USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1957 > Part 7
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The important reading program has been expanded this year with Mrs. Carr, Mr. Denton and Mr. Moriarty doing special work and study in this area. Dean Farley of Memorial High School has completed four Binet tests in the school.
All academic subject teachers are organized into committees and meet from time to time. The teachers also meet by grade interests (6, 7, and 8) to discuss common problems.
Every new building has to be lived in for awhile to discover necessary minor changes and adjustments. Map rails are being added; a drama storeroom is being developed; and it is hoped to re-arrange the Art Room into more convenient seating units. The work of the custodians has been excellent.
The Parent-Teacher Association has always been a great help to the Junior High School grades. The past year the outstanding project undertaken by the P.T.A. was the enlarging of the available books of reference in the school library. In addition to the Ways and Means Committee, headed by Dr. and Mrs. Leo Gibbons, and its projects of money raising for books, outstanding gifts have been made by Dr. Sterling McLean, The Birthday Club, Miss Charlotte Haskins, Mrs. Roger Tinkham, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Wood, Dr. and Mrs. Herman Delano and a number of the members of the school department and faculty. The next project to be undertaken jointly by the P.T.A. and the school fund enterprises will be the purchase of a new motion picture projector. The present one saved in the Bates School fire by Mr. Jefferson has now, four years later, reached the point of necessary retirement. General parent interest has greatly increased the past year, and the many inter- views held have been most gratifying.
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ANNUAL REPORT
An outstanding contribution to the children's good health has been the cafeteria. Ably managed by Mrs. Stevens and her helpers, it feeds over 88% of the entire school population daily. The meals are excellent, and the many favorable parent comments have been helpful.
Every member of the faculty deserves mention for high achieve- ments not only in regular academic classwork, but also for programs and activities carried on throughout the year. Contrary to popular belief, these activities are paramount in the total growth of the young adoles- cent. The school paper "The Echo", the Junior Red Cross, the Eighth Grade Promotion Program, the school socials, the magazine drive, and the guidance periods all contribute to the development of responsibility and leadership.
This report would be incomplete without recognition of the retire- ment last June of Norman W. Lindsay, assistant principal of the Junior High School from July 6, 1931 to June, 1957. Mr. Lindsay came to us from ten years of experience in private school work. His work in North Africa and his European study gave him a rich background. During his years in the Junior High School he was head of the Science Depart- ment, administered the Traffic Patrol, all school supplies, many of the "drives", and for the first few years, the annual Play Day. Mr. Lindsay's chief interest was always his "homeroom", and many pupils over the years were fortunate to have had that interest. After the death of Miss Lucy Merrihew, he became the School Registrar and handled all attendance matters. We trust that many friendships he made over the years with parents, pupils and teachers will enrich his years of retire- ment. His charming wife, Ruby Lays Lindsay, endeared herself over the years to many of the school personnel, and acted as a charming hostess at many school affairs. Mr. Lindsay is a student of world affairs and an avid believer in any causes he feels are "improvements." Closely associated with me for twenty-six years, his personal loyalty has always been appreciated. Mr. Harry Pickering was appointed vice-principal in July, 1957.
My thanks to the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, his secretarial staff, the Supervisors, the School nurse and doctor, and above all my own faculty members and office staff are not perfunctory, but most sincere. The volunteer work in office and first aid by Miss Faye H. Deane, retired staff member, and Miss Charlotte Haskins, former Plym- outh, Mass. chief librarian, have been deeply appreciated by the entire staff. The close cooperation with the Public Library through Mrs. Mertie Witbeck's interest, and the various service clubs and social agencies in town in their interest in children has been most effective and heart-warming. More and more the social service duties of the schools grows as it interests itself in the whole child and the child's total well-being. The clergy of the town and the officials of the Court have given welcome help and advice.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Mayflower School
Edward W. Sawicki, Principal
ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
1
28
H. B. Blanchard
2
25
E. D. Tate
3
30
R. Maley
3
31
A. L. Washburn
4
36
L. G. Standish
4
35
E. A. Cahoon
5
34
C. E. Valine
5
34
V. T. Cahoon
5
33
E. M. Spooner
Elementary Practical Arts
18
C. A. Chaplain
Total
304
I herewith submit my annual report as principal of the Mayflower School.
A comprehensive remedial reading program is carried on at the Mayflower School by Miss Leah M. Boutin. At present eleven pupils from Grade 3, eleven pupils from Grade 4 and four pupils from the Elementary Practical Arts class are receiving help.
The main purpose of the remedial reading program is to help pupils achieve their potential capacities. Supplemental reading development activities provide extra drill and practice to develop more effective sounding skill, which is developed by different children at different rates. There is something about the perception or remembering of fine dis- tinctions of sound, that varies in the individual very much like ability to learn music or a foreign language. Some children have a "good ear" for music and others do not. Some children grasp foreign language sounds easily while others do not. Therefore, the teaching and re-teach- ing of phonetic principles helps the pupils to hear and then reproduce the sounds that make up words more clearly and easily.
Under the direction of Mrs. Helen Lamb, Speech Therapy is held every Monday afternoon between 1:15 and 3:00 P.M. at Mayflower School. Some of the students who need therapy are treated individually, others are seen in a small group of 3 or 4.
It is sometimes necessary to see the parents of these children, and when this is necessary, Mrs. Lamb makes arrangements for an appoint- ment after 3:00 P.M. at the Union Street School. Also, after 3:00 P.M. Mrs. Lamb is eager to see any pre-school child where speech deviates from the normal in any way, so that corrective measures can start
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ANNUAL REPORT
before the child enters school. Sixteen children were screened for treat- ment last September. Five of these students have now been discharged and are ssen only once every 3 weeks for a check-up.
We should be proud of an innovation in our music program. Under the direction of Miss Dorothy Ferry, an Elementary School Band has been organized this fall. This group meets each Monday at the Junior High School. Fifteen Grade 5 pupils are presently members of this oragnization. Some of these youthful musicians receive instruction privately by Mr. Luther Churchill, Jr., in the All-Purpose room of the school. Also, Supervisor of Music, Mr. Luther Churchill, conducts group instrumental lessons three noons a week; lessons being given on the trumpet, cornet, clarinet, flute, baritone, violin and glockenspiel.
To facilitate instruction of art at the Middleborough Junior High School, Mrs. Sylvia G. Matheson holds art classes for four divisions of Grade 8 girls every Thursday afternoon at the Mayflower School.
The much-awaited Lunch and Milk Program was initiated on No- vember 19, 1957. Mrs. Barbara Quindley is head cook, assisted by Mrs. Jeanne E. Roberts. Miss Joanne Cabral is part-time cook in the cafe- teria. Occasionally pupils of the Elementary Practical Arts class assist at some tasks during the lunch period. The program is progressing satisfactorily, with an average of 200 pupils participating daily in the fare offered. In addition to the regular lunch program, a morning milk program is also sponsored at the Mayflower School, under the School Lunch and Milk Program.
With two Grade 3 classes and two Grade 4 classes in the school, we have been able to continue an effective method of reading instruction. By the interchange of pupils within the two classrooms, we are conduct- ing four ability reading groups. Seventy-five minutes is devoted each day to reading instruction in Grade 3, while the daily schedule in Grade 4 provided for 1 hour of reading instruction. Ability grouping in read- ing is being utilized in other grades also, with the pupil progressing at his maximum rate.
Constant effort is being exerted to give the best possible instruc- tion in all phases of the academic program. An aid to the teacher is the standard test. A systematic program of testing is in progress in the elementary grades. To date we have given 2 of our scheduled tests. Grade 3 pupils have been given a very highly rated I.Q. test, the Cali- fornia Test of Mental Maturity. Such a test aids the school in determin- ing the academic potential of the student. All Grade 5 pupils have taken the nationally acknowledged Stanford Achievement Test. With a na- tional standard of achievement as a guide, the teacher may use this test to compare the academic progress of her pupils with those in other sec- tions of the country, and also as a basis of stress in needed academic categories.
Every grade capitalizes upon the effectiveness of pupil-planned ac- tivities and various displays and exhibits. The teachers are to be com-
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ANNUAL REPORT
plimented upon the superb displays that have consistently occupied our three recess wall display cases and our two corridor bulletin boards. Working in groups, they have given pupils excellent concrete and visual instruction in social studies and aesthetic development. Too, our visual education program is expanding to have correlative instructional films for the primary grades as well as the pupils on the intermediate level.
The Elementary Practical Arts class, taught by Miss Carol A. Chap- lain, was organized in September 1957. This class is composed of 18 children varying in ages from 6 to 14. These children, because they were unable to cope with the regular school curriculum, were carefully screened and tested several months before the class was started. The purpose of this class is to prepare these children to take their rightful place in society. Mornings are given to academic work. Each child works at his or her own level of achievement and may proceed as fast as he or she is able. The academic work being done at the present time ranges from pre-primary to Grade 5. The greater part of the afternoon sessions are devoted to handwork and activities designed to improve neuro-muscular coordination and to increase physical and social growth.
With the opening of the Mayflower School much thought was given to the distribution of all the elementary children in Middleboro. In- town pupils attend the school nearest their homes. The assignment of pupils in the outlying districts was carried out with efficiency and econ- omy of the overall transportation picture in mind, as well as the grading desired and housing available in the individual buildings. It is, therefore, possible for a family to have children attending two or more schools. With such overlapping attendance, it was felt feasible to have Union Street, School Street and Mayflower School combine as the Central Elementary Schools P.T.A. We plan two distinct programs. Educa- tional and business meetings are held as a group, while parent visitation days are held by the individual buildings. This permits a unified P.T.A. organization, yet also allows the necessary parent-teacher conferences.
The Mayflower School is a progressive addition to our educational system in Middleboro. The expansive and quiet location makes it one conducive to the pursuit of learning. The physical plant is commodious and airy, containing not only twelve modern classrooms, but essential facilities of All-Purpose room for cafeteria use, assembly and play purpose. Also, we have a health room, library and conference room, as well as sufficient storage rooms. We have a school that is not only beautiful, but truly functional without being ornate. Tribute should be paid not only to the Elementary School Building Committee for its foresight, but also the townspeople for their overwhelming acceptance of the Mayflower School.
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ANNUAL REPORT
School Street School Robert W. Gross, Principal ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
3
30
M. J. Gorey
3
30
S. S. Howard
3
31
B. F. Churbuck
4
34
M. F. Dutra
4
33
A. M. Callan
5
31
H. D. Robbins
5
31
A. R. Austin
R. W. Gross
Total
220
In our reading program pupils are grouped according to individual needs. The teachers in these grades use special techniques and follow the course of study as outlined by the Scott, Foresman Company. In ad- dition, we are most fortunate to have the professional help of Miss Leah M. Boutin in reading and Mrs. Helen Lamb, speech correctionist.
We are following the testing program as outlined by the Adminis- trative Council. All pupils in Grade 3 have been given the California Test of Mental Maturity and all pupils in Grade 5 have had the Stan- ford Achievement Test.
The faculty members are following the basic curriculum guides as compiled by various committees in our school department. The new spelling guide for Grade 3 has been especially helpful to the new teachers in developing an effective program in this important academic area.
It should be noted that this school year marks the 50th anniversary of service to the Town of Middleborough by the School Street School. We are especially proud of the professional accomplishments of the various members of this school, as well as the physical condition of the school plant. At the writing of this report the building is in excellent condition. This past summer the entire exterior of the building was painted, as were both basements. This completes the painting of all classrooms, corridors and the small professional rooms.
All pupils attending the school have had their eyes and ears tested by the school nurse. Pupils in Grade 4 have had a physical examination by the school physician.
As decided last spring, our Parent-Teacher Association has held one general-type business meeting and the school held an Open House meet- ing on November 14, 1957, where parents viewed the work accomplished in the various academic fields and also conferred with the members of the faculty. This arrangement proved to be very satisfactory.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Pupils and parents have been very generous in their response to the various activities sponsored by the school. The Junior Red Cross contin- ues to be an important feature of community service.
Devotion to an honorable profession deserves a divine reward. This can be said of Miss Edith Frost as a teacher. For 39 years she devoted her wholehearted and earnest energies to the boys and girls of Middle- boro. She began her teaching career in the 8-grade Wappanucket School, diligently trying to give proper instruction to her heterogenously grouped charges. Continuing at West Side School, and then at School Street School, Miss Frost's strong tutelege of the basic fundamentals of ele- mentary education can stand as a guide for many a teacher to follow. Many a man and woman remembers the solid foundations received in arithmetic, reading and writing under her expert guidance. Too, Miss Frost was ever mindful of the character training of her boys and girls. She conscientiously spent her days to make these boys and girls up- standing, responsible citizens. You can, Miss Frost, look back in satis- faction and pride for many years nobly spent.
Union Street School Alice R. Begley, Principal
ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
1
24
A. L. Boutin
1
23
E. L. McCarthy
1
23
E. Elliott
1
23
V. W. Talbot
1
22
B. T. Bates
2
26
M. M. Hanson
2
28
M. K. Bowman
2
28
E. H. Manwaring
A. R. Begley
197
The year 1957 began with the usual course of study continuing at the Union Street School. The Scott, Foresman system of manuscript and cursive writing was adopted generally in the elementary grades of the Town. Basic tests were given as portions of the reading program were completed. A new testing program was planned whereby the first grade would receive a mental ability test in the middle of the year. This would enable the teacher to determine if the child was working up to his mental capacity. Music and art continued under the capable supervision of Miss Dorothy Ferry and Mrs. Sylvia G. Matheson.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Union Street School now possesses five first grades and three second grades with nearly two hundred pupils to start the school year. The Mayflower School made it possible to eliminate the last classroom on the lower floor. However, one small room was arranged at the north end to be used for small reading groups, and on Mondays it is used by our speech therapist, Mrs. Helen Lamb, who is carrying on a fine program in correcting speech difficulties in the lower grades. At the south end of the building an art room was arranged where different types of art could be taught that were not adapted to the regular classroom.
The whole lower floor has been painted in soft pastel colors and presents an attractive appearance to the 150 pupils who eat lunch here. Only about 55 pupils walk home at noon.
The P.T.A. continued its meetings and in June the executive com- mittee voted to hold fewer business meetings and plan more meetings when the parents would have a longer time to consult with the teachers, as this seemed to be their wish. The name of the organization was changed to the "Central Elementary Parent-Teacher Association" and includes the School Street, Union Street and Mayflower schools with Mr. Vincent P. Robidoux as its president.
It was with a deep feeling of regret that the teachers learned of the retirement of our school nurse, Miss Ila P. Jackson, who has served so efficiently in this position for 12 years. Using the audiometer for testing ears and giving the Massachusetts Vision Test with electrical equipment, she checked the children thoroughly each year. She assisted in the various clinics for diphtheria, polio and Asian flu. Most-efficient in all records, she guarded the health and welfare of the pupils. We wish her the best of health and happiness in the future. We welcome Mrs. Mary Edgerly who will continue to carry on the fine program of health in our schools.
The heating, cleaning and care of the building, and the safety of the pupils were all in the hands of our custodian, Mr. Raymond Chapman, and all were done with equal efficiency and thoroughness. We deeply appreciate all his efforts in our behalf.
88
ANNUAL REPORT
West Side School
Louis J. Rando, Principal
ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
1
26
S. E. Matheson
2
22
F. K. Churbuck
3
19
M. E. Peck
4
34
D. P. Orr
5
32
M. A. Marden
5
32
E. B. Wood
6
27
F. G. Caldera
L. J. Rando
192
I herewith submit my annual report as principal of the West Side School.
In conjunction with adhering to the prescribed course of study for grades 1 through 6, the following activities are now in operation, and allowances have been made to allow sufficient time for the best possible results.
The remedial reading program, under the capable direction of Miss Leah M. Boutin, is in full operation. Miss Boutin's work includes grades 3 and 4 and special cases in other grades needing her assistance. The results of her work have been most helpful to pupil, teacher and school. The remedial reader is making good progress.
Much time and instruction has been devoted to pupils with speech defects. Under the supervision of Mrs. Helen Lamb, speech correctionist, 18 cases have received help and are continuing to receive her assistance. Some of our cases are handled in small groups, others individually. Mrs. Lamb spends two and one-half hours weekly at this building, devoting all her time to the various cases. Parents of cases being helped are called to conferences and are advised as to therapy at home.
The Mothers' Club, formed in Grade 4 last year, is still functioning. Mothers meet with Mrs. Orr (Grade 4 teacher) and discuss pupil progress. They are also informed as to the "why" of doing certain things in certain ways.
The music program, under the direction of Miss Dorothy Ferry, assistant music supervisor, has been most successful. Vocal music, choir, and elementary instrumental work supplement the regular classroom routine.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Much of our unit work this year has been supplemented with field trips:
Grade 2-Children's Museum - Plimoth Plantations
Grade 3-Whaling Museum - Plimoth Plantations
Grade 4-Science Park
Grade 5-Science Park
Grade 6-Museum of Fine Arts
All grades raised the funds to finance their trips. Much credit is given to pupils and teachers who worked so diligently to make these trips possible. During the next school year the trips will be financed by the School Department.
Special programs of instruction have been set up within the various grades. Reading is taught in groups, allowing pupils to progress accord- ing to their ability. To supplement the reading instruction standard tests and tests of achievement are used to help chart the progress of the pupil and to help diagnose difficulties encountered by some. Besides the various tests being administered in the reading program, many tests are adminis- tered to measure intelligence and achievement in the various grades.
A visual education program is in effect here at school. Without the generosity of the West Side P.T.A., this type of program would have been limited greatly. May I express my many thanks to this group for their splendid cooperation and financial help.
The general physical condition of the school is good, due to the fact that many needed improvements have been completed. New concrete floors have been installed in the lavatories of the older section of the building. The building has received a good general cleaning over the summer months, much credit should be given to our custodian, Samuel Whitehead, in keeping the building neat and clean at all times.
Through the medium of this report may I extend my sincerest thanks to the West Side School P.T.A. for their generosity. This group, as mentioned earlier in this report, not only financed our visual educa- tion program, but provided 75 dollars for our annual Christmas party at school, and purchased all needed athletic equipment for use on the school playground.
Flora M. Clark School Raye F. Guidoboni, Principal
ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. Pupils Teacher
1 2
25
M. F. O'Connell
19
R. F. Guidoboni
A principal needs the cooperation of many people in his efforts: Teachers, administrators, supervisors, parents and community in general
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ANNUAL REPORT
have a very important role. Without such cooperation a school could not function adequately.
In keeping with our very busy primary program, we at Flora M. Clark have renewed our efforts to make the language arts program as attractive and interesting to the children as possible. Correct speech, oral stories and general good conversation have been given much attention. These skills have been greatly aided by the intense program in reading as set forth by the Scott, Foresman text books. Film strips, slides, pic- tures, dramatizations and creative art work have been used throughout the school year.
Science for primary children has been emphasized during the spring and fall sessions, especially as it is related to health problems. By cor- relating science and good health we made our costumes for the Funny Parade in which we participated during the final week of school in June of 1957.
For the first time in our school, the second grade was given the Alpha Quick-Scoring Test in order to determine the child's I.Q. These tests were particularly useful in class placement and as an aid to the teachers of the following grade.
Our most rewarding experiences for the year 1957 were our edu- cational trips. We made two. The first in May to Plymouth and the second in October to the Hood Dairy Plant in East Bridgewater. All children went who had obtained parental consent. The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce was very helpful in planning our rather extensive tour of Plymouth's historical points.
My report would not be complete without a few words concerning our Parent-Teacher Association. There have been the usual meetings with speakers on the first Wednesday of each month; general discussions of school problems; followed by a social hour. I wish to extend my thanks to those parents and chaperons who have helped with the holiday parties, the educational trips, visiting days and especially to Mrs. Vincent Robi- doux for her aid on pre-school registration day.
Rock - South Middleboro District Edward W. Sawicki, Principal ORGANIZATION
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