USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1945 > Part 7
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Everett L. Handy Superintendent of Schools
General Information ..
No School Signal
Three blasts of the fire alarm signal repeated three times at 7:15 A.M. in- dicates no school all day for all schools. Radio station WLLH also broadcasts the announcement.
Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is required for admission to school.
Vaccination
All children must be vaccinated before entering school.
Absences or Tardiness
Teachers shall require a written excuse from parent or guardian for each absence or tardiness.
·
School Attendance (Extracts from the General Laws)
Chapter 76, Sec. 1. "Every child between 7 and 16, except a child between fourteen and sixteen who meets the requirements for the completion of the sixth grade . . . and who holds a permit for employment . . and is regularly employed thereunder for at least six hours a day, or a child between fourteen and sixteen who meets said requirements . . and has the written permission of the Super- intendent of Schools of said town to engage in non-wage-earning employment at home . shall . attend a public day school in said town during
the entire time the public schools are in session."
Chapter 76, Sec' 2. "Every person in control of a child described in the previous section shall cause him to attend school as therein required, and, if he
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
fails to do so . shall be punished by a fine." .
School Calendar
Opening day of school - September 5, 1945
No school - Columbus Day - October 12, 1945
No school - Teachers' Convention - October 26, 1945
No school - Armistice Day - November 12, 1945
Thanksgiving recess - Schools close Wednesday noon - November 21, 1945 Schools open Monday - November 26, 1945
Christmas recess - Schools close Friday - December 21, 1945 Schools open Wednesday - January 2, 1946
Mid-Winter recess - Schools close Friday - February 15, 1946 Schools open Monday - February 25, 1946
Spring recess - Schools close Friday - April 12, 1946 Schools open Monday - April 22, 1946
No school - Thursday and Friday - May 30 and 31, 1946
Schools close about June 21, 1946
School Committee
Members
Terms Expire
Mrs. Marjorie M. Kiberd, North Chelmsford
1946
Stephen T. Mansur, Chelmsford
1947
Bryant C. Emerson, Chelmsford
1948
Organization of the Committee
Chairman Secretary
Mrs. Marjorie M. Kiberd Bryant C. Emerson
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Everett L. Handy Office: McFarlin School
Telephone Number: Lowell 7461
Secretary: Mrs. Evelyn Hilton
8
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Personnel
Teachers for School Year beginning September, 1945 .
MoFarlin
Name
Appointed
Louis O. Forrest, Principal
1926
Fitchburg, B.S.E.
1943
Lowell Normal
1944
Lowell Normal, Emerson, B.L.I.
(Mrs.) Eva L. Dobson, Grade 7
1919
Plymouth Normal
Evelyna Anderson, Grade 6
1944
Lowell, B.S.E.
Helena B. Lyon, Grade 5
1911
No. Adams Normal
Emily Hehir, Grade 4
1928
Lowell Normal
Mayme G. Trefry, Grade 3
1921
Truro Normal
(Mrs. ) Hope Lawrence, Grade 2
1941
Lowell, B.S.E.
Edna Hoyt, Grade 1
1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
1941
East
(Mrs.) Jessie F. Brown, Principal, Grades 7 & 8 Boston University
1930
Mildred G. Perry, Grades 5 & 6 Fitchburg, B.S.E. 1931
Ann. F. McEnaney, Grades 3 & 4 Lowell, B.S.E. 1943
1940
Highland Avenue
Mary H. Ryan, Principal, Grades 7 & 8 Lowell Normal
1930
Nora E. Miskell, Grades 5 & 6 1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
Lottie M. Agnew, Grades 3 & 4 Lowell Normal 1923
(Mrs. ) Veronica M. Berry, Grades 1 & 2
1936
Loweil, B.S.E.
Princeton Street
Genevieve E. Jantzen, Principal, Grade 8 Lowell Normal (Mrs.) Elsa Reid, Grade 7
1911
Lowell Normal 1922
81
Doris E. Hevey, Special Class Lowell, B.S.E.
Mary E. McGauvran, Grades 1 & 2 Lowell, B.S.E.
Alice T. O'Neill, Grade 8
(Mrs.) Helen B: Mills, Grade 8
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Esther Burns, Grade 6 Lowell, B.S.E.
1945
1931
Gladys T. Harrington, Grade 5 Lowell Normal Sally T. Conlon, Grade 4 Lovell, B.S.E.
1937
1941
Margaret D. Sousa, Grade 3 Lowell, B.S.E. Helen C. Osgood, Grade 2 Lowell Normal -
1921
Ann E. Hehir, Grade 1 Lowell, B.S.E.
1935
Quessy
Ann M. Hickey, Principal, Grades 7 & 8 Lowell Normal
1942
(Mrs. ) Lilla M. Dexter, Grades 5 & 6 Lowell Normal
1942
M. Pauline Sullivan, Grades 3 & 4 Lowell, B.S.E. 1941
1936
Alice F. MoEnaney, Grades 1 & 2 Lowell Normal
South
1939
Bertha R. Barrett, Grades 3 & 4 Lowell Normal.
1942
Westlands
Harry Y Hilyard, Principal, Grade 8 Fitchburg, B.S.E.
Rita M. Foley, Grade 7 1940
Univ. of N.H., A.M.
B. Muriel Bridges, Grade 6
1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
1942
Lowell, B.S.E.
(Mrs. ) Charlotte K. Duffy, Grade 4 Lowell Normal
1932
Josephine F. Brennan, Grade 3 1941
Lowell, B.S.E.
1928
Ruth E. Wilcock, Grade 1
1945
Boston University, B.S.E.
Hi gh
1930
Lucien H. Burns, Principal, Math. Univ. of N.H. B.S. Columbia, M.A. F. Christine Booth, Latin, Math. Colby, B.A. 1927
(Mrs.) Charlotte S. Carriel, Eng.
1942
Mt. Holyoke, B.A.
.
(Mrs.) Ruth R. Brodeur, Grades 1 & 2 Lowell, B.S.E.
1930
Florence M. Kelley, Grade 5
(Mrs. ) Marion E. Adams, Grade 2 Lowell Normal
8
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Eleanor M. Donahoe, Math. & Social Science
1940
Smith, A.B.
Mildred M. Hehir, French, Social Science
1942
Regis, A.B.
Murray B. Hicks, Science & Math.
1945
Mass. State College, B.S.
1929
Ernestine E. Maynard, Commercial Salem, B.S.E.
1934
C. Edith Mccarthy, Vice Prin., Commercial Salem, B.S.E. 1938
(Mrs. ) Helen Poland, Science
Boston University, A.B.
Mary E. Pollard, Commercial
1941
Lowell, B.S.E. Boston Univ. M.S.C.
Marjorie B. Scoboria, Math.
1942
Wellesley, A.B., Radcliffe, M.A.
John J. Shannon, History 1943
Clark, A.M.
(Mrs. ) Rita Corcoran, English Emmanuel, .A.B.
1936
Supervisors and Special Instructors
B. Andrea Rouvalis, Music Supervisor N.E. Conservatory of Music
1945
Patrick J. Pappalardo, Physical Ed. Supervisor Boston University, B.S.
1945
Bernard Larkin, Instructor of Band
1943
Mrs. Irene Emerson, Lunchroom Supervisor
1945
M. Marion Adams, Super. of Music ( On leave of absence)
Janitors
Leslie J. Reid William T. Davis Otis Brow
Joseph Morris
Edward Brick
Patrick Cassidy Carl Peterson
George Burton William J. Ayotte
High School High School McFarlin School East School Highland Ave. School Princeton St. School Quessy School South School Westlands School
Administration
Appointed 1945
Everett L. Handy, Superintendent of Schools Harvard University, Ed. D.
Evelyn J. Hilton, Secretary Winslow P. George, Attendance Officer Ralph G. Hulslander, Attendance Officer
1945
Health Officers
Arthur G. Scoboria, M.D. J. E. Boucher, M.D.
Chelmsford, Mass. No.Chelmsford, Mass.
83
Daisy B. MacBrayne, English Boston University, A.M.
1923
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Christina N. Simpson, R.N.
Chelmsford, Mass.
Resignations
Mrs. Mary Scully, Grade 5 Miss Beryl Rafuse, Grade 6 Miss Rose Cooney, Science Miss Roberta Small, Grade 6 Mr. George S. Wright, Superintendent of Schools (retired)
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard, Principal Mrs. Rita Corcoran, English Mr. Louis O. Forrest, Principal
Westlands School McFarlin School High School Princeton St. School
Westlands School High School McFarlin School
Appointments
Mr. Patrick Pappalardo, Supervisor of Physical Education for Boys Mr. Murray Hicks, Science and Assistant Coach of Football - High School Everett L. Handy, Superintendent of Schools Miss Esther Burns, Grade 6 Miss Ruth Wilcock, Grade 1 Mrs. Irene Emerson, Lunch Room Supervisor
Princeton School Westlands School
Miss B. Andrea Rouvalis, Supervisor of Music Mr. Maurice F. Smith, Principal Mr. Alexander Wilcox, English Mr. Earle F. Pine, Principal
Westlands School High School McFarlin School
In Military Service
Earl A. Watt, Teacher Gerald Ivers, Teacher George Boyce, Teacher Mabelle Birtwell, Teacher Walter Hannon, Principal
.
High School
High School High School McFarlin School Quessy School
GEORGE S. WRIGHT
Superintendent of Schools, Chelmsford, Mass. 1928-45
On July 31, 1945, Mr. George S. Wright retired as Superintendent of the Chelms- ford Schools, ending a 17 year period of service and leadership in Chelmsford. July 31, 1945 is all the more noteworthy in that it marks for Mr. Wright the com- pletion of 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator in New England. Mr. Wright began his career as an educator in Bridport, Vt. in the year 1895. After serving as a teacher in the upper grades in Bridport he was invited to serve in the High School in Spencer, Mass. Later, Mr. Wright moved to Bethel, Vermont where he served as Principal of the High School. After a number of years in the Town of Bethel, he became Principal of the High School in Northfield, Vt. Mr. Wright serv- ed as Superintendent of Schools in the City of St. Albans, Vt. for a period of 17 years. Before coming to Chelmsford he was Superintendent of Schools at Windsor Looks, Connecticut.
Mr. Wright brought about many improvements in the Chelmsford Schools, and worked constantly for the welfare and improvement of the classroom teacher. In this, his year of retirement, his Christmas greeting took the form of a farewell and tribute of appreciation to the classroom teacher. Excerpts from this stirring tribute are repeated here. "The teacher in the classroom does not work as a scientist; she is an artist . She is cutting a gem of many facets, an intellect to be trained,
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
emotions to be brought under control, ideals to be instilled, appreciations to be developed, ambitions to be guided, the whole child in all his aspects. It is mat- erial valuable beyond price, a human soul."
Mr. Wright's many friends wish him health and happiness in the years ahead.
Projects and Problems
Administration
At the start of the school year there were only two telephones in the school system. One of these was located in the office of the High School Principal, and the other in the office of the Superintendent of Schools. The office of the school nurse and each of the seven elementary schools were without telephone service. In October telephones were installed in each of the elementary schools and in the office of the school nurse. This service has greatly facilitated the administra- tion of the schools, has increased the safety factor in case of fire or accident, and has made the work of the school nurse more effective.
The continuing of a secretary in the office of the Superintendent of Schools has relieved this official of many clerical duties, thus affording increased time for consultation, supervision, planning, and other major problems of administering a school system.
The taking of the school census has revealed valuable statistics concerning the children in Chelmsford. Important among these statistios is the number com- ing of school age each year.
Personnel
While many factors must be considered in appraising the efficiency and effect- iveness of teachers, training and experience are perhaps two aspects which are of outstanding significance. The following statistios indicate that Chelmsford tea- chers stand well in these respects.
Number of teachers
Percent with degrees
Average number of yrs. of exp. in Chelmsford
High School
16*
100%
8
Elementary Schools
42
55%
11
School System
58
67%
10
Number of teachers with masters degrees
6
Includes two supervisors.
School Costs
An analysis of school expenditures for the year 1945 is presented in the
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
section of this report which deals with school statistics. The analysis indicates that nearly $158,000.00 was expended during the year just closed. In recent months there have been many requests for improved transportation facilities, for the es- tablishment of kindergartens, for a physical education supervisor for girls, for new equipment, and for numerous major repairs to buildings. `An additional teach- er is needed in the High School. Teachers have asked for and should receive in- oreased salaries. All these requests and needs will make it necessary to increase the school budget for 1946.
Concerning teachers salaries, a recent report prepared by the Research Div- ision of the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation for the sohool year 1944-1945 in- dicated that among the 85 towns in Massachusetts with populations of 5000 or more, the town of Chelmsford ranked 85th from the top in average salaries paid to teach- ers, supervisors, and principals. Thus according to this report, Chelmsford teach- ers were the poorest paid teachers among the 85 towns in this group during 1944- 1945. The adoption of a salary schedule with higher salaries for teachers, sup- ervisors, and principals is strongly recommended.
On October 1, 1945, there were 1314 students in membership in the Chelmsford schools. These students were distributed among eight different schools (actually) in nine buildings) as shown in the tabulation in the section on statistics. In considering the problem of increased expenditures, it would be well to keep in mind the large number of separate school units and the consequent cost of operat= ing such units for this number of students.
The Educational Program
Basic to all other considerations in our school system are the pupil to be educated and the program set up to make possible the accomplishment of his educa- tion. These two matters have been under constant study since the start of the school year. A physical education program for boys has been established; a school lunch room serving approximately 500 students each day has been set up; curriculum committees in three major subject fields have been organized; a testing program has been started; provisions have been made for greater school publicity; a study of the high school curriculum has been made indicating the need for more and varied educational offerings for students in this age group; and consideration has been given to the need for a pre-school clinic, adequate guidance programs, better vis- ual aid materials, and the establishment of kindergartens.
The physical education program was inaugurated in September, 1945, when Mr. Patrick Pappalardo began his work as Supervisor of Physical Education for Boys. Mr. Pappalardo's work includes physical education instruction for boys from grades 7 through 12. In some of the smaller schools grade 6 is also included. The devel- opment of physically fit youth, and the consequent strengthening of good character are two of the aims of this program. Actual activities include testing followed by remedial work, group games, hygiene and organized athletics.
In order to improve our facilities for serving lunch to bus pupils and others who regularly stayed at school at noon time at the MoFarlin School and at the High School, the MeFarlin School gymnasium was converted into a lunch room. Some kit- chen facilities already existed in the school. These were added to and the kitchen area enlarged. The gymnasium-assembly hall was converted into a lunch room.
Getting the lunch room started was a most difficult task for there was no available money to pay for new equipment, to defray the cost of enlarging the kit- chen, and to pay the wages of employees. These problems were solved, however, and the solution provided a splendid example of school-community cooperation. Confer- erences and group meetings were held at which the problems were discussed. All
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
concerned cooperated in the common solution of organization problems. The Chelms- ford Center Parent-Teacher organization was especially active and helpful. It raised and expended several hundred dollars for dishes, other equipment, and re- pairs. Other groups assisted and gave their support too. The South Chelmsford Parent-Teacher organization contributed fifty dollars.
The lunch room opened on October 1, 1945 offering complete lunches for fift- een cents. This low cost lunch was made possible by assistance received from the Federal-State Community Lunch Program. For each complete lunch served, the Com- munity Lunch Program paid seven oents. Thus, the lunch room actually received twenty two cents for each of these lunches. This fact and the decision of the School Committee to operate the lunch room on a non-profit basis have made possi- ble the sale of a complete lunch -- hot dish plus bread and butter and milk - at such a low price. Approximately 500 boys and girls are served each day from 11:15 A.M. to 12:30P .M.
After organization plans were complete Mrs. Irene Emerson, a graduate of Simmons College and a former teacher of Household Arts, was selected to carry on the actual management of the lunch room. Her duties included: the selection and supervision of a staff of workers, the buying of supplies, the planning of menus, the keeping of records and payrolls and the making of monthly reports to the School Superintendent. Thus, the lunch room and its personnel form a unit of the school system under the direct control of the Superintendent of Schools.
Under the careful management of Mrs. Emerson, the lunch room is now operating at no cost to the town. All wages, food costs, and incidental expenses are met from income received from the sale of food and from the Community Lunch subsidy.
The cooperation of parents, teachers, pupils and workers in the successful completion of this project is most sincerely appreciated.
Another projeot of great significance is the development of curriculum com- mittees. Early in October three such committees were organized to study methods and materials in the fields of English, Social Studies, and Mathematics. Each committee includes representatives from all grades from 1 through 12. Committees meet monthly with interim conferences of the committee chairmen and the Superin- tendent of Schools. Major problems being studied are: the teaching of reading, subject matter content, the selection of textbooks, and the coordination of the work in the three fields in the various schools.
In September all first grade children were tested to obtain data helpful in carrying out the teaching process. Similar tests will be given to all students before the close of the present school year.
The testing program now under development will include:
1. Tests of mental ability for all students.
2. Achievement tests at the end of the school year for all students.
3. Vocational aptitude tests for High School Students.
Each school principal has been asked to help make parents better acquainted with our schools by reporting school news regularly.
An examination of subject offerings in the High School indicates that students have only two choices of program. A pupil may take a program in preparation for college, or he may take a program in preparation for commercial work. This latter
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
program is mainly concerned with preparation for secretarial and bookkeeping posi- tions. There are no provisions for those who, by interest and aptitude, are un- suited to the programs now offered.
The youth of Chelmsford have as many and as varied interests as youth in other communities, yet the real interests and needs of only a small segment of our High School youth are now being met. Instruction in shop work for boys, house- hold arts for girls, and agriculture for boys would do much to meet the needs of our youth.
Action is now being taken to make possible the establishment of an agricul- tural program to begin in September 1946. The State and Federal governments will provide two thirds of the cost of the instructor's salary if the program is es- tablished. Approval mist first be obtained from the Massachusetts Division of Vocational Agriculture in the State Department of Education. It is also -necessary for the town to vote to adopt vocational education at its regular town meeting if the program is to be established. The financial assistance provided by the State and Federal governments is shown in the following table.
Ist year 100% of instructors salary in advance is provided by the government
2nd year 75% of instructors salary is provided in advance by the government.
25% of instructors salary is voted by the town. Two thirds of this 25% is returned to the town by the government at the end of the year.
3rd year
50% of instructors salary is provided in advance by the government.
50% of instructors salary is voted by the town. Two thirds of this 50% is returned to the town by the government at the end of the year.
4th year 25% of instructors salary is provided in advance by the government.
75% of instructors salary is voted by the town. Two thirds of this 75% is returned to the town by the government at the end of the year.
5th year 100% of the instructors salary is voted by the town. Two thirds of this 100% is returned to the town by the government at the end of the year.
The arrangement for the fifth year is continued as long as the course is offered.
The establishment of shop courses and household arts will require additional building facilities.
School Plant
The School Committee has invited the State Department of Education to make a study of our schools. It is hoped that the results of this study can be made public during 1946.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Chelmsford is organized on the 8 - 4 plan, that is, the elementary schools are eight grade units, and the high school is a four year unit. There are seven elementary schools and one high school. The relative size of these sohools is shown in the tabulation in the section on statistics. Four of the elementary schools have fewer than 100 pupils each this year. One, the South School, has only 34 children in a total of six grades, (this year).
With the exception of the Westlands School, all school buildings are in need of major repairs. A partial list of repairs includes: painting inside and out- side, improved lighting (at East Chelmsford two olassrooms have only one light each), and improved toilet facilities. A typical example of building needs is ind- ioated in the condition of the MoFarlin School. This school has not been painted inside or outside for more than 17 years. The cast stone around the building needs to be pointed up, and many new sets of window shades are needed.
The Princeton Street School is so old and outmoded that it should be replaced with a new school. The Princeton Street School consists of two separate buildings, one of which was used in the Civil War. The water pipes in the older building must be drained of water on cold nights, and salt placed in the toilet bowls, to prevent freezing. Although the buildings are only approximately twenty feet apart, each has its own heating plant. It is recommended that plans be drawn up for a new school to replace the two buildings now used for the Princeton School. Action by the Town to actually erect the new building to take place at a later date.
The present High School structure does not permit the setting-up of courses in shop and household arts. In addition, the gymnasium-auditorium is actually only an auditorium, and is gradually being ruined by continued use as a gymnasium. Shower room facilities adjacent to the gymnasium are hopelessly inadequate. The solution to all these problems would seem to be in the erection of a Junior High School next to the present High School building. ' This new building would provide for grades 7, 8, and 9, would provide facilities for shop work and household arts; would include a new gymnasium with adequate locker room facilities; and would con- tain a modern cafeteria. It would be close enough to the High School so that all these facilities could be used by pupils in both schools. It is recommended that plans be drawn up for a new Junior High School. Aotion by the Town to actually erect the new building to take place at a later date.
Closely related to building needs is the problem of improvement of school grounds. Of major importance is the development of suitable playing areas at the site of the MoFarlin and High School buildings. Much study of this problem has already been carried out by the Athletic Committee. It is recommended that action be taken to carry out the recommendations of these groups in 1946.
Special Reports
To the Superintendent of Sohools,
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Physical Education in the Chelmsford Schools
Fundamental purpose of the Physical Education Program: We are presenting a program which we hope will show in the progress of the individual pupil and in his interest in achieving and maintaining a personal high standard of physical fitness. A medical examination is required before a boy is allowed to participate in physi- cal education.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
In grades six, seven and eight, an informal program is being carried out which we expect will develop physical fitness and health and teach the fundament- als of major and minor sports. The boys in these grades have been tested for postural defects, and a certain amount of time will be given to correctives. The fundamentals of hygiene will be taught in the grade schools.
The lack of space and equipment in the grade schools is not conducive to the best physical education program, but each school is being given the best program possible with what is available. It would be advisable in the future to give the P.F.I. Test in the grade schools.
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