USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1963 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
To sustain the children's interest in the program, a variety of media are used, including crayon, pencil, modeling clay, sawdust mache, construction paper, water color, poster paint and drinking straws.
In order to develop sculptural skills and manual dexterity, con- siderable work is done with folded construction paper, modeling clay, drinking straws, and sawdust mache. Objects, such as puppets made with sawdust mache, have been kept by the children for their lasting value.
In the lower grades drawing is encouraged to be expressive and instruction is given in terms of "what" rather than "how". This means that the children may be reminded of an omission in a drawing rather than being told how to draw a particular object. In the upper grades the children are given some training in geometric objects such as trucks, houses, airplanes, and tables with reasonable accuracy.
Design is taught primarily in the upper grades. The fundamen- tal points stressed include combining large and small shapes, light and dark colors, hot and cold colors, curvilinear and rectilinear shapes, and straight and curved lines. It is pointed out that monotony is relieved by combining the many with the few. These abstract principles permit an endless combination of creative re- sults and are applicable to other forms of art work. When potato prints are engaged in, instruction is given in repetitive or textile type design.
Color is taught at all grade levels in terms of its warm and cool harmonies and the psychological characteristics of these har-
116
SCHOOL REPORT
monies. It is brought out to the children that cool colors create sad and creepy effects, and that warm colors create cheerful and pleasant effects. Such instruction is psychologically and aesthetically valid and permits sufficient freedom of choice to promote creativity.
When solicited, assistance is given the classroom teachers in planning classroom and bulletin board decorations.
The sixth grade children have heard illustrated lectures on art history given by a highly qualified lecturer from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. These lectures covered the Renaissance, Greek, and Roman periods. The children profited from these lectures and visibly enjoyed them.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD BRUZZO
Art Supervisor
117
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF CAFETERIA MANAGER
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
During the 172 days the hot lunch program operated this year, a total of 58,641 Type A lunches were served to children with a percentage participation of 75.9%. A total of 3,175 lunches were served to adults. Under the special milk program, 19,332 cartons of milk were served to children with a percentage participation of 25%.
As stated in the National School Lunch Act of 1946, each Type A lunch must contain the following nutrients every day: two ounces of protein-rich foods, a three-fourths cup serving of fruits and vegetables, one slice of enriched bread, two teaspoons butter, and one-half pint of unflavored milk. Dessert is always included and the older children are given larger portions. Special attention is given to include adequate servings of Vitamin C rich food daily and Vitamin A rich food twice a week.
Foods donated by the Commodity Division, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, are put to very good use. The value of the commodities received was $3,469.10.
In February, cartons, instead of glass containers of milk, were instituted making it safer and more convenient for handling by the children.
A new coffee maker and some other small equipment were pur- chased this year. Necessary repairs were made to the dishwashing machine and sinks.
A National School Lunch Week was proclaimed from October 13-20 with the theme being, "Food for Learning". One menu that week consisted of foods native to this region.
Four baking workshops, a state convention in Swampscott, and other meetings were attended by personnel so that they might gain more knowledge in their field of work.
Mary Silva, Lorayne Hocter, and Helen Doucette added another year to their excellent records. In June, Myrtle Boardman resigned after five years of fine service. Mary Hocter was appointed to the position in July and resigned in November.
For the cooperation given the cafeteria staff, we take this opportunity to thank everyone.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY KING Cafeteria Manager
118
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SPEECH THERAPIST
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
During the first month of school speech evaluations were con- ducted by the speech therapist. All first grade children were sur- veyed as well as previous speech cases, new children, and teacher referrals.
The present case load is thirty pupils. Each student is seen twice a week during two twenty-five minute periods, either indi- vidually or with a group of five or less. There are eight children on the waiting list, with fourteen first grade pupils to be retested for possible in-class improvement.
Eighty-five percent of the cases are articulation problems. The other problems concern fluency, fast rate, and voice quality.
Most parents have had conferences with the speech therapist. Close parental and teacher cooperation is encouraged. The therapist is also in close contact with the remedial reading specialist, as well as with the school adjustment counselor, for many speech deficient children need help in these related areas.
The assistance given the speech therapist by other staff mem- bers is greatly appreciated. This program could not have been suc- cessful without the continued support of the Superintendent- Principal.
Respectfully submitted,
CARLOTTA S. MILLER
Speech Therapist
119
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent-Principal, Howe-Manning School:
Learning through activity is the practical keynote of the physical education program at Howe-Manning School. Classes start with calisthenics which are directed to the individual. This practice helps in developing the pupil's strength and skills for passing physical fitness tests.
We are now using the standardized fitness tests provided by the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States of America. These are adapted for youngsters from six to eighteen years of age.
Contests, games and folk dancing make up the balance of the class program which is scheduled for one period per week for each child. Whenever possible, the pupil is allowed a choice of one or more activities within the same period. Small harmonious groupings are a great aid to rapid progress and permit greater participation and development.
During class meetings activities may be planned to continue at recess. Carrying out such plans is entirely up to the wishes of the group and the restrictions of the weather. More guidance and as- sistance is provided when groups meet indoors for gym recess which is scheduled from November to April.
On several occasions during this indoor season, children of grades five and six present demonstrations of their class activities. Even the teachers have accepted invitations to participate in basket- ball or volley ball play days with the older pupils. This delights both the participants and the audience. Further, it provides all attending with the much needed balance of work and play.
Respectfully submitted, HENRIETTA GIANNINO
Supervisor of Physical Education
120
SCHOOL REPORT
Howe-Manning School, Middleton, Mass.
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS
AGE-GRADE DISTRIBUTION - October 1, 1963
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Totalı
rade
93
I
18
66
9
83
II
14
60
9
81
CII
12
59
9
1
79
IV
12
61
4
2
9
48
9
2
68
V
13
43
13
1
70
VI
Ungraded
2
2
1
3
5
13
Totals
18
80
83
82
80
69
59
15
1
487
121
SCHOOL REPORT
TEACHER-GRADE DISTRIBUTION October 1, 1963
Teacher
Grade
Grade
Grade
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade
Ungraded
Totals
1
2
3
6
25
Miss Devane
25
19
Mrs. Hammond
19
26
Mrs. Hughes
26
23
Mrs. Kane
23
26
Mrs. Drozek
26
28
Mrs. Lavorgna
28
29
Mrs. Layton
29
27
Mrs. Cassidy
27
28
Mrs. Fall
28
26
Mrs. Freund
26
28
Mrs. Klein
28
23
Mrs. Minteer
28
28
Mr. Boyle
22
22
Mrs. Johnston
21
21
Mr. White
28
28
Miss Foley
19
19
Miss Ruark
23
23
Mr. Winter
13
13
Miss Chasse
Totals
93 83 81
79
68
70
13
487
23
Mrs. Lundgren
25
25
ANNUAL REPORT
of
THE MASCONOMET
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS
IWON
......
....
GIONAL
.....
...
DISTRIC
SCHOOL
For the Year Ending December 31, 1963
125
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT of BOXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS For the Year Ending December 31, 1963 REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Town
Term Expires
Hans W. Barber, Chairman
Boxford
1965
Richard Quinn, Vice-Chairman
Middleton
1965
M. Douglas Banus
Topsfield
1964*
Frank Butler
Topsfield
1964+
Page G. Campbell
Middleton
1964*
Richard Cressey
Middleton
1966
Arthur Gingrande
Boxford
1966
J. Harrison Holman
Topsfield
1966
Shirley MacGill
Boxford
1964*
Arthur O. McCoubrey
Topsfield
1965§
* Appointed by Local School Committee
§ Resigned July 26, 1963
# Appointed Oct. 10, 1963 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Arthur O. McCoubrey - to serve until the the annual election in March, 1964.
The Regional School Committee meets the first and third Wednesday and the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Regional High School, Endicott Street, Boxford, at 7:45 P.M.
DISTRICT SECRETARY Martha P. Perry
DISTRICT TREASURER Francis F. Perry
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Julius H. Mueller
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
Miss Elizabeth H. Rider, Secretary
Mrs. Sarah P. Walshe, Bookkeeper SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Clarence E. Thornton, M.D., Danvers SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Helen F. Hoogerzeil, R.N., Boxford ATTENDANCE OFFICER Nathan A. Hayward, Jr., Middleton
126
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1964-65 FALL TERM - 1964
Tuesday, September 1 Wednesday, September 2 Thursday and Friday, September 3 and 4 Monday, September 7 Tuesday, September 8
Wednesday, September 9 Monday, October 12
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, November 11
Wednesday, November 25
Monday, November 30 Wednesday, December 23
Meeting of Department Chairmen Orientation of New Teachers All teachers report - Faculty Work- shops
Labor Day - No School
All teachers report - Faculty Work- shop. Orientation for Grades 7 & 8 8 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. School opens for all student 8 A.M. Columbus Day - No School County Teacher's Convention - No School
Veteran's Day - No School
School Closes at 12:30 P.M. for
Thanksgiving Recess
School Reopens
School Closes at regular time for Christmas Recess
WINTER TERM - 1965
Monday, January 4 Friday, February 19
Monday, March 1
Thursday, April 15
School Reopens
School Closes at regular time for
Winter Recess
School Reopens
School Closes at regular time for Spring Recess
SPRING TERM - 1965
Wednesday, April 21 Monday, May 31
Thursday, June 10
Wednesday, June 16 - Friday, June 18 Friday, June 18
School Reopens Memorial Day - No School * Graduation, Class of 1965
Final Exam Period, Grades 9 - 11 ** School Closes for Summer Vaca- tion at 12:30 P.M.
SUMMER SESSION
Thursday, July 1 to Friday, August 13 * Tentative
Summer School (30 days)
** Provided School has been in session 180 days as required by Massachusetts law.
127
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Report of the Masconomet Regional District School Committee for Year Ending December 31, 1963
Organization
During the year several changes occurred in the membership of the committee. Mrs. Page G. Campbell replaced Mr. David V. Harding as the appointed member of the Middleton School Com- mittee. Mr. Arthur Gingrande replaced Mr. Merton S. Barrows of Boxford who did not run for re-election.
Mr. Barrows, who attended his last meeting on March 1, 1963, was elected to the Regional Committee in March 1957. During his six years on the committee he gave unstintingly and unselfishly of his time, energies, and talents both in connection with the con- struction of the original building and most recently, in the develop- ment of the plans for the present expansion of the school. Mr. Barrows served as vice-chairman of the committee in 1960 and as chairman in 1961. The members of the committee who served with Mr. Barrows wish to take this opportunity to express their sincere appreciation to him for his outstanding contribution to the success of the establishment of this educational institution.
Mr. J. Harrison Holman of Topsfield and Mr. Richard Cressey of Middleton were re-elected by the voters of their respective towns to three-year terms.
At its organizational meeting on April 17, 1963, Mr. Hans W. Barber of Boxford was elected Chairman, and Mr. Richard E. Quinn of Middleton was elected Vice-Chairman. At the same time the committee re-elected Mrs. Martha P. Perry of Topsfield and Mr. Francis F. Perry of Boxford as Secretary and Treasurer, respec- tively.
At its meeting of July 22, 1963 the committee regretfully accepted the resignation of Mr. Arthur O. McCoubrey of Topsfield. Mr. McCoubrey, who had been a member of the committee since December 16, 1959, found it necessary to take this step because of pressure of business commitments. The members of the committee would like to express formally in this Annual Report their sincere appreciation to Mr. McCoubrey for his many fine contributions to the work of the committee during his four and one-half years of service on the committee.
128
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Mr. Frank A. Butler of Topsfield was appointed by the Tops- field Board of Selectmen and the Topsfield members of the Region- al School Committee to serve until the next annual election.
The committee had a very busy year in 1963. There were 24 regular meetings and 9 special meetings, plus meetings of the sub- committees for special activities.
Building Construction
Much of the activity of the committee, the administration, and the school staff, during the past year, has been centered around completion of plans for expanding the instructional facilities of the regional high school and in securing favorable acceptance of these plans by the citizens of the District.
The 1962 Annual Report described in detail the long-range building program adopted by the committee to insure an orderly and economical expansion of school facilities as the enrollment of the school increases; the Master Plan which had been developed to accomplish this purpose through a series of carefully planned construction stages extending over a number of years; and the first stage of construction designed to provide adequate facilities to carry on the instructional program for students in grades 7 and 8 who have been attending school under a double-session arrangement since September 1962.
Although it was originally the intent under Stage I to build facilities for 850 pupils this was cut back to 700 pupils after taking another look at enrollment projections. This re-examination revealed that current enrollment in the regional high school was running below the most conservative of the three available projections upon which the committee had been basing its estimate of space re- quirements.
These earlier projections were based on data for the 5-year period 1955-1959, the years in which a rapid growth rate was being experienced. Accordingly, in late February, the committee asked the superintendent and the office of the School Building Assistance Commission to up date their respective projections. This was done. These revised projections, based on actual enrollment for the 5-year period 1958-62, were in close agreement and indicated that the number of pupils in grades 7 and 8 would not reach 700 until 1967 rather than two years earlier as had been expected. This fact is further borne out by a later projection made by the superinten- dent in October 1963 based on actual enrollment figures for the
129
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
past five years (1959-1963). An examination of the accompanying graph shows that an enrollment of 700 pupils in these two grades on the basis of the current growth rate may not be reached until 1968 or later.
In view of these facts it was obvious to the committee that building initially for 700 pupils under Stage I was all that could be reasonably justified. Furthermore, as this most recent enroll- ment projection so clearly indicates, the committee recognized that not long after the construction under Stage I is completed addi- tional facilities will have to be planned and constructed anyway to relieve the over-crowding in grades 9-12 which by the year 1967-68 will total 1029 pupils. Although construction under Stage II would be aimed principally at expanding facilities for grades 9-12, the flexibility inherent under the Master Plan concept would allow for the construction of some additional facilities for grades 7 and 8 should this later prove to be necessary.
This action of the committee authorizing a downward revision in the educational specifications for Stage I construction from 850 pupils to 700 pupils met with the approval of the School Building Assistance Commission. It did, however, result in a delay of seven weeks under the time schedule that had been established originally for putting plans and specifications out to bid since these had to be revised by the architect to conform to the changed educational specifications.
Following the approval by the School Building Assistance Com- mission of the revised plans for the construction to be done under Stage I, the plans and specifications were put out for bid on April 22, 1963. Filed sub-bids, which included such items as plumbing and electrical wiring, were opened on May 15, 1963. General con- tract bids were opened on May 21, 1963 with the successful low bidder being the Frasca Construction Company of Lynn.
At a special meeting on the evening of May 21, the committee voted to go to bond for $1,875,000 and the Selectmen of the three member towns were duly notified in accordance with the provisions of the original agreement establishing the Masconomet Regional School District.
Each of the member towns called special town meetings to secure voter approval of the bond issue during the 30-day waiting period as provided for under the laws of the Commonwealth. These meetings were held as follows: Middleton, June 10; Topsfield, June 18; and Boxford, June 19.
130
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Following the favorable action by the voters at their respec- tive town meetings in voting approval of the bond issue, the Com- mittee met with the Emergency Finance Board at the State House in Boston and at that time received its approval to bond in the amount of $1,875,000. At a special meeting on July 1, 1963, the Committee signed the general construction contract with the Frasca Construction Company. At this same meeting Mr. Christopher Vrachos of Gloucester was elected to the position of Clerk-of-Works.
Work on the new addition started on July 2, 1963. Under the revised time schedule the junior high school classroom wing is to be completed and ready for occupancy by the opening of school in September 1964. The remainder of the construction is scheduled for completion by January 1, 1965. Even though all of the new facilities will not be ready for occupancy next September sufficient classrooms are expected to be available for use so that pupils in grades 7 and 8 can return to the single-session school day.
On August 7, 1963, the Masconomet Regional School District bonds to finance the new construction were sold at an interest rate of 3%, the same rate incidentally as secured on the bonds for the original building.
The decision of the committee to reduce the amount of con- struction under Stage I from 850 pupils to 700 pupils resulted in a somewhat higher cost for architectural and engineering services due to the extra work this entailed for the architect in revising working drawings and specifications which had been done on the basis of an 850-pupil facility. This extra charge, a perfectly legitimate one under the terms of the architect's contract with the District, amounted to $29,543 and was taken into consideration in determin- ing the total amount of the bond issue.
The cost of developing the Master Plan came to $10,000 and was paid for from Public Law 874 funds.
The necessary forms, affidavits, and supporting documents, re- quired for the District to receive reimbursement from the State on account of planning aid expenses in connection with the new con- struction were submitted to the School Building Assistance Com- mission late in September. The check for this claim amounting to $91,548.66 was received in November and deposited in the construc- tion account.
Early in July the committee met with the Trustees of the Essex County Greenbelt Association relative to exchanging a parcel of land owned by the District consisting of low marsh land not
131
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
suitable or required for school purposes, for a parcel of land owned by the Trustees which could be employed for school purposes, and further, would result in straightening the boundary line between District property and that belonging to the Greenbelt Association. This exchange of land was consumated in December and the deeds in connection therewith duly recorded with the Essex County Registry of Deeds.
Equipping The New Addition
Throughout the year the superintendent and department chair- men with the assistance of the architect at crucial points devoted much time and effort to considering the equipment needs for the new addition. This was in accordance with an earlier decision of the committee not to employ an equipment consultant to perform this function as had been done when the present building was erected.
The result of this effort on the part of the staff was the publication of a detailed budget which enumerated all of the items of equipment that would be needed. The committee considered this budget estimate total for equipment in arriving at the amount of the bond issue.
As some of the equipment requires installation by the manu- facturer and connection to the building services by the general contractor, as specified in the general contract, it was necessary to prepare detailed specification for this type of fixed equipment soon after construction started so that progress would not be held up. Specifications for such equipment in the areas of Science, In- dustrial Arts, Homemaking, and the Towel Laundry were written during the summer and after approval by the committee were put out for bid early in September.
Contracts with the successful bidders have been signed and this equipment is now in the process of being manufactured. Ad- vantage has also been taken of the opportunity under the provisions of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 to secure financial aid in connection with equipping the science laboratories in the new addition. Our application for such federal aid was approved which means that 35% of the cost of equipping the science labora- tories will come from this source. The same situation will prevail in connection with equipping the new language laboratory. A major task during the coming year will be the procuring all the remain- ing items of equipment necessary for the complete furnishing of the new facilities.
132
MASCONOMET REGIONAL SCHOOL REPORT
Budget For 1964
The enrollment in the regional high school on October 1, 1963 was 1174, an increase of 104, 9.7% over the October 1, 1962 enroll- ment of 1070. In September 1964, the enrollment, based on the most recent projection data, will be 1289, an increase of 115 over 1963, or 9.7%.
This pattern of growth can be expected to continue in the years ahead (see enrollment projection chart) and is, of course, a major factor in the increased cost of secondary education. Other factors which contribute to these rising costs stem directly from this factor of enrollment growth, namely, additional teachers, more textbooks and related instructional supplies, and proportionate in- creases in non-instructional services necessary to the total operation of the educational program.
The total Budget for 1964 before applying any credits for estimated receipts is $1,214,568.00 an increase of $235,833.00 or 24.1% over the 1963 Gross Budget of $978,735.00.
The maintenance and operating Budget for 1964 which accounts for 74% of the total costs of the Regional School District amounts to $899,793.00. This is an increase of $88,033.00 or 10.8% over the 1963 budget figure of $811,760.00. This percentage increase com- pares closely with the estimated percentage increase in enrollment, and with an average annual budget increase of 14.8% since 1960 - the first budget year that reflected a full year of operation of the Regional High School.
With the opening in September 1964 of the new classrooms now under construction, pupils in grades 7 and 8 will return to a single session day and a full educational program. This factor, along with the projected increase in enrollment, will require the employment of 8 additional teachers including an assistant principal for the junior high school. Increasing the minimum salary for teachers from the present $4700 to $4800 as of September 1, 1964 represents an 'across-the-board" adjustment of $100 for all members of the professional staff, and this in conjunction with the annual step-rate increases provided under the salary policy, accounts for much of the increase in the budget item "Expense of Instruction".
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.