USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1948 > Part 10
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On June 22, 1948, a formal hearing was held by the Board of Appeals under the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Braintree. Under date of August 3, 1948, a letter was received by the
FIRST FLIGHT FROM BRAINTREE AIRPORT
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Braintree Airport Commission from the Board of Appeals grant- ing the request to establish an airport as requested by the Air- port Commission.
The necessary legal papers to clear the way for Brain- tree's first Airport were drawn up by the Town Counsel, Jona- than W. French. It was agreed that all necessary insurance to safeguard the public and relieve the Town of all liability of activity on the airport be presented to the Airport Commission before active flying commenced. These policies were duly filed at a later date.
The Board of Selectmen consisting of Raymond P. Palmer, John W. Mahar and Albert E. Roberts, gave their complete approval of the Airport project and promised their support to the Airport Commission.
Several prominent flyers who are residents of the town formed the Braintree Airport Association consisting of the active flyers of the town who were interested in constructing the air- port. The leaders in this project were Victor Heurlin, Harlan Kingsbury and Jack Murphy, who were the first officers of the Association. The membership of this Association today num- bers 150 persons.
During the last year this active association has worked every week-end in clearing land and constructing an air strip 1800 feet in length by 80 feet wide which is now used daily by members of the association. Several personally-owned planes are tied down on the plot of land adjoining the Airport and members of the Association are planning to increase this num- ber during the coming year. The entire cost of this project has resulted from small dues paid by members and a few contribu- tions from citizens of the town.
This small strip has given the members of the Association an opportunity to fly their planes from this strip during dry weather but it has been found that considerable grading will be necessary to make this area usable during any wet, rainy season.
During the last two years no appropriations have been made by the Government or State to give aid to construction of small airports. Recently word was received by the Airport Commission that money will soon be available from the Federal Government and State to build a commercial airport in Brain- tree if members desire to accept the appropriations. This com- munication has been discussed with the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Braintree and decision will be made at the An- nual Town Meeting this year if the Town desires to accept Federal aid in building an Airport in the Town of Braintree.
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School Committee
OVIDIO D. CHIESA, Chairman ARCHIE T. MORRISON, Recording Secretary SOPHIE G. BLUNT HELEN M. HARMON ROGER ARNOLD GORDON W. BRYANT
The School Committee is pleased to report that during the year 1948 progress has been maintained in the program in- stituted for the educational and physical improvement of our schools. This could not have been achieved but for the splendid cooperation given us by the administrative officers of the school department, the faculty, the custodians and the citizens of the Town. To the citizens we are especially grateful for their sym- pathy and understanding manifested during the many special Town Meetings held, so that the additions and alterations to the High School would not be halted because of technical dif- ficulties.
Our educational program has been strengthened in the grades by the adoption of the Rinehart System of Penmanship, the McKee Language Series and by the initiation of the Ele- mentary Teachers' Institute. In the High School changes have . been made in the courses of study prescribed for the English and Mathematics Departments resulting in more balanced curricula.
The Health program has been extended, particularly the Dental Clinic, by an increased budget and in cooperation with our Health Department.
Athletics have been developed to allow more boys and girls to participate. While this may cost the Town somewhat more, nevertheless it is a program that should be encouraged. We found on investigation that few towns or cities can boast of a program as well balanced as' ours.
ยท Visual Education has been enlarged and greatly improved by the appointment of a Director and the purchase of additional equipment.
In the special fields such as Art, Music, Home Economics and Shop Work the success that has been theirs continues.
One of the most important phases of educational work is Guidance. In this work we have been particularly successful in spite of limited personnel and means. .
The beginning of Adult Education realized after many years is a progressive one. Many of our townspeople enjoy its bene-
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fits. While some criticism is placed on such classes as Decora- tive Arts, Public Speaking, etc., it must be remembered that this program trains one to use leisure time well and to balance it wisely.
Safety is being constantly stressed and the Safety Directors are to be highly commended for their excellent leadership.
The Federal Lunch program was further enhanced by the appointment of a supervisor. Our financial report for the year shows that this work has been self supporting and that there is a small balance, mostly inventory.
Start of the much-needed addition to the High School was accomplished. At the present rate of progress there is no doubt that the addition will be ready for occupancy with the start of school in the Fall of 1949. Equipment is arriving daily for our Shop Department, and plans are being made to start courses with the opening of school.
Fluorescent Light Fixtures are now installed in the class- rooms throughout all the schools. This improvement together with the painting of light shades of color and the bleaching of the floors has greatly improved the "brightness ratio" and classroom appearance.
Despite apparent transportation problems when the Lovell Bus Lines defaulted, this was overcome when arrangements were completed with the Hudson Bus Lines to carry on at no extra cost to the Town. The Hudson Lines have given us good service and have been very co-operative. -
With the start of school, in the Fall, came many problems, particularly Housing. We refer you to Dr. William K. Wilson's report titled "School Building Survey and Long Range Plan of School Plant Development". Copies of this report may be procured at the School Committee rooms. We urge all towns- people to read it. The report is an excellent one, prepared by an expert in this field. Though some phases of the program outlined may have to be revised, the report in the main should be used as a guide and not pigeon-holed as is too often the case with Surveys. This is a "plan" and should be used as such. As we are faced with a serious housing problem, it would be to the Town's interest to have the School Committee appoint an Advisory Committee composed of nine members, one citizen from each of the six precincts and three from the School Com- mittee, for the purpose of inquiring into the matter of possible land sites for future school purposes.
School costs in Braintree are mounting as in other com- munities. We have tried to keep our budget as low as pos-
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sible and still maintain the high standard established for our schools.
It is the earnest desire of the School Committee that in the future a specialist be appointed for the purpose of conducting a Remedial Reading program in our elementary schools. This, with our Rinehart system already working and our revised Arithmetic course, will develop in all children a high degree of skill i.e., ability to read, express and clearly understand an opinion, and deal accurately with numbers, - three very important factors in life.
We continue development and change in Curriculum so as to bring it up-to-date and for the purpose of training the "big group" not going to college or into skilled trades.
We develop the talents of each individual.
We emphasize social responsibility.
We develop good health and physical fitness.
We provide an adequate library in all schools.
We increase bleacher facilities at Hollis Field.
We constantly improve our school buildings, facilities, and grounds.
We endorse the recommendations of the School Survey Committee.
In closing we wish to express our appreciation to the Super- intendent of Schools, to all members of the school system, to the Parent-Teachers' Associations, to Town officials, and to the citizens for their co-operation and loyalty during the past year.
The Superintendent
RALPH W. PROCTOR
The report for the calendar year 1948, my third report as superintendent, will cover (A) the continuance of progress in matters previously reported, (B) new projects currently under- way, as well as, (C) the gradual evolution of plans for the future of the Braintree Public Schools.
A. Continued Progress: In my first report covering eight months of the year 1946, I indicated ten items on which effort
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VISUAL EDUCATION - A MODERN TEACHING AID
should be concentrated to improve the public schools. The fol- lowing inventory will indicate the extent of our achievement in various areas:
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SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT
New duplicating machines improve quality of worksheets. Extension of the Visual Education Department has been rapid. School Safety Patrol outstanding.
Health Service and Dental Clinic effectiveness greatly extended. Addition to Braintree High School ready by September, 1949.
Classroom lighting improved in all schools thru special appro- priations.
Watson and Lincoln playgrounds improved.
Budget for books and supplies now adequate.
Industrial arts courses introduced in High School.
Elementary school lunchroom equipment extended.
Consolidated 7 and 8 grade organization South District; North District, September, 1949.
Testing and Guidance services greatly improved.
Reorganization of High School Program of Studies.
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Improvement of Courses of Study and Teaching procedures in elementary schools.
Maintenance of physical plant rapidly catching up to schedule.
UNSATISFACTORY
Perkins, Highlands, Torrey playgrounds graded or hard sur- faced; Lincoln fenced.
Also driveways at Perkins, Penniman, Torrey and Highlands. Small sized classrooms unsuitable to modern activity programs. No modern movable furniture; 50% pupils using desks 40 - 50 years old.
Home Economic and Shop facilities in basement room at Lin- coln, Hollis, Torrey.
7 and 8 grades to be consolidated in East District.
Need for remedial reading specialist in guidance department.
Teachers' Salary Schedule still below average for our size town. Inadequate revenue to support athletics because of small seating capacity of athletic field.
Elementary School libraries only in Highlands and Torrey schools; all need these facilities.
The unsatisfactory items in the inventory above are chal- lenges and hence indicate the areas for continued effort in the years to come.
CONCENTRATION! ONE OF THOSE TESTS!
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B. New Projects: (1) In-service training:
Last year the course of study revision programs provided a very effective means for introducing new methods into our curriculum. This work continues to effect constant improvement.
Outstanding among our teacher training activities was the Institute conducted during the first week of September, before our schools began. It provided stimulation for all teachers and served as a very effective introduction to our system for the' new teachers. The initiative shown by the teachers who were privileged to act as leaders was marvelous.
The meetings on the afternoon of the second Wednesday of each month have provided an opportunity to go more min- utely into the details of some of the activities set forth at the Institute.
Over 40 teachers are attending a B. U. Harvard Exten- sion Course on "Improvement of Reading in the Middle and Upper Grades", meeting every Thursday 4:15 - 6:00 at the Hollis School. This will be followed the second semester by a course in Visual Education. Teachers in the system, with few exceptions, are slowly, yet consistently improving their teach- ing methods and procedures.
(2) Braintree High School
The unanimous vote of the town to enlarge the high school has apparently served as a big lift to the morale of the student body. Many of the problems of last year have dis- appeared with the prospects of first class accommodations in view. The academic work of the school has gone on in the midst of the building confusion with little interruption except for the two day lay-off in October occasioned by the lack of heat. Much credit is due the pupils for their cooperation in carrying on the work in unfavorable conditions.
Last Spring the High School placed many more of our graduates in college. The principal believes that every qualified student, who was financially able to meet the expenses of col- lege, gained admission. Outstanding among the admissions were three boys who were accepted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology without examinations. --
The increased participation in the elementary school ath- letic program has resulted in a much greater demand by the classes entering high school for an opportunity to take part in the organized program. Adequate facilities in the addition will provide the opportunity to carry out such a program, but addi- tional money will be needed to finance a program which offers an opportunity for all to participate. Gate receipts from the varsity
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sports are inadequate to support these activities for all who want them. A larger seating capacity at Hollis Field would go a long way toward remedying the situation.
(3) Dental Program
Thanks to the progressive-minded people of Braintree it has been possible to enlarge and improve the Dental Program due to additional funds voted last town meeting.
We are especially appreciative of the work of our local dentists who have volunteered their time for free examination of elementary school children, as well as having attended so many committee meetings to help in formulating plans to make Braintree's program one of the best in the State. The Board of Health and the School Department are working as a unit to carry out this program.
Since the revised program of service and education for Kindergarten through the eighth grade started in September, 1948, a true picture of the result will not show until the annual report of 1949.
It is hoped that a fluoride program may be added in Janu- ary for those that have had their work done in the clinics. This additional service should serve a two-fold purpose:
1. To reduce the number of cavities that will develop in the present group that are receiving their treat- ment.
2. The clinic will be available to more children if the number of cavities per child is reduced.
(4) Health Service
The health service program is now showing the result of many months planning' and hard work put in by the staff. The program is functioning smoothly with excellent cooperation from all people whose assistance is so necessary to promote good health in our schools. The proof is in the reduced number of repeat notices sent home to parents in regard to physical de- fects.
Since the administration of the program is built around our Post-Index system of recording all information: channeled to us by those connected with the school, it has eliminated errors in recording of information. This information is now instantly available to those who need it to complete their work.
This is one of the first systems developed in the State for recording health information in the schools, and we have re- ceived a strong indorsement from the State Department of Health for this step forward.
(5) Music
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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC - B. H. S. BAND
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
As. in past years, soloists, ensembles, beginning bands and orchestras have participated at many various functions held throughout the grammar field. The school assembly and the P.T.A.'s usually are the main outlet for the different groups.
Results of the drive held in November for new players ex- ceeded expectations. Unusual, perhaps, is the variety of such a large selection of violins. This drive will be continued in the North District next year and I am confident that we will find the number doubled.
HIGH SCHOOL
As is the usual case, the band participated in many public events. It again was the good fortune of the band to attend the Annual State Music Festival held at Brockton last May. Although the practice of issuing ratings has stopped, I feel sure our band gave a very satisfactory account, both musically and while on parade.
The orchestra, infused with new "string-blood" should come into prominence from now on. Several of the new string players are considerably advanced, thereby making it possible to resume the study of genuine orchestra literature once again.
Our largest attendance yet, over 800 friends, attended our twelfth annual music festival. The combined offering of the vocal and instrumental groups was most favorably received and enjoyed by all present.
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VOCAL MUSIC -GROUP AT ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
(6) Guidance
GUIDANCE AND ITS RESPONSIBILITY
Approximately thirty-six hundred different individuals moved through the classrooms of the various schools of Brain- tree, each at his or her individual rate. That was the aim and objective of the teachers and administrators of the Braintree School Department. How well that was achieved is difficult to measure but over one hundred and fifty teachers and adminis- trators worked physically, mentally and spiritually at the task.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION
The responsibility for the discovery of the individual differ- ences among the thirty-six hundred children was the chief re- sponsibility of the Guidance Department. The measurement of the individual differences was the responsibility of Guidance, as well. A record of the progress of each individual as he achieved, aside from his school marks, has been the respon- * sibility of Guidance since its inception.
Since Guidance has the job of individualizing the educa- tional process, it begins by measurement of the natural talent that appears among this year's four hundred sixty-five kinder- garten children. This measurement task necessitates, first, a general measure of mental maturity. Following this test on the
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WOULD YOU RATHER BE AN ARTIST
kindergarten level there is a measurement to determine whether the youngster is ready to learn to read. One of the faults in our educational system throughout the country in past years has been that we have forced children to concentrate on the printed page and to learn from it long before the child is ready for read- ing, in many cases. In Braintree we have been able to correct this blunder, especially during the past two years. We have been as scientific about it as we could be, and the results should be obvious as these very young children come up through our grades.
READING DIFFICULTIES
Above the kindergarten level we have found some very bright youngsters who have been unable to read well. They appear to be very well adjusted to the educational procedure except that the printed word has very little meaning for them. These poor-readers' cases appear above the second grade where the amount of effort exerted by the teacher in an intelli- gent and scientific manner has been unable to produce the desired results. Some reading difficulty that is witnessed in grade one evaporates as the year goes on. There are certain cases, however, that fail to respond even with the best concen- trated effort on the part of a conscientious teacher.
In other words, there are cases of reading difficulty that need special assistance. Help of a specialist nature is needed.
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?
. OR A DRAFTSMAN?
Such a specialist was requested last year by the Guidance De- partment, so that a remedy could be secured without further loss. The extra salary amount to engage such a specialist teacher to work with the Guidance Department was cut out of the budget. And the same need still exists, even more so today; as we have neglected several cases for one year, the need for such a specialist is imperative.
The members of the Guidance staff are good "general prac- titioners", to use medical terminology, but are not reading spe- cialists. This specialist is needed to supplement our staff.
The only other alternative is to further ignore the problem, or to send our worst cases to the Boston Clinics, but that would be even more expensive. There are more than just a few cases. A reading specialist here on the job could assist the classroom teachers in better understanding of their own teaching jobs.
C. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
(1) Housing Needs:
465 children entered kindergarten this year. During the next ten years the elementary school enrollment will double; 94 additional classrooms will be needed.
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At present overflow classes are being held in the Mona- tiquot auditorium, Hollis auditorium, Penniman auditorium and office, and the former kitchen at the Perkins.
Nine additional classes must be formed next September. In the South District three classes can be accommodated; in the North District, by sending the 7th and 8th grades to B. H. S., and certain redistricting between the Penniman and Hollis, the needs can be met; in the East District (Lincoln, Watson, Perkins Schools) no facilities can be made available, except school auditoriums. Experience this year shows such use is extremely undesirable. Besides poor lighting and heating condi- tions, the use of auditoriums for classes practically eliminates other normal activities in physical education, assembly pro- ductions both dramatic and musical, orchestra or band re- hearsals, and basketball practices. Rather than suggest such use, I prefer to recommend a double session plan for the lower grades, undesirable as that may be.
Therefore, I earnestly appeal for a sincere effort to relieve the immediate shortage in the East District by construction of a new elementary school and minor remodeling at the Lincoln to make it suitable for an East District 7th and 8th grade school. Thereafter the program outlined in the Braintree School Build- ing Survey by Dr. W. K. Wilson should be followed:
1949 New School in East District and remodeling of Lincoln.
1950 Two 8-classroom units to eventually replace Perkins and Monatiquot.
1951. Add 6 classrooms to Watson; 4 to Torrey Primary.
1952 Extend Highlands; 3 classrooms for grades, 8 classrooms and special rooms for grades 7 and 8.
: 1.953 Restudy problem to plan for the next 5 years!
As soon as possible thereafter these projects will call for attention:
Modernization of Lincoln Building.
Expansion of Hollis; enlargement of new uits for Perkins and Monatiquot.
Extend Noah Torrey Primary further; enlarge new East District School.
Further addition to B. H. S.
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The building program plus constantly increasing operating costs will place a prohibitive tax on real estate. Financing of the school program will, of necessity, become more and more a State function if the problems are to be solved.
(2) State Aid:
Chapter 643 (1948) provided increased State subsidy for school operating costs. As no new taxes were provided by this legislation, the School Aid results in a decreased distribution of Income Tax receipts on a valuation basis; hence an an- ticipated $42,000 increase in School Aid is apparently offset by loss in General Funds. A new bill has been introduced in 1949 General Court for raising by new taxes $25,000,000 for School Aid; $187,000 of this or about $6 on the tax rate would come to Braintree.
Fortunately Chapter 645 (1948) providing State Aid for School Buildings is retroactive and covers the new construc- tion at B. H. S. for which the Town will receive a 33% refund. This also applies to School building construction approved by June 30, 1951.
Federal Aid also appears to be in the offing.
MUSIC AND DRAMATICS DEVELOP PERSONALITY. SCENE FROM B.H.S. OPERETTA "THE MIKADO"
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(3) Conclusion:
(A) The P.T.A. Associations have been extremely active this year. Membership has increased and meetings are well attended. The Associations have sponsored parties and appro- priate observance of those days which our children like to celebrate. Hundreds of children were entertained at Hallow'en and Christmas time. Good playing equipment, library books, visual educational material, radios, etc., have been provided. The Associations and the Parents' Council have also supported many measures locally or in the State Legislature which had as their aim the improvement of the program and facilities in our shcools. They have also been a good influence for the general welfare of the teachers.
There has been a better understanding between the school and the home because these Associations are with us.
(B) Appreciation for excellent cooperation in the interests of the schools is also due to members of our staff:
To the custodians for the excellent care of the buildings, help with the maintenance program, special attention this year to heating and ventilation, and working 12 - 14 hours per day during winter season.
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