USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1957 > Part 6
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The teaching assignments for the departmentally organized Grades Seven and Eight are as follows: Grade Seven, Miss Shirley Foley - Language Arts and Girls' Physical Education; Mr. John Hanlon - Social Studies and Boys' Physical Education; Grade Eight, Mr. Eugene Winter - Science, Music, Art, and Guidance; Mrs. Steve Taylor - Mathematics and Guidance.
CURRICULUM
Once again this year we are engaged in curriculum revision through the medium of the curriculum workshop in which we partici- pate the second Wednesday of each month. This year work was completed in the areas of Science, Social Studies and English Grammar. Many other surrounding towns at the moment of the writing of this report are considering the necessity of a close look at their own courses of study just as we have been doing. The value of this study lies not only in revision of curricula but also in critical evaluation of subject-matter and techniques of presentation of that subject-matter.
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SCHOOL REPORT
In line with self-improvement, which has been a focus of attention, is the addition of several professional books and magazines to the library.
With the transfer of the library from what is now the Principal's Office to what used to be Miss Hinkley's room, the use of this facility has been greatly extended. The Library serves a double function in that it is also the remedial reading room and since Mrs. Donovan serves both as remedial reading specialist and librarian, she is able to assist students during the day in their attempts to find material for reports and the like.
Aiding Mrs. Donovan in the distribution of books is a capable staff of youngsters from the Future Teachers of America Club who have an interest in this phase of a teacher's life.
As a result of the addition, the gymnasium is once more available for use in the physical education program for children in all the grades. This has been a tremendous boon to the children and their delight and happiness are obvious even to the most casual observer.
During the past year two separate programs have been instituted with the cooperation of Miss Tyler of the Flint Public Library staff. The first is a series of visits to the library for the purpose of learn- ing about such things as the physical layout of the library, how to find certain types of books, and an explanation of how to borrow a book. The second is a series of story hours by Miss Tyler much to the delight of the children.
We have been able to purchase three record players, a filmstrip projector, a large screen, and public address stands along with the renewals of our usual Film Cooperative and Filmstrip-of-the-Month contracts. These materials are keeping the audio-visual equipment of the school up to the high standard set prior to the six-room addition.
One activity which must be considered under the heading of curriculum is the group of projectionists. These youngsters of grades 6, 7 and 8, while being held to extremely high standards of conduct and scholarship, have been of assistance to outside groups wishing to use our equipment on school property but after school hours and have kept our audio-visual program operating as one of the finest anywhere.
Our testing program convinces us that we are definitely making progress in our teaching. This progress is shown through greater success by the children in achievement tests and the more informal
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test given by the various classroom teachers. It is felt that the new textbook series in mathematics, science and social studies, curriculum study, devoted teachers who seek to make school interesting, and efficient organization are the key to success this year.
GUIDANCE
It is becoming increasingly more evident throughout the country that the guidance program of any school is a matter of vital concern and, therefore, of the utmost importance. In Middleton we have been taking great strides in this field.
Every child has the opportunity for private specialized help in problems related to personal, educational, and vocational subjects. Children in grades 4, 5 and 6 have formal classes in fair-play, honesty, etc. Boys and girls in grades 7 and 8 receive class type instruction in choice of vocations, family problems, social relationships, study habits, high school orientation, and many other units of study.
A welcome addition to our guidance facilities this year has been the Conference Room where, in a central location, it is possible to discuss, in private, with the student and with his parents any problems which he may have.
We renewed our membership this year with the Guidance Filmstrip-of-the-Month Club, as well as with Science Research Associates for its Comprehensive Guidance Service. These have proven to be very helpful.
Our very extensive testing program includes: Achievement Tests in grades 2-8 inclusive every year; Intelligence Tests in grades 1, 3, 5 and 7; Problem Inventories in grades 5 and 7; and Interest Inven- tories in grades 5 and 8. A new development in the field of testing this year has been the decision to use the Kuder Preference Record to check interests as compared with the interests of people already in established occupations. Through this means, we can see whether a boy or girl has the interests which most people who are doctors, lawyers, plumbers, accountants, etc. have and thus see whether, given the aptitude and achievement necessary for success, probability for success is sufficiently high to warrant concentration on that field of work.
Extensive cumulative records and test folders follow each child up the grades and yield much information of extreme importance to all teachers and the guidance staff.
A new statistical file is being set up in the Principal's office, the : purpose of which is to help in our close supervision of the educational results achieved at the Howe-Manning School.
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SCHOOL REPORT
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Middleton Teachers' Association prepared and staged an "Open House" for the fifth year in a row in observance of National Education Week this past November. The Teachers' Association also packaged and distributed gifts to needy families in the town at Christmas time. Seventy-one children, from eighteen families, received presents of clothing and toys for Christmas as a result of the teachers' efforts and the generosity of several organizations and anonymous donors in town.
The Danvers YMCA is once again sponsoring Saturday morning physical education classes for boys in grades two through eight. Mr. John Hanlon of our school faculty is in charge. High school classes are also being conducted, as in the past, on Monday evenings.
Our baseball, softball and basketball teams, under the direction of Miss Shirley Foley and Mr. John Hanlon, have had many trips to neighboring communities and have been highly successful both in matters of good will and competitive success.
The Band this year is under the direction of Miss Sandra Masi, Music Supervisor, with the very capable assistance of Mr. Eugene Winter who, until Miss Masi was added to the staff in September, had to carry the entire burden himself while carrying a full teaching schedule.
The Fannie C. Hinkley Future Teachers of America Club has been highly successful this past year. The club has weekly meetings wherein educational problems are discussed. Speakers are brought in to acquaint all club members, many of whom are interested in teaching though they may not join the profession, on all types of educational methods. Books on teaching and teachers are bought and distributed to members out of club dues. Arrangements are also made to allow members to assist teachers in the learning situation on a definite schedule.
A new organization in the school has been the Safety Patrol whose purpose it is to aid in fire drills and to patrol certain prescribed places both before and after school. It is hoped that this medium will not only help youngsters in the Junior High Grades to participate in some extra-curricular activity but also that it will focus the attention of the school on safety habits.
The Student Council has initiated sponsorship of a school news- paper to report on the big and little things going on in the school which cannot be placed in the local newspaper columns due to
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SCHOOL REPORT
limitations in space. The development of this organization will be watched eagerly.
Once again I am happy to note the continued use of the school facilities for Town Meetings and the meetings of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, YMCA, Grange and various church organiza- tions. It is sincerely hoped that this will continue to be the case and that any other interested parties will make inquiry as to the rules and regulations.
CONCLUSION
Every possible effort is being made on the part of the staff of the Howe-Manning School to improve itself and the curriculum, and as a truly professionally minded staff it pledges itself to continue expending every effort in this direction. It is my personal opinion that there is a definite correlation between the services mentioned throughout my report and the success which our graduates are now having in high school and this is no more than right since the children of Middleton deserve nothing but the very best. Proof that the townspeople feel this way is demonstrated by the very much appreciated six-room addition to the building.
Finally, we hope that all the children who graduate from our immediate care have learned, along with things academic, a love of country, parents and home and we also hope that God, to whom we look for assistance in this difficult task, will grant the success our efforts seek.
My sincerest thanks and deepest appreciation are extended to my very capable staff, the School Committee, and the parents and citizens of the Town of Middleton for the support and cooperation extended to me this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. PORT, JR.
Principal
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
This year saw the completion of the series of two polio innocula- tions, and one booster shot for most of the school children, plus a fourth shot for the pioneer children who started the program. There were, approximately ten polio clinic held last year which means that every parent had ample opportunity to get his child innoculated. The free vaccine program controlled by the state ended November 1, 1957.
Each child in school had a vision test done with the Massachu- setts Vision Testing Kit. There were thirty-seven failures out of 448 children tested. Of these thirty-seven failures all children taken to an eye specialist required treatment with the exception of one. Three children were not taken to an eye doctor.
The same number of children had hearing tests with the audio- meter, and there were twenty-four failures.
A new procedure was initiated this year with the placing of first-aid boxes in each class. These are made from cigar boxes donated by Middleton Square Drug and painted by Middleton Community Services, Inc. These were instigated to teach the children proper care of their own minor cuts and bruises. One of the major things taught in Civil Defense is that the person who can best take care of himself, is the one who has the best chance to survive.
The tuberculin testing program was carried out in grades 1, 4 and 7. There were several positive reactions which will be followed by X-ray.
Each child in grades 1, 4 and 8 who wished to have the school " physician had a complete physical including a urine test. Defect slips were sent home for anything questionable and should be followed with (a visit to the family physician.
The diptheria-tetanus clinic was held in May and I am pleased to say there are very few parents who do not take this opportunity to have their children immunized from these dread diseases.
Heights and weights are checked twice a year along with checks for pediculosis.
As part of the overall health program a concentrated effort is : - being made to encourage the children to be more conscious of the nutritional benefit made available to them through the hot lunch program. The children are being urged by the classroom teacher, cafeteria workers, and the undersigned to try all the different foods offered them in order to cultivate a liking for the foods which are considered to be the most beneficial for growing children.
Respectfully submitted,
IRENE RICHMOND, R. N.
School Nurse
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
The most interesting observation made during the past year was in the condition of the teeth of the children coming into the first grade. Out of fifty-eight children who were examined, it was found that thirty-three of them used the public water supply. This group had a total of only forty-six decayed, missing or filled teeth or an average of 1.4 per each child. Twenty-five of the children derived their water supply from wells and this group had a total of 128 decayed, missing or filled teeth, or an average of five for each child. In other words, approximately four times as many defective teeth are found in those children using well water as compared with those using the fluoridated public water supply. There is little doubt that the lack of fluoride in the well water is responsible for the greater number of decayed teeth.
A total of 129 patients were treated during the year and 94 of them have had all dental defects cared for. Those who are not receiving treatment at the school are urged to visit the family dentist regularly. The children are instructed in the proper care of the teeth . with special emphasis on the correct use of the toothbrush.
The services rendered include the extraction of teeth, the restor- ation of decayed teeth and cleaning. Parents who have any questions concerning the dental needs of their children are invited to come to the clinic to discuss them. It has been very gratifying to see a larger number seeking dental treatment each year and the children have been very cooperative.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN J. D'URSO, D.M.D.
School Dentist
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SPECIALIST
Because learning to read is a complex skill involving hearing, saying, seeing, and recalling a wide variety of symbols or words, all children are not ready to read at a specific age. While some are able to cope with this process at the age of six, their classmates may be developing in other areas. For the latter reading readiness comes with more maturity.
Children progress at varying speeds, so reading matter is provided for their different capacities. Modern (forward-looking) school systems accommodate the needs of individuals with a flexible reading program such as we enjoy here in Middleton.
Science, social studies, and problem solving as well as literature require wide independent reading at the middle and junior high grade levels. It is necessary, threfore, that the classroom teachers foster a, developmental reading plan. This emphasizes main ideas, proper sequence, and seeking details. This continuous teaching of reading is necessary even at the college level.
Physical, mental, and emotional factors contribute to reading progress. Since these traits vary in individuals, some children require a longer period to cover a given amount of material. Rather than have these lag behind, or repeat a grade, remedial reading programs are instituted in ever increasing numbers throughout the country.
Different texts on an easier level are in use in this essential program. Here additional drill is given, and phonetic analysis is emphasized.
Fresh material is presented to motivate interest, this he learns to comprehend with ease, gaining the confidence that only achieve- ment can bring.
A great deal can be done at home to prepare the child and supplement the school program. This aid is invaluable. Reading to them from books suitable to their ages, answering their questions, and supplying correct names for things all contribute to their mental development. Discussing experiences aids greatly in language skills.
Since the basic element for scholastic achievement is the ability to interpret and retain subject matter and ideas, every effort must be expended to help the pupil enjoy reading. Herein lies success and nothing succeeds like success.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The faculty of the Howe-Manning School, equipped with a thorough testing program exercises every effort to maintain a high standard of achievement with each individual child in the school system.
Respectfully submitted,
E. FRANCES DONOVAN Remedial Reading Specialist
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
The music program at the Howe-Manning School is based on a five-fold outline which includes singing, playing, creating, listening, and rhythms. The detail of each activity varies with each grade and class. 3
Rote singing is used throughout the grades, but more extensively in the primary grades. Rounds and part singing are taught in the intermediate grades where note reading is developed.
Playing and rhythms are almost synonymous. Clapping. walking, running, swaying, or beating a rhythm band instrument to music not only develops ryhthm but also develops eventually into ability to play the more complicated and refined instruments. In the intermediate grades this ability is developed more thoroughly in those who choose to take private lessons on some particular instrument. After develop- ing a certain degree of ability in the chosen instrument, these boys and girls are given a place in the school band where everyone learns to work in harmony to create harmony.
Those who do not have the opportunity to take lessons on a particular instrument, develop rhythm and playing ability through class participation in various dances and rhythm band activities which start with simple steps and rhythms in the primary grades and develop into more intricate steps and rhythms in the upper grades.
Creating is more extensive in the lower grades where children are given a chance to express their own abilities in singing original tunes, making up steps to certain types of music or changing or adding verses to different songs.
Creating in the intermediate and junior grades is closely associ- ated with listening. Different types of music are heard and discussions based on ideas received from the listening, are compared to the authentic ideas which should, by professional authority, be received by the listener. Listening includes high and low; soft and loud; and fast and slow impressions for the primary listeners. It develops into clearness, sweetness, sadness, instrumentation, nationality, form, etc., in the intermediate and junior grades.
The instrumental program continues to progress satisfactorily. Mr. Eugene Winter of the faculty teaches woodwinds and drums; Mrs. Lucy Barnes of Salem teaches violin; and, I teach brass and piano.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The school band meets every Wednesday and Friday to practice various selected pieces. There are also extra band rehearsals held for special appearances. I am happy to report that our first appearance, together with the seventh and eighth grade chorus, met with success.
May I take this opportunity to thank all in the school system for their fine cooperation and friendliness.
Respectfully submitted,
SANDRA J. MASI Music Supervisor
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
The art program at the Howe-Manning School is planned to develop an esthetic sense, manual skills, basic drawing skills, color understanding, and to provide opportunities for healthy emotional expressions.
Media of wide variety are used in order to develop an under- standing of the esthetic potentials that exist in all materials. Crayons, poster paints, water colors, clayola, papier mache, sawdust, plaster of paris and construction paper are some of the media that have been in use.
Manual skills are promoted by three dimensional construction paper projects. Work done with papier mache, clayola, and plaster of paris also serves the same purpose.
ยท In the teaching of color the basic differences between cool and warm colors are emphasized. Their respective values are taught at all grade levels. This simple division of color allows a great deal of individual expression yet bounds it within reasonable limits of good judgment.
Group mural projects are engaged in. These projects are inte- grated with classroom assignments, and serve the additional purpose of developing cooperative work habits.
In the upper grades drawing is taught according to basic geometric principles. An understanding of these principles is funda- mental to an intelligent rendition of a three dimensional object. Perspective is touched upon, but emphasized only in a general manner. In the lower grades drawing criticism is the least formal.
As in most projects, design is taught in a manner emphasizing free expression except for textile like design wherein an intelligent discipline is imposed.
Lettering is taught in the upper grades, and all but the very lowest grades engage in poster projects that deal with socially worthy ideals.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD BRUZZO
Art Supervisor
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF CAFETERIA MANAGER
To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Middleton:
January 1st through June 12th we served on the average of 350 children and 15 teachers a day. We serve a balanced type A lunch consisting of 2 oz. of protein, 3/4 cup of vegetables or fruits, 1 slice of bread, 2 teaspoons of butter and 1/2 pint of milk.
We went into our new kitchen after the April vacation. It wasn't finished but so cheerful and more convenient that it was appreciated very much by all. Our new equipment steam kettle, attachments to our beater, shredder and meat grinder has made our work much easier.
The week before school opened we served a dinner to the School Committee, Superintendent, Principal and teachers, also, lunch for the teachers the three days they had workshop.
Shortly after school opened our diswashing machine was in operation necessitating another helper part time making the cafeteria staff five. Four pupils help during the lunch period - two girls and two boys. We serve two lines where in our former kitchen we served one. We are serving 385 to 400 children plus 15 to 19 teachers daily.
All cakes, pastry, hot muffins and biscuits are made in the kitchen. Each month we honor the children's birthdays with a decorated cake for each group at a birthday table.
I wish to thank the Superintendent, Principal and teachers for the cooperation given in the cafeteria.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY COFFIN
Cafeteria Manager
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE for the HOWE-MANNING SCHOOL ADDITION
To the Citizens of the Town of Middleton:
Your Building Committee for the most recent addition to the Howe-Manning School herewith submits a final report and with this action respectfully requests to be discharged from further responsi- bility as by the time of the publication of this report purpose for its formation will have been accomplished.
Your Committee began its work on June 21, 1955 and has con- ducted a total of 36 meetings during the past two and one-half year period. During this time, an original appropriation of $165,000 proved to be inadequate at time of bidding necessitating returning to the townspeople for $30,000 additional to complete the project. In return for the amounts appropriated, a new six classroom addition has been constructed, a new school kitchen erected, a drainage system installed beneath the surface of the playground at the rear of the school extending from the third base area of the baseball diamond around the rear of the backstop and all the way across the outfield to a discharge point beyond the former railroad tracks; a six-foot concrete retaining wall and fence; a macadamized play area; and many neces-' sary minor alterations to the existing building have been accomplished.
Many favorable comments have been made to the members of this Committee concerning the new addition and the Committee is unanimous in its opinion that all due credit should be given the architect, Clinton F. Goodwin of Haverhill and the General Contractor, Paul Currier of Amesbury. The cooperation of these two gentlemen and their associates has made the work of this Committee a pleasant experience.
Respectfully submitted,
Eben L. Jewett, Chairman Raymond S. Dower, Jr., Secretary Joseph R. Chartier Howard F. Kenney, Jr. Albert Murray
INDEX
Balance Sheet - -
-
-
-
-
-
- 40
Cemetery Endowment Report - -
47
Cemetery Report
- 32
Charities - -
- - 24
Cummings Fund - -
-
- 45
General Government -
9
Health and Sanitation - -
-
-
-
-
- 20
Highways - -
-
- - -
-
- 21
Library and Parks - - - - - 28
Municipal Indebtedness - -
-
-
- - - 42
- -
- - 30
Protection of Persons and Property - - - - 17
Recapitulations -
- 35
Schools
- 26
Town Officers - - -
3
Town Officers Salaries - -
13
Town Treasurer's Account
44
Unclassified Account
29
Veterans' Services
- 25
Water
- 31
PART II
Assessors' Report
- 69
Building Inspector's Report
- 68
Board of Appeals
-
81
Community Health Program - 92
Dog Officer's Report
80
-
- -
- - -
-
-
-
-
- - -
- 33
Payroll Analysis - -
Public Service Enterprises - - -
INDEX (Continued)
Electric Light Report -
-
- 82
Finance Committee Recommendations
-
-
-
-
- 93
Fire Department Report -
-
-
-
- 85
Fire Truck Purchasing Committee -
-
- - -
- 87
Flint Public Library Fund -
-
-
- -
- 55
Highway Surveyor's Report -
Jurors List
-
-
-
- 67
Land Owned by the Town
46
Librarian's Report -
- -
-
- - - 57
Moth Department Report
- 77
Planning Board Report
- 89
Public Welfare
- 90
Police Department Report
- 78
Selectmen's Report -
School Reports -
- -
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 71
Town Clerk's Report -
-
-
-
-
- - 61 -
Tree Department Report -
- 76
Water Commissioners' Report -
-
-
-
-
-
- 91
Wire Inspector's Report - -
-
-
-
-
- 83
-
-
-
-
- - -
-
-
-
- - - 59
- - - 101
Tax Collector's Report
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- - 74 - -
-
-
Warrant For March, 1958 - Inside Front Cover
1
FLINT
(MIDDLETON
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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