USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1955 > Part 10
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5. To provide for the development of socially desirable habits and good citizenship.
Using the above objectives, a complete outline was planned to aid the teachers in grades one through twelve. In making the broad general plan for art experiences, the essentials of a balanced program was considered. Realizing that not all pupils respond to the same type of subject or medium of expression, lessons were planned in four major fields of experiences.
1. Graphic expression
Drawing, painting, lettering. 2. Design
Selecting and arranging, creating and decorating.
3. Craft and Construction
Making articles from wood, clay, cloth, etc.
4. Appreciation Observing, discussing, choosing and arranging.
Units of work from the above outline stimulated many kinds of activities, thus provided for individual differences and developed rich- ness of experiences through integration with other subjects in the cur- riculum. The art program planned vitalized the pupils' experiences in school, home, and community.
It is very difficult to make a detailed report on all the accomplish- ments of the art department during the entire year in the given space allotted for it. However, I shall report only on the highlights of the art program.
Art work of the students in the schools was featured at a series of exhibitions during the month of May. All grades throughout the entire system were assigned special topics designed to correlate their art instruction with other subjects. Principals, teachers and students alike worked hard to bring the art work before the townspeople in the most artistic manner possible.
The art work of more than 200 students in the High School was on exhibition in the auditorium on May 31st and June 1st. Every medium of art was represented in the collection.
The Grade 8 girls of Bates Junior High School exhibited masks made out of paper mache. The masks were on display in October in several store windows of the town. The project was in charge of Mrs. Maiken Hersh.
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ANNUAL REPORT
During Book Week in November, an exhibition was held at the Middleborough Public Library of 15 model stage settings - created by the students of the Potential Artists' Group of the High School. The scenes from great plays and stories were reproduced in life-like miniature by the creative students. The display aroused a great deal of interest to those that visited the Library during Book Week.
Two students from the High School's graduating class (1955) are now attending an Art School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Throughout the year, besides teaching at the High School, visits have been made regularly to all of the elementary schools. In the elementary grades, I have taught a lesson in each classroom, on the days scheduled for visits, and also left instructions for follow-up work with the grade teacher. Each teacher in the grades, Junior High and High Schools have a complete course of study to follow. The work has included making murals, illustrations, posters, construction work for the holiday seasons, modeling, paper mache, weaving, color lettering, paper sculpture, drawing, and painting.
Unfortunately because of the platoon sessions at Bates and the High School the Art Club started last year at the High School had to be disbanded because of lack of time and room. This was organized primarily for students who could not fit art into their regular program and for those who wish to specialize in the field of art, both for leisure time activities and as a career.
The present Potential Artists' Group of the High School re- furbished the Christmas scene which adorned the Town House lot.
MUSIC
Luther Churchill, Supervisor
It is a pleasure to present herewith the eighteenth annual report of the Supervisor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music in the schools of the town of Middleboro.
Vocal Music
My work in the vocal field consists of supervision of the vocal classes at the School Street School, Bates School (except sixth grades) and the teaching of the a cappella choir at the high school.
During the year the high school choir made eleven public ap- pearances consisting of concerts from the short assembly type to the full and complete evening performance. The choir continues to main- tain a high degree of perfection and compares very favorably with the best of the college groups of this type. Several of the past members of the choir have found that their high school training has prepared them for college work and have succeeded in being accepted into their college choirs. I am very proud of this achievement.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In planning for the future I believe that we must have special training groups in each grade such as we have in the instrumental field whereby we can maintain a perpetually balanced choir in our high school. With this in view a fifth and sixth grade choir at the West Side School is now rehearsing under the direction of my as- sistant and will make their first public appearance with the high school choir this year. A full report of the actvities of my assistant is enclosed.
Instrumental Music
The Bates School orchestra and high school orchestra practice once each week and have made several public appearances during the year. I find that many schools have discontinued the orchestral program due to the difficulty in interesting students in studying the stringed instruments. The glamour of the band uniforms, the football games and trips naturally appeals to the young children at the time when they should be beginning the study of the violin or cello. It is my intention to make an effort soon to start a heterogenous group of sixth and seventh grade children which, if successful, would help in building up this very important phase of instrumental music.
The Bates School band and the high school band appeared in public eighteen times during the year and made an excellent impres- sion on all of those that heard them.
Last June Mrs. Therese Williams resigned her position as my as- sistant and we were very fortunate to be able to replace her with another of my students. Miss Dorothy Ferry came to us in September after serving as vocal supervisor in the town of Mansfield for four years. In addition to supervising the vocal music in the grades, Miss Ferry is teaching instrumental classes and has taken over the direction of the Bates School band and orchestra.
Miss Joan MacNeil resigned her position as teacher of music in the Bates School and is now teaching in Newton. Miss Mary-Ellen McKenna was elected to replace her.
HEALTH
Dr. Stuart A. Silliker, School Physician Ila P. Jackson, R.N., School Nurse
Children cared for at office 751
Children cared for at schools 29
Children to a doctor 11
Children ill, taken or sent home 63
Home visits 9
Other visits and consultations with parent 278
Physical appraisals by the school physician: Grades I, IV, VII, and X-691 pupils.
Audiometer tests: Grades I to VIII, 1540. Individual retests 135. Failures 26. At Memorial High School 358. Failures 29. Total pupils tested 1898. Retests 135. Failures 55.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Mass. Vision tests: Grades I to VIII 1583. Retests 68. Failures 43. At Memorial High School 390. Failures 24. Total pupils tested 1976. Retests 68. Failures 73. Community Funds made it possible for : pupils to be fitted to glasses, two others were re-examined and had lenses changed, and one pair of broken frames were replaced.
Special clinic: In January, Mrs. Helen Lamb, Director of the Cerebral Palsy Training Center at Fall River, examined 21 pupils with speech defects. 14 of these pupils were arranged in six groups for special training. Up to June, 13 weekly classes were held. In October, a second survey was made of 11 additional pupils. 9 of these are now having speech classes and 4 of the first group are continuing their training. To date, these 13 pupils have attended 9 classes. Community Funds contribute financial assistance as needed for some of the pupils.
Immunization Clinics: Three clinics were held for inoculations against diphtheria and tetanus. On March 14, 299 school children attended-54 originals, 245 boosters. On April 11. 101 were inoculated -53 originals, 48 boosters. On May 9. the attendance was 76-50 originals, 26 boosters-a total of 157 originals and 319 boosters. On May 23, 252 first and second grade pupils were given the first inocu- lation of the Salk anti-polio vaccine. 5 more were done during the second week of June-a total of 257.
Communicable diseases: 6 cases of scarlet fever were reported. 3 cases of initial lesion ringworm-one of the scalp-and 4 cases of infectious conjunctivitis were seen. Measles. first reported in mid- January, became epidemic in the lower grades during March and April. 1 child developed meningitis from a middle ear infection. 11 children of school age developed polio during the epidemic but there were no cases among the children who had the Salk vaccine. A few cases each of mumps and chicken-pox were reported early in the year and the latter has been epidemic at Rock School during the past two months. Arrangements were made for 2 pupils to have chest X-Rays at the regular clinic at St. Luke's Hospital.
Heights and Weights were completed for grades I to VIII.
Hair inspections: 4 rooms and 5 individual inspections. Milk Programs: All schools participate. Bottles issued 93.796: bottles free 8,759. Cost $5,847.71.
Meetings attended: 9.
Memorial High School John A. Small, Principal
I hereby submit my third annual report as Principal of the Me- morial High School.
Memorial High began two weeks late because of the prevalence of polio. We are, however, trying to maintain the same high standards despite this delay. The total enrollment of the Memorial High School is 575. This is a slight increase over last year's total enrollment.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Rooms L1 and L3 have been made into temporary home rooms with 24 seats each. These rooms are used as science demonstration- recitation rooms.
This year, Geometry is being taught to the sophomores, thus al- lowing a greater sequence of specialization in the junior and senior years for Algebra II, Trigonometry and Solid Geometry. World Geography has been introduced in the sophomore year. This replaces Sociology which has been made a half-year course for seniors as a supplement to Senior Orientation.
The Memorial High School was again recognized by the State Department of Education for their citizenship projects. We are now the only high school in Massachusetts to receive two such citations.
The problems of the platoon system remain much the same. It is only through the fine co-operation of Mr. Burkland, Principal of the Bates School and his faculty that we function as efficiently as we do.
This year, we have had an addition of one teacher and the replace- ment of eight teachers, to the M.H.S. staff. Excellently screened can- didates have provided Memorial High School with a well-trained, experienced faculty. One of the key positions, that of acting Chairman of the English Department, has been taken over by Mrs. Helen Pardey. Her previous experience in this position at Weymouth High School has tended to strengthen our whole English Department. We were very fortunate in securing Mr. Roger Arnold, an experienced well- trained teacher, to teach our advanced mathematics. This has provided us great stability in two very important departments.
Looking to the future, we shall grow fast as this year's graduating class is of about the same size as those of the past two years. Next year, there will be an increase of over ten percent in the graduating class and this trend will continue for the next few years.
The Class of 1955 has set a new record for continuing their educa- tion. Fifty-two and seven tenths percent of the class are presently taking advantage of advanced education. This group is outstanding in this respect, this percentage being one of the highest in New Eng- land.
It is with pride that I point to the fine attendance record of our school which was attained under adverse circumstances. It is a com- pliment to Mr. Ernest E. Thomas, Vice-Principal of Memorial High School, who supervises the attendance. (It is interesting to note that on December 23rd, Friday, two days before Christmas, our attendance was better than 94% .)
The fine co-operative, loyal spirit continues at M.H.S. Mr. John Millane, Supervisor of Secondary Education of the Department of Education, assures me that we have the finest esprit de corps among our faculty of any school in Massachusetts.
I wish to express my regrets concerning the death of Miss Anna Erickson a member of our faculty for 29 years. Her loyalty and high standards will serve as an inspiration for our faculty members and pupils in the years to come.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Agriculture William H. Tufts, Head of the Department
The prices farmers received for their goods continued to decline during the past year as industry experienced one of its most profitable years on record. The farmer should be entitled to a fair share of the national income. During 1956 you will hear and see some rather emi- nent people nationally known tackle this problem which is of para- mount importance if we wish to maintain a high level of prosperity.
This past year the farmers were confronted again with unusual weather conditions. If will not be difficult for you to recall one of the worst droughts followed by one of the wettest spells any one can remember. Folks in New England had flooded cellars who never had any water in the cellars before. The saturated ground set the stage for cold weather to get in some early blows and it is forecast that December 1955 will go down officially as one of the coldest months in a good many years.
Memorial High School Agricultural enrollment took a sudden dip as well as the thermometers and our fall registration stood at eighteen which was the lowest in ten years. There are several reasons for this downward swing from the previous factors already men- tioned. Bridgewater and Silver Lake High Schools absorbed some of the enrollment we had previously in the Middleboro Agricultural Department. It is also possible that some of the pupils right in our own system may have elected other courses that may eventually wish to transfer to agriculture especially if the agricultural outlook im- proves in 1956.
You may be wondering now who wants to farm and face such an uncertain future as the writer has briefly outlined. However, there are many challenging and rewarding experiences for those who choose such a distinguished occupation.
Most of the agricultural boys shortly after school is dismissed pur- sue some agricultural work of their own choice. This procedure en- ables the boys to earn and learn under the completed guidance of high- ly skilled farmers who are endowed with an abundance of good com- mon sense. The employer and the boy knows this job is a training program. Some of the chores will be old-fashioned work and may encroach upon some of the boys play time but will develop him into a happy and more useful citizen, than the fellow with time on his hands and no definite program of work to follow.
Many of the present junior and senior agricultural boys have cars of their own. They have learned to drive them skillfully and with caution, courtesy and care. The employer likes to hire the boy with the automobile. It is obvious to you parents since there is so much machinery on the farms today that the boy who doesn't know how to drive is at a disadvantage.
Eight agricultural seniors graduated this fall and each have told me he wants to enlist in the Armed Forces as soon as possible and get the training over with so they can return and make long range plans in their respective communities. Several boys sold their cattle they carried as projects at ridiculously low prices so they would be ready to start training on short notice.
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ANNUAL REPORT
More jobs are available than there are agricultural students to fill them. The boys that work on the dairy farms and put in the long- est hours seem to make the best records and show the largest earnings at the end of the year.
Before the agricultural boys are released for Summer Placement in the spring of 1956 we have planned to devote two weeks of our school program to wood lot management. Cranberry Bog management will also be given two weeks of concentrated study.
Dairy and poultry management still continues to attract the in- terest of many of the Future Farmers. Mr. Hayden, the Farm Super- intendent of the Bridgewater State Farm has made it possible for us to get some excellent classes of cattle to judge and we will use the fine type Holstein cattle to give the Dairy Judging boys further ex- perience before the 2nd elimination contest which is scheduled at the University of Massachusetts in March.
Bates School Henry B. Burkland, Principal
I herewith submit my twenty-eighth report as principal of Bates School.
This year, as last, Bates School Unit has been on a "platoon" system at Memorial High School with pupils in classes from 1:00 p.m. to 5:05 p.m. At the outset of this report I should like to thank Principal John Small of Memorial High School and his entire staff for their cooperation and patience. No such system is ever satsifactory, but the two faculties have done everything possible to carry through both on the academic program and the various activities realizing that pupils should have the suited program for the various grade levels as normally as possible since there are but few who have a second chance in a grade.
It was necessary, due to higher enrollment this year, to increase the homeroom units from 11 to 13 this year; three, Grade Six; five Grade Seven; and five, Grade Eight. The total enrollment being 421 pupils in the three grades.
In the Faculty Roster, Miss DiMuzio returned from a year's teach- ing in Germany and assumed the position of teacher of Social Studies in Grade Six; Miss Mary-Ellen McKenna replaced Miss Joan McNeil, who left to teach in the Newton, Massachusetts schools; Mrs. Louise Walker was engaged for the eighth grade English classes succeeding Miss Mary Anacki, transferred to the Senior High School; Mr. Richard McDonald replaced Mr. Michael Hennessey in Health Education and Social Studies upon Mr. Hennessey's departure for the Wellesley, Massachusetts, Junior High School; and Mr. Vitautas Maneikis replaced Mr. John Zynsky in Industrial Arts, Mr. Zynsky having transferred to Wakefield, Massachusetts Junior High School. Other faculty mem- bers are the same, and Miss Faye Deane, retired, remained as a valued Volunteer Aide.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Bates School Parent-Teacher Association has been recognized state-wide for its continued well-planned program, and its officers deserve much credit. The P.T.A. on the secondary level becomes an agent of adult education rather than a group with a social emphasis in the neighborhood schools. Both groups have their place in the set-up and cooperate closely through the P.T.A. Council.
Due to the interest of both pupils and teachers the Bates Junior Red Cross has continued to meet all quotas in services requested in school, town, state, and national fields. The homerooms organized into units conduct a weekly meeting of their own during the opening exercises on Thursdays.
Last year's annual spring operetta presented by the eighth grade was a most successful musical arrangement of Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn" by Charles George. This was made possible by the cooperation of Supervisor of Music, Luther Churchill and the eighth grade teachers with no time taken from any academic work. Bates School also took part in the Art Exhibit under the direc- tion of Mrs. Sylvia Matheson, Supervisor of Art, and Mrs. Maiken Hersh and Mr. John Zynsky, Art and Shop teachers. The Band and the Orchestra took part in a number of projects under the direction of Mrs. Williams and Mr. Churchill of the Music Department. A fine Promotion Day program was presented with Miss Sarah Bartlett and Miss Joan McNeil as advisers.
Due to the fact that teachers cannot put work on chalkboard in use by the morning group, duplicating of plan sheets and tests for pupils increased greatly and has been ably managed by Miss Rose Martin, the school secretary.
The use of the High School lunchroom has been much appreciated by Band, Orchestra, and Sports groups, and Mr. Ernest E. Thomas, the director has cordially cooperated. These morning groups again have been due to the planning and cooperation of all supervisors and teachers concerned.
The Standard Testing and Personal Interview work have both been done by Mrs. Churchill and Mr. Gross under the direction of Messrs. Driscoll and Hoye the former and present Directors of Guidance.
All audio-visual aid machines injured in the fire have been re- paired and under Mr. Ryan's direction are being used in all areas of school work.
10
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICS AND OTHER INFORMATION
FINANCIAL REPORT
Receipts
State Aid for Public Schools, Chap. 70, G.L.
$83,196.84
State Reimbursement for Transportation,
Chap. 71, G.L.
37,572.79
Tuition and Transportation of State Wards
2,965.02
Tuition of non-resident pupils
24,114.72
Federal Aid, George-Barden Fund
1,515.00
Federal Aid, Smith-Hughes Fund
588.00
Vocational Agricultural Reimbursement
2,959.05
Vocational Tuition and Transportation Reimbursement
4,973.48
Adult Civic Education Reimbursement
58.98
High School Lunch Program
8,788.87
Elementary Milk Program
5,478.41
Athletic Fund
3,468.73
Evening School
556.28
Other Receipts
30.35
$176,266.52
Disbursements
Expenses of Instruction:
Salaries
$322,751.10
Military Leave
144.30
Textbooks
8,417.72
Physical Education Program
3,500.00
Music Program
400.00
Supplies and Other Expenses
8,570.67
$343,783.79
Expenses of Operation of School Plant:
Salaries
$17,034.89
Fuel
10,788.17
Other Expenses
6,436.33
$ 34,259.39
Expenses of Maintenance of School Plant:
Salaries
$ 3,040.00
Replacement and Upkeep
3,998.26
Repairs (Town Manager)
2,421.84
Outlay
8,891.30
$18,351.40
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ANNUAL REPORT
Expenses of Auxiliary Agencies:
Salaries, Promotion of Health
$ 3,900.00
Expenses of Promotion of Health Libraries Transportation Other Expenses
58.28
203.98
47,089.08
419.34
$51,670.68
Expenses of General Control:
Salaries
$ 8,932.00
Expenses of Administration
597.23
$ 9,529.23
Vocational Education Salaries
6,842.00
Vocational Tuition and Transportation
10,553.53
Adult Education
695.70
Memorial High School Sewer
1,389.32
High School Lunch Program
8,586.20
Elementary Milk Program
6,496.38
Athletic Fund
3,409.08
George-Barden Fund
2,156.34
Smith-Hughes Fund
563.69
Evening School
609.33
$498,896.06
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CENSUS
October, 1955
5 years or
7 years or
over and
over and
under 7
under 16
Distribution of Minors, October 1, 1955
(a) In the registration of minors (ages as of October 1, 1955) :
The registration of minors should include all persons of the specified ages who reside in the town (city) whether they attend school or not. Pupils attending private schools should be recorded in the town where such pupils have their residence.
Boys: Girls:
263
958
199
824
Totals
462
1,782
(b) Distribution of the above minors, October 1, 1955:
In public school membership
256
1,696
In continuation school membership
In vocational school membership
15
In private school membership
8
58
In State and County Institutions and schools for defectives and delinquents Not enrolled in any day school
5
198
8
Totals
462
1,782
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1954-1955
Number of
+ Teachers
Number of
Pupils
Enrolled
Non-resident
Pupils
Enrolled
Average
Daily
Attendance
Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
Supervisors
Memorial High School
27
566
99
511.5
537.4
95.2
Grade IX
186
Grade X
147
Grade XI
116
Grade XIII
116
Post Graduates
1
Bates School
15
409
4
377.5
396.7
94.6
Grade VI
82
Grade VII
176
Grade VIII
151
School Street School
8
272
1
253.6
269.4
94.1
Grade IV
97
Grade V
175
Washburn Unit
5
174
0
157.4
169.6
92.8
Grade III
174
Union Street School
10.5
289
1
251.3
276.8
90.9
Grade I
134
Grade II
155
West Side School
8.5
239
2
221.4
234.2
94.6
Grade I
34
Grade II
31
Grade III
36
Grade IV
26
Grade V
19
Grade VI
93
Flora M. Clark School
2
49
0
42.7
46.6
91.6
Grade I
24
Grade II
1
25
1 23.8
25.9
91.6
Plymouth Street School Grade I
15
Grade II
10
Pleasant Street School
1
19
1
20.2
20.9
95.9
Grade III
11
Grade IV
8
Pratt Free School
2
46
0
44.8
46.7
95.8
Grade V 12, Grade VI 13
25
Grade VII 15, GradeVIII 6
21
Rock School
2
56
2
44.9
49.6
90.9
Grade I
26
Grade II
2
55
3
48.2
51.8
93.0
South Middleboro School Grade III
29
Grade IV
26
Totals
88
2199
114
1997.3
2125.6
93.4
Average
Yearly
30
25
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ANNUAL REPORT
Teaching Staff, December 31, 1955
Memorial High School
John A. Small, 9 Nemasket Street, Principal
*Ernest E. Thomas, 38 Peirce Street, Assistant Principal
*Mary Anacki, 4 Maple Avenue, English Roger W. Arnold, 242 Middle Street, Braintree, Mathematics
*Virginia Bartlett, 19 North Street, Physical Education
*Henry E. Battis, 66 School Street, Head of Physical Education De- partment
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