USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1957 > Part 3
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SANITATION DIVISION
In 1957 during the winter months, the collection of garbage and rubbish was combined and a sanitary landfill operated at the town dump. This made it possible to use only one truck for the winter months. In the summer months, two trucks were used, an extra employee added, and the garbage sold. Garbage was picked up on all town streets. This method of operating the Department has worked out well and will be continued in 1958.
FORESTRY DIVISION
A total of 116 elms were removed this year, 35 of them with State aid. These diseasedtrees were cut up and burned at the Town Farm disposal area to prevent the bark beetles from hatching in the spring and causing the spread of the disease to healthy trees. In addition to this seven damaged maples were removed. Two helicopter sprays were applied and additional sprays applied by the town mist- blower and hydraulic sprayer. Seventy five samples from suspected elms were taken and sent to the State Laboratory at Amherst for inspection. During the summer other sprays were applied to control the Elm Leaf Beetle. As replace- ments for the elms removed 206 young maples were planted, many of these on new town streets. As in other years brush was cut along the roadsides, pruning trees, and roadside mowing was carried on. Poison ivy was sprayed with 2-4-5 D. T. in many parts of town, and sprays were applied for the control of tent cater - pillars and browntail moths. Late in the summer several mosquitoe sprays are applied. Trees were removed on Argilla Road and North Gate to assist the High- way Department in the widening of these roads with Chapter 90 funds. The depart- ment assisted the Highway Department several times in snow removal operations and moved chairs, tables, and other equipment for several town meetings and elections. In December brush was cut on Town Hill to assist the Recreation Department in making its new ski area.
CEMETERY DIVISION
In the Cemetery Division during 19 57 there were 96 interments, eight more than in 1956, three cremations and three in- fants included. Ten single graves and 4 four grave lots were sold. Eleven lots and two graves were placed under per- petual care. One new flower fund was established and an addition was added to a former fund. The regular maintenance was carried on during the year. Founda- tions were prepared for monuments and head stones. The avenues were oiled. The chain link fence at the Locust Grove Ceme- tery was painted. Three tool sheds were al- so painted. Two deceased maple trees are cut down. Due to the dry summer and fall the flower beds and shrubs required more than usual care. Many neglected graves were raised during this season. These are graves which have no one to care for them, several of same are at the entrance to the Highland Cemetery, in the single grave section. Many posts were reset, especially ones that had been set unevenly. Each year portions of each cemetery are limed and fertilized. Two of the old brick crypts in the Old North were rebuilt. The 1953 GMC pickup truck was traded for a four wheel drive Jeep equipped with a plow and hoist for keeping avenues plowed. Twelve four grave lots were awarded by the American Legion during the year.
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LIST OF JURORS
These are the citizens who are eligible to be drawn for Jury Duty during 1958.
Gordon Gunn
Liberty Street
Salesman
Percy R. Dort, Jr.
5 Mineral Street
Machinist
Robert J. Desmond
Topsfield Road
Machinist
George R. Hovey
High Street
Retired
Samuel W. Atherly
Woods Lane
Retired
Frank J. O'Malley
53 East Street
Retired
Sylvester D. Conley
90 Central Street
Salesman
Daniel A. Markos
Southern Heights
Insurance
Agnes Jodoin
Jeffreys Neck Road
Housewife
Marion A. Stone
Hovey Street
Housewife
Arthur P. Marcorelle
32 Central Street
Retired
Chester G. Brockelbank, Jr.
Summer Street
Clam Dealer
Kathleen Brockelbank
21 North Main Street
Waitress
E. Chester Smith
4 County Street
Retired
Francis N. Bourque
Turkey Shore Road
Retired
Henry A. Dondero
Topsfield Road
Retired
Katherine C. Comeau
Burleigh Place
Housewife
John W. Cleary
Warner Road
Accountant
Alice I. Wass
High Street
Housewife
Gretchen M. Perkins
Green Street
Housewife
Richard F. Hartnett
Topsfield Road
Salesman
Rose L. Wynaught
8 Ward Street
Housewife
Blanche Barkowski
Topsfield Road
Shoe Worker
Barbara Daugherty
Summer Street
Housewife
Charles Merritt
27 Washington Street
Painter
William V. Arsenault Leo Naguszewski
Peatfield Street
Manager
Alice K. Trocki
13 Peatfield Street
Housewife
Bernard V. Farley
Cameron Avenue
Clammer
Charles E. Earley
Argilla Road
Retired
Alice V. Quint
High Street
Housewife
Charles S. Mansfield
Upper River Road
Mason
Beatrice E. King
Essex Road
Housewife
Robert D. Hill
41 High Street
Retired
Eleanor Burns
Manning Street
Retired
Doris Goodhue Leola L. Ford
16 Argilla Road
Waitress
Lillian M. Brown
Turkey Shore Road
HOusekeeper
Raymond T. Hull
Newmarch Street
Retired
James R. Marsh
23 High Street
Engineer Housekeeper
Rachael Warner Joel Camacho
Broadway Avenue
Machinist
Charles C. Stevens, Jr.
Depot Square
Retired.
Manley Butler
Argilla Road
Artist
Harry Munroe
Jeffreys Neck Road
Salesman
John R. Trudel
Meeting House Green
Undertaker
Waldingfield Road
Clam Dealer
Central Street
Carpenter
Irene B. Gillespie
Warren E. Grant
Summer Street
Farley Avenue
Draftsman
Philip Abell
Essex Road
Developer
George Mourikas
Brown Street
Laborer
Frank J. Kasprzyk
Washington Street
Leather Worker
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George J. Pappas Ira E. Wright Albert W. Enos
150 Turnpike Road Elm Street
Innkeeper Housewife Retired
Stephen Harasen
Argilla Road
Housewife
Woods Lane
Knitter
High Street
THE MUNICIPAL FAMILY December 31, 1957
TOWN MODERATOR Edmund H. Kelleher
BOARD OF SELECTMEN John F. Conley, Chairman Nathaniel M. Quint Frank J. O'Malley Walter J. Dziadul John A. Pechilis
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
C. Louise Richardson Dr. Robert E. Waite Dr. William Wigglesworth George J. Geanakos Brainard C. Wallace Joseph V. Riley James A. Doughty
BOARD OF ASSESSORS Seward S. Tyler Stephen J. Prescott David Claxton
HOUSING AUTHORITY George S. Ewing Glenfred A. Wanzer Fred C. Whittier, Sr. Gardner Peatfield Christopher Karas
BOARD OF HEALTH Lawrence M. King Dr. Frank L. Collins Dr. Ernest Smith
FINANCE COMMITTEE Charles T. Passales Timothy F. Carey, Jr. Richard W. Davis H. Ernest Stone Stephen S. Tlumacki
George A. Pechilis James Austin Daniel B. Lunt
Robert T. Bamford (Resigned) Charles A. Mallard (Appointed)
BRANCH FIRE STATION COMMITTEE Russell L. Scahill Richard A. Wile George E. Taylor Kenneth C . Knight Frank V. Antonucci
CONSTABLE Boley S. Radzinski
DOG OFFICER Joseph Leet
PLANNING BOARD
Chester J. Patch, Jr. Donald F. Whiston Richard R. Mansfield John G. Markos Charles W. Herrick
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE George R. Hovey Charles Rose Edward S. Graffum
RECREATION COMMITTEE Barbara Cole Louise Hodgkins
Robert W. Mansfield (Resigned)
Stanley Eustace (Appointed)
John Bialek (Resigned)
James H. Daly, Jr. (Appointed)
Robert M. O'Kane (Resigned) Joseph Rogers (Appointed)
BOARD OF REGISTRARS Henry Hills John A. Kobos James Lampropoulos
SEWERAGE COMMITTEE Lawrence M. King Stephen M. Prescott
Charles E. Dagnall, Jr.
John A. Singer
Millard J. Patterson Peter A. Johnson
TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS Edward J. Marcorelle Charles E. Goodhue George C. Parsons
REGIONAL SCHOOL PLANNING COMM. James C. McManaway Ben K. Collins Dr. William C. Wigglesworth
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Norris W. Stilphen
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph V. Riley, Dr. William C. Wigglesworth, George Geanakos, Dr. Robert Waite, James Doughty and Mrs. C. Louise Richardson. Brainard Wallace (absent)
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
1956-1957
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TERM EXPIRES
Dr. William Wigglesworth
1960
Mr. Joseph V. Riley
1960
Mr. George Geanakos
1959
Mr. Brainard C. Wallace
1959
Mr. James Doughty
1958
Mrs. C. Louise Richardson
1958
Dr. Robert E. Waite, Chairman
1958
Meetings of the Committee:
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the office of the Superintendent at 7:30 p.m., at the Ipswich High School.
ROBERT M. O' KANE
Superintendent of Schools
BERNICE B. ARSENAULT -Secretary
OFFICE
-Ipswich High School
OFFICE OPEN --
8-4 and by appointment
Summer schedule arranged.
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STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
TO THE CITIZENS OF IPSWICH:
In our report of last year, we mentioned the changeover in our school system which was brought about by the large turnover in teachers, supervisors, and admin- istrative personnel. We did not experience that situation this year. There were probably other reasons that contributed to our being able to hold our personnel, but we feel that our action in improving the salary schedules of these people was the greatest factor in retaining them.
As a result, this has given us a year in which our time was not so much taken up with interviewing and hiring new people and acquainting them with our system. There was not the long period of adjustment we experienced last year, We were, therefore, more free to look into our system, to study its effectiveness and to evaluate it in comparison with other systems. This resulted in a revised high school curriculum, an overall tightening up of scholastic requirements and a broad- ening of our secondary education. We are about to embark upon a planned pilot pro- gram to help the slower child by giving him special help outside of the formal school year and to stimulate the gifted student by providing a seminar type of pro- gram in the area where these students' capabilities lie. No additional cost to the town because our applications for funds from the federal government under Public Law #874 was acted upon favorably.
Because of recent developments on the international scene, education is again being subjected to a great deal of scrutiny, criticism and investigation. We, as a committee, are as concerned as any one else about our schools and the results of our educational system. It might be well to note here, however, that our interest is not of belated origin. For example, more than two years ago we initiated a study of the teaching of science in our elementary schools. At the conclusion of this study an entirely new series of science texts were ordered. We expect that these, and the teachers awareness of the need in this area, will give us a rejuvenated science pro- gram in which we can discover and nurture the potential scientists in our student body. Science at our secondary level continues on the same high plane. The only re- striction we have in this area is the lack of proper space and facilities. We know that this will be corrected when the needed facilities are provided.
We have discussed the science program in particular because it is of current interest. This must not be construed as a relaxation in our concern about other portions of our curriculum. We are aware that there are other areas of equal im- portance.
Concerning the physical school plant, we have continued our maintenance pro- gram. All the older schools were subjected to exterior maintenance work on the brickwork. This was a large budget item, but one viewed as previously neglected and vitally needed. We replaced the coal burning heating system in the Shatswell School with the result that all the schools are now heated by oil. Better utilization of existing spaces in the school plant was brought about by remodeling of rooms. We anticipate further efficiency of the plant by some further relocation of facilities. We are doing everything we can to make the very limited space we have do the job.
After long consideration, the School Committee decided to let out our trans- portation contract as a package deal. This resulted in a large savings to the town and enabled the School Committee to return a considerable amount of money to reve- nue.
The proposed school budget of this year represents a smaller percentage in- crease than last year and also a small percentage increase than nearly all the sur- rounding communities. We feel we can continue to improve our educational system un- der these conditions.
As in the last five years, our most pressing problem is the need of school housing expansion. We currently have more students in our system than our schools can accomodate. Next year we can expect more pupils to add to our overall school
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population figures. Considering that six of the twelve grades are already on a cur- tailed school day, the outlook is not pleasant unless positive action is taken im- mediately to provide us with needed space. We earnestly hope that the voters of Ipswich will help us to rectify this unfortunate situation and prevent any further frustration of our educational objectives.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Waite, M.D., Chairman C. Louise Richardson William C. Wigglesworth George Geanakos Brainard C. Wallace Joseph V. Riley James A. Doughty
Changes in Teaching Personnel:
The following persons terminated their employment since the last annual town report: Theodore Atkinson, Margaret Brady, A. Catherine Carson, Joseph Gaziano, Raymond Hill, Anne S. Lowney, Annette T. Martineau, Marie T. O'Donnell, Carolyn Pinkham, Mary L. Williams.
Elected to the Teaching Staff were the following: Alice Bennett, elected and assigred to Grade 2, Shatswell School; Joyanne Christensen, elected and assigned to the High School; Norma Comins, elected and assigned to the High School; Donald Cruikshank, elected and assigned to Grade 6, Winthrop School; Agnes Hannon, elected and assigned to Grade 2, Burley School; Nancy Koerner, elected and assigned the Opportunity Class in the Winthrop School; John L. McGee, elected and assigned to the High School; Mary Norton, elected and assigned to the High School; Mary Sellers, elected and assigned to Grade 6, Winthrop School; Alice Stewart, elected and assigned to Grade 4, Burley School; Robert M. Antognoni, Supervisor of Music.
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 year 1957 is here- by presented:
"YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE"
This is the second report from the present Superintendent of Schools. It is gratifying to report constructive progress in any undertaking, and this report can point to several areas in which your schools improved during this past year.
Any report of progress has to be prefaced by the statement that such progress can come only when and if the community is willing to support a sound educational program. Ipswich citizens have, by their interest in their schools and their public support financially, shown that there is a willingness to progress. As a result of this support it is possible to record certain accomplishments.
Then comes the need for a united effort on the part of teachers, administra- tors, other school personnel and the School Committee. This was achieved to a high degree and is a major reason for any accomplishments made.
An important part of a school system is made up of teachers. To attract, and retain, competent teachers is a major problem for every community. Fortunately, Ips- wich has attracted good teachers and has managed this past year to retain most of them. An attractive salary schedule had much to do with this. There being no major turnover of personnel, it was possible to begin work on molding a team of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel which could proceed with the job facing them; namely, providing the best instruction possible to about fourteen hundred and
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forty boys and girls.
The new teachers and supervisor of music have been doing very commendably and have added constructively to the professional staff.
A major study was made of the curriculum in the high school. As a result, a specific outline of courses is spelled out for the college bound pupils, the pupils who are intending to go into the commercial field and the pupils for whom high school is the end of formal education.
In connection with this project, definite regulations were spelled out for all pupils as to required courses, credits needed for promotion and graduation, and a revised report card.
Various means are being used to enrich the high school program in spite of the short day which results from double-sessions. A class in "general education"is planned once weekly for the entire student body. It is hoped that this plan will bring outstanding people to Ipswich High School who will be able to offer something of importance to the pupils educationally.
Continuing studies are going on at the various grade levels by teachers and administrators. These are designed to help keep the program abreast of the changing times and are concerned with curriculum, report cards, teacher self-evaluation, test- ing and utilization of the school day and school year.
The staff in the elementary and secondary schools and the program offered in grades one through twelve all compare favorably with other communities in this area. Deficiencies, where they occur, are in depth and not so much in breadth. In other words, the outline is here, the "filling" is sometimes lacking. Some of this is due to the restricted time and space at the secondary level, some to less than full uti- lization of present facilities, time and talent at all grade levels. The first part of the problem is difficult to overcome. Attempts are being made to alleviate it by means such as mentioned above.
The second part of the problem is an internal one and one which calls for the combined efforts of all the staff to continuously improve the methods of instructim and the educational offerings of the schools.
Every report needs to look ahead as well as review what has happened. Past and present accomplishments need to be strengthened and improved. Past and present deficiencies need to be corrected.
Salaries for teachers will very likely continue to increase and the State is being asked to consider a $4000. minimum. The present minimum is $3300. - Ipswich's minimum is $3600.
There is a growing trend toward merit salary considerations and, although not yet strong or widespread and opposed by the National Education Association, the is- sue will be carefully weighed in the near future when teachers' salaries reach a reasonable beginning rate.
Along with higher salaries it can be expected that concerted moves will be made to increase the school day and school year.
Competition among nations to educate the people will be strong and is bound to be reflected in Federal Aid to towns and cities, expanded educational facilities and programs. Ipswich will feel this as well as New York City.
More children are going to be attending school each successive year. The annual birth rates show this.
All these factors bear a relationship to Ipswich.
It is necessary to keep pace with other communities (ahead is preferable) as far as teachers' salaries are concerned if Ipswich is to keep its good teachers and
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attract additional good teachers.
The junior high school day has already been slightly lengthened this year by adding twenty-five minutes teaching time each day. Over the period, January through June, this amounts to an additional forty-five hours or the equivalent of eleven more school days.
The plan to enrich the high school program was mentioned briefly above. This will be supplemented, it is hoped, by special short courses, possibly during summer months to further expand the educational program. Beginning in April, the High School will begin earlier in the morning and thereby add valuable teaching time each day.
The elementary schools will continue to study better utilization of time and program. The school buildings in this area are adequate, at present.
The housing problem at the secondary level is certainly affecting the educa- tional program - both as to time and program.
Decisions need to be made concerning this quickly. The citizens of Ipswich have a great responsibility - a costly one, both in dollars and morally. From past experience, it is evident they will assume this responsibility - their Investment in the Future.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. O'Kane
Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee and to the Town of Ipswich:
Ipswich continues to face a major problem in that proper facilities have not been provided for grades 7 through 12. Due to a wise plan for renovating, repairing and painting, the high school building is physically sound and attractive. The pro- blem is that the facilities of the building have to be shared by both high school students and those in grades 7 and 8. Separate morning and afternoon sessions con- tinue to be a necessity. This results in a shortened day for all, a minimum program at best, an awkward time schedule for students and teachers, and an increased trans- portation problem.
A study has been made to determine the possibility and advisability of revis- ing the currently used time schedule in order to provide longer classroom periods.A new time schedule for the afternoon session will be followed after the Christmas va- cation. This schedule will increase the length of the class periods from 40 minutes to 45 minutes each. A similar schedule for the morning session will be used on a trial basis following the spring vacation in April.
A committee composed of representatives of the faculty, the guidance depart- ment, and the administration has undertaken a study of the high school curriculum. The chief result of this study so far has been the defining of the broad general outline of the curriculum. This has been published in a student handbook which gives students and their parents a better understanding of what is offered by the school. An investigation of the content of the various subject areas within the curriculum is now being made.
The facilities of the high school building have been used very extensively after regular school hours by many groups from the local community as well as from the school. During the winter months the gymnasium is used almost constantly by the boys and girls basketball teams for practice sessions and for playing regularly
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ADULT EDUCATION-TYPING CLASS
scheduled games. Each week the Recreation Department also uses the gymnasium two evenings and each Saturday afternoon for some of its activities. Various classrooms are also used regularly by the adult typewriting class, the guidance workshop for teachers, and the men's singing group. In addition the facilities are used occa- sionally for such activities as teachers club meetings, banquets, meetings of the junior and senior high school association, and town meetings.
The high school program has been improved somewhat by the addition of an automobile for use in the Driver Education program. The acquisition of this vehicle, which was provided through the generosity and cooperation of a local dealer, has made it possible for the students to receive actual driving experience to supplement the classroom instruction.
During March, the Science department sponsored a very successful Science Fair at which students studying science exhibited various projects. The three local win- ners later exhibited their projects at the State Science Fair held at the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology. Plans have been made to continue this worthwhile activity.
One new teaching position was created this year while one was abolished. In order to relieve the English teachers of the burden of excessively large numbers of students in each class, another teacher was added to the English department. On the other hand, the small enrollment in the Homemaking classes led to the temporary abolishment of one of the two teaching positions in that area.
Changes in personnel have been few compared with the previous year. Four new teachers were hired to replace those who left for various reasons. All of the teachers have devoted much time to regular faculty meetings, professional work, and conferences with parents. The staff is highly commended for doing an excellent job under the handicap of too little time and space.
The High School Principal wishes to thank the Superintendent of Schools, the
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School Committee, the high school faculty, the secretarial staff, the custodians, and all others for the assistance and cooperation that he received during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Wilbur C. Connon, Principal
REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
During the past school year much progress has been in evidence despite in- adequate time and dual use of facilities. There has been progress in our pupils' academic growth, strengthening of curriculum, and maximum use of present facilities Standardized objective tests were administered to seventh and eighth grade students to determine their comparative academic status with national scores; these results showed that our pupils compared very favorably in overall scholastic achievement. This speaks well of the spirit in which our pupils and teachers are reacting to the afternoon session; needless to say that our excellent faculty is doing a most com- mendable job. It should be noted at this point that there were no changes in the junior high staff, the group remained intact.
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