USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1950 > Part 19
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LAWRENCE W. CHUTE,
Constable of Chelmsford.
307
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Annual Report of the School Committee
and
The Superintendent of Schools Year Ending December 31, 1950
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Terms
Members
Expire
VERNON FLETCHER, Chairman
1951
(MRS.) BESSIE L. P. LEWIS
1952
DANIEL J. HART, Secretary
1953
Superintendent of Schools H. MORTON JEFFORDS
Office: High School Telephone Number: Lowell 7461
(Mrs.) Evelyn J. Hilton, Secretary
308
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the citizens of Chelmsford:
At a regular meeting of the School Committee held January 19, 1951 it was voted to approve the report of the Superintendent of Schools for the year 1950.
During the fiscal year of 1950, the School Committee held twenty- two regular meetings and twenty-one special meetings.
In April, the State Department of Education submitted its report on the survey of the Chelmsford Schools requested by the School Committee. The recommendations contained in this survey included the following items:
1. Accomodations for grades 7 & 8 in a six-year high school with adequate facilities for a modern educational program of studies.
2. A new building at North Chelmsford to provide modern school facilities for grades 1 thru 6 now housed at Princeton, Highland and Quessy Schools.
3. Teachers' salaries were inadequate.
The School Committee members have, served as members of the High School Building Committee and at the North Chelmsford Buil- ding Committee in formulating plans for new school buildings.
In September an art instructor was added to the teaching staff, and a room in the high school was equipped for art work. The art instructor devotes two days a week to the high school and three days per week to the elementary schools.
An auto-driving course has been considered and steps taken toward inaugurating such a course next year. The need of increased pupil guidance in our schools is recognized and will receive early attention.
Mr. Lucian H. Burns, principal of our high school for twenty-two years, submitted his resignation as of September 1, 1950. We feel that
309
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
former Committees will join us in expressing appreciation for his long and faithful service to the town of Chelmsford.
The Committee was fortunate in securing John T. Conrad, formerly of Westford, to assume the duties of high school principal.
It is the endeavor of the Committee to keep the school buildings in good repair. During the year, roofs on the original parts of the high school and Westlands school have been replaced with material carrying a 20-year guarantee. The interior of the original section of the high school was painted throughout. The use of pastel colors in the modern trend completely changed, and greatly improved the appearance of this building.
We are still faced with the problem of increasing enrollment. The attached chart shows, graphically, our present enrollment and indicates some problems facing us during the years ahead. All available rooms at McFarlin School are occupied. Next year we must find space for an additional classroom. We can no longer transfer pupils to Westlands School since that school is full. This year it is necessary to transfer five pupils from grade 1 at Princeton to Highland School. With the continued increasing enrollment, the Committee hopes that new school buildings will be provided as soon as possible.
Plans for the coming year include such items as interior painting, exterior painting, plumbing and heating improvements, roof repairs and others as budget limits dictate.
We have endeavored to give you a brief account of our activities for the year and urge your liberal support in the future for the press- ing needs of the schools of Chelmsford.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL J. HART, Secretary
310
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ENROLLMENT BY GRADES
December 1, 1950
Number of Pupils
196
1.49
154
151
137
110
124
100
123
102
96
76
2
3
. 4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
12
Grades
311
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Chelmsford School Committee:
This report includes the customary statistical tables for com- parative purposes together with general information pertaining to the operation of the schools for the year 1950. Detailed information may be secured at the office of the Superintendent of Schools.
STAFF
In education and training our teaching staff is outstanding. 88% liave degrees representing at least four years of education beyond the high school level. The State median for towns with a population over 5000 is 63%.
A teaching staff with an educational preparation indicated above deserves more adequate salary provisions. For the next eight to ten years the supply of teachers in elementary grades will not meet the demands. If we are to maintain present standards, to say nothing about efforts to meet rapid developments in education, our staff must receive more adequate salaries. Last year we lost several excellent teachers to other communities as a result of our low salary levels.
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES
Efforts to provide adequate textbooks and supplies proceeds slowly due to increased enrollment in the lower grades and immigration in all grades. Increased costs of books and supplies are already becoming another handicap. Adequate tools are essential to efficient workman- ship in all lines of endeavor.
SCHOOL PLANT
Increasing enrollment continues. Reliable sources assure us that this problem will require attention for another eight to ten year period.
All available classroom space in our elementary schools is now being utilized. Next September an additional room will be necessary for grade 5 at the McFarlin School and the present fifth grade should have been divided into two rooms when it was a fourth grade. Further-
312
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
more, a crowded condition in grade 1 at Princeton School was relieved this year by transferring five pupils to the Highland School. This proce- dure can not be continued next year due to number of pupils at the Highland School. As a result we expect a problem for September at the Princeton School-over forty pupils in grade 2 and nearer fifty pupils in grade 1. The above facts indicate a critical situation for next Sep- tember at both McFarlin and Princeton Schools. Much of our school - plant is old and inadequate to meet present day needs with respect to education and enrollment.
LOOKING AHEAD
One year ago under this heading we discussed some vital needs essential to adequate education of the boys and girls of Chelmsford.
The two building committees appointed at the last annual town meeting have devoted nearly a year of time and thought to this im- portant problem. It is expected that these committees will have pre- sented their recommendations to a special town meeting before this report is made public.
The adoption of the recommendations of these two committees will provide opportunity for the town to meet present and future educational needs of the boys and girls in an efficient and economical manner.
The School Committee, citizens, parents, teachers, and pupils have been cooperative in our efforts to meet and solve satisfactorily the many school problems of the year. We bespeak your full consideration for our boys and girls who will, all too soon, take our places in posi- tions of trust and leadership.
Respectfully submitted,
H. MORTON JEFFORDS,
Superintendent.
313
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
GROWTH OF THE CHELMSFORD SCHOOLS
Enrollment as of October 1
School
1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950
McFarlin
320
313
299
306
275
270.
362
288
317
360
East
108
109
95
85
91
90
71
64
68
70
Highland
96
98
96
94
87
87
89
90i
105
106
Princeton
229
217
201
198
204
195
209
215
220
236
Quessy
96
103
90
99
94
87
74
77
90
107
South
49
53
41
41
34
32
Westlands
169
184
183
171
173
163
154
232
236
242
High School
473
434
364
355
367
401
385
374
384
397
1540 1511 1369 1349 1325 1325 1344 1340 1420 1518
ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1950
Net Enrollment:
1949
1950
Boys
686
733
Girls
686
715
Total
1372
1448
Non-resident pupils
18
20
Aggregate Attendance
221966
234940
Average Daily Attendance
1230.83
1293
Average number of school days:
Elementary
179
176.5
High School
183
180.
Average membership
1335.05
1386.
Net Average membership
1317.05
1366.
ʻ
ENROLLMENT DISTRIBUTION BY GRADES
October 1, 1950
School
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
S
9
10
11
12
PG
T'tls
High School
125
103
92
77
397
McFarlin
73
51
52
49
42
32
36
25
360
Westlands
34
30
34
31
34
26
31
22
242
Princeton
37
34
32
30
32
25
27
19
236
Highland
18
12
12
18
10
7
12
17
106
Quessy
20
14
18
12
11
11
11
10
107
East
12
9
6
9
9
9
8
8
70
194
150
154
149
138
110
125
101
125
103
92
77
151S
.
314
315
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL 1950
ADMINISTRATION
Appointed
H. Morton Jeffords, Superintendent of Schools
1947
Syracuse, A.B., N.Y.U., A.M.
(Mrs.) Evelyn J. Hilton, Secretary 1945
George Marinel, Attendance Officer 1947
HEALTH OFFICERS
Benjamin Blechman, M.D. Chelmsford, Mass.
J. E. Boucher, M.D. No. Chelmsford, Mass. Chelmsford, Mass.
(Mrs.) Helen E. Jewett, R.N.
SUPERVISORS AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTORS
Olive Littlehale, Music Supervisor 1947
Lowell, B.S.E.
Joseph P. Nolan, Phys. Ed. Super 1948
Canisius College, B.S.
M. Joyce McCue, Girls Phys. Ed. Super. 1950
Univ. of N. H., B.S.
Virginia D. Nelson, Art Super. 1950
Boston University, B.S.
Bernard Larkin, Instructor of Band 1943
(Mrs.) Irene Emerson, Lunchroom Super. 1945 Simmons College, B.S.
HIGH
John T. Conrad, Principal 1950
St. Anselm's, Keene Teachers College, B.E., Fitchburg Teachers College, M. Ed. Boston University
F. Christine Booth, Latin, Math. Colby, A.B.
1927
(Mrs.) Charlotte S. Carriel, Eng. 1942
Mt. Holyoke, A.B.
316
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
HIGH (Continued) Appointed
Anthony T. Campbell, Soc. Science
1947
Univ. of N.H., B.S., B.U., M. Ed.
Mildred M. Hehir, Eng,, French 1942
Regis, A.B.
Murray B. Hicks, Science, Geog. 1945
Mass. State College, B.S.
John M. Bradley, Science, Bio., English 1950
Univ. of N.H., B.S., Keene Teachers College
Ernestine Maynard, Business 1934
Salem Teachers College, B.S.E.
William P. Callagy, Math., Social Science 1947
Dartmouth College, A.B.
C. Edith McCarthy, Vice Prin., Business
1923
Salem Teachers College, B.S.E.
(Mrs.) Helen Poland, English 1938
Boston University, A.B.
Shirley H. Emmons, Business 1948
Boston University, B.S.
Marjorie B. Scoboria, Math. 1942
Wellesley, A.B., Radcliffe, A.M.
John J. Shannon, History 1943
Clark, A.M.
Earl J. Watt, French 1934
Harvard, A.M.
EAST
(Mrs.) Jessie F. Brown, Principal, Grades 7 & 8 1930
Boston University
Marion Gildea, Grades 5 & 6 1950
Bridgewater Teachers College, B.S.
Paulina J. Robinson, Grades 4 & 5 1950
Wellesley College, B.A.
(Mrs.) Kathleen Coles, Grades 1 & 2 1947
Lowell Teachers College
HIGHLAND AVENUE
(Mrs.) Alberta R. Mooney, Principal, Grades 7 & 8 1949
Salem Teachers College, B.S., B.U., M.Ed.
Marion R. Mello, Grades 5 & 6 1949
Lowell, B.S.E.
Lottie M. Agnew, Grades 3 & 4 1923
Lowell Normal
Florence M. Kevghas, Grades 1 & 2 1948
Lowell Normal, B.S.E.
317
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
McFARLIN
Appointed
E. Carl Parmenter, Principal
1947
Bowdoin College, A.B., Fitchburg, B.S.E., M.E.
Margaret M. Griffin, Grade 8 1949
D'Youville College, B.A.
Barbara H. Forsaith, Grade 7 1949
Denison Univer. B.A.
(Mrs.) Eva L. Dobson, Grade 6 1919
Plymouth Normal
M. Marion Adams, Grade 5 1938
Lowell Normal, Inst. of Music Pedagogy
Lois M. Black, Grade 4 1950
Univer. of Vermont, B.S.
Phyllis D. Hartley, Grade 4 1950
Regis College, A.B.
Florence M. Kelley, Grade 3 1942
Lowell, B.S.E.
(Mrs.) Mayme T. McCallum, Grade 3 1921
Truro Normal
Dorothy Shedd, Grade 2 1948
Nazarene College, B.S.E.
Emily Hehir, Grade 2 1928
Lowell Normal
Edna Hoyt, Grade 1
1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
Dorothy Rostron, Grade 1
1948
Lowell, B.S.E.
PRINCETON STREET
Genevieve E. Jantzen, Principal, Grade 8 1911
Lowell Normal
(Mrs.) Elsa Reid, Grade 7 1922
Lowell Normal
Nora Miskell, Grade 6 1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
Mary Jo O'Neill, Grade 5 1950
Univer. of Vermont, B.A.
Sally T. Conlon, Grade 4 1937
Lowell, B.S.E.
Mary C. Burns, Grade 3 1948
Lowell, B.S.E.
Helen C. Osgood, Grade 2
Lowell Normal 1921
Ann E. Hehir, Grade 1
Lowell, B.S.E. 1935
318
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
QUESSY
Appointed
Perley J. Griswold, Principal, Grades 7 & 8
1950
Univer. of Vermont, B.S.Ed., B.U., M.S.
(Mrs.) Lilla M. Dexter, Grades 5 & 6 1942
Lowell Normal
(Mrs.) Mary A. Donnelly, Grades 3 & 4 1949
Lowell Normal
Alice F. McEnaney, Grades 1 & 2 1936
Lowell Normal
WESTLANDS
H. Francis Wiggin, Principal, Grade 8
1947
Gorham Teachers College, B.S.
Theresa M. Rodgers, Grade 7 1949
Emmanuel College, A.B.
(Mrs.) Helen B. Mills, Grade 6 1947
Lowell Normal, Emerson, B.L.I.
B. Muriel Bridges, Grade 5 1948
Lowell, B.S.E. .
(Mrs.) Evelyn Jenkins, Grade 4 1949
Detroit Teachers College
Teresa L. Bishop, Grade 3 1950
Bridgewater Teachers College, B.S.E.
(Mrs.) Marion E. Adams, Grade 2 1928
Lowell Normal
Marjorie Semple, Grade 1
1948
Lowell, B.S.E.
JANITORS
William J. Ayotte Westlands School
Edward Brick Highland Ave. School
John W. Carruthers High School
William F. Connor High School
John J. Fay McFarlin School
Ernest A. Ferron Princeton St. School
Herbert Hodgson Quessy School
Frederick A. Kinney East School
RESIGNATIONS
Margaret E. Keith Physical Ed.
Lucian H. Burns High
*Daisy B. MacBrayne High
Mildred G. Perry
East
319
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
RESIGNATIONS (Continued)
Ann P. McEnaney East
Ann D. Hanlon
East
Margaret D. Toohey
McFarlin
M. Pauline Sullivan Princeton
Carl G. Allgrove
Quessy
Helen Hudzik
Westlands
Gladys H. Kelley
Westlands
Janitors
*William T. Davis
High
*Otis Brown McFarlin
Ernest E. Harper
Princeton
* Compulsory retirement
APPOINTMENTS - Teachers
Virginia G. Nelson Art Supervisor
Joyce McCue Girls Phys. Ed. Super.
John T. Conrad
High School
John M. Bradley
High School
Lois M. Black
McFarlin
Phyllis D. Hartley
McFarlin
Ann D. Hanlon
East
Marion Gildea
East
Paulina J. Robinson
East
Perley J. Griswold Quessy
Mary J. O'Neil
Princeton
Teresa Bishop
Westlands
APPOINTMENTS - Janitors
Ernest A. Ferron
Princeton
John W. Carruthers High School
John J. Fay
McFarlin
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1950
BOYS
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Totals
Grade 1
38
53
9
2
74
Grade 2
12
36
23
3
77
Grade 3
18
51
7
1
77
Grade 4
22
41
11
3
67
Grade 5
16
37
12
2
52
Grade 6
15
25
8
3
1
Grade 7
19
31
14
6
70
Grade 8
13
21
15
5
2
56
Grade 9
10
28
8
4
1
51
Grade 10
13
23
8
5
1
50
Grade 11
12
22
6
3
43
Grade 12
11
14
8
33
Grade 13
Total
38
65
63
98
67
64
59
54
48
63
48
47
25
13
752
102
320
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1950
GIRLS
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Totals
Grade 1
29
62
2
1
94
Grade 2
16
40
18
1
77
Grade 3
27
40
10
74
Grade 4
38
32
3
1
70
Grade 5
20
39
8
3
58
Grade 6
26
25
5
2
54
Grade 7
25
21
6
1
1
1
18
19
6
44
Grade 8
2
28
34
7
1
72
Grade 9
22
24
6
52
Grade 10
21
24
7
1
53
Grade 11
21
17
5
43
Grade 12
Total
29
78
69
97
63
68
60
49
55
63
53
52
24
6
766
75
321
322
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Name
Location
Grades
No. Class Rooms
No. Pupils
High School
Chelmsford
9-12
17
3.97
East School
E. Chelmsford
1-8
4
70
McFarlin
Chelmsford
1-8
12
360
Princeton
No. Chelmsford
1-8*
8
236
Highland Ave.
No. Chelmsford
1-8
106
Quessy
West Chelmsford
1-8
1
107
Westlands
Chelmsford
1-8
8
242
*Contains 4 rooms in each of two buildings.
DISTRIBUTION OF PERSONNEL
Men
Women
Total
Grand Total
Superintendent
1
1
Secretary to
Superintendent
1
1
Attendance Officer
1
1
3
Supervising Principals
2
2
Teaching Principals
2
3
5
7
Supervisors and
Special Teachers
2
4
6
6
Teachers
High School
6
8
14
Elementary
35
35
49
Janitors
High School
2
2
Elementary
6
6
S
Health
Nurse
1
School Physicians
2
3
Totals
24
52
76
323
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
DISTRIBUTION OF SALARIES
Teachers Janitors
(Not including Prin. or Spec. Teach.)
High School Elementary
3
$1,900 - 1.999 3,000 - 2,099 2,100 - 2,199
2,200 - 2,299
6
1
2,300 - 2,399
3
2,400 - 2,499
1
9
1
2,500 - 2,599
2
2,600 - 2,699
1
18
2,700 - 2,799
1
2,800 - 2,899
6
2,900 - 2,999 1
3,000 - 3,099 3
-
-
13 35
8
324
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT CHELMSFORD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1950 - December 31, 1950
Salaries
Appropriated
Expended
Balance
Superintendent
$ 5,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$
Secretary
1,600.00
1,600.00
Teachers
156,600.00
155,568.27
1,031.73
Janitors
17,890.30
17,890.30
Physicians
600.00
600.00
Attendance Officer
50.00
50.00
$181,740.30
$180,708.57
$ 1,031.73
Expenses :
Administration
1,500.00
1,434.89
65.11
Bks., Sup., V. E.
10,900.00
10,727.61
172.39
Fuel, It., water
14,000.00
13,782.60
217.40
Repairs
12,700.00
12,550.75
149.25
Janitors
Supplies
2,000.00
1,998.67
1.33
Nurses Supplies
50.00
49.21
.79
New Equipment
2,500.00
2,491.11
8.89
Rep. of Equipment
2,300.00
2,277.75
22.25
Playgrounds
1,500.00
1,498.19
1.81
Athletics
500.00
417.51
82.49
Transportation
22,400.00
22,325.45
74.55
$ 70,350.00 $ 69,553.74 $
796.26
Grand Totals $252,090.30 $250,262.31 $ 1,827.99
Receipts :
State Educational Aid Law
$ 47,999.76
Transportation Grant
11,097.00
Tuition & Transportation. State Wards
2,150.29
Tuition
766.05
Rental of Auditorium
202.00
Miscellaneous
13.67
Total receipts on account of schools $ 62,228.77
Amount used from town tax $188,033.54
COMPARISON OF SCHOOL EXPENDITURES
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
-
Administration
$ 5,041.35
$ 6,320.40
$ 6,810.35
$ 7,148.19
$ 7,626.93
$ 8,084.89
Instruction
109,767.83
131,493.47
143,350.13
156,551.36
159,537.84
166,295.88
Operation & Maintenance
15,013.05
15,219.68
14,694.31
19,902.27
17,963.05
30,609.77
Janitors
13,082.19
12,410.85
15,145.27
16,041.54
15,837.77
17,890.30
Auxiliary Agencies
12,341.41
13,070.65
14,498.53
18,802.75
19,199.39
22,974.66
New Equipment
681.22
1,974.45
1,799.26
795.22
2,495.03
2,491.11
Playgrounds
446.50
500.00
497.25
971.73
1,498.16
1,498.19
Athletics
1,009.97
500.00
500.00
675.00
417.51
Totals
$156,373.55
$181,999.47
$197,295.10
$220,713.06
$224,833.17
$250,262.31
Credits
13,623.06
13,331.96
25,047.26
22,552.91
60,402.48
62,228.77
Net School Expenditures
$142,750.49
$168,667.51
$172,247.84
$198,160.15
$164,430.69
$188,033.54
V
325
326
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Conrad
It is with sincere pleasure that I submit my first report as prin- cipal of Chelmsford High School. This report offers an opportunity which your principal would welcome more often and more personally, an opportunity of putting you in touch with what our school is doing to aid in the growth, development and training of your Chelmsford boys and girls.
In spite of the difficulties which continue to plague all public schools in their efforts to secure and hold well-qualified, experienced and forward-looking teachers, Chelmsford High School is fortunate in having a staff of well-trained men and women who are earnestly devoted to the educational interests of the boys and girls who com- prise her membership. Securing and keeping competent teachers with experience is essential if Chelmsford is to provide an effective educational program.
Facing the schools of today is the exceedingly great challenge of making their programs meet the needs produced by rapidly changing social concepts. If Chelmsford High School is to continue its reputa- tion of being one of the better schools of the state, it must be aware of these changing needs. It must keep its program dynamic. In keeping with this goal, we are endeavoring to enrich the experiences of the student with opportunities to study and practice the democratic way of life, as well as to develop a militant faith in American dem- ocracy.
While I have faith in higher education and will continue to en- courage college training for all those pupils who are fitted for and can profit by it, I do feel that our primary concern should be with the greater number of our children whose formal education will terminate with graduation from Chelmsford High School. We cer- tainly should expend every effort to provide that type of secondary education which will best meet the needs, abilities, and interests of our present day population.
I recommend that as soon as possible diversified courses in In- dustrial Arts and Home Economics be included in our program. Through such courses our boys and girls can be better fitted to be- come capable citizens and better fitted to earn a good living in a type of work that is in keeping with their interests and abilities.
I include in my recommendations a guidance program, so that pupils may better know their capabilities and may better select their courses. A testing program, consisting of intelligence, reading, in-
327
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
terest, and achievement tests, should be available also, as such a pro- gram would enable the teacher to understand the child more quickly, to teach him more effectively, and to adapt the school program to his individual needs.
I furthermore recommend that studies be conducted to determine the advisability of including in our curriculum courses in consumer education, safety education, and driver training.
We are expanding our actitivity program. All learning does not take place in the classroom. Accumulating information and develop- ing an agile mind can only partially meet the needs of the individual in today's society. The development of physical fitness, character, personality, citizenship, social responsibilty, and getting along with other people are all important and necessary attributes of a happy and well-adjusted individual. These attributes are not developed sole- ly from reading books, writing compositions, or reciting in class. They must be gained through the direct experience of doing things.
The schools belong to you and will be what you make them. They will be good when you take time to study their needs carefully and conscientiously and they will fail when you neglect them. They are a living part of our social existence and they derive their vitality from the very life streams of society's individual members. It is urgent that everyone take as active a part as possible in school affairs.
Finally, let us remember that our accomplishments and gains must be won through the combined efforts of the School Committee, the Superintendent of Schools, the teachers, and the citizens of Chelms- ford. From all of you I ask cooperation and to all of you I pledge my best efforts.
MUSIC Miss Littlehale
"Music is a record of the joys, sorrows, and ideals of man. It assists the child in understanding and appreciating his own culture, other contemporary cultures, and past cultures."
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"Music is a social'and democratic art, and it aids social develop- ment and adjustment." These are only two of many values given in the Music Education Brief issued by The Massachusetts Department of Education.
There are five areas of experience which aid in bringing these values to the children.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
1. Singing :
The joyful experience of correctly using one's voice is one of the most satisfying mediums of self-expression.
2. Listening :
Active listening, day by day, develops perception of mood, melody, rhythm, harmony, form, and tone color.
3. Responding Rhythmically:
Rhythm is a motor experience. Muscular response to funda- mental movements, to note and rest values, to accent, measure, rhythmic patterns, phrases, and mood develops rhythmic grasp and contributes to mental and musical growth. An added re- sult is that those children who use and control their bodily movements tend to have greater poise and balance. Rhythm Band activity gives pleasure, and it leads to more advance activities.
4. Playing :
Opportunity for self-expression by playing an instrument gives pleasure and satisfaction and contributes to the development of social and emotional control, of playing skill, and of music reading.
5. Creating:
All musical experiences may be creative in interpretive sense or through original expression.
The music program here in Chelmsford is based on such a five-fold activity plan. With the cooperation of the grade teachers the pro- gram is showing excellent results.
A great deal of work is being done in the field of square dancing. In the early Spring a contest was held, the Westlands School re- ceived the winner's trophy given by the Lions Club. There are many values to be received from folk dancing such as; coordination of mind and body, natural enjoyment of each others company, losing ones self-consciousness over height, size, etc., the lonely or rejected child becoming a member of his society. Today, when traditions and cus- toms are being deliberately cast aside it becomes our obligation as a free people to preserve for the future the folk heritage of the World. Our country is particularly fortunate in having a rich store of folk songs and dances.
The "special" glee club of the High School has given numerous programs in and around Chelmsford.
In April, as a member of the State-Wide Committee on Music Ed-
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