USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Ipswich > Town annual report of Ipswich 1958 > Part 5
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Children and teachers join in expressing their appreciation for the excellent meals served by Mrs. Helen Corey and her excel- lent staff of assistants. Under the super- vision of Mrs. Lionel Sheppard, Cafeteria Manager of the Ipswich Public Schools, 350 tasty well-balanced meals have been served each day.
No report of the school's progress would be complete without a word of praise to Mr. Harry Miller and Mr. John Hovey, school custodians, for their untiring efforts and efficiency in keeping our building in excellent condi- tion. Everyone connected with the school appreciates their diligent work.
A great deal of credit is due to Mrs. Helen Coulouras for the ef- ficient administration of the school office. Her manner of handling school business has added a great deal to the smooth administration of the school.
Mrs. Lena J. Atherley, principal of the Winthrop Elementary School has been absent from her duties for the last two months of 1958 due to ill- ness. At her direction, this report of the activities and progress of the Winthrop School was prepared by the administrative assistant of the building, Mr. William E. Waitt, Jr.
A sincere expression of thanks and appreciation is extended to Dr. Robert M. O'Kane, Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee, the en- tire school personnel, the parents, the librarian, the fire department, the bus drivers, and all others who in any way cooperated and assisted in making the year 1958 a successful one at the Winthrop School.
Respectfully submitted, William W. Waitt, Jr. Administrative Assistant
for Lena J. Atherley, Principal
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
The music program has made definite strides in the year 1958. Most important of these was the addition of another music teacher to as- sist in the program. Miss Dolores Begin was hired in the summer and assumed her duties in the fall.
Miss Begin is doing most of the vocal work in the schools with the exception of grades 5 and 6. It is now possible to visit each classroom in grades 1-6 weekly. The Junior High general music class has been divided from one large class to four smaller classes. A Junior High cho- rus under the direction of Miss Begin has been organized and made its first appearance at the Christmas pageant.
The fifth and sixth grade chorus has been increased from 50 to 80 students. A very successful operetta was staged at the Winthrop School at Christmas time using students from all grades. Over 100 students participated on stage along with many others who helped in making it such a success.
The instrumental program is growing rapidly despite the limited time and space. Flutophone instruction resumed in grade 4 this fall. Forty new students started on new instruments in grades five and six. The Junior Band meets at the Winthrop School one morning per week as a feeder unit to the Senior Band.
IPSWICH
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HIGH
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The Senior Band has played an important part in the school spirit and morale of the High School. The Band played at rallies and all home football games. An exchange concert was held with the High School Band from Madison, Maine. Socially and musically it was an un- forgettable experience.
Our students have carried the name of Ipswich to the State and District musical organiza- tions. One student was selected last spring. to play in the All-State Band at Springfield. This fall another member of the Band played in the Northeastern District Festival Band. Six girls from Miss Begin's high school cho- rus sang in the Northeastern District Chorus.
Some new instruments were purchased last spring for the Band. Two Baritone horns and two French horns were among them. All are in use and have helped the instrumentation of the Band. More instruments are needed to com- plete the balance of the Band.
Because the interest of the Band is so high, an Association has been formed. This group is made up mostly of Band Parents whose purpose is to aid and assist the Band Director in any way possible. Our aim continues to be "More music for more students."
I wish to thank the Superintendent and School Committee, Principals and teachers for the cooperation and assistance given me in 1958.
Respectfully submitted, Robert F. Antognoni, Music Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
The past year has seen the culmination of the long term program to establish a work- able supervisor-teacher relationship in art instruction. The final step was taken with the transfer of art instruction in the High School to Mr. G. Mark Hayes.
We are happy to report that the program op- erates very smoothly. No friction or diffi- culty has been experienced beyond those due to various shortcomings in physical facili- ties. With the splendid cooperation and in- genuity demonstrated at all times by the teaching staff, even these problems are not allowed to prevent presenting a solid course of instruction.
The change referred to above came about in September 1958, when co- operative planning on the part of the administrative staff permitted a return to a weekly supervisory program by the art supervisor. Previous to September, visits were limited to once in every two weeks. With an excellent background of training and experience, Mr. Hayes, aware of the need, voluntarily assumed the duties of High School art instructor.
The situation now is one where all the classroom teachers and the art supervisor work as a unit in promoting the interests of sound instruction. The teaching staff is highly capable, and it is difficult to see how improve- ments could be made except through this move. The supervisor is now more readily available as a consultant and resource person.
Mr. Hayes has already carried out some noteworthy advances in the quality and type of work done at the high school level. Beyond this, the High School Art Club has been revivified and has become a live and valuable extra- curricular activity.
In the Junior High School we have the same difficulties we have had since afternoon sessions began for this group. There is lack of time and in- adequate facilities for establishment of an optimum program. Fortunately, the teaching staff is a dedicated and able group, minimizing the difficulties through good planning and enthusiasm. Both Mr. Connon and Mr. Rogers have done much to further improvements on the administrative side. For the Junior High School, a major step forward will be taken immediately after January, 1959, when a series of illustrated lectures will be given on Art Appreciation and the History of Art by the Supervisor.
The program in the elementary grades operates with smoothness and precision. The staff is well-versed in sound teaching methods and in ability to keep pupil interest at a high level. We are indebted in many ways for sig- nificant assists on the part of Mrs. Atherley, Mr. Bennett, and Mr. Waitt.
TIT
Several exhibitions of pupil work have been on display at the Public Library. As always Miss Hester Mitchell, Librarian, has been more than generous in providing space for exhibitions. Her willingness to display school work fills a real need, since the available space elsewhere is extremely limited.
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Through careful buying and distribution methods the art budget for 1959-1960 remains practically the same in per pupil cost. The total is sli- ghtly higher due to the anticipated pupil increase. Buying art supplies through the bid system results in savings sufficient to take care of short- ages bound to occur near the close of the academic year.
A program that works smoothly is indicative of ready cooperation on the part of all concerned. We recognize that the fruition of the plan under- taken several years ago lies wholly in the willing and often patient help of the School Committee, the Superintendent, the Principals, and not least, the teachers themselves. On the classroom teachers fell the real burden of making the plan work. If cooperation here had not been wholehearted, progress would have been slow and painful. This successful establishment of a sound method of operation is not considered to be an end, but a beginning. From now on, we may set our sights on curriculum improvements in specific areas.
In a personal way, we wish to express our deep gratitude to the mary people concerned who have made the art program a valuable means of stimulating thought and imagination for the student body.
Respectfully yours,
Frank H. Chadbourne Art Supervisor
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent, the School Committee, and the Town of Ipswich:
It is a pleasure to report progress in all areas of the reading program in the Ipswich Public Schools.
The Primary Reading Committee, which in 1956, assumed the task of studying the program of Grades 1-III, completed its work in June, 1958. The material submitted by the committee was summarized, organized, and distributed to the teaching staff as a tentative outline for teaching reading in the primary grades. A spelling text closely correlated with the reading system was also selected and put into use on a trial basis for this school year.
The Language Arts program in grades V and VI is continuing very suo- cessfully. The progress made in this vital area under this plan is most grati- fying to the teachers. Many visitors from other school systems have commented favorably upon it and have instituted similar plans in their communities.
An outstanding innovation of the year 1958 was the summer school for reading sponsored by the School Committee. Fifty children, who, in the opinion 1. of their teachers, would benefit from such intensive training were enrolled. The average MARY , MARY , gain per child as measured by a standard test was four months. The use, on a rental basis, of the Controlled Reader, a mechanical aid, proved so valuable that its purchase was rec- ommended and approved. It is now being used
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extensively in grades IV, V and VI. It is to be hoped that this valuable summer program will be continued and expanded to include more pupils and other educational areas.
The Orientation Workshop held in September 1958, brought Dr. Mabel Noall of the Secondary School Reading Clinic at Boston University to speak to the High School teachers. As a result of Dr. Noall's talk, a course in the Improvement of Reading in the Secondary School will be given in Ipswich in the spring of 1959.
The success of all programs is dependent upon the cooperation, ef- fort, and enthusiasm contributed by all participants -- children, parents, and school personnel to whom I extend my sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary M. Evans Reading Supervisor
REPORT OF AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
With the advent of educational television and with the appearance of audio-visual experts in our immediate area, the progress in the use of audio-visual media in our school system has been stepped up. The most heartening evidence of this progress is seen in the field of foreign languages. Increased use of audio-visual aids has been employed in the reading areas. Much use has been made of tape recorders in the listening skills of the reading program and they have been used much for speech correction, choral recording, dramatic presentations, and poetic interpretations.
Records of ballads, poetry and great, speeches have enriched the social studies program. Filmstrips have been used in language arts and soc- ial studies and reading for instructional and enrichment purposes. The lan- guage arts department in the elementary classes has made excellent use of machines to speed up the reading rate and the comprehension in reading of a great number of pupils. Films have been used most effectively in the art classes in the Junior High level.
Trips to the Public Library have been encouraged. From time to time resource people have come into our schools and have spoken to the pupils leaving them with much information and much stimulation for greater school output. The science department has made tremendous use of audio-visual ma- terials. Many novel experiments were constructed and explained by the stu- dents who built them.
Teachers have resorted to films, film- strips, and opaque projectors, to enhance a given subject. The area of arithmetic has increased the employment of audio- visual materials.
Children have been alerted to special television hours so that interest in books might increase. Seeing a story first helps
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to stimulate the reading of that story.
Special projects that will stimulate reading, community interest, and artistic creativity have been initiated. The use of audio-visual equip- ment has proven its worth in every department of learning in our school sys- tem. The coming year will augment the demand for audio-visual materials.Our equipment is increasing so that better teaching can be had.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles G. Pappas Audio-Visual Director
THE FUTURE
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REPORT OF OPPORTUNITY CLASS DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, to the School Committee and to the Town of Ipswich:
The membership of the Opportunity Class is now eight. Seven of the children from last year's enrollment re- turned because it was felt that they would benefit most from special education. One new child entered this fall when his family moved to Ipswich.
The year 1958 was a busy one in this class. In the Spring the children presented a play based on the story of Pinocchio, and at an- other time, a puppet show to the primary grades. A field trip to the Middlesex Zoo took place in the Spring. At Easter time each child planted seeds in a decorated container and took it home to his parents. As a result of our study, three boys presented a project in the Winthrop School Science Fair on the growing of plants.
Through the excellent cooperation of Miss Mitchell at the Ipswich Public Library, the children visited the library often. Miss Mitchell read stories to them or played a record and helped them choose books to take back to school. A card system was set up within the class so each child could take a book home overnight.
This summer one child began receiving speech therapy from a resident in Ipswich who works in this field A great deal of progress can be seen, and it is hoped that he will be able to continue with this help. In November one boy began attending an Industrial Arts class in the high school once a week.
This fall a visit was made to the Fire Station and the newly in- stalled automatic railroad crossings as part of a safety unit. A health unit included a talk by Miss DeMille, the School Nurse, and a study into the prob- lem of maintaining a good health schedule was participated in. At Christmas four members of the group took part in the school operetta.
Basic academic skills continue to be stressed in the Opportunity Class as I feel that they are essential and should be developed to the child's fullest potential, Each child continues to progress at his own rate of speed, and as a result the grouping often changes. Also important in our class are the related areas of art, music, physical education and crafts. We are fortu- nate this year in having the music supervisor as well as the art and physical education supervisors visit the class each week. Miss Begin and I are now preparing the children to present the play "Hansel and Gretel." In the craft period each child works on his own project and when it is completed he may take it home. Crafts are an important part of the curriculum in encouraging self-expression, improving motor coordination, and teaching good work habits.
In closing, I would like to thank Dr. O'Kane, the supervisors, and others in the school system for their help and support.
Respectfully submitted, Nancy Koerner Opportunity Class Director
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REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich :
From November 21, 1958, when I assumed the duties of Guidance Direc- tor, through the end of December, I spent the major portion of my time work- ing with the graduating class of Ipswich High School. These young people are prepar- ing to make the transition from high school to the world of work, or from high school to college or some other type of education.
Counseling these students - helping them to see and evaluate all the factors affecting their decisions for the future - is a most important phase of the guidance program.
In my brief association with the school department I have tried also to get acquainted with the pupils and staff members, and to learn how I might best serve the students and teachers of the Ipswich public schools. I have found school personnel to be helpful and cooperative, and I look forward to working with them in serving the young people of Ipswich.
Respectfully submitted,
John M. Cullinane Guidance Director
REPORT OF THE IPSWICH SCHOOL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
As the School Nurse for the Ipswich Public Schools, I submit the following report of the work done for the school year of 1958.
Early in the school year physical examina- tions were given to grades 1,4,7,9 and 11, plus all students entering competitive sports such as football and basketball. A total of 663 physicals were done by the school phy- sician and 9 by the family doctor. Twenty- seven parents were present at the examina- tions. Each child has his weight and height measured and recorded early in the school
year and repeated in the spring.
The Dental survey, done in March, proved most helpful to me. By this survey I learned of the children who definitely needed immediate dental care. I also learned that the incidence of tooth decay is high, but a lot of interest has been shown in the care of the childrens' teeth in Ipswich. We plan to repeat this program in March.
In December the Tuberculin Patch Test was given to grades 1,4,7,9, and 11. Out of 567 tested, 3 showed a positive reaction, these were x-rayed and the results were negative.
Fifty members of the school personnel who were either new to this school system or who had not had an x-ray within the past three years, took advantage of the x-ray mobile unit while it was in Ipswich in November.
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Home visits have been made by the nurse whenever necessary. The school physician has visited the office every school day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Collins, the school physician, for his help and guidance during the year.
Spring registration for children entering the Ipswich schools in September 1958 was done in March. At that time 167 registered and received physical examinations by the school physician. This will be repeated in March of this year for children entering in September 1959.
For the past two years Mrs. Curtis Tuttle, has been doing an excel- lent job testing every student for vision and hearing, by the use of the Massachusetts Vision Test and the Audiometer Test.
The annual Diptheria Clinic was held within the schools and the parochial school. A total of 340 children received "booster doses."
In closing, I wish to thank the School Committee and the Superinten- dent of Schools for their cooperation and understanding during the past year, also the principals and the entire teaching staff for being so very helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
Violet DeMille School Nurse
REPORT OF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
It is with pleasure that I submit this report as Director of Athlet- ics at Ipswich High School
The aim of those responsible for the carrying out of the athletic program is to get as much participation as possible on the part of the stu- dents. Our aim is athletics for all.
In the fall we have football and cross country for boys, and archery for girls. We would like to have field hockey for girls but inadequate fields at the present time prevent it.
Our football program this past year found about 50 boys taking part. We had teams on three levels, namely Varsity, Junior Var- sity and Freshmen. Cross country was new to our program this year and attracted approx- imately 15 boys. We feel that this sport is an excellent conditioner and gives young- sters of all sizes an opportunity to parti- cipate.
In the late fall and winter we have a gym team which nas proven very popular. This past spring this team took part in the state gymnastic meet at Andover High and made a creditable showing for a first year group. It has also put on demonstrations for the student body and P.T.A. groups.
Basketball is very popular with the student body, both boys and girls. We have a tremendous amount of interest but the program is, of neces-
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sity, curtailed by lack of space. We have Varsity, J. V., and Freshman boys' and Varsity and J. V. girls' teams, but it is difficult to arrange practice times for them due to the fact that the gym is being used on some afternoons for Junior High activities. In spite of this, our boys' Varsity basketball team has made a very en- viable record to date and at this writing is leading the Cape Ann League. The girls' teams each year do extremely well, in view of the fact that they play only teams from larger high schools in the area. With such limited space one can readily understand why an intramural program, which would benefit many more youngsters, cannot be carried out.
I hope that boys' hockey will be added to our winter program in the near future.
Our spring program consists of interscholastic baseball and track for the boys and softball for girls. A lot of interest is shown in baseball and our boys' Varsity team has done well over the years. Here again, teams are organized on three levels as in other sports. Track was a new sport last spring and had a turn-out of about 25 boys, but the program was handicapped because we do not have a running track on which to either practice or compete. Hence, all of our meets had to be run on the tracks of our opponents. Golf and tennis are carried out on an intramural basis with an emphasis on devel- oping skills. Both boys and girls take part in these sports. We feel that sports which enjoy such carry-over value should be stressed and hope, in time, to have these sports on an interscholastic basis. An in- novation this spring will see rowing added to the program. Two dories have been pur- chased and approximately 40 youngsters have signified an interest in this activity.
We believe that our program is a good one, especially when our limited facilities are taken into consideration. We feel it is better than average in a town of our size.
In closing, I would like to thank the School Committee and Admin- istration for their cooperation, the coaches for their loyalty and hard work and, lastly, the townspeople who so generously support our program.
Respectfully submitted,
Elliott Roundy Athletic Director
REPORT OF CAFETERIA DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent, the School Committee and the Town of Ipswich:
As Cafeteria Director for the Ipswich Public Schools, I submit the following report for the school year of 1957-1958.
There has been an increase in the number of hot lunches served in the cafeteria over the past year. There were 15,684 more meals served during
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during the year 1957-1958 period than the previous year.
In addition to this there were 7251 meals served to the teaching staff; 4979 meals (free of charge) to students who assist in the cafeteria; 983 meals, free of charge, to needy children.
There were 25,235 bottles of milk served to pupils who bring a cold lunch. This total includes 190 bottles served to needy chil- dren at recess time.
The School Lunch Act was passed by Congress in 1946. The aim of the School Lunch Program is to promote the health and well-being of the boys and girls of the United States and to promote and expand the farmer market here in America.
MAINE
POTOTALA
Each month a list of available surplus foods is sent to each of the schools. These commodities include flour, butter, rice, dried milk and eggs. At times, canned fruits and vegetables, tur- BL BUTTER BUT keys and occasionally meat in some form. In addition to these foods, the school is BUTTER reimbursed $.09 on each student lunch and BUTTER $.04 on each half-pint of milk. It is only because of these factors, the $.25 per meal level is met.
The requirements of the School Lunch Program are set by the State. Each meal served must meet the following requirements: two ounces of meat or other protien food; three-fourths cup of vegetable or fruit; one slice of bread or a roll; two teaspoons of butter and one half-pint of milk. Vitamin C must be served every day and Vitamin A twice a week.
We are fortunate in having a most capable group of women to carry on the work of feeding students. Without their cooperation and help it would be impossible to operate a successful program.
I wish to extend thanks to the cafeteria employees for their ef- forts, Dr. O'Kane for his cooperation and understanding, the principals for their assistance, the custodians and all others who in any way contributed to the Lunch Program.
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