Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1953, Part 6

Author: Middleton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1954
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 152


USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1953 > Part 6


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During the past year, the committee has taken several steps to make our building more functional and its maintenance easier. In this connection, the last two rooms of fastened-down furniture have been replaced with removable units which completes the modernization program in that respect. New shades have been installed in 5 rooms of the old section of the building. The shades purchased will aid greatly in the use of visual aids in the classroom. A two-way inter- communication system has been installed. We foresee many advan- tages and uses for this system. A floor machine has been purchased that will help in the maintenance of the school.


It has been most gratifying to have many of our teachers take further professional study during the past year. In answer to a request from our teachers for a salary increase, we have granted a $200 increase - $100 of which became effective on January 1, the other $100 to become effective next September.


The new 3-year bus contract has been awarded to John Muzichuk as the lowest bidder. The new contract calls for new busses and provides for use of the busses for educational field trips and athletic contests. We expect that this arrangement will be most satisfactory.


Our committee is still concerned with the school drop-out problem at the secondary level. We shall continue to take what steps we can within our realm to discourage our youth from leaving school before graduation. We have, however, been encouraged by the number of boys who are taking advantage of vocational and trade school oppor- tunities. Otherwise, these boys are potential school drop-outs.


We wish to thank Mr. Rivard and Mr. Dower, our teachers, our supervisors, janitors, and cafeteria workers for their splendid cooper- ation and untiring efforts during the past year. We should like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Shea for the splendid work she has done during her stay as reading supervisor in Middleton and


112


SCHOOL REPORT


commend to your attention her final report on remedial reading attached hereto.


We again wish to thank the citizens of Middleton for your con- tinued interest, loyalty, and support of your school. The regular meeting of the school committee is held at the Howe-Manning School on the second Wednesday of each month.


Respectfully submitted,


MIDDLETON SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Eben Jewett, Chairman Rosamond Bastable, Secretary Harold Purdy Henry Luscomb David Burns


113


SCHOOL REPORT


SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT


To the Middleton School Committee:


I herewith submit my third annual report as Superintendent of the Middleton School System.


This past year has been a year of progress toward worthwhile educational goals. A spelling series has been adopted for grades 1-8 and the health series completed for all grades. This completes the moderization program of textbooks which was started over two years ago. A cumulative record system has also been introduced. This will be invaluable to the entire system but especially in our guidance program which is now functioning effectively.


Many strip films pertaining to subject matter material have been made available to teachers to supplement and develop a modern program of audio-visual aids. The purchase of two strip film pro- jectors, one by the graduating class of 1953 and the second by the School Department, has aided greatly in developing this program. Two three-speed record players, one presented by the Parent-Teacher Association, and the other by the Howe-Manning Activity Fund which is under the direction of Mr. Raymond Dower, has made possible the introduction of educational records as a teaching aid.


The physical educational program is constantly increasing in scope. In working out a program, a number of definite objectives are kept in view - namely - an understanding and development of good clean sportsmanship, leadership, cooperation, physical fitness, worthy use of leisure time, improvement and maintenance of good posture and appreciation of health.


Safety Education has been demonstrated by means of lectures, motion pictures, and strip films. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and our own local Police Department have been of great service to us in this respect.


The school lunch program continues to serve hot, nutritious lunches to any student attending the school. Under the splendid management of Mrs. Margaret Osgood this lunch program is self- supporting. During this past year, 43,243 Type A Lunches (complete meal including milk) and 6,410 Type C Lunches (milk only) were served. $9,226.74 was collected from the sales of these lunches and $4,020.07 was reimbursed from the Massachusetts School Lunch Program.


The school population is continuing to increase slowly but steadily with the heavy increase coming in the primary grades. Middleton has been fortunate to escape the building boom of neighboring towns.


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SCHOOL REPORT


Nevertheless, the Town must look to the future. Next September we will be short one classroom with additional classroom space to be needed in the immediate future.


Changes in school personnel during the year were as follows:


Resigned:


Mrs. Grace Warman


Grades 2 and 3


Mrs. Esther Charron


Grade 4


Mrs. Patricia Kornachuk Grade 5


Mrs. Ann LaFortune Grade 5


Miss Marie Lapniewski


Grade 6


Mr. James Burke


Grades 7 and 8


Miss Sonia Antis


Art


Reassigned:


Mrs. Nellie Johnston


Grade 2 to Grade 5


Appointed :


Mrs. Ruth Edwards


Grade 2


Mrs. Jane Taylor


Grade 2


Miss Andrea Gallagher


Grade 4


Mrs. Lillian Taylor


Grade 5


Mrs. Norma Simard


Grade 5


Mrs. Eleanor Lozeau


Grade 7 and 8


Mr. Dale McElroy


Grade 7 and 8


Mr. Edward Bruzzo


Art


In closing I again stress the philosophy of education which is developing in the Middleton school system - namely, to make sure each child succeeds as far as possible. Success brings satisfaction and renewed effort. Every effort is being made to know the child as a "whole" child. In addition to his physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects, we are trying to find out not only what goes on in the classroom but on the playground and at home as well. When these facts are discovered, we are given clues so as to better direct the work of the schoolroom and the school playground. Thus, when we are aware of the needs and drives of each child, we can direct them so as to secure their best all-round development. We who have the duty of directing children must always try to see that happiness predominates in their lives. Thus our testing, guidance, reading and physical education programs, as well as our general school program, have in common the one aim - namely - to make each child successful to be a happy well adjusted child.


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SCHOOL REPORT


I call your attention to the reports of our Principal and Super- visors which should provide our citizens with a better knowledge of some of the work carried on in the Howe-Manning School.


I express my deep and heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff, the School Committee, and the citizens of the Town of Middleton for their loyal support and cooperation.


Respectfully submitted,


THOMAS L. RIVARD,


Superintendent of Schools


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SCHOOL REPORT


ENROLLMENT STATISTICS Age-Grade Distribution - October 1, 1953


Age Grade


5


6


7


8


9


10


11


12


13


14


15


16


17


Total


I


7


56


4


67


II


15


44


59


III


11


24


4


39


IV


5


14


18


5


1


43


V


2


26


24


56


VI


9


33


7


49


VII


33


7


3


1


51


VIII


4


20


6


2


1


33


Total | | | 7- 24


38


24


40


65


48


27


9


2


2


397


Teacher-Grade Distribution - October 1, 1953


reacher


Grade 1


2


3


4


5


6


7


8


Total


Mrs. Shaw


33


33


Miss Devane


31;


34


Mrs. J. Taylor


30


30


'rs. Edwards


29


29


"iss Marino


29


29


"iss Hini:ley


10


14


24


Miss Gallagher


29


29


I'rs. Johnston


28


28


!! rs. L. Taylor


28


28


firs. Simard


2L


24


Mirs. Rikkola


25


25


Er. McElroy


25


26


Mrs. Lozezu


25


25


Mir. Branch


33


33


Total


67


59


39


43


56


49


51


33


397


Middleton Students Attending Danvers High - Oct. 1, 1953


Grade 9 -


16


Grade 10 -


18


Grade 11


26


Grade 12


- 42


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SCHOOL REPORT


PRINCIPAL'S REPORT


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:


Herein, and on the following pages, is my third annual report as Principal of the Howe-Manning School to the citizens of the Town of Middleton. The report has been divided into major sections for ease in reading and studying the data presented.


FACULTY


The teaching staff includes fourteen classroom teachers, an Art Supervisor, Music Supervisor, Reading Supervisor, Penmanship Supervisor and the Principal. An increase of one classroom teacher became necessary with the formation of a second Seventh Grade class. This teacher is Mrs. Eleanor Lozeau. In addition, other new teachers added to the faculty because of resignations, include: Grade Two, Mrs. Jane Taylor and Mrs. Ruth Edwards; Grade Four, Miss Andrea Gallagher; Grade Five, Mrs. Lillian Taylor; Grade Six, Mrs. Norma Simard; and Grade Seven, Mr. Dale McElroy. Mr. Edward Bruzzo was employed to replace Miss Sonya Antis as Art Supervisor. Changes in teaching assignments include the transfer of Miss Fannie Hinkley from Grade Four to the combined class, Grades Three and Four and the transfer of Mrs. J. Nellie Johnston from Grade Two to Grade Five. A complete roster of the teaching personnel may be found elsewhere in this report.


Many members of the school staff have undertaken professional study for their own personal betterment. Taking advantage of the opportunity to undertake graduate study conducted in nearby com- munities under college auspices and in Boston proper, were: Mrs. Marjorie Shaw, Miss Catherine Devane, Miss Carmelina Marino, Mrs. Ann Rikkola, Mr. Dale McElroy, Mr. John Branch, Miss Dorothea Shea, and Mr. Dower.


A new member of the school staff this year is Dr. Stephen J. D'Urso of Lawrence, who has been retained as the school dentist. Dr. D'Urso is in attendance at the Howe-Manning School Wednesday and Friday each week to care for the teeth of the school children. Dr. D'Urso's complete report may be found elsewhere.


HEALTH


The physical examinations of children in the First, Fourth and Eighth Grades by the School Physician, Dr. Lois Rogers of Topsfield,


118


SCHOOL REPORT


is being continued this year, in accordance with state health regula- tions governing school physical examinations. These examinations are intensive and are given by Dr. Rogers if parents do not wish to have the examinations done by their own family physicians.


This year, however, there has been one change from last year's regulations. Beginning with the present scholastic year, parents are no longer required to furnish a doctor's certificate for children who have been absent from school for five days or more.


The new Dental Clinic, opened this past Spring, is now in full operation. Many children have taken advantage of this opportunity to have their dental defects corrected. The Town of Middleton is fortunate to have the services of Dr. Stephen J. D'Urso of Lawrence as the school dentist. His manner of approach to the school children has done much to allay their fears regarding dental work to be done.


A word of appreciation should be expressed here to the Middleton Women's Club for their contribution of $25.00 which is being used to defray expenses of dental work done for children unable to pay for the service.


CAFETERIA


All of the tables in the cafeteria have now been covered with linoleum. A new potato masher has been added to the kitchen equip- ment. Through the thoughtfulness of the cafeteria staff, a series of monthly birthday parties has been arranged this year. On one day each month, all the children who have birthdays during that month sit at a special table appropriately decorated, and eat their lunch. The lunch is climaxed with a birthday cake complete with candles. This kind gesture is but one of the many acts of thoughtfulness shown by the cafeteria staff to the teachers and pupils.


LIBRARY


The school library is open each school day at the close of school to allow boys and girls to obtain books for leisure reading at home. In addition, numerous reference books have been placed on the shelves and pupils are allowed to borrow these books to aid them in their classroom assignments. Also, extra sets of books have been placed in the library to aid members of the faculty plan supplementary material.


This year, through the cooperation of Miss Carleton and Mr. Gifford of the Flint Library staff, a series of visits to the town


119


SCHOOL REPORT


library have been arranged. Each class is taken on a conducted tour of the town library by members of the staff. The procedure necessary for borrowing books is explained. Already, an icnrease in the number of boys and girls using the town library facilities has been noted.


A collection of 65 juvenile books was borrowed from the library of the State Department of Education and these books have been placed in the classrooms of the first three grades for additional read- ing by this group.


ATHLETICS


Basketball and baseball teams representing the school played full schedules this past year against schools from other towns. This year, teams representing the school will travel to games with other schools in the new school buses. This will afford greater protection for the boys and girls as hertofore it has been necessary to depend on the generosity of the owners of private cars to transport the teams to and from games. Those who offered their vehicles in the past were most generous with their time and property but it is felt that, in case of accident, these owners would be placed in a most unfavorable position.


Regularly scheduled physical education classes are held each week for the boys and girls in the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades under the direction of Mr. John Branch and Mrs. Eleanor Lozeau. The teachers in Grades One to Five have an assigned period each week when they take their class to the gymnasium for organized play activity.


INSURANCE


This year, for the first time, a blanket Student Accident Policy was made available to the students. This policy covers any type of accident occurring on a regular school day from the time the insured have left his home for school until he returns; provided that the accident occurs while directly enroute between home and school, while at school, or directly enroute between school and home. Accidents occurring during one hour before school begins in the morning and one hour after school closes in the afternoon are considered a part of the school day.


This insurance coverage was obtained through the cooperation of the School Committee and the Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company of Boston.


120


SCHOOL REPORT


COMMUNITY USE OF THE BUILDING


This past year saw more and more use made of the facilities of the auditorium and cafeteria by various groups. Church and youth organizations have employed the facilities for social occasions. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have used the building for meetings and for planned programs. The gymnasium is in use one night each week for older boys groups who play basketball under adult supervision. The auditorium is now the established site for the annual Town Meeting. A copy governing the use of school facilities may be obtained from the Principal's office.


EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES


These certificates, which are required by State law for all boys and girls between the ages of 14 to 21 who wish to work, may be obtained from the Principal at his office between the hours of 9 A.M. and 3 P.M. Monday through Friday. Applicants for these certificates must present a birth certificate and evidence of schooling (diploma or report card) when applying. Any questions about this matter may be answered by telephoning the Principal's office.


EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES


Several new innovations have been added this year to enrich the school life of those attending Howe-Manning School. Through the thoughtfulness and planning by the School Committee, a schedule of educational trips for all grades has been made possible. Several grades have already taken advantage of this opportunity and among the places visited have been the Museum of Science, Bunker Hill Monument, the Boston Navy Yard, the Ford Assembly plant in Somerville, the Cherry Hill farm of the H. P. Hood and Sons Milk Company and the Beverly Airport. It is expected that many more trips will be made in the Spring when the weather will be more suitable.


These trips are made under the supervision of the classroom teachers. One of the main reasons for these trips being made possible are the new buses available for these trips. These buses are owned by Mr. John Muzichuk, holder of the present bus contract. The avail- ability of these new buses and the courtesy and cooperation of the bus drivers have made it possible to schedule these trips.


Also, this year, a schedule of assemblies has been arranged. Each classroom teacher is responsible for one assembly during the school year. The assemblies are held every other Thursday morning and the programs are introduced and presented entirely by the children.


121


SCHOOL REPORT


Through the cooperation of the Carl Fischer Music Company of Boston, it has been possible to make the facilities of the school avail- able for instrumental music instruction. Lessons are given to a large number of boys and girls every Thursday afternoon in one of the school classrooms. It is hoped that, as mastery of these instruments is obtained, this group will be able to perform at school functions.


SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS


Through the aid of the Parent-Teacher Association, a new phono- graph and a set of educational records has been purchased for the school. A second phonograph, identical with the first, has also been purchased from the school general fund.


Last year's graduating class has presented the school with a new strip film and slide projector. This projector is receiving heavy usage because of the increased employment of strip films by teachers in the classrooms.


A beginning has been made on a professional library for members of the teaching staff. Several professional magazines have been subscribed for and books have been purchased to aid the teachers in their work.


CONCLUSION


This past year has been one of progress. The development and growth of our children is a continuous process. Learning begins before a child enters elementary school and continues while he is both at school and at home. After he leaves the school, the process continues as long as life lasts. The elementary school, therefore, is only one ยท segment of one part of a life-long process of development. It is an important section of an important part of life, but its importance is enhanced by noting the other parts which precede, accompany, and follow. We, at Howe-Manning School, are striving constantly to attain knowledge of each child in order to be of assistance to him.


My appreciation is expressed here for the cooperation of the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee, teachers, supervisors, Mr. Hayward, the Parent-Teacher Association, and to all who have assisted Howe-Manning School in any manner.


Respectfully submitted,


RAYMOND S. DOWER, JR. Principal


122


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:


The accomplishments of the Health Department throughout the year are as follows:


The new and improved physical examination was given to each child in the first, fourth, and eighth grades with parental consent. Sport physicals were done on those that participate in gymnastics.


The Diphtheria and Tetanus Immunization Program was success- fully carried out. The majority of children received booster shots.


The dental room proved its worth by the large number of children who received dental treatment. Each child's teeth were examinated by the State under the supervision of Dr. Ronan. The fillings and extractions were done by our very efficient dentist, Dr. Stephen J. D'Urso.


The Hearing and Vision Tests were done twice during 1953. Grades 1 - 3 - 5 - 7 were tested. Less than ten percent of these failed. We are in hopes that the failures will be taken to a competent physician or specialist by the parents. It is so important to have these impairments corrected.


A list of other duties performed is:


Height and weight program - head and hair examinations, home visits, and followups on the Vision and Hearing Tests.


In conclusion, Dr. Rogers and I would like to thank Mr. Rivard, Mr. Dower and the teachers for their cooperation and assistance.


Respectfully submitted,


LOUISE M. BRENNAN, R.N.


School Nurse


123


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF READING SUPERVISOR


It is with feelings of mingled regret and pleasure that I submit to you this, my third and last report as Reading Supervisor in Howe- Manning School.


Because of the low record of achievement of many Middleton children in academic subjects, the position of reading teacher was filled on a supervisory basis so that a complete program might be established. The establishment of this program was scheduled to cover a period of three years; in actuality the program took two years for its major accomplishments and the present year is employed in evaluating past performance and laying the foundation for a future program that will prevent the development of further serious reading or learning disabilities. It should not be the hope of any administration to prevent learning disabilities by a specific approach but rather to inaugurate a flexible program that can be adjusted to meet pupil needs as they become apparent. Such flexibility brings accomplishment only when there is a basis of scientific appraisal through testing, inclusive observations of teachers, parents, and administrators ,and a working spirit of cooperation with the youngest pupil or the most serious minded adult. These are the principles of the community- centered school and the effort to put these principles into effect has been a challenging one. The purpose of this report is to indicate to what extent this challenge has been met in the reading program and to show the areas where further work is needed.


At the present time there are no non-readers in Howe-Manning School. Of the original group of non-readers of three years ago, all but three are able to continue in regular classes with routine remedial assistance.


Remedial reading has made practical in Howe-Manning School a modified system of social promotion retaining for a second year in a grade those children who can profit by non-promotion. A follow-up study of non-promotions should be undertaken so that a better esti- mate can be made of the validity of the present program. It may be said, however, that standard achievement tests indicate that Middleton pupils are attaining national norms both in age and in academic accomplishment. Over-age pupils are seldom found in any grade.


'The increase in school population in the current year required that the reading room be used for another classroom and a teachers' room be changed into a reading room.


124


SCHOOL REPORT


Dependence on a reading teacher can keep a child working at a level below his abilities; it is, therefore, the part of wisdom to transfer remedial work to the classroom teacher as soon as possible and to work with the reading teacher on a consultant basis. But in order to effect a good program under such circumstances, it is necessary to have available a co-basal or planned supplementary reading series so that the individual needs of pupils may be met. Failure to provide such supplementary reading material handicaps the pupil in his efforts to participate activiely in the classroom and needlessly prolongs his dependence on the reading teacher.


The testing program is also in process of evaluation and change. A sound testing program is the basis of all good teaching in the modern school, for the modern school emphasizes the abilities and not the disabilities of children. The first grades were again tested with Stanford Binet and Monroe Reading Aptitude Tests, and the median levels of intelligence and aptitude were found once more to be markedly higher than the national medians. But since many health, speech, and social problems were also found, careful interpretation of individual children was made and given to their teachers. Many conferences with parents also resulted. Conferences between the administration and the teachers were held and a carful analysis of needs was made on a group basis. Special materials and programs were provided and a careful check of progress was inaugurated. The needs of these first grades were very marked and without special help satisfactory growth for all was doubtful. The system of testing in these grades involves much time but can well be justified if full use of the tests is made. The system of conferences should be extended incorporating one or more additional grades each year; in this way the tests will be both used and evaluated over a period of time to the ultimate advantage of the individual child.


In the intermediate and upper grades a testing program of mental ability and educational achievement is in process of evolving. More work on this is necessary, particularly in the area of teacher needs and interests, before a final program can be presented.


The development of a sound guidance program greatly facilitates the progress of a reading program. It is a truism that correction or improvement of a learning or reading disability often markedly assists behavior and discipline. Children who do not achieve constructively will often utilize their energies in destructive activities. Emotional dis- turbances frequently result in learning retardation and learning disabilities almost invariably result in emotional disturbances. Preven- tion of retardation is the first and most important step in a guidance


125


SCHOOL REPORT


program. Educational therapy is the prerogative of every public school but psychotherapy is rightly to be questioned in such an environment. The disturbed child in the school may find educational techniques therapeutic and therefore helpful in his growth and development; but if these techniques are not therapeutic, i. e., con- sistent with his needs of the moment, the school cannot ignore the child or the pressures upon him, but must turn to outside agencies for help. To do otherwise means that the school makes the child's behavior a subject only for "discipline" and serves no purpose other than dis- closing a false premise of school authority. But in seeking help education, through its guidance program, must make referrals with care. Community guidance organizations, though few in number, are the only natural outlet for public schools. Private organizations are very expensive and not subject to control; church groups are not always equipped to handle serious problems, For Middleton the Child Guidance Clinic in Salem is still available but only for diagnosis and possible referral to other agencies; the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has already done yeoman service in this community and too much cannot be said for the fine calibre of their work; the North Shore Children's Friend also works in Middleton and is available for many of the cases formerly referred to the Child Guidance Clinic.


In summary it may be said that work in reading this year revolves about evaluation and planning for future needs. The areas of study are:


1. Reduction of the size of reading classes and development of a classroom remedial program for borderline cases.


2. Development of co-basal or supplementary texts in all subject fields.


3. Evaluation of the testing program and the need for changes conducive to helping the classroom teacher and to more active teacher participation in planning and making use of tests.


4. Extension of the conference system with teachers on all grade levels to know and plan for individual and group needs.


5. The need for continuing a guidance program.


6. The development of standard operating procedures in meeting general and specific needs.


To the Middleton School Committee I extend my deep appreciation for the opportunity of working in a program which they foresaw as


126


SCHOOL REPORT


a pertinent need for the children of their community. To the admin- istration and to the faculty I also extend my appreciation for the assistance they have given me. I leave Middleton with the personal conviction that Howe-Manning School can give to its pupils a com- petent start in developing skill with the tools of learning.


Respectfully submitted,


DOROTHEA P. SHEA


Reading Supervisor


127


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR


I submit, with pleasure, this report of the music program in the public school of Middleton.


Our aim is always to create a love of good music on the part of the child. The following three essentials which have entered into this have been 1) voice culture, 2) interpretation and 3) music read- ing. The new "American Singer" music books and records which we obtained last year for grades one through five certainly have been an inspiration to both teacher and child. The songs in these books are so delightful that the children love to sing them, and actually enjoy trying to improve their music reading ability.


Besides learning many rote songs in the lower grades, we are doing much note reading and rhythm work so that our part singing will improve in the upper grades. We are also having music appre- ciation in the seventh and eighth grades this year, learning about famous composers, listening to their compositions, and also learning about the various musical instruments.


The organized Glee Club of the Seventh and Eighth Grades meets once a week and practices two and three part songs.


Last year we started an instrumental program in Middleton, giving school children the opportunity to take lessons on an instrument of their choice at the school. There are quite a number of children taking advantage of this program, and we hope to develop a school orchestra soon.


May I take this opportunity to thank all in the school system for their friendliness and cooperation.


Respectfully submitted,


DORIS M. NYQUIST


Music Supervisor


128


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR


The art program has lain stress on creative expression with the view of satisfying both esthetic and emotional ends.


Stained glass, stencil design, scratchboard, and paper sculpture techniques have been employed for purposes of both stimulation and breadth of experience. Group projects have been engaged in for the scondary purpose of enhancing social awareness.


In general, the lower grades have been limited to the "picture story" presentations, in order that their native creative sense be given every opportunity to develop.


For the future, potato prints, posters with a social message, book jackets for school books, ceramic work, and more group projects are being planned.


Respectfully submitted,


EDWARD BRUZZO


Art Supervisor


129


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF THE HANDWRITING SUPERVISOR


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:


In the initial handwriting tests administered to your pupils in September 1951, 6.2% of the pupils received a grade of "A" (Excel- lent); 14.5% received a score of "B" (Good); and 79.1% scored less than "B". In the tests administered in June 1953, 63.2% of the pupils received a grade of "A"; 14.2% received a score of "B"; and 22.6% received a grade of less than "B". Handwriting certificates were awarded to 70% of your pupils.


During the school year we graded approximately 3,000 formal and 9,000 informal samples of handwriting for your pupils. A formal test was administered monthly and a report was furnished each teacher giving a careful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in the room.


We furnished the following instructional materials: monthly teachers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certificates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates to pupils who qualified, monthly and term envelopes, seals, etc.


My supervisors join with me in expressing our appreciation for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.


Respectfully submitted,


W. L. RINEHART, Director Rinehart Handwriting System


130


SCHOOL REPORT


REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:


The new Dental Clinic was opened last April. At that time a dental examination was given to the entire student body and reports were sent home advising the parents of the condition of their children's teeth. It was recommended that, whenever possible, the child be taken to the family dentist. Those who were unable to do so were afforded the opportunity of utilizing the facilities of the school Dental Clinic.


The services rendered include the extraction of abscessed teeth, the restoration of decayed teeth, and general instruction in the proper care of the teeth. The cost to the patient is one dollar per operation.


The Dental Clinic is in operation two mornings each week, on Wednesday and Friday, with the School Nurse assisting one morning a week. The equipment is adequate for rendering routine services such as fillings and minor oral surgery.


Since the clinic was opened last April, approximately 55 children have been treated at least once, and of this number, 45 have had all dental defects treated.


It has been a pleasure to be a part of the newly established dental health program at the Howe-Manning School. Most of the parents have shown a great deal of interest in the clinic and several have come to the school to discuss the dental needs of their children. The children themselves have, in general, been very good patients and they are realizing more and more the importance of sound healthy teeth.


I wish to thank all those who assisted me in my work during the school year. I wish to express my appreciation especially to the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal, and the School Nurse.


Respectfully submitted,


STEPHEN J. D'URSO, D.M.D.


INDEX


Balance Sheet - 42


Cemetery Endowment Report


49


Cemetery Department


34


Charities


-


26


Cummings Fund


47


General Government


9


Health and Sanitation


23


Highways


24


Library and Parks


- 29


Municipal Indebtedness


35


Payroll Analysis


44


Public Service Enterprises


- 32


Protection of Persons and Property


19


Recapitulations


37


School Department


-


28


Town Officers


3


Town Officers Salaries


-


13


Town Treasurer's Account


46


Unclassified Account


30


Veterans' Services


27


PART II


Assessor's Report 72


Building Inspector's Report


- 71


Dog Officer's Report -


- 83


Board of Appeals -


- 84


Electric Light Report - - 85


Finance Committee Recommendations


94


INDEX (Continued)


Fire Department Report - 87


Flint Public Library Fund


57


Fire Station and Highway Building Committee 89


Highway Department


77


Jurors List -


70


Land Owned by the Town


48


Librarian's Report


59


Moth Department Report


80


Planning Board Report


88


Public Welfare


93


Police Department Report


82


Regional School Planning Report


91


Selectmen's Report


61


School Reports 106


Tax Collector's Report


74


Town Clerk's Report -


64


Tree Warden's Report


79


Warrant for March 9, 1954 - Inside Front Cover


-


MIDDLETON


PUBLIC LIBRARY




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