USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of Plymouth, MA 1960 > Part 14
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The teachers and pupils have adjusted themselves very well to the double sessions. The new faculty mem- bers have entered into the school program with relative ease. Plymouth is indeed fortunate to have retained so many fine teachers and to have obtained so many good new teachers. The student body has certainly cooperated during this period of change and is indeed proud of its achievements.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation of the faculty, secretarial staff, custodians, and cafeteria em- ployees of the Junior High School. Without their com- plete cooperation and assistance the level of success achieved would have been impossible.
Respectfully submitted,
LORING R. C. MUGFORD
Principal
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
At this time, the so-called "Space Age" when much emphasis is being placed on the identification of the talented, it is fitting that the Plymouth School Commit- tee has made provision for the appointment of a Director of Guidance and an expanded guidance program. The Guidance Staff is composed of the following personnel : Director of Guidance - Edwin E. Calvin
Senior High School Counselors -
Mrs. Hector Patenaude Mr. Edwin Calvin
Junior High School Counselors -
Mr. William Gault, Jr. Miss Muriel P. Carlson
Mention was made above of "identification of the talented"; one of the objectives of the guidance depart- ment is to help every pupil, through personal interview and interpretation of tests, to understand his strengths, weaknesses, aptitudes and interests, and to provide him with whatever assistance needed in working out his pro- gram and plan for the present and future. This plan- ning covers several areas: personal-social, educational, and vocational.
Since the guidance and testing program covers grades one through twelve, this report will consider activities at three levels : the elementary, the junior high, and the senior high schools.
At the elementary level, school ability tests are ad- ministered in the fall in grades one, three and five; in the early spring, achievement tests are given to grades four, five and six. Interpretation of the rsults of these tests
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and study of grades achieved by elementary pupils aid the guidance staff and principals in pupil placement in seventh grade.
Twice a month the Plymouth school system has the professional services of Dr. Vardack, psychiatrist from the Judge Stone Clinic. In all of the elementary schools, Miss Swett, the School Nurse, provides the liason between Dr. Vardack and the elementary principals. This service is of great value in that it offers assistance to principals and teachers in understanding and managing pupils' be- havioral and emotional problems.
In the junior high school this year, we have instituted up-to-date batteries of intelligence and achievement tests. As these tests are interpreted by the guidance staff to teachers, parents and pupils, there should be a better understanding of pupils' academic progress and place- ment.
By the end of the school year, individual conferences will have been held between all of the junior high school pupils and the guidance staff ; in many instances, several conferences have already taken place with separate in- dividuals. These interviews deal with such matters as work habits, subject failure, report card honors, place- ment, school achievement, conduct, personal-social or emo- tional problems, vocational and educational information. Conferences are also held between guidance staff mem- bers and members of the administrative staff, teachers, parents, school nurses and the attendance officer. When requested, individual intelligence tests (Stanford-Binet or Wechsler) have been administered to pupils in both the junior and the senior high schools. Considerable group guidance has been conducted in the junior high school in the following areas: orientation, placement, understanding of course offerings, explanation of group testing programs (such as the National Educational De- velopment Test), class organization involving election of
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class officers, and college admission requirements. The Director of Guidance, with the cooperation of his staff and the school nurses, arranges conferences between Dr. Vardack and individuals or groups from both the junior and the senior high schools.
Relative to the testing program in the senior high school, the following tests are administered and, it is important to point out, interpreted to the students :
A battery of tests covering school ability, occupa- tional interest, reading ability, clerical aptitude and space relationships. This battery is given in the tenth grade, and in addition to interpreting the results and discussing the significance of the scores, each pupil is given a sum- mary of the scores with a comparison of his performance to that of his classmates.
The P.S.A.T. (the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). This can be regarded as a "practice session" for the college entrance examination test described below. The P.S.A.T. is available to juniors and seniors on a vol- untary basis.
The N.M.S.Q.T. (The National Merit Scholarship Test), administered to juniors on a voluntary basis, is not only a screening device for the largest scholarship- granting program, but is an additional guide in counsel- ing students relative to their ability to undertake college- level work.“
In addition to the foregoing tests administered at the high school, we have distributed materials concern- ing the College Entrance Examination Board's S.A.T. (Scholastic Aptitude Test), Achievement Tests, and Scholarship Service; through the use of check lists and announcements, a careful follow-up was instituted to in- sure proper and timely registration by the students for the tests.
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Because of the thoughtful study and careful plan- ning needed on the part of college-bound students, the Guidance Staff and Mrs. Raymond, Dean of Girls, have worked closely with these students to counsel with them in the wisest possible choice of a college in light of their interests, abilities, needs and financial status. In rela- tion to this activity, the Guidance Department aided Mr. Bongiovanni, senior high school principal, in the arrange- ment of a Parents' Night for College-Bound Seniors. This meeting was well attended and it was considered worth- while.
As an aid in counseling students with regard to their vocational training and occupational choice, the coun- selors' offices in both the junior and senior high schools have a growing library of materials on jobs and careers which are available to all pupils. This year an excellent book on career opportunities was given to every junior. Another counseling tool is the series of North- eastern University Career tape recordings.
Members of the Guidance Staff have attended state, industry, and college-sponsored meetings of guidance personnel, and have visited many colleges and schools where they have had the opportunity of becoming ac- quainted with the admissions officers.
Believing that there is a mutual responsibility shared between the school and agencies outside the school, the Director of Guidance is attempting to become acquainted with as many men as possible in businesses, professions and government. To cite one example: because Plymouth has no vocational training facilities beyond the ninth grade, it is important that we be able to place qualified students where they may learn one of a number of trades. With this in mind, the Director of Guidance has visited a number of trade schools in this area, and as of the time of this report, we have been successful in placing two boys in one of these vocational training schools.
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It is a major goal of the Guidance Department to render service not only to the pupils and staffs of the Plymouth schools but also to the community; we feel that in this first year of an expanded program that we are making good progress.
Respectfully submitted, EDWIN E. CALVIN Director of Guidance
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE CLARENCE H. MURPHY, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Other
Total
Elementary Schools
45
17
19
81
Junior High School
136
69
41
246
Senior High School
39
23
21
83
Total Cases Investigated
410
Employment certificates
72
Total calls concerning investigations, employment certificates and night visits with parents re:
truancy or misbehavior
1326
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS
1957
1958
1959
1960
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
40
24
36
20
Certificates to minors 16-18 years
132
108
152
171
Totals
172
132
188
191
-
-
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SCHOOL CENSUS, OCTOBER 1, 1960
Males
Females
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
158
207
365
Persons 7 to 16 years
1160
1094
2254
Totals
1318
1301
2619
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - DECEMBER 1960
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
1 '2
3 4
5
6 S.C.
7 8 9
10
11
12 Total
Senior High
179
161
157
49'7
Junior High
32
261 256 249
793
Hedge
33
23
31
28
25
30
32
25
31
27
24
28
337
Cornish-Burton
26
21
26
32
27
20
25
25
32
33
18
285
Oak Street
(11
10)
(5
11)
37
Cold Spring
30
29
33
30
29
31
16
29
30
34
31
24
34
13
393
Mount Pleasant
29
26
32
25
26
35
173
(13
6)
Manomet
31
31
26
32
32
29
200
TOTALS
261
221
243
209
192 252
79
261
256 249
179 161 157 2720
Grade groups enclosed in parentheses are taught by one teacher.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VOCAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR - ELEMENTARY
1960 has been a year of progress toward the goals set for the music program in the elementary grades.
In June a questionnaire sent to each teacher in the elementary grades formed the basis for some revisions in the course of study. In September each teacher received a list of songs to be memorized as part of the regular classroom work in music. These include folk songs, art songs, and patriotic songs that have become a traditional part of standard song literature. With a monthly song of this type for each grade, the children will have a memorized repertoire of at least sixty songs to take with them when they leave us at the end of the sixth grade.
Also, as part of the listening program, a list of well- known and worthy musical compositions has been drawn up for each grade. These thirty compositions are to be- come familiar enough to the children so that they can readily recognize them and name the composer.
The string program has constantly expanded, with fifty-three children studying violin, and one viola, at the present time. This has developed into orchestral units in each of the schools containing grades five and six.
The school glee clubs and these orchestral units have made numerous contributions in programs for the school and the community. In addition, the Cold Spring School Glee Club furnished music for the National Council of Social Studies of the N.E.A. which met at the High School Thanksgiving night under the auspices of Plimoth Plan- tation.
In answer to a demand by some of the young string players who have moved on to Junior High School, the "Plymouth Youth Orchestra" was organized November
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2. This group is available to all young people of school age who have achieved sufficient skill in playing. Its present personnel consists of ten violin, two clarinet, two flute, two trumpet, one trombone, two percussion, and two piano. The orchestra meets at the High School each Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15. It made its debut after only four rehearsals, and shows great promise.
I am increasingly concerned by the absence of general music instruction at the junior and senior high school levels. As I meet and talk with the young people from these schools, it is obvious that they deeply feel this omission, for there is a wealth of musical ability in these grades awaiting the opportunity for further development. I hope that the time is not far distant when these two fine schools can build on the musical foundation which we are trying to establish in the first six grades.
Respectfuly submitted,
GRACE MESERVE
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ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION REPORT
Due to the fact that I have been in Plymouth such a short time, I can only state my own observations. In the Plymouth Elementary Schools the present tendency is for the classroom teacher to take a definite and active part in teaching Physical Education. In this light the Supervisor of Physical Education spends a minimum of fifteen minutes and a maximum of thirty minutes per week with each class for instruction in Physical Educa- tion, therefore making it imperative for the classroom teacher to take an active part in teaching Physical Edu- cation. In addition, the Elementary Supervisor tries to co-ordinate the major areas of Games and Contests, Self- testing exercises, Rhythms, and Conditioning Activities in order to promote a physically fit, socially minded, and creative individual with the basic skills, strengths, and coordination to cope with the more specialized activities which will follow after elementary school.
I would suggest the following improvements in this area :
1. Provide a facility for winter activities for an after-school activity program.
2. A town intramural program for grades five and six.
3. An after-school playground experience for the lower elementary grades.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT D. HASELTON
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ANNUAL REPORT OF DENTAL CLINICS January 1960 - December 1960
I hereby submit my annual report :
The usual dental examinations were given in the fall by the School Dentists and the parents notified as to the results.
Elementary Schools
Puipls examined 1,262
Pupils with all needed corrections made 649
Junior High School
Pupils examined 758
Pupils with all needed corrections made. . 288
Senior High School
Pupils examined 531
Pupils with all needed corrections made 176
The above figures reveal the necessity for more co- operation in relation to correction of dental defects, es- pecially in Junior and Senior High Schools.
As children grow older the percent with good eating habits decreases. Teenage boys and girls eat "what they want, when they want it."
In the elementary grades reports show more and more children having regular appointments with the den- tist. In many cases this care does not start when the child is very young - as it should. Therefore temporary mo- lars are lost too soon and many permanent molars are de- cayed beyond repair before a dentist ever sees the child's teeth.
We have recommended more study hours in nutrition in the Junior and Senior High Schools.
These three factors are of major importance:
1. A well-balanced diet low in sweets.
2. Early and periodic dental check-ups.
3. Correct toothbrushing right after eating.
L
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The dental program should be carried on between home and school, and the responsibility for the dental health practices of children must remain with the par- ents.
In view of the fact that the United States Public Health, American Medical Association and American Dental Association are so enthusiastic in their support of fluoridation of town water, Dr. Ortolani and Dr. Dyer wish to remind the townspeople that they are missing an excellent opportunity to reduce tooth decay in the teeth of the children in Plymouth.
In May, 176 pre-school children were examined with the parents present.
Children needing no treatment at this time 69
Children having a family dentist 52
Children referred to dentist 55
Percentage of Dental Corrections
Pupils examined grades 1 - 6 in fall of 1959 1,313
Pupils with all needed corrections made 662
Results of these examinations as of June 1960
Cold Spring School 90%
Mt. Pleasant School 84%
Oak Street School 72%
Cornish-Burton School 71%
Hedge School 59%
Manomet School 58%
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene talks in the classroom by Dental Hygienist grades 1 - 6 397
Pupils having a dental prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth) 907
This is a part of the educational program.
Our local radio station WPLM was very cooperative during National Children's Dental Health Week by mak- ing spot announcements of the program.
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In June I attended a two-day In-Service Training Course for Dental Hygienists in Public Health which was held at "Forsyth" in Boston.
Dental Clinic
We are most grateful to the Commission of Public Safety, Health Division, for continuing to recondition and replace outmoded dental equipment.
Clinic sessions (reparative work and examinations) 80
Completed cases at clinic 75
Fillings in six-year molars (permanent teeth) 94
Extractions
Temporary (Baby teeth) 72
Permanent (Special-class pupils) 8
Treatments (including X-ray)
146
Amounts received for clinical services rendered :
Fees returned to the Town
For toothbrushes sold (part of educational program) 97.96
For dental prophylaxis 89.40
For filling and extractions 14.50
$201.86
The cooperation of the principals, teachers, school nurses and dentists has been greatly appreciated, and again our sincere thanks to the Commission of Public Safety, Health Division.
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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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The reports of the elementary school principals, Mrs. Elouise Cashin, Mr. Emmett Finck, Mrs. Helen Man- chester, Mr. George Theodoras, and Mrs. Eleanor White are summarized below.
Plymouth parents have been most generous during the past year with their assistance in helping the elemen- tary schools to function effectively. Through their Par- ent-Teachers organizations they have served as chaper- ones 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 activi- ties have gone on during the past year. A few are listed below.
Grades four and five and special classes visited the Mawflower and historical sites and museums in Plymouth.
Second grades visited the local radio stations, fire station, post office, and the telephone company.
Several student teachers have done their practice teaching in our schools under the direction of certain teachers.
Science Fair and Book Fairs were held in various schools.
A demonstration and exhibit of work in art was held at the Cold Spring School under the direction of Mrs. Violet Berry, Elementary Art Supervisor.
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A Spelling Workshop was held for all elementary teachers with a representative from the Charles Merrill Publishing Company conducting the meeting.
A Reading Workshop conducted by a representative from the Ginn Publishing Company was held for teachers of grades four, five, and six.
Our elementary school teachers received service and help from the Judge Stone Child Guidance Clinic in Brock- ton.
Fifth grades participated in the Audubon Nature Study Program.
The World Book Company Language Series was placed in all elementary schools. This series was chosen after careful study and deliberation on the part of the teacher's language committee.
Accident insurance coverage was made available to all pupils through the R. A. Derosier Insurance Agency of Boston, Massachusetts.
Conferences concerning Educational TV were at- tended by principals.
Pupils participated in the school savings programs sponsored by our local banks.
The Hay-Wingo Phonetic System was put into oper- ation in various first grades throughout the system.
Last October Metropolitan Achievement Tests were administered to grades three, four, five and six in all schools. Kuhlmann Anderson I. Q. Tests were adminis- tered to grades one, three, and five at approximately the same time. The Stanford Binet I. Q. Test has been ad- ministered to individual pupils throughout the school sys- tem.
The tests accompanying our reading textbooks have been given regularly.
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Educational TV has become a permanent part of our curriculum with the result that French and Science have proved to be of most interest to our pupils.
The following recommendations are made :
1. Continue studies leading to revision of the ele- mentary curriculum.
2. Make provisions for gifted children.
3. Continue the development of school libraries.
4. Continue bringing old equipment up to date.
5. Continued purchase of films for elementary schools.
6. If French is to become a permanent part of our curriculum, a French teaching supervisor should be employed by the school department.
7. Assistance should be obtained for pupils who have speech defects.
8. Morning sessions only, for grade one the first two weeks of school.
APPOINTMENTS TO TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Training
Years of Experience
Bartlett, Mrs. Bertha
Hedge
Grade 3
Bridgewater
10
Broman, Mrs. Signe
Manomet
Grades 1 & 2
Bridgewater
9
Callahan, Paul
Manomet
Grade 5
Boston University
2
Calvin, Edwin E.
Jr. - Sr. High
Guidance Director
Harvard
5
Carlson, Muriel
Jr. High
Guidance Counselor
Boston University
8
Drisko, Anita
Sr. High
Home Arts
Farmington, Maine
0
Foley, Mrs. Mary
Jr. High
English, Literature
Bridgewater
4
Gomes, Ronald G.
Jr. High
Science 8 & 9, S. S. 8
Bridgewater
0
Haselton, Robert D.
Elementary
Physical Education
Springfield
2
Hennessy, Nancy P., Mrs.
Jr. High
English & Reading Gr. 7
Bridgewater
3
Houde, Mrs. Rita
Jr. High
Mathematics, Gr. 7
Keene, New Hampshire
9
Jansen, Walter
Sr. High
English II
Brown University
9
Johnstone, William T.
Jr. High
Industrial Arts, Gr. 7
Fitchburg
0
Lavery, Mrs. Linda C.
Jr. High
Social Studies, French
Middlebury College
0
Linzey, Betsy
Jr. High
Art, Grades 7 & 8
Oklahoma State University
0
Mee, Mrs. Rosemary
Jr. High
English, Grade 7
Bridgewater
0
McEwan, Caroline
Cornish
Grade 1
State Teachers, Boston
6
Mclaughlin, Mrs. Kathryn
Cornish
Grade 2
Hyannis Normal and B. U.
21
Nicolas, F. Edward
Superintendent of Schools
Suffolk University
10
Nogueira, Ronald
Jr. High
English & Social Studies
Boston College
0
O'Donnell, Katherine A.
Jr. High
General Science, Gr. 7
Cornell University
0
Pauze, G. Roger
Jr. High
Special Classes
Fitchburg
15
Pontes, George
Jr. High
English & Literature
Bridgewater
0
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Rasmussen, Ellen
Cornish
Grade 6
Illinois Wesleyan 5
Richardson, Ruth, Mrs. Jr. High
Home Arts, Grade 7
Keene, New Hampshire 14
Robinson, Joseph
Jr. High
Civics, Social Studies
Tufts
20 0 2
Seeley, E. Rea, Jr.
Jr. High
Business Training, Math. 8
Suffolk University
Sullivan, Sheila
Jr. - Sr. High
Asst. Physical Ed., Girls
Bridgewater
0
RESIGNATIONS IN TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Years Served in Plymouth
Furtado, Mrs. Arlene M.
Cornish
Grade 2
1
Gardner, Mrs. Lydia J.
Sr. High
Sten. I & II, Trans. & Office Practice 31
Harrell, Charles T.
Sr. High
English II & IV, Ec. Geog., World Lit. 2 1 Asst. Physical Education, Girls
Jones, Roberta
Jr. - Sr. High
Grade 5
2
Murphy, George M.
Jr. High
English, Art
2
Pence, Mrs. Mary C.
Jr. High
English 8 & 9
1
Pyle, Arthur J.
Sr. High
U. S. History, Problems of Democracy Grade 6
29
Rasmussen, Ellen
Cornish
4 mos.
Sweatt, Chester V.
Supt. of Schools
2
Tosi, Mrs. Ann M.
Hedge
Grade 3
1
Verre, Francis R.
Cornish
Grade 6
5
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Monti, Enzo
Manomet
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES December 1960
OFFICE
*F. Edward Nicolas
Elinor B. Sanderson
Elizabeth R. Beane, Mrs.
Barbara S. Talbot, Mrs.
Secretary (part-time)
Theresa Leonardi, Mrs.
Secretary (part-time)
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Lawrence M. Bongiovanni
Iris E. Albertini
Beatrice M. Arthur
Helen M. Bagnall, Mrs.
David E. Barlow
Phyllis R. Boucher
U. S. History, Global Geog.
Acting Guidance Counselor
Geometry, Mech. Drawing
World History, Driver Ed.
Home Arts
English II, English IV, Speech Arts English III
French I, II, and III
English II
Type. I, II, Bkkp. II
U. S. History, Prob. of Dem., Psychology
College Math III and IV
Physics, Phys. Science, Chemistry Guidance Science, Math.
English IV, Writers Workshop, Dean of Girls
Algebra, Basic Math II
Sten. I, Bkkp. I
Latin II, III, Basic Math I
English III, IV, World Literature
Psychology, Guidance Biology
Mario J. Romano Leona Swartz, Mrs. John S. Tavernelli Alice F. Urann, Mrs. ** Donald G. Wilson Claiborne H. Young
Principal
English II, French I
Business Ed. Subjects
Geog. I, Type. I, S.A.S.
Applied Science, Basic Math. I
*Edwin E. Calvin Louis L. Cappannari Joseph R. DeSisto * Anita Drisko Marilyn Griffith
Ronald W. Holmes Jeannette C. Jacques *Walter E. Jansen Helen C. Johnson Phyllis M. Johnson
Nellie R. Locklin John W. Packard Jean Patenaude, Mrs. *Russell W. Randall Miriam A. Raymond, Mrs.
Acting Superintendent of Schools
Executive Secretary
Secretary
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Loring R. C. Mugford William Gault, Jr.
Matthew L. Brown, Jr.
*Muriel P. Carlson
Esther M. Chandler
Andrew A. Dietlin, Jr.
Doris P. DeCost, Mrs.
W. Douglas Edwards Deane E. Eldridge Viola M. Figueiredo, Mrs.
*Mary H. Foley, Mrs. Doris M. Gault, Mrs. *Ronald G. Gomes
Margaret M. Healy, Mrs. Marian E. Heath, Mrs. *Nancy Hennessy, Mrs. Mary E. Henry, Mrs. Rita E. Houde, Mrs. Virginia Hutton, Mrs. Armand H. Kazarian *William T. Johnstone *Linda C. Lavery, Mrs. *Besty Linzey Muriel P. Loring, Mrs. Victor N. Loukas
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