USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1946 > Part 13
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The report which follows has been so organized that it will present an overall picture of our school system in order that the reader may have an opportunity to consider all of its aspects and their relations one to another. The report has been divided into the following major divisions:
The Children to be Educated The Program of Studies Personnel The School Plant School Costs Supplement
Statistics have been reduced to a minimum and have been pre- sented in connection with the parts of the report to which they apply.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT L. HANDY, Superintendent of Schools.
221
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
THE CHILDREN TO BE EDUCATED
Of first concern in the examination of any school system is an inquiry into the number, age, and location of the children to be educated. On October 1st, of the current school year there were 1325 children of school age enrolled as members of the Chelmsford schools. Of this number 924 were members of elementary schools and 401 were high school students. About one-third of all ele- mentary students are transported to school, while two-thirds live within reasonable walking distance to the school they attend.
More than half of the students in our high school are trans- ported from other parts of the town to the center. The following tabulation indicates the geographic location of both elementary and high school pupils.
Location
Elementary High School
Total
Chelmsford Center
270
116
386
Westlands
163
69
232
East Chelmsford
90
32
122
West Chelmsford
87
35
122
South Chelmsford
32
15
47
North Chelmsford
282
127
409
Non resident
7
7
Total
924
401
1325
In addition to the students mentioned above, the school census in- dicates that on October 1, 1946 there were three students under 16 years of age attending vocational schools, and 65 students under 16 years of age attending private and parochial schools. It is known that still other students 16 years of age or older are attending voca- tional; or private or parochial schools, but the data at hand refer only to those attending vocational schools. The following census data indicate the registration of minors 5 years of age or over but under 16 years of age.
REGISTRATION OF MINORS OCTOBER 1, 1946
5 yrs. or
over but under 7
7 yrs. or over but under 16
1. Boys
122
544
2. Girls
124
520
Total
246
1064
222
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ABOVE MINORS OCTOBER 1, 1946
In public day school membership 174
1007
In vocational school membership
3
In private school membership 13
52
In state and county institutions and special schools for defectives and delinquents.
Not enrolled in any school
59
2
Total
246
1064
PUPIL ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1946
Pupils enrolled:
Elementary
High
Total
Boys
506
165
671
Girls
467
208
675
Total
973
373
1346
Pupils for each of whom the
town paid tuition for not less than half the school year
0
Non-resident pupils (including state and city wards) who attended the schools
of the town for not less than half the school year
15
Aggregate attendance 151346.5
58915
210261.5
Average daily attendance
877.25
330.92
1208.17
Average number of days the public
day schools were actually in session
172.5
178
175.25
Average membership
940.03
352.74
1292.77
Net average membership
925.03
349.74
1274.77
According to state law students who can meet the entrance re- quirements of vocational schools may attend such schools provided the local schools do not offer similar vocational training. Under such circumstances the town is required to pay the tuition of these stu- dents. Again, according to state law, towns paying the tuition of students attending vocational schools in other towns shall be reim- bursed by the state for part of the tuition paid. The following sta- tistics indicate the number of Chelmsford students attending voca- tional schools, the tuition paid and the reimbursement allowed.
223
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
State reimbursements on tuition paid are always one year behind local appropriations for tuition to be paid out. Reimbursements to the Town of Chelmsford were paid in August, 1946, but were reim- bursements on tuition actually paid during 1945.
PUPILS FROM CHELMSFORD ATTENDING VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN 1944-45
Lowell Vocational School
Tuition Paid
Reimburse- ment
Adle, Leo J.
36.00
Burndrette, Donald
16.00
Burroughs, Hobart M.
135.00
Carrick, Francis M.
150.00
Gaudette, Francis
150.00
Hatch, John R.
56.00
Merrill, Donald
64.00
Michaud, Robert
150.00
Mortham, Harold
120.00
Smith, John
72.00
949.00
549.50
Lowell Household Arts School
DeAmcis, Julia
150.00
Patenaude, Mary H.
150.00
300.00
150.00
Lawrence Evening Industrial School
Hogan, Frank W.
8.40
8.40
4.20
1257.40
703.70
Net cost to the town
$553.70
Another important aspect to observe in connection with a study of the children to be educated is the tendency of the school popu- lation to increase or decrease over a period of years. The tabu- lation on the following page indicates the trend in growth of the num- ber of children attending the Chelmsford Schools. During most of the 10-year period from 1937 through 1946 the total number of pupils enrolled has gradually decreased. Whether or not the future will bring much of an increase will depend upon a variety of factors.
224
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Perhaps the two most important of these factors are the increase in the general population of the town and the birth rate. With land available and the outlook for building materials improving, it is not unlikely that Chelmsford's population will increase rapidly in the immediate future. Looking at the tabulation on the following page it can be easily seen that not only has the total elementary school enrollment dropped in the ten-year period just ended but the en- rollment of each elementary school has dropped during the same pe- riod. Enrollment in the High School, however, is showing an in- crease. During the ten-year period 1937-1946 the High School en- rollment reached its peak in 1940 with 527 students in membership. It then dropped consistently until 1944, at which time it began to show a definite increase. Indications are that it will increase still further next year.
Still another factor influencing the number of children to be edu- cated in Chelmsford is the degree to which they persist in school once they start. There are many reasons why children drop out of school, but perhaps the most significant one is failure to be successful in regular school work. Students fail because of lack of ability and effort, but more frequently because the subjects they are studying are not suited to their needs and interests. The tabulation which follows indicates the extent to which pupils remain in our high school. The data show the number entering as freshmen together with the number in the same group when they become seniors. Examination of these data
GROWTH OF THE CHELMSFORD SCHOOLS 1937-1946
Number of Pupils Enrolled on October 1
School
1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946
McFarlin
346
354
338
317
320
313
299
306
275
270
East
146
141
134
129
108
109
95
85
91
90
Highland Ave.
120
114
115
102
96
98
96
94
87
87
Princeton St.
243
257
250
241
229
217
201
198
204
195
Quessy
104
92
102
106
96
103
90
99
94
87
South
45
50
48
48
49
53
41
41
34
32
Westlands
154
150
153
154
169
184
183
171
173
163
High School
445
485
512
527
473
434
364
355
367
401
Total
1603 1643 1652 1624 1540 1521 1376 1349 1325 1325
indicate a large drop-out during the war years, but taking this into consideration there still remains a drop-out of about one-third of every entering class. In other words, of every 100 students enter- ing high school as freshmen about 33 will not graduate. This fact has significant implications, and will be worthy of careful consider- ation when examining the educational program ofiered.
225
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
EXTENT OF PERSISTENCE IN HIGH SCHOOL
Freshmen
Seniors
Number of
Percent
Year
Number
Year
Number
Drop-outs Dropping out
1942
126
1945
61
65
52%
1941
120
1944
60
60
50%
1940
153
1943
70
83
54%
1939
160
1942
86
74
46%
1938
150
1941
101
30
20%
1937
131
1940
101
30
23%
1936
114
1939
86
28
24%
1935
148
1938
101
47
32%
1934
129
1937
83
46
36%
1935
129
1936
89
40
31%
Finally, the age at which children may enter school is a factor controlling the number of children to be educated. During 1946 the School Committee voted to set the entering age as five and one-half years on or before the opening day of school in September with no exceptions to be allowed. This action ended a long period of con- fusion concerning this matter.
To sum up, considering Chelmsford's total population the num- ber of children to be educated is not large. The chief centers of concentration are Chelmsford Center and North Chelmsford. If the Westlands, which is very close to the Center were added in with the Center, Chelmsford Center would be the main area of pupil concen- tration. Sixty-five students between five and fifteen years of age inclusive attend private or parochial schools. A relatively small num- ber travel outside the community to attend vocational schools. The total school population has been on the decrease for several years. but has held steady for the last two years. Elementary school enrollments continue to drop, while high school enrollments have begun to increase. The total school population would be consider- ably larger were it not for the large number of boys and girls who fail to persist in school long enough to graduate.
THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES
Having considered the children to be educated it is logical next to examine the program of studies offered for them. The follow- ing daily time schedules indicate the nature and extent of subjects and activities offered in the elementary grades and high school.
226
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
CHELMSFORD HIGH SCHOOL 1946-1947 LIST OF REQUIREMENTS
1. One of the four curriculums into which the subjects have been grouped must be chosen.
2. Sixteen units are required for graduation. In addition to the required studies of the year, enough electives must be chosen to make four units. An extra study may be pursued with the ap- proval from the office.
3. Latin, French, Typewriting (1/2 credit), Stenography, or Book- keeping, if elected should be elected for at least two years.
4. Portions of the year will not be counted for credits in a study which continues for one year or longer.
5. Chorus Music is elective for all pupils. One-quarter unit will be allowed for the satisfactory completion of one year of music. Instrumental music is elective for all pupils upon approval of the music supervisor. One-quarter credit will be allowed for each year. Physical Education is required of all pupils unless ex- cused by a physician. One-quarter credit given upon the suc- cessful completion of one year's work in Physical Education. Not more than two one-quarter credits will count toward a diploma for any one year.
6. Choice of courses and electives must be made before May 1, and only such changes as the schedule allows may be made thereafter. The wide range of electives in the general course is subject to the possibility of arrangement of the schedule to accommodate them. Choice of courses and electives must meet with the approval of the faculty.
7. Only those pupils who rank in the upper third of their class in the eighth grade should be encouraged to choose the classical or commercial courses.
8. If college attendance is a remote possibility, but a desired end, you will do well to include in your electives E. E. History, three or more years of mathematics, two or more years of a foreign language, and two years of natural science.
9. A student should elect four years of Latin in preparation for a college course offering an A. B. degree.
10. A pupil considering a Teachers College course in music should elect music for four years. Pupils preparing for College should report that fact to the office as early in their High School career as possible.
11. A course in U. S. History and Civics is a legal requirement for graduation. Commercial pupils must elect U. S. History and Civics either in their Junior or Senior year.
227
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
12. For college entrance, the certifying grade is 80%, but the work of the last year should be 85% or above.
13. In order to be enrolled as a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior a pupil must have 3, 7, or 12 units respectively, towards his diploma.
14. Pupils should not expect to be graduated unless they are up to date in the required amount of work on June 1 of the year of graduation.
15. One year of a science will be required for graduation, beginning with the Class of 1950.
16. Any pupil with a final grade lower than "C" in any continued subject, other than English, will not be permitted to continue with advanced work in that subject.
CURRICULUM CHOICES
Year Classical Course General Course
Commercial course
1. Required
Required
Required
English A
English A.
English A.
Algebra (b)
Algebra (b) or
Algebra (b) or
Latin A (d)
General Math.
General Math.
E. E. History Physical Ed.
Physical Education
General Science
Physical Ed.
ELECT 2
General Science Jr. Bus. Train. E. E. History
2. Required
English B Geometry (b) Latin B (d) Physical Ed.
Required English B
Required English B
Bookkeeping A (c)
Typewriting A (f) x Physical Ed.
ELECT 1
ELECT 2
ELECT 2
(c) French A (a)
Bookkeeping A (c)
xTypewriting A (f) French A (a) Geometry (b) xTypewriting A (f)
Geometry (b) World History (f) Physical Geography
3. Required English C Physical Ed.
·
Required English C U. S. Hist. & Civics Physical Ed.
Required
English C
Bookkeeping B (c) Stenography A (e) one or both xTypewriting B (f) Physical Ed. ·
Physical Geo.
Biology French A (a)
World History
Physical Ed.
Jr. Business Train.
228
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ELECT 3
ELECT 2
ELECT 1 or 2 French B (a)
Latin C or D (d) French B (a)
Biology Bookkeeping B (c)
U. S. Hist. & Civics Chemistry
Chemistry Math 2A-(b)
Chemistry
French B (a)
Sociology
xTypewriting A or B (f)
Math 2A-(b)
Biology Math 2A-(b)
4. Required English D U. S. Hist. & Civics
Required
Required English D
Problems of American Review Math.
Physical Ed
Democracy Physical Ed
Physical Ed
ELECT 2
ELECT 2
ELECT 2 or 3
Latin C or D (d)
Economics French C (a)
xTypewriting C (f)
French C (a) Solid Geometry (b)- Office Practice
Solid Geometry (b) -1/2 credit
1/2 credit
P. A. D. *U. S. Hist. & Civics French C (a)
Trigonometry -1/2 credit
Physics
Physics (b)
Senior Science
Economics
Senior Science
*Required if not taken previously.
PROPOSED Agricultural Course To be instituted when facilities to carry it out are available
Year
Year
1. Agriculture A English A General Science A Physical Education
3. Agiculture C English C U. S. Hist. & Civics or Chemistry Physical Education
2. Agriculture B
English B Biology Physical Education
4. Agriculture D English D U. S. Hist. (if not taken) or full time subject like Senior Science Physical Education
x (1/2 unit) May be elected by pupils in any course
'Sociology xTypewriting A or · B (f)
English D
Stenography B (e)
Physics (b)
Trigonometry (b)-
1/2 credit
229
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES
The following elementary school programs show the daily teach- ing schedules from grades one through eight in a typical Chelmsford elementary school. In grades seven and eight the work is somewhat departmentalized, that is, one teacher may take both grades in math- ematics and social studies, while another teacher may teach both grades English only. The schedules run the same each day except as noted.
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE I
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:15
Opening Exercises
Health Check-up
9:15- 9:30
Reading
9:30- 9:45
Reading C
9:45-10:00
Reading B
Recess
10:25-10:35
Milk & Rest Period
10:35-10:50
Reading A
10:50-11:00
Number B
11:00-11:10
Number A
11:10-11:25
Basement & Game Period
11:25-11:40
Printing
11:40-11:50
Story
11:50-11:55
Getting ready to go home
Lunch
1:15- 1:30
Phonics
1:30- 1:40
Reading C
1:40- 1:50
Reading B
Recess
2:20- 2:30
Reading A
2:30- 2:45
Eng. or Social Study
2:45- 2:55
Check on Seat Work
2:55- 3:00
Getting ready to go home
Mondays 9:15-9:30-Music Wednesdays 11:40-11:50-Gym Period Fridays 1:30-1:40-Drawing
230
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE II
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:15
Opening Exercises
9:15- 9:30
Reading A
9:30- 9:45
Reading B
9:45-10:00
Reading C
10:00-10:05
Prepare for recess
10:05-10:25
Recess
10:25-10:40
Explain seatwork
Correct workbooks
10:40-11:00
Reading B
11:00-11:15
Reading C
11:15-11:25
Basement
11:25-11:35
Music
11:35-11:50
Game Period
11:50-12:00
Prepare for lunch
Lunch
1:15- 1:30
Reading A
1:30- 1:45
Reading B
1:45- 1:55
Phonics
1:55- 2:00
Prepare for recess
Recess
2:20- 2:30
Spelling
2:30- 2:40
English
2:40- 2:50
Return corrected papers
2:50- 3:00
Prepare for dismissal
Mondays 9:30-9:55-Music
Wednesdays 11:10-11:30-Gym
Fridays 1:15-1:55-Art
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE III
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 8:55
Morning Exercises
8:55- 9:00
Milk and Attendance
9:00- 9:15
Arithmetic
9:15-10:00
Reading A B C
10:05-10:20
Recess
10:25-11:20
Spelling
11:20-12:00
English
Lunch
1:15- 1:30
Music
1:30- 1:45
Spelling
1:45- 2:00
English
Recess
2:15- 3:00 1
English or Reading
Mondays 1:15-1:30-Music
Wednesdays 10:05-10:20-Phys. Ed.
Health Check-up
1
231
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE IV
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:00
Opening Exercises
9:00- 9:40
Arithmetic
· 9:40- 9:50
Gym
9:50-10:05
Spelling
10:05-10:25
Recess
10:25-10:45
Penmanship
10:45-11:05
Reading
11:05-11:45
Geography
11:45-11:55
Miscellaneous
11:55- 1:15
Noon
1:15- 2:00
Reading
2:00- 2:15
Recess
2:15- 2:55
English
2:55- 3:00
Spelling
Mondays 10:45-11:05-Music
Wednesdays 10:25-10:45-Phys. Ed.
Fridays 1:15-2:00-Drawing
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE V
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:00
Opening Exercises
9:05- 9:50
Arithmetic
9:55-10:15
Music
10:15-10:20
Reading
10:20-10:30
Basement
10:30-10:45
Recess
10:50-11:10
Writing
11:15-11:30
Reading
11:30-11:55
Spelling
12:00- 1:15
Noon
1:20- 1:55
Geography
1:55- 2:25
History
2:25- 2:55
English
2:55- 3:00
Dismissal
Mondays 9:55-10:15-Music Wednesdays 9:35-10:10-Phys. Ed.
Fridays 2:15-2:45-Drawing
232
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE VI
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:00
Opening Exercises
9:00- 9:45
Arithmetic
9:45-10:30
Geography
10:45-11:05
Writing
11:05-11:25
Music
11:25-12:00
History
Lunch
1:15- 2:00
English
2:00- 2:30
Spelling
2:30- 3:00
Reading
Mondays 11:05-11:25-Music
Wednesdays 10:45-11:05-Gym
Fridays 2:00-3:00-Art ,
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE VII
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:00
Opening Exercises
9:00- 9:50
Composition
9:50-10:30
English B
10:30-10:45
Recess
10:45-11:20
English A
11:20-11:55
Study
12:00- 1:15
Noon
1:15- 1:45
English B
2:10- 2:50
Literature B
Mondays 1:15-1:45-Music
Wednesdays 9:00-9:35-Girls Phys. Ed.
Wednesdays 1:15-2:00-Boys Phys. Ed. Fridays 9:00-9:50-Art
233
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PROGRAM OF WORK-GRADE VIII
Time
Daily Schedule
8:45- 9:00
Opening Exercises
9:00- 9:50
History A
9:50-10:30
History B
10:30-10:45
Recess
10:45-11:20
Spelling A
11:20-11:55
Spelling B
11:55-12:00
Home Room
12:00- 1:15
Recess
1:15- 2:10
History
2:10- 2:50
Study
2:50- 3:00
Home Room
Mondays 1:15-1:45-Music
Wednesdays 9:00-9:50 Girls Phys. Ed.
Wednesdays 1:15-2:10-Boys Phys. Ed.
Mondays 2:20-2:50-Art
Study of the elementary program shows lack of shop training, cooking and sewing, and general background courses in science and business in the 7th and 8th grades. General courses in science and business could be started if teachers trained in these fields were gen- erally available. Courses in practical arts must await suitable building facilities. Lack of adequate space for shop and household arts equip- ment is only one aspect of the problem, however. Because the students who would benefit most by such training are distributed among six different elementary schools, it would be necessary to duplicate space and equipment six times. This would obviously be too costly and in- efficient. A central junior high school to house grades 7, 8, and 9 from all parts of the town would make this training possible and relieve any overcrowding of elementary and high school buildings in future years.
The erection of a central junior high school in the future would also tend to solve some obvious deficiencies in the high school. A study of the high school program presented above shows three educational programs offered to some 400 students. Some of these 400 students will be well suited to a college preparatory program, and some will be well placed in the commercial program. Others should be enrolled in programs in homemaking, shop, and agriculture. At present those not enrolled in college preparatory and commercial courses have no choice except to enroll in the general course, which prepares them for nothing in particular.
234
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Programs Offered College preparatory Commercial General
Programs Needed College preparatory Commercial Household arts
Shop Agriculture
The erection of a central junior high school would make it pos- sible to set up all the programs mentioned above. Financial assistance from the Federal and State Governments could be had to lessen the cost of the added programs.
The erection of a new building is a matter requiring long study and planning. In the meantime, all that can be done in other ways to improve teaching and teaching results should be carried forward. During 1946 three curriculum committees studied our English, Social Studies, and Mathematics programs from grades one through twelve. Of first concern to these committees was the study and evaluation of textbooks being used. One of the first results of the committee study- ing English was a recommendation for improvement in the teaching of reading, and the adoption of a new reading series for the element- ary grades. The Alice and Jerry series of readers was selected and provided for all primary grades in all elementary schools. Literature, Language and Spelling will next occupy the attention of this com- mittee. Because of unsettled world conditions it was not possible for the committee studying the subjects in the Social Studies to make definite recommendations in regard to geography textbooks. The Committee studying mathematics found present textbooks adequate in most instances, but recommended that more workbooks be used in connection with teaching.
All school pupils were given intelligence tests from grades 3-12. The results of these tests should assist in forming ability groups and aid in deciding questionable cases of promotion. It is planned to give achievement tests in May 1947.
Much attention needs to be given to the organization of an ade- quate guidance program. At present no organized program exists. In November 1946 our teachers heard Mr. Dana Cotton of Harvard Uni- versity, who spoke to them on the essentials of a good guidance pro- gram. At the regular monthly principals' conferences the organization of a guidance program is being discussed. The first step will be the formulation of pupil inventory records.
Another study of importance is the study of our methods. of marking pupils and the report card used. This study is being carried on at the monthly principals' conferences. At the close of the current school year a new and more adequate system of reporting pupils' grades will be ready for use in all schools.
235
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Still another important educational development in our schools has been the increased use of visual aids in teaching. Because of the interest and support of our Parent-Teacher Associations, five of our eight schools now have sound motion picture projectors. The re- maining three have started activities to obtain them also. This is an excellent step toward better teaching and many thanks are due the Parent-Teachers Associations for their efforts in behalf of the schools. This year there will be $250.00 in the budget to obtain film, if approved at town meeting.
Then, too, we are especially proud of the rapid advancement being made in the field of music. Achievements in vocal music and by the band are especially noteworthy. Miss Rouvalis supervises and in- structs in vocal music from grades 1 through 12. Mr. Larkin organizes and instructs the band. Both vocal and instrumental work have been a credit to the school system. It has been our aim to broaden the op- portunities for participation in music and to encourage as many as possible to develop their musical talents. It is hoped opportunity will soon be provided in the field of art so that pupils may be likewise encouraged.
The addition of a woman Supervisor of Physical Education and Coach of Girls' Athletics has done much to strengthen our physical education and sports program. It is strongly recommended that you read the special report on Physical Education which is presented in the appendix to this report. This year the School Committee relieved Mr. Pappalardo, Supervisor of Physical Education for Boys, from coaching basketball and baseball in order that he could give more time and attention to the physical education program.
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