USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1954 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
Citizens have willingly and cheerfully, for the most part, paid taxes and contributed of their time and energy because of their belief that
58
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
education was good in itself. This has proven worthwhile for certainly in terms of literacy and useful knowledge the vast majority of the people of the United States are well educated. Education has been highly im- portant in our political, social and economic progress and development. It has made it possible for us to preserve our individual freedoms while helping to achieve an unparalleled standard of living.
Unfortunately we see some foreboding of the future. The increased number of children that must be provided for in the schools is re- flected in the costs and much is being said about the cost of our schools. If Massachusetts needs more than two billion dollars for new road con- struction, then how much can she afford for the success of the lives and happiness of its future citizens?
I believe the public schools are the bulwark and the foundation of American democracy. Unless they are efficient, no merchant could hope to gain much by advertising; few manufacturers could build high grade merchandise. There would be little demand for the many worthwhile books and magazines. Thousands of newspapers now printed would not exist. Much of our best music would not be heard. There would be little demand for artistic merchandise in household furnishings, cloth- ing or any other field. People would know little of self government, therefore, there could be no real self government. Democracy would fail under such conditions.
We must hold firm to the foundations and progress of education in the past and continually strive to improve the quality of the present pro- gram for the preservation of our freedoms.
With the opening of schools this past September we enrolled 242 more children than last year. This is approximately 1000 more students than were registered on the corresponding date five years ago or enough children to fill 36 classrooms.
The first grade enrolled 420 children or nearly twice the pre-war load. The end is still not in sight, because the number of births in 1953 was the highest in the history of the town, and 1954 is also setting a record and these children will not be in school for another five years.
The school population was 2930 on January 1, 1950, is now 3920 and we estimate it will be over 4600 by 1959. This latter figure does not in- clude the students from Lynnfield as it is expected they will be housed in their own high school by that date.
The problem of providing classrooms for an expanding school popu- lation is difficult of solution. The Elementary School Survey Committee appointed at the March 1954 town meeting has been meeting regularly and will have a detailed report of its findings at an early date.
During the 1930's, the reduced appropriations, followed by the re- strictions imposed by the war years made it impossible to maintain the schools in proper repair. Therefore, in addition to providing new schools, the School Committee has been faced with the problem of mak- ing extensive repairs and improvements to existing schools. More re- cent appropriations for the support of schools, reflecting a realization of the importance of good schools in a community have made it possible to develop a program of modernization of some parts of our school plant. This past year fluorescent lighting was installed at Franklin, new floors
59
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
at the Lincoln, and the interior of the West Ward School redecorated It is hoped that the program can be continued as planned.
Children, like adults, are happier in pleasant surroundings and are likely to do better work. While no one can deny that the teacher is the center of all good education, the progress made in the past few years show the advantage to both teachers and pupils of removing some of the handicaps under which they have often been called upon to work. Money alone cannot improve education but adequate funds expended wisely are necessary for the operation of a good school system. We are working and striving to improve human resources but material resources are necessary in the process.
We are delighted to receive reports of the exceptional results many of our students are enjoying. Standardized tests show that the scores of our boys and girls are consistently better than the national average. For those students who are low, attempts are made to diagnose their needs, give individual help and adjust their school programs accordingly. For those who have made unusual achievement, we are seeking ways to en- rich their programs and provide special learning experiences to chal- lenge them.
It is difficult to measure the efficiency of any school system or the results of its foresight and training. No test can measure accurately the . character training, or the growth of will power that comes to the student who makes a sincere effort in school. The best that we can do is to de- termine with fair reliability the child's growth and development in the fundamental facts of mathematics, grammar and parts of the sciences. His understanding and appreciation of literature, of art, of how to con- duct himself in the social group, his growth in honesty, in truth, in jus- tice and in good will cannot be measured.
Our schools are doing well if we may judge from our standardized achievement test results or the reports we receive of the accomplish- ments of our graduates. It is possible to point out an instance here and there in which a student has failed or has not done well. Also, it is pos- sible to find those who have made an outstanding success. By and large, our students have been and are doing well and we are proud of them.
PER PUPIL COST
Cost per pupil for instruction and maintenance, exclusive of general control based on average membership for the school year 1953-1954.
State
Wakefield
Average
High School
$ 300.90
$ 324.57
Elementary
180.37
201.96
All Public Schools
220.84
243.08
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
Expenditures
$830,674.05
Receipts through the Department
174,526.04
Net Cost from Local Taxation $656,148.01
Wakefield schools are considered to be good schools and are taught by the best teachers we can secure within the budget. Yet our pupil cost for the school year ending June 30 was $220.84 which is below the aver-
60
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
age cost in the state. For this amount, the children went to reasonably well equipped and well lighted school buildings, were taught by expert teachers, and were provided with all textbooks and school supplies." All of this for approximately 20 cents per pupil hour. Where can you hire a young girl as a "baby sitter" for 20 cents an hour?
I recommend your reading the excerpts of the reports of supervisors and other personnel of the School Department. They enumerate in more detail many of the worthwhile activities and accomplishments that are taking place in our day to day work.
FROM THE REPORTS OF STAFF MEMBERS
The High School, Roland H. Kinder, Principal
As of November 1st the enrollment was 1045, made up of 545 boys and 500 girls.
The aims of the English Department are to achieve
1. A higher degree of skills in written composition
2. A broader supplementary reading program for all students
3. More emphasis upon speech arts
with the following special aims-
1. Improvement in spelling
2. More provision for the brighter pupils to work independently
3. Introduction of more books graded to various reading levels
A class in remedial reading makes it possible to give some aid to about 60 students whose reading ages are two or more years below their educational and mental ages.
Once more The Oracle, senior classbook, was chosen for Medalist honors in the Columbia University contest.
All classes in the Science Department were given achievement tests during the year, with the following results-
General Science 72% had 50 percentile or above
Biology 55% had 50 percentile or above
Chemistry 64% had 50 percentile or above
Physics 91% had 50 percentile or above
There are 387 students taking science classes.
The graduates from the Commercial Department have been partic- ularly successful in finding employment at good starting salaries.
The Food and Clothing classes have been of great benefit to the limited number of girls who have elected the subject. A substantially larger number of students can be accommodated in the new high school.
The new plan started in September in the Mathematics Department will make it possible for the students in Mathematics II to cover in two years as much as those in the regular classes in algebra and plane geom- etry cover in three.
Mr. Harold Alley has been appointed head of the Social Studies De- partment. He also conducts the Junior Student Forum.
The Language Department has made wide use of audio-visual aids, language clubs, special programs and current periodical literature.
Physical Education Department. During the year Wakefield par- ticipated in 128 contests with other schools, winning 74, tying 1, and losing 53.
61
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
273 boys and 226 girls participated in the after-school program. Under the various instructors a maximum use of both time and facili- ties for physical education and athletics is made.
Since September double periods for Shopwork have made it possible for more boys to work in the shop. The Woodworking classes will be continued in the present shop until June 1955.
Miss Upham continues to sponsor the Cheerleaders, the Majorettes and the Inter Nos Club, the last with a membership of 132. She also conducts a course in manners called "Living with Others" for Freshmen.
The receipts from the Senior Play were $1,445.85, the net profit to the class being $855.36, which make possible the Class Banquet and the Class Gift.
The average sale for each issue of the Lookout, the school paper, is 600
The behind-the-wheel driver instruction has proven very successful.
Among the clubs should be mentioned the Girls' Glee Club with 38 members, the Radio Club with 15 members, the Stamp Club which has joined the United Nations Stamp Club, and the Commercial Club which has given an annual scholarship to an outstanding girl in the Commer- cial course.
Many of our recitation sections are too large for efficient instruc- tion. More teachers should have been added in each of the past two years, but no request was made because there were no class rooms in which to place them. More teachers will be required as we increase the number of offerings in fields where the number in each class is now limited.
Guidance, Howard J. Heavens
The chief and most important function of guidance is counseling. In order that this counseling shall be effective it is necessary to know something of the background of the individual. This background is found in the cumulative records of the students from the time they enter school. To supplement the cumulative records we have the testing pro- gram, the results of which are added to the records. The tests cover scholastic potential, reading comprehension, spatial relations, clerical aptitudes, motivation, sustainment, and interests.
Most of this counseling is done on a volunteer basis on the part of the student, although we also talk with students at the request of teach- ers and parents. At least one interview is held with each junior and senior.
We have a fairly complete library of vocational information. As in the past we have continued the monthly conferences by leaders in their respective fields.
Members of the Commercial Department and I try to do the job placement. Competition for our best boys and girls in the Spring is great, and we have little trouble in placing most of them. We cooperate closely with the Malden office of the United States Employment Service.
Actually the drop-out problem is a small one, only fifty-four leav- ing the High School in 1953-1954. Included in the fifty-four are three who joined the Armed Services.
62
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The follow-up on the graduates of the Class of 1954 shows a decline of 5% in those attending four year colleges, and an increase of 3% in those entering nursing, the other categories remaining practically the same.
Dean of Girls, Elizabeth V. Upham
During the past year there has been much activity among the high school boys and girls. Sponsorship of the three upper classes has meant much planning and many hours of consultation in guiding the groups through their activities. Successful execution of class projects comes only after careful, attentive guidance of student leaders. Certainly ours is an active social program.
Public relations necessitate much of the dean's time and effort. In all contacts the dean attempts to assure clear understanding of the school's aims and policies. More and more parents are looking to the school for advice as to their own procedure in critical situations. Coun- seling of parents has become an increasingly important phase of the dean's work.
The dean has always felt a responsibility for the understanding of as many girls as possible, not only those who come to her with their problems. Everything which concerns the high school girl, not only during her school hours but also in her extra curricular activities is of concern to the dean.
Cafeterias, Antonio J. Ceddia, Jr.
Lunchroom sales increased slightly the first part of the school year. This increase in volume made it possible to keep prices at the same level.
Beginning in November we participated in the Surplus Milk Pro- gram of the federal government. During the first six weeks of opera- tion under this program the milk consumption in the schools has in- creased 475%.
FROM THE REPORTS OF THE SUPERVISING PRINCIPALS
Dolbeare-Montrose Schools, Paul U. Antony, Principal.
The addition of Police Women at these two schools has done a great deal to eliminate the traffic problem by providing adequate pro- tection.
The housing problem at Montrose for next year begins to look serious.
The beginning of the workshop program can be a very important step toward better education in Wakefield. The fact that teachers work together on common problems means that they come to think in terms of improving education.
Franklin-Woodville Schools, David F. Dix, Principal.
The double-session program at Woodville created many difficult problems, which, however, were met cheerfully, intelligently and suc- cessfully.
The philosophy of the program at Woodville was centered around the theme of active citizenship. The formation of a Student Council
63
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
helped to bring a sense of personal responsibility to all pupils, while a Guidance program served to assist the pupils with their personal, social and educational problems.
At Franklin the emphasis was on reading, art, music and physical education, with an increased number of educational assemblies. Good behavior in public places, and a sense of personal responsibility for the individual pupil's actions both inside and outside of school were stressed.
At both schools the P .- T.A.'s have been particularly active. The teachers have taken a vigorous part in the policies and programs of this organization.
Greenwood School, Eliot B. Leonard, Principal
The enrollment in this school in September was the largest in its history - 610 - with the result that several of the classes have been much too large. When the seventh grades are moved to the junior high school in September of 1955 we could look for relief if the residence building in this area were not so flourishing. This growth in residence building is not spectacular. Rather it is slow and steady. Before many years we shall have a six grade school with an enrollment of approxi- mately 600.
The Greenwood School continues to be a busy building from the standpoint of community use.
The staff held a luncheon for Miss Lydia Sullivan, who retired in June, and presented her with a gift.
I believe it would be advisable for the Penmanship Supervisor to issue a pamphlet setting forth the recommended objectives for each grade, and including a definite statement as to the recommended time for the transition from manuscript to cursive writing.
The pupils of this school contributed to the fund for the restoration of the steeple of the Old North Church in Boston.
Warren-Walton-West Ward Schools, Jules I. Philie, Principal
During the Summer another area of the Warren playground was re- surfaced with hot-top - the floors at the West Ward School were sanded and refinished, the interior of the building was painted, and movable furniture was installed in grade two - while playground equipment was installed at the Walton School
The enrollment in this district is increasing rapidly, and this year we have been obliged to use the All Purpose room as a classroom. The necessity of double sessions, or the transfer of some pupils out of the district, seems certain by September of 1955.
Extensive use of movies has been made at the Warren School.
A number of group meetings of teachers from grades three through six have been held, with an attempt to improve the techniques in spell- ing, penmanship and arithmetic.
Hurd-Lincoln Schools, Richard F. Smith, Principal.
The program of tile flooring and movable furniture for all the rooms at the Lincoln School was completed during the Summer. The teachers' room here sadly needs attention, although the P .- T.A. has been respon- sible for some improvements.
64
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
The science program at the Lincoln School was highlighted by an outstanding exhibit.
More creativity and a use of additional media in art work has been encouraged at both schools.
At the Hurd School additional audio facilities have been provided for the auditorium.
Mrs. Katherine A. Morrill, Elementary Consultant
Curriculum study. Grade meetings have been held to give teachers a chance to discuss and work on various areas of the curriculum, the chairman for each grade later meeting with the principals to report on work accomplished.
In cooperation with Dr. Durrell of Boston University several teachers in grades three through six are using an experimental series of Word Analysis lessons to help build spelling power. Growth in spelling ability has already been noted.
Testing. Gates Reading Tests were administered to the first grades in April, and the same grades were given the Gates Reading Readiness Tests in September. Grades three through six were given the Gates Reading Tests in October. The purpose of these tests is to provide for each child the help he needs, and to assist in arranging reading groups within the classrooms.
California Mental Maturity Tests were given to all pupils of grades one, four and seven in November.
I have personally administered intelligence and achievement tests in reading to individual pupils at the request of principals, teachers, or parents.
Conferences attended. These include the Mass. Elementary Princi- pals, the New England Reading Association, the State Association of Special Class Teachers, and the Connecticut Reading Conference. I have been gratified to find that the work being done in the Wakefield classes compares most favorably with that being done in other sections.
I was a member of a panel at the meeting of the North Shore Teach- ers' Association, I served as a consultant on reading skills at the regional meeting held in November, and I have spoken before several P .- T.A.'s.
Remedial Reading Program. Miss Martha Dickinson was appointed to work with pupils in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades who needed help in improving their reading ability. Her work so far has been with pupils referred to her by principals and teachers. Although she only began work in September a gratifying increase in the reading ability of the pupils is noted.
Orientation meeting. This was held in September for all new teach- ers. I have also held a meeting with these new teachers, and, when re- quested, have given demonstration lessons in reading.
In the few months that I have been in Wakefield I have found a splendid atmosphere of cooperation and professional interest which speaks well for the future.
FROM THE REPORTS OF THE SUPERVISORS
Art, Grace A. Jenkins
In the primary grades the children have been taught how to draw human figures in action; to use different media to express their ideas;
65
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
and to cut, fold and paste paper to acquire control of their hands and their utensils.
In the intermediate and upper grades special emphasis has been placed on lettering. Posters for the Melrose Hospital Building Fund drive were made. The making of murals and poster painting were also a part of the work. As in the past use was made of art films showing various techniques.
At Christmas attractive decorations were painted on the windows of a number of the schools, and displays of the artistic abilities of the chil- dren have been placed on the bulletin boards.
Music, Vocal, Ray D. Sipola, Instrumental, Robert Chandler
A music curriculum for each grade is in preparation. Xylophones are gradually being introduced in the first and second grades, and a pre-instrumental program has been instituted with the introduction of 370 flutophones in the third grades. Sixty-one children are participating in the beginners' orchestras.
Objectives for the future-
1. The building of record libraries in each school.
2. More phonographs.
3. A tape recorder.
4. More instruments, including pianos.
5. A change in the present music book series in the junior high school.
6. Music classes in the senior high school.
Penmanship, Raymond S. Dower.
Considerable emphasis is being put on the writing of left-handed pupils.
The making of figures, which has been neglected, will receive more attention in the future. More time is also to be devoted in all grades above the second to the review and improvement of manuscript writing.
Physical Education, Earle W. Crompton
The aim and objective of a blended program of physical education and athletics are to have a sport of athletic activity for every boy and girl. In Wakefield we have reached the point where a very high per- centage of our boys and girls want to participate.
For example, all afternoon sports for girls are optional, but a total of 226 different girls took part in nine different activities. 273 different boys participated in nine after-school activities.
The handicap of outdoor space, however, is insurmountable. We are crowded on our field now, and with the opening of the junior high bringing another 800-900 students, we must find another outdoor facil- ity nearby or cut our program about fifty percent. What we need is an athletic field for our senior high school and junior varsity sports, leav- ing Walton Field for senior high school intra-murals and junior high athletics and intra-murals.
I look forward to the formation of a health council composed of de- partment heads, nurse, doctor, physical education instructors and lay- men, this Council to be responsible for the integration of a health pro- gram throughout the curriculum.
66
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
In the elementary grades we have visited each classroom once every two weeks. The program is eagerly awaited by both pupils and teachers. We must look ahead to the time when these visits will occur weekly.
Health, Dr. Sigmund J. Szydlowski
At the High School there were-
1927 visits to the health room
585 pupils were dismissed
66 accidents were treated
143 complete physical examinations
426 athletic physical examinations
All the 9th and 11th grades were given hearing and vision tests At the Woodville School 80 physical examinations were given, and all pupils were given vision and hearing tests.
Elementary schools -
number of children examined
1157
mothers present
145
defects noted --
teeth
413
throat
100
ears
30
eyes
6
feet
27
heart
12
posture
24
skin
6
glands
17
speech
8
no vaccination scar
10
underweight
118
overweight
120
undescended testicles
81
inguinal hernia
3
other
25
With the aid of the Health Department 655 pupils were given im- munization injections for diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus.
426 children were referred to the nurse
139 were taken home
15 were taken to a doctor's office
2 were taken to a hospital
173 home visits were made by a nurse
A brief survey of children having speech defects was made in Oc- tober
58 had trouble in articulation
18 stutter
9 have physical defects causing poor speech
A new state law requires that every child be given the Massachusetts Vision and Hearing Tests each year. With approximately 3800 students
67
143RD ANNUAL REPORT
to be tested, two substitute teachers, trained by the State Department of Health, are still working on this job. The follow-up work will be done by the two school nurses.
Lip reading classes for the partially and totally deaf are held each week.
In conclusion, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the entire staff for their wholehearted cooperation and to the various town officials and citizens for their help in solving the many problems we face in providing good schools. We believe that there has been an increased awareness of the value of public education. Citizens and par- ents are interested in the boys and girls of Wakefield.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.