Town annual report of Chelmsford 1944, Part 11

Author:
Publication date: 1944
Publisher: Town of Chelmsford
Number of Pages: 190


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133


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


As was to be expected, the tests showed the widest possible variation in scores. In each test each class had students who ranked with the upper two per cent of all the students of that grade the country over who had taken the Iowa tests, others who ranked with the upper ten per cent, etc. down to the bot- tom five and ten per cent. Some students had nearly uniform scores in all nine tests, while others were good in some and not in the rest. It is in just this fact that the great value of the testing program is found, in the picture of the educational development of each individual student.


The educators who devised the Iowa tests caution against the use of class averages. It may be said, however, that the lowest class average was in quantitative thinking - only the seniors had a high mark as a class; that no test showed such weakness that radical measures are indicated to remedy the sit- uation; and that all classes had high averages in general vocabulary, which is considered the best single measure of mental ability.


Any parent who is interested in knowing what his son or daughter did in the Iowa test can consult either Mr. Burns or myself in our offices.


Later in the fall the Boston University Aptitude Tests were given to juniors and seniors. In part these tests do the same thing the Iowa tests do, but in addition they point out the field.in which the student is most likely to succeed. Mr. Burns discusses these in his report.


HEALTH EDUCATION


In all probability, as a result of the facts disclosed in the physical examination of men drafted for service in Army and Navy, the schools will be re- quired to give more attention to the health of pupils. Examinations may be made more thorough; the follow-up work more persistent; more clinics required for com- bating disease; more health instruction required; and more attention to general community health. Part of this would be the work of a school nurse, who should be employed by the school department for full time service. As soon as follow- up work takes a pupil to a clinic for remedial or preventative treatment such work by law comes under the board of health.


For over 20 years a single nurse has been employed to serve two de- partments, as school nurse and as agent of the board of health. The recommend- ation following is not made in any spirit of criticism of those who have filled the two positions, or of either board, but is prompted by a belief that the work in a town of our size has grown beyond the capacity of a single nurse. When the present scarcity of nurses is relieved by the release of many from war work, I urgently recommend that the school department be authorized to employ a nurse for school duties and that the town employ a second nurse under the board of health. The work of each would complement the work of the other, one working with pupils in school and the other in clinics and in the community.


ENROLLMENT


In 1928 the elementary schools enrolled on' October 1st, 1148 pupils with 35 teachers and the High School 266 with ten teachers. Two supervisors were employed. In the years since 1928 the number of elementary pupils increased to a peak enrollment of 1265 in 1933, and then dropped each year to the present low of 994. In the High School the number increased from 266 to the record of 527 in 1940, and has since dropped to 355 last October. The table below shows by buildings the 1928 enrollment, the largest one and its year, and the present num- ber. Note the lack of uniformity in the changes.


1928


McFarlin


262


Largest 355 in 1933


1944 306


134


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


1928


Largest


1944


East


131


170 in 1936


85


Highland Ave.


133


135 in 1932


94


Princeton St.


270


294 in 1932


198


Quessy


146


146 in 1928


99


South


45


55 in 1929


41


South Row


17


27 in 1931


Closed


Westlands


244


184 in 1942


171


1148


1265 in 1933


99L


High School


266


527 in 1940


355


All schools


1414


1652 in 1939


1349


In each of these 17 years there have been rooms enrolling 40 or 45 pupils, occasionally over 50. This was tolerated during the depression years as a means of keeping school costs down. The average number of pupils to a teacher was high, and largely for that fact the cost per pupil was low. There was then a surplus of trained teachers, a dozen available for every position. When economic conditions were such that a property holder could not pay his taxes and was in danger of losing his home, and when a teacher knew she was extremely fortunate in having a position, both parents and teachers tolerated classrooms which were over-crowded. In some buildings cadet teachers were engaged at nom- inal salaries to assist the regular teachers, and in the McFarlin School, which had unused rooms, a teacher was engaged in 1931 to take a group of 5th and 6th grade pupils, and in 1935 a second mixed room was opened.


At the present time there are indications that elementary enrollment is again about to go up. New houses have been built, new families are locating in town, the birth rate is at a new high. Within a few years rooms will again be crowded beyond the point of reasonable endurance. It is time for forward- looking citizens to plan for future school house needs. In this connection I wish to add one recommendation to the paragraphs of the 1943 school report entit- led :


LONG RANGE PLANNING


The McFarlin School serves a large area, running from the Billerica line to Old westford Road. There is new building in this area, and this will in- creased when war time restrictions are removed. Primary rooms are now crowded. It is almost a mathematical certainty that this school will in another year or two need two rooms for the first grade, the next year two for the second grade, etc. Eleven of the 12 rooms are now in use. Now is the time to begin planning an addition.


The enlarged building might well provide for the following: 16 regu- lar classrooms; a room for the special class; a space as large as a classroom for offices for the school committee and the superintendent; adequate toilets on each floor for girls and for boys, so that the use of basement toilets may be discontinued. Remember that this school has a sewage disposal problem, mentioned in recent reports. By taking the toilets out of the basement and by installing a septic tank on a higher level than the present cesspools this sewage problem might be solved.


TRANSPORTATION


For nearly three years school busses, along with all others, have been under the strict control of the Office of Defense Transportation (ODT). The own- er of a bus cannot buy gas, tires, spare parts, etc. except under a certificate of war necessity. The issuing of these certificates was based on a very detailed study of routes, stops, number carried, etc. Each bus was given a number and a certificate, and only in an emergency can another bus be substituted.


135


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


The operating regulations are also in detail, and in some cases not reasonable under New England weather conditions. For example: "Transportation shall be provided only for students, teachers, or other school employees who would have to walk more than two miles to school or more than a mile and a half to a school bus trunk route." We have not been held to strict compliance with that regulation. However, we have refused requests which would have added to bus mile- age in order to pick up pupils in localities where transportation has not previ- ously been furnished.


A three-year contract was made with George W. Marinel on Sept. 1, 1944 on the same terms as the one then expiring. The whole matter was frozen by gov- erment regulations. When they are lifted some minor changes will be possible. The contract calls for the payment of $34,500 for the three year period.


The number of pupils being transported on Oct. 1, 1944 was 567: 231 to High School, 171 to McFarlin, 71 to Princeton St. 61 to Quessy, and 33 to South. Last year the number was 538.


THE BAND


Bernard Larkin was engaged a year ago to assist in a music program in the High School during the absence of Miss Adams. This led to the organizing of a band, for which the students have shown great enthusiasm. After its success was assured some instruments were purchased and others have been donated.


SCHOOL ATHLETICS


Previous to the fall of 1942 the athletic program in the High School had been under the management of teacher-coaches, and teams were transported in school busses. The War completely disrupted this program. The men went into service and ODT ruled against the use of busses for carrying athletic teams. An outside football coach was engaged for 1942 and citizens furnished transportation.


Last summer A. J. Lupien was engaged for football coach, and the Civic Committee entered upon an active campaign for raising funds for equipment, a re- port of which is appended. The Civic Committee furnished transportation, aided in policing the grounds, in the sale of tickets, etc. It would have been an im- possibility for the school alone to have run off so successful a season. Mr. Shannon was made faculty manager and organized the students in the Athletic Asso- ciation. He is coaching the boys in basket ball, and Miss Cooney and Miss Hehir are looking after the girls. Transportation will have to be in private cars, and the school will be under obligations to the members of the Civic Committee and other citizens as long as present conditions continue. We express hearty thanks for their cooperation.


Tentative plans have been made for making this citizen support perman- ent. The school committee by law has absolute control of buildings, grounds, and school activities, but without relinquishing this control it is desired to build up an organization which will render such service as the Civic Committee has been giving, and which will work for the development from year to year of the facilit- ies for organized sport.


With the appropriation made last year the Byam lot and the back part of the Donahoe land has been purchased, and a complete survey has been made from Wilson St. to the rear line, showing boundaries, levels, proposed location of playing fields, drainage lines, etc. The High School class of 1944 has the honor of making the first gift for the proposed field, in honor of George R. Knightly, $102.29. We confidently expect that this will be followed by other gifts, and that citizens and the town itself will carry the project to completion.


136


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


FINANCIAL


The report of the Town Accountant gives a detailed statement of school expenditures for 1944. A summary of appropriations is given below. Under the classification Instruction the expenditure was considerably less than the appro- priation, due to a change in payroll periods. The imposing of the Federal With- holding Tax made it to the advantage of teachers to receive their pay in equal in- stallments during the calendar year instead of for the 10-month school year. Since September they have received one-twelfth of their salary each month instead of one-tenth. This reduced the total of payrolls for 1944 by about $6000, money already earned, but with payment deferred to next summer. Necessarily the amount needed for Instruction for 1945 is increased by the amount of the deferred pay- ment.


Appropriated


Expended


Administration


$ 3,875.00


$ 3,839.36


Instruction


100,780.00


94,628.29


Janitors


13,860.00


13,693.15


Operation and Maintenance


13,425.00


13,172.88


Auxiliary Agencies


12,350.00


12,288.55


New Equipment


200.00


200.00


Playgrounds


500.00


455.60


Chapter #419


289.00


289.00


$145,279.00


$138,566.83


The town received cash or credits as follows:


Reimbursement for teachers' salaries,


$ 11,220.00


Tuition of state wards,


1,235.05


Tuition of City of Boston wards,


292.60


Tuition from towns,


396.55


Rent of High School hall,


84.00


Breakage,


1.50


Old books,


1.50


Total of receipts and credits,


13,231.20


Total expenditures for 1944,


$138,566.83


Total receipts and credits,


13,231.20


$125,335.63


Vocational school tuition in 1944,


$ 1,451.90


Reimbursement for year ending Aug. 31, 1943,


753.43


Net cost of vocational education for 1944


$ 698.47


Special appropriation for land for High School,


$ 1,350.00


Special appropration for survey,


300.00


Repairs out of the ordinary included: High School roof, $212; toilets, bubblers, painting at McFarlin, $658, and cleaning cesspools twice, $115; new steps at Princeton $152, and repairs to heating plant $367; weather-stripping and insulating at Quessy, $221; toilets, bubbler, and plumbing and heating at South, $291, and concrete apron around building $175.


This report ends with one more urgent recommendation, that the town pro- vide a clerk for the superintendent of schools, as is now done in nearly all towns. Office work has increased greatly the last few years. The man you employ to ad- minister the school system and to supervise teachers should be freed of routine


137


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


Clerical work.


Chelmsford has been a delightful town in which to live and work. I wish to express my appreciation for the very cordial support of parents and cit- izens, and for the valuable assistance given by the parent-teacher groups and other organizations. I bespeak the continued loyalty of all to your most im- portant community enterprise, your schools. To you, the members of the present school committee and to the former committees, I express thanks for your for- bearance on many occasions, for your wise counsel, and for your unceasing devo- tion to the interests of the schools. You have been high-minded, faithful ser- vants of the town, actuated always by regard for the welfare of the children, and by no other motive. May Chelmsford continue to elect to office men and wom- en who will be worthy of this high trust.


Respectfully submitted,


George S. Wright Superintendent of Schools.


RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS


High School Football Season, 1944. As of Jan. 9, 1945


Income received:


Tickets sold at games,


$ 953.90


Season tickets sold,


378.00


Guaranties received,


35.00


Program advertising,


1169.50


Program sales,


156.90


Refreshments sold (net)


81.57


Expenses paid :


Officials at games,


$ 220.00


Federal taxes : all ticket sales,


219.45


Printing of tickets,


26.68


Printing of programs,


227.50


Purchase of equipment,


1177.86


Guaranties paid,


10.00


Repairing equipment,


17.25


Supplies,


55.55


Program expense,


5.42


Insurance liability (net)


54.45


Microphone,


60.00


Players' expense, food


30.90


Police and janitors services,


22.00


$2774.87


$2127.06


Deposit book #165704


629.70


Deposit book #165705,


18.11


$2774.87


$2774.87


(Signed) Charles E. Boles, Treasurer Chelmsford Civic Committee


138


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


SCHOOL CENSUS. OCTOBER 1, 1944


Registration of minors:


5 and under 7


7 and under 16


Boys,


116


546


Girls,


107


429


Total,


223


975


Distribution of minors


In publie schools,


183


938


In vocational schools,


6


In private schools,


19


26


Not in school,


21


5


Total


223


975


Mr. George S. Wright


Superintendent of Schools


Chelmsford, Massachusetts


My dear Mr. Wright:


I am pleased to submit, herewith, my fifteenth annual report as princi- pal of Chelmsford High School.


The total enrollment up to January 1, 1945 is as follows:


Class


Number of Boys


Number of Girls


Total


Senior


30


30


60


Junior


40


52


92


Sophomore


39


54


93


Freshman


56


58


114


165


194


359


The enrollment this year has dropped eight pupils compared with the en- rollment of a year ago.


The results of the physical examinations given by the war department show very clearly that far too many of our young people have physical defects caused by the lack of something needed to develop perfect physical individuals. This something may have been one or more of the following necessities; proper food, dieting, rest, exercise, health habits, medical or dental attention.


A complete physical education program whose main objective is sound bod- ies should be efficiently carried out for every pupil in every school. Then and only then can all the children of all the people hope to be able to return the highest dividends to the taxpayers for the money spent on education. Then and only then would our boys and girls be fitted physically to compete in friendly rivalry on our athletic field or in deadly combat on the battle field.


Parents should cooperate with teachers to make their children work up to the limit of their abilities at all times. Those pupils who have been made to do their best before they come to high school are much more likely to succeed after they get there.


In high school the parents and teachers should help the pupil elect that


139


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


program of studies which as far as can be determined is the best for that pupil. . pupil should not be allowed to elect a subject just because it is easy or be- ause he can make a high grade in it. A pupil is not getting a square deal in school if he is not made to do his best with those class room subjects which will e of the greatest value to him in life. Every high school pupil should study t least two hours every day at home. The pupils who get the best grades study ven more than that at home.


The immediate aim of every one should be to win this war. We do not like ;o have our boys and girls faced with the awful reality of war, but if they have ;o fight, we should do all that we can to equip them in every way to defeat the nemy with the least possible harm to themselves. We should also try to help hem into that branch of the service which they most desire. Special pre-induc- ion courses in electricity, radio, and mathematics, in preparation for the Naval adio Technician program are being given to our boys who passed the screening est. We are trying to cooperate with all branches of the armed services. The 'ollowing letter sent to Chelmsford High School is self-explanatory.


Ir. L. H. Burns, Principal Chelmsford High School helmsford, Massachusetts


ear Sir:


This office wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the co-oper- tion you have given to our attempts to interest young men in the Naval Radio 'echnician training program. Your own interest in the program has made our task much easier in your area and, we expect, will help to produce very satisfactory esults.


As indicated by the results of the screening test, yours is an unusually rell-trained group of boys.


A letter urging conscientious study of the Eddy test subjects in prepara- ;ion for the final examination has been sent to each man who took the screening est. A summary of the opportunities and advantages of RT training was included. It was recommended that they confer with you on the matter of special coaching.


Your plan to organize an "RT" class under the tutelage of Professor Wells s excellent and should help the boys tremendously. The experiment will be ratched with great interest. This office is anxious to be of assistance in any jay possible short of compromising the Eddy Test.


Very truly yours, G. Earl Sowle, CSP (R) USNR U.S. Navy Recruiting Station Lowell, Mass.


We have received many favorable reports concerning the boys from Chelms- Ford High School in all branches of the armed forces. This is true of many boys n special training programs, as well as of those who are performing heroic eats in actual combat.


I would like to recommend for next year that a well trained competent han be engaged to organize and carry out an up-to-date physical training program For the high school. Also, that more be done with pre-induction courses for our boys who will enter the armed services of our Country.


140


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


The Iowa Tests of Education Development were given on October 19 and 20 to all four classes in the high school under the supervision of Mr. Wright. The results of these tests are given by Mr. Wright in his report.


A battery of mental ability and aptitude tests were given the junior and senior classes on November 21, 1944 by Professor Horace G. Thacker of Boston University School and College Relations Special Testing Service.


The following letter explains the objectives and results of these tests:


January 10, 1945


Mr. Lucian H. Burns, Principal


Chelmsford High School


Chelmsford, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Burns :


On November 21 I' had the pleasure of co-operating with your faculty and you in administering a battery of tests to your junior and senior classes. On January 8 I had the added pleasure of meeting with you, your Superintendent, and your teachers in a discussion of the results of this testing program.


This letter is intended as a summary of the objectives of the tests, and to give you a formal, brief statement of my impressions of the calibre of your students and the achievements of your faculty.


The tests provide valuable and reliable data that help in the guidance of the pupils and the use of them by the Chelmsford High School gives substantial evidence that Chelmsford is alert in taking advantage of sound educational pro- cedures for the benefit of its pupils. These tests give the following informa- tion about each pupil:


1. Is the pupil working up to his ability?


2. Is the pupil following a program of study congenial to his basic interests and aptitudes?


3. Should the pupil go on to college or professional school and what careers are in line with this interest and aptitude?


4. What occupational areas are in line with the in- terests and aptitudes of the pupil who will seek employment upon graduation from high school?


As a result of the testing, we prepared charts showing the standing of the entire junior and senior classes as compared to established national averages and standards for high school juniors and seniors. Chelmsford can have justif- iable pride in the quality of its pupils. Their mental maturity is distinctly superior and it is apparent the instruction in the Chelmsford School system is a vital contributing factor to their high standing.


I want you to know I have greatly enjoyed my association with you all, and I sincerely hope you will call upon me at any time you may believe my services will be of value.


Sincerely


Horace G. Thacker Associate Director School and College Relations


141


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


Professor Thacker will meet with the junior and senior classes and inter- pret the results of these tests. Pupils will be given an opportunity to have the results of their tests explained to them.


Ve feel that the results of these tests warrant the continuance of test- ing programs in the future.


Following is the report of the Chelmsford High School Students Fund as made by our Vice-Principal, Miss C. Edith Mccarthy:


1. General Fund


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944 $ 177.59 439.82


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


Total Receipts $ 617.41


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


274.05


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944 $ 343.36


2. Chemistry Fund


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944 $ 30.54


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


11.25


Total Receipts $ 41.79


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


7.72


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944 $ 34.07


3. Slide Rule Club


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944 $ 4.76


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


9.00


Total Receipts $ 13.76


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944 7.00


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944


6.76


4. Fence Fund -- Gifts of Classes of 1935 and 1938


Receipts, June 1935 $ 50.00


Receipts, June 1938 75.00


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944


$ 125.00


5. Magazine Fund


Balance Jan. 1, 1944


$ 3.95


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944 3.95


6. Dunigan and Gay Memorial Fund


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944 Š 7.65


Less : Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944 7.65


7. Dramatic Club


Balance, Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 1944 $ 28.53


142


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


8. Latin Club


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944


$ 2.40


Less : Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


2.09


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944


$ .31


9. Athletic Association


Balance, Jan. 1, 1944


$ 239.53


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


994.07


Total Receipts


$1233.60


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


863.50


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944 $ 370.10


10. Year Book of 1944


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944 '


$ 623.60


Less: Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


623.60


11. Music Fund


Balance, Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 1944


$ 9.10


12. Class of 1945


Receipts, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944 $ 292.27


Less : Payments, Jan. 1 -- Dec. 31, 1944


92.97


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944


$ 199.30


TOTAL CASH in all Funds


$1116.53


Distribution of Cash in Funds Dec. 31, 1944


In Checking Account -- Union National Bank of Lowell$911.57 Less: Outstanding Checks 29.31


Balance, Dec. 51, 1944 $ 882.26


$ 219.52


On Interest -- Lowell Institution for Savings Cash on hand:


14.75


TOTAL CASH on hand and in Banks, Dec. 31, 1944


$1116.53


Other Funds :


Class of 1943: Balance, Jan. 1, 1943 $ 60.80


Less: Payment for Gift* 55.50


Balance, Dec. 31, 1944 5.30


Transferred to General Fund 5.30


* Class Gift: Bought on May 12, 1944, Three War Bonds, $25. Series F, for school -- #Q656202F, #Q656203F, #Q656204F


Class of 1944: Balance, Jan. 1, 1944 $102.03


Receipts, Jan. 1-June 30,


245.07


Total Receipts $347.10


Less : Payments, Jan. 1-June 244.81


Balance, Voted as Gift


$102.29 **


** Class Gift: Amount deposited in the Appleton National Bank for GEORGE ROLLINGS KNIGHTLY, Memorial Field, Harold E. Clayton, Treasurer.


143


SCHOOL DEPARTMENT


I am pleased to acknowledge, with many thanks, the kind assistance and hearty cooperation that I have received from you, Mr. Wright, the School Com- mittee, parents the faculty and 'student body, in trying to make our school what it should be.




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