USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1953 > Part 31
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The revision of the entire elementary school curriculum should be continued. Movable furniture should replace the fixed furniture, particularly in the primary grades.
Efforts should be continued to improve the school buildings and grounds.
COMPARATIVE DATA ON SCHOOL EXPENDITURES - PLYMOUTH AND 24 MASS. TOWNS (12 Next Larger and 12 Next Smaller having Elementary, Junior, and Senior High Schools)
Assessed Valuation (1953) Per Pupil
1954 (Fiscal Year) Tax Rate
1954 (Fiscal Year) School Tax Rate (1)
1954 (Fiscal Year) % School Tax of Total Tax
1953-54 (School Year) Expenditure for School Support Per Pupil
Barnstable
$20,718
Stoughton
$61.20
Natick
$27.71
Wellesley
53%
Belmont
$307
Webster
18,837
Billerica
60.00
Stoughton
25.95
Natick
47%
Wellesley
290
Belmont
16,368
Natick
58.40
Billerica
25.00
Billerica
45%
Swampscott
288
Wellesley
15,923
Northbridge
58.00
Shrewsbury
24.04
Shrewsbury
44%
W. Springfield
272
W. Springfield 15,610
Shrewsbury
55.00
Wellesley
21.94
Stoughton
42%
Norwood
270
Milton
14,586
Adams
52.00
Reading
21.00
Greenfield
42%
Milton
266
Swampscott
14,140
Amherst
52.00
Greenfield
20.51
Reading
41%
Amherst
260
PLYMOUTH
13,748
Stoneham
51.20
Adams
*20.04
Norwood
40%
Winthrop
255
Marblehead
12,486
Reading
51.00
Northbridge
19.33
Lexington
40%
PLYMOUTH
250
Norwood
11,930
Agawam
51.00
Andover
19.00
Andover
40%
Barnstable
247
Lexington
11,836
Marblehead
50.00
Norwood
18.80
Adams
39%
Andover
246
Needham
11,704
Needham
50.00
Amherst
18.60
Milton
38%
Marblehead
240
Greenfield
11,559
Greenfield
49.00
Lexington
18.40
W. Springfield
37%
Needham
239
Andover
10,738
Winthrop
48.00
Marblehead
18.00
Amherst
36%
Lexington
232
Reading
10,462
Swampscott
47.00
Milton
18.00
Marblehead
36%
Webster
230
Amherst
9,729
Andover
47.00
Needham
17.69
Needham
35%
Reading
225
Stoneham
9,318
Milton
47.00
Stoneham
17.20
Stoneham
34%
Northbridge
223
Winthrop
9,309
Norwood
46.80
W. Springfield
15.38
Northbridge
33%
Shrewsbury
221
Agawam
7,718
Lexington
46.00
Agawam
15.30
Belmont
31%
Agawam
213
Natick
7,270
PLYMOUTH
45.20
Winthrop
14.40
Winthrop
30%
Stoneham
210
Shrewsbury
7,041
W. Springfield
42.00
Swampscott
14.10
PLYMOUTH
30%
Greenfield
202
Adams
6,992
Wellesley
41.50
PLYMOUTH
13.56
Webster
30%
Stoughton
197
Stoughton
6,702
Belmont
40.00
Belmont
12.48
Swampscott
30%
Natick
190
Billerica
6,351
Webster
34.00
Webster
10.20
Barnstable
30%
Adams
*183
Northbridge
5,675
Barnstable
31.40
Barnstable
9.42
Agawam
30%
Billerica
179
Median
11,559
49.00
18.40
37%
239
Average
11,470
48.59
18.24
37%
237
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*Figure for preceding year.
(1) Local tax per $1,000 for school support (not including outlay).
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SCHOOL EXPENDITURE COMPARISONS
The accompanying sheet serves as a means of com- paring school costs in Plymouth with those of 24 other towns-12 larger and 12 smaller - which have the same type of school organization as Plymouth. The figures for the school year, 1953-54, show that our assessed valuation per pupil is slightly above the median in this group of 24 towns. This means that our taxable valuation for public school support is a little above average for the number of pupils we have to educate. Our tax rate is well below the average of the group. Plymouth's tax support for schools per thousand valuation is far below the average, $13.56 as compared with the median of $18.40 (Lexington). The per cent of tax money used for the Plymouth schools is well below the average for other towns shown-30% as against the median of 37% re- ported by West Springfield. The amount expended for school support per pupil for the school year, 1953-54, is shown in the last column and is above the median for the group. Plymouth paid $250 as compared with the median of $239.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. WEAVER, Chairman,
MAURO J. CANEVAZZI, Secretary,
ROBERT B. BOWLER,
SPENCER H. BREWSTER,
ALTON S. CAVICCHI,
JOSEPH S. CONTENTE,
Plymouth School Committee.
DONALD T. WELCH,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
When the Seniors were graduated last June the final reports from the committees that had been work- ing on the home-room guidance program were turned in. Much of the material to be used by the pupils had already been mimeographed, ready for September. Some little remained to be done during the summer. The whole project, which was a cooperative effort that involved every member of the staff and had been in preparation since January of last year, is a tribute both to their capacity for sustained work over a long period of time and an even greater tribute to their brains and their willingness to spare no effort to improve the service offered by the school to our children. That it has been functioning quite well since September is to some extent due to the pre- liminary study all faculty members had to do when preparing the syllabi for each year of instruction. It still has weak spots, and some teachers, unfamiliar with handling this kind of material, still have mis- givings-but given time, and the ease that comes with use, and these weak spots should disappear. A periodic check and revision is going on as these classes continue so that we can determine what material, hitherto overlooked or just now developing, should be included. Our work in this direction should improve the whole program.
Already it seems to point the way to a conversion from a home-room program staffed by all home-room teachers-differing widely in their familiarity with presenting this kind of material to pupils-to a
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program entirely in the hands of trained guidance personnel. This development, however, will have to await the results of a study of another of our problems: a survey and revision of our program of studies.
The necessity for a study of this problem was foreseen some years back when first we made efforts to get an organized guidance program established in the school, and at that time the faculty made a preliminary revision of the syllabi of each subject offered by the school. The study now planned-and we hope to start it next Semptember-will be much more radical in its nature for it must be based upon the educational needs of the children as determined by the kind of economic or educational opportunities the individual child can look forward to on finishing high school. A job-opportunity survey in this town and in the other areas where our graduates seek employment after finishing their formal education will be involved. This will be a heavy project.
To handle it properly it seems advisable to have the cooperation of one of our Schools of Education, at least to the extent of presenting a course in "Curriculum Building" here. In this way all members of the faculty-who in any event will have to partici- pate in the project-will have an opportunity to refresh their knowledge in this field. It is one of the heaviest professional responsibilities a teacher has to assume.
The study, briefly outlined above, is a necessary and inevitable development of the guidance program. Put it this way: If we're going to guide our pupils we must be certain that the school provides the facilities for study in those fields into which they should be guided.
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All that has been written above is based upon the school as it exists now. Yet we all know that population pressures and other factors are inexorably bringing about changes the effects of which can already be foreseen to some degree. Space permits no discussion of these things here so I shall send along later a supplementary report dealing with them. I can say now, however, that since these probable changes are foreseen our planning will take them into account-and should result in a school able to meet the demands of the future.
Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR J. MONGAN, Principal.
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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
At the close of the fall term this school had an enrolment of 592 students, 43 of them tuition students from Carver and Plympton; the other 549 Plymouth residents.
Without those tuition students we anticipate an enrolment in September of 633 Plymouth students alone, not including newcomers who may become residents during the summer. This increased enrolment will include another junior practical arts class and one additional seventh grade. It will require. the services of two more teachers and more classroom space. The finding of that extra space is a serious problem.
As the school becomes more congested it becomes more difficult to offer the children of this age many opportunities necessary for their development which are now available to those in the modern schools.
Our students should have:
1. A library where they can study, select books for outside reading, use reference books with freedom and benefit from the services of a full-time librarian.
2. A science laboratory where special groups could work.
3. More space for art work.
4. More adequate facilities for music-a room properly designed and equipped for instrumental music and one for vocal music.
5. A room smaller than an assembly hall to be used for visual education and dramatics.
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6. More adequate accommodations for special classes.
7. A modern foods laboratory.
8. A much larger room for clothing classes.
9. A drafting program so that students who plan to enter technical schools would have a chance for some training in this field. Classes are limited to boys who follow the vocational curriculum, only.
10. A separate gymnasium. One gymnasium serving two schools is entirely inadequate for a good program in either.
11. A more satisfactory playground.
12. A separate cafeteria. The present one is too crowded and students in the lower school must eat too early, the first group being served the hot lunch at 10:30.
13. Show cases about the building for the display of work.
Throughout the year there have been many outstanding accomplishments to the credit of teachers and pupils.
An excellent intramural program for boys has been in progress all year supervised by the physical education instructor assisted by four men teachers. The girls have a good program, too.
The girls' work in household arts has been outstand- ing. The clothing classes have made garments, acces- sories, and toys of which they can be proud, and have been of service to the American Red Cross in making and filling stockings at Christmas time. The foods classes have shown excellent progress and have helped to supply the Red Cross with cookies at various times.
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Interesting work has been done in the art classes, and the usual good work in the shops.
Some classes have been taken on educational trips, usually to Boston.
A visual education program has been an integral part of the social studies program.
Special mention should be made of the school yearbook, one of the high spots of the English program.
The first annual Guidance Day was inaugurated last spring, and the homeroom guidance program has been revised and expanded.
There have been good assemblies in which students have participated, the Christmas assembly and one pre- senting a scene from The Merchant of Venice being outstanding.
Two public performances in the Spring have proved most satisfactory each year-in April, the Corn Planting at the Harlow House, a program in which the seventh grades participate, and in May, the annual Band Concert and Drum Major Drill at Memorial Hall. This perform- ance is always excellent and well-patronized.
Graduations continue to be simple morning assem- blies made interesting by many awards provided by Post 40, American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and by the school, itself.
Not to be overlooked is the basic work of the school -the English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Library work, which goes on faithfully day by day.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY M. DOLAN, Principal.
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
I hereby submit my annual report:
During the past year we have made obvious progress in the promotion of universal participation in our general music activities. Another time-consuming endeavor is the production of a beautiful vocal tone. Many associated with me in the elementary music pro- gram share the opinion that our pupils now sing easily and with a resonant and sweet quality of tone. Non- singers beyond the third grade are few and scattered. Our individual help continues for those who need it; the need is found principally in the first two grades. Our Christmas music has shown a noticeable advance in diction and "onwardness" of phrasing. Musically our chief areas of effort this season are: (1) part singing in every fifth grade, (2) intelligent phrasing and (3) an increase of musical background and knowledge through discussion and listening.
The teaching of many of our elementary teachers has produced vocal music beyond the commonplace and mediocrity so frequently found in children's music. Their sweet little voices when carefully coached are an inspira- tion for adults and an example of beauty and sincerity of effort. That kind of teaching requires love for music and the children, together with patience and a capacity for hard work. No activity in the school requires so great a measure of selfless, integrated, social and democratic cooperation as the universal participation in the general music class.
I am most sincerely grateful for that kind of teaching and am indebted to the cooperation and friendly manner of every principal in the school system.
Your understanding of the various problems relative
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to this work and constructive help in doing it is satisfying to me as a person as well as helpful to me as a teacher.
Sincerely and gratefully,
MARIETTA CANAN, Supervisor of Music.
2
ART SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
Today the aim of art education is to help in the production of good citizens - sound, sensible, and well- rounded people.
It is a fallacy to think that art education in school aims to produce practising artists. Its aim is very dif- ferent. No one believes that the teaching of arithmetic is meant to foster higher mathematicians, or that learn- ing to read will turn out librarians, or learning to write authors.
The teaching of art in the schools has as its prime object the encouragement of self-expression, and the encouragement of the children to be themselves.
It is so easy for a child to grow into a mass-produced sort of person, who looks, thinks and behaves, exactly like everyone else.
In all our work during the year, no matter what media was being used, be it paints, crayons, papier- maché, clay, linoleum printing, soap sculpture, etc., the child has been encouraged to have something to say "visually" in his own way.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT J. ANDREWS, Art Supervisor.
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JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH ART
Special work accomplished in a variety of ways will be highlighted in this report of Art Work in the Junior and Senior High School for 1954. Contests for both schools were sponsored by the Plymouth Woman's Club during the first two terms of the year.
High School students designed original spring fash- ions and then made some very colorful and decorative posters for the Fashion Show given in Memorial Hall for the benefit of the Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. Kingston High School Art Students also participated in this contest making for healthier competition. The posters were done in different mediums, some in three dimen- sions, and three money prizes were awarded. The posters were shown in the store windows and in the Plymouth Public Library.
A second contest was for both Senior and Junior High School Students and sponsored by the Arts and Crafts Committee of the Plymouth Woman's Club. High School Art Students designed original flower studies in water color which were exhibited in the Plymouth Public Library. A box of water colors was awarded to the first prize winner.
Landscapes in water color and pastel and decorative flower designs in colored pencil were submitted by the Junior High Students and boxes of the different mediums given to the pupils for prizes.
Graduation Decorations for High School consisted of large panoramic wall decorations in tones of blue. These paintings illustrated the lives of four great Americans, Matthew Brady, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Allen White, and Ernie Pyle, and the power that their work
. .. .
-- ----------
-- *
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had for the cause of freedom in the world. The symbol of a quill and ink stand completed the decorative theme.
High School outdoor classes visited typically pic- turesque Plymouth spots to sketch and paint during the spring and fall.
Twenty P.H.S. art pupils enjoyed a delightful trip to Boston to visit the Gardner Museum during National Art Week in November. The Arts and Crafts Committee arranged bus transportation. A gracious and instructive guide took us on a tour through the whole museum and this made it of much more value to the students. Later they went around by themselves to study what they liked best and their impressions of the museum were painted on their return.
Christmas nativity scenes were made for bulletin boards in both Junior and Senior High Schools and Christmas designs were painted on the windows in poster paint. Every High School Art Student completed a dec- orated tray for Christmas.
A Craft Class of ten to twelve members is held after school on Fridays. Trays were painted in this class and other crafts will be done as the year goes on.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET E. BROWN, Teacher of Art.
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SCHOOL PHYSICIAN'S REPORT FOR 1954
As recommended by the State, we have been exam- ining the children of our schools at intervals instead of every year. By this system, the school nurse and her assistant have more time to do important follow-up work.
The State Law now requires yearly eye and ear examinations and this has necessitated a revision of time spent on health work, so that it may be done properly.
Our examinations still reveal many children with poor natural posture. This problem is one of our most difficult to cope with, for we do not believe a child should be enticed by prizes and rewards in any health work. Therefore, our only solution lies in trying to teach the child to want good posture and health because it makes him more alert and happier, especially in his school work. An adequate method to teach this is our greatest need today.
There has been the usual run of sickness with measles causing an abnormal number of absentees dur- ing the latter half of the year.
As the State Legislature makes new laws and revises old ones in relation to school health work, the communi- ties of this State must necessarily adopt their programs to these changes. The town which develops the most advanced health program, in anticipation of these changes or probable changes, is the one which ultimately will benefit most by not having as great a financial outlay as others to adapt itself to such new requirements.
This is one reason why we in health work strive to keep abreast of whatever may be required of us in the future.
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As in previous reports, we again mention the need for greater co-ordination between the various phases of health work namely:
1. Health Services
2. Physical Education
3. Health Education
As we have stated in previous reports, one answer is the formation of a Health Council. Each phase in itself is, of course, important; but the co-ordination of all three phases during the child's school life is the only way good health habits may be properly inculcated into the child's everyday living and lay the foundation for future good health.
Again if we emphasize the physical and neglect the mental side of the school child's life, our program cer- tainly is not fulfilling its obligation.
Some problems which arise to interfere with a child's school life are beyond our control to settle. They of neces- sity require the services of specialists such as psychiatrists and psychologists. Until we have a guidance clinic in this vicinity, we cannot do justice to the pupils needing such specialized care.
We who are dealing with health problems in our schools sincerely appreciate the splendid co-operation we have had always in the discharge of our duties. The Superintendent and all teachers have been more than co-operative and we are grateful to them for their invalu- able help.
MEDORA V. EASTWOOD, M.D., FRANK J. ABATE, JR., M.D., School Physicians.
HILDA SWETT, School Nurse.
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ORAL HYGIENE AND DENTAL CLINIC
I hereby submit my annual report of the dental work accomplished in the Oral Hygiene Department and Dental Clinic.
January 1954 - December 1954
Pupils examined in Elementary - Senior High School in September 2,253
Pupils found to have all needed corrections made 771
Pupils found to have certificate from family dentist 128
Total Corrections 899
Percent defects corrected 39.9
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene Talks in classroom-grades 1-6 340
Home visits 2
Percentage of Dental Corrections
Pupils examined grades 1-6-September 1953 1,144
Pupils found to have all needed corrections made 546
Results of these examinations as of June 1954:
Mt. Pleasant School 89%
Oak Street School
82%
Cornish-Burton School 59%
Hedge School
58%
Manomet School 54%
Cold Spring School 53%
Clinic
Clinic sessions (including examinations) 74
Pupils having all corrections made 77
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Extractions (9 permanent, emergency cases in grades 4, 5, 6) 105 Baby Teeth in grades 1 and 2
Fillings (6 year molars) permanent teeth 168
Treatments (including X-ray) 149
Pupils having teeth cleaned 921
Amounts received for Clinic Services rendered:
For cleaning of teeth $91.05
For filling and extractions 18:30
For toothbrushes sold 79.05
$188.40
This year as in the past our immediate objective is to teach the principles of dental health, and to encourage boys and girls to care for their teeth so that they may graduate from school with a healthy mouth, with a com- plete set of teeth, and with a desire to maintain this good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
JANE B. BRADFORD, Dental Hygienist. DR. W. O. DYER, DR. F. C. ORTOLANI, School Dentists.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE
JOHN J. REAGAN, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Other
Total
Elementary Schools 41
1
8
50
Junior High School
54
14
15
83
Senior High School
13
8
3
24
Employment certificates found invalid and returned to Superintendent's office
204
Total cases investigated
157
Court Cases
1
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS
1951
1952
1953
1954
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
54
38
31
29
Certificates to minors 16-21 years
264
221
373
243
318
259
404
272
SCHOOL CENSUS - October 1, 1954
Males
Females
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
304
267
571
Persons 7 to 16 years
1041
956
1997
Totals
134
1223
2568
»
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - December, 1954
SCHOOL
-
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
||SENIOR HIGH ||
1
1
1
3 |4 | 5 | 6 |P.A.
J.P.A.|
7 |
8
9
10
11
12 ||
Total
Senior High
197
131
143 |
471
Junior High
-
15
197
187
193
592
Hedge
24
26
36
31
26
30
30
27
35
(12
11)
30
31
349
Cornish
26
27
29
34
(18
10)
36
29
209
Burton
36
35
35
18
124
Mt. Pleasant
-
27
34
34
26
30
35
-
186
Cold Spring
20
-
23
33
30
-
24
33
26
33
35
34
14
-
305
Oak Street
20
(11
17)
48
Manomet
34
32
23
29
26
29
173
TOTALS
280
284
226
170
187 | 215
32
15
197 |
187
193 |
| 197
| 131
143
2,457
-
Grade groups enclosed in parentheses are taught by one teacher.
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II
2
APPOINTMENTS TO TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Training
Years of Experience
Allen, Etta-Hix
Hedge
Principal
Bridgewater
25
Busi, Jane, Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 1
Bridgewater
0
Freeman, Leonice, Mrs.
Cold Spring
Grade 3
Bates College, Univ. of Mass.
0
Gordon, Florence, Mrs.
Cornish-Burton
Grades 3 and 4
Bridgewater
29
Heath, Marian, Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 5
Bridgewater
4
Iacovo, P. Lena
Elementary
Physical Education
Bridgewater
0
Loring, Muriel P., Mrs.
Junior High
Clothing
Framingham
15
Moran, Renelta, Mrs.
Manomet Elem.
Grade 5
Lowell Teachers' College
11
Morrill, Helen G., Mrs.
Cornish-Burton
Grade 3
Bridgewater
101/2
Mullen, Donald
Senior High
Social Studies
University of New Hampshire
2
Pope, Lucelia A.
Elem. and Jr. High Instrum. & Voc. Music
Lowell Teachers' College
0
RESIGNATIONS IN TEACHING STAFF
Name
School
Subject
Years Served in Plymouth
Dietlin, Barbara, Mrs.
Cornish-Burton
Grades 2 and 3
1/2
Henry, Mary, Mrs.
Hedge
Grade 4
8
Marinus, Audrey
Cornish-Burton
Grade 3
2
Verre, Patricia, Mrs.
Elementary
Physical Education
1
White, Joy
Junior High
Clothing
2
Wilber, Margie
Senior High
Latin
271/2
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES December, 1954
OFFICE
Donald T. Welch
Superintendent of Schools
Elinor B. Sanderson
Secretary
*Jacquelyn M. Sanderson, Mrs. Clerk
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Edgar J. Mongan
Principal English II, French I
Iris E. Albertini
Helen M. Bagnall, Mrs.
Econ. Geog., Typing I, Bkkp. I
Ellen M. Downey
World Hist., Guidance Counselor
Lydia J. Gardner, Mrs.
Stenography I, II, Office Prac.
Carlo T. Guidoboni
Auto. Mech., Basic Mech., Geom.
Roland W. Holmes
English III
Jeanette C. Jacques
French I, II, and III
Helen C. Johnson
Typing .I and II, Bkkp. II
Elizabeth C. Kelly
Bkkp. I, Business Economics
Virginia Kingman, Mrs. Household Arts
Nellie R. Locklin College Preparatory Math.
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