USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1946-1948 > Part 35
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For admission to Grade One of the Scituate Schools, a child must have reached the age of five years and eight months on Sep- tember 1 of the year of entering.
No child will be admitted to school for the first time after October 1, unless, before this date, permission has been granted by the Superintendent for a later entrance.
A vaccination certificate must be presented to the school when the pupil enters for the first time.
A birth certificate must be presented for those pupils whose births were recorded outside of Scituate.
3
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
Directory of School Department SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mrs. Emma L. Damon
Samuel J. Tilden
Secretary
Fred T. Waterman
Mrs. Margaret B. Miles
Nels H. Sandberg
Frederick A. Calkin
Superintendent
HIGH SCHOOL
George A. J. Froberger
Principal
Edward L. Stewart
Sub-master, Athletics, Science
Clarence O. Atkinson
Commercial Subjects
Walter H. Robb
Practical Arts
Norman L. Walker
Mathmetics
Erroll K. Wilcox
Science
Bessie M. Dudley
English
Eleanor Gile
English, History
Esther M. Harrington
French, Latin
Ruth E. Hawkes
Commercial Subjects
Mary S. Kingsbury
Household Arts
Doris M. Rowell
Art
Ella L. Vinal
Social Studies
Anne L. Cunneen English, Grades VII & VIII
Lillian Finnie Geography, Hygiene, Grades VII & VIII
Elizabeth Giles Mathematics, Science, Grades VII & VIII
Maud C. Williams History, Civics, Grades VII & VIII
HATHERLY SCHOOL
LeRoy E. Fuller Principal
M. Beryl Rafuse Grade VI
Eleanor Wescott Grade V
Mary Wisotsky Grade IV
Grade III
Florence E. Hyde
Grade II
Mary L. Bailey
Grade I
Marion Fleck
Assistant
JENKINS SCHOOL
LeRoy E. Fuller Principal
Mildred S. Young
Grade VI
Mary E. Monahan
Grade V
Marguerite I. O'Hern
Grade IV
Eunice M. Cole
Grade III
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Chairman
Doris L. Reddy
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
Mabel L. Kendall . .. Grade III
Rose M. Fisher
Grade II
Gertrude J. Ward
Grade I
Priscilla Kelley Grade I
Madeline Vickery
Assistant
Jean Eisler Assistant
Rose M. Trefry
Special Class
SUPERVISORS
Harold Alpert
Instrumental Music
Mrs. Agnes Bissell
Home Teaching
Mrs. Helene D. Fulton
Art-Elementary Schools
Gertrude M. Reynolds
Vocal Music
Maida L. Riggs
Physical Education
HEALTH OFFICERS
Max D. Miles, M.D.
School Physician
W. B. Parsons, D.D.S.
School Dentist
Margaret J. O'Donnell
School Nurse
SUPERVISORS OF ATTENDANCE
Margaret J. O'Donnell
Elementary Schools
Joseph A. Dwyer
High School
William F. Kane
High School
SECRETARIES
Mrs. Mary A. Driscoll
Superintendent's Office
Thelma Sylvester
High School
JANITORS
Donald E. Quinn
High School
John A. Cogswell
High School
Lewis B. Newcomb
Hatherly School
Frank L. Young Jenkins School & Allen Mem. Hall
HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Annie Barry
Manager
Mrs. Genevieve Hill
Assistant
BUS CONTRACTORS
Mrs. Malvina H. Young
Route A
Prescott A. Damon
Route B
R. H. Dyer
Route C
Lissie G. Berg
Route D
Wilson S. Brown
Route E
Robert E. Huntley
Route F
Allan R. Wheeler
Route G
James Finnie, Sr.
Route H
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The School Committee is pleased to present to you the follow- ing reports from the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal of the High School, and the heads of the various departments in the school system.
An important change in the school department was made in the election of last March when the School Committee was in- creased from three to five members.
That the citizens of Scituate are keenly interested in the schools of the town was demonstrated by the overwhelming vote in favor of the new Elementary School. Work has already started on the location and we hope it will be ready for occupancy in the fall.
The overcrowded conditions of the Jenkins School made it necessary to take another class out of the school this year. The trustees of the Allen Memorial Library, and Satuit Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars very generously allowed us the use of the Library Hall for the 6th grade, and we wish to express to them our thanks and appreciation. Again we extend our sincere thanks to Scituate Post No. 144 American Legion, and their Auxiliary for the use of their hall for the Special Class.
The School Committee tries to co-operate in every possible way with the citizens of the town for the improvement of the schools, and wishes to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest and generous support.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. EMMA L. DAMON, Chairman SAMUEL J. TILDEN, Secretary FRED T. WATERMAN, MARGARET B. MILES, NELS H. SANDBERG
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Scituate:
I take pleasure in submitting my annual report for your consideration.
The school year opened for the fall term of 1948 on Septem- ber 8. The October 1 census showed a total enrollment of 894 in the three schools, compared with 844 in 1947. The Hatherly School numbered 221; the Jenkins School 294; and the High School, 379.
TEACHING STAFF CHANGES
In an effort to improve instrumental music in our schools, Mr. Harold Alpert of New Britain, Connecticut, was selected to succeed Mr. Donald Leach in that department. Because of duties in other schools it was impossible for Mr. Leach to give the necessary time here. Mr. Alpert is a graduate of the School of Music of Boston University and had been supervisor of music at North Anson, Maine, for the two previous years.
Miss Carol Vollmer, teacher of geography and hygiene in grades VII and VIII was granted a year's leave of absence to teach in Alaska. Her substitute is Mrs. Lillian Finnie. Miss Helen Pearl, on leave of absence from the Hatherly School during the school year 1947-1948, resigned in June, after 21 years of successful teaching in Scituate schools. Her resignation was accepted with much regret. Miss Barbara Annis, for the past 7 years the first grade teacher at the Hatherly School, resigned her position in August to be married. She, too, will be greatly missed. Miss Mary Wisotsky, a recent graduate of Bridgewater Teachers College, was chosen for the vacancy in grade four, and Mrs. Mary Bailey was assigned to the first grade position. Miss Rose M. Fisher, also on leave of absence during 1947-1948, returned to grade two at the Jenkins School. Miss Fisher received some valuable experience dur- ing her absence, teaching in an American school in Tokyo, Japan. Miss Mabel Kendall was chosen to handle one of the third grades at the Jenkins School. Miss Kendall is a graduate of Keene Teachers College and has had several years experience in New Hampshire and Massachusetts schools. Due to the large pupil groups in grade one of both grade schools assistants were necessary. Miss Marion Fleck was assigned to the Hatherly School and Miss Jean Eisler, to the Jenkins School. Both Miss Fleck and Miss Eisler are 1948 graduates of the Perry Kindergarten Normal School.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
In November, Mr. Lawrence Benson resigned his position as practical arts instructor at the High School in order to study for his Master's degree. He was succeeded by Mr. Walter H. Robb, a graduate of Gorham, Maine, Teachers College and a man of excel- lent experience in high schools of Rhode Island and New Hamp- shire.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND HOUSING
The following table gives the enrollment as of October 1 each year for the last ten-year period:
Hatherly
Jenkins
Total Elementary
High School
Total
1939
186
225
411
368
779
1940
198
217
415
359
774
1941
214
235
449
375
824
1942
212
242
454
373
827
1943
234
254
488
340
828
1944
232
260
492
357
849
1945
242
245
487
364
851
1946
229
260
489
366
855
1947
223
248
471
373
844
1948
22]
294
515
379
894
Elementary Schools
As predicted, our elementary school enrollment rose sharply in the fall of 1948. All classes grew in size over 1947 figures. This growth made conditions critical in the Jenkins School where an additional first grade group was organized and the sixth grade was removed to the Allen Memorial Library Hall. In the Hatherly School all grades are still housed within the building although two classes greatly overtax the seating capacities of the rooms. The Opportunity Class continues in Legion Hall.
In October the citizens of our town at a special town meeting overwhelmingly passed an article appropriating money for a new elementary school and approving the plans drawn by the archi- tectural firm of Mclaughlin and Burr. The ground for this new school was broken on December 9th, and it is expected that the school will be ready for occupancy about November 1, 1949. The building plans call for nineteen class rooms, two double kinder- gartens, a library, cafeteria, medical suite, offices for the principal, offices for the art and music supervisors, teachers' rest rooms, jani- tors' room, boiler room and large storage space. Its up-to-date facilities will allow for more efficient instruction at the elementary level.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
High School
Grade seven, the entering class in the high school building, broke all records this year. At this writing 86 pupils are housed in the two rooms available for this group. These classes greatly extend the facilities at our disposal and make the best teaching an impossibility. As the high school building has been inadequate for several years these large entering classes are making conditions extremely difficult. An addition to this building as proposed in sketches prepared in 1938 should be considered at once while financial aid is available from state funds. The present law offer- ing such aid will expire in June 1951.
Kindergartens
Public kindergartens will be established in Scituate for the first time as soon as the new elementary school is completed. Two large double rooms have been designed for this age group and modern equipment will be installed to make this long desired addition to our school system compare favorably with the best in the state.
Evening School
At the request of a group of our citizens two evening classes in Decorated Ware were started during the fall months. These classes are supervised and financially aided by the Vocational De- partment of the Massachusetts Department of Education and a substantial grant of money from the George-Barden Fund has been received by the Town Treasurer for their support. The classes will continue throughout the school year.
UPKEEP OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
During 1948 many improvements were made in the High School building. On the roof of the Junior High School wing the parapet wall coping was removed and reflashed, the brick work pointed on the easterly end of the building, copper ventilators made tight, cornice flashings re-nailed, and all windows calked. These extensive repairs have stopped leaks which have been numerous during northeast storms of recent years. Other repairs at the High School include an equipment closet in the girls' shower room, the painting of walls and ceilings in the girls' shower room and the boys' shower room, and a booster heating unit for the boys' shower room. The floors of four rooms were sanded and the desk tops in four rooms were sanded and refinished. Thirty Universal
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
type desk and chair units replaced worn out equipment in Room 209 and fifty additional clothing lockers with padlocks supple. mented those purchased a year ago to replace original equipment worn out over a long period of years. Two new sewing machines were added to the permanent equipment in the household arts department.
At the Jenkins School the desks in two rooms were sanded and refinished, the school sign was painted, and routine repairs made to the plumbing, heating units, and to the roof.
The canvas roofs at the Hatherly School were painted, the shingled section of the roof patched, the walls and ceilings in three classrooms were painted, and other normal repairs were made.
New individual table desks and chairs were installed for the sixth grade at the Allen Memorial Library Hall and a supply closet and bulletin boards were constructed for the same class.
A sewing machine used by the household arts department of the High School was overhauled and placed at the disposal of the girls in the Opportunity Class held in Legion Hall. Three benches were constructed by the high school practical arts classes for use of the boys in the Opportunity Class.
AUTOMOBILE DRIVING COURSE
For the past several years a classroom course in automobile driving has been given at the Scituate High School, using a text- book suggested by the office of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Rules of the road and safety have been stressed and upon comple- tion of the course certificates have been awarded by the Registrar. The bearer of such a certificate is normally excused from the oral tests when applying for a driver's license.
Beginning in January 1949 actual behind-the-wheel driving experience will supplement the theoretical course. A new Ford automobile equipped with dual control will be presented to the school departments of Cohasset, Marshfield, and Scituate for the use of pupils in these automobile driving courses. Pupils request- ing this course must have the approval of their parents.
HEALTH COUNCIL
In an effort to coordinate the thinking, the planning, and the work of the individual health units of our school system, the Superintendent called a meeting in December of the school doctor,
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
the school dentist, the school nurse, and the high school and elementary school principals. A Health Council to include the above officials and the two physical education supervisors was formed at this time. It is hoped that a coordinating committee of this type will improve the efficiency of our health activities.
I wish to thank Scituate Post No. 144, The American Legion, for the continued use of their hall, and the Trustees of the Allen Memorial Library and Satuit Post No. 3169, Veterans of Foreign Wars, for placing their hall at the disposal of the school department for classroom use this year. These organizations have been most co-operative at a time when it is necessary to place overflow classes in rooms outside of our school buildings.
Your attention is called to the reports of the school principals, the school physician, and the school nurse; also to the various statistical tables and to the financial reports, on the pages following.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK A. CALKIN, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Frederick A. Calkin Superintendent of Schools Scituate, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Calkin:
My annual report as principal of the Scituate High School is submitted herewith.
The enrollment of the high school continues on the upward trend. On October 1, 1948, there were 379 pupils enrolled of which 227 were in the Senior High and 152 in the Junior High. Since that date, those enrolling late have exceeded the number trans- ferring to other schools by seven pupils. Overcrowded conditions again prevail especially in grades seven, nine and ten.
Reports from colleges and universities on the work of recent graduates indicate that our graduates were well prepared for college and also that they have continued to apply themselves to their studies. Approximately one-third of the Class of 1948 went on to college or to other schools of advanced training. Graduates of this class are now attending Antioch, Beaver College, Boston College, Boston University (4), Maritime Academy, Middlebury,
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
Mt. Holyoke, Regis, University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, and several Schools of Nursing.
During the year written outlines of all courses of study were prepared by the faculty. Copies of these outlines are now on file in the offices of the principal and superintendent. These outlines will be brought up-to-date periodically.
Increased attention has been given to the guidance program during the year. The Iowa State University tests of general educa- tional development and the Boston University battery of vocational guidance tests were again used to obtain reliable information for planning more individualized instruction and to aid in counselling. The Iowa tests were given to grade ten and the Boston University battery was taken by grades eleven and twelve. The results of the tests were interpreted and discussed with every pupil during in- dividual conferences. Particular attention was paid to this phase of the program for the value comes not from taking tests but rather from the help an interpretation of the results can give to the pupil. Once again the results of the general educational development tests showed that the pupils of Scituate High, as a group, compare very favorably with those of the other high schols throughout the country.
The instrumental music program has been greatly strengthened this fall with the addition of a full-time instructor. By being able to give instruction to pupils individually, the band and or- chestra instructor has brought about much improvement in a brief period. It has also been possible to add a course in Music Appre- ciation to the curriculum this fall.
In January, pre-driving instruction and driver training will be resumed. For the first time actual driving instruction can be given as an automobile equipped with dual controls has been made available through the joint action of the superintendents of Marsh- field, Cohasset and Scituate, who have worked out a plan whereby this automobile will be used a week at a time by each of the three towns. In order to accommodate the large number of students eligible to apply for driving licenses in the immediate future, it will be necessary to give this instruction in after-school hours. The importance of proper driving and highway safety is brought home to us after every holiday when the death toll from highway acci- dents is announced over the radio and in the press.
With the approval of the school committee, a charter has been obtained from the state headquarters for the establishment of a chapter of the Pro Merito Society at Scituate High. Pro Merito is a high school honor society which recognizes fine character and
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
high scholarship. To be eligible for membership in Pro Merito, an average of 85% or better in scholarship must be maintained during the first three years of high school and, equally important, the student must be of excellent character. Our group will be formally inducted into the society by the Rockland High chapter early in the new year. In the main, a Pro Merito chapter in a high school serves as an incentive for all pupils to strive for ex- cellence of character and high scholarship.
Much was accomplished in the extra-curricular activities of the school during the year. The annual senior class play of last spring and the all-school play put on this fall were both very well done and gave valuable experience in dramatics to a sizeable group of students. Our representative in the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest gave an outstanding speech at Bridgewater last February winning the second award against strong opposition. We have just recently put on a radio program which was broadcast over station WBET in Brockton. The French and Music depart- ments collaborated in presenting the fine program. We have had many very worthwhile assemblies for the most part staged by pupil groups with a few given by outside talent which were obtained from the School Assembly Service of New York. The Student Council accomplished a number of valuable services to the school of which the organization of the Students' Association and the establishment of the school service awards should be given special mention. The Key Club is to be commended for assuming the responsibility of keeping the school grounds free from waste paper and other litter as one of its yearly projects. Our athletic teams, both boys' and girls', enjoyed good seasons in most of the various sports. The baseball team won the South Shore championship last spring and this fall our girls' field hockey team was undefeated. There is some interest in cross country and it is hoped that we may be able to have a team in that sport next fall. Under the efficient direction of the hardworking cheerleaders, the student body gave loyal support to the athletic teams with a fine spirit of good sports- manship.
The improvements to the building and fixtures made during the summer have been appreciated by all. The desk tops in most of the rooms were resanded and the students have co-operated in keeping the refinished surfaces free from marks. Fifty more lockers were installed before the opening of school so that we now have a sufficient number of new lockers to provide proper facilities for all Senior High boys. New wall mats, needed for safety pur- poses during gym classes and basketball games, have been provided by the school committee.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
Late in November, Mr. Benson, shop instructor, resigned and Mr. Walter Robb was elected to fill the vacancy. Miss Vollmer was granted a leave of absence for the year and her classes are being taken by Mrs. Finnie. Mr. Harold Alpert joined the faculty this fall as instructor of instrumental music. These constitute the changes in the staff for this year.
Funds from the School Lunch Program and good management on the part of the cafeteria manager have enabled us to maintain the same food prices in spite of the increasing cost of supplies. Attention is called to the need of replacing the old tables and chairs in the cafetcria.
It was indced gratifying to note the increased number of scholarships which were awarded at the graduation exercises in June. We have been informed that at least one more scholarship will be given at graduation this year.
This report is concluded with a very sincere expression of thanks for your helpful co-operation during the year. Sincere thanks is also extended to the school committee, the faculty and school personnel, and the student body for their loyal support.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. J. FROBERGER, Principal.
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Mr. Frederick A. Calkin Superintendent of Schools Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Calkin:
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Supervising Principal of the Hatherly and Jenkins Schools.
Schools opened in September with a large enrollment, par- ticularly in the Jenkins School. Since a large entering class in this arca had been anticipated, provision had been made for an additional room for use by these children. Through the courtesy of the Allen Library Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Allen Library Hall was made available. This hall now houses grade six of Jenkins School. The Special Class continues to use the American Legion Hall. We appreciate this courtesy, too.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
The distribution of pupils as of October 1, 1948 is as follows:
School 1 II
III
IV V VI Spec. Total
Jenkins
72
40
49
43
40
37
13 294
Hatherly
44
32
38
43
34
30
221
Total
116
72
87
86
74
67
13
515
Several changes in teacher personnel occurred before the open- ing of school in September. At Hatherly School two resignations were received, those of Miss Barbara Annis and Miss Helen Pearl. Miss Annis resigned to be married, and Miss Pearl retired from teaching after many years of service in the Scituate schools and in schools in New Hampshire. Mrs. Mary Bailey was appointed teacher of grade one, while Miss Mary Wisotsky was appointed to grade four. Miss Marion Fleck was later engaged as an assistant in grade one.
At Jenkins School it was necessary to divide both grade one and grade three. Miss Gertrude Ward continues as teacher of grade one with Miss Jean Eisler as her assistant. Miss Priscilla Kelley teaches the other division. Mrs. Eunice Cole continues in one of the divisions of the third grade and Miss Mabel Kendall was appointed to teach the second division of this grade.
It is with a great deal of anticipation that we look forward to the completion of the new elementary school. For several years we have been working under difficult conditions, limited space, extra large classes, and outmoded equipment. A modern well- equipped building will be a challenge to every teacher.
Mention is here made of certain activities carried on during the years in the elementary schools.
1. Testing program
2. Sale of seeds
3. Sale of pictures
4. Participation in National Book Week-books and reports on display at Peirce Memorial Library
5. The campaign of the fifth grade of Jenkins School against crime comics.
6. The usual contributions to the Red Cross, Red Feather, and Plymouth County Hospital drives
7. The continued use of films for classroom instruction
8. The use of the radio for classroom instruction
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
Visual and Auditor Aids to Enrichment
Visual and auditory materials are playing a very definite part in enriching the school experiences of boys and girls. Pictures, whether still or moving, whether printed on paper or projected on a screen, are the most commonly used visual aids. Sounds recorded on motion picture films, on records, or transmitted by means of the radio, are the common types of auditory aids in use. The intelli- gent use of these can give meaningful and challenging experiences to boys and girls in many classroom learning situations.
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