USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > Town annual report of Chelmsford 1964 > Part 9
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We are trying to plan all school building on conservative population estimates in order to avoid "over-building". This sometimes results in temporary inconvenience in some of the school divisions, but it prevents wasteful expenditure.
In closing, we wish to extend our thanks to the school officials and to the people of the town for their endless cooperation in our activities.
SINKING FUND COMMISSION December 31, 1964
Report of the Insurance Sinking Fund Commissioners
Town of Chelmsford, Mass.
12/31/63 $41,570.92
Interest Withdrawal 12/31/64
$48,677.02
Central Savings #147157
U.S. Treasury Bonds
5,070.59
$1,856.10 ** 250.00
*70.59
Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank #105588
9,478.36
419.19
9,897.55
Lowell Five Cent Savings
Bank #99250
1,712.04
75.71
1,787.75
$57,831.91
$2,601.00
$70.59
$60,362.32
*_ U.S. Treasury Bond was called, received $5,000.00.
**_ Interest added to Central Savings Book #147,159.
Respectfully submitted,
INSURANCE SINKING FUND COMMISSIONERS, DANIEL E. WALKER, Chairman HAROLD A. FRASER, Secretary EUSTACE B. FISKE, Treasurer
131
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Í
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Harold E. Clayton, Jr., Chairman Henrick R. Johnson Gerald C. Tucke, Secretary Thomas L. Rivard, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
"Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in edu- cation"-John F. Kennedy
In submitting this report on the Chelmsford Public Schools for the school year 1964, the School Committee and the Administration realize fully the power of education. The excellent educational opportunities which exist for the young people in Chelmsford have come because of enthusiastic school personnel and an appreciation on the part of the citizens of this community that education is an integral and indispensable part of the fabric of life in our nation. While some individuals and groups, perhaps, have done more than others, the total community effort has sustained a public school system that continues to be recognized as outstanding in this area.
STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND SCHOOL PLANT
Looking back over the past years and predicting ahead a few years, one can only conclude that the Chelmsford Public School System is no longer a small school system. The growth of the system has been most rapid over the past few years. A straight line projection indicates that the present rate of growth will continue over the next few years.
The following chart indicates the past and predicts the future growth of the Chelmsford Public Schools.
132
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
YEAR
TEACHERS
NON-TEACHERS*
BUDGET
EXPENDITURES
ENROLLMENT
1955
78
13
454,510.70
449,928.12
2,115
1959
117
20
893,088.00
867,826.72
3,142
1960
156
25
1,049,950.00
1,021,931.94
3,503
1961
181
28
1,259,220.00
1,228,576.25
3,967
1962
207
33
1,520,502.00
1,484,128.18
4,460
1963
231
37
1,842,581.00
1,777,903.81
5,023
1964
247
44
2,114,922.00
2,032,138.31
5,504
1965 **
285
51
2,406,614.00
6,037
1970 **
8,228
* Excludes cafeteria employees, truant officer, physicians and school nurses.
** Estimated
The class of 1955 had 74 graduates; the class of 1965 currently numbers 326; the class of 1975 (the present 2nd grade) numbers 714.
Continuing studies of school needs have caused the Elementary School Needs and Building Committee to revise its schedule of school building needs. It is now apparent that the imigration of students into the school system indicates that several schools and/or additions to schools will be needed by 1970.
The opening of the new Junior High School next September will allow the present Junior High School and the adjacent McFarlin School to be converted for elementary school use. However, for September, 1967 an additional twenty-three classrooms must be obtained if double ses- sions are to be avoided again.
Attention is called to the report of the Elementary School Needs and Building Committee, published in this Annual Report of the Town, and its specific recommendations which the School Committee recom- mends that the citizens of the town follow; namely:
1. In accordance with the plans of the School Committee that the town vote to construct an auxiliary room with enclosed passage- ways between the present Junior High School and McFarlin School buildings to serve as a cafeteria and all-purpose room for these buildings when they are converted for elementary use.
2. That the town vote, as soon as the State Board of Health's ap- proval is received, at a Special Town Meeting, funds for the pur- chase of land and preliminary plans for an elementary school.
In addition to these specific recommendations, the Elementary School Needs Committee informs all citizens of the town that, after thorough study of the present school buildings, pupil and town population pro- jections, and curriculum, there is no end in sight yet to school building needs and that there will not be until the growth of the town stabilizes.
PERSONNEL
"When a great teacher appears, he escapes the limitations of journalism, transcends his subject matter, and leaves with his students an impression of his personality which encourages them to become sound members of society, willing and able to assume leadership in their affairs-"
-Vannevar Bush
133
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The number of teachers in our system continues to increase in re- sponse to the growing pupil enrollment. This past September, teachers and Administrators numbered two hundred forty-five. It is estimated that an additional thirty-eight teachers will be added to the staff when the fall term opens.
Without doubt, quality teaching is the core of the educational pro- gram. Regardless of all other factors, our schools will be good only because of excellence in teaching. A good curriculum is worthless without superior teachers to bring it to life in the classrooms. The school system has been fortunate to date in recruiting well qualified teachers. The willingness of the town to provide adequate funds for a competitive salary scale has made this recruitment possible. It is apparent that revisions of salary policies, including fringe benefits, will be a matter of concern for some time to come.
CURRICULUM
In this report, it is impossible to summarize the many interesting and significant things going on in the Chelmsford Public Schools; how- ever, there are aspects to curriculum revision and development that deserve attention.
Coordinators and Department Heads :-
The School System has gained a respected position for providing pupils with a broad, sound and well-balanced education. Part of this accomplishment is due to the complex problem of identifying needed improvements, keeping abreast of advances in all subject fields, prepar- ing new materials, thoroughly orienting teachers before introducing new methods and planning for the gradual introduction of advanced materials so that pupils and teachers are not confused and frustrated. To achieve these goals, coordinators and department heads have been introduced into the system over the past few years. As we look to the future, this system should be extended gradually so that the ultimate aim would be subject-matter coordinators covering all grades from one through twelve and organizing subject-matter content at each grade level so that it has greater meaning in terms of fundamental goals. In-Service Teacher Workshops: -
The in-service training program initiated three years ago is being continued in certain subject areas. This action was justified for two reasons: (1) changes that have occurred in basic subject content, and (2) curricular changes that require extended knowledge on the part of teachers.
Dr. Pearl Nelson of Boston University is completing a course for elementary teachers in which the new approaches to science are em- phasized. In addition to exploratory work, teachers have been given ample opportunity to develop activities, experiences, and materials for use in their own classrooms. The final outcome of the workshop will be a new science curriculum and guide for the elementary grades.
134
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Miss Margaret A. Cates, Elementary Coordinator, is presenting a Modern Mathematics course for elementary teachers who were not in the system when Dr. J. F. Fitzgerald of Boston University presented a course for elementary teachers entitled, "Improving the Elementary School Mathematics Program".
The Junior and Senior High School teachers have had several work- shop sessions in the newer teaching methods and materials. The teaching potentials of overhead projections, the making of original transparancies, study and evaluation of teacher-made tests, instructional aids and the whole area of the so-called new techniques such as machine teaching, programmed learning and large group instruction are being studied carefully.
The Junior High School teachers have been reevaluating the cur- riculum offerings with the administrators to determine the constructive changes to be made in the expanded facilities provided by the new Junior High School.
During the summer of 1964, committees of elementary teachers worked on science and language arts projects under the direction of the principals and coordinators.
In-service courses are an important investment in education that will benefit the children of Chelmsford.
Educational Television :-
Since its initial appearance, television has been continually increas- ing in its contribution to the enrichment of the curriculum.
As the third year of using closed circuit television, as a teaching medium, begins, the administrative staff and teachers have been evaluat- ing the progress made by utilizing this aid and making plans for its extensive use in the future. The unavoidable increase in class size over the past several years has placed a burden on each classroom teacher in his efforts to provide the best education possible for the children in his classes. Through the admirable efforts of the classroom teachers and the use of closed circuit television, the problem of class size is diminishing.
During the past year, approximately forty lessons were telecast each week to the schools. The lessons include art, music, phonics, physical education, speech therapy, social studies, science, guidance and testing. In addition to the lessons telecast, a resources library of video tapes has been started. This library consists of lessons in special areas made by residents of Chelmsford. The National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- tration cooperated by sending several teams of specialists to Chelmsford to make twelve tapes for the science curriculum. The Chelmsford Citizens Advisory Committee has been extremely valuable by resurveying the community for people with special knowledge who are willing to come into the schools and make a video tape in a curriculum area.
The use of television video tape has become a vital part of the cur-
135
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
riculum because of its flexibility. Its use permits preparation, storage, and previewing of lesson material well in advance of classroom presenta- tion. Video tape also permits the preparation of lessons during the sum- mer and vacation periods when teachers do not have the pressure of the classroom.
School Libraries :-
The school library is a very important part of our educational pro- gram. The advanced programs which we are encouraging in our schools require abundant resource materials. Continued additions to all of our school libraries will be needed to bring them to a proper operational level.
The circulation of books in the High School Library has increased greatly over that of last year. Classroom teachers are taking full ad- vantage of library resources in their preparation of topics to be studied by their classes.
The administration is taking full advantage of matching funds under the National Education Defense Act for the purchasing of resource materials in the areas of science, guidance, mathematics and foreign languages.
OF GENERAL INTEREST
High School :-
General Science and Biology teachers have taught several units by the team-teaching method, taking advantage of the facilities of the lecture hall which can accommodate 104 students. Other subject area teachers have used this facility for more specific topics requiring one or two days instruction in large groups.
During the past year, Honors Courses have been evaluated and have been found to be accomplishing their major objective. The teachers of these courses are providing students that have exceptional ability a greater depth of learning in their high school preparation.
The policy of requiring students to take five major subjects has been enthusiastically accepted by students and faculty. This has allowed every student to expand his scholastic program for each of the four years. Homework assignments are continually being reviewed so that students, regardless of their academic level will have realistic amounts of home study every school night.
New Junior High School :-
For both the faculty and the student body, the opening of the Junior High School next September should be a thrilling experience. The archi- tect and contractor are taking great care to preserve the natural beauty of the setting by saving a maximum of the fine trees on the site. The classrooms will be most attractive and the equipment and facilities of the best.
The achievement of the pupils in curriculum and extra-curricular activities should be of a high order. The new industrial arts and home
136
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
economics programs will now make possible a more comprehensive cur- riculum for all pupils-those who are college bound and those who are not.
Adult Education :-
Courses in adult education continued to be popular and are here to stay. Approximately four hundred fifty students enrolled in seventeen courses. Among the courses offered, Typewriting, Sewing and Furniture Refinishing seem to be the most popular. If there is an interest in starting a new course, arrangements may be made by contacting the Director of Adult Education.
Guidance :-
The year of 1964 has seen the largest school enrollment in the history of the town. More students than ever before have gone on to college. Throughout the system, there has been growth and change. A basic philosophy that recognizes the importance of each individual is demonstrated in the careful guidance given to individual students con- cerning their choice of programs, in the many conferences held with both parents and pupils by the guidance counselors, and in the recommenda- tions of the different kinds of colleges to both parents and pupils.
On the elementary school level, the program under the Adjustment Counselor is functioning smoothly. Children who are under-achieving or are having social, emotional or behavior problems are referred by the classroom teacher, through the elementary principal, to the Adjustment Counselor. In every instance, parental approval and cooperation are sought.
Chelmsford pupils consistently score above the national median scores on standardized tests administered to all pupils. The High School students have consistently placed high on College Board Examinations and on National Merit Scholarship Examinations.
Big Business :-
The School Lunch Program has shown considerable growth during the school year. Cafeteria receipts totaled $136,718.09 with an additional $58,055.83 reimbursed from State and Federal Funds through June, 1964. The hot lunch participation has increased in all schools, but a marked growth was observed in the High School. Even with ever increasing costs for food supplies and labor, the program is still self-supporting.
Physical Education :-
The Physical Education Department has been working to organize its staff and offerings into a coordinated unit within the Chelmsford School System. The results of this effort are better teaching, more sys- tematic and thorough coverage of the subject matter, and more efficient purchase and use of supplies. There is marked improvement in the re- sults of this year's physical fitness tests over those of last year.
137
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Health Education has been added to the physical education program of the Junior High School. Boys and girls meet with their respective physical education teachers once a week to study, discuss and learn about a total health program. This instruction comes at an appropriate time in their personal growth and development.
The High School athletic program has been expanded to include inter-scholastic ice hockey and wrestling. Chelmsford is a member of the Merrimack Valley Hockey League and has a full schedule of sixteen games. Wrestling meets have been scheduled this year for the first time. These additional sports allow us to present a more comprehensive athletic program.
It has been the goal of the School Committee and the administration to make possible a broad intramural program. In September of 1963, such a program was started. There has been wide participation; a real need is being served.
Citizens Advisory Committee :-
The Citizens Advisory Committee has continued its excellent work by providing research service for the School Committee. Some of the questions currently being studied by the group are: The Ungraded Class- room, School Dropouts, Cost of Kindergartens, Time to Teach and, in addition to these, a sub-committee is up-dating the Community Resources File for use by the schools.
Federal Funds :-
Again this year, Chelmsford has taken full advantage of available Federal Funds. To a large degree, these Federal Funds have made pos- sible the great improvement in the educational standards of the Chelms- ford School System. One of the criteria for a good educational system is the utilization of resource materials and audio-visual aids in its in- structional program. Their purchase has been accomplished through the use of these funds without any direct effect on the tax rate. Without this aid, it would have been most difficult to have attained our present high educational standards. Financial assistance was received for the improvement of guidance, science, mathematics and modern Foreign Language instruction.
Regional Vocational High School :-
The Regional School District Planning Board, consisting of the Towns of Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton and Westford, is presently for- mulating plans for a Regional Vocational Technical High School for the four communities. A vocational technical school is a necessity if pupils are to achieve marketable skills immediately upon graduation from High School. The proposed regional school and its program will be especially tailored to the vocational aims of its students and will correspond to the ambitions of parents and students in the four communities. The School Committee recommends that the citizens of the town follow the
138
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
specific recommendations of the Regional Vocational Planning Board when they are presented to the town at a Special Town Meeting in the spring.
IN MEMORIAM
Myrtle Greene Needham, 4th grade teacher at the Center Elemen- tary School, passed away suddenly on October 23, 1964. Her untimely death put an end to a long career dedicated to the teach- ing of the children of Chelmsford, a career in which she earned the respect and affection of all-children, fellow workers, parents.
Edward T. Brick, retired custodian, passed away on May 23, 1964. Mr. Brick will be long remembered by his fellow workers, parents and pupils for his many years of dedicated service to the Town of Chelmsford.
IN CONCLUSION
The four facets of a good school system are plant, personnel, cur- riculum, and community interest and support. We have a system in which we may take justifiable pride. Particular mention should be made of the unselfish, devoted staff which has helped greatly to define the character of our educational program. We would emphasize also that the achieve- ments of our system are dependent upon and have been made possible by the participation and support of the citizens of our town.
We are grateful to all who have assisted us in any way-all Town Boards and Committees, the Police, Fire and Highway Departments, the Parent-Teacher Associations, the School Building Committee, the Citizens Committee, and all interested citizens.
BUDGET ANALYSIS
This year's proposed budget again reflects the growth in the school population as well as improved teaching services. The impact of the current building in the Town of Chelmsford is reflected in the provision, among others, for an additional thirty-eight teachers.
A summary of income and expenditures of the Chelmsford Public Schools for the year, 1964, and the budget recommended for 1965 follows:
CHELMSFORD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-1965 BUDGET
SALARIES:
Teachers & Supervisors
Expended 1963 $1,230,136.72
Appropriated 1964 $ 1,489,047.00
Expended 1964 $ 1,428,507.33 129,294.04
Requested 1965 $ 1,708,484.00
Janitors
114,773.54
129,325.00
149,754.00
Administration
32,656.22
37,462.00
37,320.90
41,683.00
Secretaries
20,167.14
29,177.00
27,151.38
36,681.00
Physicians
2,250.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
Attendance Officer
400.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
TOTAL SALARIES
$1,400,383.62
$ 1,688,511.00
$ 1,625,773.65
$ 1,940,102.00
EXPENSES:
Educational Supplies & Services
86,695.80
100,026.00
100,022.41(2)
110,108.00
Fuel, Light & Water
55,880.13
55,000.00
54,985.22
61,844.00
Repairs
30,738.21
30,000.00
29,996.53(3)
30,000.00
Playgrounds
989.64
1,000.00
983.23
1,000.00
Janitors' & Nurses' Supplies
9,038.59
9,100.00
9,092.76
9,800.00
Transportation
157,826.56
193,195.00
175,422.30
209,495.00
New & Replacement of Equipment ___
12,992.97(4)
11,000.00
10,990.63(4)
11,000.00
Athletic Program
5,500.00
6,500.00
6,500.00
10,500.00
Vocational
5,567.22
5,000.00*
3,815.53(1)
5,000.00
Administration
8,800.64
9,100.00
9,097.14
9,900.00
Adult Evening Education
3,490.43
6,490.00
5,458.91
7,865.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 377,520.19
$ 426,411.00
$ 406,364.66
466,512.00
TOTAL SALARIES & EXPENSES
$1,777,903.81
$ 2,114,922.00
$ 2,032,138.32
$ 2,406,614.00
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
139
RECEIPTS:
State Education Aid Law
Actual 1963 221,679.76
Tuition & Transportation of State Wards
3,062.19
4,627.98
4,000.00
Tuition
2,100.00
720.00
School Transportation
119,935.00
135,340.00
156,320.00
Rental of Auditoriums
471.00
433.00
500.00
Vocational Reimbursement
2,517.43
2,552.42
2,500.00
Special Education
17,966.01
21,085.09
21,000.00
School Adjustment Counsellor
4,885.55
4,876.45
4,800.00
Dog Licenses
2,135.83
2,059.96
2,000.00
Miscellaneous
243.61
335.80
300.00
Adult Evening Education
3,339.70
4,901.35
5,587.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS
$ 378,336.08
$ 418,631.81
$ 507,842.00
NET COST TO CHELMSFORD
$1,399,567.73
$ 1,613,506.50
$ 1,898,772.00
* Plus Dog Tax
(1) Includes Dog Tax
(2) Plus $73,076.07 from Public Law 864 and 874
(3) Plus $42,670.23 from Public Law 874
(4) Plus $24,871.23 from Public Law 864 and 874
Actual 1964 $ 241,699.76
Estimated 1965 $ 310,835.00
140
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
141
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
1965 BUDGET CHELMSFORD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Adult Evening Education Program
SALARIES:
Teachers and Director
$7,600.00
Clerk
200.00
Custodians
720.00
$8,520.00
Less 25% Vocational Class Teachers'
Salaries paid in advance by Federal Funds
1,055.00
Net Total Salaries
$7,465.00
EXPENSES:
Equipment
250.00
Miscellaneous
150.00
Total Expenses
400.00
TOTAL SALARIES AND EXPENSES
$7,865.00
RECEIPTS:
Registration and Tuition Fees
4,000.00
Vocational Reimbursement 1,587.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS:
5,587.00
NET COST TO CHELMSFORD:
$2,278.00
142
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
INDEX
Appeals, Board of 104
Assessors, Board of 103
Building Inspector 114
Cemetery Commission 110
Conservation Commission 109
Dog Officer 104
Elementary Schools Needs & Building Committee
129
Fire Department 100
Gas Inspector
111
Health Department:
Board of Health 115
Mosquito Control Officer
116
Plumbing Inspector 16
Highway Department 107
Industrial Development Commission 124
111
Librarians' Report 125
Library Trustees, Treasurer
126
Park Commission 106
Planning Board 112
97
Recreation Commission
118
Registrars, Board of
127
School Committee
131
Budget
139
Sealer of Weights & Measures
124
Selectmen's Report
9
Sinking Commission
130
Town Accountant:
Balance Sheet, December 31, 1964
87
Town Forest Committee 117
Inspector of Animals
Police Department
143
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Town Clerk 13
Licenses 13
Jury List 14
Town Election, March 2, 1964
18
Annual Business Meeting, March 9, 1964
21
Warrant for Presidential Primary, April 28, 1964 53
Warrant for State Primary, September 10, 1964 62
Warrant for State Election, November 3, 1964
68
Town Officials
3
Treasurer and Tax Collector
13
Tree Department 113
Varney Playground and Edward's Beach Commissioners
120
Veterans' Emergency Fund
123
Veterans' Services
122
Welfare Department 105
Wire Inspector 101
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