USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plymouth > Town annual report of the officers of the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts for the year ending 1959 > Part 32
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Textbooks, Film Library, etc. $4,921.81
Lighting Renovations at the Senior High School 972.28
Science Equipment 2,164.12
The complete list can be found in the Financial State- ment of the School Department.
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School Plant Improvements
The following improvements were made in the school buildings during 1960:
Junior - Senior High School
Gymnasium balcony converted to storage room.
Parking area extended and graded.
Fluorescent lighting installed in several classrooms. Pneumatic control system repaired.
Storage cabinets were built in manual training room.
Fencing installed at junior high entrance.
Burton School
Five new exit doors built and installed.
New bulkhead constructed.
Hedge School
Drinking fountains and janitors' sinks installed.
Mt. Pleasant School
Radiator traps repaired.
Faculty Retirements
Two teachers retired in 1960 after many years of service in Plymouth :
Mrs. Lydia J. Gardner, Head of the Business De- partment in the High School, has taught in Plymouth for thirty-one years. Mrs. Gardner has been an outstand- ing teacher. She will be missed in the Plymouth High School, but she is wished much happiness in her retire- ment.
Mr. Arthur G. Pyle, Head of the History Department in the High School, has taught in Plymouth for twenty- nine years. He has been a valuable member of the faculty as well as a friend to his students. Mr. Pyle is wished success in his continued association with the Plimoth Plantation.
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Staff Resignations
Mr. Chester V. Sweatt, Superintendent of Schools, resigned from the Plymouth school system to accept a position as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Quincy. Mr. Sweatt carried with him the good wishes of the School Department in his new position.
Charles T. Harrell - High School
George M. Murphy - High School Mrs. Mary C. Pence - Junior High School
Mrs. Arlene M. Furtado - Cornish School Francis R. Verre - Cornish School Mrs. Ann M. Tosi - Hedge School Enzo J. Monti - Manomet School
Miss Roberta F. Jones - Jr. - Sr. High (gym)
Mrs. Ethel G. Shiff - Elementary (gym) Miss Ellen Rasmussen - Cornish School
In conclusion may I urge the residents of Plymouth to continue their support of their schools, for an educated society is the only answer for the future of our country.
Respectfully submitted,
SPENCER H. BREWSTER, Chairman MARY M. DOLAN, Secretary ALTON S. CAVICCHI
HARRY F. DOYLE JANE GELLAR SAMUEL K. STEWART
Plymouth School Committee
F. EDWARD NICOLAS Acting Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Plymouth High School experienced some changes in 1960. Some of these were of a positive nature and others must be placed in a negative category. It should be pointed out, however, that where the high school is con- cerned, a proposed step may be taken only after considera- tion of three questions :
1. What effect will it have on the existing high . school ?
2. What will this do to the junior high school with which we have not only the usual academic ties but the close bond brought on by living in the same house, as it were, and the disadvantages resulting from the common use of inadequate facilities ?
3. Is this in keeping with the proposed educational plan for the new high school ?
By assigning the 7th grade to the afternoon session it has been possible to continue the same courses pre- viously offered at the high school level. In 1961, however, it will be necessary to take two rooms previously used by the junior high school. To continue the same program in 1962, without additions of any kind, more room will be needed for high school use. The expedient of taking over rooms formerly used for junior high school pur- poses, partially solves the housing problem for the high school but results in the creation of a problem for the junior high.
If we are to meet already existing needs there are three areas in which a reduction in class size is impera- tive: (1) Science, (2) Foreign Language, (3) Home Arts. Pressing in these areas is the need for more adequate
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laboratory space and more instructors. In order to get the former it would be desirable to transform some pres- ent classrooms into laboratories. The result would be a decrease in the number of classrooms and a necessary increase in the size of classes, instead of the needed de- crease - a perfect example of "robbing Peter to pay Paul."
The guidance services in the school have been ex- panded to a degree. However, until such time as the full complement of personnel is available, much must remain in the blueprint stage. It is encouraging to see the rapid pace at which services have been made available to stu- dents as a direct result of the close working relationship between administration and guidance personnel.
It is a source of satisfaction to note from reports which have come to us from technical schools and some colleges that the decision to establish a course in Me- chanical Drawing was a wise one. Those of our former students who have had occasion to use the skills acquired have attested to the soundness of the training received.
Two innovations were introduced during the year and they appear to have merit. The first involves a se- lected group of sophomores who have been assigned to a special course in Home Arts and Shop. While only a few students can enroll in the course, it is already obvious that a need is being served. The second has to do with the third and fourth years of College Mathematics. A serious attempt has been made to set up classes on the basis of ability (proved by performance) grouping. This, of course, is the first step leading toward acceleration in the form of advanced courses for the able who are willing to undergo the necessary discipline demanded by work at this level.
The Student Activities Society of Plymouth High School continues to add to its already considerable repu-
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tation. Requests for information about the organization come to us from other schools in increasing numbers. Our representatives to statewide Student Government Days, to the Tufts Youth Conference, and at regional group meetings have enhanced the prestige of the school. The decision of the student body, spearheaded by their officers, to design and adopt a standard school ring has demonstrated the high level of efficiency at which the organization can work. The organization has had added to its responsibilities the coordinating of all the social and political (election of officers and representatives) activities of the school. This is a task of considerable im- portance and has been executed in a most satisfactory manner. The effective manner with which the organiza- tion has cooperated with the faculty in some areas of self discipline is a source of encouragement to those who de- sire to see expanded activity in this respect.
An annual report from this office would be incom- plete unless it contained a word of praise for the faculty of Plymouth High School. As I have said repeatedly, Plymouth is indeed fortunate in its corps of high school teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
LAWRENCE M. BONGIOVANNI
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The extremely serious congestion problem which has existed in this school for several years reached an all time high this past September when 806 pupils were enrolled. It became absolutely necessary to introduce double sessions. 543 pupils were enrolled in the morning session which runs from 7:55 A.M. to 1:09 P.M. and consists of the students in grade nine, grade eight, and the Special Class. The enrollment in the afternoon ses- sion which runs from 1:15 P.M. to 4:55 P.M. and con- sists of the students in grade seven was 263. In order to put this program into operation it was necessary to re- duce the number of periods per day in both sessions from seven to six. This change was made possible by eliminating the activity period.
As eleven additional faculty members were added to the staff the average class size has been considerably re- duced, thus creating a much more wholesome teaching- learning situation. This tends to alleviate the loss of a daily period in both sessions and the shortening of the length of the periods in the afternoon session.
Grade nine classes vary the most in size because of electives. At the present time the range is from twenty- two to thirty-five students. In grade eight the class size varies from twenty-five to thirty and in grade seven from twenty-five to twenty-nine pupils. Previous to this year many classes contained forty or more pupils.
It will be necessary to continue the double sessions next year as the enrollment of this school will be approxi- mately the same and the senior high school, because of increased enrollment, will need two classrooms now used by the junior high school.
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January 1960
Grade 9
184
5
Grade 8
242
7
Grade 7
255
7
Special Class
34
2
715
21 classes
January 1961
Grade 9
250
8
Grade 8
256
9
Grade 7
263
10
Special Class
33
2
802
29 classes
September 1961
Grade 9
256
9
Grade 8
263
9
Grade 7
253
10
Special Class
36
2
808
30 classes
Guidance services have been considerably increased. The two staff members who served as guidance counselors previous to this year were each required to teach three academic classes a day. They have been relieved of all teaching assignments, thus giving the school two full time guidance counselors. The addition of a director of guidance to the school system has also helped improve the program. More time for individual counseling and testing is now available. Last spring a new testing pro- gram was made available in grade nine for all students who wished to participate; and this fall the grade eight testing program, which includes all grade eight students, was revised and improved.
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The crowded condition in the cafeteria has been re- lieved, as the number of students using the cafeteria in the morning session is much smaller than the number in the entire school who had to use the cafeteria last year. This has created a much more wholesome situation with adequate seating for all. Milk is provided for stu- dents during recess in the afternoon.
Certain changes have been made in the curriculum which have proved advantageous. The College Prepara- tory Curriculum in grade nine has been revised to pro- vide five major subjects for all students who wish to take them. The number of pupils taking five subjects in this area has increased from six last year to forty this year. French was made available last year in grade nine, and the number of students electing it has increased from thirty-three to sixty-one. Earth Science was introduced this fall as a new course and made available to college preparatory students. Eighteen students elected it. No science had been available to preparatory students last year. Eighty-four Business Education Curriculum stu- dents are also taking Earth Science.
The reading program in grades seven and eight has been continued and intensified. There are two groups now in both grades. This has been made possible by adding another teacher qualified for this work.
Due to the addition of eleven faculty members, two resignations, and the transfer of five teachers to the senior high school, the number of new faculty members on the staff is eighteen. This represents forty-one per cent of the entire teaching personnel of the school. One additional teacher for grade nine will be needed next September because of the anticipated increase in the number of students taking five major subjects.
Because of the increased enrollment, the increase in the size of the staff, and the double sessions, it became
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necessary to establish the position of assistant principal. Mr. William Gault, Jr. was appointed to this position.
The teachers and pupils have adjusted themselves very well to the double sessions. The new faculty mem- bers have entered into the school program with relative ease. Plymouth is indeed fortunate to have retained so many fine teachers and to have obtained so many good new teachers. The student body has certainly cooperated during this period of change and is indeed proud of its achievements.
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation of the faculty, secretarial staff, custodians, and cafeteria em- ployees of the Junior High School. Without their com- plete cooperation and assistance the level of success achieved would have been impossible.
Respectfully submitted,
LORING R. C. MUGFORD
Principal
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
At this time, the so-called "Space Age" when much emphasis is being placed on the identification of the talented, it is fitting that the Plymouth School Commit- tee has made provision for the appointment of a Director of Guidance and an expanded guidance program. The Guidance Staff is composed of the following personnel :
Director of Guidance - Edwin E. Calvin
Senior High School Counselors -
Mrs. Hector Patenaude Mr. Edwin Calvin
Junior High School Counselors -
Mr. William Gault, Jr. Miss Muriel P. Carlson
Mention was made above of "identification of the talented"; one of the objectives of the guidance depart- ment is to help every pupil, through personal interview and interpretation of tests, to understand his strengths, weaknesses, aptitudes and interests, and to provide him with whatever assistance needed in working out his pro- gram and plan for the present and future. This plan- ning covers several areas: personal-social, educational, and vocational.
Since the guidance and testing program covers grades one through twelve, this report will consider activities at three levels : the elementary, the junior high, and the senior high schools.
At the elementary level, school ability tests are ad- ministered in the fall in grades one, three and five; in the early spring, achievement tests are given to grades four, five and six. Interpretation of the rsults of these tests
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and study of grades achieved by elementary pupils aid the guidance staff and principals in pupil placement in seventh grade.
Twice a month the Plymouth school system has the professional services of Dr. Vardack, psychiatrist from the Judge Stone Clinic. In all of the elementary schools, Miss Swett, the School Nurse, provides the liason between Dr. Vardack and the elementary principals. This service is of great value in that it offers assistance to principals and teachers in understanding and managing pupils' be- havioral and emotional problems.
In the junior high school this year, we have instituted up-to-date batteries of intelligence and achievement tests. As these tests are interpreted by the guidance staff to teachers, parents and pupils, there should be a better understanding of pupils' academic progress and place- ment.
By the end of the school year, individual conferences will have been held between all of the junior high school pupils and the guidance staff; in many instances, several conferences have already taken place with separate in- dividuals. These interviews deal with such matters as work habits, subject failure, report card honors, place- ment, school achievement, conduct, personal-social or emo- tional problems, vocational and educational information. Conferences are also held between guidance staff mem- bers and members of the administrative staff, teachers, parents, school nurses and the attendance officer. When requested, individual intelligence tests (Stanford-Binet or Wechsler) have been administered to pupils in both the junior and the senior high schools. Considerable group guidance has been conducted in the junior high school in the following areas: orientation, placement, understanding of course offerings, explanation of group testing programs (such as the National Educational De- velopment Test), class organization involving election of
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class officers, and college admission requirements. The Director of Guidance, with the cooperation of his staff and the school nurses, arranges conferences between Dr. Vardack and individuals or groups from both the junior and the senior high schools.
Relative to the testing program in the senior high school, the following tests are administered and, it is important to point out, interpreted to the students :
A battery of tests covering school ability, occupa- tional interest, reading ability, clerical aptitude and space relationships. This battery is given in the tenth grade, and in addition to interpreting the results and discussing the significance of the scores, each pupil is given a sum- mary of the scores with a comparison of his performance to that of his classmates.
The P.S.A.T. (the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). This can be regarded as a "practice session" for the college entrance examination test described below. The P.S.A.T. is available to juniors and seniors on a vol- untary basis.
The N.M.S.Q.T. (The National Merit Scholarship Test), administered to juniors on a voluntary basis, is not only a screening device for the largest scholarship- granting program, but is an additional guide in counsel- ing students relative to their ability to undertake college- level work.
In addition to the foregoing tests administered at the high school, we have distributed materials concern- ing the College Entrance Examination Board's S.A.T. (Scholastic Aptitude Test), Achievement Tests, and Scholarship Service; through the use of check lists and announcements, a careful follow-up was instituted to in- sure proper and timely registration by the students for the tests.
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Because of the thoughtful study and careful plan- ning needed on the part of college-bound students, the Guidance Staff and Mrs. Raymond, Dean of Girls, have worked closely with these students to counsel with them in the wisest possible choice of a college in light of their interests, abilities, needs and financial status. In rela- tion to this activity, the Guidance Department aided Mr. Bongiovanni, senior high school principal, in the arrange- ment of a Parents' Night for College-Bound Seniors. This meeting was well attended and it was considered worth- while.
As an aid in counseling students with regard to their vocational training and occupational choice, the coun- selors' offices in both the junior and senior high schools have a growing library of materials on jobs and careers which are available to all pupils. This year an excellent book on career opportunities was given to every junior. Another counseling tool is the series of North- eastern University Career tape recordings.
Members of the Guidance Staff have attended state, industry, and college-sponsored meetings of guidance personnel, and have visited many colleges and schools where they have had the opportunity of becoming ac- quainted with the admissions officers.
Believing that there is a mutual responsibility shared between the school and agencies outside the school, the Director of Guidance is attempting to become acquainted with as many men as possible in businesses, professions and government. To cite one example : because Plymouth has no vocational training facilities beyond the ninth grade, it is important that we be able to place qualified students where they may learn one of a number of trades. With this in mind, the Director of Guidance has visited a number of trade schools in this area, and as of the time of this report, we have been successful in placing two boys in one of these vocational training schools.
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It is a major goal of the Guidance Department to render service not only to the pupils and staffs of the Plymouth schools but also to the community; we feel that in this first year of an expanded program that we are making good progress.
Respectfully submitted, EDWIN E. CALVIN Director of Guidance
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE CLARENCE H. MURPHY, Supervisor
Sickness
Truancy
Other
Total
Elementary Schools
45
17
19
81
Junior High School
136
69
41
246
Senior High School
39
23
21
83
Total Cases Investigated
410
Employment certificates
72
Total calls concerning investigations, employment certificates and night visits with parents re :
truancy or misbehavior
1326
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS
1957
1958
1959
1960
Certificates to minors 14-16 years
40
24
36
20
Certificates to minors 16-18 years
132
108
152
171
Totals
172
132
188
191
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SCHOOL CENSUS, OCTOBER 1, 1960
Males
Females
Totals
Persons 5 to 7 years
158
207
365
Persons 7 to 16 years
1160
1094
2254
Totals
1318
1301
2619
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT - DECEMBER 1960
ELEMENTARY GRADES
JUNIOR HIGH
SENIOR HIGH
1 2 3 4
5 6 S.C.
7 8 00
9 10
11
12 Total
Senior High
179
161
157
497
Junior High
32
261 256 249
798
Hedge
33
23
31
28
25
30
32
25
31
27
24
28
337
Cornish-Burton
26
21
26
32
27
20
25
25
32
33
18
285
Oak Street
(11
10)
(5
11)
37
Cold Spring
30
29
33
30
29
31
16
29
30
34
31
24
34
13
393
Mount Pleasant
29
26
32
25
26
35
173
(13
6)
Manomet
31
31
26
32
32
29
200
TOTALS
261
221
243
209
192 252
79
261 256 249 179 161
157 2720
Grade groups enclosed in parentheses are taught by one teacher.
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VOCAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR - ELEMENTARY
1960 has been a year of progress toward the goals set for the music program in the elementary grades.
In June a questionnaire sent to each teacher in the elementary grades formed the basis for some revisions in the course of study. In September each teacher received a list of songs to be memorized as part of the regular classroom work in music. These include folk songs, art songs, and patriotic songs that have become a traditional part of standard song literature. With a monthly song of this type for each grade, the children will have a memorized repertoire of at least sixty songs to take with them when they leave us at the end of the sixth grade.
Also, as part of the listening program, a list of well- known and worthy musical compositions has been drawn up for each grade. These thirty compositions are to be- come familiar enough to the children so that they can readily recognize them and name the composer.
The string program has constantly expanded, with fifty-three children studying violin, and one viola, at the present time. This has developed into orchestral units in each of the schools containing grades five and six.
The school glee clubs and these orchestral units have made numerous contributions in programs for the school and the community. In addition, the Cold Spring School Glee Club furnished music for the National Council of Social Studies of the N.E.A. which met at the High School Thanksgiving night under the auspices of Plimoth Plan- tation.
In answer to a demand by some of the young string players who have moved on to Junior High School, the "Plymouth Youth Orchestra" was organized November
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2. This group is available to all young people of school age who have achieved sufficient skill in playing. Its present personnel consists of ten violin, two clarinet, two flute, two trumpet, one trombone, two percussion, and two piano. The orchestra meets at the High School each Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:15. It made its debut after only four rehearsals, and shows great promise.
I am increasingly concerned by the absence of general music instruction at the junior and senior high school levels. As I meet and talk with the young people from these schools, it is obvious that they deeply feel this omission, for there is a wealth of musical ability in these grades awaiting the opportunity for further development. I hope that the time is not far distant when these two fine schools can build on the musical foundation which we are trying to establish in the first six grades.
Respectfuly submitted,
GRACE MESERVE
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ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION REPORT
Due to the fact that I have been in Plymouth such a short time, I can only state my own observations. In the Plymouth Elementary Schools the present tendency is for the classroom teacher to take a definite and active part in teaching Physical Education. In this light the Supervisor of Physical Education spends a minimum of fifteen minutes and a maximum of thirty minutes per week with each class for instruction in Physical Educa- tion, therefore making it imperative for the classroom teacher to take an active part in teaching Physical Edu- cation. In addition, the Elementary Supervisor tries to co-ordinate the major areas of Games and Contests, Self- testing exercises, Rhythms, and Conditioning Activities in order to promote a physically fit, socially minded, and creative individual with the basic skills, strengths, and coordination to cope with the more specialized activities which will follow after elementary school.
I would suggest the following improvements in this area :
1. Provide a facility for winter activities for an after-school activity program.
2. A town intramural program for grades five and six.
3. An after-school playground experience for the lower elementary grades.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT D. HASELTON
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ANNUAL REPORT OF DENTAL CLINICS January 1960 - December 1960
I hereby submit my annual report :
The usual dental examinations were given in the fall by the School Dentists and the parents notified as to the results.
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