
273.04
Returned to Town
778.24
34,212.70
Expenditures
33,434.46
Receipts - 1948
Reimbursement Teachers' Salaries
Part I
$ 1,690.00
Reimbursement Teachers' Salaries
Part II
2.461.97
Reimbursement Voc'l. Tuition
and Transportation
1,498.29
Reimbursement Supt's. Salary and Travel
197.47
State Wards, Tuition and Transp.
115.52
High School, Tuition
3,393.16
Transportation
6,990.00
16,346.41
NET COST TO TOWN
$17,088.05
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ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT - October 1, 1948
Grade
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 8 Total
Marion E. Redford
20
20
Catherine M. Kula
23
8
31
Florence Brown
10
21
31
Edna C. Lincoln
17
17
34
A. Louise Unsworth
18
16
34
Totals
20
23 18 21 17 17 18
16
150
AGE-GRADE ENROLLMENT - October 1, 1948
Grade
Age
Totals
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1
4 16
20
2
6 16
1
23
3
3
11 3
1
18
4
3
7
9
2
21
5
8
6
2
1
17
6
3 12
1
1
17
7
4
9
5
18
1
.7
7
1
16
4 22 22
19 20
12
18
12
13
7
1 150
SCHOOL CALENDAR, 1949
School opens January 3, 1949 closes February 18, 1949
School opens February 28, 1949
closes April 15, 1949
School opens April 25, 1949 closes June 10, 1949
School opens September 7, 1949
closes December 23, 1949
School will close on the following days :
April 15, Good Friday
May 30, Memorial Day
October 28, Teachers' Convention
November 11, Armistice Day
November 24 and 25, Thanksgiving Recess
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BERKLEY SCHOOL FACULTY
School
Teacher
Degree
Address
Education
App'd.
Berkley
A. Louise Unsworth
, 15 Forest St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1939
Grammar
Catherine M. Kula
B. S. ip Ed.
59 Park St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1944
School
Marion E. Redford
B. S. in Ed.
35 Jefferson St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1945
Florence N. Brown
23 First St., Taunton
Bridgewater
1948
Edna C. Lincoln
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
PROPERTY OF MERKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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