USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1956 > Part 4
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The members of the school staff charged with the education of these students are doing their very best to compensate for lack of space, facilities and time. Their task is difficult and it is inevitable, under these conditions, that it is the student who suffers.
We would like to embark on a long range plan for school sites and facilities. The student enrollment projections we had a few years ago have proved to be quite accurate. We, therefore, must assume that our needs are going to increase in the foreseeable fu- ture.
Unfortunately, good schools cost money. We cannot avoid this fact. If we expect our children to be educated properly, we must meet the challenge.
As for educational changes, we are cur- rently engaged in, among other things, a high school curriculum study, a science program study and a report card study. The results in newer "areas," namely, guid- ance and remedial reading have been most gratifying.
In an attempt to secure and retain above- average teachers for our system, the school committee adopted a new salary schedule. We must compete with other towns in this area if we are to provide the kind of educa- tion we have grown to expect. At the con- clusion of the school year 1955-1956, we were faced with hiring nineteen new teachers, a guidance director, a high school principal and a superintendent of schools. We realize that we must offer teachers other inducements besides salary, such as facilities to work with and professional opportunity - we are attempting to do this.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to all the school staff and especially to Mr. O'Kane, our new superintendent, who came to us in difficult times. He is doing a very creditable job and has been of great help to this committee in guiding the town in matters of educa- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Waite, M.D., Chairman Mrs. Isadore Smith William C. Wigglesworth Paul D. Conley Brainard C. Wallace C. Louise Richardson George Geanakos
Changes in Teaching Personnel:
The following persons terminated their employment since the last annual town re- port: Julia T. Bennett, Laureat Bernard, Janet W. Boyd, Ralph Butler, Edward G. Colby, Sally B. Hutton, Joseph D. Kilfoyle, Rosamond Hughes, Marion S. LaClair, Douglas Mackenzie, Elmer Michaelson, Elizabeth D. Prescott, Walter C. White, Miss Amy Stanford, (retired) .
Other personnel who left the system: Dr. Robert F. Savitt, Superintendent of Schools; Warren H. Pressley, Ipswich High School Principal ; James McKenna, Guidance Director; Harold D. Bowen, Custodian ; Warren E. Grant, Custodian; Mary Scott, Matron.
Elected to the Teaching Staff Were the Following:
Gail Alter, elected and assigned to Grade 3, Burley School.
Theodore Atkinson, elected and assigned to the High School.
Ann Blinn, elected and assigned to Grade 6, Winthrop School.
Lawrence Boggio, elected and assigned to Grade 5, Winthrop School.
Robert Brooks, elected and assigned to Junior High School.
A. Catherine Carson, elected and assigned to Grade 6, Winthrop School.
Arthur Forgetta, elected and assigned to Junior High School.
Doris Fournier, elected and assigned to Junior High School.
Joseph Gaziano, elected and assigned to Ipswich High School.
John J. Grady, elected and assigned to Ipswich High School.
Mindella Hershberg, elected and assigned to Grade 5, Winthrop School.
Elaine Lavoie, elected and assigned to Junior High School.
Edward McDonald, elected and assigned to Grade 6, Winthrop School.
Robert McKenna, elected and assigned to Ipswich High School.
Rose Merry, elected and assigned to Grade 5, Winthrop School.
Charles G. Pappas, elected and assigned to Junior High School.
Frances P. Hinckley, elected and assigned to Grade 4, Shatswell School.
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Carolyn K. Pinkham, elected and as- signed to Grade 1, Burley School.
Richard Sine, elected and assigned to Ips- wich High School.
Robert M. O'Kane, Superintendent of Schools.
Wilbur C. Connon, Ipswich High School Principal.
Robert Swasey, Guidance Director.
Other personnel elected:
Katherine Davison, Elementary Schools Secretary.
Ellen Sheppard, Cafeteria Supervisor.
James Cunningham, Custodian.
John Hovey, Custodian.
Ruby Stone, Cafeteria.
Lila Kieffer, Cafeteria.
Rachel Dunlop, Matron.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
The annual report of the Public Schools of Ipswich for the fiscal year 1956 is hereby presented:
THESE ARE YOUR SCHOOLS
This report will be basically concerned with the period covering the latter part of the fiscal year 1956 to coincide with the tenure of the present Superintendent of Schools.
These are critical times for education nationwide and Ipswich is certainly no ex- ception. An extremely challenging task faces all who are concerned with education, directly or indirectly, and this means every- one.
In the past several years school adminis- trators, teachers, school committees and lay people have contributed in many ways toward improving the educational system in Ipswich. The results are clearly evident in such areas as the building of the new Win- throp School, the results of curriculum investigations and revisions, the attraction and retention of many capable teachers and the continuing efforts of those in Ipswich who are actively interested in their schools.
With those favorable aspects in the back- ground Ipswich still had to contend with a major problem of replacing personnel prior to the opening of schools in September.
A new superintendent, a new high school principal and a new guidance director ar- rived on the scene almost simultaneously. This presented a problem of adjustment for all concerned - the community, pupils, teachers, and, of course, the new personnel.
The situation is similar to that of an industry bringing in a new general man- ager, a plant foreman, a personnel manager
and replacing one-third of its working force.
Time must be allowed for objective evalu- ation by all concerned. This does not mean that all activity or progress should cease. What it does mean is that every effort must be made to assure optimum utility of all the good features that have been established, to build on those and make a maximum effort to improve whenever and wherever possible.
The adoption of a revised salary schedule for principals, supervisors and teachers was a necessary and constructive move. The new schedules should help to attract and retain capable teachers but they cannot and should not be considered as final and static. If Ipswich is to compete on a favorable basis with other communities it will be ne- cessary to continually re-examine the ques- tion of teachers' and administrators' salaries.
Salaries alone do not attract and/or retain good, capable personnel. Other important factors need to be considered. A teacher or administrator, like any person in a pro- fession, industry or the home, is concerned with the conditions under which he or she works. Are the proper housing facilities provided, are the proper tools and teaching materials provided, is a sound work sched- ule or curriculum available and is the com- munity interested and eager to provide all these necessities?
Ipswich has taken one long step in the direction of providing good facilities with the construction of the Winthrop School. It must be kept in mind that in approxi- mately four years the elementary schools will be used to capacity, and this is a con- servative estimate.
Ipswich faces a major problem in the lack of proper facilities for grades 7-12. Physically, the present High School 's a sound building and an attractive cne. Th?
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problem is that the facilities have to be shared by both high school pupils and those in grades 7-8. This results in a shortened school day for all, a minimum program at best, an awkward time schedule for pupils and teachers and an increased transportation problem.
In approximately two years the present high school, for grades 9-12 will be used to capacity.
With these obvious handicaps it is very gratifying to know that good teaching, the real bases of the educational scheme, is being done. A revision of the Social Studies program in grades six and seven was made to offer better continuity. An attempt to improve the reading program in grades five and six is now in process. The junior high school program of studies has been improved and expanded even though the time factor is serious.
The high school curriculum is being studied and evaluated in an atempt to im- prove where possible.
The excellent guidance program initiated several years ago is continuing to provide a much needed service for the pupils.
The areas of music and art are excellently carried out in spite of obvious handicaps.
An expanded program of physical educa- tion is being conducted in all schools.
Every school day the cafeteria personnel serve hot lunches to about 800 pupils at a cost of 25 cents per meal.
Every school day approximately 500 pu- pils are transported to and from school.
These are all plus factors which need to be emphasized. Your schools are good schools but suffer because of certain limita- tions. Serious attention must be given to the deficiencies mentioned above if Ipswich citizens wish to be able to state with con- viction that "these are our schools and they are good schools."
The Superintendent of Schools wishes to thank all who have contributed toward making our schools better schools and who have helped the new superintendent to meet the many problems and challenges con- fronting him and the staff. The cooperation of all is most heartily appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT M. O'KANE, Supt. of Schools
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, and to the Town of Ipswich:
THESE ARE YOUR SCHOOLS
Since I was appointed to the position of principal of Ipswich High School as re- cently as August 1, 1956, this report will cover mainly the latter part of the 1956 calendar year. During this period attention has been given to discipline, attendance, supervision of instruction, student activi- ties, maintenance of the buildings and grounds, and all departments of the curri- culum.
Due to the large enrollment and limited classroom space, it was necessary to have double sessions again when school opened in September. The morning session opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 12:45 p.m., while the afternoon session lasts from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The morning session, with which this report is chiefly concerned, consists of six periods of 40 minutes duration each. Periods of this length do not provide suffi- cient time to do much beyond the teaching of basic skills, particularly in the areas of Industrial Arts and Homemaking. There is a great need for a longer school day so that the length of the periods may be increased and another period added to the schedule.
The short school day makes it impossible to carry on many worthwhile extra-curri- cular activities. Assemblies can be sched- uled only by dropping a regular classroom period from the daily schedule. No time is available during the school day to enable those who so desire to participate in the activities of the Music Department. The scheduling of released time for Religious Education during the school day is im- possible under present conditions.
Students in grades 9 through 12 attend the morning session this year. During the 1955-56 school year boys and girls in the 8th grade were also included in this ses- sion. The opening of the new Winthrop School made it possible to remove those pupils in the 6th grade from the high school building. Consequently the number of stu-
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Mr. Sine (second from left) with group of chemistry pupils
dents now occupying the high school build- ing is less than during the last school year. The average daily membership during the morning session has been 345. Grades 7 and 8, which attend the afternoon session, have an enrollment of 225. This makes a total of 570 boys and girls who must use the limited facilities of the high school building.
Storage space for books and clothing is very limited, since the school is provided with only 222 wall lockers. Even though each locker is used by at least two students, many who attend the afternoon session must hang their clothing on temporary racks provided in the music room.
The curriculum offered by the school is generally adequate and is very similar in content to what is offered to high school students by schools of similar size in this area. There are some points about the cur- _iculum which need study and clarification. This study is being conducted by a com- mittee composed of representatives of the faculty, the guidance department, and the administration. The results of the work of the committee will be published in the form of a student handbook which will give the students and parents a better understanding
of what is offered by the school and thus enable them to more wisely select a high school program in light of their needs, abilities, and plans for the future.
There is a great need to improve the school library. At present the so-called library is located at the front of the study hall. It consists of a few tables and chairs with shelves stocked with a large number of volumes, most of which are outdated and rather useless as reference sources. Al- though the town has a fine and well- equipped library, it is frequently necessary for students and teachers to obtain infor- mation on short notice. A well-equipped library is a necessity in a modern school.
Parent-teacher conferences are a reality in the high school. Such conferences are a very important part of education. From them both teachers and parents gain a new insight into home and school relationships as well as a better understanding of the students. These conferences are scheduled to be held on four predesignated Thursdays each quarter of the school year. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on these days all teachers are available to consult with parents. Ar- rangements are made for those parents who are unable to attend on these dates or at
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the designated time to come in at some other mutually agreeable time.
Despite the use which it has received over the years, the high school building is in very good condition. Due to a wise plan for renovating, repairing, and painting during the summer months and vacation periods, the interior of the building presents a neat and pleasing appearance. The cus- todians are to be commended for the ex- cellent work that they have done. Enough new school furniture has been provided to equip two classrooms with modern student's desks. Eventually the old and dilapidated furniture with which most of the class- rooms are provided will be replaced.
Five members of the faculty are new to the high school staff this year. They were hired as replacements for staff members who left for various reasons. These new-
comers have worked well with the older members of the staff. All teachers have devoted much time to regular faculty meet- ings, professional work, conferences with parents, and in providing additional help for students who need it. The present staff is to be highly commended for doing an excellent job under the pressure of too little time and space.
I wish to thank the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee, the high school faculty, the secretarial staff, the cus- todians, and the administrators and super- visors for the assistance and cooperation that I have received since I assumed my present position.
Respectfully submitted,
WILBUR C. CONNON, Principal
High School Art Class
REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent, to the School Committee, and to the town of Ipswich: THESE ARE YOUR SCHOOLS
The opening of school in September found grades 7 and 8 on the afternoon session in the High School for the third consecutive
year. The present seventh grade group has thus far spent two years on the P.M. ses . sion and from all visible aspects will con- tinue the same during the school year 1957- 58. Precisely, they will spend 25% or 1/4 of their school careers on afternoon session.
As mentioned in past years this session leaves much to be desired, however, unde: these most discouraging circumstances much progress is being made educationally. Our
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Sophomores and Seniors working together on their individual projects in Industrial Arts
pupils are being given the best possible education under the direction of an excel- lent staff.
Many problems arise concerning lost texts, clothing, stationery and dual use of the same facilities by both teachers and pupils.
Parent cooperation concerning pupil and school matters has been very good. Many parents have attended weekly parent teacher conferences, these conferences have aided both teachers and parents in gaining a better understanding of the child and general school problems.
Curriculum revisions this year include the introduction of a course in Reading which is required by all pupils. Grade 7 students meet in this course three times a week while grade 8 pupils meet twice. Be- low is the course of study for grades 7 and 8.
Grade VII
Grade VIII
Subject Periods
Subject Periods
Language Arts 5
Language Arts 5
Social Studies 5 Social Studies 5
Arithmetic S Arithmetic 5
Reading 3
Reading 2
Science 2 Science 3
*Home Ec.
*Home Ec.
Ind. Arts 1
Ind. Arts 2
Art
1
Art 1
Music 1
Music 1
Study 2
Study 1 Phys. Ed. 2 yr.
*Given 1/2 of the *Given 1/2 of the
school year. school year.
Class periods are 40 minutes long.
This schedule leaves no room or time for extra curricula activities such as a club program, dramatics, athletics, etc. Assembly programs have been held during the year during regular class time, these programs have been centered around National Holi- days and consisted of five in number.
During the Spring and Fall a morning recreation program is in operation, this is jointly sponsored by the School Depart- ment and the Recreation Department with school personnel engaged as directors.
A special Outdoor Education Program, under the direction of the School Depart- ment is carried on in the Spring; this is the second year it has operated. The pro- gram is directly tied in with regular natural science that is taught in the classroom. Visits are made to certain natural areas in
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Ipswich including Crane's Beach, Castle Hill, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bradley Palmer Park. Much help is forthcoming from local Conservation Offi- cers and the Department of Natural Re- sources and Conservation.
To care for the needs of all pupils an adjusted class was instituted in the Junior High Program this year.
In spite of all that is being done, there is much left undone and this is primarily
due to the fact that time and space hinder our efforts. It is earnestly hoped that some school housing will be made available, so that the afternoon session will be abolished and the school day lengthened to provide a better and more varied school program.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH R. ROGERS, Administrative Assi tan"
Mr. Charles Pappas, junior high reading teacher, instructing a small eighth grade group in proper reading techniques
REPORT OF THE BURLEY AND SHATSWELL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
THESE ARE YOUR SCHOOLS
As principal of the Burley and Shatswell Schools, I herewith submit a report of progress in the elementary schools under my direction.
The year ending has once again seen some changes in the educational pattern for both schools. Where we once had all of the first eight grades in both buildings; school housing, enrollment, and the location of new homes have been contributing fac- tors to the new set-up wherein the Burley and Shatswell Schools now house only grades 1 through 4.
This change, which was effective in Sep- tember, 1956, has made a much more in- teresting unit to administer. The age range has been reduced; the interest range has been narrowed. Placing the bulk of grades 1, 2, 3, 4 in two schools provides us with a greater opportunity to expand the educa- tional curriculum for these grades and to keep a closer eye on its progress. Providing both schools with an assembly room, even though just on a temporary basis, has given us the opportunity to do several things in groups larger than just one class. It has provided a space for small assemblies, for indoor physical education, for combined music. It has eliminated the practice of completely clearing a room of furniture just to have the ever-popular Association meetings made up of parents and teachers.
The Shatswell School project of interior painting was completed this past summer. The first part of a three year painting pro-
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BAND PICTURE The Ipswich Senior Band made up of children from Grades 7 through 12
ject at the Burley School was undertaken. We also had new book-cases set up in four classrooms and we plan to add more in the year to come, providing more space for storage and display.
After serving as custodian of the Shats- well School since it opened some 30 years ago, Mr. Warren Grant retired in Novem- ber, 1956. His services, his personality, his love for children have been an integral part of the schooling of thousands of children.
The staff at the Burley and Shatswell Schools remained much the same as in past years except for three new teachers who joined us in September.
Both parents groups, The Burley School Association and The Shatswell School As- sociation, enjoyed a successful year and have set a fast pace for this year.
Curriculum development continues to be our major in-service work. Teachers meet- ings with the principal, Science Study Group, Reading Study Group, plus indi- vidual work have seen many after-school hours being devoted to improvement of the school curriculum.
The principal has spent considerable time studying the allotment of time to all areas in the school day. Agreement was
reached on a pattern which seems best to try to follow in grades 1, 2, 3, 4. This will, of course, be further studied this coming year in order to bring about an equitable distribution of time and maximum use of the school day.
The Audio-visual Aids program in the elementary schools continued to receive in- creased attention both by teachers and by the Audio-visual director.
The cafeteria program at both schools as in past years remains quite popular. We could, however, serve more hot lunches if parents would take advantage of the op- portunity to purchase a substantial lunch at a minimum cost.
This brief report would not be complete without a statement from the principal about the loyal staff of teachers under his direction. Their faithfulness to duty, their concern for the best for the children should constantly be brought before the citizens of Ipswich. It is considered an extreme pleasure to have worked another year with and for such a loyal group.
Respectfully submitted,
B. H. BENNETT, Principal Burley-Shatswell Schools
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A Primary grade at Burley School pledges allegiance to the Flag as part of Opening Exercises
REPORT OF THE WINTHROP SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent, to the School Committee and to the Town of Ipswich:
Following is my annual report of prog- ress in the old and new Winthrop Schools for the period commencing January 1, 1956 and ending January 1, 1957.
The first six months of the school year were spent, as usual, in the old Winthrop School, now "just a memory."
The procedure during this period was patterned after the preceding year with respect to class divisions, eight in number, including an Opportunity Class.
Probably the most "thrilling' period of the passing of the old school was the week following the closing of school. At this period information was advanced that four days only would be allowed to empty the building prior to its demolition. To describe the situation mildly, "things flew." Books were packed and transferred to the Shats- well School, all worthwhile furniture was distributed between the Burley and Shats- well Schools, an auction was held over a
period of two days which netted a fair sum and finally, all remaining articles, good or bad, were purchased by a second-hand dealer. At the close of the fourth day, building wreckers were waiting at the door to deposit the working materials for the beginning of demolition on the following day.
Thus was completed the story of the old school, one part of which had weathered the storm since the year 1897. From some of the teachers who had spent several years conducting classes in the old building, and even from some of the pupils, there were expressions of sadness, as of the departure of an old friend.
On September 12th, approximately four hundred and twenty-five children were ushered methodically to their respective classrooms in the new school without un- pleasant incidents of any nature. Receiving them in the sixteen new classrooms were the teachers who would shape their educa- tional destinies in the months to follow. New among these instructors were Miss Blinn, Miss Carson, and Mr. McDonald elected to teach grade VI, together with Mr. Waitt who had received the appoint- ment of assistant principal. Only two of
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