USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1960 > Part 6
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Approximately 300 children have visited the school clinic in the past year for illness or accidents during the 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 and below normal are given dietary advise.
In March of this year our diptheria-tetanus clinic was held. There were 14 children who received the original series of 3 injections and 44 children who received a booster injection.
In March and April Polio Clinics were held.
Respectfully submitted,
PHYLLIS S. BROWN, R.N.
School Nurse
113
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School:
During the year 1960, from January to June, there were 104 fill- ings, 16 extractions and 12 prophylactics performed in the dental clinic by the school dentist.
Since September 1960, 436 pupils were examined and reports have been sent home informing parents of the condition of their children's teeth. To date, 272 reports have been returned to the clinic by parents. Examination of these 436 pupils revealed that 273 needed dental treat- ment.
I have noticed a higher percentage of children needing dental care have received treatment from family dentists.
Because the time and facilities of the school dentist are insuffi- cient to handle the above group of 273, we are suggesting that parents make a greater effort to obtain dental treatment for their children from their family dentist.
A program of dental education will be carried out during the 1960-61 school year. This will present information to the children re- garding the proper care and brushing of the teeth, the treatment of oral problems and the role of the teeth in general health.
Respectfully submitted,
LEO P. BENINATO, D.D.S.
School Dentist
114
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SPECIALIST
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School:
This report presents the result of the highly successful reading experiment conducted during the 1959-60 school year.
Forty-seven pupils were selected from grades three through six and divided into two groups, the Gillingham Experimental Group and the Standard Remedial Group. Usual remedial procedures were used with the Standard Remedial Group, while the twelve pupils comprising the Gillingham Group receive special alphabetical-phonetic techniques.
The measured results from standardized reading tests given in September, and again in May, showed that the standard group had an average gain of one year and five months, while the Gillingham Group had an average gain of one year and nine months. Thus, the pupils of the Gillingham Group showed a substantial gain in test results, ex- ceeding the Standard Group by four months. Considerable improve- ment was also made in general reading and spelling skills.
This year the remedial reading program has an enrollment of forty-five pupils from grades three through six. Thirty of these pupils are in the Gillingham Group and fifteen in the Standard Remedial Group. The pupils were selected on the basis of results from the Gray Oral Reading Test, the Gates Survey Test and teacher recommenda- tions.
The children in the Gillingham Group will receive special and phonetic training to help improve their reading. They will learn key- words that represent the sounds of the consonants, vowels, blends, diagraphs and phonograms. Intensive silent and oral reading sessions will be initiated when all the keywords and their sounds are known. This program is planned not only to help the pupils unlock unfamiliar words but also to improve their comprehension and speed.
The fifteen students in the Standard Group will receive an altogether different instructional program. These children vary greatly in their reading disabilities, and need individualized help and assist- anco. Therefore, a program has been arranged to provide the needed experiences, materials, and exercises based upon the skills that need reinforcement.
The aims and expected outcomes of both groups are similar in nature. They are 1. to improve comprehension, 2. to increase silent and oral reading skills, and 3. to encourage recreational reading.
Respectfully submitted,
KATHLEEN L. DOLAN
Remedial Reading Specialist
115
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School:
Evidence of a profitable year 1960 in music education at Howe- Manning School is seen in the increased interest of boys and girls in music, both in the classroom and in special music activities. The fol- lowing report will attempt to outline the visible results and the needs of the future. Only time will tell whether the cultural values of good music have found an abiding peace in the children's lives.
The Howe-Manning School's music program is designed to make the best use both of supervisor and of classroom teacher. The class- room teacher has the time to anchor in each child what the music supervisor has presented in her weekly visits. Monthly or bi-monthly, the supervisor observes the classroom teacher teaching his own stu- dents for two purposes :
1. To determine the amount of aid the teacher needs in teaching music.
2. To determine the kind of aid that will use the teacher's talents to the utmost.
The supervisor plans a monthly program sheet for each grade which guides teachers and supervisor in their work. This unifies each grade level, although the plans are, designed to harmonize with homo- geneous grouping.
The school choir meets this year during noon recess, with a mem- bership of sixty boys and girls, as against thirty in 1959-60. Here partsinging is emphasized. Time is of great benefit to children of grades five and six for training and enjoyment of group singing, a3 well as for the benefits of performing in public.
Spring 1960 found the group of instrumentalists small, although the sixth graders who progressed to Masconomet were well advanced. Enlistment slips were sent home in May, at which time seven new pupils signed up. They received their instruments September 7th, and are now studying under Mrs. Sylvia Nichols. Mrs. Nichols continues to teach three advanced pupils, who play in ensemble under the super- visor's direction every week. Four additional boys, two advanced and two beginners, are presently studying violin.
The supervisor has given in 1960 three formal demonstrations for teachers: two at teacher's meetings and one at orientation week in September.
New musical equipment received this year was a good supply of twelve-inch, long playing records. Also received and being used are two sets of primary rhythm band instruments.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The Follett singing book series, after careful survey and study, was chosen to be placed in one section each of grades two, three, and four. An attractive book, it presents improved and modernized methods of note reading and partsinging, as well as having a good permanent repertoire of American songs.
In June a complete inventory and cataloging of all school phono- graph records was done. A catalog for easy reference was made, and each album was labelled and placed accordingly.
During the Christmas season, the music department presented two programs; a musical performance of the school choir for P.T.A. on December 6th and a short operetta put on by grades two, three, and four on December 22nd.
Future needs for the overall music program follow :
(1) Since the American Singer currently in use is out-of-date and unattractive it would be desirable to have the Follett music book series in each classroom. The majority of the songs in Books IV, V, and VI are of the "birds and flowers" type that simply do not appeal to boys or girls.
(2) The supervisor would be able to improve the, program if there were even more time for in-service training classrooms for class- room teachers who feel a lack in music training.
(3) The instrumental program cannot thrive as it should unless an instructor is allowed to teach during afternoon school hours. The difficulties of finding a teacher willing to use the late afternoon hours, plus the pupil transportation problem, make the present instrumental program a perennial problem for supervisor and instructor.
(4) At present, ten out of eighteen classrooms are equipped with pianos. Of the eight teachers who have no piano in their class- room five would definitely profit in their music teaching by hav- ing a piano in the room. New pianos are not desirable for hard classroom use, but old uprights in good tune are ample. It is hoped that citizens will donate any pianos for which they have no further use.
Much appreciation is expressed to parents for their cooperation and for the fine help of the administration and teachers during 1960.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LINDA MORTENSEN
Music Supervisor
117
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School:
The art program at the Howe-Manning School is planned for the purpose of fulfilling the creative, emotional, aesthetic, and kinesthetic needs of the students.
These aims necessitate the variety of media that are used, such as poster, paint, crayon, clayola, construction paper, water colors, saw- dust maiche, and pencil.
Particular attention is given to three dimensional projects such as clayola, sawdust maiche and construction paper sculpture. The countless number of ways in which construction paper may be folded or otherwise manipulated is brought forth to the students, producing genuine creativity as well as useful geometric insights. Sculptura, done with sawdust maiche, has produced hard and durable objects such as puppets and animals that have been retained by the students for their lasting value.
In the upper grades design is taught with the stress laid upon the abstract principles of design and composition. The importance of a variety of sizes, shapes, and intensities of color is stressed. These principles are given a pictorial significance by discussing them in terms of large and small objects when the students engage in picture making. In working with potato and carrot prints, a geometric, textile like approach is taught.
At all grade levels drawing is encouraged to be expressive and personal. There is however some specific instruction given to the upper grades in geometric, mechanical-like drawing. The upper grade stu- dents are taught to draw cars, trucks, houses, airplanes and other ob- jects in a clear geometric style.
In crayon work, stress is laid upon the many different ways that crayon may be used. It is emphasized that crayons may be used light- ly, heavily, sideways, scribbly or fast. This varied approach serves creativity, inasmuch as choice, and not habit, is encouraged. The bene- fits are observable inasmuch as students may be seen to employ various methods at various times.
Color is taught in terms of warm and cool harmonies and the psychological effects of these harmonies. That warm colors are most suitable for happy and pleasant themes, and cool colors most suitable for sad or distressing themes, are concepts brought forth to, and understood by the students. This is a guiding approach that still leaves much freedom for individual expression.
Assistance is given the classroom teachers in planning creative, classroom murals, classroom decorations, bulletin boards and windows.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD B. BRUZZO, Art Supervisor
118
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF CAFETERIA MANAGER
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe Manning School :
From January 1st to June 9th, 1960, the hot lunch program serv- ed a total of 27,965 lunches to children, a participation of 75%. 1,095 lunches were served to teachers. The largest number served at one time was 347.
As directed by the National School Lunch Program Act, the menus must supply certain minimum nutrients each day. Every type "A" lunch contains as a minimum: two ounces of cooked meat or other protein, three-quarters cup of fruit and/or vegetable, one slice of en- riched bread, two teaspoonfuls of butter, and one-half pint of milk. To this we add dessert and give the older children larger portions. Foods containing Vitamin C are included every day and those. containing Vitamin A are used at least twice a week.
The Commodity Division, under the administration of the Depart- ment of Agriculture, sends a monthly allotment of butter, flour, cheese, frozen meats, canned fruits and vegetables which are of great value to the program. In March, 1960, a contract was arranged with a bakery whereby our bread is baked using commodity items, thus re- ducing the cost and giving us a better product.
During the summer additional baking pans and a rack to hold them were purchased from the Federal Aid Revolving Fund (Public Law 874). Several other items of small equipment were purchased which facilitate preparation and service of meals.
Personnel giving excellent service in the cafeteria are: Mary Silva, Myrtle Boardman, Lorayne Hocter, and Helen Doucette. A five- day non-accumulative sick leave benefit has just been put into effect.
For the cooperation given the cafeteria staff, we take this oppor- tunity to thank everyone.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. KING
Cafeteria Manager
119
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SPEECH THERAPIST
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
The speech program was continued this September, 1960, with a testing program surveying the first and second grades. The second grade was included in the testing program to provide a record of all those children in this grade with speech deviations, since records were available only of those included in the program the previous year. A report of the results of this survey was received by the Superinten- dent-Principal.
The results of the above survey were as follows: a total of 64 children with speech deviations were found in the above-mentioned grades; 41 in the first grade and 24 in the second grade. Of the first grades, 7 are considered severe, 13 moderate, and 21 mild cases; of the second graders, 3 are considered severe, 1 moderate and 20 mild cases. Twenty-four children from these grades began therapy in October. Four severe cases are seen twice weekly for thirty minute periods, two cases are seen weekly for forty minute periods, and the remaining number, weekly for thirty minute periods.
The total case load at the present time is 33 since, 9 children from the upper grades also began therapy in October. Approximately one- third of these children will be dismissed by February of 1961 due to improvement in their particular speech difficulty, and the case load increased to about 40 children.
All children who are referred by teachers for speech therapy are tested and those who warrant attention will be worked into the pro- gram during the year. Four active cases from the previous year were dismissed due to sufficient improvement, while 4 others who are to be retested in the early spring were tentatively dismissed.
Notes were sent to the parents of every child receiving speech help inviting them to the school to discuss their child's speech pro- blem. Approximately 20 conferences with parents have been held up to this time either in the school, at home, or by telephone. An attempt to utilize every opportunity for informal teacher conferences has been made, and at the beginning of December our plans call for the sending of progress reports to the teachers.
120
SCHOOL REPORT
Interest in the speech program on the part of the teachers at the Howe-Manning School has been evidenced by their willing cooperation in sharing their knowledge of the pupils with the therapist and in helping and encouraging the children with their speech in the class- room. It was also noted that several of the teachers attended the sec- tion meeting on "Speech in the Classroom" presented by Mr. Phil- brick at the Essex County Teachers' Convention. The interest shown by the teachers and by the parents of the children in the speech pro- gram is extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.
This therapist would also like to express her great appreciation of the support and guidance offered to her by the Superintendent-Princi- pal of the Howe-Manning School.
Respectfully submitted,
ARNALEE HABERMAN
Speech Therapist
121
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
The advantages of providing an elementary school with a physical education program under the supervision and direction of a specially trained teacher have recently become apparent. With this in mind, the undersigned was added to the teaching staff.
It is expected that this program will help to improve, develop and properly channel our children's vitality, coordination, self-expression and skills in group activities. It should also help to show children how to make more effective use of their leisure time outside school. Classes are organized so as to promote pupil leadership and, further, to teach the children to accept the leadership of others, - a basic need for developing good citizenship.
All classes, grades one through six, attend one gym class each week on a scheduled basis. Classroom teachers are also present during these classes to assist the physical education supervisor. Grades one through three have periods thirty minutes in length, an arrangement which adequately serves the interests and physical ability of this age level. Grades four through six have forty-five minute periods in keep- ing with a need for more vigorous and continued activities.
The content of the program involves all children in running, throwing, catching, dancing and rhyhmical exercises preceded by various forms of calesthenics and drills. Many basic skill-building and developmental activities are combined to form games suited to the capacity and needs of the children at various grade levels. Children who are inclined to be passive in non-directed activities seem to be- come more aggressive under this program.
Interclass competitions are held during noon recess two days a week. Various contests are conducted to promote new activities and interests on the playground and elsewhere.
The wholehearted cooperation of all members of the staff should be noted as contributing greatly to the progress of this newly organiz- ed program.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRIETTA G. GIANNINO
Supervisor of Physical Education
ANNUAL REPORT
of
The MASCONOMET
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ONOMET ......
.....
GIONAL
MAS
,
.
.
DISTRICT
SCHOOL
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1960
125
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
MASCONOMET REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Boxford, Massachusetts Regional District School Committee
Term
Name
Town
Expires
J. Harrison Holman, Chairman
Topsfield
1963
Merton S. Barrows, Vice-Chairman
Boxford
1963
Dr. M. Douglas Banus
Topsfield
1961
Rosamond L. Bastable
Middleton
1961
Richard Cressey
Middleton
1963
Leroy H. Curtis
Boxford
1961
Dr. Arthur O. McCoubrey
Topsfield
1962
Richard E. Quinn
Middleton
1961
Charles R. Rich
Boxford
1961
Martha P. Perry, Secretary
Topsfield
1961
Francis F. Perry, Treasurer
Boxford
1961
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Clarence E. Thornton, M.D. Topsfield
SCHOOL NURSE
Helen F. Hoogerzeil, R.N. Boxford
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Nathan A. Hayward, Jr. Middleton
Masconomet Regional School District Boxford, Massachusetts
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1961-1962
Friday, September 1 September 5, 6, 7 and 8 Thursday, September 7 Monday, September 11 Thursday, October 12 Wednesday, October 18 Wednesday, November 22 Monday, November 27 Friday, December 22
1961
FALL TERM
Meeting of Department Heads
Teacher Orientation and Workshops Orientation for Grade 7 School Opens - first day of classes Columbus Day - no school
County Teachers' Convention - no school Thanksgiving Recess, School closes at 12:30 P.M.
School reopens
Christmas Recess, School closes at 12:30 P.M.
126
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
1962 WINTER TERM
Tuesday, January 2
School reopens
Friday, February 16
Monday, February 26 Friday, April 13
Winter Recess - School closes at regu- lar time School reopens Spring Recess - School closes at regu- lar time
SPRING TERM
Monday, April 23
School reopens
Wednesday, May 30
Memorial Day - no school
Thursday, June 7
Graduation (tentative)
School Closes for Summer Vacation
*Friday, June 22 Friday, June 29
Last day for Teachers
July 9 - August 17
Summer Session (6 weeks)
* Provided school has been in session 180 days as required by Massa- chusetts Law.
"NO SCHOOL SIGNALS"
Whenever it is necessary to cancel school because of weather or hazardous driving conditions, "no school" signals are sounded on the fire alarms of member towns at the times indicated below; and announcements to this effect also are given on radio station WESX, Salem, WHAV, Haverhill, and WBZ, Boston.
Town
Signal Time
Boxford
3 Blasts
6:50 A.M.
West Boxford
3 Blasts
6:50 A.M.
Middleton
2-2-2
6:50 A.M.
Topsfield
2 Blasts
6:50 A.M.
127
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Report of the Masconomet Regional District School Committee for Year Ending December 31, 1960
The Masconomet Regional District School Committee is pleased to submit to the citizens of the District its third annual report.
ORGANIZATION
Again this year there were several changes in the membership of the committee. At the regular meeting on January 11, 1960 the committee regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. Richard Bowler, Jr. who had been District Treasurer since the formation of the Region in 1956. Mr. Bowler made a real contribution to the regional school during its early stages and the committee was disappointed that he did not have the time to continue this work. At the same meeting, the committee appointed Mr. Francis F. Perry of Boxford to the position of District Treasurer. Mr. LeRoy E. Curtis, Jr., a member of the Boxford School Committee, replaced Dr. Louis Vrettos as the appointed member of the Boxford School Committee. At the same time, Mr. Richard Cressey replaced Mr. Richard E. Quinn of Middleton who did not run for re-election. At its organization meeting on April 20, 1960, Mr. J. Harrison Holman of Topsfield was re-elected Chairman and Mr. Merton Barrows of Boxford was elected Vice Chairman.
The passing on of Professor Franklin C. Roberts, Sr. of Boxford on June 10, 1960 was a shock and a great loss to the committee. The following is a resolution adopted by the committee at a special meet- ing of town officials and the Masconomet Regional District School Committee held on June 29, 1960.
"We, representatives of official committees of Boxford, Middleton, and Topsfield, who have assembled here at the Franklin C. Roberts, Sr. Library to discuss the further developments of secondary education in the Masconomet Regional School District, feel it a most fitting and appropriate occasion to pay tribute to
FRANKLIN CAMPBELL ROBERTS, SR.
Scholar, Educator, Selectman, School Committee, Churchman, who devoted his life to the civic advancement of these communities by giving unselfishly of his experience, vision, and energy to help create a better life for his fellow citizens. His integrity, counsel, humility, and high ideals were a source of strength that has been inspirational through the years to all who were privileged to know him.
As further expression our profound respect, admiration, and grateful appreciation of this man, we hereby cause this testimonial to be spread upon the records of the towns of Boxford, Middleton, and
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MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Topsfield this 29th day of June 1960 and, further, that an illuminated copy be sent to Mrs. Roberts."
On July 6, 1960 the committee regretfully accepted the resig- nation of Mr. Robert T. Sperry of Middleton. Mr. Sperry had been on the committee since the original committees were formed in March of 1955. The members of the committee who served with Mr. Sperry wish to take this opportunity to express their appreciation to him for his outstanding contribution to the success of the establishment of this educational institution. At the regular meeting on August 17, 1960, Mr. Charles Rich of Boxford joined the committee. Mr. Rich was elected by the Boxford members of the regional school committtee and the Boxford Board of Selectmen to fill the unexpired term of the late Professor Franklin C. Roberts, Sr. At the same meeting, Mr. Richard E. Quinn of Middleton rejoined the committee. He was elected by the Middleton members of the regional school committee and the Middle- ton Board of Selectmen to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Robert T. Sperry. The members of the committee were indeed pleased that it was possible for Mr. Quinn to return. He has made many valuable contributions to the school during the formation of the Region, the building of the building, and the establishment of the basic philosophy.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
During 1960 the appearance of the school was improved in several ways. The combined Garden Clubs sponsored a ski movie on December 13, 1959 and the proceeds of $227.00 were used to place additional. trees and shrubbery around the school. We would also like to point out that the trees and shrubs were donated by generous citizens and the funds were used for transplanting.
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