USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1959 > Part 6
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It is our further intent to seek new ideas ourselves and not just to wait for ideas to present themselves to us, for this is a fast moving age and any educational system which waits will stagnate. Along these lines, the following are some of the adjustments we have made in our attempts to meet the educational needs of all.
In January 1958, the arithmetic classes in grades 5 and 6 were divided so that children who were clearly above or below grade level in this one subject were permitted to progress at the rate which their ability indicated best for them by having them leave their own class- room and going to a class which was working at their particular level. The plan proved to be highly successful on this limited scale and thus was expanded in September to include grades 4, 5 and 6 in both arith- metic and reading. This type of grouping is commonly known as the Joplin Plan and educational research seems to indicate that it holds a great deal of promise along the road towards the goal all schools strive for - genuine consideration for individual differences.
At the primary level, the children have been evaluated as to their achievement after they have completed the first grade. They have been placed in the division which their achievement and learning rate has shown to be, for them, the most advantageous. Since this is the first year we have approached the problem in this way, the ad- justment was made in both grades 2 and 3.
A definite homework policy has been arrived at and been put into effect this year so that the children will develop proper study habits and will be prepared for the high school role ahead of them. The staff believes that practice is essential in certain key subjects and that homework is one means of providing for this practice.
The school day has been lengthened 15 minutes in line with the appeal by the Commissioner of Education that there be 5 hours of actual school time.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Our present marking system is under review by a faculty sub- committee which has polled parents and teachers and is now compiling data regarding opinions. A report from the total faculty is expected shortly.
A change in our testing program was effected this year in order to comply with a program adopted at the new regional school so that all the "feeding" elementary schools can assemble information of a comparable nature. In this regard, the administration and faculty intend to see to it that the liason between the Howe-Manning School and the new regional school is as near perfect as we can make it.
Half-hour teacher-parent conferences, by appointment on the second Wednesday of the month, were begun in September and they have thus far proven to be highly successful. The need for these conferences was felt by both the faculty and parents since they afford a definite time during a scheduled period when the child's records are at hand and other people will not interrupt. It is not intended that these conferences supplant any other conferences which parents or teachers might like to have after school hours on any other day than the second Wednesday of the month. In fact, it is felt conferences of this type are to be encouraged.
In an effort to look into the possibilities and advantages of "team report, a speech therapist was hired in September and excellent progress is being made in this direction as can be seen in the annual report of the speech therapist.
Faculty subcommittees, working after school hours, are studying some phases of school life and are suggesting such changes and additions as seem necessary. Some of these committees are the report card committee mentioned above, a teacher's handbook committee, and a committee studying our school library facilities.
The Student Projectionist Club and the Safety Patrol continue learning" and the "Gillingham Method" of reading, the school com- mittee set aside a certain sum of money to allow selected teachers to obtain in-service training by taking courses in these educational techniques. The Gillingham Method is explained in the report of the reading specialist. The team learning technique is one which has been employed in Dedham and Danvers and has met with success in certain areas, and it is planned to make use of these techniques in those successful areas in the near future.
ACTIVITIES
The Student Protectionist Club and the Safety Patrol continue to be of great service to the school and serve as incentives to the children who wish to be selected for membership.
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SCHOOL REPORT
Our student newspaper, the "Chalkboard", continues to give those children who like to participate in this type of activity a spur through the practical application of the language arts as well as a sense of accomplishment.
The school facilities are being used more than ever by such organizations as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Grange, and various church organizations. We hope these and other organizations will accept our invitation to make still more use of these facilities.
Our first pageant since 1955 was put on this past spring when the children delighted everyone with their performance of "Sing Out Sweet Land".
MAINTENANCE
A large part of the maintenance work this past year has been centered around the attempt to bring our heating system into good repair. A major portion of this was in putting the temperature controls of the 1937 section of the building into good repair and in replacing radiator traps as well as miscellaneous work on the boiler.
Although still more temperature control work must be budgeted for during the year 1960, it has been decided that in order to forestall any future large expenditures of this type, a Minneapolis-Honeywell maintenance control contract will be taken out on the entire building.
Another necessary item was repair of leaks in the roof of the 1937 portion of the building and some thought will have to be given in the future to a step-by-step replacement of the roofing in this section.
Recently coat hooks have been installed in the corridor next to the cafeteria so that the children will not have to place their clothing next to them on the benches while eating.
PERSONNEL AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
Non-teaching personnel policies affecting pay-scale, vacations, sick leave, etc. have been adopted for the first time this past year and it is felt that such an arrangement will help us to get the best personnel possible and at the same time determine with as much accuracy as is possible what our non-teaching personnel responsibili- ties will be for the year ahead.
Definite school dental policies have been arrived at. All children are examined and the cases needing the care of the dental clinic the most are taken care of first according to a very definite pattern. There is to be an emphasis on dental hygiene education as can be seen in the report of the school dentist.
Middleton was the first community in Essex County to adopt the recommendation of the Essex County Health Authorities relative to
109
SCHOOL REPORT
the Mantoux Tuberculin Test of first graders. This test is consider- ably more accurate and the parents can be proud that although the test is of the needle variety, they have chosen this far more accurate means of tuberculin appraisal.
A new three-year school bus contract was negotiated this past year with Rural Bus Lines of Middleton once again being awarded the contract.
Again this year, the Middleton Teachers' Association, as a Christmas project, undertook to help certain needy families by pur- chasing, wrapping, and delivering clothing and toys. This project is financially underwritten by anonymous donors and public-spirited persons and organizations. The sixteen families and 58 children aided appreciated the generosity of these persons and organizations.
I would like to encourage the citizens to read the reports of the various supervisors so that they will be better acquainted with some of the special services offered at the school. The definite educational planning, I feel, is even more evident this year.
CONCLUSION
I am happy to report that the high school drop-out rate, to which the school committee formerly addressed itself in its report of 1953, has been drastically reduced. This indicates forcefully, I believe, that a community which sets for itself a goal of educational excellence can achieve it provided it is willing to provide the wherewithal, staff and attention.
I feel it is essential that the community give very serious thought to the immediate formation of a long range school building planning committee. Although it is true that as matters now stand, we will have one empty classroom in September 1960, if any appreciably large housing development is settled in Middleton, it is a fact that we will need another school immediately since it usually takes a great deal longer for architectural planning, site selection, bonding procedures, and the building of a school then it takes for the construction of a housing development.
In the many adjustments and plans which have been carried out this past year and in those adjustments and plans which will evolve in the future, the undersigned would like to express his appreciation to the entire staff, the school committee, and the citizens of the town of Middleton for their support and cooperation. May God give us the wisdom and foresight to carry out those ideas which will continue to lead our children to live of things intellectual, of country and of home.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE E. PORT, JR. Superintendent-Principal
110
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
During the year 1959 the following health programs were carried out at the Howe-Manning School.
There were 498 children given the Massachusetts Vision Test with 38 failures. All of these failures were reported in writing to the parents and most have been or are presently under treatment.
Hearing tests were given to 495 children with 27 failures. These children were all referred to their own physicians and I am pleased to say most of them have been seen by private physicians. The hear- ing tests are done individually by means of an audiometer and the failures are rechecked a second time before a written notice of failure is sent home.
In April of this year our diptheria-tetanus clinic was held. There were 9 children who received the original series of 3 injections and 58 children who received a booster injection.
Although patch testing has been done in grades 1, 4 and 7 in previous years, it was decided this year, after various conferences with state health officials and the Essex County Association, that the patch testing program would be abandoned for the more accurate Mantoux Test. In this test a drop of harmless liquid tuberculin is put into the skin. This test was given to children in grade 1 in December.
Physical examinations were given to children in grades 1, 4 and 8 in the Fall of 1958 and Spring of 1959. At this time 117 children were examined by Dr. Lois Rogers, School Physician, for complete physicals. Sixty children went to their own physicians for physical examinations in grades 1, 4 and 8. There were 2 placement physicals given by the school physician. Recheck examinations were done on 73 children with known defects, and follow-up done where indicated in grades 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7. Reports of defects were sent home in writing for all the more important findings, referring them to their own physicians for care or corrections. Hemoglobin determination and urine analysis are done on children receiving the complete physical examination at school.
Approximately 350 children have visited the school clinic in the past year for illness or accidents during the school day.
A pediculosis check is conducted twice annually on all heads. This condition has not been a problem in recent years.
Heights and weights are checked annually on all children and those above or below normal are given dietary advise.
Respectfully submitted,
IRENE RICHMOND, R.N.
School Nurse
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School:
During the year 1959, from January to June, there were 32 fillings, 78 extractions and 25 prophylactics performed in the Dental Clinic by the School Dentist.
Since September 1959, 425 pupils have been examined and notices have been sent home informing the parents of the condition of the teeth as of the time of the examination. To date 250 school slips have been received, and of this number 96 have requested the services of the School Dentist. Examinations on this group of 96 pupils revealed 561 surface cavities, 77 extractions and 67 prophylactics to be per- formed.
In the latter regard, it was once again necessary to remind parents that the School Dentist is in the Clinic two morning a week only, and that it would be impossible to handle all the cases referred. As a result of this, it was suggested that parents take their children to their family dentist for care of what the School Dentist's examin- ation has indicated needs treatment. It is very encouraging to note that more pupils are being cared for by their family dentist.
A program of dental education has been inaugurated under the supervision of the School Dentist, the purpose of which is to impress upon the children's minds the necessity of proper dental care. Under the program, the School Dentist goes into the classrooms developing the educational and preventive aspects relative to Dental Hygiene.
Respectfully submitted, LEO P. BENINATO, D.D.S. School Dentist
112
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SPECIALIST
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
The Remedial Reading Program this year, is functioning not only as a special instructional tool to bolster those with weak reading achievement, but also as the instrument of the shcool to determine on a limited and controlled scale the effectiveness of a different type of instruction in reading.
The aims of both of these groups are similar in nature. Some of the more important aims are (1) to increase ability in silent and oral reading (2) to improve comprehension (3) to foster interest to read- ing and (4) to give a feeling of security in reading to all pupils.
Thirty pupils from grades three to six, who were selected on the basis of Durrell-Sullivan capacity and achivement tests, are partici- pating in the regular remedial group work. Conventional reading techniques are used with small groups helping to provide for individual differences. Some of the more important techniques stressed with this group are (1) auditory and visual discrimination (2) applied word analysis in meeting new words and (3) increased breadth of vocabu- lary.
The special group mentioned in the first paragraph of this report is composed of twelve children being given a highly specialized alphabetic-phonetic approach to the teaching of reading. The pupils were selected on the basis of achievement and capacity tests, teacher recommendation and parental approval.
These pupils are given a key work to represent each speech sound. For example, the (b) in boy, the (a) in apple and the (t) in top says the word bat. New key words are included to cover all the sounds, especially the blends, the digraphs and the diphthongs.
Spelling rules and dictionary skills exercises as well as silent and oral reading are given to this group.
The value of an alphabetic-phonetic approach can be seen in that the sight vocabulary is greatly increased, and spelling ability is improved.
This phonetic approach known as the Gillingham System of Reading is said to be essential to those with specific language dis- abilities and has met with great success in the many clinics that use it. If it proves itself as useful in the school situation as it has in the clinics it is expected that its scope will be widened.
Special appreciation is expressed to all members of the staff, to the parents and to the people of Middleton for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
KATHLEEN L. HAYES
Remedial Reading Specialist
113
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
Music at Howe-Manning School has an important place. Our goals, through a supervisory music program, are to aid children ot learn and enjoy music in a way that they will use it as a tool for relaxation and enjoyment for a lifetime, besides preparing them for the more immediate future at our new regional school. Included in this class learning are singing, rhythms, music appreciation, creative activity, and music reading at each grade level.
Following a music curriculum set up by a curriculum study com- mittee a year ago, we prepared at the beginning of September a guide of general goals for each grade level. Following a supervisory pattern, each classroom teacher receives monthly a glide sheet to follow in her teaching, as well as other materials she needs to teach music to her own class. Also, an effort is being made to counsel teachers not experienced in the teaching of music, that they may be more con- fident in that field. We follow a plan of teaching and observation, the teacher and I taking turns week by week.
Feeling that additional singing experience outside the classroom may be valuable for those with ability to do more difficult part-singing, we began in September a fifth and sixth grade choir which meets two mornings per week before school. They performed the major part of the Christmas program for the P.T.A.
Our instrumental program was, of course, in need of adjustment this year because of the school's change to elementary level. The third week of September we held an instrumental demonstration assembly for children of grades four through six. They were then given an opportunity to begin an instrument if they and their parents desired. Several began work, with Mrs. Sylvia Nichols again helping us with instrumental lessons. The nine advanced students meet weekly for orchestra under my direction.
Our school-owned music equipment such as record players, records, and musical instruments are in generally good condition.
Much appreciation must be expressed in this report to the Super- intendent-Principal, to the teachers ,and to the people of Middleton for their fine cooperation with the music program, making possible a successful 1959.
Respectfully submitted,
LINDA A. MORTENSEN
Music Supervisor
114
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
The art program at the Howe-Manning School is planned in the light of the emotional, aesthetic, and kinesthetic needs of the children.
A booklet developed last year in conjunction with the art curricu- lum guide has been made available to all classroom teachers. This booklet contains suitable art projects, and points of learning pertinent to each lesson. It is so written as to enable the classroom teacher to present a genuinely valid and practical art lesson at all grade levels.
Particular interest is given to construction paper, paper mache, clayola, and other three dimensional projects. These projects assist in developing manual dexterity and are particularly beneficial for children whose aptitudes lay in this direction.
Drawing is encouraged to be personal and expressive at all levels. In the upper grades however, some instruction is given in geometric type drawing, and the children are taught to draw such simple objects as trucks, cars, houses, and airplanes in a geometric type fashion.
Design is taught in the upper grades in terms of its abstract principles. The importance of a variety of shapes and sizes is stressed. This leaves the children free to select their own motifs, yet guides their development of the same. In working with textile like potato and carrot prints, a geometric approach to design is taught.
In working with crayon in order that as much individuality as possible may emerge, the children are taught the many different ways in which a crayon may be used. That it may be used sideways, lightly, heavily, and fast or scribbly is shown to the children for the purpose of letting choice, and not habit, guide their approach to coloring with crayons.
Color is taught in the upper grades in terms of its warm and cool harmonics. This approach to color imposes the least restrictions upon personal choice, yet influences the children to work within the bounds of acceptable color harmonics.
Teachers are assisted in planning creative classroom decorations, bulletin boards, windows, and stage scenery, when needed.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD B. BRUZZO
Art Supervisor
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF CAFETERIA MANAGER
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
From January 1st to June 10th, 1959, the participation in the hot lunch program was 80 per cent. The largest number of children served at one time was 388 and 16 teachers.
The menus are prepared to meet the requirements of the National School Lunch Program. The type "A" lunch must contain as a minimum: two ounces of cooked meat or other protein, three-quarters cup of fruit and/or vegetable, one slice of enriched bread, two tea- spoonfuls of butter, and one-half pint of milk. To this we add a dessert and give the older children larger portions. From the Commodity Division we continue to receive a monthly allotment of butter, cheese, flour, rice and canned fruits and vegetables.
In the preceding years, we were one of three communities in Massachusetts who were still charging only twenty cents a meal. In September, it was necessary to raise the price of each meal to twenty-five cents in order to meet expenses, as the cafeteria is now self-supporting.
The acquisition of vertical bake ovens and a freezer has increased the efficiency of the physical set-up. These were purchased from the Federal Aid Revolving Fund (Public Law 874). During the summer the lower part of the walls of the cafeteria were painted. Much needed small equipment has been purchased and machinery has been put in repair.
Continuing their fine work in the cafeteria are: Mary Silva, Myrtle Boardman, and Lorayne Hocter. In June, Jennie Johnson retired after seven years of service and Helen Doucette was appointed to a full-time position. A new salary schedule was adopted which will provide more adequate remuneration.
For the cooperation given the cafeteria staff, we take this oppor- tunity to thank everyone.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. KING
Cafeteria Manager
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SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SPEECH THERAPIST
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
As a result of a speech survey conducted in the fall of 1958, it was found that approximately five per cent of the school population would profit from the services of a trained speech therapist. As a result of this survey, the undersigned was hired to perform this function.
Forty-three children began receiving help when school started, twelve of these twice a week, the others once a week. Approximatly fifteen of these children with less serious difficulties will be dismissed from these thirty minute classes by Christmas 1959 due to improve- ment in their particular speech difficulty.
As result of these dismissals, first grade children, who had not been tested in the original survey, are now being tested and those needing help are included in these classes. Four of these severe cases from th first grade are now receiving help twice a week.
Approximately fifty conferences with parents have been held up to this time either in the school, in the home, or in some cases by telephone. Too, each child's teacher has been informed of the problems involved and has been kept up to date on the progress made.
A demonstration lesson was presented at a teachers' meeting at which some students with speech difficulties participated in a typical speech lesson. This lesson was followed by a panel discussion of speech improvement activities for teachers to use in the classroom.
A genuine interest in good speech has grown among teachers and students at the Howe-Manning School. For example, two members of the faculty are presently enrolled in a speech therapy course at the State Teachers' College at Salem and many special speech aids are being used in the regular classroom by the teachers.
Special appreciation must be expressed in this report to the Superintendent-Principal, to the teachers, and to the people of Middle- ton for their fine cooperation in making this highly successful begin- ning possible.
Respectfully submitted,
SALLY R. DICKEY
Speech Therapist
INDEX
-
Balance Sheet
-
-
-
- 36
Cemetery Endowment Report -
43
Cemetery Report
-
- - -
- 27
Charities -
- -
- - - -
21
Cummings Fund - -
41
General Government - - -
9
Health and Sanitation -
- 19
Highways -
- 20
Library and Parks - -
24
Municipal Indebtedness -
- 28
Payroll Analysis - - -
:
- - 38 - -
-
- 26
Protection of Persons and Property - - 17
Recapitulations
- 30
Schools -
- 23
Town Officers -
3
Town Officers' Salaries -
14
Town Treasurer's Account -
40
Transfers from Reserve Fund -
-
- -
29
Unclassified Account
- - - - 25
-
-
-
- 22
Water
- - - 26
PART II
Assessors' Report - -
-
- - - 62
Building Inspector's Report -
61
Board of Appeals
- 73
-
-
-
-
- -
-
Public Service Enterprises -
-
-
-
Veterans' Services
INDEX (Continued)
-
Dog Officer's Report - - -
- 72
Electric Light Report
-
- 74
Finance Committee Recommendations - - 85
Fire Department Report -
- 76 -
Fire Truck Committee Report -
82
Flint Public Library Fund
47
Highway Surveyor's Report
84
Jurors List -
- 60
Land Owned by the Town
42
Librarian's Report
- 49
Moth Department Report
- 69
Planning Board Report
- 78
Public Welfare
- 79
Police Department Report
-
-
- - 70
-
- - 51
School Reports
- 98
Tax Collector's Report -
-
- - 64
Town Clerk's Report -
- 52
Tree Department Report - -
- 68
Water Commissioners' Report
- 80
Wire Inspector's Report -
75
Warrant For March, 1960 - Inside Front Cover
-
Selectmen's Report - -
-
N7
MIDDLETON
PUBLIC
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