USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1960 > Part 13
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16,822.42
Peabody Co-operative Bank
16,893.27
Boston Five Cents Savings Bank
53,441.56
Suffolk Franklin Savings Bank
51,532.31
Provident Institution for Savings
51,466.84
Wildey Savings Bank
25,390.64
Total Stabilization Fund
$329,765.35
CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS
Bonds
$380,575.80
Bank Stocks
52,026.75
Federal Savings and Loan Association
10,000.00
Savings Banks
12,000.00
Plymouth National Bank
3,004.71
$457,607.26
SCHEDULE J
BORROWING CAPA CITY, January 1, 1961
Valuation of 1958 Property, less abatements on $786,848 $36,200,202
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1958, less abatements 2,854,624
Valuation of 1959 Property, less abatements on $736,474 37,190,801
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1959, less abatements 3,110,919
Valuation of 1960 Property, less abatements on $834,555 38,150,170
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1960, less abatements
2,938,792
Total $120,445,508
Average Net Valuation
$40,148,503
Normal Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1961: Outstanding Debt, January 1, 1961:
For general purposes
$2,007,425* General - Inside Limit $478,000
For water purposes $3,815,017
Water
$203,000
Available Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1961:
For general purposes $1,529,425 For water purposes $3,612,017
*May be increased with approval of State Emergency Finance Board from 5% up to 10%.
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Department OF THE
Town of Plymouth
MASSACHUSETTS
1620.
nov
........
TOW
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1960
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REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH-CARVER REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
At the March Town Meeting it was voted to appoint a committee of three to join with the already existing Carver Planning Committee to investigate the advisa- bility of forming a school district with Carver for the purpose of constructing a regional high school.
In accordance with this vote, Alton S. Cavicchi from the School Committee, David A. Cappannari from the High School Building Committee, and A. Linwood Ellis, Jr. from the Planning Board were appointed by Moderator George A. White. The Carver Committee consisted of Erwin K. Washburn, Faith A. Young, and Franklin P. Wilbur.
These two committees organized as the Plymouth-Car- ver Regional School Planning Board on April 28, 1960 with Mr. Cavicchi as chairman, Mr. Washburn, vice- chairman, and Mrs. Young secretary-treasurer.
A brochure containing a proposed agreement be- tween the Towns of Plymouth and Carver, Mass., with respect to the formation of a regional school district; a drawing, floor plans, and estimated cost of the proposed high school; and the recommendation of the Regional Planning Board were compiled and copies mailed to every registered voter in the two towns. The Regional Plan- ning Board stated that "it is the unanimous opinion of its members that a regional school is the ideal solution to the educational problems of both towns."
Early in October, after many public meetings had been held, the voters of Plymouth and Carver went to the polls and voted to establish a regional school district. The Regional Planning Board then became the Interim School Committee for the district.
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The Plymouth-Carver Regional District School Com- mittee held its first meeting on October 18 and organized with Mr. Cavicchi as chairman, Mr. Washburn vice-chair- man, and Mrs. Young, secretary. In order to expedite the planning of a school, it was agreed that the Plymouth High School Building Committee would work with the Regional School Committee in an advisory capacity.
At special town meetings held in November, the dis- trict was authorized to borrow $100,000 to purchase land from the Town of Plymouth and pay for architects' ser- vices. A sum of money was also appropriated for operat- ing expenses.
Mr. Cappannari was appointed to serve as temporary treasurer for the district without compensation until the regular regional school committe takes office in March. It will also be the duty of the new committee to appoint counsel and to select a name for the school.
The committee adopted a seal for the district and also met with the Plymouth School Committee to inter- view candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Plymouth and the regional school district. Mr. F. Edward Nicolas was appointed to this position.
Many meetings have been held, including meetings with the architects and Advisory Building Committee, and it is hoped that the voters will approve the bond issue when it comes before them at a later date as it is only then that the Plymouth-Carver Regional High School can become a reality.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires
Jane Gellar
1961
Harry F. Doyle
1961
Spencer H. Brewster
1962
Dr. Samuel K. Stewart
1962
Alton S. Cavicchi
1963
Mary M. Dolan
1963
ADMINISTRATION
F. Edward Nicolas, Acting Superintendent of Schools
Elinor B. Sanderson, Executive Secretary
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Beane, Secretary
Mrs. Barbara S. Talbot, Secretary (Part-time)
Mrs. Theresa Leonardi, Secretary (Part-time) Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
School Physicians : Dr. Frank J. Abate, Jr. Dr. Medora V. Eastwood
School Nurse - Hilda R. Swett, - Telephone PI 6-2442 Interviews arranged at School Department Office or at school buildings by appointment.
School Dentists - Dr. William O. Dyer Dr. Francis C. Ortolani
Dental Hygienist - Jane B. Bradford Dental Clinic Office, Governor Bradford Building Telephone PI 6-1255
Supervisor of School Buildings - John J. McCarthy Telephone PI 6-0600
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SCHOOLS
Senior High School - Telephone PI 6-0026 Lawrence M. Bongiovanni, Principal
Junior High School - Telephone PI 6-0460 Loring R. C. Mugford, Principal
Cold Spring School - Telephone PI 6-0708 Emmet B. Finck, Principal
Cornish-Burton and Oak Street Schools Mrs. Eleanor L. White, Principal Cornish-Burton School - Telephone PI 6-0933 Oak Street School - Telephone PI 6-1661
Hedge School - Telephone PI 6-1140 George Theodoras, Principal
Manomet Elementary School - Telephone CA 4-3940
Mrs. Elouise E. Cashin, Principal
Mount Pleasant School - Telephone PI 6-1097 Mrs. Helen S. Manchester, Principal
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1961 -1962
Open : Close :
September 6, 1961
December 22, 1961
January 2, 1962
February 16, 1962
February 26, 1962 April 13, 1962
April 23, 1962
June 22, 1962
School Holidays: Columbus Day, October 12; Teachers' Convention, October 27; Thanksgiving Recess, Novem- ber 22, 23, 24; Memorial Day, May 30.
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NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
2-2 Repeated on Fire Alarm
7:05 a.m. No School for Junior and Senior High School 8:15 a.m. No morning session for Grades 1 to 6, inclu- sive
12:15 p.m. No afternoon session for Grades 1 to 6, in- clusive
Radio Station WPLM broadcasts no-school signals at 10- minute intervals beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Radio Station WBZ-WBZA broadcasts no-school shortly after 7:00 a.m.
Radio Station WEEI broadcasts no-school signals shortly after 7:00 a.m.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
REIMBURSEMENTS AND RECEIPTS
From the Commonwealth :
General aid for public schools $65,822.39
Aid for specific purposes :
Transportation 46,507.60
Vocational tuition
1,544.66
Vocational transportation
607.10
Special classes
17,820.61
Americanization salaries
273.50
Adult Education classes 643.50
Tuition, State Wards
1,251.98
From other sources:
Miscellaneous receipts
2,400.00
$136,871.34
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EXPENDITURES
General Control
Salaries :
Superintendent
$ 9,770.80
Assistant Superintendent
1,283.32
Superintendent's Office Secretaries
11,060.00
Supervisor of Attendance
1,350.00
Supervisor of School Buildings 5,800.00
Office Supplies
765.99
Professional Books
134.69
Telephone
491.97
Traveling Expense in State
265.49
Automobile Expense
400.00
School Committee Expenses
350.00
$31,672.26
OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
400.00
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries :
Principals
$40,583.44
Supervisors
21,154.76
Regular Teachers
575,304.42
Guidance Personnel
16,889.65
Substitute Teachers
5,609.45
Home Teachers
175.50
Audubon Teachers
1,443.37
Summer School Teachers
1,050.00
School Secretaries
10,686.67
Evening School Personnel
556.62
Text and Reference Books
14,337.92
Stationery, Supplies, and Other Expenses of Instruction
24,700.34
Driver Training Car Expense
388.97
Traveling Expenses of School Personnel
180.03
713,061.14
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Operation of School Plant
Salaries of Custodians
$49,418.15
Custodians' Supplies
2,897.63
Telephones
1,688.47
Truck Expense
808.37
Coal and Oil
19,573.68
Gas
1,425.87
Lights
9,002.19
$84,814.36
Maintenance of School Plant
Repairs and Upkeep of
Buildings
$21,035.16
Replacement of Equipment
3,740.75
24,775.91
Auxiliary Agencies
Promotion of Health :
Salaries
$15,160.04
Medical Supplies
235.20
Nurse's Car Expense
385.20
Mental Health Services
1,345.00
Libraries
568.10
Public School Transportation
66,578.62
Private School Transportation
5,846.75
Tuition
3,633.32
Athletic and Physical Education Expenses
4,231.82
School Lunch Expenses
1,000.00
High School Graduation Expenses 484.22
Salaries of Noon Supervisors
4,731.50
104,199.77
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Outlay
New Equipment
4,146.78
Vocational Education
Tuition
$1,816.29
Transportation
939.76
Adult Education Classes
1,458.95
4,215.00
Americanization Classes
505.00
Total
$967,790.22
Reimbursements and Receipts,
account of schools 136,871.34
Net Expenditures for Schools, Exclusive of Building Program $830,918.88
Public Law 874
Balance on Hand, January 1, 1960 $9,230.37
Amount of Grants - 1960 19,618.08
Total $28,848.45
Expenditures - 1960 :
General Administration:
Tapes for School Committee
Tape Recorder
$
85.50
School Committee Expenses
113.62
Out-of-State Travel 107.70
Expenses of Instruction : Textbooks - Films for Elementary, Jr. High, and Sr. High Schools 4,921.81
Other Expenses of Instruction -
Records for elementary schools
47.73
Film rental fees and postage
114.62
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Repairs and Upkeep and Special Repairs: Lighting Renovations at Senior High School 972.28
Replacement of Equipment :
Mimeograph for Junior High School 390.00
New Equipment (Outlay) :
Science Equipment 2,164.12
9 Record Players 810.00
1 Tape Recorder 199.50
TV Stands and Projection Stand 45.80
Portable Television for Mount Pleasant School 220.97
Radio for Junior High School 84.50
$10,278.15
Balance on Hand, December 31, 1960
$18,570.30
Public Law 85-864, Title III, Project 436
Amount of Grant $2,124.50
Expenditures - 1960 :
New Equipment (Outlay) : Science Equipment $2,124.50
Balance on Hand, December 31, 1960
None
Public Law 85-864, Title V, Part A Amount of Grant $ 895.90
Expenditures - 1960:
New Equipment (Outlay) :
Equipment for Jr. - Sr. High Guidance Offices $ 880.92
Balance on Hand, December 31, 1960
$
14.98
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Residents of the Town of Plymouth :
I herewith submit my first annual report in coopera- tion with the School Committee.
Incorporated herein are the reports of the Principals, Director of Guidance, Special Subject Supervisors, Dental and Medical Departments, and the Supervisor of At- tendance.
The many problems facing the Town of Plymouth concerning schools are not localized. Practically every town in the Commonwealth is faced with increased school costs and the construction of one or more school plants.
Our most urgent concern in Plymouth at this time is the need for a new secondary school. The present high school opened in September of this year with 505 students. The projected enrollment of September of 1961 is 578 students. The following year, September of 1962, the enrollment is estimated at 946 students. This is figured on a four-year high school program.
The present physical facilities of the senior high school and the continuation of the seventh grades on double session has restricted the entire curriculum as well, forcing the elimination of music and converting the library into classrooms. Educationally speaking, the situ- ation is far from desirable. We must move immediately in order not to shortchange our students of the quality and types of courses needed to equip them to take their place in society.
If the present projected plan is followed through, the junior high will house grade six and some of the fifth
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grades. The senior high school will house grades seven and eight. The enrollment would be in the vicinity of 800 students. This would free some classrooms at the elemen- tary level and allow classes to be rescheduled and elimi- nate congestion to some degree.
Miscellaneous
Being new to Plymouth it is difficult to write a re- port at this time, but I do feel that serious consideration should be given to the establishment of a kindergarten program as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
A pre-school census has already been completed in the Manomet area, and in the spring the census for the remainder of the Town will be completed. This will give a fairly accurate picture for the next few years where our major needs may develop.
The possibility of continued growth in the Manomet area has caused the School Committee to insert an article in the Warrant for a committee to be appointed to study the situation. It appears at this time that for the school year 1961-62 we will be able to meet the projected enroll- ment for the school, but certainly it is not a desirable situation.
The High School Science Department is participat- ing in the N.D.E.A. P.L. 85-864, Title III and our Guid- ance Department under Title V of the same Public Law.
The following is just a part of the use made of Public Law 874 funds.
Textbooks, Film Library, etc. $4,921.81
Lighting Renovations at the Senior High School 972.28
Science Equipment 2,164.12
The complete list can be found in the Financial State- ment of the School Department.
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School Plant Improvements
The following improvements were made in the school buildings during 1960:
Junior - Senior High School
Gymnasium balcony converted to storage room.
Parking area extended and graded.
Fluorescent lighting installed in several classrooms. Pneumatic control system repaired.
Storage cabinets were built in manual training room.
Fencing installed at junior high entrance.
Burton School
Five new exit doors built and installed.
New bulkhead constructed.
Hedge School
Drinking fountains and janitors' sinks installed.
Mt. Pleasant School
Radiator traps repaired.
Faculty Retirements
Two teachers retired in 1960 after many years of service in Plymouth :
Mrs. Lydia J. Gardner, Head of the Business De- partment in the High School, has taught in Plymouth for thirty-one years. Mrs. Gardner has been an outstand- ing teacher. She will be missed in the Plymouth High School, but she is wished much happiness in her retire- ment.
Mr. Arthur G. Pyle, Head of the History Department in the High School, has taught in Plymouth for twenty- nine years. He has been a valuable member of the faculty as well as a friend to his students. Mr. Pyle is wished success in his continued association with the Plimoth Plantation.
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Staff Resignations
Mr. Chester V. Sweatt, Superintendent of Schools, resigned from the Plymouth school system to accept a position as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Quincy. Mr. Sweatt carried with him the good wishes of the School Department in his new position.
Charles T. Harrell - High School George M. Murphy - High School Mrs. Mary C. Pence - Junior High School Mrs. Arlene M. Furtado - Cornish School Francis R. Verre - Cornish School Mrs. Ann M. Tosi - Hedge School Enzo J. Monti - Manomet School Miss Roberta F. Jones - Jr. - Sr. High (gym)
Mrs. Ethel G. Shiff - Elementary (gym) Miss Ellen Rasmussen - Cornish School
In conclusion may I urge the residents of Plymouth to continue their support of their schools, for an educated society is the only answer for the future of our country.
Respectfully submitted,
SPENCER H. BREWSTER, Chairman MARY M. DOLAN, Secretary ALTON S. CAVICCHI HARRY F. DOYLE JANE GELLAR SAMUEL K. STEWART Plymouth School Committee
F. EDWARD NICOLAS Acting Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Plymouth High School experienced some changes in 1960. Some of these were of a positive nature and others must be placed in a negative category. It should be pointed out, however, that where the high school is con- cerned, a proposed step may be taken only after considera- tion of three questions :
1. What effect will it have on the existing high school ?
2. What will this do to the junior high school with which we have not only the usual academic ties but the close bond brought on by living in the same house, as it were, and the disadvantages resulting from the common use of inadequate facilities ?
3. Is this in keeping with the proposed educational plan for the new high school?
By assigning the 7th grade to the afternoon session it has been possible to continue the same courses pre- viously offered at the high school level. In 1961, however, it will be necessary to take two rooms previously used by the junior high school. To continue the same program in 1962, without additions of any kind, more room will be needed for high school use. The expedient of taking over rooms formerly used for junior high school pur- poses, partially solves the housing problem for the high school but results in the creation of a problem for the junior high.
If we are to meet already existing needs there are three areas in which a reduction in class size is impera- tive: (1) Science, (2) Foreign Language, (3) Home Arts. Pressing in these areas is the need for more adequate
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laboratory space and more instructors. In order to get the former it would be desirable to transform some pres- ent classrooms into laboratories. The result would be a decrease in the number of classrooms and a necessary increase in the size of classes, instead of the needed de- crease - a perfect example of "robbing Peter to pay Paul."
The guidance services in the school have been ex- panded to a degree. However, until such time as the full complement of personnel is available, much must remain in the blueprint stage. It is encouraging to see the rapid pace at which services have been made available to stu- dents as a direct result of the close working relationship between administration and guidance personnel.
It is a source of satisfaction to note from reports which have come to us from technical schools and some colleges that the decision to establish a course in Me- chanical Drawing was a wise one. Those of our former students who have had occasion to use the skills acquired have attested to the soundness of the training received.
Two innovations were introduced during the year and they appear to have merit. The first involves a se- lected group of sophomores who have been assigned to a special course in Home Arts and Shop. While only a few students can enroll in the course, it is already obvious that a need is being served. The second has to do with the third and fourth years of College Mathematics. A serious attempt has been made to set up classes on the basis of ability (proved by performance) grouping. This, of course, is the first step leading toward acceleration in the form of advanced courses for the able who are willing to undergo the necessary discipline demanded by work at this level.
The Student Activities Society of Plymouth High School continues to add to its already considerable repu-
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tation. Requests for information about the organization come to us from other schools in increasing numbers. Our representatives to statewide Student Government Days, to the Tufts Youth Conference, and at regional group meetings have enhanced the prestige of the school. The decision of the student body, spearheaded by their officers, to design and adopt a standard school ring has demonstrated the high level of efficiency at which the organization can work. The organization has had added to its responsibilities the coordinating of all the social and political (election of officers and representatives) activities of the school. This is a task of considerable im- portance and has been executed in a most satisfactory manner. The effective manner with which the organiza- tion has cooperated with the faculty in some areas of self discipline is a source of encouragement to those who de- sire to see expanded activity in this respect.
An annual report from this office would be incom- plete unless it contained a word of praise for the faculty of Plymouth High School. As I have said repeatedly, Plymouth is indeed fortunate in its corps of high school teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE M. BONGIOVANNI
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The extremely serious congestion problem which has existed in this school for several years reached an all time high this past September when 806 pupils were enrolled. It became absolutely necessary to introduce double sessions. 543 pupils were enrolled in the morning session which runs from 7:55 A.M. to 1:09 P.M. and consists of the students in grade nine, grade eight, and the Special Class. The enrollment in the afternoon ses- sion which runs from 1:15 P.M. to 4:55 P.M. and con- sists of the students in grade seven was 263. In order to put this program into operation it was necessary to re- duce the number of periods per day in both sessions from seven to six. This change was made possible by eliminating the activity period.
As eleven additional faculty members were added to the staff the average class size has been considerably re- duced, thus creating a much more wholesome teaching- learning situation. This tends to alleviate the loss of a daily period in both sessions and the shortening of the length of the periods in the afternoon session.
Grade nine classes vary the most in size because of electives. At the present time the range is from twenty- two to thirty-five students. In grade eight the class size varies from twenty-five to thirty and in grade seven from twenty-five to twenty-nine pupils. Previous to this year many classes contained forty or more pupils.
It will be necessary to continue the double sessions next year as the enrollment of this school will be approxi- mately the same and the senior high school, because of increased enrollment, will need two classrooms now used by the junior high school.
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January 1960
Grade 9
184
5
Grade 8
242
7
Grade 7
255 7
Special Class
34
2
715
21 classes
January 1961
Grade 9
250
8
Grade 8
256
9
Grade 7
263
10
Special Class
33
2
802
29 classes
September 1961
Grade 9
256
9
Grade 8
263
9
Grade 7
253
10
Special Class
36
2
808 30 classes
Guidance services have been considerably increased. The two staff members who served as guidance counselors previous to this year were each required to teach three academic classes a day. They have been relieved of all teaching assignments, thus giving the school two full time guidance counselors. The addition of a director of guidance to the school system has also helped improve the program. More time for individual counseling and testing is now available. Last spring a new testing pro- gram was made available in grade nine for all students who wished to participate; and this fall the grade eight testing program, which includes all grade eight students, was revised and improved.
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The crowded condition in the cafeteria has been re- lieved, as the number of students using the cafeteria in the morning session is much smaller than the number in the entire school who had to use the cafeteria last year. This has created a much more wholesome situation with adequate seating for all. Milk is provided for stu- dents during recess in the afternoon.
Certain changes have been made in the curriculum which have proved advantageous. The College Prepara- tory Curriculum in grade nine has been revised to pro- vide five major subjects for all students who wish to take them. The number of pupils taking five subjects in this area has increased from six last year to forty this year. French was made available last year in grade nine, and the number of students electing it has increased from thirty-three to sixty-one. Earth Science was introduced this fall as a new course and made available to college preparatory students. Eighteen students elected it. No science had been available to preparatory students last year. Eighty-four Business Education Curriculum stu- dents are also taking Earth Science.
The reading program in grades seven and eight has been continued and intensified. There are two groups now in both grades. This has been made possible by adding another teacher qualified for this work.
Due to the addition of eleven faculty members, two resignations, and the transfer of five teachers to the senior high school, the number of new faculty members on the staff is eighteen. This represents forty-one per cent of the entire teaching personnel of the school. One additional teacher for grade nine will be needed next September because of the anticipated increase in the number of students taking five major subjects.
Because of the increased enrollment, the increase in the size of the staff, and the double sessions, it became
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necessary to establish the position of assistant principal. Mr. William Gault, Jr. was appointed to this position.
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