USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1961 > Part 3
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Preventive maintenance is always good economy. It would seem un- economical to construct various facilities and then fail to properly main- tain them. As the Town grows and facilities are added it will become necessary to enlarge departmental forces both in manpower and equipment so that proper maintenance can be effected and future large expenditures prevented.
The Department is now preparing programs for these major problems as well as sewers, parks, sidewalks, equipment replacement, etc. It would seem that a planned approach, concurrent with a balanced annual program, combined with patience, could be the most efficient and economical method of solving the problems now before us.
For details of work accomplished this past year you are referred to the following reports of the Division Heads.
In closing the Director wishes to express his appreciation to the Mem- bers of the Board and to several Town Department heads for their close cooperation and interest, and to congratulate those employees who have so willingly given their time and cooperation for the benefit of the Depart- ment and to assure them of continued interest in their welfare.
Board of Public Works
RICHARD C. BOUTIETTE, Director
ENGINEERING DIVISION
The Engineering Division has been able to meet the demands for en- gineering services requested by the various Town Departments during the construction stage of the numerous projects. Our problem has once again been insufficient manpower to make final surveys after these projects are completed so that the office records are not up-to-date. Some progress has been made, but it is more than apparent that with the backlog that has accumulated and the number of new projects each year, a department of our present size will continue to be in arrears on this most important work. The department must grow!
Considerable progress has been made in our filing system but there are still records that need work. Record drawings of the Storm Drainage System is the most pressing example of this work.
33
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Forrester and Brewster Roads were constructed this year as public ways under a contract with Benedetto Brothers Inc. of Wakefield. A small amount of work remains to be completed in the spring.
Sewer, street and sidewalk assessments were calculated and submitted to the Board of Assessors.
We have worked together with the Planning Board to ensure satisfac- tory results on the sub-divisions which are being constructed in the Town under the Rules and Regulations of the Sub-Division Control Law.
A sufficient inspection force for the above mentioned sub-division work, and all work done by contractors for the Town is a problem that must be more adequately met in the future.
Progress was made on our project for renumbering streets but there are still a number of streets to be done.
JOSEPH F. CASAZZA
Town Engineer
ANNUAL REPORT MOTH AND TREE DIVISION
The Dutch Elm Disease is our major problem. We had seventy-eight trees with this disease. Most of these trees have been removed, and ac- cording to State Law, the rest should be removed by the first of April.
Most of our elms were sprayed twice by our mist blower.
Japanese Beetles and Tent Caterpillars have increased in many areas.
We have planted one hundred and sixty trees on new and various streets throughout the town. Sixty of these trees were from our nursery, a hundred trees were purchased.
I would like the cooperation of all property owners to destroy, or put under cover, all dying or freshly cut wood. This is the only means of com- batting the Dutch Elm Disease.
At this time, I would like to express my appreciation to the Board of Public Works and the Director for their cooperation. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Civil Defense Director for his cooperation during the year.
ERNEST J. McWHINNIE,
Supervisor
PARK DIVISION
In addition to our regular maintenance work the following special projects were completed:
1. Complete elimination of poison ivy from all areas regularly main- tained by this division.
2. Changing the baseball diamond at the Moulton Playground from a 75 foot to a 90 foot regulation field.
3. Dust control by spraying on all skinned areas of the eight baseball diamonds under our control.
4. Hauling and spreading 60 tons of filter bed sand on the beach areas.
5. Treating Lake Quannapowitt with 1500 pounds of copper sulphate for algae control.
6. In cooperation with the State Division of Health conducted a weed control study of Lake Quannapowitt.
34
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
7. Hall Park Development:
Approximately two acres were cleared of brush and undesirable trees - stumps removed.
Planting of various trees and shrubs, funds for which were raised by public donation.
Laying of approximately 900 square yards of hot top on paths.
Installation of 200 feet of one inch copper tubing for irrigation and future drinking fountain.
Graveling of an additional 200 feet of walk in preparation for hot top.
8. Colonel Connelly Park:
Installation of eight permanent type park benches.
Planting of $600.00 worth of various trees and shrubs. Funds for the above were provided by the American Mutual Insurance Company.
J. HENRY VIK, Supervisor
CEMETERY DIVISION
The following is from the 1961 records:
Interments:
Adults
101
Infants
19
Total
120
Foundations:
Monuments
63
Markers set
7
Total 70
Much preparatory work was completed in anticipation of beautifying the pond area. It is hoped that this will be completed in 1962.
Approximately 2500 square yards of emulsion mix was laid on the en- trance area of the cemetery.
J. HENRY VIK,
Supervisor
WATER DIVISION New Water Main Construction
By the Town
Common Street - 810 feet of 16" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Main Street to Church Street).
Church Street - 1470 feet of 16" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from North Avenue to Common Street).
North Emerson Street - 850 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Prospect Street to front of #25 Elm Square).
Tuttle Street - 342 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (Chestnut Street to dead end front of Upper Depot).
Sylvan Avenue - 140 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from front #47 to Oakland Road).
Oakland Road - 150 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Sylvan Avenue to Woodland Road).
New Salem Street - 235 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Guillow's factory to dead end near culvert). (For Whiting's Milk plant).
35
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
By Contractor Under Town Supervision
Morrison Road West - 1100 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Brook Street to front of #63).
Teal Road - 620 feet of 10" and 50 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from front A.C. Spark Plug building to corner of Audubon Road).
Andrews Road (Forest Glen) 400 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Aldrich Road to dead end).
Kathy Lane (Forest Glen) 600 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Andrews road to dead end).
Lord Wakefield Hotel, North Avenue - 1100 feet 8" and 125 feet 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe.
Water Main Relay
Spruce Street - 676 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Preston Street to dead end front of #22).
Lassell Street - 400 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Cooper Street to dead end front of #12).
Howard Street - 270 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Grafton Street to front #17).
Woodland Road - 735 feet of 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from front of #18 to Oakland Road).
High Street - 945 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from Green- wood Avenue to Lee Street).
Valley Street - 370 feet of 8" and 25 feet of 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe (from corner of Hart Street to front of #84).
HYDRANTS BROKEN-5
Opposite #60 Montrose Avenue
28 Richardson Avenue
Near #142 Main Street Albion Street corner Green Street
Opposite #539 Water Street
HYDRANTS REPLACED -9
Opp. #35 Forest Street
Near #34 Richardson Street
Opp. #21 Crescent Street
Gould Street near Emerson Street
Front #9 Elm Square Front #17 Howard Street
Opp. #16 High Street
Nahant Street opp. Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Near #255 Nahant Street
NEW HYDRANTS -9
Between #57 and #61 Forest Street
Spruce Street, 30 feet from corner of Preston Street Opposite #19 Church Street Appleton Road corner New Salem Street Baldwin Road, near #6
Between #23 and #25 Appleton Road
36
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Lord Wakefield Hotel off North Avenue Teal Road - off Audubon Road
North Emerson Street - front of #36
SERVICES
New Services - 71
Services relaid during year - 94
Number of feet of pipe laid on public land - 1142; number of feet of pipe laid on private land - 2937 (New services).
Number of feet of pipe laid on public land - 1864; number of feet of pipe laid on private land - 1604 (Relays).
Distribution System :-
Extended during the year - 2280 feet 16" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe, 620 feet 10" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe, 4,340 feet 8" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe and 752 feet 6" Cast Iron Cement Lined pipe.
Total miles of pipe now in use - 75.57
Number of hydrants added - 9
Range of pressure on mains - 20 pounds to 155 pounds
Number of service taps now in use - 6469
Percentage of active services metered - 99%
During the year 1,750 pounds of copper sulphate were applied to Crystal Lake and 1400 pounds of copper sulphate were applied to Lake Quannapo- witt.
MATTHEW P. CURRAN, Supervisor
MAIN BREAKS- 1961
Date
Occurred
Water On
Size
Location
Cause
Mar. 16
11:00 A.M.
5:00 P.M.
6" C.I.
Walton St. at Salem St.
Joint leak in main
Water Off
Mar. 17
11:00 A.M.
10:30 P.M.
8" C.I.
Salem St. at Walton St.
Cracked pipe
Mar. 18
5:00 P.M.
10:00 P.M.
6" C.I.
Front #202 Oak St.
Cracked pipe; in poor condition
Mar. 30
1:15 P.M.
3:00 P.M.
8" C.I.
Walton St. & Salem St.
Joint leak
Apr. 7
5:00 P.M.
4:00 P.M.
4" C.I.
Salem St. nr. Walton St.
Broken by contractor
Apr. 14
11:00 A.M.
3:15 P.M.
8" C.I.
Salem St. nr. Walton St.
Broken by contractor
Apr. 17
2:15 P.M.
4:00 P.M.
8" C.I.
Salem St. nr. Walton St.
Broken by contractor
Water Off
May 10
1:30 P.M.
2:30 P.M.
6" C.I.
Front #150 Oak Street
Trench settled
May 29
12:00 Noon
4:15 P.M.
12" C.I.
Opp. #283 Nahant Street
Broken by contrac- tor's machine Rust hole
July 10
8:30 A.M.
Did not shut off
2" Galv. Steel
Nr. #20 Highland St.
July 10
4:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M.
6" C.I.
Water Off
July 20
8:00 A.M.
3:30 P.M.
8" C.I.
Opp. #5 & #7 Gladstone St. Nr. #37 & #39 Hillcrest Rd.
Broken by teeth on backhoe; sewer con. Weak spot in pipe; cracked bell
Water Off 1 P.M.
37
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Water Off
Water Off
4/11/61
Water Off
Water Off
Water Off 1 P.M.
Water Off
Water Off
July 24
10:45 P.M. Water Off 2 A.M. 7/25/61
11:30 P.M. 7/25/61
3:30 P.M.
16" C.I.
Opp. Post Office - Main St.
Joint leak
Aug. 15
Water Off 3:45 P.M. 10:30 A.M.
3:00 P.M.
2" Galv. Steel
Opp. #75 Valley Street
Water Off 1:30 P.M.
Aug. 28
11:00 A.M.
2:00 P.M.
2". Galv. Steel
Valley St. nr. Hart St.
Water Off
Oct. 14
12:00 Noon
4:00 P.M.
12" C.I.
Farm St. near Water St.
Water Off 12:15 P.M.
Oct. 16
8:00 A.M.
2:15 P.M.
2" Galv. Steel
Opp. #10 Arundel Avenue
Old Age
Oct. 20
Water Off 1:15 P.M. 8:30 A.M.
3:00 P.M.
6" C.I.
Opp. #43 Elm Crest Road
Weak spot in pipe - Cracked bell Joint leak; vibration
Nov. 9
8:00 A.M.
4:30 P.M.
20" C.I.
Water Off 5:00 P.M.
11/10/61
Nov. 15
8:30 A.M.
Did not shut off
12" C.I.
Opp. #154 Greenwood St. North Ave. nr. Prospect St.
Joint leak; vibration
Nov. 17
2:30 P.M.
3:15 P.M.
6" C.I.
Opp. #79 Outlook Circle
Broken by blast
Nov. 29
4:30 P.M.
6:30 P.M.
6" C.I.
Opp. #53 Outlook Circle
Broken by contractor
Water Off 5:00 P.M.
Dec. 12
8:30 A.M.
10:45 A.M.
8" C.I.
Opp. #24 Elm Street
Vibration
Water Off
20" C.I.
Greenwood St. nr. Spring St.
Pipe resting on ledge
Aug. 8
10:00 A.M. Water Off 9:30 A.M.
8/9/61
4:15 P.M.
2" Galv. Steel
Bateman Court & Melvin St.
Old Age
Aug, 18
Broken by Osgood on drainage Broken by Osgood on drainage Joint leak - vibration
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
38
Water Off 11:00 A.M.
Water Off
.
1961 PUMPING RECORDS AND RAINFALL Recorded in gallons
Crystal
Bay State
Month
Lake
Driven Wells
Wells
Linden Street
Inches Rainfall
January
26,005,000
16,093,700
1,701,170
26,806,800
2.87
February
30,750,000
13,233,200
1,946,280
17,603,000*
4.57
March
42,120,000
14,539,400
2,314,260
11,554,900*
4.18
April
37,140,000
13,301,900
2,197,570
14,080,600*
5.71
May
43,040,000
6,718,300
2,173,960
11,151,400*
3.58
June
40,480,000
13,190,000
1,882,040
25,209,000
1.66
July
38,745,000
15,110,200
1,752,900
37,942,900*
2.56
August
40,189,000
15,162,900
1,609,870
51,462,400*
4.40
September
38,081,000
9,135,100
1,813,210
37,909,400*
8.72
October
37,895,000
9,658,700
2,194,630
30,833,600*
2.42
November
42,425,000
7,396,900
2,071,060
23,260,100*
3.95
December
42,230,000
7,572,900
2,119,100
21,107,800*
3.89
459,100,000
141,113,200
23,776,050
308,921,900
48.51
Total Pumping 1961
932,911,150
Average Daily Consumption 1961
2,555,921
Average Daily Per Capita
105.29
-
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
*NOTE: Quantities pumped from M.D.C. source are estimated because totalizing meter was not operating proper- ly during periods indicated.
39
40
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
SEWER DIVISION
SEWER CONSTRUCTION
By the Town
Woodville Circle - from Farm Street 220 feet westerly to front of #10. Prospect Street - from front of #1 Morningside Road 230 feet south- westerly to #75.
North Emerson Street - from Elm Street 550 feet northwesterly to #34; and from Elm Street northeasterly 250 feet on Elm Square, thence south- easterly 300 feet on North Emerson Street to #32.
Holland Road - from Oak Street 246 feet northwesterly to #9.
Renwick Road - from Spring Street 339 feet northerly to #77.
North Avenue - from Quannapowitt Parkway 254 feet southeasterly to Lord Wakefield Hotel.
By Contractor Under Town Supervision
Forest Street - from #61 westerly 683 feet to the Stoneham line.
Meadowview Road - from #12 Meadowview Road through private land southwesterly 584 feet to Oak Street.
Force Main - from new Pumping Station at Farm and Water Streets northwesterly through private land, crossing Valley and Melvin Streets to near the Franklin School on Nahant Street, a total distance of 3767 feet.
Outlook Road - from the end of Brook Street through private land northeasterly 460 feet to Outlook Road, thence northeasterly and southeast- erly around the circle on Outlook Road to near Strathmore Road, a distance of 1572 feet.
By Developers in Subdivisions - Town Supervision
Morrison Road West - from Brook Street southeasterly 950 feet to Eustis Avenue Extension.
Willard Road - from an existing manhole on North Avenue near Field- ing Street northwesterly 92 feet, thence northeasterly down Willard Road 400 feet.
Connections made during the year - 82
Number of connections made to date - 4,179
MATTHEW P. CURRAN
Supervisor
REPORT OF HIGHWAY DIVISION
Labor
Permanent
Temporary
Overtime
Other Leave
$69,956.18
$3,779.21
$15,458.65
$4,011.88
Appr. $98,344.78
Expended $93,225.92
Balance $5,118.86
Material & Supplies
Account
Appr.
Exp.
Balance
Office Supplies
$ 200.00
$ 173.21
$ 26.79
Clothing
250.00
241.07
8.93
Small Tools
475.00
824.58
349.58
Street Cleaning Broom refills, etc.
800.00
572.30
227.70
Drainage
Castings, pipe, gravel, etc.
1,375.00
1,067.57
307.43
41
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Traffic Lines
Paint, etc.
700.00
400.95
299.05
Repair Sidewalks
Bit. Conc., cement, gravel and curbings
5,000.00
1,535.21
3,464.79
Street Signs Signs, pipe, paint, etc.
625.00
1,274.30
649.30-
Patching
Bit. Conc. and gravel
5,100.00
3,304.70
1,795.30
Snow and Ice
Blades, salt, sand, snow fence etc.
8,225.00
8,650.64
425.64
Surface Treatment Asphalt, sand, etc.
7,000.00
5,722.96
1,277.04
Miscellaneous
250.00
281.59
31.59
TOTALS
$30,000.00
$24,049.08
$ 5,950.92
Contractual Services
Account
Appr.
Exp.
Balance
Advertising
$ 108.70
$ 108.70-
Snow and Ice
Weather services, rentals, meals
$25,085.00
25,251.53
166.53-
Garbage Contract
18,000.00
18,000.00
9,000.00
Collection
from 1960
9,000.00
to 1962
Repair Sidewalks Blacksmith, etc.
128,42
128.42-
Traffic Lines Contract
1,750.00
1,075.04
674.96
Surface Treatment Contract work
2,000.00
2,063.80
63.80
Drainage
Rentals
200.00
403.60
203.60-
TOTALS
$56,035.00
$47,031.09
$ 9,003.91
Sundries
Other Expense
$ 200.00
$ 99.95
$ 100.05
Capital Expenditures
1 Sand Spreader (replacement)
1 Scotchman Salt Spreader (replacement)
$ 3,170.00
$ 2,307.00 $ 863.00
Special Articles
Chapter 90 Maintenance North Avenue from Church Street approximately 2,000 feet toward Reading line $ 4,500.00 $ 4,500.00
Chapter 90 Construction 1961 Albion Street from Stoneham line toward North Avenue (work not complete) 41,000.00
27,755.94 13,244.06
-
42
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Chapter 90 Construction 1960
North Avenue from Armory Street to Main Street and completion of Water St. (work complete but final not paid)
34,000.00
28,788.34
5,211.66
Drainage:
Town Forces
Lowell St. Culvert, Converse St. Culvert, Hart & Valley Sts., Spring Street
16,000.00
14,422.86
1,577.14
Sidewalks:
Town Forces
Work continued on Parker Road; Nahant St. - Farm to Valley St. - partially completed; North Avenue - Armory St. to Main St. - hot top and granite curbing. East side; North Avenue - Fielding St. to Church St. - west side - stonedust 21,200.00
18,177.52
3,022.48
Streets:
By Contract - Forrester and Brew- ster Roads (not complete)
94,500.00
54,042.82
40,457.18
Surface Treatment (maintenance)
The following streets were resurfaced: Emulsion Plant Mix:
Keeling and Shetland Roads and Yale Avenue Sealed:
Charles Street
Lotus Avenue
Greenwood St. (partial)
Summer Street
Gladstone Street
Esmond Avenue
Birch Hill Ave. Spring St. (partial)
Linden Street Lindbergh Road
Franklin Street Clifton Avenue
Orchard Street Oak Ledge Road
CARL G. CHELMAN,
Supervisor
GTHINK!
Education
Reports of SCHOOL COMMITTEE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY TRUSTEES
44
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
In Memoriam
R. EDGAR FISHER Teacher - Assistant Superintendent of Schools 1921 - 1958
A faithful, conscientious teacher and administrator, R. Edgar Fisher devoted his life to the welfare and interests of the youth of Wakefield. His memory is cherished.
45
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of School Committee
ORGANIZATION - 1961
Harold E. Staunton, Chairman
1964
20 Elm Square
Mrs. Gertrude M. Spaulding, Secretary 1963
35 Outlook Road 1963
Lawrence J. Fitzgerald, Treasurer
61 Outlook Road
Henry B. McConville 1963
15 Forrester Road
Mrs. Lenora P. LeCours
1964
181 Salem Street
John P. Turner 1962
45 Brook Street
William W. Allyn 1962
31 Robert St., Greenwood
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
During the past year two incumbent members were re-elected to the school committee. Mrs. Lenora P. LeCours and Harold E. Staunton were returned to the School Committee by the voters at the annual town election. In September the Committee elected the following as officers:
Harold E. Staunton, Chairman
Gertrude M. Spaulding, Secretary Lawrence J. Fitzgerald, Treasurer
The Committee extended its appreciation to the outgoing chairman, Henry B. McConville, for his services in that office for the past year.
During the past year the Committee viewed with pride the operation of the new Junior High School and the success of the change over from the 6-3-3 system to the 6-2-4 system. The Junior High School Building Committee continued to function by completing many of the unfinished details still connected with the new building.
In September the John Charles Doyle Elementary School was readied for occupancy. With the opening of this new building overcrowded condi- tions of the West Side were eliminated. On Sunday, November 26, 1961 open house was held at this new school and the facilities were inspected by many of the townspeople. At the dedication exercises a plaque and flag were presented to the School Department by the West Side Social Club in honor of John Charles Doyle, an early benefactor of that organization and for whom the school was named.
The Committee continued to review the report of the High School Evaluation Committee and the following recommendations for changes in the high school curriculum were approved:
Language: French IV to be included in the curriculum.
Mathematics: Fourth year mathematics for College Preparatory stu- dents to be called Advanced Mathematics.
46
TOWN OF WAKEFIELD
Science: 1. One extra period per week to be added in physics which would be a double laboratory period.
2. General Science - 9th grade College Preparatory students program to be accelerated consisting of 1/3 biology, 1/3 chemistry, 1/3 physics.
Home Economics: The number of periods to be dropped from 8 to 5 per week and homework to be assigned to this course to cover the addi- tional time.
It was voted to adopt a revised elementary school report card which indicates the scholastic achievement of the children as well as the effort exerted with respect to their ability.
As a result of the vote of the annual town election on the referendum question of equal pay for men and women teachers the Committee voted to implement the new salary schedule by granting women teachers the same salary rate as men teachers.
Various study committees continued their efforts during the year. These committees studied such areas as Extracurricular Assignments, Adult Education, Regional Vocational Technical School Planning, and Sidewalks and Transportation.
The Committee also voted to initiate a summer school program at the secondary level for junior and senior high school students.
After many years of faithful and diligent service in the Town of Wake- field, Mrs. Emma L. Lane retired as a special class teacher at the Franklin School.
The Committee observed with deep sympathy the death of Mr. R. Edgar Fisher, former assistant superintendent of schools, who retired October 31, 1958.
The Committee was saddened by the passing of Mr. Walter C. Hickey who served faithfully on the Committee from 1944 to 1953.
Charles M. Evans & Associates were employed by the School Committee to make a study of salaries and classifications of all non-teaching personnel.
Because of the increased enrollment in the first grade at the Greenwood School it was necessary to use part of the room occupied by the Beebe Library as a branch, for an additional first grade section.
Civil Defense in case of atomic attack came under discussion and it was decided, in the absence of any State-authored plan, that the school children would be sent to the safest part of each school building in case of such an attack.
The Committee again reviewed the teachers' salary schedule and as a result it was voted to adopt the following schedule to be effective September 1,1962:
Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree 4700 - 7400 1
4400 - 7100
In addition to the above there is an additional $300 for those with 30 points of collegiate credit beyond a Master's Degree.
The Committee felt that this schedule emphasizes the importance of the experienced teacher in the Wakefield School system.
47
150TH ANNUAL REPORT
It is with a feeling of pride in the work of our school administrators and teaching staff that this report is submitted.
HAROLD E. STAUNTON, Chairman
MRS. GERTRUDE M. SPAULDING, Secretary LAWRENCE J. FITZGERALD, Treasurer HENRY B. McCONVILLE MRS. LENORA P. LeCOURS JOHN P. TURNER WILLIAM W. ALLYN
To the Wakefield School Committee:
I have the honor to present, for your information and consideration, the Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools for the year ending December 31, 1961.
We are aware of the fact that education as it took place years ago does not meet the needs of today. Change must take place in education if it is to meet the conditions of a free society. Also we must prepare students for work in the future that does not now exist and also for a society that is not yet clearly discerned.
This past year has witnessed a continuing development of our curric- ulum. Committees have been at work and valuable workshops have been held. More workshops are needed at all levels and we recommend for budgetary purposes that funds be provided to obtain specialists from uni- versities in our vicinity to help in this area.
During the past ten years Wakefield has spent millions of dollars to build additional school facilities. In September the John Charles Doyle School was first occupied. The opening of this school enabled us to house all the elementary children from the West Side in their own district. For several years it was necessary for us to transport some classes to other districts in the town. Wakefield students are now adequately housed very well, not only in the number of classrooms but even the oldest buildings are well lighted and maintained.
The individualized program at the Junior High School is now a recog- nized accomplishment. Wherever possible it is being done at the High School level and various grouping structures are in effect in the elementary schools to meet the abilities, capacities and individual needs of the students. However, we must always be certain that our objective, no matter what the organizational pattern, is that the schools are functioning for all of the children for all of the people.
We would like to report that the change of our report card in the ele- mentary grades has been received for the most part satisfactorily. We believe it is a more meaningful record of a child's school life, giving con- sideration to the effort as well as growth in academic achievement. It is a step forward in communication with the parents of a child's progress but it is not as effective as a conference between the parent and the teacher.
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