USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1953 > Part 17
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6
4
2800 - 2899
10
1
2900 - 2999
2
1
3000 - 3099
2
3100 - 3199
7
3200 - 3299
2
3300 - 3399
22
3400 - 3499
3500 - 3599
3
3600 - 3699
3700 - 3799
1
-
-
66
8
$2300 - 2399
1
282
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT CHELMSFORD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT January 1, 1953-December 31, 1953
Salaries
Appropriated
Expended
Balance
Superintendent
$ 5,500.00
$ 5,500.00
Secretary
2,100.00
2,100.00
Teachers
211,900.00
211,894.49
5.51
Janitors
24,260.00
23,242.34
1,017.66
Physicians
600.00
600.00
Attendance Officer
75.00
75.00
Retirement
Payments
87.50
87.50
$244,522.50 $243,499.33 $ 1,023.17
Expenses :
Administration
$
2,050.00 $ 2,036.61 $
13.39
Educational Supp. & Services
17,500.00
17,401.33
98.67
Fuel, Light, Water
12,562.37
12,557.14
5.23
Repairs
11,000.00
10,984.87
15.13
Janitors & Nurses Supplies
2,750.00
2,640.89
109.11
New & Replacemnt of Equip.
5,000.00
4,195.42
804.58
Playgrounds
500.00
495.33
4.67
Transportation
32,800.00
32,800.00
Athletic Program
1,500.00
1,500.00
Vocational School Expense
3,350.00
3,474.30
1,717.14
(plus dog tax)
$ 89,012.37 $ 88,085.89 $
2,767.92
Totals
$333,534.87 $331,585.22 $ 3,791.09
Receipts:
State Educational Aid Law
$ 64,834.76
Transportation
23,855.65
Tuition & Trans. State Wards
2,076.26
Tuition
656.26
Rental of Auditorium
211.00
Miscellaneous
45.15
Vocational Reimbursement
2,407.75
Dog Tax
1,841.44
Total receipts on account of schools $ 95,928.27 Amount used from town tax $235,656.95
283
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
1954 BUDGET CHELMSFORD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Appropriated Expended
Salaries
1953
1953
Requested 1954
Superintendent
$ 5,500.00
$ 5,500.00
$ 5,500.00
Secretaries
2.100.00
2,100.00
3,930.00
Teachers
211,900.00
211,894.49
234,425.00
Janitors
24,260.00
23,242.34
25,485.00
Physicians
600.00
600.00
600.00
Attendance
Officer
75.00
75.00
150.00
Retirement
Payments
87.50
87.50
$244,522.50
$243,499.33
$270,090.00
Expenses :
Administration
$ 2,050.00
$ 2,036.61
$ 2,450.00
Educational Sup. & Serv
17,500.00
17,401.33
19,500.00
Fuel, light, water
12,562.37
12,557.14
12,500.00
Repairs
11,000.00
10,984.87
11,000.00
Janitors & Nurses Sup.
2,750.00
2,640.89
2,500.00
New & Replacement of Eqp.
5,000.00
4,195.42
4,500.00
Playgrounds
500.00
495.33
500.00
Transportation
32,800.00
32,800.00
36,000.00
Athletic Program
1,500.00
1,500.00
2,000.00
Vocational School
Expense
3,350.00
3,474.30
2,000.00
$ 89,012.37
$ 88,085.89
$ 92,950.00
Totals
$333,534.87
$331,585.22
$363,040.00
Receipts:
Estimated
State Educational Aid Law
$ 64,834.76
74,910.00
Transportation
23,855.65
24,000.00
Tuition & Trans. State Wards
2,076.26
2,000.00
Tuition
656.26
600.00
Rental of Auditorium
211.00
200.00
Miscellaneous
45.15
25.00
Vocational Reimbursement
2,407.75
2,500.00
Dog Tax
1,841.44
1,850.00
Total Receipts
$ 95,928.27
$106,085.00
Raised by town taxes
$235,656.95
To be raised by town taxes
$256,955.00
284
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
HIGH SCHOOL John T. Conrad, Principal
In my recent reports I have stressed the philosophy which under- lies modern education. In this report I should like to stress the scholastic and activity programs at Chelmsford High School.
Changes in the physical properties of the school have been few, and the courses of study remain much as they have been. I repeat for serious consideration my recommendation for a school library, adequate lighting facilities, much needed industrial arts and domestic science courses, increased facilities for visual aids, and a modernized science laboratory.
The tasks that young people face today are the same that young people have always faced: (1) preparing for home and family life, (2) preparing for an occupation, (3) preparing for citizenship, (4) developing moral and ethical values, and (5) understanding and accepting themselves. These tasks do not change, it is true, but the complexities of the world in which they must be achieved change tremendously. These expanding complexities create hazards unknown to earlier generations, hazards so grave that they make imperative re-evaluation of the school program.
The activity program, planned expressly to meet pupils' needs, plays an important part in helping them face their tasks. All activities are carried on under teacher supervision during a scheduled activity period or at the close of the school session. In addition to athletic teams, we sponsor the following groups: cheerleaders, band, major- ettes, and glee clubs; classes in driver education and driver training; science, press, art, gymnastic, visual-aids, and study clubs; Junior Red Cross; National Honor Society; and Student Council. Unique among these groups is the Student Council, members of which are elected by the student body to help plan, supervise, and schedule school activities. This program is the result of urgent and compelling new requirements in the educational field. While it is not advisable to revolutionize our entire educational program, it is advisable to readjust and amplify, and to search for new and broader ways of enlarging the individual's capacity to cope with his problems.
The activity program plays a vital role in modern education. Surveys reveal that extra-class activities stimulate scholarship and that students hold them in high regard. This attitude of students is not surprising, since the program embodies many of the requisites for appeal to youth. It offers a wealth of opportunity for self-ex- pression. It provides abundant experience in leadership. ] It com-
285
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
bines a wide variety of social, mental, and physical activities. In natural, wholesome ways it arouses interests and reveals aptitudes. It develops skills, hobby interests, sportmanship, appreciation, en- thusiasm for creative experience, and character. It is a significant answer to the critical problems of juvenile delinquency.
Although we have an excellent activity program, our major con- cern is, of course, scholastic achievement. Chelmsford High School has an A rating; many of the faculty hold advanced degrees, and all are conscientious in attending county and state conventions and are co-sponsors of an in-service training program. A proper pupil atti- tude toward scholastic achievement is constantly encouraged. The school publishes an honor roll and administers standard tests. Scho- lastic requirements are demanded of Student Council members and members of the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society conducts after-school "help sessions" for college preparatory students. The principal and guidance director hold conferences with all stu- dents, and special consultations are required of students who receive warnings or who fail. Prizes and scholarships are sponsored by the Booster Club, Newsweekly, Chelmsford Teachers' Association. American Legion Post No. 212, and the North Chelmsford Parent- Teachers Association, and it is my earnest desire that more and larger awards be granted to Chelmsford students.
A good school cannot be achieved by accident, disunity, inertia, or isolated effort. It stems from the harmonious and high-minded devotion of townspeople, teachers, superintendent, and school com- mittee. In so far as one of these fails, the school suffers. I shall continue to give my best effort to the cause of successful secondary school education in Chelmsford, and in this high endeavor I invite the support and the cooperation of every citizen.
MUSIC Miss Littlehale
The music program is developed under the following five points: Singing, Listening, Rhythm, Playing, and Creating.
This year two points were especially stressed.
Singing:
Singing is the basic activity in any well rounded program of music education. Music and childhood go together.
The 7th and 8th grade Glee Club which was started last year has been divided into two groups this year. One at the new North School and a Girls' Glee Club at the Westlands. Both groups sang
:
286
REPORT OF THE SCHOCL DEPARTMENT
at the Union National Bank during the Christmas season. Both clubs deserve a good deal of praise.
Responding Rhythmically:
A great deal of work is carried on in this area of experience. In the lower grades particularly, free rhythmic response is one of the basic means of getting children to sing and play as a group. It creates a sense of balance and freedom that leads to self-realization which is the principal purpose of both play and music in the educa- tion of young children. From this start we go into the work of the rhythm band. The parents who were privileged to hear the fourth grade rhythm band at the recent Christmas program saw the extent to which this activity can be carried. The ultimate in rhythmic re- sponse and coordination is shown by the fine work done by the square dance classes. The square dance contest is only a part of the program. Anyone who has had anything to do with the semi-finals will testify to the hard work of choosing a finals team as the majority of stu- dents do an excellent job.
Last years winner was the McFarlin school square. They and the individual winners from each school were taken to Worcester to the New England Folk Fetsival.
In May was held the annual Spring festival. This year the en- tire programı was done by the elementary schools. I was glad to see so many parents and friends at the festival and wish to thank them for their continued interest in the music program.
John E. Hahn, Jr.
The instrumental music program in both the elementary grades and high school has progressed very well this past year.
I am especially pleased with the interest in the elementary schools, as this is the area in which one must build continually if a successful high school program is to be had. One factor which has helped greatly is of course, the new North School, as it has enabled the various supervisors to work with a very large segment of the children in the town, under one roof. A very good percentage of the pupils have started on instruments and the interest has held very well. This group, along with other children studying instruments at the Highland, Westlands and East Schools comprise what should prove to be an excellent future high school band and possibly even an orchestra, as there appears to be some interest in other instruments such as flute, violin and others.
If the interest in the elementary schools continues as it has, it
287
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
certainly would be feasible to some day start a junior band, if con- ditions for such a program were satisfactory. This type of unit would create even more interest, maintain that interest and would establish an excellent feeder system for the high school band.
The high school band completed a very successful fall season. The band played at all the football games and with the assistance of Miss Hehir's baton twirlers and cheerleaders carried out various drills and formations for half time entertainment. We are now getting ready for the Annual Spring Concert and have the material for an excellent program to offer the audience.
The band again this year played Christmas Carols for the various shut-ins throughout the town and then enjoyed a banquet at the North Congregational Church.
My one regret this year is the fact that we are losing quite a few band members who are graduating. However, that is to be expected and it naturally means we must maintain a good elementary school program.
There has been a large enrollment in the high school Glee Club this year and this unit is working hard to join the band in the Spring Concert so as to provide a more complete and satisfying program of music.
ART PROGRAM
E. Ruth Greenberg
Originality may be developed through encouragement and guid- ance by helping children to increase their powers of observation in the basic art elements of line, form, color, texture, light and dark and evaluating the work of others. Through observation, as well as ex- perience, we can build a capacity for appreciation. By constant expos- ure to the best work of man and nature, an understanding and ap- preciation of these visual forms will come. To become aesthetically sensitive to these products will prepare the child for a fuller, richer life.
At any time, at any age, recognizing and guiding the talented is of utmost importance and responsibility. Encouragement and guidance are needed, but above all, understanding is vital. We sometimes criticize, negatively, a child's drawing, without realizing that his drawing is based on how he, as a child, sees and interprets the objects, or experience, from his own viewpoint and at his age level. We offer constructive criticism. Imposition of adult standards only tend to inhibit a child, squelching his creative ability so that he no
288
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
longer wishes to express himself graphically. Only through con- structive criticism, sound judgment and careful guidance can we help the child to interpret and express his thoughts.
The high school art program is planned for those who are inter- ested in an art career as well as those who wish to enjoy art as a hobby. The course is so planned as to provide a good foundation for both groups. Projects are carried on in such various media as water color, clay, textile paint, charcoal, fingerpaint, pencil and wax crayons, Some of these projects are lettering, painting, sketching, decorating, advertising and craft problems.
The high school children participate in other activities as well as those scheduled in the art program, for we are called upon many times during the year to make posters, signs and advertising displays for the various events which take place in the high school, to decorate the school for such seasons as the Christmas holidays, to assist and advise in the decorations for the school dances and the planning of the year book.
To appreciate more fully the works of others, and to understand better how to tackle certain problems, movies and slides are shown. However, the best understanding comes about through actual ex- perience-
This year, a new course has been introduced for those who are more mechanical minded. These people may elect technical drawing, which is a course giving a basic understanding of the handling of mechanical instruments and basic mechanical drawing.
In the elementary schools, we seek a basic understanding of various media, such as clay, papier mache, water color and tempera paints, wax crayons and serap materials. The latter is used in dif- ferent ways as the children are shown that many things can be made. from articles and scraps which normally might be thrown away. ..
New methods of using different media are tried. For the first time we are introducing silk screening.
Correlating art with other subjects has been very successful for we have carried out two and three dimensional projects which help to stimulate more interest in, and better understanding of the particular subject.
Again, I would like to emphasize the importance of constructive criticism. We must not impose adult standards of graphic inter- pretation on the child. He sees as a child and he will draw as a child. Let us not destroy his creative urge. Let us not inhibit him with adult interpretations. Let him see, let him do, and let him enjoy as a child for he will grow mentally as well as physically, and when he does, he, too, will see things and interpret them as an adult.
289
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Boys-Mr. Ciszek
Physical Education in the town of Chelmsford is concerned with developing in each student the larger muscles of the body. Strength, coordination, endurance, good posture, skill and cooperation are the main objectives of the program.
Skill drills in the various sports are emphasized in the elementary schools. During the winter months basic gymnastics and tumbling stunts are taught. Skill in the following sports are stressed in the elementary grades: basketball, baseball, football, speedball and volley- ball. To help facilitate the teaching and learning of the skills in- volved lectures, movies, demonstrations and written tests are utilized.
This school year a basketball league made up of four schools will provide competition in this sport for the seventh and eighth graders.
The high school program is also planned to develop the larger muscles of the body as well as develop the mental alertness that is required in taking part in athletics. The mediums used to attain these objectives are skill drills of various kinds,, demonstrations and movies. The sports program consists of football, speedball, volleyball, relays, gymnastics, softball, tumbling, pyramid building and apparatus work.
Recreation is provided the high school students through the extra curricula program which consists of a basketball league, gymnastic club and volleyball league.
The annual field day program is the climax to the physical education program.
Girls-Miss Cordingley
This past year has seen quite a change in the physical education program. Last year the first four grades had a thirty minute period every other week. The periods for the other grades were a little longer, ranging from thirty to forty minutes a week. These were far from ideal periods. Due to the increased enrollment in our schools, it has become impossible to cover every grade in town. The first three grades have been dropped from the schedule. Physical education is just as important in these grades as in the upper grades. The only way these children can be taught physical education now is by the classroom teacher. Because of the decrease in the number of classes, it is now possible to visit each grade every week, and also to increase the time allotment.
290
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Facilities and equipment have also improved. The North School has given us an excellent gymnasium for our classes,, instead of holding them in classrooms, corridors, and basements. The only schools which now present a problem during the winter months are East and Highland Avenue. However, the new center school will eliminate this problem.
Activities for the fourth grades include relays, team games, lead- up to team games, games of higher organization, rhythms, and simple folk dances. In the schools where the equipment is available simple stunts and tumbling are taught. In the fifth and sixth grades more team games are introduced. Other activities are relays, lead-up games, rhythms, folk dances, stunts, and tumbling. In the seventh and eighth grades team games make up most of the program. Field ball, soccer, kickball, and softball are the main ones. Also skills are im- proved on, and basketball lead-up is stressed. Relays, games of higher organization, stunts, and tumbling are continued.
A softball league will be conducted in the spring for the girls. In the future, I hope it will be possible to start a basketball league similar to the boys programı.
In the high school, the girls have two forty-five minute periods a week. Here the emphasis is on team sports. Besides deriving physical benefits the girls learn cooperation, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The team sports taught are field hockey, field ball, basketball, volley- ball, softball, and relays. Also included in the program are marching, gymnastics, posture work on the parallel bars, and tumbling.
The extra-curricular program in the high school is improving each year. The girls are now offered two varsity sports-field hockey and basketball. In the spring softball is played on an informal basis, This year there will be intra-mural basketball games for the girls who do not play on the school team.
There were a few changes made in the Field Day program last year. The high school boys and girls presented demonstrations in marching, gymnastics, tumbling, and relays. It is hoped that these demonstrations can be developed each year.
HEALTH
Helen E. Jewett, R. N.
From the records of the past year the following statistics have been compiled. From these items one can see what is routine for your school nurse during the school year.
291
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Pupils inspected in schools (pediculosis, etc.) 3420
Number of visits to schools 224
Number of visits to homes 133
First aid treatments 266
Examined by the school physicians
800
Pupils sent or taken home for illness or suspected
of contagious diseases 120
Eye examinations
1280
Hearing tests
800
Talks on Health and Hygiene
48
Individual instruction to pupils
96
Treatments secured :
Medical 22
Surgical 13
X-Ray
7
Pupils accompanied to Doctor or Hospital 10
Immunization clinics were held in March and April in all schools by Dr. Blechman and Dr. Barry. There were 60 children to receive their first immunization from Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus. 950 children received booster shots for Diphtheria and Tetanus. At a clinic held in April both doctors vaccinated 70 pre- school children.
There were 400 children taking advantage of the Dental Clinic. However this was discontinued after September in the absence of the dentist.
The high school health program was carried on this year with talks by dentists, physicians, and a state nutritionist and tuberculosis field worker. Various talks and movies were given by me on health also.
The health program in the elementary schools consist of discus- sions vital to the physical well-being of the child. Movies and film strips related to health are shown and booklets and posters distributed.
The high school students were given the opportunity to take a test for Diabetes. This was done in conjunction with a talk by Dr. J. Bradley Varnum on this disease. It is hoped in the future more students will take advantage of this test.
In September the high school juniors and seniors as well as all the towns teachers were given chest X-rays. This was done through the cooperation of the Middlesex Health Assn.
There has been a clothing depot set up this year. From this col- lection needy children are supplied. I have been assisted in this work by several members of the McFarlin P.T.A.
292
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Mary E. Stevens
With the opening of the North School in September we noted an increase in the number of children who are taking advantage of the hot lunch provided in our schools through the School Lunch Program. From the beginning of the school year in September through De- cember, 40,272 hot meals have been served to students and 55,287 half pints of milk have been consumed by children in addition to those served with the hot lunch.
We offer only the "A" lunch and "C" milk as designated by the Federal Government which means that each lunch includes 2 oz. of protein, 2 teaspoons butter or margarine, 1 slice enriched bread, 34 cup vegetables and/or fruit, 1/2 pint whole milk. This provides from 1/3 to 1/2 the daily nutritional requirements of the child.
We are able to offer these luncheons at a low cost to the children because of the National School Lunch Act of 1946 which provides financial aid as well as foods which are classed as abundant com- modities.
Our workers are women who have had or now have children in our schools and so are especially interested in the very fine job they are doing. Each person connected with the School Department- School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, principal, teacher, par- ent and child makes his contribution to the operation of the program and to each we are most grateful for his cooperation.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1953 - 1954
Begin- September 9, 1953
End- December 23, 1953
Days out- October 12-Columbus Day October 30-Teachers' Convention
November 11-Armistice Day November 26, 27-Thanksgiving
Days out- April 15-Holy Thursday April 16-Good Friday
Days out- May 31-Memorial Day
Begin-
January 4, 1954
End- February 19, 1954
Begin- March 1, 1954
End- April 14, 1954
Begin- April 26, 1954
End- June 25, 1954
INDEX
Accountant's Report : Page
Appropriations and Transfers
200
Balance Sheet 153
Debt Payments Due 156
Interest Payments Due 197
Payments
165
Recapitulation
217
Receipts
158
Trust Funds :
Custody of 157
Income and Payments of
225
Appeals, Board of
141
Assessors, Board of
109
Building Inspector
131
Cemetery Department :
Commissioner's Report 135
Perpetual Care Funds
87
Civil Defense Committee
150
Constable 146
Dog Officer 134
Fire Engineers
123
Forest Warden
152
Health Department:
Report of Board of Health 125
Report of Plumbing Inspector 130
Report of Slaughtering Inspector 134
Highway Department 147
Inspection of Animals
131
Library Department:
Adams Library, Librarian 121
Library Trustees, Secretary 118
Library Trustees, Treasurer 120
MacKay Library, Librarian 122
Middlesex County Extension Service 132
Park Commissioners 145
Planning Board
140
Police Chief
142
INDEX-Continued
School Department: Page
Art Supervisor
287
Budget for 1954
283
Financial Statements 282
Lunch Room Supervisor
291
Music Supervisors
285
Personnel Roster 273
Physical Education-Supervisor of Boys
289
Physical Education-Supervisor of Girls 289
Principal of the High School
284
School Calendar
291
School Committee
266
School Nurse
290
School Superintendent
269
Statistics :
Attendance 271
Distribution f Personnel 280
Distribution of Salaries 281
Enrollment by Grades (Diagram) 268
Enrollment Distribution by Grades
272
Growth of Chelmsford Schools
271
Membership by Age & Grade-Boys 278
Membership by Age & Grade-Girls
279
School Buildings 280
Sealer of Weights and Measures
152
Sinking Fund Commissioners 146
Tax Collector
106
Town Clerk:
Annual Town Meeting, March 9, 1953
44
Appointed Town Officers
5
Births
10
Elected Town
Officers
3
Deaths
24
Financial Report
85
Jury List
80
Marriages 17
Special Town Meeting, March 26, 1953 68
Special Town Meeting, May 19, 1953 72
Special Town Meeting, June 16, 1953 74
Special Town Meeting, November 9, 1953
79
INDEX-Continued
Town Clerk ( Continued ) Page
Warrant-Annual Town Meeting, March 9, 1953 33
Warrant-Election, Town, March 2, 1953 33
Warrant-Special Town Meeting, March 26, 1953 65
Warrant- Special Town Meeting, May 19, 1953 70
Warrant-Special Town Meeting, June 16, 1953 73
Warrant-Special Town Meeting, November 9, 1953 75
Town Treasurer S6
Veterans' Benefits Director
138
Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee:
Secretary's Report 137
Treasurer's Report 139
Warrant-Annual Town Election, March 1, 1954 226
Warrant-Annual Town Meeting, March S, 1954 226
Welfare Agent
113
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