USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Weymouth > Town annual report of Weymouth 1961 > Part 14
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It will be noted that when salary changes go into effect in Septem- ber, only one-third of the total amount is reflected in that year's budget -i.e., from September to December. The increase in the budget this year, therefore, includes a full year of last year's increase effective in September, 1961. It also includes the operation of the new High School for four months. Needless to say, if the building is not available at the opening of school, that proportionate part will revert to the Town treasury. If and when it is open, there will be the increased cost of custodians, maintenance, cafeteria and the usual operative costs: light, heat, water, gas, telephone and supplies.
An ancient philosopher once wrote,
"Life is Short The Art, Long Experiment, Perilous Decision, Difficult."
Your Committee has worked diligently to present the best school system within its power. It has had the able assistance of what we believe to be an outstanding administrative staff, and with this contin- ued help and assistance, the Committee will endeavor to carry on through the coming years.
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Following is a report of the 1962 operational budget together with the expenditures for 1961.
Account Classification
Expenditures 1961
Estimates 1962
ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent
$ 14,200.00
$ 15,333.00
Other General Salaries
43,972.65
47,471.00
Legal Expense
425.00
800.00
Building Program Expense
285.00
Other General Expense
4,578.52
4,050.00
Total
$ 63,461.17
$ 67,654.00
INSTRUCTION
Salaries of Directors, Supervisors,
Principals, and Teachers
$2,766,280.57
$2,998,277.00
Expenses of Principals,
Supervisors and Teachers
45,749.59
48,508.00
Textbooks
45,783.69
48,135.00
Supplies
62,374.96
69,360.00
Other Expenses of Instruction
4,696.57
5,575.00
Total
$2,924,855.38
$3,169,855.00
OPERATION
Custodians' Salaries
$ 222,402.82
$ 249,131.00
Fuel
48,332.91
53,310.00
Light and Power
51,801.82
55,500.00
Water
3,917.11
4,000.00
Telephones
7,623.23
7,792.00
Custodians' Supplies
24,025.00
28,100.00
Total
$ 358,102.89
$ 397,833.00
MAINTENANCE
Salaries
$ 67,840.21*
$ 75,627.00
Materials and Supplies, non-contract
40,411,26*
43,173.00
Repair of Buildings and Equipment, by contract
51,316.04*
67,003.00
Replacement of Equipment
23,455.49*
24,610.00
Other Expense
750.00
780.00
Total
$ 183,773.00
$ 211,193.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
Library Books and Supplies
$ 7,277.85
$ 9,700.00
Graduation Expense
1,607.41
1,450.00
Promotion of Health
33,620.68
33,952.00
Support of South Shore Guidance Clinic
5,702.40
7,200.00
Transportation of Pupils
151,581.09
143,535.00
Tuition
9,375.83
11,531.00
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Athletics School Lunch Program Insurance Other Expense
15,919.94
19,965.00
5,100.00
5,300.00
1,926.35
2,022.00
280.00
150.00
Total
$ 232,391.55
$ 234,805.00
OUTLAY AND NEW EQUIPMENT
Capital Outlay Net Equipment
5,129.94
9,432.00
Total
$ 8,828.80
$ 21,312.00
DAY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Salaries of Director and Teachers
$ 118,762.60
$ 133,707.00
Expenses of Director's Office
5,085.85
5,500.00
Textbooks
1,183.96
1,600.00
Supplies
16,920.76
18,000.00
Operation
11,619.75
12,180.00
Repair of Buildings
1,019.21
1,500.00
Repair and Replacement of Equipment
5,592.20
5,199.00
Transportation of Pupils
7,095.00
6,460.00
Insurance
203.68
205.00
New Equipment
1,417.55
778.00
Out of State Travel
152.28
Total
$ 169,052.84
$ 185,129.00
DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION
$ 4,919.33
$ 5,300.00
EVENING SCHOOLS
Commercial
$ 1,473.91
$ 1,760.00
Woodworking
1,145.80
1,305.00
Adult Homemaking and Crafts (Practical Arts)
9,361.53
10,290.00
Drawing and Painting (Oil Painting)
1,247.86
1,355.00
Civil War Period
262.25
290.00
Adult Civic Education
15.61
Trade Extension
1,995.32
2,050.00
Total
$ 15,502.28
$ 17.050.00
SUMMER SCHOOL
$ 5,294.19
$ 6,760.00
TRAVEL EXPENSE
Out of State
$ 1,099.71
$ 1,400.00
In State
995.25
800.00
Total
$ 2,094.96
$ 2,200.00
$ 3,698.86
$ 11,880.00
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TOTALS:
1961 Expenditures U. S. Grant
$3,829,505.14 138,801.25
$3,968,306.39
Balance 1961 account
9,296.87
1962 Estimates
$3,977,603.26
$4,319,091.00
WAR VETERANS' PENSIONS
$ 9,936.40
$ 13,240.00
TOWN HALL HEATING
$ 3,924.07
$ 4,026.00
HALL RENTALS
$ 16,880.39
$ 17,562.00
MATCHING FUNDS, N.D.E.A.
Title III
$ 17,090.13+
$ 11,000.00
Title V
5,210.93+
Total
$ 22,301.06
$ 11,000.00
Includes U. S. Grant expenditures as follows:
Maintenance, Salaries $ 34,500.00
Materials and Supplies 29,529.72
Repair of Bldgs. & Equip. 51,316.04
Replacement of Equipment 23,455.49
Total $ 138,801,25
# To be reduced by balance in Federal Funds U. S. Grant of $178,189.00.
¿ Includes expenditures of N.D.E.A. receipts as follows:
Title III
$ 3,890.13
Title V
$ 5,210.93
CREDITS
The following income was received by the Town in 1961 as credits to the schools. The law requires that the Town shall appropriate the full amount of the school budget, but in determining the net cost for support of schools these amounts should be deducted.
TOTAL EXPENDITURES, 1961 $3,990,607.45
CREDITS:
State Reimbursements:
Equalization Aid $479,318.87
Special Class Aid 34,375.53
Day Vocational* 65,084.37
Evening Practical Arts and Trade Extension* 5,535.81
Tuition paid to Out-of-Town Trade Schools* 2,264.29
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Transportation paid to Out-of- Town Trade Schools* 397.58 School Adjustment Counselor 4,500.00 $591,476.45
for one-half cost of instruction
Tuition:
Day Vocational and
Evening Apprenticeship $ 8,708.10
State Wards 7,667.66
Agricultural Dept. High School 471.96
Elementary 77.50
Summer School 5,010.00
21,935.22
Miscellaneous Cash Receipts:
Day Vocational School Sales: Cabinetmaking $2,874.78
Carpentry
1,618.44
Printing
420.66
Sheet Metal
1,428.26
Supplies, etc. 187.02 6,529.16
Manual Arts Sales 1,127.80
Junior Manual Arts Sales 108.75
Evening Practical Arts Sales 16.31
Fines, damages, refunds, sale of
supplies, etc 3,484.74
11,266.76
TOTAL CREDITS $ 624,678.43
Federal funds received and expended for school purposes, U. S. Grant
138,801.25
N.D.E.A.
9,101.06
$ 772,580.74
TOTAL NET COST TO TOWN
$3,218,026.71
FEDERAL FUNDS RECEIVED UNDER PUBLIC LAW 874
Balance from 1960
$138,621.25
Receipts :
February 24, 1961
April 27, 1961 November 1, 1961
$ 6,961.00 121,887.00 49,341.00
178,189.00
Plus refunds
180.00
TOTAL
$316,990.25
Expended in 1961
138,801.25
BALANCE-January 1, 1962
$178,189.00
170
$316,810.25
FEDERAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR VOCATIONAL DEPARTMENTS
Smith-Hughes Funds:
$ 1,415.00 Day Vocational School
Respectfully submitted,
WALLACE H. DRAKE, M.D., Chairman EDWARD J. HOWLEY, M.D., Vice-Chairman EVELYN C. HARRINGTON, Secretary THEODORE L. HANABURY HAROLD B. NASH N. ROBERT OLANDER THOMAS F. SHIELDS
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To th Members of the School Committee:
I respectfully submit my seventeenth report as Superintendent of Schools, the seventy-sixth report since the office was established
Excerpts from the reports of directors, supervisors and special teachers follow:
1. ART
One of the happy things about working in Weymouth has been the common interest and willingness to work cooperatively. As our town has recently grown so fast and so many new fine teachers have joined us, this cooperative spirit has had some difficulty in shining through, due in part to the greater number of people involved and less oppor- tunity for small group discussions of common problems.
The educational policy of the town as established years ago can be understood by a few quotes.
"The schools are run for the children .. " Parker T. Pearson
The development of the children mentally and morally and the de- velopment of their skills as well, should be our first and deepest con- cern. To avoid copying or taking what doesn't belong to them is a part of learning common honesty and should apply at all times to all phases of school work, art included.
This operates in art by using the child's own original interpretation in making pictures or designs, by using art supplies for school art work, by learning to keep all equipment complete and in good order in each classroom, and by having the child remember that art equipment be- longs to the school and not the individual.
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The children gain in art to the extent that they think for them- selves and the able teacher can guide them to really think out their problems, always working toward greater skill.
The art supervisors and junior high art teachers are able and willing to extend themselves to be helpful to those who need or ask for help on special problems. It is hoped this extra help will be easier to give in the high school with the end of double sessions. The chain reac- tion from this will relieve the supervisors from the present pressures resulting from the many seventh grades they now cover that are housed in the elementary buildings.
Skill is gained by learning through doing, constantly trying harder and harder things. The use of the hectographed pictures to practice, coloring is perhaps sincere, but it is a mistaken idea. The live, active and sometimes ill-proportioned drawings of the child are what should be colored. This will teach many things in addition to coloring and all at the same time. No time will be wasted and it provides a release and not a repression of his ideas, it gives him a chance to gain knowledge from experience. This is difficult teaching. It is not unguided work, but stimulated work, because of careful problem development planned by the teacher.
Concerning bulletin board displays-what is more delightful than the unsophisticated, gay or sad naivete of child expression? Its most important ingredient is its life. Detailed knowledge comes as a result of studied interest and should have a natural and not a forced growth. So these gems by the children should be used for bulletin board dis- play, replacing commercial seasonal decorations in the schools.
"Be not the first the new to try
Nor be the last to lay the old aside." Anon.
Be steady in the teaching of any subject for the benefit of the child's emotional stability. Avoiding extremes in experimentation or stagnation will help to keep the classroom and those in it on an even keel. (Parker T. Pearson's philosophy).
The steady growth of an idea in art as in any work gives the child a sense of strength and courage to tackle problems of increasing difficulty with an assurance of some degree of success. As he learns more in the academic field, that knowledge may be uses for integrated work in art projects or art may be used to develop and crystallize the facts of academic subject matter.
In the elementary schools where new subjects have been intro- duced, such as French, more science, remedial reading and instrumental music lessons, etc., there has been a tendency in some schools to borrow art time for some of those classes, even occasionally during the art supervisor's scheduled time.
Perhaps it should be re-emphasized that art should be allotted ninety minutes a week at all levels. It may be straight art or integrated work, but if integrated, it should have value as art work.
"Teach the child where you find him." C. R. Thibadeau
172
This policy is of course important and has its difficulties in the general classroom. In the junior and senior high schools, it can be handled better because art department personnel do the teaching. Through the use of school activities requiring special art work, all stu- dents can participate to the maximum of their individual skills, for many degrees of ability can be used. Being part of a project gives confidence and a desire to improve. Art clubs for those of special aptitudes provide continuing interest in the ever expanding field of the arts at these levels.
A listing of extra activities for 1961 is given briefly below, some for the art faculty only, some student activity only, and some in com- bination:
Massachusetts Art Education Association meetings-faculty. All meetings were attended by two or more; the Worcester meeting in the spring was attended by all nine art personnel. The fall conference at Sturbridge Village had three persons from Wey- mouth in attendance to hear Dr. F. Ziegfeld of Columbia Uni- versity give an inspiring address.
Pottery Workshop-Held for teachers of Southeastern Massachu- setts at Silver Lake Regional High School for two four-hour sessions. This was attended by eight Weymouth art teachers.
Summer art courses were attended by several art teachers, and not necessarily for credit.
Art faculty assistance was given to those staging the Scholastic Annual Art Exhibition held at the Boston University Galleries in February, 1961.
General collaboration of all art teachers was given in setting up a Weymouth Art Exhibition of regular school art work in the library and banks of South Weymouth in conjunction with the Spring Art Festival there.
High School Student Activities
June 1961 graduates attending Art schools this year: Diane Hanchey-Massachusetts College of Art
Paul Hebert-School of the Museum of Fine Art Paul Collins-New England School of Art Susan French-New England School of Art
High School Students attending Saturday art classes, Massachu- setts College of Art: Elizabeth Stack, Maureen Corbo, Peter Daley, Karen Villeneuve, Joyce Gardner, Elizabeth Mac- Eachern and Mary E. O'Donnell.
Students attending Museum School Classes, by invitation, Spring 1961: Daniel Gridley and Elizabeth Stack.
Scholastic Art Exhibition Winners, February 1961:
High School
Diane Hanchey-four awards in Boston (one gold key) and one National Gold Medal Daniel Gridley-two awards Jean Swanson-one award Cheron Laboissoniere-one award (gold key)
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Paul Hebert-Five awards in Boston (three gold keys); National Award of Art School Scholarship to School of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Junior High work was submitted and hung in the Scholastic Show, but space prevents listing here.
Two Senior Design for Living Students-Maureen Corbo and Eliza- beth MacEachern were selected in September to make a tape recording for Northeastern University's Vocational Guidance Program. Their subject was Dress Design and discussion of opportunities for professional study and work in this field in the Boston area.
The Weymouth Public Schools is the right place for teachers who are deeply interested in children and who wish a fine opportunity to help teach and enrich the lives of our segment of future citizens. Our department is devoted to contributing to better, more effective art work and we expect that 1962 will see our hopes realized. erased.
2. MUSIC
The music program provides the opportunity for musical growth and development through a variety of experiences available to students at all levels.
The elementary vocal program is supervised by Mr. John Lyons, Mrs. Marion Carpenter, and Mrs. Mary Mulligan. The basic areas of music education from which an adequate curriculum evolve include singing, listening, rhythmic expression, music reading, instrumental experience, and creative expression.
The transition to a new series of music books is not yet complete. This is the first change in music textbooks in nearly fifteen years. Many classroom teachers are getting better results and finding the books easier to use. Instructions for teachers are more specific and exact; there is better correlation with other subjects; the develop- ment of a reading readiness is improved; and the accompanying rec- ords for each set offer song accompaniments, study material, and music for quiet listening. Teachers and supervisors are anxious for the changeover to be completed.
Special musical programs were planned and presented at most of the schools for Christmas as well as other seasons, giving the oppor- tunity for many children to have the valuable experience of partici- pating in a public performance which trains them in cooperation and team-work, and builds self-confidence. Several of the elementary schools have their own glee clubs, many of which have performed for parent-teacher associations and school assemblies. The rehearsals for these special vocal groups are held during recess and noon periods. The accomplishments under these conditions are very notable.
The junior high school music curriculum attempts to implement and further refine the activities of the elementary grades. Although the Christmas pageants, special concerts and assembly programs are an important part of school life, they are not the main function of the music program. It should be much more comprehensive. The music class in junior high school must have great variety and flexibility.
1.74
Singing is a part of every period, and the songs are used to give meaning to the study of theory and music reading. Listening activities lead to discussions of form and style, composers, and music history. Classroom instrumental experiences have included the use of simple tone instruments such as song flutes, melody bells, etc., along with rhythmic devices to give more students the opportunity to play some- thing together. Tape recordings are made of both vocal and instru- mental activities within the classroom, and the study of instruments is enhanced by the performance of classmates who may be studying on a musical instrument. The excellent educational television series on music is seen within the classroom, and is looked for with anticipa- tion. Glee clubs are mostly scheduled for noon times and after school hours. There is evidence of tremendous talent, and it is more than un- fortunate that in many cases they can rehearse only once a week. Many public performances are included in the year's activities, both in school and for outside organizations. The junior high school vocal teachers should be highly commended for the scope and quality of their work in this area.
Mr. Arthur Williams is a new instructor in music this fall at Central Junior High.
Two students from Eastern Nazarene College fulfilled require- ments in observation and practice teaching at both elementary and junior high levels, under the supervision of Mrs. Carpenter.
The elementary instrumental program continues to grow. All stu- dents in grades four, five and six, who have an instrument to use, may receive free instruction on a band or orchestral instrument. These be- ginners can qualify later in the school year for membership in either an all-town band or orchestra. These groups met weekly after school and participated in the Spring Festival in June. The band also went on tour to several of the elementary schools in June. Outstanding stu- dents were featured as soloists and were well receivd at all perform- ancs. Mr. Haapaoja and Mr. Burke have worked diligently and well with these organizations. Unfortunately, only a rather small percen- tage of the total elementary instrumental enrolment finds it possible to attend the late Thursday afternoon rehearsals. As effective as the town-wide organization is, it does not meet the needs of all instrumental students to participate in a group. There should be, within each school, an instrumental ensemble, then the town-wide group could be more like an all-star band or orchestra, and thus create greater motivation and incentive. Most elementary schools now have a sufficient number of instrumental students to warrant such an ensemble. Principals are willing to provide rehearsal time. Students could then provide music as needed for field days and other special events from within the indi- vidual school unit. At present the staff of instructors cannot meet these groups because of extremely full teaching schedules. Additional instructional help is needed before this important area of the program can be provided for adequately.
The All-Town Orchestra which was organized last year progressed well musically, and grew in size to approximately forty members. Along with this growth came serious transportation problems. At first private automobiles were used, and later buses picked up pupils after the re- hearsals, but the problem of getting to the rehearsal was great. Once again, the answer would seem to be in providing the opportunity for ensemble playing within the individual school.
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An Instrumental Report Card was sent home to students studying an instrument at school for the first time this year. This provides an opportunity for more direct contact between teacher and parent. It proved to be very effective.
The Junior High School instrumental program continues to show evidence of growth and improvement in student musicianship. The South Junior band and orchestra took part in several school perform- ances, notably the Christmas Program, a Foreign Students' Night, at elementary school concert, and a Pops Concert. The groups alternated in performing for the school assembly each Wednesday. The band ap- peared in both the Memorial Day and Veterans' Day Parades. Special provision was made this fall for seventh grade students at the Shaw School to be transported to South for band and orchestra rehearsals. This has definitely helped maintain the continuity necessary to the musical growth of the students involved As a result the groups have reached a new high in membership.
The Central Junior Band appeared in the Memorial Day and Vet- . erans' Day Parades, and the Annual Rotary Club Banquet and Concert, in addition to playing for weekly assemblies, the Christmas Concert and other concert appearances. The South, Central and High School bands combined to form a 150-piece fully uniformed massed band at the Memorial Day and Veterans' Day Ceremonies in the Ralph Talbot Amphitheater. The effect, both musically and visually, was impressive.
The Bicknell Band performed at Dramatic Club functions, the Lincoln Day Assembly, various talent shows and other assemblies. This band appeared at the Johnson School PTA Christmas Family Night and the Bicknell Christmas Pageant. The enrollment has in- creased this year by one third. This reflects a better continuity and increase in instrumental activity within the elementary schools of the North Weymouth area. The McCulloch School was able to produce its own ensemble, and the interest and motivation generated by this ac- tivity are now being felt at Bicknell, evidence again of the importance of the small ensemble within each elementary school.
Many of the junior high vocal and instrumental groups partici- pated in the regional audition festival and parade in Westwood on May 11th. The adjudications received at this event offer an evaluation of the individual group in actual performance.
Mr. Russell Jack, Music Supervisor for the past seventeen years, resigned his position in September. Mr. Paul Warren, a member of the music staff for the past seven years, was appointed Director of Music.
Mr. Philip Berry was appointed to the music staff in September and assumed the responsibility for the High School Choral Program, in addition to instrumental class instruction at other schools.
The High School Chorus numbers over seventy singers at present. An attempt is being made to offer this group more opportunities for performance, and on December 19, they were heard on Boston Com- mon as a part of the Annual Boston Christmas Festival. They also sang at the three Christmas assemblies.
The orchestral program at the high school has suffered greatly from double sessions. The necessity for divided rehearsals, and the total lack of opportunity to rehearse together has caused some orches-
176
tral students to become inactive. Mr. Edwin Burke is working hard to improve this difficult situation, and it is certain that soon after the opening of the new high school we will once again have a fine orches- tra at Weymouth High.
The High School band performed at all football games, the Memo- rial Day and Veterans' Day Parades and Civic Ceremonies; provided music for the opening of the South Shore Hockey League season; appeared in concert and at graduation. The size, enthusiasm and per- formance of the band has improved and increased almost in spite of the difficulties of double sessions.
The Band and Chorus participated in the regional audition festival, and received very fine ratings. Many of our school musicians were recognized for their ability by being chosen to participate in District, State, and New England Concert Festivals. Eighteen students attended the New England Concert Festival in Rutland, Vermont; fourteen took part in the Southeastern District Festival in Dartmouth, Mass .; four were chosen for the All-State Concert in West Springfield, Mass.
On December 9, over twenty students participated in the New England Solo and Ensemble Festival at Boston University. Fourteen of these were recipients of awards for outstanding performance. It is expected that over thirty students will be invited to these festivals in 1962.
The Music Department, along with the Music Parents' Association once again sponsored the Weymouth Solo and Ensemble Festival in early February. Over 100 local students performed, and many were winners of special awards for progress and advancement.
The program in music continues to grow and expand. The problems arising from this expansion relate directly to scheduling. Some of these problems will be solved upon completion of the new high school. Others will remain until additions can be made in teaching personnel. There is no course in music appreciation and theory at the high school. Teaching time is not available for most elementary vocal and instru- mental ensembles. The results have been quite good, but the potential is unlimited. The ratio of music teachers to school population is approxi- mately 1 teacher for 1300 students. The present staff cannot adequately meet the needs of the total school population, and provide the kind of education in music which our town should have.
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