USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1947 > Part 5
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1,205.00
Insurance
1,205.00
$2,322.36
$1,645.00
Total-Interest & Insurance
$1,645.00
66
142.40
625.00
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN Salaries & Wages. 50.00
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
100 RECOMMENDATIONS FINANCE COMMITTEE
Item
1947 Expen- ditures
1948 Department Estimates
Recommen- dations
69
$ 590.65
000.00
Contingent Fund
$ 000.00
70
621.55
000.00
Old School Alterations
000.00
71
000.00
1,474.30
Retirement Fund .
1,474.30
72
330.93
375.00
Memorial Day
375.00
73
529.38
2,000.00
Reserve Fund (see Art. 21)
To be transfered from Overlay Reserve
2,000.00
74
380.90
425.00
Printing Town Reports 425.00
$2,072.51
$4,274.30
Total-Unclassified .
$1,274.30
PUBLIC SERVICE ENTERPRISES
75
3,349.25
4,200.00
76
150.00
300.00
Salaries (Commissioners to be $100.00 each) 300.00
77
9,268.70
11,500.00
Wages (Distrib. & Maint.,
Constr. & Street Lights). 11,500.00
78
54,316.00
48,000.00
Expenses, Energy (Maint.
& Construction) 48,000.00
79
2,366.77
2,541.20
Expenses (Depreciation Fund)
2,541.20
$69,450.72
$66,541.20
To be taken from Earnings of $66,541.20 Dept.
TOWN SCALES
Salary
50.00
81
00.00
50.00
Expenses . 50.00
Total-Pub. Serv. Enterprises $66,641.20
CEMETERIES
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT
82
30.00
30.00
Salaries (Supt. of Burials) . 30.00
83
60.00
60.00
Salaries (Comminoners) . . . 60.00
84
1,446.81
1,900.00
Expenses (Maintenance) . .
1,600.00
85
467.77
400.00
Expenses Opening Graves .
400.00
86
270.00
400.00
(To be transfered from Lots & Graves Fund, Equipment & Asphalt).
400.00
$2,274.58
$2,790.00
Total-Cemeteries
$2,090.00
MUNITIPAL INDEBTEDNESS
87
3,000.00
2,000.00
School Construction Notes .. .
2,000.00
88
00.00
2,000.00
Old School Alterations Notes. 2,000.00
$3,000.00
$4,000.00
Total-Municipal Indebt. $4,000.00
$222,099.66
$211,320.18 $225,738.82 Total Spent
Total Estimates
Total Recommendation
80
42.20
50.00
$69,492.92
$66,641.20
ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT
Salary & Wages (Mgr .- Clk.)
4,200.00
1948
No.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
Superintendent of Schools AND
Yearly Statistics
OF THE
Grammar School
OF THE
Town of Middleton
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1947
105
SCHOOL REPORT
SCHOOL REPORT
School Committee
DR. RAYMOND SILVERNAIL, Chairman Term Expires 1948 MRS. ALICE K. CASS, Secretary Term Expires 1950
MRS. ROSAMOND BASTABLE
Term Expires 1949
Supt. of Schools, STEPHEN G. BEAN, Wilmington, Mass.
School Physician, LOIS ROGERS, M. D. Topsfield, Mass.
School Nurse, MRS. LEONARD WILLEY, R. N. MRS. RICHARD LEAVITT
Attendance Officer, MR. WILBUR RUNDLETT
TEACHING CORPS
MISS C. ALICE MANNING
Principal
MISS ETHEL MACK
Grade VIII.
MISS JEAN SHINNICK
Grade VIII.
MRS. NATALIE SMITH THISTLE Grade VII.
MISS EBBA ANDERSON
Grades VI.
MISS FANNIE HINCKLEY
Grade V.
MRS. VILLA LAVORGNA
Grade IV.
MISS ALICE FLYNN
Grade III.
MISS MARY SHINNICK
Grade II.
MISS CATHERINE DEVANE
Grade I.
MR. HORACE KILLAM, Supervisor of Music
MR. JOHN FIELD, Supervisor of Art
MRS. C. NEWELL MOORE, Supervisor Phyical Education
MR. CHARLES CLINCH, Janitor
106
SCHOOL REPORT
School Calendar 1948
January 5 to February 28
VACATION ONE WEEK
March 8
to April 30
VACATION ONE WEEK
May 10
to
June 18
SUMMER VACATION-10 Weeks
September 8 to noon December 24
16 Weeks
VACATION
School commences January 3, 1949
HOLIDAYS
February 22
Good Friday April 19 May 30
October 12 November 11 November 27 and 28
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.
107
SCHOOL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To The School Committee
Middleton, Massachusetts
Mesdames and Sir:
Subscribed please find my twenty-fourth annual report a.s Superintendent of Schools for the town. This, like previous reports, records no marked variation in the general plan of organization and administration of the local school system.
IN GENERAL
We have had during the year numerous discussions concerning the problem of retardation and its related subject, promotional policy. This problem is not peculiar to Middleton. It has been the subject of discussion by educational administrators for the last thirty-five years. Volumes have been written on the subject and dozens of experiments conducted with a view to finding some means ensuring maximum individual progress in a system where mass education is the practice. As yet no universally workable formula has been produced. In certain localities where financial and school plant facilities were favorable there has been some gain by the use of varied and clever schemes. None of these seem univer- sally applicable. They are conditioned very largely by local cir- cumstances. We are therefore continuing, at present, on the most commonly followed plan of procedure. This plan has one virtue, at least, in that it is based on the same practical method of achieving advancement in the world of everyday living that the pupils will meet when school days are ended.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Within the past few years there has been a marked increase in the local cost of educating children. This is but a part of the national picture. As we know, all costs of existence have in- creased alarmingly since the end of the recent war. School costs have not even kept pace with the general advances.
The one largest element of expense in running a school system is naturally the cost of instruction. For a long period this cost remained reasonably static. Teachers were the forgotten people. It was only when the attractions of higher pay in other lines of
108
SCHOOL REPORT
endeavor had caused the withdrawal of hundreds of thousands of teachers from the nation's schools that awakening came to the threatening disaster to public education. The reaction was typical of our nation. In newspapers, in periodicals and via radio broad- casting publicity was given to the menace. At once the public reacted so that in a period of less than three years many salaries of teachers were doubled. This naturally increased school budgets far beyond normal expectation.
Salaries are not the only element in which increases in cost have been almost alarming. Every element of cost of operation has advanced in a degree we would once have thought impossible of supporting. School books and supplies, fuel, repair costs, equip- ment and transportation have all given evidence of the inflation. It would seem that the end is not yet in view.
It is claimed that real estate cannot bear much more of a burden. This is almost the only source of revenue open to our local communities. Aid is called for from some source. The logi- cal place to seek aid is, first, at the state level, after that, at the national level. Massachusetts has been notably lax in its support of education on the 'state level but bills now in the General Court, if passed, would remedy this condition. Such aid would be of in- estimable relief to local taxpayers. They should unite in support of this measure in a militant spirit.
As it is now, nearly a fourth of the cost of Middleton schools is refunded by the treasury of the Commonwealth through returns on administration, high school tuition and transportation, returns from the income taxes on account of teachers' salaries and from the General School Fund. This year has been added also a further reimbursement for elementary transportation.
BRIEF FINANCIAL RECAPITULATION
School Budget, 1947
$47,500.00
Receipts as reimbursement:
Salary and expenses of Superintendent : 225.54
High School Tuition
6,175.21
High School Transportation 1,023.71
Income Tax on account of teachers Pt. 1 2,030.00
General School Fund Pt. II 1,042.44
General Transportation (1947 Statute)
1,110.68
Total Refund $11,607.48 Net cost to the Town $35.892.42
109
SCHOOL REPORT
ENROLLMENT
Appended to this report will be found a statistical tabulation of the enrollment in the Howe-Manning School as of October 1, 1947. It shows a marked increase in school population for the size of the school. Last year on the same date there were three hundred and five pupils in school membership. This figure has increased to three hundred and twenty-six. Of this increase eleven are in the first grade alone. This is, of course, the beginning of a wave of growth in the first grade which is expected to last for a five year period. This means that next fall a corresponding in- crease may be possible.
The figures for January 1, 1948 are slightly lower than in October 1947, but the increase in the first grade has grown to twelve and leaves a first grade of forty-eight to be served by one teacher. This is a most undesirable situation and one which is most unfair to both pupils and teacher. The first grade, if I could make it possible would not have over twenty-five pupils, thirty at the most. This is the most important grade in the school system. Upon it depends most of the attitude towards school through the future years.
The largest grade in the school in October was the eighth, which at that time numbered fifty-one. This membership has fallen to forty-eight as of January 1, 1948. Because of the limited capacity of our classrooms this group is divided between two teachers. Next fall, however, this condition will be changed since there are but thirty-five in the present seventh grade. This will allow freeing the services of one teacher and make possible a more desirable grouping of first and second grade children. In passing it is of interest to note that this large class will call for a decided increase in cost of high school tuition and transportation in the next school year.
THE TEACHING STAFF
There have been two changes in teacher personnel in the Howe-Manning School during the year. Miss Volonta Incampo who taught in the seventh grade last year resigned to take a posi- tion in her home city. Later in the year Mrs. Annabelle Sylvester, who had taught in various grades in the school for a long period, was hired by the city of Lynn to serve as a Special Class teacher.
These resignations together with the large number in the present eighth grade necessitated a reorganization of the three
110
SCHOOL REPORT
upper grades. Mrs. Nathalie Thistle was transferred from Grade Six to Grade Seven. Miss Jean Shinnick of Lawrence was em- ployed to take charge of one division of the eighth grade. Miss Ebba Anderson of Wenham was appointed to take over Mrs. Syl- vester's room.
STATE AID TO EDUCATION
Based on the theory that public school education is a function of the State as well as of the community, various bills are being introduced into the current session of the Massachusetts General Court to increase the proportion that the State will return to needy towns to help support their school systems. Because of the fact that the financial burden for education has necessarily come from tax on real estate, and because of the fact that the costs of this and other town departments have been increasing so rapidly, there are many organizations throughout the State such as Taxpayers' Associations which are urging that the State assume a much larger proportion of educational costs. At the present time Massa- chusetts is bearing but about eight per cent of this burden while other States provide from thirty to forty percent of the charges. It is proposed in one bill that a new Chapter Seventy, Section Four be added to the General Laws, or at least that this chapter be so amended as to increase the present amount of six million dollars to twenty-eight million five hundred dollars. This bill is known as S164 and has been filed by Senator Ralph C. Mahar, Chairman of the Committee on Education in the Senate. Every person who believes that equalization of opportunity for all school children in the State be desirable should write to his State Senator and Rep- resentative and ask that they support this bill.
Conclusion
To the teachers and members of the School Committee who have cooperated to make the current year successful, I offer my very sincere thanks.
Respectfully submitted,
Wilmington, Mass. January 26, 1948
Superintendent of Schools
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1 Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1947
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
T
I. -
9
36
1
1
II.
6
29
8
1
41
III. -
5
24
7
5
IV. -
6
19
8
1
5
V. -
4
19
9
5
2
VI. -
6
11
8
3
2
1
30
5 !
13
9
5
2
35
VII. -
3
11
4
6
1
25
VIII A.
8
5
1
26
VIII B.
6
9
42
35
38
32
38
26
40
31
19
13
2
1
326
Total
1
SCHOOL REPORT
111
47
44
39
39
6
112
SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution December 31, 1947
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot.
Miss Devane -
48
48
Miss Shinnick -
40
40
Miss Flynn
41
41
Mrs. LaVorgna
37
37
Miss Hinckley - -
38
38
Miss Anderson :- -
30
30
Mrs. Thistle
33
33
Miss J. Shinnick
25
25
Miss Mack
23
23
Total
48
40
41
37
38
30
33
48
315
113
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Middleton School Committee wishes to give a summary of the activities carried on in the School Department during the past year.
It is the desire of the committee to bring to the tax-payers attention the two main factors influencing the necessity of an in- creased appropriation for nineteen forty-eight. First, our teacher's salary schedule compared so unfavorably with towns of about the same size and valuation, that, in order to maintain our high stan- dards and hold our teachers, it was necessary, during nineteen forty-seven, to adjust the salary schedule to the prevailing standard wage. Secondly, the High School tuition has advanced again from one hundred thirty-nine dollars per pupil to one hundred fifty-two dollars and thirty cents per pupil. This, with an expected pupil load of one hundred twenty-six High School students, entering in September, has increased this item alone on the nineteen forty- eight budget almost five thousand dollars.
The bus contract was awarded this past year to the lowest bidder, Mr. Raymond Funchion of Danvers. Mr. Funchion pur- chased modern equipment to render safe service to students at- tending both High and Grammar schools.
In the primary grades, the crowded conditions have been of great concern to the committee. Since two-thirds of the school enrollment are bus pupils, it has been out of the question to adopt a two platoon system. These overcrowded grades place a greater burden on the individual teacher. To relieve this situation, the committee is considering the advisability of securing a teacher, specially trained in remedial reading, to assist in the lower grades primarily. The problem that confronts us in adopting this course, is the added expense to the tax-payer and the conversion of the assembly hall to a class room. Entertainments and group assem- blies would have to be discontinued indefinitely, in the event this course was followed.
Fuel, as is the general custom, was purchased in advance. At the present time, there is ample fuel on hand to heat the building, adequately, for the entire years of nineteen forty-eight.
Many changes in the school personnel have taken place during the past year.
114
SCHOOL REPORT
Miss Annabelle Sylvester resigned to accept a teaching posi- tion in Lynn.
Miss Volonta Incampo resigned to accept a position in the Beverly School System.
Mrs. Leonard Willey, School Nurse, resigned, retiring from public school health supervision.
Mrs. Philip Couhig, Physical Training Supervisor, resigned to do part time supervising.
The Committee accepted these resignations with sincere regret.
We welcome to our faculty, Miss Jean Shinnick of Lawrence, a graduate of Lowell Teacher's College of the class of forty-seven, Miss Ebba Anderson of South Hamilton, a graduate of State Teacher's College, of the class of forty-seven, Mrs. C. Newell Moore of Danvers, graduate of Sargent, who comes well recommended to us from Newington, Connecticut, where she taught Physical Training in the Junior and Senior High schools, and Mrs. Richard Leavitt, Registered Nurse, of Danvers, who is highly regarded by the residents of Middleton, whom she served a few years ago in the capacity of the Visiting Nurse of Danvers.
Sufficient books and supplies, purchased by Mr. Bean, are always available for school usage and any suggestive material which would increase the efficiency of the school, has been added.
To Mr. Bean, Miss Manning, and to our fine teaching corps, may we extend our sincere appreciation for your excellent spirit of co-operation throughout the year and to Mr. Clinch, as always, may we again thank you for your generous assistance and loyalty.
The School Committee, realizing that it is acting in the capa- city of your elected representatives, is anxious to serve your in- terests and those of the children of Middleton, most effectively, so theerfore, welcomes any suggestion, constructive criticism and active co-operation that the citizens of Middleton may have to offer.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Raymond W. Silvernail, Chairman Rosamond D. Barstable Alice K. Cass, Secretary
115
SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Middleton, Mass.
Jan. 29. 1948
To the Superintendent and Members of the School Committee
Mesdames and Gentlemen:
In compliance with your request, I submit a report for last year.
In general the schedule and progress has continued along the same lines of the last few years although grade distribution has necessarily changed and been more irregular than ever before. Two small Eighth Grades became a necessity in the fall and Grades I and II have gradually become very large. Next year it will be possible to make a more fair and workable adjustment as no real difficulty will be found only in Grades I, II and III. This will probably necessitate one and perhaps two rooms with two grades.
Attendance continues to be a serious problem in our building and should be given thoughtful consideration in the home. Pupils can not do their best work when they attend school so irregularly that the connection with their daily work is broken or even lost. Causes such as illness, are necessary, but truancy, outside interests and work are not and should be eliminated.
At the suggestion of the State Board of Education we have continued the sale of Defense Stamps on one day a week instead of returning to the Bank Day under arrangement with the Salem Savings Bank. The sales have been made by the pupils of Grade VIII and in a most commendable manner. Although smaller amounts are noted than in war times, it constitutes a definite, systematic plan of saving and teaching thrift.
The Class of 1947 was very active and cooperative during the current year, and purchased a large moving picture screen, lamp, and 100 ft. of safety cord for use with our new Bell Howell
116
SCHOOL REPORT
sound machine, besides leaving a bank deposit for a book-case and curtains for the office. At present the former has not been delivered by the State Department of Correction.
The four upper grades have continued their study of Nature Trees, Conservation, Birds and Nature in general,-as 4H Club Projects, as last year. Through this plan we have had more op- portunity for special study and the aid of Mr. Byron Colby and Mr. Charles Blanchard, County Leaders.
Music,-both vocal and instrumental has always been a favor- ite subject in our school. This year, Mr. Woessner's instrumental class is very large with pupils studying trumpet, violin, guitar, mandolin, banjo, drums, saxophone and clarinet. As they progress in this class they enter the school orchestra directed by Mr. Killam.
In addition Mr. Killam has groups from several grades using tonettes, and also tuned bells which are new this year. We find these of much assistance in reading music.
Last November, the State Board of Education arranged a Teachers' Institute held in Danvers for the consideration of the new Curriculum Guide issued recently, and our teachers of Grades I, II, III attended on November nineteenth. Able speakers ad- dressed the groups on the changes in this new course of study and its application to present day conditions.
Detailed programs for older grades will be available later.
We have been making a special study of reading and language during this year. Several teachers have taken a Harvard-Boston University Extension Course in those subjects and we, hope to secure new reading material for several classes next year.
National Education Week was observed as usual but in addi- tion to invitations to visit class-rooms on any day, an entertain- ment consisting of numbers from all classes and tea furnished and served by the Class of 1948 were arranged. We were pleased to see so many parents and friends.
More stress is being placed on Visual Education each year and our Beil-Howall Sound Machine has proved very valuable. We have been fortunate in securing a series of films on "New Eng- land", and "Railroad Transportation", provided by the N. Y., N. H.,
117
SCHOOL REPORT
and Hartford R. R., and also one furnished by Beacon Oil Co. Both History and Geography are thus taught in an interesting manner. Schedules of this type include pre-period instruction and discussion in the class-rooms and post-period talks or quizzes by the class-room teacher.
Through the kindness of the Essex County Health Association we are now carrying on a weekly program which includes films on Health, and Social Studies in general.
In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to the School Committee, Superintendent and faculty for their assistance and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, C. Alice Manning
118
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT ON PHYSICAL EDUCATION
From Sept. 10, 1947 through Jan. 28, 1948.
Wednesdays -
Grades 1-7 each receive 30 minutes per week of Physical Education. Grades 8 each receive 35 minutes per week of Physi- cal Education.
The importance of carrying out the minimum physical activity can not be over-emphasized. The activities listed have been care- fully chosen as to insure a well-balanced development. The ma- terial is graded and is the only way for pupils to show satisfactory progress.
During the Fall months the program was carried on out of doors and during the winter months is being carried on in the classrooms.
The program consists of:
Grades 1 - 4:
1. Conditioning exercises - Aim: to prepare the body for Physical Activity.
2. Posture Exercises - Aim: to develop good habits of sitting, standing and walking correctly.
3. Rhythmical Activities - Aim: to give training in self control and poise through simple folk dances and singing games.
4. Individual Stunts Aim: to test ones physical ability through forms of play.
5. Mimetics - Aim: to create interest in physical exercise through imitation and impersonation.
6. Games - Aim: to promote good sportsmanship, wholesome association, and recreation.
7. Story Plays - Aim: to provide natural, spontaneous Physi- cal activity.
119
SCHOOL REPORT
Grades 5 - 8:
1. Conditioning exercises - gymnasium exercises and march- ing tactics.
2. Posture exercises -
3. Rhythmical exercises - (8th grade Social Dancing)
4. Individual Stunts.
5. Games of Lower and Higher Organization.
There are a few recommendations I should like to make in consideration of the future of the Program and for the welfare of the pupils :
1. That the Physical Education Program be continued through the winter months - Even though the activities take on more of a socialized aspect. Though the class room is not the proper place for Physical education, much can be accomplished therein.
2. That a basketball net and backboard be erected in the out door area.
3. That softball bases be purchased, in order that the younger children will be able to learn and play the game. (The present ball diamond is too big for use by girls and small children.
4. That badminton rackets and shuttlecocks be purchased for use out of doors -- (The standards used for volleyball could serve a dual purpose, in respect to using them for badminton also. This is also one way to broaden the Physical Education Program.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY R. MOORE
120
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To Superintendent of Schools and
Members of the School Committee:
The school nursing service covers various phases of school health in an effort to improve and maintain the health of the school child. Only by close cooperation between school, home and community can the child's Health Program thrive.
Dr. Rogers of Topsfield School Physician, gave physical ex- aminations to all students. Notices were sent to parents on defects that necessitate attention.
Posture defects reported to Mrs. Moore, the Physical Educa- tion Teacher, for correction.
All the children were weighed and measured and results sent home to parents.
State Clinic for retarded children was directed by Dr. Foote. We hope to understand and help these children by following the suggestions in the Doctor's reports.
The Dental Clinic under Dr. Connolly of Danvers, started in January.
New method of eye testing developed by Mass. Department of Public Health, is being used this year. This is the latest and best method known.
The Diptheria Immunization Program was conducted by Dr. Rogers. Twelve initial and 103 Booster shots administered to students.
42% of the first grade students had already been immunized, before entering school, which indicates that many parents realize the value of early immunization.
An unusual amount of whooping cough resulted in the school. Many exclusions were made in lower grades to help retard the disease.
This year as usual Pidiculosis was especially troublesome in the first of the school year. Continual checking, excluding and home visits plus the use of D. D. T. Powder, has it finally under control. Much precious time could have been saved if powder had been used by parents to eliminate home source of infection.
Respectfully submitted, BERTHA E. LEAVITT
School Nurse
121
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools and Members of the School Committee
A supervisor of music is always gratified to go into a well ordered school to teach for the day. This is the kind of school the people of Middleton are fortunate in having under the excep- tional guidance of Principal C. Alice Manning. Evidences of her thoughtful planning and work are seen each week and the super- visor appreciates her great help.
There is always great interest in music among the pupils of Howe-Manning Grammer School, but the classes, with few excep- tions, are too large for the best work. The larger the class the more limited time for each subject.
About one hundred and fifty pupils selected from each room presented the operetta, "Uncle Sam's Visit" in the early Spring. This consisted of songs and dances in costumes of many different nationalities, directed by the teachers of each room. It was the most pretentious musical program put on in recent years and was well worth the time and effort.
Grades three and six have been provided with new sets of modern music books this year. New books are always an added incentive.
The school committee has provided two sets of melody bells and the school has purchased five other sets. Many pupils are practicing on tonettes and some have bought their own bells. The supervisor has very little time to help with these instruments. Mrs. Lavorgna spends some of her music periods in Grades three and four with these instruments, which is a big help. At the Christ- mas assembly several groups of eight pupils each played selections on the bells together.
Respectfully submitted, HORACE W. KILLAM. Supervisor of Music
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