USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1939 > Part 7
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esting plot development will be encouraged. A few changes in variety have been substituted, which, in the long run, will prove more satisfactory.
At Willow, reconstruction in widening the head of Fort Street was a long process, but damages have been repaired, new plantings accomplished and it is expected this will con- tinue to be a spot of quiet retirement valued especially by nearby residents. Fort Phoenix has lost many of its pic- turesque cedars from time to time, the devastation hastened by the hurricane. It is hoped the coming season to start some young trees, that the unique character of this rocky promontory may be preserved for the future.
The North End, Livesey Park, has been used this Summer as a ball diamond, but it is in need of further conditioning before an acceptable playground is available. The plot sur- rounding the Memorial Boulder, more nearly finished, was turned over to the Department with appropriate exercises on July Fourth and accepted by Mr. Duval. Both trees and shrubs have been planted, so that when seeded in the Spring it should be a distinct addition to that section of the Town.
Some malicious depredations always have to be recorded ; policing on Halloween has become a necessary precaution. Repair and replacement of seats, posts, apparatus, shrub- bery and lawn is expensive. Cannot a stronger arm of the law and a more developed civic responsibility solve the prob- lem ?
The playgrounds have been continued as outlined in Mrs. Dutton's report below, and in spite of some question as to their value in a seashore town your Board feels have a very real value for many to whom the beach is not accessible. "Members of the Fairhaven Park Board :
A total registration of 1200 names for the Playgrounds was about the same as the previous year with a daily aver- age slightly higher. Activities similar to other years were carried on throughout the season. The hope that regular playground activity might be resumed at North Fairhaven was doomed to disappointment. The area was not in proper shape, and all the equipment removed when the WPA project was started, had disappeared; swings, giant stride, basketball stops, etc., were not to be found, and the children were thus without even apparatus a second summer.
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Miss Gertrude Duval assisted at the Anthony playground a second summer, and Mrs. Rogers continued at East Fair- haven. These centers were open three half days each and both recorded a higher daily average than for 1938. James Hayes, the former North End leader, assisted three after- noons weekly in Cushman Park activities.
In October your Playground supervisor attended the National Recreation Congress in Boston, where over 1200 men and women met to consider the recreational needs of America. All branches of Government were represented, federal, state, county and municipal. It was a thrilling, non- institutional approach of a representative body of American citizens, earnestly endeavoring to work cooperatively to for- ward one of the significant forces in American life-the recreation movement.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL OBER DUTTON.
The report on Parks and Playgrounds by The Bingham Survey Associates was welcomed as the unprejudiced judg- ment of competent men of wide experience and outlook. In so far as deemed at present practicable the advised sugges- tions will be gladly acted upon.
MABEL L. POTTER, Chairman ARSENE G. DUVAL HAROLD B. DUTTON, Secretary
Report of the Town Physician
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen.
Town of Fairhaven, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
"Around, around she goes and where she stops, nobody knows" is a phrase coined by a popular radio announcer but to those of us who are closely connected with the Welfare problems, it seems equally applicable to the future of the Welfare Department in Fairhaven.
Last year I reported an increase of 394 visits over a similar period in 1937 and in 1939 there was an increase of 86 visits over the total in 1938. The figures over a ten year period from 1930 to 1939 inclusive is of interest:
The total visits made by the Town Physician in 1930 was 323
"
"
" 1931 was 419
1932 was 724
"
"
"
"
=
=
"
"
.
1938 was 1704
"
"
"
" 1939 was 1790
=
"
1933 was 1427 1934 was 1696 1935 was 2803
„, 1936 was 2215 1937 was 1310
Many cases which are treated by the Town Physician are not aided by the Town in any other way; they are able to pay, for rent, fuel, and clothing, but are unable to afford medical care. The total calls in any one year does not include all individuals treated, as very often two or more in the same family receive treatment and medicines. I have treated as many as seven in one family at one visit but it is recorded as but one call. An estimate of the number of individuals treated while making the total of 1790 visits in 1939 would undoubtedly approximate 2,000. In spite of the fact that this large number of patients were treated, the Welfare office reports that only 371 prescriptions were filled at the drug stores. This would leave a total of 1,629 patients who did not have prescriptions filled but received medicines pro- vided from the "stock" of the Town Physician at no cost whatever to the town and a most conservative estimated saving of over $700.00 to the Town.
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Fairhaven has the smallest drug store bill of any town of its size in New England and pays the Town Physician the small- est salary of any town of its size in any of the New England states as shown by the town reports received from the vari- ous towns in these States. The small amount of the drug store bills is because of the fact that the Town Physician pro- vides the greater part of all remedies given, from his own "stock" instead of writing a prescription which would be paid for by the town.
On page 175 of the Bingham Survey may be found the following: "further savings accrue to the town because of medicines frequently provided by the doctor himself. The. Town Physician is particularly helpful in obtaining medi- cines for clients."
CHARLES E. P. THOMPSON, M.D.,
Town Physician.
SCHOOL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN MASSACHUSETTS
IRHA
OF
EN
TOWN
ASS.
INCORPOR
TOWN HALL
22 - 1812.
TED
FEB
FOR THE
Year 1939
THE A. E. COFFIN PRESS-PRINTERS NEW BEDFORD, MASS.
1940
School Calendar
1940
Tuesday, January 2
Wednesday, February 21
Monday, March 4
Schools re-open
Friday, April 19
Holiday
Friday, April 26
Schools close
Monday, May 6
Schools re-open
Thursday, May 30
Holiday
Friday, June 21
Elementary Schools close
Wednesday, June 26
Thursday, June 27
High School Graduation Eighth Grade Promotion Exercises
SUMMER VACATION
Monday, September 9
Schools re-open
Monday, November 11
Holiday
Wednesday noon, November 27
Thanksgiving recess
Monday, December 2
Schools re-open
Friday, December 20
Schools close
CHRISTMAS VACATION
Monday, December 30
Schools re-open
1941
Wednesday, January 1
Holiday
NO-SCHOOL SIGNAL
2-2
The signal at 7:15 A. M. indicates no forenoon session for the first seven grades.
The signal at 12:45 noon indicates no afternoon session for the first seven grades.
The no-school signal, does not apply to the high school or eighth grade.
Schools re-open
Schools close
School Committee
Orrin B. Carpenter Frank M. Babbitt William B. Gardner George F. Braley Mrs. Elizabeth M. Knowles
John S. Rogers
Term expires 1940
Term expires 1940
Term expires 1941
Term expires 1941
Term expires 1942
Term expires 1942
CHAIRMAN William B. Gardner, 35 Union Street
SECRETARY AND SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Flavel M. Gifford, 51 Green Street
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CLERK Beatrice DeCoffe, 212 Main Street
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE HOURS
Town Hall
8:30-9:00 A.M .- Every school day. 4:00-5:00 P.M .- Every school day.
The Superintendent's office is open with a clerk in charge daily from 9:00-12:00 and 1:30-5:00, except Saturdays when it is open only in the forenoon.
Telephone at Town Hall, Fairhaven-3891 (Dial 3-1241)
Telephone at residence, 51 Green Street-4884 (Dial 2-1355)
Report of the School Committee
To the Citizens of Fairhaven:
Herewith is submitted the annual report of the School Committee for the year ending December 31, 1939.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT (Elementary Schools)
Including also General Control, High School and Private School Transportation, and Adult Alien Education.
RECEIPTS
Town Appropriation
$ 98,440.00
H. H. Rogers Trust Fund
3,767.67
Edmund Anthony, Jr. Trust Fund
250.00
Pease Fund
188.96
County Dog Fund
1,300.91
Total
$103,947.54
EXPENDITURES
General Control
$
4,990.58
Superintendent's Salary
$ 3,593.36
Other Expense
1,397.22
Instruction
$ 74,591.85
Teachers' Salaries
$69,785.30
Text Books
2,269.09
Supplies
2,537.46
Operation and Maintenance
$ 15,763.41
Janitors' Salaries
$ 7,431.72
Fuel
3,065.51
Misc. Operating Expense
2,189.96
Repairs and Replacement
3,050.95
New Equipment
25.27
Other Agencies
$ 8,591.84
Transportation : Public Schools
Parochial Schools
$ 5,129.33 425.00
5
Health (School Nurse)
1,500.00
Tuition
155.75
Insurance
751.02
Sundries Adult Alien Education
410.69
Total Expenditures Unexpended Balance
$103,937.68
9.86
Total Receipts
$103,947.54
FINANCIAL STATEMENT High School (Except Transportation) RECEIPTS
Town Appropriation H. H. Rogers Trust Funds
$ 37,190.00
17,846.96
Total
$ 55,036.96
EXPENDITURES
Instruction
$ 41,525.01
Teachers' Salaries
$37,332.33
Text Books
1,981.95
Supplies
2,210.73
Operation, Maintenance, and Outlay
$ 12,927.89
Janitors' Salaries
$ 6,375.02
Fuel
1,803.70
Misc. Operating Expense
1,965.63
Repairs and Replacement
1,961.58
New Equipment
821.96
Other Agencies
$ 580.99
Health (Physician) Sundries
$ 350.00
230.99
Total Expenditures Unexpended Balance
$ 55,033.89
3.07
Total Receipts
$ 55,036.96
220.05
6
FINANCES
The income this year from trust funds was practically the same as estimated. Reports just received from the Trustees indicate that the income will be about the same in 1940, and we are consequently figuring the appropriation requirement on this basis.
REPAIRS
The Committee expended a total of $5,012.53 for re- pairs during the year. Many repairs have been those minor ones which occur unexpectedly at the time but which we know must be expected and allowed for in the yearly esti- mate. Among the major items have been:
Re-tubing and re-conditioning High School boilers. New ceilings in six rooms at Tripp School.
Painting exterior of Washington St. School.
Re-flooring four rooms in High School apartment.
BUDGETS FOR 1940
The following budgets are submitted in a short form. More detailed budgets, however, have been presented to the Finance Committee for their consideration.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Expended 1938
Expended 1939
Budget 1940
General Control
Instruction
$ 5,129.84 74,475.29
$
4,990.58 74,591.85
$ 4,770.00 74,430.00
Operation,
Maintenance and
New Equipment
15,363.91
15,763.41
16,350.00
Other Agencies, (inc. Sundries
and Out of State Travel)
8,175.87
8,591.84
10,250.00
Total
$103,144.91
$103,937.68
$105,800.00
From Outside Sources
5,551.16
5,507.54
5,500.00
From Appropria- tion
$ 97,593.75
$ 98,430.14 $100,300.00
7
The increase in the budget for "Other Agencies" over 1939 principally is caused by an increase of about $300.00 in the expenditures for transportation of Sconticut Neck pupils, an increase of $758.98 in insurance premiums of 1940, and an increase of about $500.00 to continue the Adult Alien Education Classes for 50 sessions compared to 24 in 1939.
HIGH SCHOOL
Expended 1938
Expended 1939
Budget 1940
Instruction
$ 39,907.49
$ 41,525.01
$ 42,025.00
Operation,
Maintenance and
New Equipment
13,417.92
12,927.89
13,425.00
Other Agencies (inc. Sundries)
952.89
580.99
970.00
Total
$ 54,278.30
$ 55,033.89
$ 56,420.00
From Outside Sources
19,594.14
17,846.96
18,000.00
From Appropria- tion
$ 34,684.16
$ 37,186.93
$ 38,420.00
The Committee hopes to employ an additional teacher for the next school year so that more household arts work may be offered the girls. A major improvement item which should be undertaken is the reconstruction of a part of the high school chimney. At present the flue extends under the boiler room floor and forced draft is required.
THE BINGHAM SURVEY
The Committee has noted with satisfaction the favor- able comment of the Survey in regard to the school staff and to many details of the school system. Our desire is to con- tinue to fulfill the responsibility and merit the confidence placed in us by the citizens of the Town. We are aware, however, that there is a need for many repairs and improve- ments suggested by the Survey. Some have been postponed from time to time hoping for a more favorable financial situation.
8
We have recently authorized a thorough independent investigation by a reliable contracting firm to determine what repairs and changes should be undertaken during the next three years. The report makes definite recommenda- tions including repairs to roofs, floors, ceilings, partitions, toilets, heating, plumbing, and ventilating system, electric wiring, and windows. It lists desirable outlays for painting and mason work. It recommends several changes affecting the safety of pupils. It recommends the removal rather than repair of the towers on the Washington Street and Rogers Schools. A summary of the estimated cost for each school is as follows:
Rogers School
$ 6,048.00
E. Fairhaven School
1,113.00
Washington St. School
1,427.00
Job C. Tripp School
2,416.00
Ed. Anthony Jr. School
2,070.00
Oxford School and Portable
3,558.00
High School and Addition
5,549.00
Total
$22,181.00
The School Committee is of the opinion that the time has come to put things in the proper condition and recom- mends that the Town appropriate at the Annual Town Meet- ing the sum of $12,000.00 for the most necessary work to be done this year and that the balance be appropriated in 1941 and 1942.
A number of minor changes mentioned in the Survey have already been made. Classroom lighting has been im- proved by the use of bulbs of higher wattage. Shades have been renewed in three high school classrooms, and some work has been done on conductor pipes.
We have studied the recommendations of the Survey in regard to a purchasing agent who would act for all the Boards of the Town. While we believe it would not be prac- ticable for such an officer to purchase textbooks and some educational supplies, we are willing to cooperate in such a plan for purchases of material such as coal, janitor supplies, furniture, and other miscellaneous items.
9
The Committee notes the severe criticism of the inside fire escape at the Rogers School. This whole matter, how- ever, was gone over with the State Building Inspector at the time of the installation. After careful study of the situation the Inspector reported that an outside fire escape here would be impracticable for children. He assured us that he con- sidered the present exit safe.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. Charles F. Prior, who had served as our Superin- tendent of Schools since 1912, notified us of his intention to retire from active service as of August 31, 1939. The pres- ent high standing of our schools is due to his untiring efforts, his high professional standards, and his keen interest in the cause of education. The Schools and the Town have profit- ed well by his twenty-seven years of work among us, and his resignation was received with regret by the Joint School Committee of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett. The best wishes of the Committee and the townspeople continue with Mr. Prior in his retirement.
Mr. Flavel M. Gifford was elected to fill the position of Superintendent of Schools and began his duties here on September 1, 1939.
IN CLOSING
The School Committee appreciates the work that is be- ing done by the entire school staff and the eagerness of each member to work for the good of all concerned. The Com- mittee wishes to see the schools serve the Town so well that the present spirit of cooperation between them and the pub- lic may be continued.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM B. GARDNER, Chairman MRS. ELIZABETH M. KNOWLES ORRIN B. CARPENTER GEORGE F. BRALEY FRANK M. BABBITT JOHN S. ROGERS
Fairhaven School Committee
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Fairhaven:
I present herewith my first annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools. In these first few months I have found much to admire in the school system. The teachers and principals are capable and cooperative, and the work of the schools is progressing normally. There seems to be a fine spirit among teachers and pupils which speaks well for both the Schools and the Town. The condition of the school sys- tem, its personnel and organization, its well chosen textbooks and equipment, its courses of study and pupil activities, all reflect honor upon the School Committee and upon Superin- tendent Prior whose long term of service closed with his re- tirement August 31, 1939.
ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
School Year
1936-37
1937-38 1938-39
Total Membership
2363
2277
2279
Average Membership
2160
2102
2066
Percentage of Attendance
93.6
93.6
94.1
The total membership for 1938-39 shows a slight gain over the figure for the preceding year. This, however, is not as reliable a figure for comparative purposes as the fig- ure for average membership. The latter indicates a decline of 36 pupils. Our enrollment of 2,028 on October 1, 1939 indicates a continuation of the same trend. The change is chiefly in the elementary schools with the high school re- maining about the same. This warrants serious considera- tion of some reorganization in the elementary schools and the possible elimination of one or more classrooms.
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
American Education Week was observed throughout the country during the week beginning November 5. Parents and townspeople were invited to visit our schools in regular session, but a rather small number attended. An open night was held in each school from 7:00 to 9:00 P. M. when
11
parents and others were invited to meet teachers in their classrooms and see some of the class work. This part of the observance was particularly successful. Many fathers and mothers visited the schools and went away with a better understanding of the teachers and the work that is being done.
On Tuesday evening, November 7, the public was in- vited to a meeting sponsored by the Fairhaven-Mattapoisett Teachers' Association. There was a musical program by the Glee Club under the direction of the Music Supervisor, Miss Agnes T. Santry, and selections by the High School Orches- tra directed by Mr. F. William Kempf. Dr. Payson Smith of Harvard University gave an inspiring address on some of the problems of education. The meeting was well attend- ed and was enjoyed by all.
THE HIGH SCHOOL
You will note in the High School Principal's report that the decrease in enrollment has been small and the average number of pupils per teacher is almost at the maximum per- mitted a Class A High School. An enrollment of 25 pupils per high school teacher is considered more advisable and we should take a step in that direction. As most necessary I should recommend the employment of a teacher for house- hold arts work of which we offer so little at present.
The Principal of a high school like ours has far more work to do, more details to supervise, more pupil and teach- er problems to solve than is generally appreciated. There are so many demands upon his time that some duties have to be slighted, postponed, or omitted. Mr. Downing is do- ing commendable work under present conditions. He should, however, be given adequate assistance to permit him to or- ganize the school for greater usefulness. It is not economi- cal for him to teach a class regularly at twice or more the cost of a teacher's services. I believe the Committee might well add another teacher so that duties could be more effi- ciently assigned. Additional responsibility could be given the Assistant Principal, more work could be done in advising with pupils, something might be done in placement work, and also, what is quite necessary, more actual classroom su- pervision for the purpose of improving instruction.
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ROGERS SCHOOL
A decrease in the enrollment made it advisable to close one classroom and combine the two fifth grades in one room beginning in September. Programs have been given from time to time in the assembly hall including plays, musical numbers, and motion pictures of educational value. A school paper has been published by the pupils.
JOB C. TRIPP and EDMUND ANTHONY, JR. SCHOOLS
Safety Posters from these schools were highly com- mended by Mrs. Ina Curley, Supervisor of Safety Education, when she visited the schools last January. Some were re- quested for use in an exhibit held later in Boston.
Worthwhile educational programs have been conducted by the pupils of the Tripp School in their Assembly Hall every Friday morning. The first four grades alternate with the upper three and the benefit, especially to the partici- pants, is very desirable.
In the Anthony School the vacant classroom has been used as a library. The Millicent Library has provided the school with about 500 books and each grade spends one period a week learning how to select and use these books.
EAST FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL
The small enrollment of pupils in this school permitted the closing of one classroom this year. The room is found useful for library and other work.
All of the sixth grade pupils earned 150-hour F. J. I. A. badges in civic work during the year. Other items of inter- est include tournaments for upper grade pupils, spelling bees to stimulate interest in spelling, and programs stressing fire prevention and safety.
WASHINGTON ST. SCHOOL
The Principal reports that interest in music has in- creased. Besides giving a short musicale the pupils have taken part in other musical programs and an orchestra of
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twenty pupils has been assembled. This is particularly note- worthy since only the first four grades attend the Washing- ton Street School.
This school again won the book prize given by the Mothers' Club to the school selling the most milk tag tickets.
OXFORD SCHOOL
The safety of school children is a matter of great con- cern to all of us. To minimize the street hazards involved twice a day at dismissal time the Principal has instituted "block dismissal." Teachers accompany four lines of pupils to the corners of the school block and to the corners of the block across the street. The traffic near the Oxford School at the junction of Main, North Main, and Adams Streets is very heavy and the Police Department's cooperation at dis- missal periods is greatly appreciated.
The Special Class was visited December 4 by Mr. Philip G. Cashman, Supervisor of Special Schools and Classes. He commented favorably on the variety and quality of the hand- work done by the pupils. Some of this work was exhibited at the Grange Fair in September and received a special prize ribbon.
ADULT ALIEN EDUCATION
Adult Alien Education Classes, formerly called "Amer- icanization Classes," were established in October in accord- ance with General Laws, Chapter 69, Section 9, and have been meeting two evenings a week in the Oxford School un- der the direction of Clarence E. MaGuire. Eighty men and women enrolled the first night and the enrollment increased in a week to 140. Instead of two teachers as planned, we have had to employ five regularly as the interest in the classes has been high and the attendance regular. The classes will continue until fifty have been held, and it is ex- pected that they will be reorganized in October, 1940. The Town will be reimbursed for 50 percent of the teachers' salaries.
Aliens eighteen years of age and older are eligible and our membership ranges from 18 to 72 years. Members are classified according to their ability to read and speak Eng-
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lish and are assigned to classes accordingly. The purpose of the classes is to teach the English language and to prepare men and women for constructive citizenship in our democ- racy. Particular instruction is given in the details of Amer- ican history and government.
Up to date the attendance has been highly satisfactory with a record of over 90 percent. This has continued in spite of bad weather, advanced age, long hours of daily work, and the necessity in some cases of walking several miles to the school. Several members became citizens at the last session of the Superior Court in New Bedford but are continuing to attend these classes just the same.
HEALTH EXAMINATIONS
I have received a report of the thorough examination of all High School pupils by Dr. Charles E. P. Thompson, School Physician. Many defects are included such as defec- tive vision, defective hearing, irregular hearts, cryptic ton- sils, diseased adenoids, nutritional defects, and others. Parents in each case have been notified and copies of the full report have been sent to the School Nurse, the Physical Di- rectors, and High School Principal.
Dr. Thompson writes, "It is my practice to periodically interview the parents and children whose names are in my report and to check up throughout the entire school year as to corrective methods adopted. I consider this is one of the duties of the School Physician." This thorough work in the High School is commendable. We should arrange for more examinations of this kind in the elementary grades, and I hope that the Committee can do so in the near future. In all health work the School Nurse cooperates and I refer you to her report which is included herewith.
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