USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Town annual report of Middleborough, Massachusetts 1959 > Part 12
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(j) THE PARENT - TEACHER ASSOCIATION PROGRAM: This program is on its second year of a cycle on "Child Growth and Develop- ment" and has centered this year on the explanation to parents of school practices about which there have been many questions. As such it is a method of adult education as well as public relations.
(k) SYSTEM OF OFFICE HOURS FOR ENTIRE FACULTY: For the second year on the Wednesday following the issuance of Report Cards all teachers in the school have held Office Hours in the School Cafeteria. These have grown in usefulness. The latest one, held after the first quarter's report, resulted in 405 interviews. Also this leaves P.T.A. meetings free for discussion of educational practices.
PARENTAL COOPERATION
There has been a sharp rise in the number of individual conferences with parents all the year - both school year and summer months. The two counselors, Mrs. Churchill (girls) and Mr. Pickering (boys), as well as the Principal and all subject teachers have had more parent-confer- ences than in any year of the existence of the Junior High School. This is, indeed, a very good sign since only by working together can the Home and School do what is best for the child. In June a conference was arranged for all summer tutors to meet parents and prospective summer-study pupils at the school. This new procedure worked out very well indeed. The annual conference for parents of Grade Eight pupils entering Memorial High School or any Vocational High School was held in April, and proved, according to parents reports, very worthwhile and profitable in pupil-guidance. Principal Deich and Deans Pardey and Farley represented Memorial High School, Vice-Principal Pickering the Vocational High Schools, and the Principal the personal interviews with each eighth grade pupil individually.
174
ANNUAL REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Not only has the building itself been more popular for hire and use by various community organizations, but also the pupils themselves have contributed to greater community service. The two bands, Junior High and Elementary, the various councils (Traffic Patrol, Junior Red Cross, Cheerleaders, Baton Corps, Homemakers, and shop) have contributed lib- erally of their after school time in various efforts for community service. Outstanding work in hospital and rest home service has been done by various Junior Red Cross and 4-H units. It is well to re-emphasize the GOOD things our young people are doing all the time, rather than dwell- ing continually on the 1% only who are delinquent! With this encourag- ing note of faith in our young people, I respectfully submit this report.
175
ANNUAL REPORT
MISS MARTINIA K. DONAHUE
On June 12, 1959, Miss Martinia K. Donahue retired as a public school teacher. On this date the Middleboro School Committee presented her with a resolution honoring her 50 years of faithful service to this com- munity.
176
ANNUAL REPORT
DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Mayflower, Rock - South Middleboro Elementary School District Edward W. Sawicki, Supervising Principal
MAYFLOWER SCHOOL
School Organization
Grade
No. of Pupils
Teacher
1
28
Harriet B. Blanchard
2
24
Elizabeth D. Tate
3
31
Pauline M. Cleary
3
31
Anne L. Washburn
4
31
Rose Maley
4
34
Muriel R. Darling
5
25
Lillian G. Standish
5
38
Esther M. Spooner
5
30
Elsie A. Cahoon
6
31
Edward J. Rourke
6
32
Karen E. Kyrouz
Elementary Practical Arts
13
Carol A. Chaplain
348
The Mayflower School is now operating with capacity enrollment. Two Grade 6 classrooms were added this year, thus utilizing all avail- able classrooms. The pupils selected for these two classes are from all sections of the town. A self-contained classroom situation affords a close pupil-teacher working relationship. Strict time barriers for various subjects may be broken down to place an emphasis where needed, and individualization of instruction is achieved early in the year. Teacher and principal judgments were relied upon in the selection of pupils for these two classes, choosing those that would benefit the most.
Prescribed courses of study are followed in all grades. Particular pride is taken in our group method of instruction, particularly in reading. We have grown, and have developed our teaching to a fine degree of effectiveness. Pupils are taught in the group within a grade where they are able to achieve the maximum success. Each group progresses at its own speed. The rate of learning of the pupils is provided for by the practice of inter-change of pupils among the groups when deemed advis- able. With additional remedial work, exceptional procedures are being practiced.
177
ANNUAL REPORT
In grade 5 we have three homogeneously grouped classes. Academic ability determines the rate at which the pupil progresses. All three receive instruction in, and are required to achieve basic grade 5 require- ments. Progression in the groups brings a greater challenge to the pupil, with a culmination of increased individual reading, research, com- mittee projects, and a wider horizontal study of classroom topics.
Teacher made tests are administered as measuring gauges for pupil achievement. Also, a pattern of national standardized tests is given to the pupils. Their purposes are multiple. I.Q. tests are given to deter- mine the pupil's academic potential. Reading tests determine the pupil's progress and aid in his group placement. Achievement tests determine his level of accomplishment in all subjects on a national educational basis, and help the teacher in determining the needs of the pupil. At present I.Q. tests are administered in Grades 1, 3, and 6. Standard read- ing tests are given in grades 3 and 4. An academic achievement test is administered in grade 2, and a comprehensive test of academic achieve- ment is given in grade 5. Desired information is being derived from this tried pattern of standard tests.
The remedial reading program is under the direction of Miss Leah M. Boutin. As in the past, it includes pupils whose capacities are above their achievement. This does not necessitate failure, but includes pupils who would benefit from extra drill. The work of these special practice groups majors in phonetic skills and application of the same to decipher new words.
Remedial reading begins at third grade level, because at this point an excellent memory for the configuration of words is not adequate to attack and solve the reading problems met in that grade. Therefore, word analysis skills are indispensable as independent reading require- ments increase with each grade level.
Special Education at the Mayflower School is conducted in the Ele- mentary Practical Arts Class with Carol A. Chaplain as teacher. Our enrollment in this class this year is thirteen, there being seven boys and six girls. Each morning is devoted entirely to academic work, while much of the afternoon session is given to hand work and activities such as music, dramatic play, art, and physical exercise. All of these activities are for the purpose of increasing motor skills through increased muscu- lar coordination.
To round out our educational program we have capable individuals specializing in the aesthetic fields of instruction. Mrs. Sylvia G. Math- eson, Supervisor of Art, teaches two full days every other week at the Mayflower School, inspiring a creativeness worthy of praise. Mrs. Eunice M. Sherman, Instructor of Vocal Music, brings a true desire for music to the pupils in her weekly visits to all classes. The beginnings of instrumental instruction are capably handled by Mr. Richard E. Nelson, Instructor of Instrumental Music, in his weekly sessions with the neophyte musicians.
178
ANNUAL REPORT
ROCK - SOUTH MIDDLEBORO SCHOOLS
School Organization
Grade
No. of Pupils
Teacher
Rock
1
28
Mabel I. Fornaciari
2
26
Alice C. Harlow
South Middleboro
3
27
A. Margaret Mitchell
4
27
Veronica L. Hawkins
Physically, the Rock and South Middleboro Schools are miles apart from the Mayflower School. Educationally, they are a unity. In fact, the physical barrier of space is a spur to insure standards of education on a par with the larger Mayflower School.
The weekly visits to the two schools are two-fold. They are admin- istrative and supervisory in nature. Administrative policies and pro- cedures are discussed first hand with the teachers, and the regular class- room visitations provide for a teacher-principal observation of pupil progress and teaching techniques.
I will not duplicate my remarks, for what is practiced at the May- flower School, as per the report, as to grouping, methods of instruc- tion, remedial work, testing, music and art, is also the case at the Rock and South Middleboro Schools.
SCHOOL STREET SCHOOL
Robert W. Gross, Teaching Principal
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. of Pupils
Teacher
3
29
Muriel J. Kelliher
3
31
Ethel H. Manwaring
3
30
Barbara F. Churbuck
4
30
Marilyn F. Dutra
4
28
Virginia C. Smith
5
34
Helen D. Robbins
5
34
Alice G. Austin
Robert W. Gross
216
The year 1959 noted many educational advances at School Street School.
179
ANNUAL REPORT
The teacher-pupil ratio continues to be educationally sound. We note a slight increase in class size in Grade V, yet not enough to hinder edu- cational efficiency. The Third and Fourth grades membership represents a slight decrease over last year's figures. It is of interest to note that of our total school population the boys represent 54%; in fact, in Grade IV they represent 69% of the total membership. The school continues to have an unassigned classroom available for special school studies. This is of great value in the operation of an elementary school program in that it serves to minimize interruptions.
The basic curriculum subjects are presented with adequate teaching materials. Our basic text books are in excellent condition and there is available sufficient supplementary teaching aids to carry out a varied elementary program. Our teaching staff continues to be professionally active and are eminently qualified to perform the most important task of educating our young people. In addition to the classroom teacher certain specialized areas are enriched by the instruction and advice of teacher specialists.
Our reading program is taught according to the individual needs of the pupil. In addition to the students' regular teacher, our Remedial Reading instructor, Miss Leah M. Boutin, gives individual and group help in this vital subject. At present thirty-eight pupils are receiving this instruction. The time required for this help in reading is in addition to the regular allotted reading schedule.
Our fourth grade pupils were, again, afforded the opportunity to study library techniques at the Middleborough Public Library under the direction of Mrs. Mertie Witbeck. This valuable instruction comes at an excellent time in the reading program of the students. It enables them to learn about and to begin the work on State Reading Certificate require- ments.
The music program now includes a weekly visit to each classroom by the teacher of vocal music, Mrs. Eunice M. Sherman. The beginners class instrumental music has begun under the direction of Mr. Richard E. Nelson. Our fifth grade instrument pupils attend Elementary Band rehearsals each Monday at the Junior High School.
The supervisor of art visits each classroom every other week in order to coordinate the work of the teacher with accepted educational goals in Art and, also, to aid the teachers in specific areas and skills in this phase of the school program.
A practical program of testing is carried on as a further aid in helping the teacher to better understand the academic needs of her pupils. All students in Grade III have been given the California Test of Mental Maturity and all students in Grade V have had the Stanford Achieve-
180
ANNUAL REPORT
ment Test. Last spring our Third and Fourth Grades were given the Durrell-Sullivan Reading Test. The results of these and any other ac- credited standardized tests are valuable only if properly interpreted. This being true, a meeting is held with the teachers involved prior to the administration of the tests where detailed instruction concerning the presentation and evaluation of test results are discussed.
Through the generosity and interest of the P.T.A. a new 16 mm sound projector has been added to our audio-visual equipment. We are now able to intergrate many fine sound films with our academic subjects.
In addition to the above mentioned special areas the other basic tool subjects are being presented in accordance with the best educational principles at hand.
Not only must the school be concerned with the intellectual aspects of child development it must also give attention to the important areas of health, safety, citizenship, and moral development. Pupils must learn to care for their own safety, to be polite, to respect the rights of others, and to appreciate and love their American heritage. The day-by-day ex- periences in the busy atmosphere of the public school provide unending opportunities for learning in these areas. The alert teacher is ever cog- nizant of these opportunities and is constantly employing them in her teaching.
The school nurse is a frequent visitor to the school. She is con- cerned with the health of the pupil and not only handles emergencies, but offers sound health instruction when needed. She has examined the eyes and ears of every pupil. Parents will be notified if further attention is required in this important physical aspect of the learning process. The school physician has given a physical examination to each pupil in Grade IV unless such a physical was given by the pupil's family doctor.
The Central Elementary Schools Parent-Teacher Association con- tinues to function as an important asset to the school. Due to the large number of parents that attended our open house last November, it is con- sidered the most successful yet held. This indicated a growing awareness on the part of the parent that in order to achieve the maximum educa- tional potential for the pupil close parent-school relationship is essential. It is by this method of regularly scheduled visitations and by individual teacher-parent conferences that the best results of our educational invest- ment can be realized.
181
ANNUAL REPORT
UNION STREET SCHOOL
School Organization
Alice R. Begley, Teaching Principal
Grade
No. Pupils
Teacher
1
29
Amelia L. Boutin
1
28
Elsie L. McCarthy
1
27
Valdis W. Talbot
1
30
Mary F. O'Connell
2
25
Cornelia E. Coyle
2
27
Evelyn Elliott
2
27
Marjorie M. Hanson
2
27
Alice R. Begley, A.M.
Helen F. Hoye, P.M.
The courses of study adopted by the Middleboro Public Schools as a whole were followed for the year 1959. After units of work in the Scott, Foresman Reading system, Basic Tests were given to ascertain the progress of the individual pupil. The testing program also included a Mental Ability Test, given in January, when the first grade pupils were adjusted. This would enable the teacher to determine if the child was working up to his mental capacity. In May, the Metropolitan Achieve- ment Test was given to the second grade pupils and this would show the progress made in several major subjects during the year.
In September Science was included as a subject in both grades. Books published by J. B. Lippincott, suitable to the grade, were introduced which, in simple form, taught many interesting things about the sky, with its stars and planets and the earth, with its changing seasons and wonderful wild life.
Miss Mildred K. Bowman passed away in June following a prolonged illness. She had taught for 24 years in the Middleboro schools. An efficient teacher and a most thoughtful person, Miss Bowman will be missed by friends in all walks of life. She was never too busy to send flowers, cards and other expressions of sympathy to those in ill-health or less fortunate than she. With boundless energy, she was always will- ing to help at her church functions or other places where her services might be needed. We, her friends at Union Street School, miss her friendly smile and cooperation.
The new term also brought changes in our faculty and Miss Cornelia E. Coyle, of Taunton, was elected to Grade Two. Miss Coyle graduated from the Taunton High School and received her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from Bridgewater State Teachers' College in June 1959. We wish her success in her chosen career.
182
ANNUAL REPORT
Mrs. Barbara Bates resigned in June to take on maternal duties and although we regretted her leaving we wished her happiness in the role of a mother. Her efficiency as a teacher and her friendly cooperation will be missed by her fellow teachers.
Miss Mary F. O'Connell, of Bridgewater, was elected to the first grade position and returned to Middleboro, having taught at the Flora M. Clark School in 1957-1958. Taking a year's leave-of-absence, she obtained her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at Bridgewater State Teachers College. She came to us with a most interesting and unusual teaching background. After receiving a Normal diploma from Catholic University in Washington, D. C., she taught several years in St. Mary's Abbey, Mill Hill, London. Then after teaching in the elemen- tary schools in Baltimore, Md., she journeyed to Nkokoujeru, Uganda, British East Africa, where she was a Normal School teacher. She became a Principal and later a Visiting Supervisor of Missions Schools in that vicinity. She is well-equipped to carry on her work in our school.
The Cafeteria was put into operation in January and additional tables, chairs and kitchen equipment installed. Mrs. Minnie Wills and Mrs. Helen Caswell efficiently arranged and served the hot, well-balanced lunches and over one hundred children enjoyed them daily. The food was transported from the Mayflower School in heavy containers. Second grade boys proved able to help serving the milk, straws and napkins. In September the School Street School bus children joined us for lunch and an average of one hundred and fifty pupils were then served. Mrs. Helen Hoye and I were on duty every day, assisted by two additional teachers.
Later, Mrs. Elizabeth Kinsman replaced Mrs. Caswell, who was transferred to other duties at the Middleborough Junior High School. I appreciate the cooperation of the parents in regard to the money for lunches, which makes the system work smoothly.
The maintenance of the building was in the able hands of our cus- todian, Mr. Raymond Chapman, and is in excellent condition. We appre- ciated the work of Mr. Edward Lowe, who substituted for Mr. Chapman, when he was hospitalized.
Our Parent-Teacher Association continues to function and oppor- tunities are given during the year for parents to visit and consult with the teachers. We appreciate the new projector which the School Street School and our school purchased with the assistance of the Central Ele- mentary Parent-Teacher Association.
Mrs. Mary Edgerly, our school nurse, carried on a most efficient and thorough program, including the Diphtheria Clinic and the testing of ears and eyes. The Audiometer and the Massachusetts Vision Test, with electrical attachments, prove most accurate. Checking the health of the pupils, she keeps diseases at a minimum.
183
ANNUAL REPORT
--
WEST SIDE SCHOOL Louis J. Rando, Teaching Principal
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. of Pupils
Teacher
1
26
Sara E. Matheson
2
28
Florence K. Churbuck
3
24
Margaret E. Peck
4
31
Doris P. Orr
5
29
Myrtle A. Marden
5
28
Ernestine B. Wood
6
28
Florence G. Caldera
Louis J. Rando
Although the faculty at the West Side School has been free of any personnel changes in the past three years, due to a major operation, Mrs. Margaret E. Peck, grade three teacher, was unable to start the present school year. Mrs. M. Helen Hyvonen has been substituting in this grade. Mrs. Hyvonen is an experienced teacher, having taught many years in the elementary grades of the Quincy Public Schools.
There are seven regularly assigned classrooms in operation, although the building capacity is eight regular classrooms. The classroom not presently housing a grade is used quite extensively. At present this room serves as a Lunchroom, Audio-Visual Aids Room, Remedial Reading Room, Work Area for the school nurse, and many other special purposes.
Education being the total development of the child, it is our aim to provide the necessary phases of educational experiences and services to attain this goal.
The prescribed courses of study (both State and Local) are adhered to faithfully by the members of the faculty.
In addition, through grouping, our regular Reading Program is based on the individual need of the pupil. This program is supplemented with Remedial Reading instruction under the capable instruction of Miss Leah M. Boutin, Remedial Reading Instructor, for the Middleborough Public Schools.
In order to acquaint the pupil with the value of library work, books are provided by the Middleborough Public Library, enabling each class- room to have their own Library Corner. Mrs. Mertie Witbeck has been generous in devoting her time to the presentation of the use of the library and the Story Hours here at the school.
184
ANNUAL REPORT
The testing program outlined by the Administrative Council is being followed. The results of the standardized tests are of great value to the teacher in understanding the pupils academic progress.
The Music Program, under the direction of Mr. Richard E. Nelson and Mrs. Eunice M. Sherman, is meeting the need of pupil demand for vocal and instrumental instruction.
Art, with the supervision of Mrs. Sylvia Matheson, is another way that the child learns to express himself. This has always been a popular subject in the curriculum of the school.
Besides the academic progress of the pupil, we are concerned with the health and safety of all the pupils. The School Nurse has weighed and measured, tested eyes and ears of all children in grades one through six. Notices have been sent home to parents of children needing atten- tion. Pupils in grades one and four have had physical examinations by the School Doctor.
All possible measures of pupil safety are employed by the faculty, from supervised play on the playground to general passing and move- ment within the building. Fire Drills are held twice a month per School Committee regulation.
Another very important aspect of the school program is to train children to be the kind of citizens necessary for a good democratic society. Much of this is accomplished during the Opening Exercises, and any time throughout the school day as the occasion presents itself.
FLORA M. CLARK SCHOOL
Raye F. Guidoboni, Teaching Principal
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Grade
No. of Pupils
Teacher Edith E. Matthews
1
25
2
16
Raye F. Guidoboni
41
Learning successfully in the primary grades and ever after often depends on the quality of life before school entrance age. It is not only in the specific subjects that a child learns, but in the attitudes he ac- quires toward himself, others, and the every day problems of living which create in him the drives whereby he achieves his best.
185
ANNUAL REPORT
But so great are the pressures today on a narrow concept of learning to read and number, that many of the aspects of acquiring further skills and techniques are overlooked.
I do not believe that over emphasis should be on the knowledge and skills of reading, writing, spelling and the facts from the fields of science and mathematics to the exclusion of the arts. I believe children should have experiences with such subjects which will help them grow in healthy attitudes toward themselves and others but also acquire the skills and knowledges which will help them grow in understanding today's world and also in becoming moral, spiritually dedicated citizens of our world.
With these thoughts in mind we have given time to the planning and preparation of both art and music. The essential purpose of music is no different for the children of primary school age than it is for the high school student or the adult. The real values of music are always the same. Our children have had valued experiences in rote singing, not reading, folk dances, games and entertaining. Indoor recesses have often been the time for the rhythmic band participation as well as musical games. Much pleasure along with definite skills have been obtained by the making of instruments for the band. Such a project gives opportu- nity for the development of a child's creative ability.
Music can enrich other parts of our curriculum. Primary counting songs with finger play are important to the arithmetic readiness pro- gram. Excerpts from standard melodies are used to teach cursive writ- ing in the latter half of the second grade. Listening music has often provided ideas for creating music for simple poetry. To us the music program has been a vital force in the lives of our children.
One of the great needs today is to develop the ability to think creatively. This concern encompasses all school levels and most certainly in the lower grades because they are the foundations upon which all later formal education is built.
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