USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1958 > Part 21
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After a careful evaluation of many different texts by the staff a new series of science textbooks was recom- mended and purchased for all elementary grade levels.
Television sets were purchased for the elementary and Junior High schools, thus enabling Plymouth pupils to participate in the television programs sponsored by the Department of Education.
Additional teacher time was given to physical edu- cation and High School English. These two new teachers have helped correct the overloading in these departments.
A course in first year algebra was instituted for tenth grade pupils.
Adult Education
Evening classes for adults continued to receive en- thusiastic support. Two hundred fifty-four individuals were enrolled. Classes were held in cake decorating, sewing, furniture refinishing, jewelry making, typing, shorthand and business English.
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Summer School
One hundred four pupils attended the 1958 summer school classes. Classes were held in spelling, arithmetic, language, and reading for grades 4, 5, and 6. Classes in mathematics and English were held for grades 7 and 8.
Mention should be made of new benevolences given to the schools during the year. A plot of land adjacent to the Manomet School was given to the town by Miss Mary E. Bacon, Mrs. Arthur L. Freeland, Mrs. Henry Parmenter and Mrs. Harold O. Woolley.
A scholarship of $250 was given by Dr. Hyman Duby.
Appreciation is extended to the many organizations and individuals who, through their annual gifts and serv- ices, have assisted in the education of Plymouth children.
In conclusion, the school committee extends its ap- preciation to all department personnel for their coopera- tion during the period last fall when the department op- erated without a superintendent. The superintendent also thanks the entire school personnel who in so many ways have helped to make his transition to a new position pleasant.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. WEAVER, Chairman,
MAURO J. CANEVAZZI, Secretary,
ALTON S. CAVICCHI,
JOSEPH S. CONTENTE;
HARRY F. DOYLE,
JANE GELLAR,
Plymouth School Committee.
CHESTER V. SWEATT,
Superintendent of Schools.
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Annual Report of the Principal of the High School
Changes have been effected in the high school since closing day in June of 1958. Those I wish to call attention to at this time are:
1. Algebra I has been added to the courses offered, giving students who cannot cope with the subject in the 9th grade the opportunity to study it again another year. I should emphasize that this course is not only for the college preparatory student but also for those who need the knowledge to aspire to technical training.
2. Advanced Biology - A course designed for the student who has shown exceptional interest and aptitude in the field of biology. Open to a limited number of students, approval of the instructor is necessary.
3. World Literature - Added to our offerings. In- tended to enlarge the student's horizon by reading significant literature by writers of prominent coun- tries of western civilization. It is for seniors. Ap- proval of the instructor is necessary.
4. As a result of the action taken by the School Com- mittee the central library of the school now boasts 140 new volumes. This is an admirable beginning. Further acquisitions during the next few years should bring the school library to a point where it may be truly regarded as an integral part of the educational program.
At present desk space in our classrooms will accom- modate 510 pupils; our present enrollment is 483. The figures presently available forecast an enrollment in Sep- tember of 573. This number can be accommodated. I should explain, however, that the accommodations we
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offer will be far from desirable since we will have to resort to the expediency of dividing our study hall into two classrooms and use our cafeteria and auditorium as study halls. This, of course, will have two adverse effects:
1 - the library books stored in room 303 will not be readily available when and where they are need- ed most;
2- the use of the auditorium for the purposes orig- inally intended will have to be curtailed to a minimum.
It is also apparent that our cafeteria cannot accom- modate all of our students since maximum capacity is in the vicinity of 420. We will alleviate this situation by having two recesses for the school. This means, of course, that the cafeteria will not be available for study pur- poses during the three sittings for the junior high and the two sittings for the senior high. This will result in further inroads being made in the possible use of the auditorium.
I would like to make the following recommendations to become effective in September. The implementing of these recommendations does not require the addition of personnel to the staff.
1. Personal typing has been in demand by college preparatory students for a long time. With the advent of the 7 period day, it is possible to pro- vide for it. This should carry no credit toward graduation.
2. Driver Training - now a semester course carry- ing 21/2 credits toward graduation should be re- tained, but as a personal service course, with no credit toward graduation.
3. Mechanical Drawing. This is a realistic approach to the needs of many of our students who should have some basic knowledge when they go on to technical schools. We propose to institute such a
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course not only for the students mentioned above but also for the select group of college preparatory students who can use the knowledge gained when confronted with the basic requirements of certain courses at college.
4. The courses in Basic Mechanics and Auto Mechan- ics were added to the curriculum in 1943 when the army and navy, faced by the necessity of getting men into combat as quickly as possible, turned to the schools and asked if part of the training job could be handled by them. These courses served a good purpose. Their present value is question- able if available space and tools are considered. We therefore wish to replace these two courses with the following:
1. Physical Science - grounding in fundamental laws and systems for students intending col- lege or preparation for more advanced scienti- fic work. Open to seniors and juniors who are not primarily interested in College Chemistry or Physics. Permission of instructor required.
2. Applied Science - a course which is intended to cover the basic information which is con- tained in the courses in Basic and Auto Me- chanics. Open to juniors and seniors.
5. Much consideration is being given everywhere to- day to the brighter student and the opportunities offered him. We propose to add to the opportuni- ties already in existence. In September we will enroll in one of our Biology classes, as an experi- ment, a half dozen 9th grade students carefully se- lected on a basis of tested ability and proven per- formance. These will be the top students. At the end of the year, if the results obtained warrant, we will consider continuing the practice and per- haps expand it to include other areas of work. This
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is not aimed at acceleration of students, rather it is intended to provide the best student with educa- tional experiences for which he would normally have to wait a year.
I desire to mention the need for the addition of an- other foreign language to our curriculum. The ever-in- creasing importance of our neighboring countries to the south certainly has placed Spanish in the group of for- eign languages in which we have a vital interest. This, of course, implies the addition of another teacher to the staff.
This is not the time to go into the many changes in curriculum offerings which must be made during the next few years if we are to provide the youth of the com- munity with the education they must have. The nature of these changes, the facilities needed, and the additions to personnel made mandatory by them, will be discussed in subsequent reports.
That our educational product has been good is large- ly the result of the efforts of the teaching staff. These men and women have given of their best and the stu- dents who have come to us through the years have been the beneficiaries of that effort. As I have stated before, it is the opinion of the writer that Plymouth is fortunate in the calibre of its teachers. This school is also fortunate in the calibre of its students. For my part, I am humbly grateful for both.
In closing this annual report, I wish to mention the man who preceded me as principal of this school. To give expression to the feelings of the faculty and the student body on Mr. Mongan's resignation is not possible. He was a good teacher and a good administrator. Beyond that he was and is a gentleman in the finest sense of the term. We shall miss him.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE M. BONGIOVANNI
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Annual Report of the Junior High School
January 1959
Enrollment
For several years these reports have emphasized the congestion in this school - the constantly increasing en- rollment, the putting to classroom use rooms intended for other purposes, and the crowding of a maximum number of desks into smaller rooms.
Each year the problem becomes more acute. Next year there will be an enrollment increase of forty or more. The ninth grade will be small enough to divide into five sections instead of the usual six, but there will be two more eighth grades. At present there are 667 pupils while the estimate for September is 708. The school will be very crowded; the classes, large. It will be difficult to accommodate them.
In the fall of 1960, however, the problem will be so acute that provision should be made early to relieve the pressure. There will be four more classes than there are now. Emergency measures should be taken for housing them before a new school could possibly be built. A por- table building to be used during the waiting period might suffice. It would be preferable, in my opinion, to double sessions.
January 1959
Grade 9
208 6
Grade 8
182
5
Grade 7
245
7
Special Class
32 2
667
20 classes
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September 1959
Grade 9
182
5
Grade 8
245
7
Grade 7
245
7
Special Class
36
2
708
21
September 1960
Grade 9
245
7
Grade 8
245
7
Grade 7
262
8
Special Class
36
2
788 24
Reading
The two seventh grade groups which were arranged so that special attention was given to reading last year were reduced to one group in grade eight. Only those who would profit by further special instruction were as- signed to it. Because the work has proved so beneficial there are two divisions in this seventh grade again this year. The program is worthy of continuance.
Science
By reducing shop and household arts from four to three periods, general science in the seventh grade has been increased to three periods a week. The classroom used for it has been improved with the addition of a portable laboratory.
The Longer Day
The longer school day has resulted in the creation of a seventh period - an activity period - the last in the day. During this time the band and glee club rehearse; the art clubs, press club, editors and school paper staff meet; special work is done in the foods laboratory, cloth- ing room, and shops. Students who have lost work be-
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cause of absences or who need further help in under- standing may confer with teachers at this time. Rehears- als for assemblies and physical education programs, cor- rectives and intramurals are also in progress. The great- est problem is supervising the students who do not par- ticipate in any of these activities and who must stay in the home room. The greatest benefit is that pupils may participate in activities without loss of class work.
MARY M. DOLAN,
Principal.
Annual Report of the Elementary Schools
The reports of the elementary school principals, Mrs. Eleanor White, Mrs. Elouise Cashin, Mrs. Helen Manches- ter and Mr. Emmett Finck are summarized below.
Plymouth parents have been most generous during the past year with their assistance in helping the ele- mentary schools to function effectively. Through their Parent-Teachers organizations they have served as chap- erones on field trips, assisted in the pre-school clinics, served as librarians, welcomed parents of new pupils on the opening day of school, purchased books for school libraries, given pieces of equipment to their schools, pro- vided transportation for pupils on field trips, and made themselves available to help when needed for any school activity.
In addition to intensive classwork many other activ- ities have gone on during the past year. A few are listed below.
All sixth grades in all schools visited the Museum of Natural Science. The cooperation of the Plymouth Cord- age Company and the various Parent-Teachers Associa-
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tions in making this field trip possible is gratefully acknowledged.
Grades four and five and special classes visited the Mayflower and historical sites and museums in Plymouth.
Second grades visited the local radio station, fire sta- tion and post office.
One sixth grade participated in a library course made possible through the cooperation of Miss Lucas of the Plymouth Public Library.
Mrs. Avanzini's special class gave a demonstration of their science work for the teaching staff.
Instruction was given in the use of dial telephones in all schools prior to the operation of the dial system.
Several student teachers have done their practice teaching in our schools under the direction of certain teachers.
Home instruction was given in those cases where children were so physically handicapped that school at- tendance was impossible.
A demonstration and exhibit of the work in art, mu- sic, and physical education was held at Memorial Hall.
The Glee Clubs broadcast samples of their group work at Christmas time.
The interest in the PeeWee Band continues and great- er interest is being shown in the stringed instrument classes.
Last September grades one, four, five and six in all schools participated in the revision program of the Metro- politan Achievement Tests conducted by the World Book Company. By sharing in this program we received con- siderable data without charge. The results reported thus
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far indicate our scores to be above the average of other groups taking the tests.
The tests accompanying our reading textbooks have been given regularly. Last spring the Gates Reading Tests were given in grades one, three and six. The results were consistently good and most groups scored above the aver- age for their grades.
The following recommendations are made:
1. Replace the Cornish-Burton School buildings.
2. Continue studies leading to revision of the el- ementary curriculum.
3. Make provisions for gifted children.
4. Provide lip reading for children with hearing difficulties.
5. Resume speech classes.
6. Start a motion picture film library.
7. Continue the development of school libraries.
8. Continue bringing old equipment up to date.
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Oral Hygiene and Dental Clinic January, 1958 - December, 1958
I herewith submit the annual report of the dental department for the year 1958.
It is felt by the School Dentists and the School Dental Hygienist that the need for reconditioning and replacing most of our equipment is quite urgent. This improve- ment would be very much appreciated by us and a bene- fit to the school children.
In the fall, 2,430 pupils were examined in grades one through twelve, by the School Dentists. These examina- tions take place at the various schools, and are given to determine whether reparative work is needed, also, as an incentive, to encourage the boys and girls to care for their teeth.
EXAMINATION REPORT
Elementary Schools
Pupils examined 1,310
Pupils with all needed corrections made 619
Junior High School
Pupils examined 640
Pupils with all needed corrections made 202
Senior High School
Pupils examined 480
Pupils with all needed corrections made 197
The above statistics reveal the necessity for more cooperation in relation to correction of dental defects. However, many pupils were found to be receiving dental care from their family dentist.
Again, Dr. Francis Ortolani hopes that the towns- people may see fit to legislate in favor of fluoridation of
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town water, as an aid in reduction of dental decay in the teeth of the school children. This is in view of the fact that the United States Public Health, American Medical Association, and American Dental Society are so enthu- siastic in their support of such a program.
Percentage of Dental Corrections
Pupils examined grades 1 - 6 in fall 1957 1,305
Pupils with all needed corrections made 638
Results of these Examinations as of June 1958
Mt. Pleasant School 73%
Cold Spring School 71%
Cornish-Burton Schools 65%
Hedge School 64%
Oak Street School 63%
Manomet School 53%
Pre-school Examinations By School Dentists
These examinations are given in May in conjunction with the medical examinations with the parents present.
Examinations 167
Children having a family dentist 108
Children referred to dentist 37
Children needing no treatment 71
ORAL HYGIENE
The School Dental Hygienist directs a program on dental health in the first six grades throughout the school year. The classroom talks are of instruction and follow- ups.
1. Cutting down on the consumption of sugar foods and drinks.
2. Regular visits to the dentist.
3. Proper method of toothbrushing.
4. Films and filmstrips on dental health.
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A two-day In-Service Training Course for Dental Hygienists held at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Bos- ton during June was attended.
DENTAL CLINIC
Clinic sessions (reparative work and examinations) 80
Completed cases at clinic 91
Fillings in six-year molars (permanent teeth) 119
Extractions
Temporary (Baby teeth) 101
Permanent - for grade two 3
- Special class 1
Treatments (including X-ray)
129
Number of dental prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth)
by Dental Hygienist 981
Amounts received for clinical services rendered: Fees returned to the Town $86.10
For dental prophylaxis
For sale of toothbrushes
25.62
For filling and extractions
18.15
$129.87
We wish to express appreciation to the Commission of Public Safety, Health Division, School Department, dentists, and teachers for their support 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 CLARENCE H. MURPHY, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Other
Total
Elementary Schools
31
11
9
51
Junior High School
74
56
27
157
Senior High School
32
29
12
73
Total Cases Investigated
281
Employment certificates
50
Total calls in connection with investigations and employment certificates
1,129
Employment of Minors
1955
1956
1957
1958
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
21
43
40
24
Certificates to minors 16-18 years
246
137
132
108
267
180
172
132
School Census, October 1, 1958
Males
Females
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
239
216
455
Persons 7 to 16 years
1134
1076
2210
Totals
1373
1292
2665
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - DECEMBER, 1958
SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
1
2
3
4
5
6 S.C.
7
8
9
10
11
12 Total
Senior High
201
157
125
483
Junior High
32
243
176
207
658
Hedge
31
31
23
33
33
28
30
30
21
32
33
28
353
Cornish-Burton
29
24
29
32
34
34
27
32
33
32
17
323
Oak Street
(9
11)
(7
13)
40
Cold Spring
31
31
25
30
35
33
18
31
30
25
30
35
33
17
404
Mount Pleasant
31
26
21
32
27
29
166
Manomet
29
34
28
32
32
28
183
TOTALS
248
217
179
266
262
245
84
243
176
207
201
157
125 2610
Grade groups enclosed in parenthesis are taught by one teacher.
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APPOINTMENTS TO TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Training
Years of Experience
Bartlett, Bertha M., Mrs.
Cold Spring
Grade 4
Bridgewater
9
Bouchard, Irene, Mrs.
Senior High
Home Economics
Framingham
61/2
Harrell, Charles T.
Senior High
English
University of Michigan
3
Hesse, George H.
Hedge
Grade 5
Salem
1
Holmes, Jeanette M., Mrs.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 2
Boston Schl. of Dom. Science 8
Kelly, Thomas B.
Junior High English, Grades 8 & 9
Fordham
2
Loukas, Victor N.
Junior High
Civics, Social Studies
Boston University
Lumnah, Constance T., Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 5
Emmanuel College
Meserve, Grace M.
Elementary
Supv. of Vocal Music
Keene Normal
39
Monti, Enzo J.
Manomet
Grade 5
Boston University
3
Murphy, George M.
Junior High
Art, English, Grade 7
Boston University
2
Pratt, Candace H., Mrs.
Manomet (part-time) Grade 6
Hyannis Normal
2
Price, Electra I., Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 4
West Chester, Pa. Normal
6
Sawyer, Roger E.
Hedge
Grade 6
University of Mass.
Shea, Joan E.
Junior-Senior High
Phys. Ed., Girls
Bridgewater
1
Sirrico, Valerie R., Mrs.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 1
Westfield
2
Sutcliffe, Lynwood W.
Junior-Senior High
Phys. Ed., Boys
University of Mass.
1
Swartz, Leona, Mrs.
Junior High
Math., Bus. Training
Boston University
4
Sweatt, Chester V.
Superintendent of Schools
University of Maine
34
Walker, Ruth B., Mrs.
Oak Street
Grades 3 & 4
Boston University
4
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RESIGNATIONS IN TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Years Served in Plymouth
Allen, Etta-Hix
Hedge
Principal
4
Barry, Dorothy F., Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 5
1
Broadbent, Janet
Elementary
Reading Consultant
12
Craig, Clyde A.
Senior High
Business Ed. Subjects
1
*Doten, Sara, Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 6
12
Downey, Ellen M.
Senior High
World History, Guidance
36
Foster, Barbara
Manomet (part-time)
Grade 6
2
Guidoboni, Carlo T.
Senior High
Auto and Basic Mechanics
16
Guidoboni, Mary B., Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 5
13
** Kingman, Virginia H., Mrs.
Senior High
Household Arts
12
** Ludington, Maxine, Mrs.
Cold Spring
Grade 4
17
Lyon, Katharine M., Mrs.
Junior High
Special Class, English & Science
1
McLain, Robert W.
Junior High
Art, English, Social Studies
5
Milton, Armen
Elementary
Supv. of Vocal Music
3
Mongan, Edgar J.
Senior High
Principal
36
Murphy, G. Patricia
Cornish-Burton
Grade 6
1
Norton, Mora E.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 2
32
Sirrico, Valerie R.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 1
1
Snyder, Walter M.
Administrative Assistant
3
Welch, Donald T.
Superintendent of Schools
10
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*Deceased
** On Leave
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES December, 1958
OFFICE
*Chester V. Sweatt Elinor B. Sanderson
Elizabeth R. Beane, Mrs.
*Barbara S. Talbot, Mrs. *Theresa Leonardi, Mrs.
Superintendent of Schools
Executive Secretary
Secretary
Secretary (part-time)
Secretary (part-time)
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Lawrence M. Bongiovanni
Iris E. Albertini
Beatrice M. Arthur
Business Ed. Subjects
Economic Geog., Type. I
Home Economics
World History, Prob. of Dem.
Auto & Basic Mech., Geometry World Hist., Driver Ed., Global Geog., Prob. of Dem.
Business Ed. Subjects
English II and III
French I, II & III
Business Ed. Subjects
Geom., College Math III & IV
Physics, Chemistry, Radio
U. S. History
English IV, Dean of Girls
Basic Math I & II
Driver Education (Road Work)
Basic Math I, Latin II
English III & IV, Theater Arts Psychology, Guidance
Biology
English
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mary M. Dolan
David E. Barlow
Esther M. Chandler
Andrew A. Dietlin, Jr. W. Douglas Edwards Deane E. Eldridge
Viola M. Figueiredo, Mrs. Doris M. Gault, Mrs.
Principal
Science - Grade 9
Algebra, Math.
Special Class
Science - Grade 7, Math.
Industrial Arts
Foods
English, Social Studies - Grade 7
Helen M. Bagnall, Mrs. *Irene Bouchard, Mrs. Phyllis R. Boucher Louis L. Cappannari Joseph R. DeSisto
Lydia J. Gardner, Mrs.
Roland W. Holmes
Jeannette C. Jacques
Helen C. Johnson
Nellie R. Locklin
John W. Packard
Arthur J. Pyle
Miriam A. Raymond, Mrs.
Mario J. Romano
Richard Smiley John S. Tavernelli
Alice F. Urann, Mrs.
Donald G. Wilson
Claiborne H. Young
*Charles T. Harrell
Principal
English II, French I
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William Gault, Jr. Margaret M. Healy, Mrs. Marian Heath, Mrs. Phyllis M. Johnson
*Thomas B. Kelly Christos G. Koumantzelis Muriel P. Loring, Mrs. *Victor N. Loukas Loring R. C. Mugford
*George M. Murphy Hector E. Patenaude Jean W. Patenaude, Mrs Barbara E. Pioppi, Mrs.
Doris G. Rogers, Mrs.
John A. Sarson
Antone J. Spath
*Leona Swartz, Mrs.
Louis L. Tata
Catherine D. Welsh
English, Boys' Counselor Latin, English
Math., Social Studies - Grade 7
Civics, Social Studies - Grade 8
English, Grades 8 & 9
Social Studies, Grades 7 & 8
Clothing Civics, Social Studies
Special Class
Art, English - Grade 7
Industrial Arts, Drafting
English, Latin, Girls' Counselor Soc. Studies, English, Reading, Library
English, Soc. Studies, Literature
Science, Grades 8 & 9
Math., Social Studies
Math., Business Training
Music
Mathematics
CORNISH-BURTON AND OAK STREET SCHOOLS Eleanor L. White, Mrs. Principal
CORNISH-BURTON SCHOOL
*Valerie R. Sirrico, Mrs.
Grade 1
Gertrude W. Zahn
Grade 1
Jeanette M. Holmes, Mrs.
Grade 2
Dorothy A. Judkins
Grade 3
Helen F. Holmes
Grade 4
Ruth H. Tolman Grade 4
Virginia W. Hutton, Mrs. Grade 5
Mary A. Stinnett, Mrs.
Grade 5
Helen G. Morrill, Mrs.
Grade 6
Francis R. Verre
Grade 6
Carolyn L. Avanzini, Mrs.
Special Class
OAK STREET SCHOOL
Florence L. Gordon, Mrs.
Grades 1 & 2
*Ruth B. Walker, Mrs. Grades 3 & 4
HEDGE SCHOOL
Eleanor L. White, Mrs. Jane C. Busi, Mrs.
Leona A. Hathaway
Acting Principal
Grade 1
Grade 1
Lucy Rae, Mrs. Grade 2
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Margaret G. Zaniboni, Mrs. Grade 2
Ann M. Cantfill
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