USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1946 > Part 5
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GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
In Middleton during the past year we have continued, in the main, the tried and true educational policies which have for many years been advancing our pupils to satisfactory accom- plishments in Holten High School in Danvers. This is the one sure and obvious measure of the efficacy of our school system. It may be that by some undiscovered method of soul searching some types or cases of failure could be demonstrated. On the basis of such evidence as is at present available, however, the schools of this town have been functioning successfully.
Continuity in such successful operation depends upon a unity of effort of parents, school committee members, teachers and supervisory officers backed by the adequate financial support of the voters of the town. Any force which in any way disturbs this unity is a menace to the future of the children and thereby to the future of the town.
ENROLLMENT
The tabulation shown on a later page shows that the number of pupils in the school remains about the same as for several years past. Comparison with figures for the past five years show the number varying from 289 to 298 as of October first of each year. Since October, 1946, however, the enrollment has increased to an all time high of 305 as of January 1, 1947.
The largest class in the school is the present seventh grade. This group is twenty-five percent larger than any other grade in the building and is nearly forty-three percent larger than the average class in the other grades. This condition will present something of a problem next fall when most of these pupils will form the eighth grade. It will be necessary for the class to again be in two divisions. This being so, the problem will be to secure an equal preparation for high school for all. The probable solu- tion will be departmental work so that each division will have the same teacher for each of the major subjects of the curriculum.
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SCHOOL REPORT
If present trends continue it should not be necessary to have split grades again after 1948 except another extremely large class enters the first grade. Of course this could be upset if new homes became available in Middleton, each with a larger than average number of children.
TEACHER PERSONNEL
Another year has passed with a minimum of turnover in the corps of teachers. This has been an unexpected piece of good fortune in these days when the demand is greater than the sup- ply. It has been wise management to keep the salary schedule as high as the budget would permit.
Our one loss was a serious one. Miss Madelyn Lawrence was finally lured from us by the neighboring town of Topsfield. This was the culmination of numerous attempts by the head of that union to secure her services. This official has always been able to offer a greater financial attraction to good teachers be- cause of the high financial resources of his towns. I am, how- ever, convinced that the financial gain was not Miss Lawrence's sole reason for making this first change in her whole profes- sional career.
With the departure of Miss Lawrence some changes were made in grade assignments. Miss Shinnick requested a transfer to the second grade just vacated and Mrs. Villa Lavorgna, a new resident in town, was found to be well qualified and willing to assume the position in grade four.
Because of the very large seventh grade, it was necessary to make two divisions with Mrs. Thistle and Miss Incampo as teachers. This made it possible to give Mrs. Sylvester a straight sixth grade class. These circumstances give us the best teacher load distribution that we have had for a number of years and should add materially to the effectiveness of the school work.
COST OF TEACHING
The major problem of nearly every school department in the country today is, that of having a qualified teacher in every class- room. Many a class in the country's schools at present is at the mercy of an untrained and inexperienced teacher, barely out of high school. The reason for this condition is that during and since the war years the teaching profession has descended to an all time low in prestige and financial attractiveness. Thou- sands of teachers - some reports say hundreds of thousands - have left their desks for more attractive conditions both social and economic to be found outside of the schoolroom. Other thou- sands are and have been failing to enroll in teacher training institutions for the very same reason. Add to these those other thousands which the epidemic of matrimony has removed from circulation as teachers and the seriousness of the situation be- comes evident.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Belatedly the people of this nation are being awakened to the fact that a serious situation has arisen which can well imperil the future of our national life. This awakening has come from the publicity given by radio, in the current magazines, and in the news and editorial columns of the press from coast to coast.
The general tenor of this publicity is two-fold in direction. One feature is the wholly inadequate financial compensation which has been given to these professionally trained people as com- pared to payment for unskilled or semi-skilled labor. The other angle is the low esteem in which the public had held this profes- sion which calls for skills as highly specialized as those of any of the more highly prized - and priced - professions.
The quickest and most obvious reaction has been to increase teachers' salaries. This movement has already started on the community level and is gradually entering into the States' legis- lative programs. At least ten bills are entered on the agenda of the present session of the Massachusetts General Court which have a direct bearing on this question of teacher compensation and increased State support of education to implement increases
These observations are explanatory of the recent increases in the school budget. The major part of any school budget is earmarked for payment of salaries. The other costs in ordinary times are more or less the same from year to year. It is true that at present books and supplies are greatly advanced in price, but these call for a comparatively small share of the money spent.
The cost of tuition of high school pupils has advanced to a new high level. As costs of instruction increase in Danvers we must expect to have to pay more for tuition. Fortunately we get from the State a refund of one-half of the cost of tuition and transportation of high school pupils.
ENLIGHTENING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
School Budget, 1946
$39,651.00
Receipts as reimbursement:
Salary and expenses of Superintendent .. $ 158.08
High School Tuition 5,758.35
High School Transportation 891.53
Income Tax on account of teachers Pt. 1 2,500.00
General School Fund Pt. II 696.64
Total Refund 10,004.60
Net cost to the Town
$29,646.40
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SCHOOL REPORT
These amounts should be as large or larger in the fiscal year of 1947. If increased State aid is voted by the General Court, the net figure should be reduced materially.
CONCLUSION
Full appreciation is given to all of those who have co- operated in keeping our school system up to its usual high level of achievement.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools
Wilmington, Mass. January 31, 1947.
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1 Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1946
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
I.
-
8
25
3
36
II. -
4
26
6
36
III. -
11
16
8
1
3
39
IV. -
4
20
8
6
38
V. -
4
12
10
4
2
32
VI. -
6
11
7
2
2
1
29
VII. .
19
12
12
8
3
54
VIII.
8
16
5
4
1
34
Total
8
29
40
26
32
27
49
31
32
15
8
1
298
SCHOOL REPORT
109
-
110
SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution December 31, 1946
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII|
Tot.
Miss Devane
37
37
Miss Shinnick
41
41
Miss Flynn
39
39
Mrs. LaVargna
36
36
Miss Hinckley
34
34
Mrs. Sylvester
31
31
Mrs. Thistle
25
25
Miss Incampo
27
27
Miss Mack
35
35
Total
37
41
39
36
34
31
52
35
305
111
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee of Middleton wishes to submit its annual report to the citzens and taxpayers.
This year marks the tenth birthday of the Howe-Manning School. Each year it has been our purpose to expand in some direction, beneficial to the enrolled children.
In the previous report, the cafeteria had developed into one of the most successful of the year's projects. During the past year, the pupils of the school have had the same privilege of obtaining hot lunches each school day for fifteen cents.
Since students entering High School have been at a decided disadvantage in the Physical Training Program carried on in Danvers, it has been our desire, for some time, to institute an elementary Physical Education Course to correlate with the more intensive training carried on at Holten High. A Physical Edu- cation Program is now in progress in Middleton with a compe- tent instructor, Mrs. Philip Couhig of Danvers, in charge. A report of the program has been submitted by Mrs. Couhig for your perusal.
After a period of five years, the Dental Clinic is again in - operation, under the administration of Doctor Edward Connolly of Danvers. We wish to thank the Salem School Department for loaning our school the necessary equipment to accomplish this most worthy project. This expenditure, voted by the Town apart from the school appropriation, has been outstanding in its bene- fits. Very few towns offer such an advantage to its young citizens.
The resignation of Miss Madelyn Lawrence, our former As- sistant Principal, was received with sincere regret by the board. For many years Miss Lawrence had been a most co-operative, faithful and loyal member of our faculty.
Mrs. Villa Lavorgna, the fourth grade teacher, is a new member of our teaching force. She comes well recommended to us with nine years' experience in the schools of Maine.
Unexpected expenditures have had to be met this past year. Waterproofing the remainder of the east wall of the school was an absolute necessity and painting the window frames and cor- nices of the building had to be done before more expense was entailed.
The High School tuition has advanced again to one hundred thirty-nine dollars per student. With a still larger enrollment than last year the tuition load has increased in proportion.
,
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SCHOOL REPORT
Teachers' salaries throughout the country have had to be adjusted to meet the rising costs of living. Substantial increases have been necessary to bring our teachers' salaries up to the . prevailing standard wage.
· Fuel, as is our custom, was purchased during the summer months at the lowest market quotation.
It has been the policy of the Committee to have adequate supplies and books always available to keep up the high standard of the school system. We wish to give credit to Mr. Bean for his wise and economical purchasing of school equipment.
May we sincerely thank Mr. Bean, Miss Manning and her splendid corps of teachers for their fine co-operation and loyalty and to Mr. Clinch for his untiring efforts in the performance of his many duties.
Respectfully submitted, Dr. Raymond W. Silvernail, Chairman Rosamond D. Barstable Alice K. Cass, Secretary
113
SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
To the Middleton School Committee,
Mesdames and Gentlemen:
In reply to your request, I hereby submit a report for the last school year.
The enrollment graph shows that registration has increased and remained about the same, but the actual pupil registration has varied greatly as so many transfers and new registrations have been recorded. This constitutes a definite problem in ad- justment to suitable grades as courses of study vary so much. Larger classes than usual have reached the Junior High level and it was found necessary to form two Seventh Grades in the fall. The assignments were made alphabetically in general and the class work has been the same in both, with departmental teaching as far as possible. Next year there will be necessarily two Eighth Grades and departmental work will be carried on as this year in Grade Seven.
Attendance still constitutes a problem, but at present in two phases, one, lack of regularity, including truancy, and the other this. Pupils, especially bus pupils, ailing from one reason or another come and are too ill to remain in classes. It is often difficult to contact anyone at home, and our attendance officer is not always available immediately. It is difficult for any pupil to make up class work lost on account of absence.
This year an effort has been made to eliminate some of the time which has been spent in selling daily cafeteria tickets. One- half hour or more used each morning for sale of tickets means that lost time for teaching.
After careful consideration at Christmas time it was ar- ranged that children be asked to pay by the week and on Mon- day. Thus one period on that day was the only one used. It has worked out most satisfactorily with few instances of lack of co-operation.
The once a week order and payment system is in use in practically all school lunch systems.
State Clinics have not been held as regularly as usual in recent years as a result of lack of trained workers in the State Department of Health. We were fortunate in having Dr. Foote, who has taken over Dr. Woodward's district, for an incomplete clinic this fall. The reports of this have confirmed a fact, known to us, a definite need of improvement in reading. Some time ago oral reading was the only type considered at all. In recent years, silent reading has had a definite place in our curriculum, for Social Studies - History, Geography, etc., - have shown a need
114
SCHOOL REPORT
for better reading ability. Remedial reading courses in Exten- sion and College schedules have offered various aids and sugges- tions, but it ends in one plan - individual or special class in- struction. No pupil who does not read understandingly can do passable class work in any grade above the level of Grade III.
We hope to do something in the near future to remedy this situation.
Books and general supplies have been kept at the lowest cost level possible, but even then the cost has been much higher than formerly, if we could obtain our orders at all. In addi- tion to this fact, large classes moving along through upper grades have made it necessary to buy more books.
A need still evident in our schedule, is sewing for girls and manual work for boys, at least for pupils of Grades VII and VIII, and possibly for the two preceding grades. Here the same situation exists as in the last ten years, no place available for the boys. The girls' classes could easily be held in class rooms but manual groups need room for benches and storage. The value of these subjects is not only in work completed, but also in morale among the pupils.
An interesting problem has just arisen in the registration of two Greek girls who have been in the United States only two weeks. All teachers and pupils have co-operated in the solution, and I wish to commend Mrs. Thistle especially, and thank the Messrs. Scarvalas, who have voluntarily helped us.
Well-planned Physical Education classes have been held since September and Mrs. Couhig's report is self-explanatory. We surely need a hall and gymnasium attached to our present build- ing.
This is our tenth year in the new building and I feel that' much credit is due the teachers, pupils and especially Mr. Clinch in the care which has resulted in the condition of the school property today.
In conclusion, I am glad of this opportunity to thank the Middleton School Committee, Supt. S. G. Bean and all members of our staff for their loyal assistance and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Alice Manning
115
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION
A Physical Education program has been added to the school curriculum at the Middleton school this year, to further complete a well rounded program of education.
Regular half-hour. classes were held weekly for each of the grades - outdoors as long as possible, and later in the class- rooms.
At the start of the school year, the absence of a physical . education program was apparent in the lack of ability in funda- mental skills, muscular coordination, conception and execution of games, and the co-operation and team spirit which is a funda- mental in physical education, and, once learned there, carries over into innumerable activities all through life. It has been very gratifying to see a steady improvement in all these things, and the enthusiasm on the part of the children for the activities offered has speeded the learning process greatly.
Activities are limited by lack of equipment at present, and in the winter time, by lack of space indoors in which to hold classes, but have consisted of all types of exercises, rhythmic activities in the lower grades, relays, and, through games and stunts, work on fundamental skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, running, and jumping.
Plans and hopes for the future include development of the playing area, acquisition of more adequate equipment, and an arrangement of classes whereby each child may receive the maxi- mum benefit of the program.
Respectfully submitted, Beatrice S. Couhig
116
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and
Members of the School Committee of Middleton, Massachusetts:
The Nursing Service activities include weighing and measur- ing 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, Mass., the school physician, gave physical examinations to all children present in school. Notices have been sent home to the parents of conditions requiring atten- tion. No serious defects were shown, and all previous defects were under treatment by family physicians.
A clinic has been inaugurated to take care of the dental care of the children under E. J. Connolly, D.M.D., of Danvers, Mass. To date the children have been examined and the actual dental attention has been started.
Forty children were inoculated against diphtheria. Thirteen Booster injections were given to those children who received the immunization two years ago. Eighty Schick tests were given. Fourteen had a positive reaction. The diphtheria immunization toxoid is given in the positive cases.
In October we gave the Audiometer test:
Number tested 178
Number retested 61
Twenty-one children had difficulty in hearing. Notices were sent to the parents of the children.
A State clinic for retarded children, according to State law, was held this fall under direction of Dr. Foote. We hope to assist these retarded children by following the directions in the Doctor's report.
Podioulosis has been a constant problem of a small group of children. This condition has greatly improved and with the co-operation of the parents we hope that reinfection will not occur.
Respectfully submitted,
A. K. Willey,
January 22, 1947.
School Nurse
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent and
Members of the School Committee:
The pupils of the Howe-Manning Grammar School continue to show much enthusiasm for their music lessons. The majority take an active part in all music lessons. Honors are equally divided between girls and boys and in some rooms where there are many more boys than girls the music is very well done.
Our attitude is that each pupil must sing to the best of his or her ability and results are gratifying.
The work of the chorus at graduation was outstanding.
At Christmas time the children all enjoy the assembly when each room sings alone and all join in carols, making a very in- spiring event.
The orchestra, although small, is doing good work and about fifteen children are learning the tonette.
The supervisor wishes to thank Principal C. Alice Manning and her teachers for their fine co-operation and work.
Respectfully submitted,
Horace N. Killam
.
118
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
The program of the Art Supervisor is planned on the basic idea that the study of art can be presented in the light of certain governing principles, which can be developed in such a way as to equip the student with such a knowledge of art principles as will give him a better realization and appreciation of the good work of all ages. It is my belief that the more general knowledge the children gain in drawing, and the more familiar they become with certain universal laws of proportion, design, action, balance and construction, the freer they are to express individuality.
There follows a general outline of the Art program:
September-Color: mixing, theory, harmony.
October-Design: Principles, combined with color. Hallowe'en projects.
November-More design, construction work. Thanksgiving handwork.
December-Applied design. Christmas gifts, decorations, etc. January-Figure drawing. Lettering.
February-Lincoln, Valentine, Washington handwork and il- lustrations.
March-Figures. Composition. Story illustration. Simple perspective.
April-Individual projects suited to each grade level.
May, June-More illustration, in various media.
Lessons have been planned to meet the talent of each one of the children. The results obtained have been more than grati- fying. Each of the teaching staff has co-operated fully, and for their interest I am most grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary S. Field,
Supervisor of Drawing
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FLY
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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