USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1943 > Part 8
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PENMANSHIP - The Rinehart Functional Handwriting program was introduced in the first three grades in September, 1942. The pre-tests administered at the beginning of this program showed that 62.8% of the pupils were unable to write a "Satisfactory" quality. An "Excellent" quality was written by 37.2% of the pupils. "
97
At the close of the school term in June, 1943, the final tests showed that the number of "Unsatisfactory" writers had been reduced to 19.8%; and the number of "Excellent" writers had increased to 80.2%.
CAFETERIA - Since October 1, 1943 the cafeteria has been operated in co-operation with the War Food Administration (Food Distribution Administration) sponsored by the State Departments of Education and Public Welfare. The program has made it possible to maintain high lunch standards at reduced cost.
MAINTENANCE - The maintenance department has
been strengthened by the addition of a full-time painter. Buildings have been kept in very good condition with little necessity for calling upon outside contractors. A great deal of the work anticipated for this year was accomplished, in spite of the unavailability of materials and labor. There will be much essential work to be done in 1944.
TRANSPORTATION - War conditions have increased difficul- ties. The Lovell Bus Lines, Inc. is making conscientious effort to give better service. Although the results are far from satisfactory, better arrangements cannot be made during the emergency.
It is suggested that the pupils will be better served and there will be less school disturbance if parents insist that their children co-operate in every way possible with the transportation company, especially by being ready to take the bus designated at the proper time and place. Such parental insistence will result in more satisfactory service.
CONCLUSION - The schools of Weymouth have finished a hard and successful year. Every member of the School Department per- sonnel has accepted graciously the additional responsibility which the crisis has brought about. The student body has been co-operative and helpful. The attitude of the citizens toward the schools has been splendid. The various town departments have continued their fine spirit of co-operation. I am deeply grateful to all.
I express to you, the School Committee, my appreciation of your sympathetic understanding and unselfish service.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES R. THIBADEAU Superintendent of Schools
COURSES OF STUDY Report of Flora Haviland McGrath Director of Courses of Study
Not the prodigious scattering of opportunities, nor of courses of study, nor of materials, but only the discriminating and intelligent use of these and the results therefrom are important. Intelligence is a requisite in the wise use of opportunities and time a necessity for the
98
observation of results. It is not possible, in this report, to indicate every instance in which unusual results have been achieved, but it will be my pleasure to signify specifically several satisfactory outcomes as a result of our study and survey of pupil potentialities.
TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS
The average number of pupils in each grade of the elementary system through the town is approximately 390. In order to insure uniformity in the testing program, all tests are given by one person. From January 1943 through December 1943 every first, third, fifth, seventh, and eighth grade has been given either a mental ability or an achievement test.
The results of these tests have been studied in order to determine remedial work for special cases and to furnish guidance for eighth grade pupils.
The schools which I wish to mention specifically where studies are being made and remedial measures carried out are the Hunt and the Bicknell.
At the Bicknell School, Mr. E. Leo Madden, Principal, has con- ducted a series of study meetings with teachers of grades VII and VIII. The progress of every pupil has been given close scrutiny and steps have been taken wherever necessary for remedial work. At the Hunt School, Mr. Charles Y. Berry, Principal, and Miss Mary Lonergan, teacher of reading in grades VII and VIII, have studied the reading results and have carried out a program which has already shown excellent results in improving reading comprehension.
COURSES OF STUDY
Pre-Flight Aeronautics
The pre-flight aeronautics course of study which was begun in 1942 is being used with excellent results. This now appears to be a course which is in to stay because of pupil interest and possible future appli- cation.
Arithmetic
The arithmetic research being conducted by a teacher committee has not been completed.
Language Activities
The Manual for Grade III which was on the press at the writing of the 1942 report, and the manuals for grades VI, VII, and VIII have been completed and in use for some time.
GENERAL SUPERVISION
It would be unethical to indicate outstanding achievement by any one teacher, but in passing it seems only fair to state that we have in our elementary system teachers who are doing incomparable work in
99
pupil development. In the work of supervision, recognition is given to these teachers whose methods and procedures are successful and an attempt is made to have some of these methods carried out in other schools or classes when possible.
IN CONCLUSION
To the teachers and principals, to the members of the school com- mittee, and to Mr. Thibadeau, Superintendent of Schools, I wish to express my appreciation and thanks for both their consideration and co-operation.
HIGH SCHOOL
Report of Mr. Wallace L. Whittle, Principal
One of the major problems of the High School this year has been the adjustment of programs for those boys who may be inducted into the armed forces before the end of the school year. We have "en- deavored to make it possible for boys who may be» called into Service during the first half of the senior year to complete their school work by February 15, 1944, and thus be eligible for a diploma. The School Committee has set up the following rules in regard to early dismissals :
High School pupils may, under certain conditions, be dismissed be- fore the close of school in June to enter college, apprentice schools, employment, or armed forces.
High School seniors may be excused in time to begin work in the college's second semester. If the pupil completes the semester's work at the college, his High School diploma will be awarded in June.
In each case advance notice of the pupil's intention to ask for such consideration must be given to the principal. With his permission, the program will be accelerated; and upon completion of the year's work, attested by a written statement from each subject matter teacher, the principal may excuse him from further attendance under the following conditions :
1. To enter apprentice schools
High School seniors may be dismissed at the end of the third ranking period. If the pupil continues in an appren- tice school and does satisfactory work, his diploma will be granted.
2. To enter industry
Pupils may be excused at the end of the fourth ranking period.
3. To enter the armed forces Pupils approaching 18 years of age may be excused from attendance at the end of the third ranking period and given credit for their work. (There are five ranking periods. Each covers one fifth of the school year.)
100
1
For those senior boys who may not be able to complete the work before leaving, arrangements have been made so that the year's work may be completed while in the Service and sent to the school at the student's convenience for credit. In this way, we hope to make it possible for all those really desiring a High School diploma to earn one.
In order to accomplish the above in a satisfactory manner, the material has been rearranged in the various subjects so that all funda- mentals are given before the pupils leave. This constitutes a change only in the time of year in which the material is given. There is, of course, a definite loss to the student in any such curtailment of the program, but we feel that this arrangement keeps that loss at a mini- mum.
I feel that all parents and pupils should give careful thought to the requests of government agencies for school pupils to remain in school as long as they can possibly do so. Many young people, usually prompted by misguided ideas, want to "join up" with one of the armed services before they finish their high school education. The govern- ment specifically states that these pupils will be of far more value to their country and to themselves if they will remain in school as long as possible and prepare themselves to be of much more service because of a sound educational background. Unquestionably, the lack of training and maturity has already caused much loss of time and progress in this war. The High School suggests that all pupils and parents consider carefully the issues involved before terminating any formal education in the public schools.
We are attempting to state subject and promotion requirements so that they may be more clearly understood by the general public. The Classical and Technical Courses will be combined next year in one course, the College Course, with the same subjects available. The number of credits needed for promotion and graduation will be raised, as will the credit value for the major subjects. This rearrange- ment does not alter the requirements in any way, but gives the same value to all prepared major subjects. The present graduation re- quirements are based on four major subjects of four points each for four years, or sixteen points per year for four years. The new re- quirements will be based on four major prepared subjects of five credits each for four years, or twenty credits per year for four years. In the past these subjects have been given different point values. This plan will not only simplify all records, etc., but will also conform more nearly to the practice in most of the other schools.
A short pre-induction course is now in progress and will be given to all senior and seventeen-year-old junior boys before the end of the year. Briefly, this course explains to the boys what to expect upon
101
induction into the armed forces as well as during the subsequent training period. The class is conducted informally with opportunity for all pupils to enter into discussions and to have any personal questions answered.
Another short course, designed to be of aid to the entering fresh- men, has just been started. It is hoped that in these classes we may help to prevent or correct some of the difficulties with which the new student is confronted. If this course is found to be successful, it will be made a permanent part of our program.
These courses are given by the Guidance Department which is functioning well. They require no preparation on the part of the pupil and, therefore, do not add to his time needed for study.
Because of the experience of our service men during the last year we are also contemplating the introduction of a course in First Aid for all - boys previous to induction into the armed forces.
Our extracurricular activities have been carried on as usual. The Art Department has done a great deal of work for town organizations, for the Naval Base at South Weymouth, and to increase the sale of War Stamps. The collection of Victory Garden Posters by this de- partment was awarded a silver medal by the Massachusetts Horticul- tural Society.
It is gratifying to report that the students have responded well to the War Stamp Program. They have purchased stamps having a total value of $23,269.40 during 1943.
The football team was outstanding in athletics, winning the Class B Championship of Eastern Massachusetts. It has been necessary to drop golf and tennis, and our wrestling schedule has been greatly curtailed because of the lack of opponents.
The awards given in June are as follows :
Weymouth Teachers' Association-Arlene Bentley, Harold Goon, Mary O'Donnell
Weymouth High School Alumni Association-Norma Campbell, Norma Phillips, Edith Pratt
Frederick W. Hilton Scholarship-Robert Clancy
The Monday Club of Weymouth-Madeline Mitchell, Elizabeth Pickett
Sons of Italy and Daughters of Italy-Marie Corbo
The Weymouth Catholic Club-John McGovern
Weymouth Post No. 79, American Legion-Mary O'Donnell The award of the Weymouth High School Class of 1921 to the senior making the most "meritorious progress" during the four years was made to Harold Goon.
The Washington and Franklin Medal for proficiency in American History was given to John McGovern.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award was made to Madeline Mitchell.
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1
WEYMOUTH VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Report of the Director, Mr. Francis E. Whipple
Our most direct contribution to the war effort is reflected in the War Production Training program. Our first course was in Sheet Metal work, which started as a night shift on January 20, 1941, was enlarged to two shifts during the summer vacations, and was closed because of lack of available trainees on May 22, 1943. During the two years and four months it was in session, 191 persons were enrolled for the 480 hour course. Many of the trainees were members of the W.P.A.
A second course in arc welding and burning started March 1, 1942. Trainees were then enlisted from the unemployed. The equipment was furnished by the federal government and space was taken from the garage. By July of that year, the program was operating on a six day around the clock basis. In August, arrangements were made with the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard to train their employees as welders. This plan continued for fifteen months. It was closed on November 20, 1943 because of a change in Navy policy.
This training in welding for the shipyard was on a very short term basis, varying from five days to three weeks. Nine hundred and sixteen men and women were enrolled. Altogether, then, we have trained for defense industry, 1107 men and women.
The welding equipment from this venture is in our hands and may be used in connection with vocational work. I would recommend the setting up of a small one-man-shop-department in all branches of gas and electric welding. The course should be not only for welders, but also to supplement our other trades such as automobile repair and sheet metal work.
Weymouth has received from the now-closed N.Y.A. a considerable amount of machine shop equipment, valued in the neighborhood of $25,000 which should be used in furtherance of the plans of the Town Committee on Vocational Education. Full utilization of this equip- ment, and more which may be available if we actually start a machine shop, awaits provision for housing it.
In these days when a young man who is not trained in the use of his hands for productive purposes may find himself handicapped in serving his country, the opportunity should be extended to as many boys as pos- sible to profit from our facilities. Many boys nearing sixteen plan to terminate their schooling to enter defense industry. Many seventeen years of age plan to enlist in the armed services. All are certainly pro- spective candidates for induction. The armed services are campaigning strongly for shop work as part of necessary pre-induction training pro- grams. To support their request, it is stated that as many as eight out of ten inductees are assigned to tasks requiring manual and mechanical skill. It is not too far-fetched to say that a boy's life might depend upon his mechanical training.
103
For future years after the war it is entirely probable that employers and public policy will require boys to be at least 18 years of age before they can be hired for a job. Experience with this policy as it existed in the past would indicate the advisability of setting up a vocational try- out program in the ninth grade open to all boys. Such a program would enable a boy to sample several occupations and to choose the one best suited to his interests and abilities. From this program would come the boys in the regular day vocational school.
This year every department has benefited from additions to its equipment, looking toward bringing shop facilities in line with modern industrial practices.
The total enrollment figures for the day school for the school year are given below:
I
II
III
Total
Auto Repair
47
11
5
63
Cabinetmaking
14
9
5
28
Printing
3
4
5
12
Sheet Metal
27
22
13
62
91
46
28
165
Compared with last year, there were 88 freshmen, 71 sophomores, 44 seniors. Of this year's 91 freshmen, 4 were admitted as special students without completing the eighth grade, 56 had completed the eighth grade, 19 were members of or had completed the ninth, 5 the tenth, and 7 were repeaters from last year.
There were 28 nonresidents enrolled, four less than last year.
For the fifth year in succession all graduates were placed in the trade for which they were trained. At the present time, 14 of these boys are in the armed service.
I wish to extend to the Superintendent of Schools, to my assistant, to the teaching staff, and to the maintenance department my thanks for the excellent support and cooperation they have given me during the year.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Resignations Supervisors
High School Bicknell School
James Humphrey School Jefferson School Hunt School '
Harriet S. Berry Vance W. Monroe Sheila M. Gross Elizabeth Lesenechal A. Aileen McGrath Catherine M. Quirk Margaret L. Mitchell Dorothea E. Abbott Marjorie F. Bentley Mabelle Claflin Mary R. Donahoe
104
1
Hunt School Pratt School Shaw School Edward B. Nevin School
Pond School School Physician
Mary L. Gloster A. Alberta Richmond Leona A. Gregory Ruth L. Calen Muriel E. Doble Alice L. McMorrow Dr. Daniel J. Bailey
Leave of Absence for Military Service Director of Physical Education High School
Abigail Adams School
Bicknell School
Shaw School
Edward B. Nevin School
Pond School
Maintenance Department
Harry Arlanson Paul C. Cleaves Geraldine R. Colligan Catherine J. Nolan Stefani Konrad Thomas L. Stetson Patricia A. Lyons Nellie G. Beaton William M. Hughes
Consistent with the statutory regulations and the School Department policies, these teachers have been granted leave of absence. The vacan- cies have been filled on a temporary basis.
Retired Shaw School
Frederick J. Blanchard, janitor
IN MEMORIAM Wallace W. Rodgerson Janitor James Humphrey School Service 1935-1943
Elections Bicknell School James Humphrey School
Hunt School
Pratt School Shaw School Edward B. Nevin School
Elizabeth C. Rogers I. Elena Caracciolo M. Joseph Coleran, janitor Rita M. Kearns Marguerite D. Howsberger Jean A. Tompkins George S. Vinton, janitor Florence H. Condrick Dorothy E. Gallant Anne G. Toomey Marion R. Fortier, temporary clerk
Pond School Vocational School School Physician Pratt & Shaw Schools
Dr. Harold A. Spalding
105
Reinstatements Walter C. Gutterson Stefani Konrad
Guidance Dept. from Military Service Center School from Military Service
Transfers
Charlotte M. Clark Geraldine R. Colligan Margaret Dingwall
Eleanor Freeman
Louise A. Kalaghan
Helen M. King
Rose M. Leonard
Jean T. Lindsay
Josephine M. Lindsay
Carmella P. Locantore
Rita M. Murphy
Virginia Nye
Dorothy L. Peterson
Pond to Athens
James Humphrey to High
Abigail Adams to Edward B. Nevin, Acting Principal High School-Instructor to Librarian Center to Athens Edward B. Nevin to Abigail Adams Bicknell to Hunt Bicknell to Edward B. Nevin Shaw to Pond
Edward, B. Nevin to Hunt
Jefferson to Junior Annex
High School Instructor to Guidance Dept. Released part time from High School classes to serve as Acting Supervisor of Physical Education in the elemen- tary grades
Substitutes
Supervisors
High School
Abigail Adams School Bicknell School
James Humphrey School Jefferson School Hunt School
Shaw School
Edward B. Nevin School
Pond School
Mrs. Harriet S. Drew Mrs. Ruth C. Gustafson Mrs. Eleanor R. Howley Mrs. Marion L. Ray Mrs. Charlotte M. Oppler Mrs. Eileen B. McCarthy Eva C. Bernier Mrs. Alma R. Driscoll Mrs. Aileen M. Karacius Mrs. Josephine M. McGonagle Mrs. Catherine Q. Goodwin Mrs. Mary A. Nolan Mrs. Ruth T. Sheahan Mrs. Marjorie B. Toohey Mrs. Delia E. Will Mrs. Phyllis P. Thompson Mrs. Myrtle E. Turner Mrs. Alice B. Wallace Mrs. Alberta R. Kelly
106
EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS
Name and School
Grade
Salary,
January 1, 1944
Years Teaching
Experience
Years College or
Normal Training
Other Courses
Trade Experience
HIGH SCHOOL
89 Middle Street, East Weymouth Telephone-Weymouth 1100
Wallace L. Whittle, B.S.
. Prin.
$4,200
1921
221/2
4
5
-
Thomas A. Lyons, A.B.
Asst. Prin.
3,300
1921
23
5
5
-
Mary M. Lambe
. Secretary
1,400
1939
4
Ruth E. Gillis
Asst. Secretary
1,050
194I
2
I
7
Paul H. Bates, A.B.
Inst.
2,100
1935
9
4
8 -
Esther L. Benson
Inst.
2,000
1929
I9
3
II
. Prescott B. Brown
Inst.
2,500
19II
32
I
3
*Ernestine R. Canning, A.B., Ed.M.
. Inst.
2,000
1920
24
6
9
Helen A. Chase, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
1,800
1941
I3
5
7
4
2
John K. Delahunt, B.S.
Inst.
2,500
1930
17
4
2
Alice K. Fay, B.S. in P.A.L.
Inst.
2,000
1936
I 3
4
I2
Eleanor Freeman, A.B., A.B.L.S. Librarian
1,900
1929
14
5
I
John T. Gannon, A.B.
Inst.
2,500
1921
22
4
5
John T. Ghiorse, A.B.
Inst.
2,100
1934
9
4
I
Walter C. Gutterson, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
2,200
1935
9
6
I6
Olive E. Hackett
Inst.
2,000
1926
1931
14
3
3
Lillian Jefts, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
1,900
1929
25
5
8
*Philip T. Jones, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
2,400
1931
12
6
2
I3
I
Norman D. Loud, B.S., M.S.
Inst.
2,100
1933
II
5
8
7
Clarence R. Lyond, B.S., Ed.M.
.Inst.
2,500
1928
18
5
2
4
5
John F. Martin, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
2,500
1929
14
5
2
*Ruth E. Mayo, B.S. Ed., Ed.M.
Inst.
1,900
1927
16
5
6
*Russell H. Mazzola, B.S. .
Inst.
2,000
1934
9
5
I7
*George J. McCarthy, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
2,300
1932
121/2
4
2
Mary E. McMorrow, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
1,950
1926
17
4
9
Dorothy U. Murphy, B.S. Ed. Helen M. Norris
Inst.
2,000
1927
I8
2
7
*Virginia Nye, A.B.
Inst.
1,850
1934
9
4
IO
*Charlotte M. Oppler, Ed.M.
Inst.
Substitute
7
Oral A. Page, B.S.
Inst.
2,500
1928
24
4
5
Dorothy Pearson, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
1,500
1939
4
5
2
Dorothy L. Peterson, B.S. Ed.
,Inst.
1,700
1934
IO
4
I
(Also Acting Supervisor of Physical Education in elementary grades)
Anita L. Petrucci, A.B.
Inst.
1,850
1927
I6
4
5
Marion L. Ray, B.S. in P.A.L., M.C.S.
Inst.
Substitute
12
5
-
*Alvah Raymond, B.S.
Inst.
1,700
1937
6
4
I3
Helena F. Reidy, A.B.
Inst.
1,950
1913
3I
4
4
Rose Silverman, B.S. in P.A.L.
Inst.
1,600
1939
6
4
Evelyn Silvester (Supervisor in
charge of grade and high school art)
2,000
1918
28
3
13' -
-
Marie E. Conroy, A.B.
Inst.
1,700
1936
*Beatrice Escott, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
1,950
1938
II
4
3
IO
Eleanor M. Howley, B.S. in S.S.
Inst.
Substitute
5
4
2
*Margaret K. Langford
Inst.
2,000
1929
15
Helen G. Lyons, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
2,000
1922
21
*Dorothy G. MacGregor, B.S. in P.A.L. Inst.
1,850
1936
9
4
4
.
Inst.
1,800
1924
23
4
I
82
I
Inez E. Hoag
Inst.
1,800
Elected
mos.
.
107
.
EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS
Name and School
Grade
Salary,
January 1, 1944
Years Teaching
Experience
Years College or
Normal Training
Other Courses
Trade Experience
Eva Skala, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
$2,000
.1929
14
4
2
James F. Steele, B.S.
Inst.
2,500
1926
20
4
I
5
George O. Stewart, Ph.B.
Inst.
2,500
1924
22
4
2
Herberta L. Stockwell, R.N.
Nurse
2,000
1930
13
3
4
9
Waldo H. Swan, A.B., A.M.
Inst.
2,500
1929
21
7
20
I
Martha Vining, A.B.
Inst.
1,900
1930
14
4
6
Alice White, B.S. Ed., Ed.M.
Inst.
2,000
1930
20
5
3
M. Jean Young, B.S. Ed.
Inst.
1,950
1932
4
5
II
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Telephone-Weymouth 0257
*Francis E. Whipple
. Director
3,400
1925
18
I
II
8
*Ray G. Parker
Asst. Director
2,900
1922
21
2
7
Marion R. Fortier
Clerk
Temporary 9 ' mos.
Lewis H. Bacon, Jr.
Inst.
2,500
1927
16
2
9
12
*James F. Boland
Inst.
2,500
1939
4
3
23
D. Everett Bryan
Inst.
2,500
1930
I3
4
8
14
*Harold E. Clarke
Inst.
2,500
1938
5
I
4
9
Harry F. Duncan
Inst.
2,500
1929
14
II
IO
Jean C. Kyhn
Inst.
2,500
1942
I
2
19
*Otto H. Mahn
. Inst.
2,500
1938
5
29
6
IO
Harold C. Sherwood
Inst.
2,500
1932
12
2
2
I3
*Joseph K. Whittemore
Inst.
2,500
1927
17
2
8
4
NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
Weymouth Branch
Hilmer S. Nelson
Head of Dept.
1925
18
2
4
IO
Harold R. Nelson, B.S.
Inst.
1940
5
4
2
5
#Salaries are paid by Norfolk County Agricultural School.
JUNIOR ANNEX
Telephone-Weymouth 1993
Rita M. Jones, B.S. Ed.
VIII
1,800
1927
16
4
3
*William T. Kearns, B.S. Ed.
VIII
1,200
1942
2
4
I
Rita M. Murphy, B.S. Ed.
VIII
1,500
1938
5
4
2
-
JUNIOR MANUAL ARTS CLASS
Wallace T. Driscoll, B.S. Ed.
2, 100
1935
9
5
IO
2
*Eleanor L. Garvin, B.S. Ed.
1,800
1927
16
4
Doris Partridge
1,800
1930
171/2
2
5
Helen Varnum, B.S. Ed.
1,800
1932
5
-
4
ABIGAIL ADAMS SCHOOL
23 Church Street, East Weymouth Telephone-Weymouth 2916-M
Annie S. McDowell
Prin .- VI
1,800
1934
27
I
9
-
*Katherine L. Gunville, A.B. Alice J. Story
VII
1,500
1938
5
4
2
V
1,750
1936
22
3
6
*Helen M. King
IV
1,800
1928
I5
3
II
Katharine A. Dunning, A.B.
.III
1,600
1937
6
4
2
Eileen B. McCarthy
III
Substitute
19
2
21
-
*Jalmar N. Nelson
.Inst.
2,500
1924
19
-
-
108
-
-
Elected
EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS
Name and School
Grade
January 1, 1944 Salary,
Elected
Years Teaching
Experience
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