USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1962 > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
It saw the introduction of a modified plan of a non-grade level of teach- ing in two elementary schools. This plan when in full operation will permit a child to proceed, within limits, at his own ability. It is planned that this program will be adopted by all elementary schools at the discretion of the superintendent.
Through the efforts of the administrators and teachers, great strides are being made in better articulation in subject matter between the various levels of the school system, especially in the fields of mathematics and languages. This will tend to eliminate some of the overlapping of instruc- tion between grade levels and allow more time for new subject matter to be taught.
We also would like to call to the attention of the Town the improved program in Physical Education, an often overlooked aspect of a well rounded educational program. The Braintree physical education program has become a leader in the State of Massachusetts through the efforts of talented instructors and newly acquired equipment.
The committee has appointed an assistant to the superintendent in charge of buildings and grounds, and hopes that an improved program for the care of our buildings and grounds will be developed. Because of the ever increasing physical size of the Braintree school system, it was im- perative to create this position for maximum efficiency in maintenance.
Another development that took place this year, which indicates the desire of town departments to cooperate with each other, was the program worked out between the Park Commissioners and this committee. Equip- ment and labor were shared mutually in this program, in the care of grounds owned by the school department and used by the park department and when the situation was reversed. It is the hope of both departments that this program will be continued and perhaps enlarged as the years go on.
This year has seen our new East Junior High School in full operation. The new Monatiquot School building was ready for occupancy in September. A new boiler and heating system was installed at the Braintree High School to replace an antiquated and dangerous condition.
In a school system the size of Braintree, almost continual major phy- sical changes have to be made. In order to anticipate these, a School Survey Committee has been set up. The duties of this committee are to make a constant survey of the town-wide needs for additional school facili- ties and to keep the School Committee appraised of their findings.
In conjunction with their efforts and those of other interested towns - people and departments, the committee is considering the requirements of the future in all sections of town as this year closes.
It was with great regret that the committee accepted for the town, the resignation of the Superintendent. In his years in Braintree he has proven many more times than can be enumerated, his untiring devotion to the duties of his position. It is largely through his increasing efforts that we have one of the very best faculties and modern school systems in the Commonwealth.
158
The Committee is grateful to the entire faculty, the maintenance and custodial personnel, the secretarial staff, and all other employees for their complete cooperation during the past year, and for making it a very pleasant and fruitful year for all the students of the Braintree Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT M. BURDETT, Chairman
RUTH W. SHUSTER
ROGER W. ARNOLD
ROBERT J. BARRETT
ALMEDA W. CAIN
REUBEN H. FROGEL, M. D.
-
Demolition of Old Monatiquot School Building
New Monatiquot School Building
159
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR 1962
Some Statistics of Growth and Achievement
Braintree public school pupils continue to show good progress toward their educational and vocational goals. Tests show this.
National standardized tests show Braintree pupils able to place among the best. In the National Merit Test Braintree had three semi-finalists and six winners of Commendations Certificates. (Incidentally, only one of these is a girl. ) No other town near us, of Braintree's size, can show any better success in national competition.
Pupils on Grade seven and Grade eight levels show similar success gradewide.
"The Braintree grade 8 group is clearly a superior group in every area tested, but especially in the language arts area ....
"As would be expected by past performance, Braintree is, of course, substantially above the national norm. From information available for other grades, we know that Braintree also is substantially above the national norm in school learning capacity, as substantiated by the Cali- fornia Test of Mental Maturity ... Hence the higher average achievement is not surprising. However, counteracting this factor of better-than- average mental ability, is the fact that Braintree children also are slightly younger. Through the lower grades and even up into the
Field Trip to Commonwealth Pier
seventh and eighth grades a month or two difference in average chronological age can make a rather substantial difference in test per- formance. The conclusion the writer would draw from this chart is that Braintree is doing an excellent job in those aspects of the total school program measured by Metropolitan. "
Above quoted from REPORT on the administration of JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE BATTERY, Braintree, Massachusetts, Grades 7 and 8, October 1962.
Walter N. Durost, Ph. D., Director - Test Service and Advisement Center
160
Our college placement is good in that we continue to place our usual 21 per cent or more in four-year schools and about 50 per cent to schools of higher education. From 1955 to 1958 was our lean period when about one-third, instead of the present half, went on to institutions of higher learning. The placement in recent years shows the usual per cent, but it involves twice as many people placed. This is the significant showing! With fewer admissions to colleges and schools available, Braintree is really placing twice as many graduates in these schools and colleges than ever before.
From a temporary tally (we will know accurately from the written follow-up) 56 boys and 31 girls were attending a four-year college a year ago from the Class of 1961. Looking at the newer class, 1,962, 59 boys and 21 girls are attending college.
-
Creative Work in Kindergarten
South District
Perhaps the most immediate problem facing the schools exists in the South District, which is the same as reported for the past several years, that of over-crowding and lack of classroom space. Each year for the past few years we have been able to find a temporary solution only by allowing some classes to carry excessive loads and by transporting some groups to other schools. A temporary drop in kindergarten enrollment due to change of entrance age also helped this past year. This situation is now rapidly catching up with us and only by increased juggling of sixth grade classes from school to school can we manage for next year. The possibility of in- creased new home building in the area has further aggravated the problem.
161
This situation has become so acute that several study groups, including one from the Highlands and Liberty P. T.A. have recently begun investiga- tion of possible solutions to this problem. The town-wide Downes study and recommendations as recently released offer many fine long range pro- posals which would eventually benefit this area. The problem as viewed by our local study group indicates that these proposals do not provide enough immediate and direct relief for the Highlands School area as well as the Liberty area and consequently they advocate an immediate addition to the Liberty School. Their study and report was most thorough and very well done, and if their estimates are accurate, could indicate possible need for a Liberty Street addition besides the Plain St. and Cranberry Pond buildings as recommendedby the Downes report. In my opinion whatever is done must contain provision for immediate relief of the Highlands School as well as the Liberty School.
In addition to provision for new building to provide more classroom space attention should also be given to the upgrading of facilities at the Highlands School. Present facilities for lunchroom, kitchen, auditorium, gymnasium, office, library, health room, and guidance are inadequate and inconvenient. The large overhanging balcony in the auditorium is of little practical use and prevents the effective use of this space for effective physical education or assembly purposes.
Developing Vocational Skills
Combined Grades
From the point of view of a supervisor and administrator, the combi- nations, Grades 3 & 4 and Grades 5 & 6, have moved along smoothly and effectively.
It is evident to an observer that the children are fast and independent learners, which is probably one good reason for the apparent success of the endeavor. The teachers were well chosen as indicated by their adapta- tion to the situation. They have done a very excellent job, using every available facet or aid to promote good learning situations.
162
Curriculum
Recognizing fully that it is impossible to equalize teaching talent for all our classes we are endeavoring to equalize excellence in materials and curriculum which will fully meet the needs of all pupils - the child with exceptionally high ability and the very slow learner. At elementary level in Braintree we are presently trying five different contemporary mathe- matics programs. The GCMP distributed by SRA and Mathematics Work- shop distributed by EBF are being presented this year to all pupils in two
***** 3 **
-
One of the school trips financed by the Hollis Fund
Primary One classes, while in Grades five and six three new approaches are being tried with the more "able and ambitious" students. Programmed instruction material published by Croft, and Harcourt, Brace and World is being utilized by two of the combination classes. These books are con- structed in a manner which enables the student to proceed through the sub- ject matter independently in small steps, record the response, and check the correctness of the response immediately without assistance of teacher or classmate. The use of such programmed material could lead to impor- tant savings of teacher and pupil time. The third program is a paper covered, workbook-type format published by Ginn and Company. Common in all of these programs in emphasis on new terminology and definitions.
The accelerated program established several years ago has now be- come well established practice, and it is commonplace for groups to progress well into the next grade level work. The courses have been al- tered to meet the new changes and demands of the time. In these classes much individual work is done, emphasizing assignments such as reports, projects and experiments.
The introduction of such new teaching materials as the SRA individual- ized reading programs and new materials emphasizing the modern math approach has made it possible for teachers to do an even better job of pro- viding challenge for pupils of higher ability.
The classes in Modern Mathematics in grade seven are progressing according to the schedule as planned last June. The teachers have found the students enthusiastic and diligent. In order for the program to be con- tinued in grade eight a workshop for teachers will again be conducted this year.
163
In the high school the SMSG Math program will be introduced for Math - 10, Plane and Solid Geometry and Math 11 - Algebra and Trigonometry next September.
The introduction of French for the more able students in grade seven this year, after three years of Audio-Oral approach in grades 4, 5, and 6, has been very successful. With a qualified and excellent teacher these students have progressed exceptionally well.
Adaptive Physical Education, In developing the program of physical edu- cation pointing toward physical fitness for all, we should never lose sight of the children who will always be temporarily or permanently restricted in the amount and type of physical activity in which they can participate.
Adjustments must be made to meet the needs of these children. This, then, is where the value of the adaptive program in physical education lies.
It meets the requirements of those below par physically, underweight, or overweight; those with postural defects as shown through medical exami- nation, and too, those few students with permanent physical handicaps who are unable to participate. In this latter type there should be an individually modified program of physical education activity developed.
With our adapted program of physical education in its second year, we are justifiably proud of its results. The average and superior students progress at an accelerated pace, enjoying the challenge of advanced skills.
But, most importantly, for the first time in their school lives, the students assigned to the adapted group are enjoying great personal success working in their small groups at comparable levels insofar as skill and ability are concerned.
Music The activity in this area of instruction is progressing in a very satisfactory manner. A great increase is noticed in the number of boys taking part in elective activities at junior and senior high school levels.
There are presently 276 instrumental pupils participating in the ele- mentary program. An "All Elementary Orchestra" composed of the more advanced players is being organized and will be available for limited per- formance.
The Art department continues to maintain its usual high standards of achievement. An increasingly large percentage of students develop creative ability in this area.
Organization
Along with many changes taking place in the curriculum, consideration must also be given to changes in organization. The ungraded primary unit and the Double Purpose Plan, being tried on a modified basis, possess several meritorious features such as optimum utilization of teacher talent and background and the opportunity for the child to work with others having like needs.
The Double Purpose Plan . The Adoption of the Double Purpose Plan at Lakeside and Penniman Schools has created a new organizational approach to learning for the students of grades four, five, and six. This pilot pro- gram of work has moved the students and teachers from the self-contained classroom organization to a plan of organization whereby the student is allowed to advance in different curricular areas along two tracks.
1 64
The heart of the program is composed of two major divisions:
1. The General Program - in this division the students are grouped heterogeneously. In this area of social responsibility the child's academic program of work is in the Language Arts, Social Studies, Physical Educa- tion field, Art and Music.
2. The Specialized Program - Under the purpose of self-realization are the fields of mathematics, science, and reading. The students are grouped homogeneously. This segment of the plan presents a pattern which encourages some students, through homogeneously grouped classes, to proceed at their maximum speed, beyond what would obviously be desirable for others.
During the first year of the program the teachers have specialized in subjects at the usual grade level; in 1963 we anticipate the full operation of the Plan which will require teacher assignment of subject specialization across grade levels. The results of our present Acceleration Program have proven that superior pupils respond to the challenge of continuity and are able to go beyond grade level restrictions.
At present the Double Purpose Plan appears to present promise for accomplishing certain goals - better mental health, more integrated, more complete learning, and we feel our best course is to work toward the realization of the potential that is there.
Staff
The professional performance of the teaching staff should be highly commended. Along with the regular teaching duties, the staff has taken active part in the improvement of the curriculum by attending articulation meetings, workshops, serving on committees to revise courses of study, selecting text books and other teaching aids. Much time is also given to sponsor many special activities such as educational field trips, assembly programs, educational exhibits and club programs.
As a result of this attitude, real progress has been made in all areas, and the spirit of cooperation of the teachers, supervisors and principals and the administration, have made this one of the most productive years I have spent in Braintree. Only through such effort and enthusiasm could we have made such progress.
Much credit must also be given to auxiliary staff members who provide very effective services in support of our educational program. This applies particularly to our highly trained guidance counselors who work tirelessly to assist principals, teachers and parents, in trying to meet the needs of pupils with special problems. Their services to the system are invaluable. The audio-visual department has steadily developed to a high level of efficiency in providing teachers with a wide variety of visual aids and associated equipment to supplement and enrich their teaching. The gradual enlargement of the staff of remedial reading teachers has helped to make this service more effective as they are able to work with children who need help on a regular basis. It is my belief that this service will be of maximum value when a remedial teacher can be assigned to each building to work daily with these pupils.
Finally, I would like to express appreciation for the capable services of our school custodians who take much pride in maintaining the school building at a high level of cleanliness and efficiency and our school
165
secretaries who provide many types of assistance not only to principals but to teachers as well. All of these personnel contribute to a school team which has as its major objective the greater welfare of the children under its care.
The team spirit which prevails between the various departments in the public schools has helped Braintree to realize a school system well-known and respected among educators and school systems throughout this area. Through constant evaluation of our program and alertness to developments in the field we shall endeavor to bring that which is best to the children of the community.
We ask the parents to recognize and support this attitude, by a similar willingness to recognize the value of experimentation and adaptation of procedures to present day needs.
Respectfully submitted, RALPH W. PROCTOR
166
REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR Year ending December 31, 1962
Judgments Dec. 31, 1962
Total Charges & Refunds
Receipts
Abatements
Tax Titles etc.
Balances
1962 Real Estate & Charges Poll Tax Personal Tax Farm Exise
4,642,184.07
4,313,344. 73
162,927.24
13,053.63
152,858.47
17,806.86
15,444. 51
2,330.00
32. 35
153,404. 01
145,203.62
182. 85
2,255.00
5,762. 54
57. 50
57.50
Auto Exise
666,502. 27
517,311.61
60,200.93
1,631.98
87,357. 75
Total
5, 479, 954. 71
4, 991, 361. 97
255,641.02
16,940. 61
246,011.11
1961 Real Estate & Charges
141,895.87
125,549.84
3,429.90
6,478.08
6,438.05
Poll Tax
106.00
56.00
44.00
6.00
Personal
8,772. 70
5,106.00
429.20
2,442. 00
795. 50
Auto Exise
248,067.35
211,312. 85
31,327. 45
4,503. 43
923. 62
Total
398, 841. 92
342, 024. 69
35, 230. 55
13,423. 51
8,163.17
1960 Real Estate & Charges Personal
5,697.30
41.46
2,038.45
3,617.39
Auto Exise
4,377.79
1,236.02
617. 93
2,523. 84
Total
14,333. 77
1,473.81
2,676. 38
10,183.58
Misc. Previous Years
Auto Exise
20.33
20.33
Betterment Assessments
296,691.11
81,586.22
2,476.16
119,104. 47
93,524.26
Total all charges
6,189, 841. 84
5,416, 467. 02
266,024.11
159,652. 17
347, 698. 54
Misc. Receipts:
Interest
4,327.17
Statements & Discharges
2,064.00
Fees
3,893.30
Total
10,284. 47
Total Receipts all Sources
5,426,751.49
GEORGE H. GERRIOR, JR.
167
4,258. 68
196. 33
20.00
4,042. 35
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWERS
January 2, 1963
The Board of Sewer Commissioners
Town of Braintree, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my annual report upon the activities of the Sewer Department for the year ending December 31, 1962.
New Construction:
2. 4 Miles of new sewers were constructed during the year, as shown below:
Location
From
To
Pipe Size Inches
Houses Length Served in Feet
Beech Street
No. Bowditch
Summit
8
7
303
Blanchard Blvd.
Conrad
Home Park
8
5
345
Bower Road
Exist. Sewer
Perry
8
3
311
Conrad Street
Easement
Blanchard
8
3
82
Dobson Road
No. Bowditch
Summit
8
5
286
Drinkwater Ave.
Morrison
Devon
8
4
303
Lisle St. Ext.
Miller
Southerly
10
-
640
Lisle St. Ext.
Miller
Southerly
8
-
213
Easement
Easement
Liberty
8
-
332
Easement
Granite
Wood
10
-
375
Easement
Robert
Conrad
8
423
Ellery St.
Jefferson
Washington
8
3
188
Ellery St. F. M.
Pump. Sta.
Washington
4 C. I.
I
355
Ellery St.
Pump. Sta.
Ellery
8 C. I.
1
45
Elm Street
Exist. Sewer
Lawnview
8
4
285
Foster Road
Washington
End
8
6
352
Granite Street
Exist Sewer
Northerly
10
-
500
Hayward Street
No. Bowditch
Highland
8
5
225
Helen Road
Doris
Summit
8
3
407
Hillside Road
Union
Summit
8
24
1,034
Howard Street
Pump. Sta.
Quincy Line
8
210
Jefferson Street .
Ellery
Summit
8
32
1,224
Liberty Street
#135
#238
8
32
1,181
May Street
No. Bowditch
Summit
8
4
275
Morrison Road
Exist. Sewer
Drinkwater
8
105
No. Bowditch St.
Wilkins
Hayward
8
17
735
Washington St.
Hill View
Foster
8
5
561
Wilkins Road
No. Bow ditch
Summit
8
6
270
Wood Road
Easement
Summit
10
5
1,340
Totals
173
12,905
Ft.
Total 1962 Construction 2. 4 Miles
Previous Construction
64. 0 Miles
Total Constructed to Date
66. 4 Miles
This was the second year of a proposed 5-year program of lateral sewer construction based upon an expenditure of $350, 000. 00 per year.
168
The contract for the construction was awarded to the lowest of eleven bidders, Ralph Richard Construction Company of Dedham. Work was started August 16 and by the end of the year 65% was completed, leaving the following to be completed early next spring: Argyle Road 245'; Audubon Avenue 180'; Cabot Avenue 507'; Easements 1, 885'; Hilliard Court 300'; Jersey Avenue 565'; Magnolia Street 250'; North Bowditch Street 258'; Pleasant View Avenue 360'; Poplar Street 295'; and Tingley Road 261'.
A second contract was also awarded to Ralph Richard Construction Company, the lowest of five bidders, for the construction of a sewer to serve industrial and business property in the Granite Street and Wood Road area. Work was started November 5 and by the end of the year about 35% was completed. Waiting for permission to open the state highway delayed the starting of work more than three months. Since most of the construc- tion is off the traveled highways, the Contractor plans to continue working during the winter months.
Plans for a third contract were completed for extending the sewer to serve Amherst Road, Portland Road and a part of Kenmore Road. This work will be advertised early in March of 1963.
The sewer in Helen Road and 1, 088 feet of sewer in Wood Road was constructed by and at the expense of private developers under the supervi- sion of the Sewer Department.
The M. D. C. constructed a short section of sewer in Howard Street to serve a low district in Quincy in accordance with authorization under Chapter 684 of the Acts of 1962. This sewer is available to serve pro- perties in Braintree. A contract between the Sewer Commission and the M. D. C. provides for the payment of $1, 000 per year to the Town for the use of the Howard Street pumping station. It also provides for discontinu- ance of use upon due notice.
The present sewer system can now serve about 61% of all the buildings in the Town,
Assessments:
Sewer Assessments, amounting to $34, 964. 99, were levied against 135 properties during the year.
When the connecting sewers are completed and ready for use in the spring of 1963, assessments will be levied against properties on Beach Street, Dobson Road, Lisle Street Extension, Granite Street, Hayward Street, Liberty Street, May Street, North Bowditch Street, Wilkins Road, and Wood Road.
There were 271 sewer connections, requiring 14, 750 feet of pipe, completed during the year.
The new construction completed this year made the sewer available to serve 173 buildings and applications for connection were received from 131 of them.
The new underground pumping station at the end of Ellery and Jefferson Streets became ready for use on December 13, but, because of winter weather, no connections will be made on these streets until the spring of 1963.
There were 122 applications for sewer connection on file at the end of the year.
169
Maintenance
During the winter months, all the main sewers were inspected and all of the lateral sewers, 12-inches in diameter and under, were inspected and cleaned. There was one lateral sewer stoppage due to a root growth. There were 28 stoppages of sewer connections due to root growths.
Recommendations for 1963:
1. Continue third year of 5-year plan for extension of lateral sewers:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.