USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1945 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
MR. SEAVER MacDONALD
Term Expires 1946
Supt. of Schools, STEPHEN G. BEAN, Wilmington, Mass.
School Physician, LOIS ROGERS, M. D. Topsfield, Mass. School Nurse, MRS. LEONARD WILLEY, R. N.
Attendance Officer, MR. PHILIP WEBBER
TEACHING CORPS
MISS C. ALICE MANNING
Principal
MISS VOLONTA INCAMPO
Grade VIII.
MISS ETHEL MACK
Grade VII.
MRS. NATALIE SMITH THISTLE
Grade VI.
MISS FANNIE HINCKLEY
Grade V.
MISS ANNABELLE SYLVESTER
Grades V. & VI.
MISS MARY SHINNICK
Grades IV.
MISS ALICE FLYNN
Grades III.
MISS MADELYN LAWRENCE Ass't Prin.
Grade II.
MISS CATHERINE DEVANE
Grade I.
MR. HORACE KILLAM, Supervisor of Music
MISS MARY SHEA, Supervisor of Art
MR. CHARLES CLINCH, Janitor
92
SCHOOL REPORT
School Calendar 1946
January 2 to
February 23
WINTER VACATION
March 4
to April 27
SPRING VACATION
May 6 to June 15
SUMMER VACATION
September 9 to December 21
CHRISTMAS VACATION
HOLIDAYS
January 1 February 22 Good Friday April 19
May 30
October 12
November 11
November 23 and 24
No School Signal
Two Blows on Fire Alarm at 7.45 o'clock A. M. Two Blows on Whistle at the Blacking Factory at 7.45 o'clock A. M.
93
SCHOOL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee, Middleton, Massachusetts Madam and Gentlemen:
What follows is the twenty-second annual report that I have had the honor of preparing as Superintendent of Schools. I some- times wonder whether it is worth while because I am so often told that nobody reads anything in the "Town Book."
For several years past I have avoided the use of statistical matter due to frequent warnings that such tabulations only obfuscate - in plain United States, "ball all up" - the average citizen who might attempt to read the reports. It is, however, a fact that a set of figures so arranged as to be easily compared can tell more in less space than mere words can ever convey.
I have arranged on the following page in tabular form some factual matter concerning various phases of the school setup in Middleton as compared to (a) two towns of about the same size and (b) three towns which border on this one. From this table will be drawn certain comparisons which give some idea of where Middleton is placed in the general picture.
The columns are numbered and all references will be to num- bered columns. In each case the order of listing of the towns will be maintained with figures corresponding in order.
It will be noted that the first three towns are of approximately the same population and that they employ exactly the same number of teachers. The enrollment in the first two is almost the same but note the difference in the cost per pupil as seen in columns 5, 6 and 10. Note also that of the first three towns, Middleton shows the lowest figure in each of these same elements.
Referring now to columns 5, 6, 7 and 10 in comparison of costs with those in the three towns bordering on this one, i.e., North Reading, Lynnfield and Topsfield, some very interesting facts appear. Observe the wide difference in cost per pupil in both elementary and high school grades as seen in columns 6 and 10 as well as the mar- gins between total costs per pupil shown in column 5. A simple computation from figures in this column shows that Middleton's cost is $26.01 less than the average for these six towns and $48.83 below the average for North Reading, Lynnfield and Topsfield.
1A
1B
2
3
4
5
6
Population
1940
Average
Membership
Per Pupil
Valuation
School Tax
Valuation
Total for
Support
Cost per pupil
all grades
Cost per pupil
Elementary
Middleton
2,348
286
$5,845
$10.50
$32,528
$90.36
$76.89
Salisbury
2,376
281
8,400
10.37
38,761
106.19
88.86
Hanson
2,570
363
6,697
11.26
43,004
94.10
77.94
No. Reading
2,896
507
4,795
13.08
51,920
87.41
64.27
Lynnfield
2,287
347
11,221
12.59
66,949
146.50
117.63
*Topsfield
1,150
196
15,625
10.40
34,037
173.66
124.38
Median
7,088
18.34
125.14
91.61
SCHOOL REPORT
94
Per $1,000.00
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Elementary
Cost per pupil
Teaching
High School
Tuition
High School
Transportation
High School
Cost per pupil
Teachers'
Salaries
Average
Salary
General
Control
Middleton
$54.27
$7,962
$2,000
$134.62
$15,520
$1,552
$ 575
Salisbury
55.86
8,459
3,540
142.85
15,695
1,569
1,791
Hanson
43.63
9,583
3,454
138.59
15,839
1,584
1,685
No. Reading
44.46
10,901
4,300
174.82
24,810
1,550
850
Lynnfield
60.98
18,040
5,729
216.54
21,160
1,763
2,311
*Topsfield
85.90
258.18
20,760
1,730
2,298
Median
57.65
202.42
1,628
* Includes four year high school.
SCHOOL REPORT
95
96
SCHOOL REPORT
The 13th column shows where a definite saving occurs. Middle- ton gets for $575 the same kind of service that costs Topsfield $2298. This item includes the salaries and expenses of the School Com- mittee, if any; the salary and expenses of the Truant Officer; but chiefly, the salary and expenses of the Superintendent of Schools. Usually the combined expense for School Committee and Attendance Officer does not cover more than 20% of this item.
There have been occasions when we thought that our high school costs to Danvers were too high. Column 10 is factual evi- dence that we are doing very well by comparison. It should be observed that these figures cover both tuition and transportation. Topsfield probably has comparatively little high school transporta- tion and such as is given is for no great distances. Middleton pays for total transportation from the outskirts of the town to Holten High School in Danvers. This item alone represents $2000 of the total cost.
Returning again to the 10th column, please note the wide diver- gence in the cost per pupil of high school education in this town and adjoining Topsfield. This difference is easily explainable by the fact that Topsfield is maintaining a small high school with six teachers and extremely small classes. It will be noted by comparing their elementary cost in column 6 with the high school figure in column 10 that it is costing them more than twice as much per pupil in these grades. In Lynnfield, this expense is 60% greater than in Middleton.
Naturally, the relative financial burden to the taxpayers in the various towns determines in general what the town can afford to do. A glance at column 2 will show the best available measure of this ability. The per pupil valuation in the town is a very good gauge of its ability to do. By this token the Town of Topsfield can afford to spend almost three times as much for its schools as does Middleton. Column 4 shows what it does spend. Of course, the great difference in school enrollment shown in column 1B renders it un- necessary for them to spend so much. As it is, their per pupil cost is nearly twice as great as Middleton's. At the same time the schools' share of the tax per $1000 of valuation is almost identical as shown in column 3.
The objection might be raised that it is all very well to com- pare Middleton with the surrounding towns or with a couple of places of similar size. What about the State as a whole? How do we stand when ranked with the average small town with no high school?
97
SCHOOL REPORT
Well, there are 109 such towns which are grouped for such com- parative purposes. They run in population from 5,790 in Long- meadow to 447 in Dunstable. Data is available from these, based on the returns for the school year ending June 30, 1945, as certified to the State Department of Education.
A fair figure for comparison in any element of school statistics is what is known as the median. For the sake of simplicity of ex- planation, though not absolutely correct statistically, we could take the middle town in the 109 so associated. There would be in every element 54 towns on each side of the median. In some of the columns shown, 54 towns would be above the median and 54 below, depending on which cost or number is under consideration but not necessarily the same towns in every case.
For example, in the item of school tax per $1000 of valuation (Column 3), the median would be the town in the middle of the list when tabulated to consider this item. There would be 54 towns which paid more or had higher figures for this element and 54 towns would be lower in the same element. Thus, Middleton's school tax per $1000 of valuation would be $2.84 below the middle of the group; the average salary paid teachers would be $76 below; the average number of pupils per teacher would be 5.3 above the middle town. To continue along this same line of comparison, the cost per pupil for high school tuition and transportation is $67.80 low; per pupil cost for all pupils, both high and elementary, is $24.75 under; the town's valuation per pupil is $1243 on the low side also. It is also of interest to note that our per pupil cost is $34.78 below the median for the group. This is a rough sample of how Middleton may be compared with the rest of the State as to its performance in the field of public school education.
Our Teaching Corps
We passed through the summer with a minimum of changes in our staff. Miss Volonta Incampo was the only new member of the group in September. Fortunately, it seems likely that we will finish the year without further changes.
The plan of making Miss Manning a full time supervising prin- cipal was a wise one. A school as large as this needs an official of this type. It makes for greater efficiency in every way. No person can stand up under the pressure of responsibility for teaching in a classroom and administering a school unit of this size at the same time.
98
SCHOOL REPORT
How fortunate we have been that we have lost no teachers of late can be realized only by those responsible for finding replace- ments. Except for some few returned veterans, who are chiefly high school teachers, there is a dearth of teachers of any kind. It is as difficult, yes, more difficult, to find a first grade teacher than it is to secure a high school principal. We are informed by the best au- thorities that this condition will continue for at least five and prob- ably ten years. Young people are not preparing for teaching in anything like the numbers that used to join the profession.
This condition is producing a "seller's market" for teachers. The larger towns bid for the services of the available supply and the smaller towns get what they can afford, or will afford, to pay for. If it were not for the middle aged married women who have been teachers the situation would be desperate indeed. This fact must be considered when the appropriations for next year are voted. This is no teachers' club propaganda. It is hard, stark fact.
Enrollment
This current school year we are just "getting by," to quote the vernacular. One or two more pupils in the wrong place and we would have a problem of seating. It will be worse next September and the year following. After that the pressure at the top of the school will ease off. Much thought is being given to a solution of this housing problem.
Our high school enrollment in Danvers will increase materially next year if all goes well with the present eighth grade. This will mean a further increase in the budget.
Should building of new homes become possible, and this town get its reasonable share, there is the likelihood of building addi- tions to consider in the near future.
Conclusion
Having already exceeded by far the space I had expected to fill, I hasten to take this opportunity to thank Miss Manning and her staff for their unfailing support.
I am happy to be able to express the same sentiment to a very kind and cooperative School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN,
Superintendent of Schools
January 30, 1946.
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1
Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1945
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
I. -
5
28
3
36
II.
-
9
15
5
29
III. -
4
21
7
8
40
IV. -
5
14
10
4
33
V. -
5
9
10
4
2
1
31
VI. -
9
17
11
2
3
42
VII. .
3
16
18
3
7
2
44
VIII.
7
20
5
1
1
84
Total
5
37
22
81
26
36
34
38
37
12
8
3
289
SCHOOL REPORT
99
100
SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution October 1, 1945
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot.
Miss Devane - -
36
36
Miss Lawrence -
29
29
Miss Flynn
-
40
40
Miss Shinnick
33
33
Miss Hinckley - -
31
31
Mrs. Sylvester -
30
30
Mrs. Thistle
12
15
27
Miss Incampo
29
29
Miss Mack
34
34
Total
36
29
40
33
31
42
44
34
289
101
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reviewing the past year from every angle relative to expendi- tures, achievements and progress, the School Committee of Middle- ton wishes to submit its annual report to the citizens and taxpayers.
Regarding expenditures, the past year a maximum, minimum and step increase system in teachers' salaries has been established. Much adjustment had to be made to previous salaries to accom- plish this purpose.
Fuel has been purchased during the summer months at the lowest possible market quotation.
Through Mr. Bean's economic buying, sufficient books and sup- plies are always available to carry on the efficiency of the school system.
A larger enrollment of High School students has increased the tuition load. The rate, stipulated by Danvers, has been one hundred twenty-five dollars per pupil during the past year but has been in- creased to one hundred thirty-three dollars and eighty-eight cents effective January first, nineteen forty-six.
The cafeteria, sponsored by the Parent-Teachers' Association, has been the outstanding project of the year. Since March, children attending school had the privilege of buying a hot, nutritious meal at noon for twelve cents. Eighty-five percent of the total enroll- ment have taken advantage of this benefit since its beginning. The school department funds furnished the equipment for this under- taking and necessities have been purchased from time to time.
Departmental work is conducted to a greater degree through the upper grades giving students the advantage of specialized work and helping to bridge the gap between grammar and High School.
Miss Volonta Incampo joins our faculty group as the seventh grade teacher. She comes well recommended to us from State Teachers' College in Salem.
With all bills paid and an unexpended balance of seven hun- dred twenty dollars and twenty-nine cents the new year looms ahead as one of increased costs of both materials and service.
102
SCHOOL REPORT
We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Bean, Miss Manning and our fine corps of teachers for their splendid co-operation through- out the year. To Mr. Clinch, may we also extend our sincere thanks for his devotion to duty, outside and beyond our demands or requests, for the many tasks he has performed to curtail our school expenses.
Respectfully submitted, DR. RAYMOND W. SILVERNAIL, Chairman SEAVER MACDONALD ALICE CASS, Secretary
School Committee
.
103
SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Middleton, Mass., January 29, 1946
To Mr. S. G. Bean, Superintendent, and Members of the School Committee of Middleton:
Madam and Gentlemen:
I hereby submit a general report of the closing school year.
Activities adjusted to needs of today have entered into our school schedule again this year. Stamp sales weekly and Junior Red Cross service were emphasized as quotas were sent us to aim for and meet.
We have found these calls for service are valuable as an aid in teaching citizenship and group effort. We have contributed to Servicemen's Fund, Junior Red Cross children's educational fund, Red Cross drive of 1945, and purchased War Bonds.
The lessons taught in earning and saving should prove of value to the individual as well as to the school as a whole.
Stamp and Bond sales from September, 1944, to June, 1945, totaled $8452.80, while our total from September, 1945, through December, 1945, was $3184.15. This last amount was the result of our pledge to purchase what is known as a Hospital Unit, $3000, and we are proud of our citation and our plaque in the Cushing General Hospital in Framingham, Mass.
We have been requested by the Department of Education to continue stamp sales instead of School Bank as in former years.
Increased registration in upper grades has necessitated changes in grade assignments again this year and apparently it will con- tinue to be a problem. Classrooms in our building are planned for thirty-five pupils only and if the seats are portable, it is hardly possible to seat more. This is unfortunate, as sometimes better adjustments might be made otherwise. Yet there are plainly dis- advantages in large classes as practically no individual instruction can be given.
Irregular attendance is still a service problem and most reasons are not satisfactory. It results in poor work, unsatisfactory con- duct, through inability to grasp class work carried on during ab-
104
SCHOOL REPORT
sence of pupil, poor work habits, and finally truancy. There is an expense viewpoint also, as it may result in repeating a grade when regular attendance would have made it unnecessary.
In March, 1945, the Cafeteria, sponsored by the Middleton P.T.A. in co-operation with a State project, was opened in the former play-room. This brought us new problems as our building entrance, and only one stairway to the two upper floors presented quite a difficulty.
Bus pupils necessarily pass through the cafeteria but all other pupils use the west, or front door.
We found two groups at lunch was a necessity and Grades I through IV have from 11:30 till 12:00, while the larger group pass at five minute intervals beginning at 12:00. This half hour lunch plan makes our school day exactly the same length as formerly, as we close at 2:30.
I wish to congratulate Mrs. Kitchin, and her assistants, most heartily in the success of her project, started at a most unfavorable time. May I add here that the Class of 1945 voted money to buy several salt and pepper shakers for the tables and $25.00 for a large double-boiler.
I have not figures for proof but I know the hot lunches for at least 90 percent of the pupils must have a definite influence on their health and weight.
At present, we have two definite needs in our school curricu- lum - a systematic manual program for upper grades, both boys and girls, and second, some plan for physical training.
Sewing for girls and manual for boys were a part of our school system for many years and the interest and the effort that the pupils, especially the boys, showed, proved its value. These courses were given up on account of lack of room for the boys' classes. There has been a definite loss not only in subject matter learned, but in effect on conduct, effort, interest and personality. Here again comes a problem now, a place for the boys to meet.
In regard to the second need, physical training, I know our pupils are at a disadvantage when they reach High School because they lack elementary training. I trust it will be possible to do something about both these questions in the near future.
Although the recreation field does not come under the jurisdic- tion of the School Committee, may I say here, I wish something might be done about the yard at the foot of the steps leading down
105
SCHOOL REPORT
to the playground from the school grounds. As the wells overflow, especially the first one of the three, the lower steps are under water often, and quite a space in the field is flooded for days at a time.
In closing I wish to thank the faculty, supervisors, and Mr. Clinch for their co-operation in carrying out the school program and the members of the School Committee and Mr. Bean for con- tinued loyal support and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
C. ALICE MANNING
106
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools and the
School Committee of the Town of Middleton, Massachusetts:
The pupils of the Howe-Manning Grammar School continue to show keen interest in music in general and in their singing.
The supervisor wishes more time could be spared for music, especially in the lower grades, so that the children would have a better opportunity to do their best. Many of the songs lend them- selves to dancing, but lack of time and floor space, makes it im- practical to use many in this manner.
A new book from the New Music Horizons Course has been purchased for Grade Four and has meant a great lift to the music in that room. A number of pupils are learning to play tonettes at recess and they use many of the songs from the new book as they are well adapted to the tonette.
New books in several of the other rooms would be a stimulus to both pupils and teachers. We are fortunate in having four pianos in good condition in the school. The piano moved from the Cafeteria to the first grade room is a great help in the rhythm and ear work.
Although we lost several of our more advanced players at gradu- ation last June, yet we have now a fine little orchestra which is gradually growing, fed by pupils from Mr. Woessner's instrumental classes.
The supervisor appreciates the utmost in co-operation given him by Principal C. Alice Manning and her teachers and wishes to thank Superintendent Stephen Bean and the School Committee for their support.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE N. KILLAM,
Supervisor of Music
107
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and Members
of the School Committee:
The Nursing Service activities include weighing and measuring the children twice during the school term. Cards are sent to the parents showing the child's height and weight and the correct standard weight.
Dr. L. Rogers, of Topsfield, the school physician, gave physical examinations to all the children present in the school. Notices are sent home to the parents of conditions requiring attention.
Total number of children examined, 305.
Total number of pupils found with conditions requiring atten- tion, 238.
There were as follows:
Defective teeth 129
Tonsils 62
Wax in the ear 37
Pronation of feet 2
Eyes 5
Skin 2
Posture-generally poor throughout school.
No new serious defects were shown, and all previous defects were under treatment by family physicians. It would be helpful if similar attention and treatment were being carried out by family dentists.
Twenty-one children were inoculated for immunization against diphtheria. One hundred and twenty Schick tests were given. Twenty-four had a positive reaction. The diphtheria immunization toxoid is given in these positive cases. At the end of the school year, we are planning to Schick test the twenty-one already im- munized. We are hoping to do the Patch test for tuberculosis on as many children as feasible this spring with chest X-rays for all positive reactions.
Pediculosis has been a constant problem of a small group of children. This condition has been cleared up several times tem- porarily with DDT, but reinfection has occurred from home sources. It is hoped that these few families will eradicate the home source of reinfection. Weekly examination of the heads of these children and written notices sent home when children were excluded from school, and interviews with families involved, have taken up an unfair portion of the school nurse's time for the number of families at fault.
Total number of children with pediculosis 42
Total number of families represented 16
Respectfully submitted, ALEXIS K. WILLEY,
School Nurse
108
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Education in Art in the Public Schools of this country has seen many changes in aim, policy, content and method since first it was inaugurated.
One of the earliest methods was that of copying drawings, de- signs and lettering on slates. Then, we advanced to the use of drawing books. This approach was also definitely a "copy" method. Next, came the "super-decorative" era. Everything was elaborately ornamented regardless of the use to which it would eventually be put. Each of these methods, without a doubt, developed a certain appreciation, skill and taste, but ignored the most essential factor - the development of individuality through the direction of the child's creative power. It is this power of creative expression, guided by principles of orderly arrangement and good design and a working knowledge of drawing, that present day Art Education in the Public Schools is encouraging skill and appreciation adaptable to any environment.
During the past year, the children of the Howe-Manning school have had this background given to them - and then they have learned to apply it to their regular seasonal work.
In the upper grades particularly, free-brush work has been stressed. This method of free-brush painting does not expect per- fection from a child. It encourages him to independently express the spirit of a pattern 'and to use a color scheme suited to him.
Bond sales, salvage and conservation were the theme of many of their drawings during the months when we all hoped and prayed for Victory. Figure drawing has been taught from the first grade through all of the classes. Story-telling pictures are an im- portant part of each class program. Holiday work and construc- tion work have their place in each class also. I have been par- ticularly pleased this year with the work done in still-life painting by the Eighth Grade children. Many of them show definite promise, should they wish to continue their Art classes in High School.
The results of the work during this year just passed have been most gratifying. I am most thankful to each of the teachers, with- out whose splendid co-operation the results we have obtained would have been quite impossible.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY S. FIELD, Art Supervisor,
Howe-Manning School
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.