USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1949 > Part 6
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Over the long period of years that Miss Manning and I have worked together in Middleton we have seen many classes grad- uated from which the majority of members have gone on to Dan- vers High School. Each year we have waited with interest for the first period marks issued from that school. It has been almost infallible that these marks have been better than we expected, especially from the lower section of the classes. It has also been true throughout the years that our boys and girls have won their share of academic honors. In all of these years there has been but one criticism of our pupils and that has come from the de- partment of physical education. Their criticism has been that our youngsters are lacking in physical skills and coordination. This is of course due to the fact that we have never had a con- sistent program of games and sports, especially such as require a gymnasium for development of physical skills in an all year program. At times we have tried to carry on a program, but with a teaching staff made up wholly of women it has been diffi- cult to develop either football or baseball as is done in the upper grades of larger schools with men specially employed for this purpose. This year the picture is somewhat changed. We now have two young men on the staff. One of these, Mr. Dzenowagis, is interested in developing something of a program as his time and our facilities permit. If we build the hoped for addition with a gymnasium we may be able to meet this one criticism of the product of our Middleton school.
Within the past year or so we have heard much criticism of our school because of an alleged excess of retardation. To deter- mine the truth of this criticism we asked Miss Alice Beal of the State Department of Education to look into the situation. She apparently did not find Middleton much different from the aver- age town in this respect. It seems that part of the retardation has been due to circumstances for which the school system was not responsible. It was felt that one of the chief causes of diffi- culties in the middle grades was due to faulty reading habits. An earnest endeavor was made by the Committee to secure a teacher
123
ยท SCHOOL REPORT
of remedial reading. As yet we have not found a candidate who has the requisite training. This is not the solution suggested by Miss Beal. Her recommendation was smaller classes in the lower grades so that the primary teachers could give more individual attention to children who need it. This is another argument for added school accommodations.
In closing I want to thank all who have helped to improve conditions in our school and to appeal to the voters to provide the increased accommodations so sorely needed.
Respectfully submitted,
Feb. 10, 1950
STEPHEN G. BEAN, Superintendent of Schools
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1
Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1949
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
T
I. -
15
44
2
61
II.
-
7
33
11
1
52
III. -
9
36
4
2
1
52
IV. -
3
23
10
3
3
1
43
V. -
3
23
6
2
4
38
VI. -
8
19
8
2
3
40
VII. -
3
14
9
5
3
34
VIII
7
15
8
3
33
Total
15
51
44
50
30
43
33
34
31
16
6
353
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SCHOOL REPORT.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution October 1, 1949
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot.
Miss Devane
30
30
Miss Shinnick - -
31
31
Mrs. Johnston
35
35
Miss Flathers
17
16
33
Mrs. Carpenter - -
36
36
Mrs. LaVorgna
43
43
Miss Hinckley
38
38
Mrs. Dunn
40
40
Mr. Holmes
34
34
Mr. Dzenowagis
-
33
33
Total
61
52
52
43
38
40
34
33
353
SCHOOL CENSUS October 1, 1949
Age
Boys
Girls
Total
5-7
56
53
109
7-16
194
165
359
4 to 5
20
15
3 to 4
30
19
2 to 3
26
40
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
February 10, 1950 The School Committee of Middleton hereby submits to its citi- zens and taxpayers the first annual report of the five-member board:
Because of the increased enrollment in the lower grades, the committee was obliged to convert the back half of the assembly hall into a classroom for the school year, 1949-1950, and to add another member to its teaching staff. Next September we are faced with an enrollment of approximately 60 first-grade chil- dren which will necessitate the creation of still another classroom and the addition of another regular classroom teacher to the faculty. To provide this classroom the assembly hall must be partitioned-thus eliminating the possibility of its being used for school assemblies-and the front section will have to be used for classroom purposes.
There have been several changes in school personnel during the past year. Since the committee feels that the very backbone of its educational system is dependent upon the training, experi- ence, sincerity, and interest of its personnel; great care has been exercised in filling each vacancy. Our new teachers come to us highly trained, well qualified, and highly recommended. The high quality and training of the faculty members is bound to be reflected in better education for our pupils.
The committee is still cognizant of the value of a remedial teacher in our system and have not abandoned the plan to have one. Although we have been unsuccessful so far in our attempt to get just the right person for this highly specialized position, we have again made provision in our budget for a remedial teacher and are hopeful of attaining one by next September.
The planning for and expenditures of school funds is always a matter of utmost importance to the committee. Last April our teachers requested an adjustment in their salary schedule which in substance would raise the maximum salary $300. In an effort to have our schedule compare favorably with similar communi- ties and thereby being in a position to attract well-qualified teachers to our system, the committee considered it advisable to raise the minimum and maximum salaries on our schedule by
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SCHOOL REPORT
$200-the first rate increase of $100 to become effective as of January 1, 1950; the second increase of $100 to become effective as of next September. This together with the additional teachers on our staff, has added to the salary item in our budget.
As of January 1, 1950 the tuition of our high school pupils increased from $172.18 to $179.85, an increase of $7.67 per pupil.
The committee has found it necessary to have the school heating system cleaned, regulated, and worn parts and motors replaced after 12 years of operation.
In order to keep our textbooks up to date, older editions have been replaced in several instances by complete new series.
These have all been contributing factors to a slightly in- creased school budget.
The school committee wishes to thank the members of its school staff for their past assistance and requests their continued cooperation and loyalty as it is only through good teamwork and democratic administration that our school can function properly.
The school committee also wishes to thank the citizens and taxpayers for their fine cooperation and interest in our school system. In order that our schools may serve your interests and those of the children of Middleton most effectively, the com- mittee welcomes any suggestions, constructive criticism, and active cooperation that the citizens of Middleton may have to offer.
Respectfully submitted,
EBEN L. JEWETT, Chairman ROSAMOND L. BOSTABLE, Secretary H. Y. SMITH ALICE K. CASS RAYMOND N. SILVERNAIL
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SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Middleton, Massachusetts February 6, 1950
To the Superintendent of Schools and Members of the School Committee, MESDAMES AND GENTLEMEN :-
In compliance with your request I make the following report.
The school population has presented several definite prob- lems,-first transfers and enrollment of new pupils, especially during the school year. The latter offers much difficulty for children, as the courses of study often do not agree. This neces- sitates individual assistance, at least temporarily, and this is a problem when the classes are large and when so many pupils are transported with little opportunity for outside help. Second, the increase in numbers in the lower grades, made it imperative that there be two first grades, a second, a third, and a second and third combination, which was placed in the south side of the Auditorium, last fall.
In September 1950, still another class-room will be needed and the other half of the Assembly Hall must be used. All this has meant much planning in adjustment for wardrobes, filing and lunch room periods, besides depriving the children of the use of the Auditorium. The fact there is only one stairway is a dominant problem here.
The varied uses, easy access, attractiveness and value of the hall have been appreciated in our twelve years in this building, and it is greatly missed.
The increased registration is particularly noticeable in lists of bus pupils, not only in numbers, but in frequent changes on various routes, some of which are very crowded.
Achievement Tests and Reading Readiness Tests were given again this year, the former in the spring and the latter in Sep- tember. Even better results might be obtained should those for achievement be given in the first month of school as well as in the spring. We feel there is a definite value in the Reading Readiness tests.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Woessner, instrumental music director, has been very helpful in keeping his schedule in operation under difficult con- ditions,-holding classes before school, during physical education periods in the hall, and then moving to a corner of the cafeteria. Even this plan cannot be used next year.
Textbooks came into foreground last year for consideration, as in several grades refills could not be obtained. Therefore a complete new set or series was necessary for history, spelling, language and arithmetic in some classes. Later other grades will be supplied.
In October, a State Clinic was held under supervision of the State Departments of Health and Education with Dr. Estelle Foote in charge. The examinations, tests and advice should prove of definite value in our adjustment of pupils who are retarded in their grades.
Questionnaires were sent home this fall, and cards contain- ing the information thereon, are on file in each class-room for use in cases of illness or accident. Quite often pupils who are too ill to be in school must be sent home. This situation has become a problem as many mothers are at work and not easily contacted. The data on these cards, mentioned above, we hope, will enable us to solve this question in a more satisfactory manner.
Our equipment for Visual Education is splendid but under present conditions very little can be accomplished,-the hall is not available and dark curtains are lacking for the rooms. In- vestigations are under way in regard to the latter, and we hope to have some definite replies, soon. The V S E projector will be a very useful tool in all grades, then.
For the April meeting of the P.T.A. an Art Exhibition was arranged by Mrs. Mary Field, Supervisor of Drawing. This was cumulative of the year's lesson plans with all sets and pupils represented in the class-rooms, while in the Assembly Hall, cor- ridors and on bulletin boards, the correlation with various sub- jects, especially Health, was emphasized, as well as the step by step progress of the grades. The scope and skill of the plan pro- duced a most interesting result which reflected much credit on Mrs. Field as well as the teachers and pupils.
Physical Education has been, again this year, under the direction of the class-room teachers, and splendid results have been accomplished, when the weather was suitable for classes
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SCHOOL REPORT
in the play-ground. Our yard is so extensive that several groups from lower grades can do good work at the same time. Upper classes have been divided into groups of boys and girls, but divi- sions have been too large for proper instruction in game rules. Books approved by the State Department of Education were rec- ommended by Mr. Dzenowagis and have been purchased. These have proved useful and more should be bought. The interest shown by the children in this subject warrants the consideration of a regular supervisor, but one is not practical until a gym- nasium is a part of our equipment.
Wood-working for boys and Domestic Science for girls are needed for our two upper grades and we hope they will be a part of the curriculum in the near future.
Our school day is long with two buses arriving at eight- thirty and the last two leaving at about three. Thus the school is the community in which most of the children spend more than five hours a day. Community spirit must be present and active, to make the school a success. Interest must be aroused, group activities must be planned and executed, no matter how simple nor in which grades, to the end that the best efforts of the chil- dren be recognized, utilized and made a part of our school com- munity life.
In conclusion, may I thank the members of the School Com- mittee, Mr. Bean, Supervisors, teachers and Mr. Clinch for their continued co-operation.
Respectfully submitted,
C. ALICE MANNING.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
During the course of the year, the following services were rendered by the Medical Department:
All the children received a complete physical examination by Dr. Rogers. Parents were notified of any defects in order that they might be remedied through their own family physician or dentist. If this was an impossibility for the family, then they were referred to the school dentist and General Medical Clinics at the various hospitals.
Quite a number of children were immunized against Diph- theria by Dr. Rogers, with parental consent, and still more re- ceived booster shots as an added protection.
Both the Massachusetts Vision and Hearing Tests were done. The parents of the children who failed were notified and follow- up work was done.
We have had some cases of Pediculosis this year, but with almost constant supervision of previous offenders, we have kept the percentage at a very low level.
The children were weighed and measured twice during the year and notices were sent home with their height, weight and average weight.
The State Department of Public Education conducted a Mental Hygiene Clinic, in the Fall, and I obtained histories on the various children involved.
Dr. Connolly, again, conducted the Dental Clinic. The chil- dren's teeth were examined and notices sent to the parents. The work included fillings and extractions of all those that it was possible to do.
In conclusion, I wish to thank Dr. Rogers, Miss Manning, and the teachers, for their cooperation and able assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE M. BRENNAN, R.N.,
School Nurse.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
The object of the Art Program is to help through art in the development of the whole personality of the child, both as an individual and as a co-operating member of a democracy: through art experiences encouraging his creative ability and joy in making; and increasing his powers of observation, understand- ing, appreciation, selection, organization, co-operation, and his technical knowledge, thereby making his contribution to the community of more value and enlarging his own happiness in the great art of living.
For those who wish to continue and make art a profession the plan will provide some technical training and a sound foun- dation for further study; for those who do not it should develop taste in the selection and arrangement of their surroundings and greater enjoyment through recognition of beauty, even in the usual. It should also prove suggestive of creative uses of leisure time.
During the early years the emphasis is on the free self- expression of the child. Appreciation and understanding are essential. The interest of the child and motivation are of primary importance. No effort is made to impose a group of static con- ventional forms; real growth occurs when the child creates form himself. Observation and individual reactions are encouraged and we have had some very original results.
It is helpful for the pupils to experience a variety of ma- terials, not only to learn different skills and broaden their idea of art, but because it is inspiring, and some people work better in one medium than another. We have already used, in different classes, in addition to crayons, powder paints, colored chalks and poster colors, and several groups have been getting a sense of form through clay. We have also done cut paper work leading to the beautiful transparencies designed by the VIII Gr. on the principles of a stained glass window, and carried out in paper and cellophane.
In Grades IV and VI we have made some fine and truly co- operative murals, several children working together on each one. Needless to say, the pupils chose the subjects, providing a nice integration with their other work.
.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Of course design is fundamental in all our work, color usually being part of it. We do more illustration in the earlier years, shifting the emphasis with the pupils' interests. There has been some lettering and/or poster work in several grades.
At the moment Grade VII is working intensively on figure drawing and will soon branch to the special subjects each has selected.
The VIIIth Grade is doing architectural scale plans and ele- vations and will soon investigate some of the directions in which art can lead.
In spite of the large classes and very limited time, every pupil has the individual attention of the supervisor.
Needless to say, we have hardly achieved all of our objec- tives in five months! But we are moving steadily forward.
The work is a great joy, and I wish to thank Mr. Jewett and the whole School Committee and Superintendent Bean for their wonderful help. I should also like to thank Miss Manning for her many kindnesses; and Mr. Clinch for lending us his tools; and finally our splendid staff of teachers, without whose fine co- operation it would not be possible to carry out the program.
Respectfully submitted,
January 28, 1950
DOROTHY C. B. PALMER.
FL
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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