USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1955 > Part 6
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No. 1-Crimes Against Person
Male
Female
Assault & Battery
17
0
Threats
1
0
Assault With Intent to Murder
1
0
Manslaughter
1
0
Armed Robbery
1
0
Assault With a Dangerous
Weapon
2
0
Illegitimacy
3
0
Indecent Assault Against Person .
2
0
28
0
No. 2-Crimes Aganist Property
B & E & Larceny
41
0
Concealing Leased Property
1
0
Larceny
13
0
Malicious Mischief
6
0
Malicious Explosion Injury to Dwelling
4
0
Malicious & Wanton Injury
to Personal Property
4
0
Burglar Tools in Possession
1
0
Cruelty to Animals
1
0.
71
0
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No. 3-Crimes Against Public Order
Committing Affray
8
0
Delinquency
29
2
Drunkenness
147
11
Motor Vehicle Laws, Violation
128
3
Operating Motor Vehicle
Under Influence
17
1
Operating Motor Vehicle so as to Endanger
9
1
Traffic Laws, Violation
86
8
Vagrancy
1
0
Violation Town By-Laws
10
2
Violation Probation
2
1
Arrests for Out of Town Police
7
0
Non-Support
6
0
Non-Payment Wages
2
0
Obscene & Indecent Literature
in Possession
2
0
Failure to Send Child to School
0
1
Neglect of Family
1
1
Escapee
1
0
Disturbing the Peace
8
0
Circulating False Alarm
4
0
468
31
COMPLAINTS, Etc.
Ambulance Trips
495
Buildings Found Open
391
Night Lights Out
24
Cat Complaints
143
Dog Complaints
602
Dog Bites Reported
5
Fire Alarms Answered
105
Holes in Street Reported
73
Messages Delivered
130
Permit to Labor
16
Drunk Releases
64
Street Lights Reported Out
154
Lanterns Put Out
41
Lodging
1
Vacant Houses Checked
344
Prowlers Reported 76
Hit and Run Complaints
40
61
Stolen Auto, Braintree
17
Recoverd
25
Permit to Purchase Firearms
10
Missing Persons
MR
20
FR
17
MNR
6
FNR
1
Sudden Death
MR
14
FR
9
MNR
2
FNR
1
Insane Persons
MR
6
FR
5
MNR
0
FNR
1
Wagon Trips
129
Car Trips
91
Miscellaneous Complaints
3429
Code: On Missing Persons, Sudden Deaths & Insane Cases
MR-Male Resident
FR-Female Resident
MNR-Male Non-Resident
FNR-Female Non-Resident
EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief.
PERSONNEL
43 Police Officers
1 Clerk
1 Custodian
The year 1955 brought one additional Sergeant and one new partolman to our staff. One Sergeant retired and a replacement was appointed. There were also two patrol- men appointed to replace the men advanced to Sergeancies.
Through the generosity of Mr. Arthur J. Sullivan of Brow Ave., we were presented with a single unit Resusci- tator, Inhalator and Aspirator, complete. This has been of great value to the department in the treatment of patients suffering from heart and asthma attacks, gas inhalation, etc.
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The Auxiliary Police are still functioning in a most efficient and helpful manner to this department.
During the year we have made many surveys on Safety and Traffic problems and have received splendid cooperation from the Selectmen and Highway Department in carrying them out.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who have shown a spirit of co- operation toward my department.
Respectfully,
EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police
Braintree, Massacusetts January 1, 1956
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department with regards to Traffic for the year ending December 31, 1955.
ACCIDENTS
Minor
262
Serious
188
Fatal
3
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Male
Female
Operating Motor Vehicle
so as to Endanger
9
1
Operating Motor Vehicle
under Influence
17
1
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
128
3
Violation of Traffic Rules & Regulations
86
8
Violation of Parking & Meter
362
71
Regulations
602
84
63
Cases reported to Registrar for action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed 47
2 Operating Motor Vehicle after Drinking 20
0
Passing School Bus
6
6
Other Violations
13
0
86
8
Violations of Traffic & Meter Regulations
1-Vehicle on Crossing 7
2-Too Close to Hydrant
3
3-Parking without Lights 2
4-Wrong side of Street
74
5-Motor Running
3
6-Restricted Place
312
7-Defience of Corner Law
36
8-Right Wheels not at Curb 17
9-Double Parking 9
10-Meter Violations
Meter Expired 364
Failure to Deposit Coin 79
11-All Night Parking 95
12-All Other Violations 51
1052
Violations Committed by:
Residents 590
Non-Residents 462
EDWARD D. CAHILL, Chief of Police.
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School Committee
The School Committee is pleased to report that dur- ing the year 1955 progress has been maintained in the program instituted for the educational and physical im- provement of our schools. This could not have been achieved excepting for the splendid cooperatiin given us by the administrative officers of the School Department, the faculty, the custodians, the Maintenance Department and the citizens of the Town. We owe a debt of gratitude to the South District School Development Committee, the Perkins School Development Committee, the Hollis School Development Committee, the School Site Committee and the School Survey Committee for the service they rendered. Without these committees the school program would have lagged miserably.
Rather than burden the citizens of the Town with repetition, we direct their attention to the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools for the year 1955 which immediately follows and in which a complete story is pre- sented of the activities of your School Department.
In closing we wish to express our appreciation to the Superintendent of Schools, to all members of the school system, to the Parent-Teachers' organizations, to all Town Officials, to the citizens of the Town, and especially to Miss Edna Woodsum, our Secretary, since retired, for their cooperation, loyalty nad service.
OVIDIO D. CHIESA
Chairman Braintree School Committee
The Superintendent of Schools
The School Budget of 1956
Adopted for 1956 $1,654,735
Budget for 1955 1,416,015
Increase 238,720
The substantial increase of $192,660 occurs in teach- ers' salaries, and is due to the combined effort of (a) regu-
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This is fire Prevention Week
PENNIMAN - GRADE 2
lar normal yearly increases (b) increase in maximum sal- aries (c) special $200 increase effective January 1956 (d) approximately 20 additional teachers needed each year.
The committee has made every possible effort to keep increase in every item to a minimum consistent with the increase of prices and the requirements of the growth of the school system.
Comparative Costs
The figures for the 1954-55 school year show that Braintree per pupil cost remains in about the same posi- tion as usual. With a per pupil cost of $229., Braintree ranks third from the lowest in the group of 17 cities and towns of 20-30,000 population. (See Table 1) Only Methuen at $220, and Attleboro at $213 have costs below Braintree. As teachers' salaries are the prime factor in costs, it is not surprising to see that Braintree also ranks in the same position in that respect. Our average teacher salary was $3859, Attleboro and Methuen again being the only places with lower average salaries. Most of these
66
towns have now increased salaries substantially to a mini- mum of $3100-3200. Braintree's action of increasing by $200 to a minimum of $3000 still leaves us in the position' of being unable to compete in the market for the best qualified beginning teachers.
In considering teachers salaries in respect to rise in purchasing power, it should be noted :
(a) In the last 10 years factory wages in Mass. in- creased 69.9%
(bi) In the last 10 years average per capita income payments to individuals in Mass. increased 56.2%
(c) Average salary of public school teachers in- creased in same period 24.0%
Mass. ranked lowest of the 48 states in percent in- crease in buying power of teachers salaries from 1940 to 1953.
Financing Education
In ratio of it's per pupil valuation Braintree has supported education at a high level of community effort.
The growth of the school population naturally increases operating costs; the provision of school facilities for 400 additional pupils per year requires 13-14 additional class- rooms-its equivalent of a new school building each year.
Analysis of Costs for 1956 Shows:
Operating Costs-School Budget
$1,654,735
Less Estimated Receipts 240,000
Net Cost to Town 1,414,735
School Tax Rate @ $50,000: 1.00
28.28
School Buildings (Bond Payment and Interest)
347,689.50
Less State Aid
102,367.01
Net Cost for Capital Investment 1956 . . 245,322.49 Tax Rate for School Building Payments 4.90
Total chool Tax (Operation and Buildings)
33.18
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ORIGINAL SONG PROJECT - PERKINS GRADE 6
The burden of school support falls largely on the real estate taxpayer. In Mass. a very small percentage of school support, compared to other states, comes from State Aid. It would seem, therefore, that the growing cost of education should be financed to a greater degree from the state level, through taxation which would spread the burden more generally (such as sales tax) and relieve real estate.
Ability to Support Education
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, in it's Novem- ber 1955 Monthly Review, states "Consumer spending in New England appears likely to reach a record volume for the year. At the same time, New Englanders boosted their holdings of liquid savings." Retail sales are up about 10+, new cars registered up 22%, savings up $535,000,000 in the first six months. Per capita personal income in Mass. is about $2000, nine percent above the national average.
In Mass. we are spending about 2.0% of our total personal income on our public schools or $189,000,000; cigarettes and tobacco products $176,000,000 gambling $180,000,000, and liquor $306,000,000.
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Beardsly Ruml, a national known economist, recently predicted that the total personal income in the nation will increase 75% by 1965. If we devote 2% of our share of the predicted 75% increase in such income, we can increase our public school expenditures $142,000,000 without undue burden.
Growth of School Enrollment
In 1946 the total enrollment was 3346. In October 1955 the total was 6189, an increase of 415 over 1954 and of 2843 over 1946. The estimate for 1956 is a total of 6645 which will be 456 over this year. For the past five years the increase has been approximately 400 per year ; this rate of increase will continue until the enladged group, now about at junior high school age, progress through senior high school. Projection of present enrollments with reasonable allowance for increased growth indicates that the :
Maximum elementary enrollment will be 4300 in 1957 Maximum junior high enrollment will be 1800 in 1960
Maximum senior high enrollment will be 1800 in 1963
Total estimated maximum enrollment 7900
Present enrollment 6200
Additional pupils 1955-1963
1700
Building Needs
The future estimates through 1963, require the pro- vision of 60 additional classrooms. To provide these the minimum program seems to be:
1. Elementary School 14 classrooms on Liberty Street needed September 1956. At present three classes from South District are transported to other schools, and three meet in auditoriums or lunchrooms. September 1956, three additional classes will require accommodations, making a total of nine rooms needed at once.
2, Addition of Two Rooms at Colbert School needed September 1956. Torrey School cannot accept pupils from this area until the fourth grade.
3, Elementary School at Five Corners facilities needed September 1956. Due to construction of 140 houses in this area, Monatiquot School can-
69
not continue to serve this area by bus transporta- tion as formerly.
4. Addition of three Study Halls rear of Braintree High School needed September 1958.
5. Addition of four Classrooms at Watson and six classrooms at Ross, for transfer of these classes from Lincoln School September 1959.
6. Addition of 21 classrooms at Lincoln to make this into a Junior High for East District, September 1959.
It is also probable that an elementary school on the Plain Street site will be required during this period, if ad- ditional houses are built there.
Any other large home construction projects will re- quire facilities in addition to those listed above.
Planning for Next Year
By locating four divisions of the seventh grades at the Lincoln School this year, we avoided double sessions at the Hollis. In September 1956 the South Junior High School building will become available, so that it will be possible for the first time to organize a 6-3-3 set-up.
Preparation for the change was started October 1955 and involves :
1. Locating on map the residence of every present 6, 7, 8 grade pupil.
2. Arranging districts for Hollis and South Junior High School to balance enrollment.
3. Establishing bus routes to serve the new arrange- ments.
4. Rearrange program of studies for all secondary schools.
5. Estimating subject enrollments and teacher re- quirements.
6. Selecting teachers for transfer to South Junior High School.
7. Obtaining additional new teachers for South Junior High School.
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8. Conducting studies and department meetings of combined junior and senior high school teachers to correlate work of these schools.
9. Writing specifications, advertising and bids, and letting contracts for all equipment for South Junior High School.
The Superintendent of Schools appreciates the oppor- tunity of having a capable administrative assistant pro- vided to work on these projects, and also to relieve him of some other routine work in the field of supplies, State Reports, etc.
Obey
*
y
Safety Patrola
PLAYING "SAFETY PATROL" - ROSS GRADE 1
Teachers Competence
Our veteran teachers are doing their usual very ef- fective jobs in spite of generally high teacher-pupil ratios and the pressures which seem to accompany the teachers' job today. Teachers feel the pressures of trying to ac- complish all the desired goals of education for modern democratic living and at the same time give the child a sound training in the fundamental skills in the time allotted in the school day.
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Our new teachers all seem to be doing very satisfac- tory jobs. We have been extremely fortunate in getting such able new teachers in view of teacher shortages. Much credit should be given to the Elementary Supervi- sor for the help and attention she has given these new people to get them started on the right foot.
The in-service training program for Braintree Teach- ers included 57 teachers' meetings, plus :
A two-day Institute on Physical and Mental Health Afternoon courses (a) Social Studies (b) Visual Education (c) Art workshop
Curriculum revision committees active in
(a) Social Studies (b) The gifted child
(c) Mental Health (d) Special Class
In the high school, in an attempt to improve actual classroom instruction, increased emphasis has been given to the position of department head. Regular meetings and correlated work by those familiar with the materials and methods best adapted to certain subject fields, have re- sulted in revised courses of study. Planning for the corre- lation with the junior high schools to be set-up next year is also a leading topic. The work of these department- heads should be stimulated and recognized.
Achievement in Pupil Growth
The results of the eighth grade testing carried on for us annually by the Durost Testing Service have just be- come available. It would appear that at this check point, with a slightly above median I. Q. (105.6), we have an eighth grade group this year that shows median scores at; grade level in spelling, one month above grade level in arithmetic computation, two months above grade level in arithmetic reasoning, six months above grade level in word meaning.
We have no device to measure the accomplishment in our schools in personality growth or character develop- ment. The emphasis over a nine year period has been to enrich the program in every possible way. Our ultimate gain will be in good citizenship.
Remedial reading, individual and group counseling, have provided the extra help needed by many pupils on the borderline between success and failure. The child
.72
has gained through art and music a measure of culture which would not have come to him by accident or by un- planned experiences. The unusual highly organized health program in Braintree has made possible healthier bodies in which to cultivate sounder minds.
In general, our schools, in the face of much of the criticism aimed at public schools in these United States, are doing an effective job in training our Braintree child -. ren not only in the "Three R's" but in all other aspects of personal and social growth as well.
SEA DIVING
BOSTON SCIENCE MUSEUM
1
T
FOLLOW-UP OF A CLASS TRIP - MONATIQUOT GRADE 5
We feel that a high school diploma should represent real achievement. Students should be expected to put forth satisfactory effort as well as showing cooperative attitudes. High school teachers in the present day are handicapped by pupils' attitude that one should get by as easily as pos- sible, with as little effort as possible. While the teacher's personality and philosophy and the atmosphere established in the class are pertinent factors in achievement, yet, students who deliberately refuse to do their work, fail to stay for help, etc. should not be allowed to pass.
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Hollis Junior High School
The principal, teachers, and athletic Director deserve much credit for the development of a well-rounded pro- gram of social and athletic activities, both during school and after school hours. Many activities such as roller skating, bowling and dancing have been enjoyed by our students on Saturday mornings and even during school vacation periods with the additional chaperonage of inter- ested parents. During Christmas vacation twenty teachers volunteered to accompany pupils on a trip to the Museum of Science.
The pupils at Hollis seem to share the philosophy / that all should give at least a little of himself to help make the school a better one. Large numbers of pupils take pride in serving on corridor patrol, on safety patrol or as inembers of the student council.
Physical Education
A backward look at the 1955 season shows that we had a fine staff, dedicated to our principal objective of teaching skills in Physical Education classes. The chief value of our physical Education program lies in the fact that students are learning how to play our traditional games by developing the skills of these games to a fine degree. In order to give the increasing large number of interested students an opportunity to put these skills into practice, we have organized an extensive intramural pro- gram above the fifth grade level. Over 40% of our stu- dents are taking advantage of this intramural program and more than twenty teachers, paid and unpaid, are helping to direct and assist us in this venture.
We have not overlooked the actual physical develop- ment that takes place in students as the year progresses. Activities and exercise that help in the development of a child's body and his general health are important aspects of our program. By actually testing all freshman and sophomore boys for physical fitness, we found that B.H.S. 9th and 10th graders averaged considerably above the national average.
A new innovation during the past year has been in- creased emphasis on the so called recreational type sports. These include, tennis, golf, volleyball, square-dancing, and badminton. There are many students who prefer this type
74
activity and they have been helped considerably in their development. In the future greater efforts must be made to promote this type of activity.
A definite source of pleasure is the development of an attitude of responsibility on the part of our varsity athletes. Many of these boys and girls are members of our physical education leaders corps, as well as being aca- demic and social leaders in their school. They are not only setting a good example for other students but, are actually helping to guide others toward better citizenship.
It is this ideal of leadership and example that we are striving constandtly to develop among students who take part in our varsity program.
Unmet needs
(1) There is need for more secretarial help, particu- larly in our large schools, where a District Principal is not always on hand in the building. During the course of a day there seems to be an almost constant demand for the attention of an adult in or around the office for a variety of minor services which could be easily handled by a clerk, thus taking the load from the building principal's shoul- ders. As all our building principals are teaching-princi- pals, such distraction often results in loss of efficiency in the classroom. A photo-copy machine is needed at the high school.
(2) Maintenance of older school buildings as men- tioned in 1954 report has received no consideration. Heating, weather-proofing, etc., are very unsatisfactory.
Do You Know ?
The past year has seen a tremendous growth in num- bers of instrumental music pupils in the elementary grades. Indications point to a future of well balanced Junior High bands and orchestras and resultant excep- tional secondary units. Total instrumental enrollment is 419.
1955 proved to be a milestone as far as the High School Band was concerned as it was completely outfitted with new uniforms by the School Committee.
This year four of our bandsmen successfully passed the audition and will be playing "first-chair" with the
75
All-State Band when it convenes in Pittsfield during April 5 to 7. In addition, one of our bandsman was select- ed for the National High School Band that will meet in St Louis during the 50th Anniversary of the National Music Educators Conference during the week of April the 12th. This is a distinct honor to the Town of Braintree.
Over 600 records were issued to teachers from our Music Library. "Music Speaks" is the title of a monthly broadcast by our Music Department. In all schools, melo- dy bells and autoharps have been added to the equipment. At the Hollis School there are three glee clubs. The teach- ers of vocal music in the grades and the high school have secured a high degree of participation and excellent achievement.
In 1955 the Attendance Officer made 1345 investiga- tions and found 65 truants. Considering the large number of pupils this figure is negligible. The efforts of Mr. Ed- ward Long, assigned by the Police Department as School Attendance and Juvenile Officer, have been most success- ful in this field. Sgt. Illingsworth, and this fall his succes- sor as Safety Officer, Sgt. Eno, have fulfilled their respon- sibilities with a high degree of effectiveness.
Department of Home Instruction registered 36 pupils during year 1955. This included all grades 1-12.
The Braintree Women's Club again sponsored the handicapped children as their project for the year.
Last year the Audio-Visual Department provided for classroom use: 441 rented films, 346 Library films, 7675 filmstrips, 483 recordings, 55 unit pictures and 29 sets of slides.
Watson 5th and 6th grade pupils will have to be transferred to Lincoln September 1956.
Nine classes will have no classrooms in South District September 1956.
The Braintree Historical Society has provided 9 show- cases with displays that are rotated between buildings.
The enrollment of Braintree High School in October, 1955 was 1135; this is the largest enrollment in the history of the school. The opening of the South Junior High School (Sept. 1956) is most timely, as it would be
76
extremely difficut to handle the four year's enrollment next fall.
The Department of Education has requested a full report of our elementary guidance services to serve as a model for other communities.
Dr. Bindman serves as consulting psychologist to Braintree Schools. The South Shore Mental Health Center, B. U. Speech Clinic, Southard Clinic, and many in town hospitlas have received cases referred by Braintree schools for clinical study during the year.
Five special classes, under new State Law, enroll 58 pupils at various ages from 7-16. Individual progress at each pupil's capacity is arranged. The "trainable" group at Lakeside School has accomplished wonders with these pupils under trained leadership.
Parent Conferences held during Education Week in November have again proved highly successful with near- ly 100% participation.
We have found most parents very appreciative and pleasant to work with. We try to encourage closer rela-
77
in the schools. School nurses have done a very thorough and effective job. Secretaries carry out their duties effici- ently and conscientiously. Custodians and lunch room workers are deserving of commendation for the effort and pride which they put into their work in trying to keep up the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service in their own areas of responsibility.
The quality of these people adds much to the effec- tiveness of schools in Braintree.
In looking over the annual reports for the past nine years, I see that some problems have been completely cleared; others we are still working on; and other new ones have arisen. As long as this situation continues to be true, we are moving ahead.
RALPH W. PROCTOR
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1955 COMPARATIVE SCHOOL COSTS (M. T. F.) Cities and Towns 20,000 - 30,000 Population
54-55
CITY OR TOWN
1950
1955
Ave. Staff 54-55
Pop.
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