USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1960 > Part 9
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Guidance is now a recognized, valuable and impor- tant part of a public school system, and it is our responsi- bility to see that it remains a vital and integral part of ed- ucation. Braintree has built in the past a firm foundation for the guidance department, but the future, with its tre- mendous needs and innovations, holds the real challenge. We must have the time and facilities to enable our coun- selors to accomplish the increasing number of duties that are associated with the guidance function, to enable them to help interpret the pupil to himself and aid his adjust- ment to life.
Counselling includes interviews occasioned by fail- ures or low marks, college admission, vocational plans and preparation, interpretation of tests, selection of sub- jects for the next year, program changes and arranging group meetings for Career Day speakers.
Guidance personnel also spend considerable time in testing, confering with South Shore Clinic and other agency contacts, selecting accelerated and special class students and advising the teachers about pupils' abilities. It becomes quite a problem with the present staff to find time to do all these things.
The scope of the Audio-Visual Department has been extended in various ways and to many new fields. The number of teachers using audio-visual materials and tech- niques has increased considerably. One hundred and forty-six educational field trips have been very successful, due to careful preparation, supervision and follow-up. The T. V. programs of the 21-inch Classroom in the fields of science, literature, music and elementary French, bring definite enrichment to these subjects. Through the Audio- Visual Department, 1547 sound films have been obtainel and distributed for study, also 7289 filmstrips, 163 record- ings and various other materials.
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Experiment in use of foreign language laboratory in Braintree High School.
The past year has shown marked gains in obtaining much new equipment and teaching materials through NDEA funds to aid teachers in math, science and foreign language. The acquisition of new reference materials and library books through the Hollis Fund has also been of great benefit, as has the financing of educational trips and excursions through this fund.
There is continuing evidence throughout the town of a sincere and excellent spirit of cooperation. Morale is high among the parents, who continue to show a fine at- titude toward the efforts of the teachers and appreciation of the extension of our services. It is gratifying to note the high percentage of parents who visited our schools during conference week. This demonstration attests still further the close relationship which exists among the parents of our community and our schools.
Reports gathered from a variety of sources: such as, children transferring from other schools, parents who have moved to or from other communities, former teach- ers, and teachers attending professional gatherings, all seem to indicate that a high standard of education is be- ing maintained in our schools. We look forward to main- taining and strengthening this position in the coming vear.
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Public education is faced with many new challenges as the 1960's take us deeper into the space age and the Ever growing shadow of communist competition. Chal- lenges: such as, changes in the value of family life and home life, use of leisure time, the increase of many varie- ties of occupational choices, the need for international dependancy, the rapid increase in scientific achievement, all have become realities.
Our administrators and faculty engage in many in- service training activities during the school year. Faculty meetings, articulation studies, curriculum groups and workshops, are consistently scheduled to study and rec- ommend improvements in curriculum and procedure. Much is accomplished in this way; but meeting thus after a day's work, and at considerable intervals, takes a long time to produce results. We must make more rapid and definite progress. To accomplish this, all principals and supervisors should be put on a twelve month basis. Such added time would allow opportunity for research, study and planning in the areas of team teaching, the ungraded school, T. V. teaching and other educational develop- ments. Each summer I should also like to select a group of teachers for participation in a summer workshop with suitable consultants, to prepare instructional materials in various subject areas, and to prepare for the introduction of changes of organization as suggested above. Lexington has had a very successful experience in this procedure. Participants were paid 10% of their year's salary. The benefits received would very definitely be worth the ad- ditional cost.
I should like to conclude my report by expressing my sincere appreciation to the school committee, teachers, custodians, secretaries, lunchroom personnel and parents, for their excellent support and cooperation during the year.
RALPH W. PROCTOR Superintendent of Schools
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COMPARATIVE COSTS COMPARABLE SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN MASSACHUSETTS All Seven School Systems With Ave. Membership 6200 - 7900 Pupils School Year 1959 - 1960
Ave. Membership MTA
Ave. Staff
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Per Pupil
State
City or Town
Salary
Elem.
JHS
SHS
Cost
Report
Framingham
6176
19.4
22.1
370
373.04
Everett
6139
26.9
25.3
19.4
361
344.49
Braintree
5134
24.6
23.8
18.8
344
321.44
Arlington
5654
25.6
19.9
21.2
364
340.14
Revere
5373
23.8
25.1
18.9
342
327.75
Brookline
6313
19.9
18.9
505
485.71
Natick
5722
31.4
21.5
17.0
346
315.61
Others
Quincy
6044
26.1
20.7
21.6
382
367.85
Brockton
5534
31.8
25.6
24.5
285
252.64
Weymouth
5622
24.0
26.3
22.6
338
304.90
Milton
6506
29.6
23.4
23.7
412
374.20
Needham
*5596
27.4
18.6
16.8
*385
385.38
Dedham
5953
23.5
21.8
18.2
403
357.34
Hingham
5303
24.8
19.8
17.0
367
352.28
Lexington
*5813
25.4
20.4
*350
363.74
Wellesley
6212
22.8
20.1
17.7
453
424.51
Norwood
5102
26.0
21.9
18.8
346
317.59
Winchester
6844
29.6
19.9
385
351.19
* Figures for previous year
State Average
360.00
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REPORT OF THE VETERAN'S GRAVES
James A. C. Smith, Graves Registration. Officer
The duties of this office have been carried out in ac- cordance with Chapter 114, Section 46A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, as amended. All veterans' graves have been properly cared for and suitable markers and flags placed thereon. Upon receiving an affadavit for the disposition of a deceased veteran, a card is made out and properly filed so that the grave will be decorated Memorial Day.
The graves of every deceased veteran is entitled to a suitable marker, at no cost, from the United States Gov- ernment upon application being made to the Quarter- master Department, Washington, D. C. Applications may be obtained from the Department of Veterans Services, in Town Hall.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' SERVICES James A. C. Smith, Director
The Department of Veterans Services operates under Chapter 115 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth as amended by Chapter 584 of the Acts of 1946 in admin- istering Veterans' Benefits.
In January 1960 the Fore River Shipyard went on strike which lasted for 22 weeks. During the strike 123 applications were processed by the Department resulting in Special Strike Benefits of $52,812.70 being expended.
Numerous claims for service and non-service con- nected disabilities, widow's pensions and burial allow- ances were filed with the Veterans Administration. These together with the assistance in obtaining Social Security payments for recipients has been instrumental in saving the Town many thousands of dollars.
Notary Public and photostatic services are available to veterans and their dependents in assisting them in pre- paration of forms necessary for settlements, claims and insurance.
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BRAINTREE AIRPORT COMMISSION
William G. Brooks, Chairman
John W. Murphy
Gordon H. Robinson
William K. Stewart George T. Woodsum
Braintree now has one of the outstanding private Municipal Airports on the South Shore. During the year 1960 over $5,000.00 has been contributed by fliers, or- ganizations and persons interested in aviation, to com plete the first stage of the Associations "Five Year Plan" of airstrip improvement. An initial appropriation of $1,000.00, made by the Town of Braintree 12 years ago, has grown through private funds and thousands of hours of hard labor by members, to a project that would cost many thousands of dollars to build today.
Fourteen years ago the site of the Braintree Airport was a heavy wooded swamp area, allocated by the Brain- tree Water Commission to the Braintree Airport Com- mission, for the construction of a Town Airstrip.
A group of young aviation, enthusiasts, returning from war service, with determination to have their own flying field, worked for several years to complete the first stages of the airport. Money was scarce but youth and hard labor soon developed a flying area of 1200 feet to allow them to take off and land their home made planes without mishap.
1960 has been one of the most active and progressive years at the Braintree Airport since its inception. The of- ficers and committees of the 65 member Braintree Air- port Association, which includes fliers and persons inter- ested in aviation, have during the past months, leveled and filled the 400 foot rough approach, that was former- ly unusable, with gravel and brought the grade of the entire runway with gravel to insure proper drainage and firm landing for all types of planes. The entire field has been widened to over 100 feet with a large turning area at the far end of the airport. Finally a heavy coat of pen- etrating oil and tar was applied and sanded. A 12 ton roller for a period of two days, resulted in a Super High- way surface, 2600 feet long and 100 feet wide, for use of Braintree and South Shore aviators. Plans are now being formulated for the erection of hangers of uniform design to be financed by private funds. Extension of the runway to 3300 feet is planned as funds become available. An
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airport is a valuable asset to a town such as Braintree where a large industrial development is in the planning stage, to help tax relief.
The Braintree Airport, located near Great Pond off Old Route 128 on West Street is registered with the Mas- sachusetts Aeronautics Commission as a Private Landing Field, at Latitude 40 degrees -12'-20" and Longitude 72 degrees -- 02'-25" and is operated under the direction of the Braintree Airport Commission.
The Braintree Airport Association, working under the jurisdiction of the Braintree Airport Commission, is open to membership for residents of Braintree and the South Shore. It is not necessary to own a plane to be a member of the organization. Fliers, students and persons interested in aviation, who wish to join the group, should make application to the Association secretary. Dues are $10.00 per year. Monthly meetings are held at the Brain- tree Town Hall with interesting speakers and social gath- erings following the meetings. You are invited to join the Braintree Airport Association.
Tie down facilities are available to plane owners. All persons with planes using the facilities of the Brain- tree Airport are requested to register their planes with the Airport Supt. before using the Town Airport. Mem- bership in the Airport Association includes tie down fa- cilities for planes.
The officers of the Braintree Airport Association for the ensuing year are as follows: President, William G. Brooks; Vice-President, William B. Webber; Secretary, Peter J. Bottazzi; Treasurer, Arthur R. Fiorini; Airport Supt., Rio Albonetti Jr.
Members of the Commission and Association appre- ciate the cooperation of members of the Braintree Water Commission and the interest and assistance given by Wa- ter Dept. Supt. Donato T. Richardi. Real credit, for the progress made this season, of extended airport construc- tion, has been due to loan of bulldozer, grader and heavy equipment furnished by Association member Richard A. Hatch. Many town employees have been of great assis- tance during the construction period. Airport Supt. Reo Albonetti should be commended, with members of his Airport Committee, for many hours contributed to make the expansion program a success.
WILLIAM G. BROOKS
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS FOR 1960
J. Warren Cuff, Chairman
Calvin E. Young, Clerk Richard H. McNealy, Member To the Citizens of Braintree, Greetings.
The Board of Assessors met after the annual Town Election on March 10, 1960 and organized with Mr. J. Warren Cuff as Chairman. The tax rate of $69.10 per thousand was set May 18, 1960 and approved by the De- partment of Corporations and Taxation the same day.
It is gratifying to your Board to notice the growth of business and industry in Braintree as evidenced by the near completion of the South Shore Plaza, the additional buildings of Industrial properties off Union St. and others. If the tax burden is not to be oppressive a proper balance of homes and business must be achieved. Your board is ever willing to join with other Boards and Officials of the Town to welcome, encourage and assist any suitable business or industry in locating in Braintree.
During the year the Board accepted with regret the resignation, of Mrs. Alice H. Beck, clerk. To replace Mrs. Beck we were fortunate to secure Mrs. Arthur R. Benson. However the growth of the Town necessitates additional clerical help. To keep up with the growing work load we are asking the Town Meeting to provide another clerk and a modern accounting machine.
Our thanks and appreciation to our Office Staff and to the other Town Departments for their help and co- operation.
Respectfully submitted, CALVIN E. YOUNG, Clerk
Following is the 1960 Recapitulations :
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1960 RECAPITULATION Figures Used in Fixing Tax Rate G. L. Chap. 59: 23-25
All Appropriations Voted Since 1959 Tax Rate Was Fixed Court Judgements
Deficits due to abatements in excess of overlay (1955)
School - Lincoln School - Boiler
State: Tax and Assessments
County : Tax and Assessments
$5,867,164.34 780.00 694.82 35,000.00 202,019.04 136,368.85 140,088.55
$6,382,115.60
Overlay of Current Year Gross Amount to be Raised Estimated Receipts Available Funds Total Deductions
$1,843,514.40 329,928.64
$2,173,443.04 $4,208,672.56
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation on Polls & Property
Number of Polls: 8754 at $2.00 each
$ 17,508.00 154,561.50
Valuations: Personal Estate $2,236,780.00 @ $69.10
Real Estate 58,415,550.00 @ $69.10 4,036,514.51 Fractional Rate 88.55
Total Taxes Levied on Polls and Property
$4,208,672.56
THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Thayer Public Library present for your consideration the Financial Report of the Trus- tees and the Report of the Librarian for the year 1960.
Gordon W. Bryant
Doris A. Canavan
Constance S. Leggett
Ralph B. Woodsum, Treasurer
Gilbert L. Bean, Chairman
Financial Report of the Trustees
Principal - Foundation Fund $11,020.91
Principal - Caleb Stetson Fund
2,500.00
Principal - Rachel R. Thayer Fund
172.50
Principal - Nathaniel H. Hunt Fund (with
Town Treasurer)
Principal - Lucia E. Hollis & E. Stanwood
Hollis Fund (with Town Treas- urer)
Principal - Frank Kenna Fund
545.45
RECEIPTS
Cash on deposit Jan. 1, 1960
3,570.59
Income - Foundation Fund
390.10
Income - Stetson Fund
87.50
Income - Thayer Fund
6.44
Income - Hunt Fund
685.60
Income - Hollis Fund
371.44
Income - Kenna Fund
21.62
$5,133.29
EXPENDITURES
Foundation Fund
217.36
Stetson Fund
171.14
Hunt Fund
510.20
Hollis Fund
371.44
1,270.14
Cash on Deposit Dec. 31, 1960
3,863.15
$5,133.29
RALPH B. WOODSUM, Treasurer
128
STATISTICS - 1960
CIRCULATION: BOOKS, PERIODICALS, PAMPHLETS
Main Library
Adult
105,924
+ 5,129
*Juvenile
166,741
+ 6,730
Total
272,665
+11,859
Branches
Adult
30,647
+
771
Juvenile
23,854
+
143
Total
54,501
+
914
Total books, etc.
327,166
+12,773
CIRCULATION : PHONO-
GRAPH RECORDS
3,557
+
331
Total Loans
330,723
+13,104
*The juvenile circulation at the Main Library includes books which circulated over the desk at the Library, and books which circulated from classroom deposits at the schools.
Over the desk
103,560
+ 9,050
School deposits
63,181
- 2,320
REGISTRATION OF
BORROWERS
Adult
Juvenile 4,741
Total
Borrowers Jan. 1, 1960
7,669
12,410
Registered in 1960
2,552
827
3,379
Borrowers moved or
cards expired
1,884
994
2,878
Total registrations
Dec. 31, 1960
8,337
4,574
12,911
41% of the population
BOOK STOCK
Adult
Juvenile
Total
Volumes Jan. 1, 1960
41,235
16,695
57,930
Volumes added 1960
2,392
1,278
*3,670
Volumes withdrawn 1960
1,292
1,037
2,329
Volumes Dec. 31, 1960
42,335
16,936
59,271
*Includes 263 gifts
PHONOGRAPH RECORDS
Jan. 1, 1960
636
Added 1960
107
Withdrawn 1960
18
Records Dec. 31, 1960
725
129
ORGANIZATION MEETINGS IN LIBRARY ROOMS
136
+15
FINE MONEY COLLECTED AND TURNED INTO THE TOWN TREASURY
1957
$2885
1958
3490
1959
4370
1960
4644
Increase of 61% since 1957
Report of the Librarian 1960
CIRCULATION :
1960 was a busy year at the Thayer Public Library, but a year of increasing service. The new Federal Census shows Braintree to have a population of 31,000; the town has changed from a small residential community to a fast growing medium sized town with more business and in- dustrial concerns. This trend affects all phases of the work of the Library.
330,723 books, periodicals, pamphlets and phono- graph records were circulated from the Main Library and the two branches at East Braintree and the Highlands. This is an increase of 13,104 or 4%, in itself reason enough to consider 1960 a busy year since personnel remained un- changed. The library was open 287 days, thus making an average daily circulation of 1152 for the whole system, and 950 at the Main Library. The largest single day was on Monday March 7 with a circulation of 1669. The sec- ond largest day was Monday March 14 with a circulation of 1238. However, instead of there being several unusual- ly large days to bring up the average, the trend is for more constantly busy days with a regular circulation of over 700.
There are two sides to circulation; what goes out has to come back. With such a large circulation, the prob- lem of overdue books becomes increasingly serious, bor- rowers are urged to return books on time. It now takes almost the full time of one staff member to keep track of books which are due and send reminders; 8800 overdue cards were sent this year and several hundred telephone calls were made. Sometimes it even becomes necessary to
130
send form letters stating the law regarding the retention of public property and the penalty therefor; and in the last resort police action is occasionally required to obtain the return of books. This unnecessarily costs the towns- people money.
$4,644 was collected for fines or lost books, an in- crease of $274 over 1959; since 1957, an increase of 60 % .
New Book Return Box
In June, to help the process of returning books, an Outside Deposit Box was installed beside the rear door, in the parking area of the library. This has been used constantly, and has proved a convenience to those who wish to return books when the library is closed. However, borrowers who return overdue books in the box, must be sure that fines are paid.
BORROWERS AND BOOK SELECTION :
12,911 persons are registered as library borrowers or 41% of the population. This substantial number of borrowers is made up of people of many varying inter- ests, affecting greatly the problem of Book Selection. It is a continuing process of trying to provide books geared to the interests of the readers of the community as well
131
as to the trends of the times ;of selecting, with the money at our disposal, the books which we believe are of good quality and which will have the most use, not only as cir- culating books but also for Reference purposes.
The Reference Section is in the process of being re- vised and the following important titles were added to improve varying fields:
The Book of the States.
American Universities Colleges (new ed.)
American Junior Colleges (new ed.)
Patterson's American Education (new ed.)
Encyclopedia of Educational Research
Encyclopedia of Chemistry.
Practical Dictionary of Electricity and Electronics.
Business Dictionary.
New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening 6 volumes. Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (new ed.)
Library of Literary Criticism : Modern American Lit- erature.
Civil War Dictionary.
The Official Atlas of the Civil War.
Uniforms of the United States Army.
Facts about the Presidents.
Book of the Nations.
Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations.
Illustrated Medical and Health Encyclopedia.
The Past: a Concise Encyclopedia of Archaeology.
The World of Mathematics (additional copy for ref- erence) .
Two unusual sets warrant special mention:
1. McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of World Art.
This, when completed in four years, will cover the whole field of Art, from ancient to modern with un- usually good color reproductions. There will be fif- teen volumes, published at the rate of three or four a year. The library has already received the first two volumes, one as a gift from the Braintree Art Association. The Association has also agreed to give to the Library one volume a year until the set is complete.
2. McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technol- ogy.
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This also is in fifteen volumes, but is complete at the present time. What will make this set particu- larly valuable is the annual yearbook which will keep the set up to date and the reader abreast of current developments. Articles on fifty or more different fields are written by leading authorities, Acoustics, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Cytology, Elec- tricity and Electronics, Plant Pathology, Petroleum, Physiological Psychology, Morphogenesis, Meteorol- ogy, Engineering are only a few of the subjects cov- ered.
During the past year a total of 3,670 books and phon- ograph records were selected cataloged and processed. The cataloging of adult titles has been made more effi- cient in a room set up for this purpose. Shelving has been installed in the Committee Room on the lower floor of the building. Work desks and shelf list files have been moved from upstairs so that now, the receiving of books, checking of bills, ordering of printed cards, typing of catalog cards and book cards, stamping, pasting and labeling of books takes place out of sight of the general public and in an atmosphere with fewer distractions.
MUSIC ROOM
The library of phonograph records has grown to include over 700 albums; more shelf labels have been added and the labeling on the spines has been completed making it easier for a borrower to locate a particular album. New records are now displayed on the main floor thus familiarizing more borrowers with the circu- lation of these special materials. With a larger number available the policy of lending records has been liberal- ized.
Now a family may take up to six albums at a time for a period of one week with the privilege of a one week renewal. French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian language records may be borrowed for two weeks with a two week renewal.
EXHIBITS
An important aspect of the work of the staff is keeping attractive and timely exhibits in the display cases both inside and outside the library. Mrs. Priscilla Spin- ney has arranged more than 50 different exhibits during the year; By means of these displays, she has brought
133
before the public many different books which otherwise might be lost on the shelves. She has a flair for combining clever captions with artistic backgrounds as shown by the following features during the year :
Boost your Business (For the business man)
Sound of Music (In connection with the High School Operetta)
March Winds blow good books your way
win new awards (Flower arrangement books)
Where to? (Career books)
Who's too old? (Retirement)
Have Fun in your own Back Yard
Sea and Shore (Shell collection loaned by Miss Nancy Ralston)
Never too old to graduate from the library. (for the June graduate)
Read, think, argue, discuss-But Vote (Election)
Exhibit of pictures and articles of General Sylvanus Thayer in connection with the dedication of the Thayer House in April.
LIBRARY LEAFLET
This year the staff has revised and had reprinted the leaflet, descriptive of libra ervices, whir ; given to new borrowers. Members of the Art Association were asked to submit designs which might be used for the cover. Five different designs were submitted and it was difficult to choose the most suitable. The cover chosen was designed by Mr. Roy Baltozer, Lawnview Drive, Brain- tree. It is an open book; on one side are the words A BOOK IS A GENIE IN A BOTTLE WAITING TO EN- TERTAIN OR TEACH: TO BE OF USE, IT MUST BE OPEN. On the other side THAYER PUBLIC LIBRARY, BRAINTREE-YOURS TO USE AND ENJOY. Other mem- bers of the Art Association who submitted designs were Mrs. Joseph Kopka, Braintree; Mrs. Anthony Miceli, Wey- mouth; Mrs. Malcolm Duffee, Braintree.
LIBARAY STAFF
The staff has felt a great loss this year in the re- tirement of Mrs. Gertrude Bates, who had been a mem- ber of the staff since 1937 and librarian at the Braintree Branch from 1945 to the time of its closing in 1957. In- creasing poor health made it necessary for her to submit her resignation in April and request retirement. A con- scientious worker, always friendly and cheerful with the
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