USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1949-1951 > Part 13
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Mildred S. Young
Grade VI
Mary E. Monahan
Grade V
4
Chairman Secretary
Bessie M. Dudley
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
John J. Kelly, Jr.
Grade V
Marguerite I. O'Hern
Grade IV
Mabel L. Kendall
Grade IV
Eunice M. Cole
Grade III
Rose M. Fisher
Grade II
Madeline Vickery Grade II
Gertrude J. Ward
Grade I
Priscilla Kelley
Grade I
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
SUPERVISION 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 High School
JANITORS
Donald E. Quinn
John A. Cogswell
High School High School
Lewis B. Newcomb
Hatherly School
Paul Mahoney 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
Andrew S. Finnie
Route E
Robert E. Huntley
Route F
Allan R. Wheeler
Route G
James Finnie, Sr.
Route H
5
Thelma Sylvester
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Scituate:
The School Committee is glad to present the following reports of the Superintendent of Schools, the Principals, and the heads of the various departments.
The most serious problem that faces the schools is still hous- ing, but with the opening of the new elementary school, and if the proposed addition to the high school building is built, our housing problem will be settled for several years.
With the increased school population, the Committee has been careful, however, that housing is not our only interest. The Committee is attempting to broaden our school program in art, music, manual arts, homemaking, and physical education, and is stressing college preparation as well as a general education.
The School Committee wishes to thank the citizens for their support of the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL J. TILDEN, Chairman MARGARET B. MILES, Secretary FRED T. WATERMAN, NELS H. SANDBERG, DORIS D. WARD
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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 1949 on Septem- ber 7. The October 1 census showed a total enrollment of 967 in all schools, compared with 894 in 1948. The Hatherly School numbered 251; the Jenkins School, 333; and the High School, 383.
TEACHING STAFF CHANGES
Miss Carol Vollmer returned to her position in grades VII and VIII after a year's leave of absence spent teaching in the pub- lic schools of Alaska. Miss Vollmer's experiences in her work there were interesting as well as very helpful educationally. Mr. Norman Walker also returned in September to his position in the High School after a leave of absence to tour Europe with the United States Hockey Team. Miss Mary Wisotsky of the Hatherly School resigned in June to teach in Canton, where she would be close to her home. Miss Wisotsky was a very successful young teacher. Her place was filled by the appointment of Miss Edith Fish, a graduate of Bridgewater Teachers College and Boston University and a teacher of several years' experience in the schools of Wake- field and Amesbury, Massachusetts, and Wolfeboro, New Hamp- shire. Due to the great increase in enrollment in Grade I at the Hatherly School it was necessary to appoint an additional teacher. Miss Evelyn Boyle, a graduate of the Leslie College with one year's successful teaching experience in Rockland, was selected for the position. Mr. John J. Kelly, Jr. was appointed a fifth grade teacher at the Jenkins School. An additional teacher was essential due to a large increase in that grade. Mr. Kelly is a graduate of Bridge- water Teachers College and taught during 1948-1949 in Somerset. Mr. Walter H. Robb, the practical arts instructor at the High School for the past year, resigned at the end of the school year to return to New Hampshire, and Miss Doris Rowell of the Art Department at the High School since 1941 resigned to accept a higher salary at the Malden High School. Mr. Borah Kreimer, a graduate of the University of North Carolina and formerly a teacher in Kingston and Bridgewater, took Mr. Robb's place; and Miss Alma Shmauk, with training at the Massachusetts School of Art and teaching experience in Brookline, Arlington, and other schools, was appointed to fill the vacancy in the Art Department. Mrs. Frances Cole of Scituate was given a part-time teaching posi-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
tion in the High School when it was found that three classes could not be covered by the regular teaching force. Mrs. Cole has had considerable teaching experience and has substituted in our schools on many occasions. Mr. Frank Young, for 35 years the janitor of the Jenkins Elementary School was retired from service on June 30, 1949. His long and faithful service has been highly valued by all members of the school department. His place was filled by the appointment of Mr. Paul Mahoney, a graduate of our schools and a life-long resident of Scituate.
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
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
221
294
515
379
894
1949
251
333
584
383
967
Elementary Schools
Our elementary school enrollment rose by 69 pupils in 1949, making conditions in the Hatherly and Jenkins Schools extremely difficult. 62 beginning students registered in September at the Hatherly School as against 44 one year ago. Three rooms at the Jenkins School have two teachers each, due to the large numbers in those grades. The Allen Memorial Library Hall and Legion Hall are still in use to supplement our elementary school space. The new Central Elementary School, originally due to be completed in November 1949, should be ready for occupancy in late February or early March, 1950, the delay caused by three major labor strikes in manufacturing plants furnishing materials to the contractors. This new school building will add considerable architectural beauty to the town and will contain the necessary equipment needed for efficient teaching.
Kindergartens
The new Central Elementary School contains two double kin-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
dergarten rooms. These kindergartens will open in September 1950, and the rooms and equipment will be up-to-date and complete for this type of education.
High School
The High School continues to be over-crowded as the enroll- ment figures show a gradual increase. All classrooms are being used to capacity each period of the school day and some additional classes must be held in the cafeteria and the second floor corridor. With huge classes in the lower grades at this time a sizeable addi- tion to this building must be considered at once in order to house these classes in the next few years. It may be seen from the present elementary school figures that the high school enrollment will double in the next seven years.
UPKEEP OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
During the year 1949 only those repairs necessary for the use of the elementary school buildings until such time as the new Central Elementary School would be ready, were made. In the High School several improvements were made. The art room, prac- tical arts room, two class rooms, and the ceiling of the cafeteria kitchen were painted. Pupil desk tops were sanded and refinished in the rooms occupied by grade VII and VIII, and the science table tops in the laboratory were refinished. The cupola on the roof of the high school was scraped, calked, and painted. Gold leaf was applied to the dome of the cupola. All exterior doors and casings were painted. Additional wash bowls were added in the toilet rooms and a sizeable storage closet for janitors' supplies was built in the room formerly used for boys' lockers. Worn out window cords were replaced throughout the building and other minor repairs made to keep the high school building in good physical condition. New equipment purchased during the year included a new sound projector for the high school, 40 chairs for the high school cafeteria, and additional furniture for over-crowded class- rooms.
HEALTH COUNCIL
The Scituate School Health Council, organized in 1948, is continuing its efforts to improve health activities of the depart- ment. A sub-committee of the council has met weekly since the opening of school in September to write up a code of specific regulations for the effective operation of the various phases of our health program. Twice during the year our school department has been commended for its health activities from the State Department of Public Health. The health unit in the Central Elementary
9
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
School with its excellent and complete equipment will make possi- ble the extension of this program.
AUTOMOBILE DRIVING COURSE
The behind-the-wheel driving course supplemented by class- room instruction in rules of the road has proven very popular in the upper high school grades. The use of the dual controlled car the past year has enabled many eligible students to obtain their driving licenses without going out of town, and it is believed that they will be more careful drivers because of their training in our schools.
New bus routes, effective upon the opening of the Central Elementary School, have been laid out by the superintendent. High and elementary school pupils will be carried separately, the elementary school opening at nine o'clock to make this possible.
I wish again to thank Scituate Post No. 144, The American Legion, for the use of their hall, and the Trustees of the Allen Memorial Library and Satuit Post No. 3169, Veterans of Foreign Wars, for the use of the library hall, during 1949. The use of these two rooms is greatly appreciated during this period when our regular school buildings are overcrowded. I wish also to ex- press thanks to the Scituate Dramateurs for their financial help in the purchase of new cycloramic curtains for the high school auditorium stage, and to the many organizations of the town who are generously offering scholarships to our high school graduates each year.
Your attention is called to the splendid 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 :
Herewith is presented my annual report as principal of Scitu- atc High School.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
The upward trend in the enrollment of this school continues. On October 1, 1949 there were 383 pupils enrolled. Tabulated below are the enrollment figures for the last five years and they indicate the steady upward trend :
October 1, 1945 365 pupils
October 1, 1946 366 pupils
October 1, 1947 373 pupils
October 1, 1948
379 pupils
October 1, 1949
383 pupils
The large enrollment overtaxes the capacity of the building and additional classrooms and other facilities are needed. The schedule was arranged this year so that all classrooms would re- ceive maximum usage. In addition, the cafeteria and some corridor space have had to be utilized this year for two of the classes. Be- cause of additional classes, it was necessary to engage another teacher on a part time basis.
We continue to receive favorable reports from colleges and universities on the work of recent graduates of this school. Nearly one-third of the class of 1949 entered college or other schools of advanced training this fall. Among the colleges and schools which they are now attending are Boston College, Boston University (3), Colby College (2), Cornell University, Harvard University, Sarah Lawrence College, Springfield College, University of Massachusetts, Laselle Junior College, Lawrence Academy and several Schools of Nursing.
The testing program was again used for the twofold purpose of obtaining reliable and objective information for use in indi- vidualized instruction and also to aid in counselling. The Boston University battery of educational development tests were given to grade nine; grade ten took the Iowa University battery of general educational development tests; and the Boston University battery of educational and vocational guidance tests was taken by grade eleven. The test results were interpreted to those who took the tests and their parents received reports of the results on profile forms. The educational development tests again indicated that our pupils, as a group, compare favorably with those from other high schools in New England and throughout the country. We also gave the Terman Tests of Mental Ability to all pupils of grade eight.
During the summer some new tools and other equipment were obtained for the shop. In addition to the regular shop proj- ects, the boys of the Practical Arts department have made or
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
repaired several items about the building with special mention of a new cabinet to be used for the storage of our film-strip library.
The band and orchestra have continued to make fine progress under a full-time director, and they have rendered valuable assis- tance to other features of the school program. The band played at all of the home football games and also accompanied the team on several trips away, while the orchestra and band played at several of the assemblies. The Glee Club also participated in some of the assembly programs. The combined musical organiza- tions put on a fine Christmas assembly which was one of the best of the year.
The use of the dual-control automobile since last January has contributed much to the success of the pre-driving and driver training course. Last spring all of those who had been taking the course were granted licenses, after passing the tests with the inspectors from the Registrar's office who conducted the tests here in Scituate. Another group will be ready for the driving tests later in the year.
In mosts of the various sports, our athletic teams, both boys' and girls', had good seasons last year and the contests were played in a manner which brought credit to Scituate High. This fall we won the South Shore championships in football and in field hockey. These teams were tendered a banquet at the close of the season by the local Board of Trade. The cheerleaders did their share by encouraging support of the teams and by helping to maintain the high standards of good sportsmanship.
The field which is used by our athletic teams and the classes in physical education should be graded and turfed at the earliest moment. Even a casual inspection will reveal uneven places and stones that make it hazardous as a playing field.
Brief mention should be made of the accomplishments in other extra-curricular activities during the year. The senior play staged in April was a mystery play, a departure from the usual farce comedy, and it was well received by a large audience. This fall the annual all-school show, "The Gay Nineties", pleased one of the largest audiences to witness our school productions. The radio program which our school has presented in the fall the last two years, will be broadcast over WBET, Brockton, early in March. We were very well represented at the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest held in Rockland last February. The Student Council has made progress during the year. Through its efforts, an official school song has been written and adopted. All football
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
rallies were planned and carried out by the Student Council. The Key Club furnished the ticket sellers for the basketball season and it also gave support to the annual Students' Association mem- bership campaign. Our chapter of the Pro Merito Society put on its first induction service in an impressive manner last spring. An efficient "Chimes" staff brought out several interesting issues of the "Scituation" during the year and a fine "Chimes" yearbook in June. In all of these activities many pupils gained valuable experience and knowledge not attainable in the regular classroom work.
Many interesting and worthwhile assembly programs have been presented during the year. Most of these were student-partici- pation programs which gave platform experience to the many par- ticipants. Other programs were planned to give general educa- tional information in some cases on topics not covered in the curriculum. Our guidance services were strengthened by talks and films dealing with various occupations. In the field of science, we were very fortunate in being able to obtain the "House of Magic" program from the General Electric Company.
New back curtains for the stage were installed just before graduation in June and we hope that a new front curtain may be obtained before the end of the school year.
Several more scholarships were awarded at the graduation exercises last June than in previous years. This increased interest in providing scholarships is gratifying and it is appreciated by all concerned.
Mr. Walter Robb, shop instructor, resigned in June and Mr. Borah Kreimer was elected to fill the position. Miss Doris Rowell resigned as art instructor late in the summer and Miss Alma Shmauk took her place. Miss Carol Vollmer returned to her Junior High classes after a year's leave of absence in Alaska. Mr. Norman Walker also rejoined the faculty after his leave of absence in Europe. Mrs. Herbert Cole was engaged on a part time basis to teach some additional classes necessitated by the increased en- rollment.
May I conclude this report with a word of sincere thanks to you, the school committee, the staff and the student body for the cooperation and support extended during the year. The fine co- operative spirit of the class of 1949 throughout the many activities of graduation week was especially appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE A. J. FROBERGER,
Principal.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Mr. Frederick A. Calkin Superintendent of Schools Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Calkin:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as Supervising Principal of the Hatherly and Jenkins Schools.
Schools opened in September with a very large enrollment in both the Hatherly and Jenkins Schools. To accommodate the un- expected large first grade at Hatherly School a section of the basement was partitioned off, painted white, fluorescent lighting installed, and an attractive linoleum laid on the floor. This room now cares for a group of twenty children. Through the courtesy of the Allen Library Trustees, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Asso- ciation, and the American Legion, we continue to use the Library Hall and the Legion Hall to house grade six and the Special Class of Jenkins School.
The distribution of pupils as of October 1, 1949 was as follows:
School
I II
III
IV
V 52
VI
Spec. Total
Jenkins
59
75
40
53
37
17 333
Hatherly
62
39
38
41
40
31
251
Total
121
114
78
94
92
68
17 584
Several changes in teacher personnel occurred before the open- ing of school in September. At Hatherly School Miss Mary Wisot- sky resigned to accept a position nearer her home. Miss Edith Fish, a teacher with experience in Massachusetts and New Hamp- shire schools, was appointed to fill this position. Miss Evelyn Boyle, a graduate of Leslie College and a teacher in the Rockland schools last year, was engaged to teach first grade. Mrs. Mary Bailey was also assigned to a section of the large first grade.
At the Jenkins School it was necessary to divide the large second grade. Mrs. Madeline Vickery was assigned to a small second grade group, while Miss Rose Marie Fisher, with Miss Jean Eisler as her assistant, continues in the regular second grade room. Because of the large enrollment in grades four and five, two teach- ers were assigned to each of these rooms. Miss Marguerite O'Hern and Miss Mabel Kendall were assigned to grade four, while Miss Mary Monahan and Mr. John Kelly were assigned to grade five. With the completion of the new elementary school these unsatis-
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
factory conditions will be eliminated and a more normal setup can be expected.
Mention is here made of certain activities carried on during the year in the elementary schools.
1. Testing program
a. Intelligence tests
b. Achievement tests
2. Sale of seeds
3. Sale of pictures
4. The usual contributions to the Red Cross, Red Feather, and Plymouth County Hospital drives
5. The use of films and the radio for classroom instruction
6. Hobby shows
7. Tea for parents of grade one pupils at Hatherly School
In anticipation of the consolidation of the pupils of the Jenkins and Hatherly Schools into the Central Elementary School, I should like to offer the following.
Advantages of Ability Grouping
Each child has a certain inherited capacity for thinking, and this inherited capacity we know from intelligence testing varies widely with different pupils of the same age groups. Therefore, the purpose of homogeneous or ability grouping is to place to- gether pupils who are as nearly alike in intellectual capacity and working power as possible because
a. Members of a non-selective group approach equality neither in ability nor in achievement.
b. Demand for increased attention to varied capacities, inter- ests, and future activities of pupils has brought about the need for a revision of our educational procedure in recent years.
Results may be expected from this type of grouping -
a. Classroom instruction is made easier and more effective.
b. Each pupil is stimulated to make the maximum use of his abilities.
c. The ideal of individual instruction is more nearly ap- proached.
d. Discouragement because of comparative incapacity is avoided.
e. Pupil's interest and achievement are increased.
f. Pupils make better progress when working with others of their own capacity and enjoy school work more.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
g. Abilities are discovered that otherwise would not be devel- oped.
h. Discipline is made easier.
I should like to take this opportunity to express my appreci- ation for your support and for that of the School Department and to thank the teachers for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
LEROY E. FULLER, Principal.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the School Committee of Scituate:
The routine physical examination of the pupils has been carried out in 1949 and where special attention was required the pupil was referred to the parents' private physician or to clinics in nearby cities. The matter of transportation to these clinics is still a considerable difficulty in our program. I have attended all the football games here to provide first aid. In recent years there have been relatively few serious injuries on our playing field.
An extensive epidemic of german measles began in late Janu- ary and was overlapped by one of true measles in March; both continuing into June. It must be urged again that a sick child should be cared for at home, the sooner the better. That is to the advantage of both the child and the schools.
The Health Council has met at intervals, and progress has been made in promoting the health of the pupils.
I appreciate very much the help and cooperation of the teachers and the rest of the school staff, and of the parents.
Respectfully submitted,
M. D. MILES, M.D., School Physician.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Frederick A. Calkin Superintendent of Schools Scituate, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The regular school health program in its numerous phases was carried on during the year 1949. Emphasis was placed on measures for the promotion of health and the prevention of dis- ease.
Foremost among the accomplishments of the year was the organization of the School Health Council. Although complete details have not been worked out, never-the-less it is gratifying to have the school take the initiative in an effort to coordinate health services. It enables each individual concerned with child health to understand his relationship to his fellow workers for better correlation of school health aims and tends to promote and extend community understanding relative to the school health program.
Many conferences were held while the council plans were being formulated and they proved to be very helpful to those who participated in them. This council should pave the way for an associated community health council, thus improving public relations with health and welfare agencies and establish an aware- ness of community resources.
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