USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1955 > Part 13
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Marblehead
49.00
Framingham
17.10
Marblehead
37%
Agawam
235
Shrewsbury
7,315
Framingham
47.00
Adams
16.91
Framingham
36%
Natick
229
Adams
7,171
Milton
46.00
Belmont
16.85
Milton
35%
Webster
228
Natick
7,038
Wellesley
45.50
Greenfield
16.65
Norwood
35%
Stoughton
215
Stoughton
6,545
W. Spring.
44.00
Milton
16.31
Greenfield
34%
Stoneham
214
Bridgewater
6,180
Belmont
40.00
PLYMOUTH
16.22
Adams
33%
Greenfield
203
Billerica
5,951
Barnstable
35.00
Barnstable
12.84
PLYMOUTH
32%
Adams
*198
Northbridge
5,888
Webster
34.20
Webster
9.34
Webster
27%
Billerica
186
Median
10,555
51.00
20.88
42%
244
Average
11,072
52.03
21.71
41%
249
*Figure for preceding year.
(1) Local tax per $1,000 for school (not including outlay).
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SCHOOL EXPENDITURE COMPARISONS
The accompanying chart gives a comparison of school costs in Plymouth with costs in 24 other towns - 12 larger and 12 smaller - which have the same type of school organization as Plymouth, the so-called 6-3-3 plan. The figures for the school year, 1954-55, show that our assessed valuation per pupil is slightly above the median in this group of towns. This means that our taxable valuation for public school support is above average for the number of pupils we have to educate. Our tax rate is a little below the average of the group. Plymouth's tax support for schools per thousand valuation is far below the average, $16.22 as compared with the median of $20.88 (Wellesley). The percent of tax money used for the Plymouth schools is well below the average for other towns shown -32% as against the median of 42% reported by Belmont. The amount expended for school support per pupil for the school year is shown in the last column and is above the median of the group. Plym- outh paid $265 as compared with the median of $244.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. WEAVER, Chairman, MAURO J. CANEVAZZI, Secretary, ROBERT B. BOWLER, SPENCER H. BREWSTER,
ALTON S. CAVICCHI,
JOSEPH S. CONTENTE,
Plymouth School Committee.
DONALD T. WELCH,
Superintendent of Schools.
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Annual Report of the Principal of Plymouth High School
The polio epidemic of last summer and fall has brought about some complications in our school program - but ironically presented our staff with an opportunity that would otherwise be difficult to create: we had two weeks of uninterrupted concentration on the problems of curriculum survey and revision. The results of this even at this early date are heartening: first of all because the teachers of their own volition decided to pursue the problem using the "Evaluative Criteria" as guide, and, secondly working under pressure, have nearly completed the evaluation and will be ready reasonably soon to start studies for revision. The program now in process of growth should enable us better to meet the needs of our pupils now and for the future.
Writing last year in this report I pointed out that a curriculum study was the natural outgrowth of the work we had begun in guidance and further indicated in the final paragraph that other factors were pressing. Today one of these - projected school population figures - underscores the importance of curriculum revision, for if a new school should be needed for either section of our secondary school program we should first have a reasonably clear blue-print of the educational plans a new school building must be designed to house. So the Junior High School staff is drawn into this study in order that the entire range of secondary education may be covered and all contingencies prepared for in the event a building program finds the need for new facili- ties to exist in one or the other of our two schools. The closer integration of work in the two schools is desirable and necessary in any event.
The graduating class of 1955 numbered one hundred thirty-one pupils of whom fifty-four planned to continue their education: thirty-five are entering degree granting
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schools; three, junior colleges; five, business schools; five, nursing schools; six, technical schools. In all these con- stitute over 40% of last year's class and are at least an indication of the school's effectiveness in one phase of its work. But until the school can show a comparable accomplishment for non-academic pupils we should not feel too pleased with present results. That our non- academic pupils do well (as evidenced by reports from employers and the armed services) is all the more reason why they should have the kind of education which would help them to do even better. Until an industrial arts program is developed in this school about 50% of our children are being "short-changed" educationally.
One interesting side-light on the school's effective- ness has been disclosed as a parallel result of the work with the Evaluative Criteria: namely, for a small general high school we have among our alumni a surprisingly large number of former students who have earned Ph.D. degrees. Since such a degree is granted usually no earlier than six years after leaving high school - and more likely it is ten, fifteen, or twenty years - reliable com- prehensive information is not to be had. Yet with our limited facilities for getting such information we know that eleven hold such degrees, four expect to receive them this year, and two more variously reported as (1) having the degree, (2) having a comparable degree, (3) being a candidate. If a complete and accurate poll of all alumni could be made it seems likely that this list would be greater.
In conjunction with this a list of at least eight M.D. degrees points clearly to the fact that the school can and does equip its academic pupils well. The school deserves the opportunity to do as much for all its pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR J. MONGAN,
Principal.
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Report of the Junior High School
There are 610 Plymouth students enrolled in this school as compared with 549 a year ago. At that time the total enrollment including tuition students was 592.
A year ago there was one special class; this year there are two. Although there are but 25 enrolled, they must, by law, be divided into two groups, occupy two separate classrooms, and be taught by qualified teachers.
The return to two classes in this department caused the appointment of another teacher who, because of the loss of a room for regular classes, must move to a dif- ferent room each period - a poor arrangement for students and teacher alike.
The counsellors, who teach three classes daily, must move about each period because no permanent place is available for them.
Because of the crowded conditions which still pre- vail, the library must be used as a classroom. The ninth grade students who have study periods each day cannot use it for the purpose intended and are thus deprived of most important training.
Three additional classrooms are needed under present conditions; a greater number will be needed as enrollment increases.
The music program deserves commendation. The instrumental work has been long established. The very fine band participates in many assemblies, and, with the drum majors, presents a concert in the spring. Both groups participate in the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Festival.
This year the vocal music has greatly improved, not only in the quality of class work but in the establishment
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of an unusually good Ninth Grade Glee Club. This group has been featured at two assemblies and will present its own public concert in April. It, too, will attend the Festival.
The visual education program has been extended through the purchase of a second projector. A storage room for equipment and the film library has been built in a corner of the spacious corridor on the upper floor. One teacher is in charge of the program-planning and equipment.
There are many other activities in which pupils are involved and from which they benefit in many ways - this includes assemblies, intramural sports, field trips, class meetings, and the school year book. They are fortunate in having teachers truly interested in their development.
In the past the staff of the Junior High School has made many changes in and additions to the curriculum as a result of the effective use of the combined efforts of everyone concerned. These changes have always been the direct result of proven needs. They have been retained only after practice has established conclusively that their continued existence is desirable.
This year teachers have welcomed the opportunity to participate in a study of the secondary schools of our Town. The spirit displayed by the entire staff in their whole-hearted participation in this long-term program certainly augurs well for the pupils and the community they serve.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. DOLAN, Principal.
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Report of Music Supervisor
My objective for the music program is twofold:
(1), To obtain an appreciation and love of good music leading to cultural development on the part of the child; and (2), to train the child in habits of concentra- tion and thinking.
All subjects in the school curriculum are merely by- products by which children are taught how to think, act, and do for themselves. Music has the advantage over most school subjects in that it contributes culturally as well as intellectually.
This objective will be accomplished by giving atten- tion to voice culture, interpretation, and music reading.
(1) Voice culture includes proper posture, breath control, relaxed open throat, and voice placement. These principles are attained by suggestion and imitation.
(2) Interpretation is taught by suggestion and imi- tation - a memory process. Inspiration proves an aid in obtaining the desired result. Terms of expression are explained. The teacher's personality and musical feeling is a great factor in gaining interpretive aims.
(3) Music reading is a reasoning process taught by the pedagogical presentation of the principles of time and tune. Children develop a keener appreciation of music if they have the ability to participate.
In conclusion, music should be less a subject to be taught and more a spark to be caught.
Respectfully submitted,
ARMEN MILTON,
Supervisor of Music.
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Art Supervisor's Report
Art instruction in the elementary schools of Plym- outh, in harmony with modern educational philosophy, has for its major objective the development of the indi- vidual. This means bringing forth the hidden powers of creativity inborn in every school child. He should learn to express himself, through many media and in his own individual manner.
The day of copying the work of others, of following patterns and producing a rigid or academic type of visual art, has been replaced by the interpretation of areas of the child's activities, interests, and growth.
Art education of today allows each child to grow as an individual. He is granted freedom of art expression and a full play of the imagination. The freedom of ex- pression in due time develops character, integrity, appreciation, and a fund of information.
The object of the elementary art program is not to make a professional artist of each child but instead to satisfy the child's creative instincts, to enrich his daily life, and to develop his sense of beauty.
The art program no longer just consists of drawing and painting. The program utilizes a large variety of two and three dimensional experiences to satisfy creative minds and hands. The art product is the result of the arrangement of any material which makes the end effect more pleasing and harmonious.
Once, art teachers were primarily interested in and judged by the quality of visual art objects produced by their students. Today, art teachers and school adminis- trators should be interested in what the art experience contributes to the child's personal development rather than in the objects that he produces.
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In all work the process of creating is of vital impor- tance to the growth of the child whether the final product is pleasing to the adult or not.
Respectfully submitted,
A. VIOLET PINTO, Art Supervisor.
Junior and Senior High Art
I submit the following report of the art work in the Junior and Senior High Schools for the past year.
Junior High School seventh and eighth grade art classes covered the following varied projects: lettering, water color painting, paper sculpturing, Thanksgiving and Christmas problems in different mediums, and life drawings of heads of boys and girls in the various classes. Abstract designs and craft problems were also part of the year's work.
Work done for the school included illustrations for the Junior Journal, bulletin boards in the corridors regu- larly decorated with displays of art work, doorway and window transparency decorations for Christmas time, and Christmas tree decorations were also made by the art students.
The Ninth Grade Art Club did work along specialized lines including posters, out-of-doors sketching, Junior Journal Cover designs, and craft problems.
The best of art work in different classes was sub- mitted for a contest sponsored by the Plymouth Woman's Club and prizes were awarded.
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High School art classes spend a large part of their fall and spring terms sketching the local life and scenic beauty of the town. Colonial homes, old elms on the Green, Town Brook and Brewster Park, and the fishing boats at Town Wharf are among their subjects. These field trips are planned during regular class periods. Visits to museums in Boston are scheduled for at least once a year, twice if possible. Contests are sponsored by the Plymouth Woman's Club. Fashion designs and abstract drawings were submitted this last year and prizes were awarded.
The last term of the year for Seniors is devoted to the painting of their graduation murals. This is done in collaboration with the honor group English class who choose the theme for graduation and work in close touch with the art pupils. Both groups do much research work and combine their essays and paintings to present their chosen theme at Commencement Exercises in Memorial Hall.
Art classes collaborate in illustrating the Pilgrim, annual year-book of the graduating class.
Two fine groups of posters for the Jordan Hospital Club were completed in the spring for the summer Bazaar and again in the fall for the Thanksgiving Ball. This was a real community project serving an organization which in turn gives aid to all of Plymouth citizens.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET E. BROWN, Teacher of Art.
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School Physician's Report for 1955
We examined the children as recommended by the State. It is gratifying to note that each year we notice more and more cooperation on the part of the parents in relation to correction of defects. The school nurse and her helpers have spent much time in the yearly eye and ear examinations.
The immunization program against poliomyelitis was continued this year in June. The children who had received the inert material the year before received two injections this year. All others in the first three grades who signed up received one shot. It is hoped that the immunization program will be continued and expanded either through the efforts of the School Committee or the Health Department or both.
The outstanding difficulty this year has been in rela- tion to the polio epidemic in the latter part of the year. Because of the number of cases in this Town (42), it was decided, after considerable discussion on the part of the School Committee and the Health Department, to postpone the opening of school until October 3, 1955.
This proved to be a very wise step for we had no difficulty with this disease after school was opened.
There were the usual number of cases of contagious and infectious diseases other than polio.
As stated in previous reports there is still a great need for a Guidance Clinic to give adequate attention to the school children's mental side of life.
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We again mention the need for greater co-ordination between the various phases of health work including:
1. Health Services
2. Physical Education
3. Health Education
The answer to this need is the formation of a Health Council in order to attain the co-ordination necessary.
To the Superintendent and all the teachers we give our heartfelt thanks for their cooperation and for it we are most grateful.
MEDORA V. EASTWOOD, M.D., FRANK J. ABATE, JR., M.D., School Physicians.
HILDA SWETT, R.N., School Nurse.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Clinic
January, 1955 - December, 1955
Examination Report - October - December, 1955
Elementary Schools:
Dental examinations 1270
Pupils with all needed corrections made 400
Percent dental certificates 31.5%
Junior High School:
Dental examinations 585
Pupils with all needed corrections made 273
Percent dental certificates 46.7%
Senior High School:
Dental examinations 376
Pupils with all needed corrections made 79
Percent dental certificates 21%
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The above statistics reveal the necessity of more pupils with completed dental work. However, the exam- inations were gratifying in that they showed a noticeable increase of pupils under treatment by their family dentist.
Percentage of Dental Corrections
Pupils examined grades 1-6 in Fall 1954 1225
Pupils found to have all needed corrections made 558
Results of these Examinations as of June, 1955
Mt. Pleasant School 77%
Cornish-Burton School 68%
Oak Street School 67%
Cold Spring School 61%
Hedge School 55%
Manomet School
41%
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene Talks in classroom, grades 1-6
324
Home visits 1
Examination Report - October-December, 1955 Dental Clinic
Clinic sessions including examinations
73
Pupils having all corrections made 76
Extractions
Baby teeth 62
Six-year molars in grades 1 and 2 4
Permanent teeth for Practical Arts class 7
Fillings (6-year molars) permanent teeth 164
Treatments (including X-ray) 101
Pupils having teeth cleaned by Dental Hygienist with individual instruction in dental hygiene 894
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Amounts received for clinical services rendered:
For dental prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth) $87.10
For filling and extractions 16.80
For toothbrushes sold 29.15
$133.05
Plymouth School Dentists recommend that more instruments be procured for the dental clinic. We further request that the Board of Health and other health officers of the Town encourage the use of fluoridated water in the Town, and in some carefully selected cases the prescrip- tion of sodium fluoride be made, or that it be applied topically to the teeth of those children with an unusually high caries incidence.
"We wish to thank the Plymouth Dental Profession for their co-operation so necessary for the success of our program."
Respectfully submitted,
JANE B. BRADFORD, Dental Hygienist. WILLIAM O. DYER, D.M.D., FRANCIS C. ORTOLANI, D.M.D.F.A.C.D., School Dentists.
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Report of Supervisor of Attendance JOHN J. REAGAN, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Other
Total
Elementary Schools
10
5
20
35
Junior High School 37
10
16
63
Senior High School
13
3
10
26
Employment certificates found invalid and returned to Superintendent's office
191
Total cases investigated
124
Court cases
1
Employment of Minors
1952
1953
1954
1955
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
38
31
29
21
Certificates to minors 16-21 years
221
373
243
246
259
404
272
267
School Census
- October 1, 1955
Males
Females
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
251
237
488
Persons 7 to 16 years
1073
1003
2076
Totals
1324
1240
2564
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - December, 1955
SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
1
2
3
4
5
6 P. A. Sub-Spec. J.P.A. 7
8
9 10
11
12 Total
Senior High
151
126
109
386
Junior High
25 210
185
181
601
22
23
34
29
35
30
25
21
35
31
(12
10)
32
32
Cornish
32
27
33
31
27
35
217
Burton
26
32
32
18
108
Mt. Pleasant
35
26
32
34
26
31
184
22
29
21
36
30
31
33
Cold Spring
31
23
36
28
(11
10)
16
6
363
Oak Street
23
(11
13)
47
Manomet
31
35
33
31
30
27
187
TOTALS
279
260
275
233
165
193
34
6 25
210
185
181
151
126
109
2,432
Grade groups enclosed in parenthesis are taught by one teacher.
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1
339
Hedge
APPOINTMENTS TO TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Training
Years of Experience
Anderson, Emma, Mrs.
Manomet
Grade 6, part-time
Framingham
10
Colas, Demitra
Oak Street
Grade 1
Bridgewater
0
Gibbons, Rosemary, Mrs.
Junior High
Music
Boston Teachers' College
15
Henry, Mary E., Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 3
Bridgewater
8
Koumantzelis, Christos G.
Manomet
Grade 4
Bridgewater
0
Milton, Armen
Elementary, Sr. High
Music
Boston University
6
Pinto, Violet
Elementary
Art
Mass. School of Art
0
Rezendes, Margaret, Mrs.
Cold Spring
Grade 3
Framingham
4
Snyder, Walter M.
Supt's Office
Administrative Asst.
Univ. of Pittsburgh
4
Stinnett, Mary, Mrs.
Cornish
Grade 5
Bridgewater
1012 3
Verre, Francis R.
Cornish
Grade 6
Bridgewater
Wright, Lois, Mrs.
Cold Spring
Special Class
Miss Niels Kdg. and Pri. School
22
Zaniboni, Margaret, Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 2
Bridgewater
8
RESIGNATIONS IN TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Years Served in Plymouth
*Albertini, Iris
Senior High
English, French
18
Andrews, Robert
Elementary
Art
41/2
Canan, Marietta
Elementary
Music
5
Donovan, Ella, Mrs.
Manomet
Grade 6, part-time
3
Freeman, Leonice, Mrs.
Cold Spring
Grade 3
1
Nunez, Joffrey T.
Senior High
English, Guidance
13
Parkhurst, Amedea, Mrs.
Hedge Junior High
Grade 2
12
Pope, Lucelia
Music
1
Tedeschi, William
Cornish
Grade 6
7
*On Leave
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES December, 1955
OFFICE
Donald T. Welch
*Walter M. Snyder
Elinor B. Sanderson
Secretary
Jacquelyn M. Sanderson, Mrs. Clerk
Theresa A. Leonardi, Mrs.
Clerk
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Edgar J. Mongan
Principal
Helen M. Bagnall, Mrs.
Economic Geog., Typing I
Ellen M. Downey
World History, Guidance
Lydia J. Gardner, Mrs.
Stenography I, II, Office Practice
Carlo T. Guidoboni
Auto. Mech., Basic Mech.
Margaret M. Healy, Mrs.
English II, French I
Roland W. Holmes
English II and III
Jeannette C. Jacques
French I, II, and III
Helen C. Johnson
Typing I and II, Bkkp. II
Elizabeth C. Kelly
Bkkp. I, Bus. Economics Household Arts
Virginia Kingman, Mrs.
Nellie R. Locklin
College Preparatory Math.
Donald M. Mullen
John W. Packard
Arthur G. Pyle
U. S. History, Prob. Dem. Physics, Chemistry, Radio U. S. History English IV, Dean of Girls
Miriam A. Raymond, Mrs.
Mario J. Romano Richard Smiley
Basic Math I and II Driver Education
John S. Tavernelli
Latin II, III, and IV
Alice F. Urann, Mrs.
English III and IV
Donald G. Wilson
Psychology, Guidance
Claiborne H. Young
Biology
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mary M. Dolan
Beatrice M. Arthur
David E. Barlow
Science 8 and 9
Civics, Guidance So. St., Eng., Civics
Science, Math., Drafting
Math., Algebra
English, Latin
Industrial Arts
Deane E. Eldridge
Principal
Business Trg., Math.
Lawrence M. Bongiovanni Phyllis R. Boucher Louis L. Cappannari Esther M. Chandler Andrew A. Dietlin, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools Administrative Assistant
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Viola M. Figueiredo, Mrs.
Foods
English, Soc. St., Lit.
English
*Rosemary Gibbons, Mrs.
Music
Alice Graeme-Harrison, Mrs.
English, Science, JPA
Marian E. Heath, Mrs.
Math., Social Studies
Phyllis M. Johnson
Civics, Social Studies
Muriel P. Loring, Mrs.
Clothing
Robert W. McLain
Art, English, Soc. St.
Loring R. C. Mugford
Math., Soc. St., JPA
Hector E. Patenaude
Industrial Arts
Jean W. Patenaude, Mrs.
English, Soc. St., Latin
Barbara E. Pioppi, Mrs.
Social Studies, Lib., Lit.
Doris S. Rogers, Mrs.
English, Soc. St., Lit.
Sara B. Sharkey, Mrs.
English, Girls' Counsellor
Antone J. Spath
Social Studies, Math.
Wendell H. Thornton
Science 8 and 9
Catherine D. Welsh
Mathematics
CORNISH-BURTON AND OAK STREET SCHOOLS
Eleanor L. White, Mrs. Principal
CORNISH-BURTON SCHOOL
Mora E. Norton
Grade 1
Gertrude W. Zahn
Grade 1
Jeanette M. Holmes, Mrs. Grade 2
Dorothy A. Judkins
Grade 2
Virginia Hutton, Mrs. Grade 3
Helen G. Morrill, Mrs. Grade 3
Helen F. Holmes
Grade 4
Ruth H. Tolman
Grade 4
*Mary A. Stinnett, Mrs.
Grade 5
*Francis Verre
Grade 6
Carolyn L. Avanzini, Mrs.
Practical Arts
OAK STREET SCHOOL
*Dimitra Colas
Grade 1
Florence L. Gordon, Mrs.
Grades 2 and 3
Doris M. Gault, Mrs. William Gault, Jr.
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HEDGE SCHOOL
Etta-Hix Allen
Principal
Jane C. Busi, Mrs.
Grade 1
Esther Melkonian
Grade 1
Leona A. Hathaway
Grade 1
Amedea D. Parkhurst, Mrs.
Grade 2
Lucy Rae, Mrs.
Grade 2
Carol Manchester
Grade 3
*Mary E. Henry, Mrs.
Grade 3
S. Claire Goodwin, Mrs.
Grade 4
Janet Blackburn, Mrs.
Grades 4 and 5
Marjorie Radcliffe
Grade 5
Sara F. Doten, Mrs.
Grade 6
Mary Guidoboni, Mrs.
Grade 6
COLD SPRING SCHOOL
Emmett B. Finck
Principal
Rose B. Watkins, Mrs.
Grade 1
Kathryn H. McCarthy
Grade 1
Nancy Ward
Grade 2
Margaret L. Christie
Grade 2
Louise E. Tosi
Grade 2
Maxine Ludington, Mrs.
Grade 3
*Margaret Rezendes, Mrs.
Grade 3
Sarah S. Bent
Grade 4
M. Louise Peterson
Grade 4
Olga Anderson, Mrs.
Grade 5
Esther Maloni, Mrs.
Grades 5 and 6
Susan M. Beauregard, Mrs.
Grade 6
*Lois R. Wright, Mrs.
Sub-Special Class
Berthine P. Cavi, Mrs.
Practical Arts
MOUNT PLEASANT SCHOOL
Helen S. Manchester, Mrs.
Principal, Grade 6
Gladys L. Simmons, Mrs.
Grade 1
Marjorie J. Cassidy
Grade 2
Evelyn M. Gellatly, Mrs.
Grade 3
Mabel R. Mitchell, Mrs.
Grade 4
Esther M. Ward
Grade 5
Helen H. Linnell
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