USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1960 > Part 10
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In the planning of the individual programs on the secondary level, considerable effort has been made to schedule pupils according to their abilities within the various subject areas. The comprehensive nature of the secondary schools must provide always-as it now does-for the range in ability and capacity of its students. Our programs of study are continually being evaluated to assure that we are so challenging the potential of each pupil, that he is required to work toward his capacity.
An effective and efficient Guidance Program is now in operation in conformance with the policy of providing each and every child with equal educational opportunities in keeping with his ability, aptitude, and interest. Parents are urged to confer with the guidance counselors and teachers in a concerted effort to determine as nearly as possible the educational needs of every student.
Changes have been made in the modern language curriculum. French is offered as an elective at the Junior High School to Grade 8 pupils who meet definite qualifications and are recommended for this study. This program will result in having a larger number of pupils continue with French during their four years in high school.
141
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The installation of the 30-pupil station language laboratory in the Senior High School is now completed. It is probably the most advanced type in Massachusetts. The advantages of the oral-aural approach are many and the value of this equipment in areas other than foreign lan- guages is being thoroughly studied. Not only will its use be encouraged in English, social studies, and commercial subjects but it has great potential in all areas of the curriculum.
Developmental reading is now a requirement for all seventh and eighth grade pupils. Provisions are made to take care of pupils needing remedial work. Comprehension is a major consideration and as compre- hension increases so does the rate of reading.
A Special Class for both boys and girls is in operation at the Junior High School. Members are integrated in regular classes whenever their achievement in any subject warrants. They all participate in the physical education, art, and music programs.
The elementary school program is constantly being studied and evaluated. Administrative leadership, combined with effective, cooperative work on the part of teachers and supervisors, has been the basis for educational progress. Teamwork has made it possible for the elementary schools to be proud of their accomplishments and to look forward to attaining even higher goals.
The in-service training program during the past year has centered in the social studies curriculum with Dr. Linwood Chase of Boston University as consultant. A social studies curriculum guide, with teach- ing units for all grades, is now being written by the participating teachers for use next fall. Other helpful publications and appropriate guides are also being prepared.
A speech survey was conducted by school personnel during the early part of the year. A professional speech therapist is now being consulted relative to outlining a corrective program for classroom use.
The Parent-Teacher Conferences have been most successful with approximately 93% of the parents participating in the fall conference. A spring conference will follow.
Through matching funds from the provisions of the National Defense Act, additional materials are being provided to assist our teachers in strengthening their instructional work. These materials include arithmetic devices and scientific equipment as well as tapes, records, and film strips for the teaching of modern languages.
We have continued to expand our library services. The high school library is now in successful operation, and a planned program for the acquisition of a satisfactory stock of reference books has been es- tablished. Provisions have been made for developing a junior high school library. The expansion of the elementary school library program has
142
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
been most rewarding with libraries being started in all schools. Although the emphasis is placed on reference and research materials, books of general interest have also been purchased. The support of parents, the P.T.A., and service clubs in establishing these facilities is highly com- mendable. Today the school library is a very important part of our educational program. The enrichment program which we are encouraging in all schools requires abundant resource materials.
The findings of our recent curriculum studies will result in more teaching of seventh grade materials in the sixth grade. With the teach- ing of Algebra in the eighth grade an extra year of mathematics be- comes possible on the high school level. Acceleration in English, languages, and science is also being encouraged.
SPECIAL NOTE
During the last summer the School Department operated a six-week summer school program at the High School for all students in grades 8 through 12. The following courses were offered: Pre-High School English, Composition, Pre-High School Math, Typing I, and Driver Education. One hundred and eleven students attended the session and the success of the program during its initial year indicates that its expansion in the summer of 1961 is almost a certainty.
The substantial gains made by many students attending the summer school prompted the School Department to offer Saturday Morning Classes from December 3, 1960 to April 1, 1961. Advanced Biology and Typing I were offered and eighty-one students are currently enrolled in the program.
Another significant accomplishment was the placing of all super- vising principals on an eleven-month work year. This action will allow our principals to give their complete time to the job of education - a job that requires careful advanced planning, continual study, and con- certed group action.
IN CONCLUSION
We have a school system in which we may take justifiable pride. We value the teachers who give of their professional best to us and to our young people. The achievements and success of our system are dependent upon them and upon the participation and support of the citizens of the Town. We are grateful to all who have assisted us in any way. With such cooperation, we look to the future with confidence.
BUDGET ANALYSIS
This year's proposed budget reflects the growth in school population. The impact of the new homes erected and still being built in the Town of Chelmsford can be seen in the provision, among others, for an addi- tional 29 teachers. Last year 22 additional teachers were added as com- pared with 12 the year before.
A summary of income and expenditures of the Chelmsford Public Schools for the year 1960, and the budget recommended for 1961 follows:
SALARY ACCOUNTS:
1959 Expended
1960 Appropriated
1960 Expended
1961 Requested
Teachers
$ 554,369.14
$ 697,150.00
$ 681,874.21
$ 869,045.00
Janitors
71,038.61
73,650.00
73,049.98
83,761.00
Administration
15,130.00
16,450.00
16,445.98
18,060.00
Secretaries
8,021.84
11,360.00
11,252.34
13,440.00
Physicians
1,500.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
1,500.00
Attendance Officer
300.00
300.00
300.00
300.00
Total Salaries
$ 650,359.59
$ 800,410.00
$ 784,422.51
$ 986,106.00
NON-SALARY ACCOUNTS:
Educational Supplies & Services
$ 39,393.38
$ 48,000.00
$ 47,995.35(2)
$ 58,800.00
Fuel, Light, Water
33,217.74
47,100.00
35,991.70
47,100.00
Maintenance
28,499.86
21,350.00
21,339.58
21,350.00
Playgrounds
995.81
1,000.00
993.35
1,000.00
Janitor & Nurse Supplies
5,369.45
6,500.00
6,474.08
6,500.00
New & Replacement of Equipment
8,996.23
8,000.00
7,988.88(3)
8,000.00
Transportation
86,323.20
103,890.00
102.589.72
116,014.00
Administration
4,740.94
5,800.00
5,088.70
6,450.00
Vocational
6,537.70
4,000.00 (*)
5,148.07(1)
4,000.00 (*)
Athletic
3,000.00
3,500.00
3,500.00
3,500.00
Supt. & Prin. Out-of-State
392.82
400.00
400.00
400.00
Total Non-Salary Accounts
217,467.13
249,540.00
237,509.43
273,114.00
Total Salary Accounts
650,359.59
800,410.00
784,422.51
986,106.00
GRAND TOTAL
$ 867,826.72
$1,049,950.00
$1,021,931.94
$1,259,220.00
RECEIPTS:
1959
1960
Est. 1961
State Educational Aid Law
$ 133,539.76
$ 144,329.76
$ 163,374.76
Tuition & Transp. of State Wards
4,173.78
3,215.55 (4)
3,200.00
Tuition
3,525.00
5,700.00
5,000.00
School Transportation
60,830.00
80,836.80(4)
88,608.00
Rental of Auditoriums
532.00
687.00
500.00
Vocational Reimbursement
3,051.10
3,739.93(4)
2,500.00
Special Education
2,905.57
3,403.37(4)
9,500.00
Miscellaneous
121.03
185.78
100.00
Dog Licenses
1,829.80
1,824.51
2,000.00
Total Receipts
$ 210,508.04
$ 243,922.70
$ 274,782.76
Net Cost to Town
$ 657,318.68
$ 778,009.24
$ 984,437.24
(*) Plus Dog Tax
(1) Includes Dog Tax
(2) Plus $9,491.60 from Public Law 874; $4,594.74 from Public Law 864
(3) Plus $5,205.28 from Public Law 874
(4) Based on School Year ending June 30, 1960
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ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
INDEX
Accountant's Report
Balance Sheet
104
Debt Payments Due 108
Debt Statement 111
Payments
98
Receipts
95
Trust and Investment Account
110
Appeals, Board of 19
Appointed Town Officials
6
Assessors, Board of
116
Building Inspector
127
Cemetery Department:
Commissioners, Report
123
Chart, Town Finances
94
Civil Defense 134
Dog Officer 130
Elected Town Officials
3
Fire Department
115
Health Department:
Report of the Board of Health 125
Report of Plumbing Inspector
126
Highway Department 121
In Memoriam 10
Inspector of Animals
133
Library Department 136
Map, Zone 74-75
Park Commissioners 124
Planning Board 122
Police Department 112
146
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
INDEX
Registrars, Board of 18
School Committee 139
Sealer of Weights and Measures 132
Board of Selectmen 8
Sinking Fund Commission 135
Tax Collector 117
Town Clerk:
Annual Business Meeting, March 14, 1960 25
Licenses 14
Jurors Drawn 15
Jury List 15
Warrant - Special Town Meeting, March 28, 1960 69
Warrant - Presidential Primary, Tuesday, April 26, 1960 71
Warrant - State Primary, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1960 79
Warrant - Special Town Meeting, November 14, 1960 87
Town Election, March 7, 1960 21
Warrant - Annual Town Meeting, March 7, 1960
20
Town Officials
3
Report of the Town Forest Committee
128
Town Treasurer
117
Tree Department
129
Veterans' Emergency Fund Committee:
Treasurer's Report 131
Veterans' Services 131
Welfare Department 118
Wire Inspector 128
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