USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1932 > Part 4
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98
SCHOOL REPORT
A visit from the State Inspector of Buildings made neces- sary some changes in the exits at the rear of the building. This was done in the interests of safety of the children while they were in the basement. This condition was recognized long ago by Mr. Curtis who had the doors removed so that the way could not be blocked. This left the stairway open to snow and ice formation so that it was necessary to make changes which would give a safe, covered exit.
We offer below a statement of expenses for the past year with an estimate of needs for the year to come. Reasons for increase are also given. The chief reason will be noted as that of increased cost of high school education.
Financial Statement and Budget
Department
Expended in 1932
Estimated for 1933
School Com. Salary and Expense
$ 92.71
$ 100.00
Superintendent Salary and Expense
524.98
500.00
Superintendent and Teachers
8,996.44
9,000.00
Text Books and Supplies
1,042.54
1,000.00
Janitor
1,000.00
1,000.00
Fuel
235.51
250.00
Misc. (Elem.) of Operating Plant
601.74
600.00
Repairs
117.38
500.00
Health
420.38
425.00
Transportation (Elem. )
3,800.00
3,400.00
Transportation (High)
2,413.11
2,700.00
Tuition (High)
6,664.73
8,400.00
$25,909.52
$27,875.00
Reasons for Increase REPAIRS
Bills just rendered for new grates for furnace
$130.00
Repair work on bulk head exit, required by State
115.00
These bills are not paid
$245.00
99
SCHOOL REPORT
INCREASE IN TUITION RATES
Former tuition rates per pupil $ 115.00
September, 1932 tuition rates increased to 125.00
Bill to be rendered February 1, 1933-55 pupils at $125 per pupil 6,775.00
Graduating in June from Danvers 8 pupils
Graduating in June from Middleton 28 pupils
Estimated new pupils to Danvers 20 pupils
Remaining in three upper classes 47 pupils
Next year 67 pupils at $125 $8,375.00
Next year 67 pupils, transportation
$2,680.00
Increase of 40 pupils in the Middleton school.
We are furnishing 6 pupils Eastern Mass. Railroad tickets who live at the North Andover line and attending the Mid- dleton school.
The Committee is asking for $28,000.00
ARTHUR E. CURTIS, Chairman ETHEL H. STEWART, Secretary GEORGE GIFFORD
100
SCHOOL REPORT
Superintendent's Report
To the School Committee of Middleton :
Madam and Gentlemen :
I present herewith my ninth Annual Report as Superin- tendent of Schools.
I am happy to be able to report another year of school activities marked by the same success which has characterized your schools for a period much longer than I have been privi- ledged to report on them. This is in no small measure due to the lack of rapid changes in the teaching corps of the schools. Its administrative head was an established success long before my incumbency began. Others of the teaching force have been here for a number of years. Of those who have been with us for shorter periods all have given their best to their work. The result has been a smooth running organization, working for the good of the children of the town.
This mention of "working for the good of the children of the town" brings to mind an activity of the teaching staff of which many citizens probably have no knowledge. I refer to the welfare work done in the school in a very quiet way by the teachers. It can best be told by incorporating here a recent report given to me by the Principal at my request.
TEACHERS' ORGANIZATION
In November 1931 the teachers of the Middleton Center School organized to aid some of the families in the town who were trying to carry on under the financial hardships of the winter. As their bit would not seem a great deal if turned over to the town they decided to do what they could to benefit the children whose needs were apparent. Each teacher made a regular weekly contribution and the group held a card party at Town Hall which was attended by many out of town and local friends. The money was used entirely for children of the school.
Following is a detailed report of the work done :
101
SCHOOL REPORT
6 pairs of shoes ; 3 pairs of rubbers ; 14 pairs of mittens; 3 pairs of glasses (eyes tested and fitted) ; 2 cases of soup ; 17 weeks' bill for cocoa making ; $1.14 to settle milk bill ; 4 items on the dental bill ; 3 cakes Derback soap.
The organization began its work this year the first week of September and weekly contributions of a double amount were made. This supplied an immediate sum with which to work. To this was added the receipts from a card party held in October. So far this year the organization has supplied :
Glasses for two children (eyes tested and fitted) ; 49 pairs of woolen stockings ; 3 pairs of shoes ; tonsil operation at Hunt Memorial Hospital ; 9 weeks' bill for cocoa making ; $5.00 to one family for children's clothing ; $7.24 bill for underwear for another family.
January 26, 1933 C. ALICE MANNING.
Here is a piece of real social service work done without ostentation, and with no suggestion from any outside source. It is an absolutely voluntary offering for the good of the chil- dren promoted by the spirit which animates all worth while teachers. It might surprise some parents to know of the in- tense loyalty of a good teacher to her class. It resembles that of the mother to her home brood. She may become exasper- ated with them at times, but woe unto him who criticises them in her presence. It is safer to criticise a good teacher than to question the qualities of her class. She may recognize their imperfections but it is safer to let her mention them first. That is a spirit which money does not buy, but which is beyond the price any community could afford to pay.
One might almost close a report at this point because, as is the teaching force, so is the school.
As to material equipment there have been additions such as are made necessary by growth of enrollment and by normal
102
SCHOOL REPORT
wear and tear. A decided increase in numbers in the school made necessary the purchase of new seats and desks. Because of the "floating population" it was found desirable to pur- chase the movable type of furniture, thus saving both labor and floors.
Our endeavor at a planned selection. of conservative text- books has been brought nearer realization. Necessary sup- plies have been provided as required and bought and used with economy. The teaching of thrift in school is done as much at the supply room as at the banking machines ; as much with care of text-books as with opening bank books. Thrift is a habit which is as important with materials as it is with money.
ENROLLMENT vs. SEATING CAPACITY
That is the struggle facing us at present .. With an enroll- ment which exceeds any previously experienced, and with prac- tically all rooms filled to capacity, any increase such as usually comes each Spring and Fall moving season is likely to cause serious difficulties. The only room in the building not now used to its maximum seating capacity is that now used as an overflow room for pupils from the third and fourth grades to- gether with a few unclassified pupils. This is the group which has been taught during the year by Mrs. Fielder (Miss Little- field). The fact that this group has now grown so large that it is difficult to house when the room is used for manual training makes it probable that this valuable part of our school offering may have to be discontinued until more room in the school is provided.
Sewing is another activity likely to disappear from our curriculum because of lack of space to conduct the steadily growing classes. The problem here is again one of space and numbers. At present classes are held in a tiny anteroom and in a hallway. Next year these spaces will be outgrown and we may have to give up this branch altogether.
103
SCHOOL REPORT
The time is not far distant, if the present rate of growth continues, when the town will again have to provide more school accommodations. Whether further addition to the pres- ent building is desirable is a question for careful considera- tion. If it were not for the large trees on the north side of the building, another wing similar to that added several years ago would be very practical.
NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS
The fence surrounding the playground is arriving at a state of disrepair which calls for immediate attention. If this be done it would be highly desirable to take in a small piece of land which lies immediately behind the playground so as to remove the baseball games far enough from the building to insure windows from breakage. Such a purchase cannot legally be made by the School Committee.
Another needed improvement is some sort of treatment for the approaches to the front of the building. The driveway receives a good amount of motor traffic and in the seasons of alternate freeze and thaw is usually in a muddy condition. This makes it very difficult to keep the building clean and pre- sents a very poor appearance. The same type of treatment given to secondary roads would give a hard and lasting sur- face. Teachers, janitors, and children have endeavored to im- prove the appearance of the street front of the property and this bit of co-operation would be greatly valued.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
The work in music continues under the capable direction of Mrs. Kimball. This subject may not class as a necessity, but it is one of the most valuable adjuncts to our school work. I find that the teachers are working very faithfully with the music and I feel that they get excellent results in the time allowed.
Instruction in art continues under the supervision of Miss Helen Farley. It is always a pleasure to note in every room
104
SCHOOL REPORT
the results of the excellent training which the children are re- ceiving in this very desirable addition to our basic educational work. It is surprising to note the large proportion of indi- viduals capable of being taught to produce results pleasing to the eye. The senses of color, line, and proportion, and the harmonies of these are no mean addition to the child's equip- ment for living.
Sewing and manual training directed by Mrs. Martin and Miss Manning respectively are adding their valuable part to the fuller education of Middleton youth. Since both subjects are taught in practical applications they justify the small ex- pense involved in their support. It will be a hardship for the youngsters if lack of room next year deprives them of these added opportunities.
Health supervision is carried on by the same faithful co-op- eration of School Physician and School Nurse. Various clinics for prevention of various diseases are fostered. Careful physi- cal examination of every child is performed, and every pre- caution is taken to keep the school children in even better health than they might be if not obliged to attend public schools. Much follow up work is done in the homes by Nurse Roundy.
The Dental Clinic supported by funds outside of the regu- lar school budget adds no small part to the comfort and health of the pupils. This service will be much more highly appre- ciated by them in future years, when the permanent teeth come in as nature intended, and those six year molars are still in their proper place in clean well preserved company.
School banking continues in surprisingly large volume in view of the very unusual economic conditions. This habit may not carry over into adult years, but it is very much worth while to implant early the habit of saving a part of the money which comes into the hands of each individual. Not all can be interested and probably few continue, but it is good civic training to start them off right.
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS Registration October 1, 1932-Age and Grade Distribution
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
I
11
23
6
40
II
5
14
6
1
26
III
6
8
4
3
IV
7
7
7
4
1
2
28
V
6
14
3
4
1
28
.
VI
1
6
10
4
3
1
25
VII
3
15
6
4
3
31
VIII
6
9
4
5
1
25
Total
11 |
28
26
21
19
30
20
29
19
10
10
1
224
Heavily leaded diagonals indicate age limits for the grades
105
SCHOOL REPORT
21
106
SCHOOL REPORT
Table II Teacher Grade Distribution
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
|Tot.
Miss Manning
14
25
39
Miss Berry
25
17
42
Miss Hinckley
9
28
37
Miss Lawrence
26
11
37
Mrs. Fiedler
10
19
29
Miss Colbert
40
40
Total
40
26
21
28
28
25
31
25
224
CONCLUSION
In closing may I express my keen appreciation of the uni- form good will and co-operation which I have received from teachers and supervisors.
To the School Committee I desire to extend thanks for their. help in keeping the Middleton schools at their usual high standard of efficiency.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN,
Superintendent of Schools.
January, 1933.
TOWN WARRANT
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF MIDDLETON
MARCH, 1932
PART III
109
TOWN WARRANT
Town Meeting Warrant
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Middle- ton in the County of Essex :
GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Town, on
Tuesday, the Fourteenth day of March next
at eight o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles :
ARTICLE 1. To authorize the Selectmen to appoint such other Town Officers as are required to be chosen annually.
ARTICLE 2. To see what action the Town will take to defray the Town expenses for the ensuing year.
ARTICLE 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money in anticipation of revenue of the current year, and ex- pressly made payable therefrom by this vote.
ARTICLE 4. On petition of William W. Richardson and 20 others to see if the Town will vote to amend the By-Laws, Chapter II, Section 8, by the following addition : "And that all articles calling for an appropriation of $100 or over, shall be voted on by a YES-NO ballot.
110
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 5. On petition of William H. Sanborn and 21 others to see if the Town will take action on the Proposed Building and Zoning By-Laws, as presented by the special committee appointed by the Moderator in 1931.
ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the transfer of the unexpended balance of the Electric Light Department in 1932, to the Department of 1933, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commissioners.
ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Electric Light Department to use the earnings of the De- partment for the ensuing year, agreeable to the petition of the Electric Light Commissioners.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the refund of the dog taxes shall be transferred to the Library Fund.
ARTICLE 9. To see what action the Town will take in regard to the letting of the Town Hall.
ARTICLE 10. On petition of Lennart Winquist and 12 others, to see if the Town will vote to appropriate $300 for gravel on Washington Street.
ARTICLE 11. On petition of Guy E. Evans and 14 others, to see if the Town will vote to appropriate $500 to resurface parts of Forest Street with gravel.
ARTICLE 12. On petition of Louis V. Moreau and 9 others, to see if the Town will vote to appropriate $500 for gravel to be used on Essex Street.
ARTICLE 13. On petition of George Allen and 15 others, to see if the Town will vote to repair Mill Street, appropriate money for same.
111
TOWN WARRANT
ARTICLE 14. On petition of Harley M. Tyler and 10 others, to see if the Town will vote to repair broken drains, catch basins and covers at the entrance to Lake View Avenue, at North Main Street, and appropriate money for same.
ARTICLE 15. On petition of Charles H. Wigley and 9 others, to see if the Town will vote to extend the lights on Essex Street and appropriate money for the same.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to amend the By-Laws, by the addition of the following section : "No street shall be accepted by the Town unless it is properly graded, drained, surfaced and at least 40 feet wide."
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to make purchases of new machinery from the road machinery fund, not to exceed $100.00.
You are hereby required to notify and warn said qualified voters to meet at the adjourned meeting at the Town Hall, on Monday, March 20th, next for the following purposes, viz. : To choose by ballot the following Town Officers for the ensuing year :
Moderator, Town Clerk, three Selectmen, one Assessor for three years, one member of Public Welfare Board for three years, one member of the School Committee for three years, Highway Surveyor, two Trustees of Flint Public Library for three years, Constable, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Tree Warden, Superintendent of Burials, Custodian of Town Hall, one Water Commissioner for three years, one Electric Light Commissioner for three years.
112
TOWN WARRANT
The polls will be open at 6.15 A. M. and shall be closed at 5 o'clock P. M.
And you are directed to serve this Warrant, by posting up attested copies thereof at Town Hall, Post Office, and Dow's Store in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
HEREOF FAIL NOT, and make due return of this War- rant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of meeting, as aforesaid.
Given under our hands this 24th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty-three.
ARCHIBALD L. JONES GEORGE B. OGDEN ROGER F. CLAPP Selectmen of Middleton.
A true copy ;
Attest : WILLIAM H. YOUNG, Constable.
113
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Recommendations of the Finance Committee For the Year 1933
Recommended
Called For
Selectmen
$270 00
$300 00
Town Treasurer
270 00
300 00
Town Clerk
180 00
200 00
Town Accountant
270 00
300 00
Tax Collector
360 00
400 00
Assessors
540 00
600 00
Registrar of Voters
32 40
35 00
Moderator
22 50
25 00
Inspector of Slaughtering
22 50
25 00
Inspector of Cattle
135 00
150 00
Sealer of Weights and Measures
90 00
100 00
Constable
31 50
35 00
Board of Public Welfare
100 00
100 00
Superintendent of Burials
13 50
15 00
Cemetery Commissioners
27 00
30 00
Custodian of Town Hall
450 00
500 00
Electric Light Commissioners
135 00
150 00
Town Counsel
250 00
250 00
Chief of Fire Department
13 50
15 00
Police Department
900 00
1,000 00
Fire Department
1,570 90
2,436 90
Salaries of Firemen
55 00
Tree Warden
200 00
800 00
Moth Department
800 77
Highways
4,500 00
Sidewalks
100 00
200 00
Fencing
100 00
200 00
Snow removal
800 00
Bridges
50 00
100 00
Education
25,000 00
28,000 00
114
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Library $ 500 00
Board of Health
1,000 00
Dental Clinic
260 00
Board of Public Welfare
9,500 00
Old Age Assessment
6,500 00
UNCLASSIFIED
Town officers' expenses-called for $900.00 ; recommend $800 00
Contingent fund-recommend
500 00
Soldiers' relief
400 00
State aid 480 00
Insurance
1,175 00
Town Hall-called for $700.00 ; recommend
600 00
Memorial Day-called for $250.00 ; recommend
240 00
Interest
2,300 00
Municipal indebtedness
2,000 00
Street lighting
2,000 00
Cemeteries-called for $1,000.00 recommend
350 00
Essex Sanitorium
487 43
Reserve fund
1,000 00
Recommendations of the Finance Committee Pertaining to Articles contained in the Town Warrant for the year 1933 :
Article
1.
Favorable action.
Article 2. Favorable action.
Article 3. Favorable action.
Article 4. Favorable action.
Article 5. Favorable action.
Article 6. Favorable action.
Article 7. Favorable action.
Article 8. Favorable action.
Article 9. Recommend that this matter be left in the hands of the Selectmen.
115
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Article 10. Favorable action.
Article 11. Recommend that $400.00 be appropriated.
Article 12. Favorable action.
Article 13. Recommend that $300.00 be appropriated.
Article 14. Recommend that this matter be left in the hands of the Highway Surveyor.
Article 15. Not recommended.
Article 16. Favorable action.
Article 17. Favorable action.
Respectfully submitted,
H. M. RICHARDSON
W. P. EARLEY
R. A. GAFFEY
W. W. RICHARDSON E. C. TOWNSEND
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