USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1953 > Part 30
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 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
$23,713.18
Jacob Sauer
201.00
Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association-Page 2
CHARLES E. HINCKLEY LOT IN CHILTONVILLE CEMETERY Brockton Savings Bank $1,000.00
ABNER & CHARLES H. LEONARD FUND
People's Savings Bank, Worcester, Mass. 148.43
ST. JOSEPH'S CEMETERY FUND
Plymouth Savings Bank 137.49
PHOEBE R. CLIFFORD FUND
Deposited with State Treasurer 200.00
Total, Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds $226,045.81
FRANCIS LeBARON POOR FUND
Plymouth Savings Bank $849.47
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank
868.07
NATHANIEL MORTON PARK FUND
Plymouth Savings Bank 2,000.00
MURDOCK POOR AND SCHOOL FUND
Plymouth Savings Bank 730.00
CHARLES HOLMES POOR FUND
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank 643.02
-208-
JULIA P. ROBINSON POOR FUND
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank 300.00
WARREN BURIAL HILL CEMETERY FUND Plymouth Savings Bank 1,121.22
MARCIA E. JACKSON GATES PUBLIC LIBRARY FUND Plymouth Savings Bank 1,000.00
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank 1,000.00
ELLEN STODDARD DONNELLY FUND (Income to be used for needy families)
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank 2,050.00
ALICE SPOONER FUND (Income to be used for special comforts for the sick at the Town Infirmary)
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank 1,537.50
POST-WAR REHABILITATION FUND
Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association
1,179.81
PLYMOUTH NATIONAL BANK STOCK INVESTMENT FUND
Plymouth National Bank Stock 2,000.00
U. S. Savings Bonds-Series G 3,000.00
Plymouth Five Cents Savings Bank
2,375.64
STABILIZATION FUND
Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association
15,236.35
Dedham Institution for Savings 20,556.02
Danvers Savings Bank 15,455.27
PHILIP JACKSON FUND (Income to be expended by Inland Fisheries Committee) Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association 1,022.58
UNCLE THOMAS JACKSON PARK FUND
Plymouth Federal Savings and Loan Association 800.00
CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT SYSTEM FUNDS
Bonds
$193,055.92
Bank Stocks
20,572.00
Federal Savings and Loan Association
15,938.42
Savings Banks
11,354.20
Plymouth National Bank
2,704.65
$243,625.19
SCHEDULE J
BORROWING CAPACITY, JAN. 1, 1955
Valuation for 1952, less abatements on $612,974
$29,126,176
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1952, less abatements
1,879,144
Valuation for 1953, less abatements on $542,120
30,571,855
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1953, less abatements
2,033,973
Valuation for 1954, less abatements on $577,275
31,711,150
Valuation of Motor Vehicles for 1954, less abatements
2,182,310
$97,504,608
Average
32,501,536
5%
1,625,077
Total Debt Incurred and Outstanding
$1,002,000
Less: Water Loans
272,000
Total Debt Within Debt Limit
730,000
Borrowing Capacity, January 1, 1955
$895,077
-209-
ONE-HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Water Commissioners AND
Superintendent OF THE
Town of Plymouth MASSACHUSETTS
1020
CHUS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1954
-212-
ONE-HUNDREDTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS
The Water Commissioners submit their One Hun- dredth Annual Report covering the year 1954.
The total rainfall during the year was 52.80 inches which was about six more than the average. The amount per month varied from a low of 1.03 inches in July to a high of 6.94 inches in December. At the end of the year, the elevation of the water in Great South Pond was 106.30 ft., the highest at any year end since 1940.
The largest consumption in one day in the high serv- ice system was on July 20th, when the pumps were oper- ated for 211/4 hours and pumped 2,191,000 gallons.
The greatest consumption in one day at Manomet was on July 31st, when the Manomet station pumped 838,600 gallons. The total pumped at that station during the season was 37,470,300 gallons, the largest amount of any year since it has been in operation.
Other statistics regarding the operations of the Water Department are reported in following schedules.
The amounts received by the Town from the sale of water, connections to new main, services rendered, etc., . were as follows:
Rates
Labor
Misc.
Total
North of Stone Tank, Rocky Point
$59,737.99
$74.00
$354.25
$60,166.24
South of Stone Tank, Rocky Point
$16,951.28
313.00
3,727.50
20,991.78
$76,689.27
$387.00
$4,081.02
$81,158.02
-213-
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MAIN
A new eight-inch main was laid for a distance of 1,060 ft. in the Giovanetti development connecting with the main already constructed and completing the con- nection from the main in Warren Ave. with that in Sand- wich Rd. The total cost of this work, including gates, valves, hydrants, connections to the existing main, etc., was $6,038.90.
TANK ON BRAUNECKER ROAD
The new storage tank, capacity 500,000 gallons, was completed during the year and placed in operation on November 16th. This is an important addition to our storage facilities.
NEW PUMPING STATION AT LOUT POND WELL
Construction of this new station, authorized by the Town at the March 1954 Town Meeting, was not started until nearly the end of the year because of the delay in the preparation of the specifications by the Engineers. Bids were first called for on October 15th, but all were rejected because the costs would not permit the construc- tion within the appropriation available. Changes were made in the requirements and the work re-advertised. Bids were received on the new basis on December 15, 1954. Malaguti Brothers were the low bidders and the construction contract was awarded to them. Construc- tion work is now proceeding (January 1955) as the weather conditions permit.
APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTED FOR 1955
Maintenance, and Labor
$44,350.00
Salaries
26,934.00
Emergencies 2,500.00
Regular Construction
3,000.00
-214-
SPECIAL ARTICLES
Construction:
Elm, Hemlock, Beach and Spruce Sts., Manomet Heights $16,000.00
Thomas and Abington Aves., White Horse Beach area 10,800.00
One-half ton Pickup Truck 1,750.00
One-half ton Pickup Truck with special utility body 1,700.00
Warren Ave. and Clifford Rd. 8,200.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD R. BELCHER, Chairman, RICHARD T. ELDRIDGE, Secretary, DANIEL F. MULCAHY, ARTHUR ADDYMAN, PETER R. BILLEY,
Board of Water Commissioners.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS
(Published by request of the New England Water Works Associations, Plymouth, Mass., Water Works.)
Population, 13,600. (Summer population, 14,500, according to Selectmen's estimate)
Date of Construction, 1855.
By Whom Owned, Town.
Source of Supply, Great and Little South Ponds, Mano- met Well.
Mode of Supply, Gravity for Low Service and Pumping for High Service, Well.
-215-
PUMPING
Builders of pumping machinery, Fairbanks-Morse and Wolverine-Gould.
Description of fuel, Oil.
Amount used, 11,7901/2 gallons.
Pumpage for the year: Wolverine-Gould
196,586,000 gals.
Fairbanks-Morse
207,887,000 gals.
404,473,000 gals.
Manomet Well (electric)
37,470,300 gals.
Total Pumping
441,943,300 gals.
(Note: New High Service (electric)
51,622,000 gals. RE PUMPED.)
Average static head, 68 feet.
Average dynamic head, 74.5 feet.
Number gals. per gal. of fuel oil:
Wolverine-Gould 31,436
Fairbanks-Morse 37,545
Duty of pumps:
Wolverine-Gould 144,470,000
Fairbanks-Morse 172,540,000
COST OF PUMPING FIGURED ON PUMPING STATION EXPENSES, VIZ: $13,587.34
Per million gallons against dynamic head into direct pipe $33.592
Per million gallons raised one foot high (dynamic) 0.450
COST OF PUMPING FIGURED ON TOTAL MAINTENANCE EXPENSES, VIZ: $60,542.23
Per million gallons against dynamic head into direct pipe $149.689
Per million gallons raised one foot high (dynamic) 2.009
-216-
STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION OF WATER
Population, estimated, 13,600. (Summer population, 14,500, according to Selectmen's estimate)
Estimated population on pipe line, 12,500. Estimated population supplied, 12,500.
Total consumption for the year, 513,295,300 gallons.
Average daily consumption, 1,406,300 gallons.
Gallons per day to each inhabitant, 112.
Gallons per day to each tap, 319.
STATISTICS RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Kinds of pipe, Cement lined sheet iron and Cement lined cast iron.
Sizes, From 2-inch to 30-inch.
Extended, 1,060 feet.
Discontinued, None.
Total now in use, 87 miles, 985 feet.
Cost to repair per mile, $17.00.
Number of leaks per mile, 0.172.
Small distribution pipe less than 4-inch, 7 miles, 2,120 feet. Hydrants now in use, 458 Public, 75 Private.
Stop gates added, 2. Discontinued, None. Number now in use, 1,134.
SERVICES
Kinds of pipe, Lead, Cement lined Galvanized and Cop- per tubing.
Sizes, From three-quarter-inch to six-inch.
Total now in use, 12 miles, 3,915 feet.
Service taps added, 124; Discontinued, None.
Total now in use, 4400, (3,399 in Plymouth and 1,001 in Manomet) .
Average length of service, 17 feet.
Average cost per service, $75.00.
Number of meters added, 65.
Number now in use, 3,433.
Percentage of services metered, 78.0%.
1954 PUMPING RECORD
WOLVERINE-GOULD Hours Fuel Oil Run
FAIRBANKS-MORSE
Month
in Gals.
Gals. Pumped
Hours Run
Fuel Oil in Gals.
Gals. Pumped
NHS Gals. Pumped
Gravity Gals.
Rain Av. Temp. in Inches Max. Min.
Jan.
1551/4
5151/2
16,214,000
1321/4
3641/4
13,693,000
3,425,000
6,811,000
3.59
38
21
Feb.
1301/4
433
13,617,000
1331/2
369
13,838,000
3,323,000
5,957,000
3.04
46
28
Mar.
128
4271/2
13,377,000
154
4251/2
15,959,000
3,431,000
6,695,000
3.60
47
31
Apr.
1191/4
3961/2
12,370,000
1613/4
450
16,731,000
2,815,000
6,432,000
3.96
59
40
May
1551/4
5171/2
16,163,000
1541/4
4261/4
16,072,000
3,375,000
6,529,000
6.61
64
48
June
183
6411/2
20,320,000
1903/4
524
19,901,000
5,256,000
5,263,000
2.65
73
56
July
161
530
16,681,000
317
876
32,930,000
7,873,000
5,119,000
1.03
81
63
Aug.
2363/4
778
24,613,000
1511/2
4161/2
15,754,000
5,820,000
5,107,240
6.60
72
61
Sep.
1501/2
512
16,171,000
1721/4
475
17,430,000
4,324,000
5,344,000
6.62
69
54
Oct.
1483/4
490
15,462,000
1841/4
512
19,385,000
4,146,000
5,825,000
2.99
66
50
Nov.
1523/4
5071/2
15,879,000
130
3581/2
13,553,000
4,715,000
5,863,000
5.17
51
37
Dec.
1511/2
5041/2
15,719,000
1223/4
3391/2
12,641,000
3,119,000
6,407,000
6.94
42
27
Total
18721/4
62531/2
196,586,000
20061/4
5537
207,887,000
51,622,000
71,352,000
52.80
(RE-PUMPED)
-217-
Hours Run Gals. Fuel Oil. Gals. Pumped
DUTY, based on BTU in fuel 19,500 per lb. fuel oil Head, 74.5 feet
Wolverine-Gould
1,8721/4
6,2531/2
196,586,000
144,470,000
Fairbanks-Morse
2,0061/4
5,537
207,887,000
172,540,000
3,8781/2
11,7901/2
404,473,000
Manomet Well (electric)
30,600 KWH
37,470,300
Total Pumping
441,943,300
Gravity
71,352,000
Total Consumption
513,295,300
-218-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Department
OF THE
Town of Plymouth
1620
MA
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
1954
-- 221-
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires
Ralph C. Weaver, Chairman
1956
Mauro J. Canevazzi, Secretary
1956
Robert B. Bowler
1955
Spencer H. Brewster
1955
Alton S. Cavicchi
1957
Joseph S. Contente
1957
ADMINISTRATION
Donald T. Welch, Superintendent of Schools
Office, Lincoln Street, Telephone 600
Interview by appointment
Secretary, Elinor B. Sanderson
Clerk, Mrs. Jacquelyn M. Sanderson
Office hours: School Days-8 a.m. to 12 m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Vacations-9 a.m. to 12 m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
School Physicians: Dr. Frank J. Abate, Jr. Dr. Medora V. Eastwood
School Nurse: Hilda R. Swett
Interviews at School Department Office or at school buildings by appointment.
School Dentists: Dr. William O. Dyer Dr. Francis C. Ortolani
Dental Hygienist, Jane B. Bradford
Dental Clinic Office, Governor Bradford Building Telephone 1255
Custodian of Buildings, John J. McCarthy Telephone 600
-
-222-
SCHOOLS
Senior High School-Telephone 26 Edgar J. Mongan, Principal
Junior High School-Telephone 460 Mary M. Dolan, Principal
Cold Spring School-Telephone 708 Emmett B. Finck, Principal
Cornish-Burton and Oak Street Schools Mrs. Eleanor L. White, Principal
Cornish-Burton School-Telephone 933 Oak Street School-Telephone 1661
Hedge School-Telephone 1140 Etta-Hix Allen, Principal
Manomet Elementary School-Telephone Manomet 3356 Mrs. Elouise E. Cashin, Principal
Mount Pleasant School-Telephone 1097
Mrs. Helen S. Manchester, Principal
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1955-1956
Open: September 7, 1955
Close: December 22, 1955
January 3, 1956
February 17, 1956
February 27, 1956 April 13, 1956
April 23, 1956
June 20, 1956
School Holidays: Columbus Day, Oct. 12; Teachers' Con- vention, Oct. 21; Armistice Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Recess, Nov. 24-25; Good Friday, March 30; Memorial Day, May 30.
-223-
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
2-2 Repeated on Fire Alarm
7:05 a.m. No school for Junior and Senior High Schools 8:15 a.m. No morning session for Grades 1 to 6, inclusive 12:15 p.m. No afternoon session for Grades 1 to 6, inclusive Radio Stations WEEI and WORL broadcast no-school sig- nals shortly after 7:00 a.m.
Radio Station WBZ broadcasts no-school signals during the following periods: 7:00-7:25 a.m., 7:30-7:45 a.m., 8:30-8:45 a.m., 12 m .- 12:15 p.m.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT REIMBURSEMENTS AND RECEIPTS
From the Commonwealth:
1. General aid for public schools $43,527.39
2. Aid for specific purposes
(1) Transportation 21,511.50
(2) Vocational Tuition
1,761.73
(3) Vocational Transportation
740.25
(4) Salaries of teachers of retarded children 2,000.00
(5) Americanization Salaries
322.50
3. Tuition, State Wards
1,746.75
From Other Sources:
1. Tuition, Out-of-town Pupils
(1) Carver (Town of) 20,882.09
(2) Plympton (Town of)
12,562.03
(3) Summer School 24.00
2. Miscellaneous Receipts
1,108.29
$106,186.53
Total
-224-
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Appropriations
Balance to Excess and Deficiency
Balance On Hand
Salaries
General
$509,722.00 115,014.18*
Expenditures $507,739.08 112,170.00
$1,982.92
2,844.18
School Roof Repairs
(From 1953)
269.40
265.00
4.40
Hedge School Toilet Repairs (From 1953)
395.90
394.96
.94
High School Drapes
1,100.00
821.82
278.18
Soundproofing High School Gym
1,900.00
1,643.00
257.00
Painting Interior of High School
10,000.00
9,912.70
87.30
Emergency Lights at High School
1,200.00
None
$1,200.00
$639,601.48
$632,946.56
$5,454.92
$1,200.00
Reimbursements and receipts, account of schools
106,186.53
Net expenditures for schools, exclusive of building program
$526,760.03
*Includes $9.18 from Trust Fund Income
-225-
ANNUAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND SUPERINTENDENT
TO THE CITIZENS OF PLYMOUTH
Each year this report and the reports of principals and supervisors which follow attempt to summarize the work done in the various schools during the year, show where improvements have been made, indicate some of the problems facing the schools in the future, and sug- gest areas where improvements are needed.
SCHOOL PLANT IMPROVEMENTS
During the year 1954 the following major improve- ments were made in the school plant:
Painting of Senior High School-all classrooms, au- ditoriums, gymnasium, offices, and main corridor.
New window drapes in High School auditorium.
Ceiling in High School gymnasium soundproofed.
Installation of lunch preparation equipment at the Manomet Elementary School, including large walk-in re- frigerator, dish washing machine, food mixer, and potato peeler. Funds from the Elementary Lunch Program were used to purchase and install this equipment.
Change in cement steps on western entrance to Senior High School to permit fire trucks to pass through alley.
Blacktop on entrance to Junior-Senior High School playground from Union Street approach.
Installation of battery emergency lights in the High School, started in 1954, will be completed in 1955.
Your School Committee is asking for appropriations
-226-
to continue the work of improving the School plant in 1955. Included in the planned projects are:
Completing the interior painting in the High School -$3000.
New tar and gravel roof on the flat roof section of the Junior High School-$1000.
Correcting the hot water supply at the Junior-Senior High School-$1500.
Replacing the copper valleys on the Junior High School roof-$3375.
Study of possible sites for a new school building- engineering and architectural services-$2000.
Filling and grading of play and parking area in rear of Junior High School with cement curb along edge of bank to prevent washouts-$4900.
To take the first step in modernizing the Junior High cooking room-building three new homemaking units, including new base and wall units, new sinks, and improved lighting-$2400.
COLD SPRING SCHOOL ADDITION
At the Annual Town Meeting on March 27, 1954 it was unanimously voted: "That the sum of $160,000 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of constructing and originally equipping and furnishing a five-room ad- dition to the Cold Spring School on Alden Street, and that to meet said appropriation the sum of $8,000 be appro- priated from the tax levy of the current year and $12,000 from the Post-War Rehabilitation Fund and that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $140,000 under the authority of Chapter 44 of the General Laws and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor payable in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter 44, so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than twenty years from the date of issue of the first bond or note.
The Building Committee for this project shall consist of a committee of five, to be appointed by the Moderator,
-227-
to include representation from the School Committee, said committee being hereby authorized to expend funds ap- propriated under this vote for the purposes specified in said vote."
Town Moderator Amedeo V. Sgarzi appointed the fol- lowing members to serve on the Building Committee for this addition: Spencer H. Brewster, David A. Cappannari, Margaret F. Donovan, Harold G. Roberts and Ralph C. Weaver.
Committee members elected Mr. Harold Roberts to serve as chairman and Mrs. Margaret Donovan to serve as secretary at the organizational meeting on May 24, 1954.
After interviewing five architects the committee se- lected J. Williams Beal, Sons to draw up plans for the addition. This is the firm which planned the original building.
Bids received from seven general contractors were opened on August 12, 1954. On August 26 the contract was awarded to C. A. Batson Co. of Brockton on that firm's low bid of $117,980. Ground was broken on September 14, 1954. It is expected that the structure will be com- pleted on or about April 15,1955.
The exterior of the addition will match in appear- ance that of the original building, being of water struck brick, with steel casement windows. Considerable changes from the original have been made in the plans for the classrooms and furniture. These changes were made after consultation with the teachers, principals and custodians of the Cold Spring and Manomet Schools, and with the members of the State Building Assistance Commission. It is this agency which must give the final approval on building plans if the State is to contribute to the cost of constructing and equipping a new school building. This reimbursement amounts to about 24% of the total cost to the Town of Plymouth.
Among the changes which will result in a more func-
-228-
tional classroom are: a larger sink area, a change in the connecting classroom doors from the outside to the inside walls, movable storage units, and more usable bulletin board space.
As in the original structure the classroom ceilings will have acoustical tile, the floors will be of asphalt tile on a cement slab and there will be enclosed ventilated cloak closets which will dry damp clothing.
As soon as the addition has been completed, it will be occupied immediately by three classes which are now using emergency quarters in the Cold Spring School- one in a converted store room and two classes now in the auditorium. This will leave two classrooms available for use in September, 1955, for increasing enrollments in the Cold Spring District as well as for pupils from over- crowded classrooms in other elementary schools.
SCHOOL COSTS
In 1954 the financing of the Plymouth Schools took 30% of the total tax dollar. This was 2% less than the school tax in 1953. The following chart shows the break down of each dollar spent for the support of schools dur- ing the school year ending June, 1954. Also shown is the daily per pupil cost of each of the seven major items listed.
TEACHERS SALARIES 69 %
AUX. SERVICES
10 %
OPERATION
9 %
BOOKS and SUPPLIES
4 %
MAINTENANCE
3 %
GENERAL CONTROL
3 %
CAPITAL OUTLAY
2 %
-229-
THE DAILY PER PUPIL COSTS
Teachers' Salaries $ .96
Auxiliary Services .14
Operation .13
Books and Supplies .06
Maintenance .05
General Control .05
Capital Outlay
.03
EXPLANATION OF ITEMS
1. Teachers' Salaries
This item includes salaries of all principals, super- visors, teachers, and school clerks.
2. Auxiliary Services
A large part of this item is the cost of transport- ing pupils to and from school. Other expenditures in this category are for school libraries, health services, including salaries of medical and nursing staff, and driver education.
3. Operation
This item, approximately 9% of the school budget, covers janitors' salaries and their supplies, fuel, light and power, telephones and gas.
4. Books and Supplies
Approximately 4% of the budget is used for pur- chasing text books, work books, paper, pencils and all other instructional materials.
5. Maintenance
About 3% of the budget is used to keep the school buildings and grounds in repair. This includes most of the expenditures voted under special school articles.
6. General Control
Central office salaries and operation costs, attend- ance and census services, and supervisor of school buildings are expenses included in this 3% of the total school budget.
-230-
7. Capital Outlay
All expenditures for capital outlay except for pay- ments on bonds for school construction are listed in this item. The cost of new furniture and other equip- ment as well as major alterations are in this category.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The reports of the elementary principals, Miss Etta-Hix Allen, Mrs. Elouise E. Cashin, Mr. Emmett B. Finck, Mrs. Helen S. Manchester, and Mrs. Eleanor L. White, have been summarized and combined into one report. Their review of the work of the schools indi- cated evidence of substantial professional growth and educational improvements during the past year.
A. New Programs
Following a study of several systems of hand- writing by a committee composed of elementary teachers, the Zaner Bloser Handwriting System was adopted, with manuscript writing to be used in grades 1, 2, and 3, with a change to cursive being made in grade 3.
The Reading Committee in the elementary schools, after much study, recommended the adop- tion of the reading system published by Ginn & Co. The teachers voted 100% for the system and it was introduced in grades 1 to 3 in September. The sys- tem will be extended through grade 6 during the next year.
The fall testing program in all schools included the Kuhlmann Anderson Mental tests in grades 1, 4, and 6, and the Metropolitan Achievement Tests in grades 4 and 6. The new reading system carries its own testing program, serving as another check on the progress of students during the year.
-231-
It has been helpful to have the services of Dr. David Haughey, Clinical Psychologist from the Brockton Child Guidance Clinic, for consultation two days each month on problems of emotionally disturbed children.
During the year the children in the elementary schools had the unique opportunity of participating in two health programs of world-wide importance. All pupils in grades 1 through 3 whose parents re- quested it were allowed to take part in the Polio Vaccine Trials using the new Salk vaccine. About 500 Plymouth pupils took part in this experiment. All pupils in grades 1 through 6 were permitted to take part in the Diabetic Detection Program.
B. New Equipment
In the field of audio-visual materials, a number of aids have been added. A record player was pur- chased for the Oak Street School, dark shades were installed in one room at the Mt. Pleasant and Cornish Schools, and film strips were added to the libraries of each school. A lantern slide projector was pur- chased by the Cornish School. The PTA's purchased a record player for the Mt. Pleasant School and a tape recorder for the Manomet School. The PTA's also purchased playground swings for Manomet, dodge balls for Cold Spring, and a set of reference books for the Cornish School.
A gift of 54 violins was made to the various ele- mentary schools by Mrs. Roger Kellen. The contri- butions made have been greatly appreciated and have added much to the school program.
Because it is essential that a continual study be made of the schools and their curricula, the following items
-232-
list the studies which are being planned in the immedi- ate future and the recommendations which have been made for improvements during the next few years.
A. Studies Planned
A Social Studies Committee has been appointed to study methods of improving the Social Studies curriculum. To aid in this study a Harvard - Boston University course, "Workshop in Elementary School Social Studies," will be offered in Plymouth during the second semester.
A committee has started work on a study of how the method of reporting to parents may be improved.
B. Recommendations
In any new school building program consider- ation should be given to the planning of enough classrooms so that the Cornish-Burton buildings may be abandoned as schools.
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.