USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Berkley > Town annual report of Berkley 1960 > Part 5
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No-School Information
When weather conditions are such that our buses are unable to run, a no-school notice will be broadcast over Radio Station WSAR, Fall River, and over Radio Station WPEP, Taunton. Parents are urged to use their own judgment about sending their children to school on stormy days. The fact that school is in session does not mean that attendance by all pupils advisable.
Transportation
The law requires that transportation be provided for pupils residing more than two miles from the school attended or more than one mile from the nearest bus stop. Many pupils living at lesser distances along the established routes are transported if the seating capacity of the bus will permit. From time to time it is necessary to refuse transportation to some of those living under the required distance when our buses are filled to capacity with children living at a greater distance.
Entrance Age
First grade registration in September of any year will be limited to those children who are at least six years of age or who will become six years of age on or before the following January first. There will be no exception to this ruling. Regis- tration must be during the first three weeks of school in September.
3
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Berkley:
I herewith submit my sixth annual report. Incorporated herein is the report of the Berkley School Committee, the School Nurse, the Principal, the Music Supervisors and a report of the Dentist.
Personnel
It was necessary to replace two members of our faculty last summer. Mrs. Martha Campbell resigned and was re- placed by Mrs. Martina Grover. Mrs. Grover had taught pre- viously in Falmouth and Wilmington. Mrs. Margaret Phillips who taught the fifth grade left to accept a position in Raynham. As we no longer needed two fifth grades Mr. Bradford Rich- mond a graduate of the University of Massachusetts was hired to teach grade six. Mr. Gerald Fleming, the principal, who formerly taught grade six is now teaching the Opportunity Class as well as carrying on his duties as principal.
Finances
The budget continues to grow as we are sending more people out on a tuition basis. Tuition, transportation and teachers salaries again account for the major increases. The tuition rates at Apponoquet have risen to $375. per year for pupils in grades seven through nine and $425. per year for pupils in grades ten through twelve. It was necessary to add one more bus this year to be able to travel to Apponoquet, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and cover the local school as well. The addition of one more teacher locally ac- counts for the biggest part of the increase in teachers salaries. Other items in the budget have remained the same or dropped slightly.
School Program
We are now operating a six grade school with 220 pupils. This is about twelve pupils less than we had in eight grades two years ago. We have one room for each grade and a room for the Opportunity Class. We are able to operate a fair program but because of the large numbers in several grades there is not much time for work with individual pupils. We are still able to have both the vocal and instrumental music teach- ers visit the school each week. We are also aided by educa-
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ANNUAL REPORT
tional T.V. for some classes. With increasing enrollments we will need relief soon to maintain an adequate program.
Building
The School Committee has felt for some time that we were rapidly reaching a crisis as far as room is concerned with our increasing enrollments. The Committee inquired from the Freetown-Lakeville Regional Committee as to the possibility of joining that region so that our tuition problem would be taken care of. The answer came back from Freetown-Lakeville that they could not consider the proposition. We received further word that beginning in 1961 they could not take any more grades on tuition. When this notice was received the Committee immediately asked to have a committee appointed to study the problem and come up with a solution. This com- mittee was appointed and is active now.
The present building as previously stated is now crowded. There are at least three grades that are overcrowded and if rooms were available we could use at least three rooms im- mediately.
Repairs are constantly being made to our present building but it would take a large appropriation to put it in first class shape. The windows have been replaced in the first grade and need to be replaced in many other rooms. Some doors need replacing and plaster needs to be repaired in some rooms. It is hoped that we can keep repairs up until some solution is turned up.
Conclusion
I would like to thank everyone who has helped our schools in any way over the past year. I want to thank the members of the P.T.A. for their cooperation and hope they will continue their help during the crisis we will undoubtedly face in the next two years.
I wish to commend Mr. Fleming and his faculty for the fine work they are doing with their pupils.
In conclusion may I say to all parents that it is our aim to be of service to you. If you have any questions please feel free to call on us.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT T. ROY,
Superintendent of Schools
5
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
Mr. Robert T. Roy Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Roy:
I herewith submit my second annual report as principal of Berkley Grammar School.
Enrollment
Enrollment must once again hold primary interest in my report. The opening day enrollment of 213 students showed an eleven percent increase over last year. Since then, however, in- flux into town has pushed the total above 220. This has presen- ted an extremely high pupil-teacher ratio. The breakdown ac- cording to individual classes is as follows: Grade 1-36; Grade 2-32; Grade 3-38; Grade 4-36; Grade 5-26; Grade 6-43; and the Opportunity Class-9. These high enrollment figures present educational problems in all areas along the continuum.
Curriculum
Since we have only one room available for each class, no grouping is possible. This, then, creates a situation whereby we have within certain grades children differing in chrono- logical age 3 and 4 years, and showing an even wider spread in mental age. Grouping within the various classrooms is taking place, allowing for individual differences among pupils in the major subject areas. A typical elementary school program is functioning in most areas.
A major improvement this year has been the addition of a complete new language series in grades two through six. This has replaced the old series which has been used for over twenty years.
Testing
Our testing program, initiated last year, is progressing satisfactorily. All children in the school were given Stanford Achievement tests in April. Group intelligence tests were ad- ministered in Grades 1, 3, and 5. The results of these tests were carefully screened and those children showing unusual abilities were given individual Stanford Binet Intelligence Tests. We now have on file a rather complete picture of the abilities and achievements of each of our students.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Opportunity Class
In compliance with Massachusetts statutes, we now have in Berkley, for the first time, a special class, more acceptably called our Opportunity Class. There are nine students enrolled in the class this year; students who were selected on the basis of the above-mentioned testing program. In contrast to the complete load of subject matter carried on in the regular classroom, these pupils are engaged in mastering the essentials of Reading, Arithmetic, Spelling, Penmanship, Handwork and Citizenship.
As suggested by Department of Education supervisors, these children are integrated with their chronological age group as much as possible during the school day. This includes the areas of Art, Music, Lunch, Physical Education, Library, Television, etc.
Extra - Curricular
In a building of this type, fire safety must hold a pre- dominant position in our philosophy. With a class being held in the basement, in proximity to the boiler room, we must be ever mindful of the evacuation of the students in time of need. Our fire evacuation plan has proven successful in that we can empty the building in rapid time with no two classes leaving by the same exit.
Once again a major fire drill was held during Fire Pre- vention Week with the Berkley Fire Department cooperating by sending all apparatus, thus establishing a truer picture of reality in the minds of the pupils. On an average, we attempt to have at least one fire drill per month.
During the Spring, all students were taken on educational field trips. Due to transportation scheduling at the high schools, it was not possible to take the entire student body on the same day as had been done in the past. Rather, each teacher selected a trip of value to her own class. Grade 1 went to Plymouth and then to Storyland in Whitman; Grades 2 and 3 toured the Wirthmore Research Farm and the Bristol County Agricultural High School Farm; Grades 4 and 5 selected the Science Museum and the U.S.S. Constitution in Boston; and Grade 6 visited the State House and U.S.S. Constitution in Boston. All trips were arranged through the cooperation of the faculty and Mr. Clarence Trenouth.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Because of the basement classroom, it has become neces- sary to use a section of the unfinished basement room for television. Now, instead of taking the TV set to the rooms, as is recommended, it is necessary for all classes to go to the basement to view the programs. With this change, the un- finished room takes on the appearance of a multi-purpose room in that it is used for library, television, health room, and storage room for old desks.
The instrumental music program has grown rapidly this year with many new students taking advantage of the weekly lessons given by Mr. Lincoln. Vocal music, supervised by Mr. Morrison, continues on a weekly basis and is reported else- where in these pages.
A combination May Day-Memorial Day program was held outdoors in front of the building. This is somewhat of a change from tradition, but it allows for compliance with the state law requiring a Memorial Day program. Following this program refreshments were served to the students by the Berkley Women's Club.
Assembly programs have been held at Thanksgiving and Christmas. These programs, produced by the teachers, give each child an opportunity to participate before an audience. The Christmas assembly was followed by parties in the indi- vidual classrooms. The funds for these parties were graciously supplied by the Berkley Police Association.
P.T.A.
A vital factor in any elementary school program is a complete understanding between home and school. An excel- lent method of fostering this understanding is participation in the Parent-Teacher Association. Our P.T.A. has been quite active during the past year under the direction of the following officers: President-James H. Blackmore; Vice-President- Edward G. Canuel; Secretary-Mrs. Edmund Lawlor; Treas- urer-E. George Hachey.
The P.T.A. played a prominent role in the formation of the Citizen's Scholarship Foundation of Berkley, Freetown and Lakeville. This foundation awarded college scholarships to two Berkley youths.
ANNUAL REPORT
Another successful Halloween party was staged, accom- modating some 300 children. Money was provided by the P.T.A. to each class for indoor games during the past year which have provided much rainy day activity for the students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, may I mention the untiring efforts of our custodial staff, Mr. Swift and Mr. Wade, in keeping the school neat and clean. Through the cooperation of faculty and stu- dents, it has been possible to maintain a neat looking building.
To you, Mr. Roy, and the members of the School Com- mittee, a sincere word of appreciation for your help in build- ing a worthwhile academic program for our students. To the faculty, a heartfelt word of praise for the excellent work they are doing under the most difficult conditions. In addition, many thanks to the parents for their cooperation in helping us maintain our standards.
With this type of cooperative effort, we shall continue to have a school program second to none.
Respectfully submitted, J. GERALD FLEMING
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ANNUAL REPORT
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REPORT
Mr. Robert Roy Superintendent of Schools Berkley, Mass.
Dear Mr. Roy:
I herewith submit the annual Instrumental Report for the Berkley Elementary School.
Instrumental music lessons are offered to pupils in grades four, five and six. Each pupil receives one group lesson a week. The various groups range from two to six pupils. The smaller groups meet for thirty minutes and the larger for forty-five minutes.
At present there are twenty students studying instruments.
Because the majority of the students are beginners or in the elementary stages of instrumental playing the aim of the program is to present to the students a strong foundation in the rudiments of music and the basic principles of playing their instruments.
A school band is usually organized in the Spring when the younger players are able to participate and the band performs at the school music festival.
During the year the second and third year pupils are encouraged to play for school and community functions.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. LINCOLN, JR.
Instrumental Music Supervisor
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ANNUAL REPORT
VOCAL MUSIC REPORT
Mr. Robert T. Roy Superintendent of Schools
I herewith submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Vocal Music.
The same basic course of study is being followed this year, predicated on the belief that a successful music program must capitalize on children's natural interest in music. This is done by presenting experiences which appeal to the child through the wide range of activities included in the world of music. In this type of program, we are attempting to impart not only the skills necessary to produce music, but also the ability to be selective consumers of music. Specifically, the course of study is planned so that the students will have: (1) the ability to use music as a means of self-expression and communication; (2) an understanding of the musical expres- sions of others; and (3) an awareness of as much of the science of music as will aid in giving meaning to music as an art.
In the field of public performance, a highly successful spring concert was held, followed later by the traditional May Day observance. On December 22, 1960, the annual Christmas program was presented. This was highlighted by a portrayal of the Nativity Scene by the fifth grade.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD F. MORRISON,
Supervisor of Vocal Music
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Robert Roy Superintendent of Schools Berkley, Mass.
Dear Mr. Roy:
I hereby submit my eighteenth annual report as school nurse of the Berkley School. The routine school health pro- gram has run smoothly with the cooperation of teachers, pupils and parents. Several home visits have been made, resulting in a better understanding between both parents and teachers.
Two cases of ringworm and a few cases of impetigo were detected. The necessary precaution was taken to protect the other pupils. Several cases of chicken pox caused an increase in absenteeism during November and December. Except for these cases, the attendance has been good for the year.
The annual clinics for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough protection were well attended in March, April, and May. Polio clinics were held in May and June when nine children had Ist and 2nd shots and 14 school children were given 4th polio shots. Evening polio clinics were held in August and September when many adults received their first and second shots. Thirty-three took advantage of the com- bined polio clinic held in Dighton and received their second polio shot. Parents are urged to keep up with booster shots according to this suggested timetable.
After 6 weeks of age get the first of 3 polio shots. Second shot two to six weeks later.
Third shot seven months after the second shot.
Booster dose of polio vaccine every year thereafter.
Massachusetts Vision Tests and Puretone Hearing Tests were given in all grades. Parents have followed through with treatment in most cases where failure to pass the test existed. Glasses were secured for two pupils through the Taunton Lions Club. This service is greatly appreciated.
The Dental Clinic continues to serve the school children, however, with the limited amount of money available only a small portion of work can be done for a few children. I per- sonally feel more money could be used to good advantage.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Pupils in grades 1, 3, and 5 were given a physical exami- nation by Dr. Alan Poole. Parents of first grade pupils were invited to be present at the examination. Two parents availed themselves of the opportunity to talk with Dr. Poole.
It has been a good year and I wish to thank the teachers, pupils, and parents for their continued interest and coopera- tion in the school health program.
I would like to thank Dr. Harold Goren for his help in securing glasses through the Taunton Lions Club.
I also appreciate the services of Mr. and Mrs. William Hogan. They did an excellent job in recording polio shots at the evening clinics here and the clinic at Dighton.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLA F. DILLINGHAM, R.N.
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
Mr. Robert T. Roy
Superintendent of Schools
This is the annual report of the dental clinic serving the Berkley Elementary School. The term started on March 28, 1960 and ended on October 10, 1960. This is equal to 15 visits to the dental clinic. The total number of operations was 111. Breaking this down into the various services rendered, we accomplished this:
53 Extractions of teeth including odontectomies ( surgical removal with sutures )
7 Prophylaxes ( cleanings )
47 Amalgam (silver ) fillings
4 Silicate (porcelain ) fillings
The clinic has had a very successful year in which a great amount of work was accomplished and dental care was ren- dered to those who may never have had an opportunity of visiting a dentist.
Sincerely yours,
ISRAEL HELFAND, D.D.S.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Robert T. Roy Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
Routine physical examinations showed the students of Berkley are maintaining a commendable health level. Records of the School Health Service may be found in the report of the School Nurse, whose services are outstanding in school health.
I commend the several improvements in and around the school building. The improved lighting, the teachers' room and other utilization of available space are well done. The general cleanliness and fresh paint brightness must exert worthwhile influences on all students and personnel.
I wish to thank the personnel of the Berkley Schools for the fine cooperation of the past year.
Yours very truly, DR. ALAN M. POOLE. School Physician
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ANNUAL REPORT
BERKLEY STUDENTS ATTENDING DIGHTON-REHOBOTH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Grade 11
Joanne C. Fontes
Carolyn H. Melesky
Marsha A. Roman
John F. Ring, Jr.
Jean H. Rose
William Rose
Sandra A. Smith
Alfred Sylvia
Thomas Billings
Grade 12
Carol L. Andrews
Nancy J. Bindon
Mary Fernandes
Gerald Guertin
VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Grade 10
Dennis E. Desautels
Grade 12
Richard M. Rose
FREETOWN-LAKEVILLE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Junior High - Grade 7
John Lee Adams
Eileen Laprise
Deborah G. Behlke
Wayne R. Lorenz
Linda Bischoff
Katherine Lynch
Margaret E. Blackmore
Valerie G. Marshall
Gilbert Butler
Carol A. McGrohan
Jane A. Carter
George Medeiros Karen Meier
Donna L. Castle
Gregory Chew
Herbert B. Perry
Gary L. Clark Lorine Demoranville
Carol M. Roman
James J. DeMoura
Gabriel J. Fontes
Alfred J. Gouveia
Joseph Rose
Diane V. Grenier
Richard Stone
Frances I. Sylvester
Andrea Travers
Bryon R. Holmes
Barbara A. Travis
Bonita Jennings
Lewis A. Trond
Gene R. Wallace
Herbert W. Knowles
Richard A. Knowles
Rodney A. Perry
Anne L. Rose
Gilbert Rose
Norma Guertin William V. Hogan, Jr.
Fred Chester
Manuel Martin
Dorothy M. Trond
Charlene A. Zeitler
Linda Lorenz Bernard A. Desautels
Eleanor Fournier
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ANNUAL REPORT
Junior High - Grade 8
Charlotte Bowley Leona Brunelle William Cambra
Robert Chew
Stanley R. Perry
Paul DeMoura John Fernandes Gene Flint
Adriano Porto
Martha G. Rines
Sylvia T. Flint
Vernon Roberts
Bethanna Goff
Mary L. Rogers
Barbara I. Goode
Benjamin F. Rose, Jr.
Russell A. Haskell
Brenda A. Rose
Timothy Jennings Edward J. Longton
Harold Rose
David Smith
Carol A. Victurine
Charlotte Viveiros
Junior High - Grade 9
Joanne A. Babbitt Fay P. Clark
Linda Desrocher Mitchell Guertin
Patricia B. Luiz
Norma Stauch
George R. Stetson, Jr.
Thomas H. Sylvester
Maureen T. Viveiros
Edward Wilson
Harry Buckley
Senior High - Grade 10
Marion Aspinall Patricia Cabral Susan J. Carroll Bonita Flint
Carl Maronn Margaret Montenbrey
Vaughn Greene
Patricia Stone
Anne M. Vieira
Senior High - Grade 11
Marilyn Ashley Cynthia Hunter
Elaine Hyde Sheila M. Macomber
Fred Heywood, III Sharyn L. Howland
Richard A. Plogger
Marolyn A. Rose Olive M. Rose
Roy W. Smith
Jeannette Mello William C. Moore Edward Moquin Betty L. Overlock Carole A. Paull Wayne D. Peters
Cynthia A. Rose
Jeffery Maronn John Martin Alice Medeiros
Audrey M. Miller
Gail T. Mitchell
Patricia L. Perry
Brian J. Pilling
Kenneth Perry Susan Perry
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ANNUAL REPORT
Diane Hutchings Virginia Macker Diane L. Nelson
Joseph Porto Sebastian Porto
Senior High - Grade 12
Lynn Allan Beverly Ashley Nancy Clark
Susan Fernandes Linda Silvan
VOCATIONAL Grade 9
Carl Elton Bindon James E. Fournier Richard J. Smith
Robert Waters Smith
Maynard P. Sylvester Robert Taber Gregg S. Travers
Grade 11
Anthony Martin, Jr.
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ANNUAL REPORT
ENROLLMENT - OCTOBER 1, 1960
Grades
1
2
3
4
5
6 Total
Helyn T. Delano
34
34
Martina Grover
32
32
Florence H. Farrar
35
35
Irene Pillsbury
36
36
Edward G. Canuel
32
32
43
43
Bradford Richmond Totals
34 32
35
36
32
43
212
AGE-GRADE ENROLLMENT - OCTOBER 1, 1960
Grade
Age
Total
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
1
10
21
3
34
2
8 21
3
32
3
9 18 10
8
2 6 25
3 8
2 3
2
1
43
6
Totals
10
29
33
31
27
29
33
11
5
3
1
212
8 16 3 17 4
35
4
36
5
1
32
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1960
Appropriation
$114,325.96
Expenditures
General Control
$2,439.43
Teachers' Salaries
32,762.26
Books and Supplies
1,721.32
Janitors' Salaries
2,662.45
Fuel
998.59
Repairs
1,182.72
New Equipment
691.75
Health
1,069.41
Transportation
20,822.30
Tuition
48,601.34
Electricity
439.57
Janitors' Supplies
303.98
Miscellaneous
199.20
Insurance
405.72
114,300.04
Returned to Town
$25.92
Receipts
Reimbursement Chapter 70, General School Aid
$16,831.01
Reimbursement Superintendent's Travel and Salary
669.17
Transportation
17,519.86
Reimbursement Vocational Education
1,986.46
Total Receipts 37,006.50
Net Cost to Town
$77,293.54
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR As Approved by School Committee 1960 - 1961
BERKLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
School opens Sept. 7, 1960 Closes Dec. 22, 1960
72 days
School opens Jan. 3, 1961
Closes Feb. 17, 1961 34 days
School opens Feb. 27, 1961 Closes April 14, 1961 34 days
School opens April 24, 1961
Closes June 16, 1961 39 days
179 days
School Will Close on the Following Days
October 12 Columbus Day
October 28 Teachers Convention
November 11
Veterans Day
November 24 and 25
Thanksgiving Recess
Dismiss at noon November 23 March 31 Good Friday May 30 Memorial Day
BERKLEY SCHOOL FACULTY
Teacher
Degree
Address
Education
App'd. 1959
J. Gerald Fleming, Principal
Edward G. Canuel B.A.
Helyn T. Delano
Florence H. Farrar
B.S. in Ed.
B.S. in Ed. 27 Buxton Ave., Somerset
Lowell Teachers' College 1960
Irene E. Pillsbury
B.A.
4 May Ave., Raynham
Providence Barrington Bible Coll. 1957
Bradford Richmond B.B.A.
4 Prospect Place, Taunton
Clark University 1960
MUSIC SUPERVISORS
Vocal
Donald F. Morrison B.M.
Williams St., North Dighton '
Boston University 1958
Instrumental
Charles H. Lincoln, Jr. B.M.
25 Monica St., Taunton
Boston University
1957
CUSTODIANS
Lawrence B. Swift
Louis A. Wade
M.Ed. Center St., Segreganset
Providence College
Bridgewater Teachers' College
St. Mary's College 1957
Eastern State Normal School 1956
Bridgewater Teachers' College 1952
Martina Grover
2152 So. Main St., Fall River No. Main St., Raynham Center St., Segreganset
Town Meeting, March 13, 1961 at 7:30 p. m. Berkley Town Hall
Election, March 20, 1961 Berkley Town Hall Polls Open 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p. m.
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