USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1944 > Part 6
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The change in the teaching staff has been about 25% each year for 1942, 1943, and 1944. Well qualified replace- ments have become more and more difficult to obtain. We have felt obliged to raise salary schedules because of this situation and because of the higher cost of living.
A committee of the Teachers' Association presented a communication in December requesting a general raise of $200 in teachers' salaries. The School Committee did not feel that as large an amount should be added at this time but agreed to consider a general raise of $100 to be put into effect in January or as soon as practicable thereafter. It was also felt that other employees of the School Depart- ment should be similarly raised. The 1945 budget includes the cost of these salary adjustments.
Income from the High School trust funds continues to drop as indicated in the Financial Statement, and this re- quires a corresponding increase in the amount to be appro- priated.
REPAIRS
The usual miscellaneous repairs have been made in heating systems, electric wiring, plumbing, roofs, windows and machines. The Special Repairs appropriation was used as follows:
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Carpentry work in H. S. kitchen $235.81 Refinishing H. S. gym floor 184.50 Painting exterior of High School 1,876.00 Refinishing roof and side wall at East Fairhaven 312.40
$2,608.71
The School Committee wishes to continue the Special Repair Program as soon as possible and requests an ap- propriation of $5,000 for this purpose. Among the most important projects are a new flue from the High School boilers, rebuilding a part of the wall around the Stadium, painting the schoolhouse at East Fairhaven, and refinish- ing the interior of a large number of classrooms through- out the town.
The hurricane of September 14, 1944 caused dam- age to school property estimated at $1,500. The portable at the Oxford School has been repaired, window glass at the Oxford and Rogers schools replaced, and damage done by water in the Tripp School boiler room has been repaired. The Rogers school roof lost a large number of slates and the work there will be completed soon.
Hurricane damage remaining to be repaired when men and materials are available include the two weather vanes at the High School, the flag pole at the Rogers School, trees to be straightened or removed at East Fairhaven and damage to shingles, flashings and ventilators on several buildings.
CLOSING UNION STREET
The Rogers School is separated from its playground by Union Street. About 260 children cross and recross the street daily and are exposed to danger by cars and trucks. As a safety measure we would like to have the street closed to vehicular traffic between Pleasant and Chestnut Streets and we recommend that appropriate action be taken by the Annual Town Meeting. The sidewalk would be main- tained as a public way as at present, but the roadway would be closed by the installation of posts, or posts and cross- bars.
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ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES
We have published annually the total payments made to every individual or business that received money from the School Department. In 1943 this required 14 pages. If the public is sufficiently interested, we shall be glad to continue this plan. However, in this year's report we have consolidated all items under $10.00 in each classification. We can reduce the printing bill still more by consolidat- ing the amounts up to $25.00, or to some higher figure, or by eliminating the list entirely.
IN CLOSING
We call to your attention the report of the Superin- tendent of Schools and other accompanying information which has been adopted as a part of the report of the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE F. BRALEY, Chairman ORRIN B. CARPENTER FRANK M. BABBITT JOHN S. ROGERS, JR. EDITH E. ROGERS ELWYN G. CAMPBELL
School Committee
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Financial Statement
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EXPENDITURES AND 1945 BUDGET
Also General Control, Private School Transportation, Out of State Travel and Adult Alien Education.
Items
Expended 1943
Expended 1944
Budget 1945
GENERAL CONTROL
Superintendent
$ 3,861.61
$ 4,061.70
$ 4,120.00
Other Expense
1,821.93
2,015.27
2,150.00
INSTRUCTION
Teachers' Salaries
71,481.33
74,158.96
82,035.00
Textbooks
1,822.96
2,011.73
1,920.00
Supplies
2,205.09
1,616.36
2,200.00
OPERATION
Janitors
8,751.55
8,810.23
9,300.00
Fuel
3,529.48
3,872.21
3,900.00
Other Expense
2,905.79
3,407.78
3,400.00
MAINTENANCE
Repair and Replacement
900.02
799.18
700.00
OUTLAY
Buildings and Grounds
30.00
100.00
New Equipment
37.83
93.35
100.00
OTHER AGENCIES
Transportation
3,877.19
4,043.16
4,100.00
Health
1,730.57
1,830.17
2,000.00
Tuition
310.85
716.04
700.00
Insurance
607.33
83.35
85.00
Sundries
379.57
346.11
350.00
Adult Alien Education
381.00
330.00
300.00
Total Expenditures
104,604.10
108,225.60
117,460.00
Appropriation
101,600.00
103,516.83
112,660.00
Other Income
4,874.77
4,708.77
4,800.00
Total Available
$106,474.77
$108,225.60
$117,460.00
. .
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HIGH SCHOOL EXPENDITURES AND 1945 BUDGET
Items
Expended 1943
Expended 1944
Budget 1945
INSTRUCTION
Teachers
$ 42,709.19
$ 43,661.08
$ 47,020.00
Textbooks
987.42
1,023.83
1,000.00
Supplies
1,702.55
1,475.75
1,700.00
OPERATION
Janitors
7,708.82
8,112.00
8,600.00
Fuel
2,596.85
2,703.53
2,750.00
Other Expense
1,632.12
1,809.11
1,800.00
MAINTENANCE
Repair and Replacement
718.36
1,037.40
1,000.00
OUTLAY
Buildings and Grounds
343.06
300.00
New Equipment
472.27
300.00
OTHER AGENCIES
Transportation
1,264.36
1,467.11
1,780.00
Health
344.88
552.37
600.00
Tuition
57.00
26.25
25.00
Insurance
606.20
75.00
75.00
Sundries
138.97
245.22
250.00
Total Expenditures
$ 60,466.72
$ 63,003.98
$ 67,200.00
Appropriation
45,400.00
48,118.17
53,000.00
Other Income
15,598.35
14,886.80
14,200.00
Total Available
$ 60,998.35
$ 63,004.97
$ 67,200.00
SUMMARY
Elementary Schools
$104,604.10
$108,225.60
$117,460.00
High School
60,466.72
63,003.98
67,200.00
TOTAL
$165,070.82
$171,229.58
$184,660.00
From Income
20,473.12
19,595.57
19,000.00
From Appropriation
$144,597.70
$151,634.01
$165,660.00
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-
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Fairhaven:
I submit herewith my sixth annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools.
ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
School Year
1940-41
1941-42
1942-43
1943-44
Average Membership
1,894
1,787
1,637
1,556
Percent of Attendance
93.02
93.24
90.71
93.55
During the school year 1943-44 the schools were in session 178 days with an attendance record of 93.55%. An improvement in regularity of attendance is noted but a record of 95% should be attempted. An absence average of more than 5% for any school is generally due to unnecessary absence.
The downward trend in school enrollment which has been evident for the last few years may have ended. Enroll- ment in September showed a slight increase in both high and elementary schools.
"SCHOOL CARDS"
The issuance of Employment Permits, commonly called "School Cards", dropped about one-quarter from the number of 945 in 1943. The report for 1944 is as follows:
AGE
14-16
16-31
Total
Employment at Home
21
21
Other Employment
144
516
660
Total issued
165
516
681
Permits were issued to 306 boys and 375 girls. The total of 681 includes 581 issued to different minors and 100 to minors who had already been issued a card in 1944.
121
TEACHER CHANGES
I must report again, as in 1943, the loss of about one- fourth of the entire teaching staff. The list includes 2 principals, 3 supervisors, 2 high school teachers, and 12 ele- mentary teachers.
Name
Began
Left
Reason
Barbara Berg
Sept. '43
June '44
Military Leave
Arthur P. Bixby
Sept. '35
June '44
To teach in Brookline
Rose B. Caton
Sept. '24
June '44
Resigned
Marion L. Congdon
Sept. '42
June '44
To teach in Grenefield
Helen B. Cushing
Sept. '38
June '44
To teach in Brookline
Agnes T. Giard
Jan. '38
June '44
Marriage
Helena S. Kennedy
Sept. '28
June '44
Marriage
Frances J. Kirschbaum
Sept. '43
June '44
Marriage
Clare W. Lindberg
Sept. '43
June '44
To teach in Weymouth
Clarence E. MaGuire
Sept. '30
June '44
Principalship in New Bedford
Gloria O. Marshall
Sept. '42
June '44
To teach in Greenfield
Virginia S. O'Connell
Sept. '43
June '44
Anna L. Peters
Sept. '41
May '44
Resigned
Elfreda C. Samuels
Sept. '42
June '44
Further Study
Esther E. Seisig
Sept. '43
Nov. '44
To teach in Methuen
Mildred F. Smith
Sept. '39
June '44
To teach in New Bedford
Ruth R. Stone
Sept. '41
June '44
Marriage
Martha L. Wales
Sept. '43
June '44
Resigned
Catherine S. Warner
Sept. '43
June '44
Resigned
Military Leave
ORGANIZATION
The general organization of the schools remains the same except for the assignment of principals. Mrs. Helen R. Porter was transferred from a teaching position in the Tripp School to the teaching principalship at East Fair- haven. Harry Rogers was transferred from the principal- ship at East Fairhaven to the principalship of the Oxford School. The Anthony and Tripp Schools were assigned to Miss Elizabeth I. Hastings who had taught in Fairhaven for 23 years. Miss Hastings will also direct the testing pro- gram previously directed by Clarence E. MaGuire. Albert F. Ehnes, formerly principal of an elementary school in
122
Grafton, was elected principal of the Rogers School. Mrs. Ann O'D. Brow, teacher of the Special Class for 17 years, was appointed assistant principal of the Oxford School.
William T. Wood, assistant engineer at the High School, was promoted to engineer in September to take the place of Howard H. Shumway. After serving 17 years, Mr. Shumway resigned on account of his health and is now liv- ing in California.
TRANSPORTATION
The following table indicates the number of pupils be- ing transported at the close of the year :
School
Andrade
Cozy-Cab U.St.Ry. Ferguson
Total
High School
31
38
1
70
Addition
12
19
1
32
Tripp
2
6
8
Rogers
30
31
. .
..
61
E. Fairhaven
89
89
St. Joseph
30
5
13
5
53
N. B. Vocational
3
21
24
Sacred Heart
1
. .
. .
..
..
1
149
54
122
13
338
LUNCH PROGRAM
In grades one to seven almost one-half of the children are buying milk daily. The cost to the child is two cents per half-pint with the balance of the cost paid by Federal Funds. Children who cannot pay are given milk free through the Fairhaven Mothers' Club Tag Day Fund.
Grades eight to twelve are fortunate to have a well operated cafeteria where hot lunches are available as in the past. Pupils are served in two lunch periods with almost one-half of the enrollment purchasing hot plates and two- thirds taking milk. Daily sales average about $85.00 and there is additional income from Federal Funds.
123
The new lunchroom kitchen was opened for use this fall thus eliminating the difficulty caused by preparing food in the same room with a class. A cook's table, a galvanized sink and new gas stoves have been installed. Other equip- ment has been moved from the old kitchen to the new. Changes have been made in electric circuits, gas main, plumbing, and ventilation. A small adjoining room has been converted into a supply room. More equipment should be purchased when it becomes available.
THE WAR EFFORT
Pupils have done what they could to help the war effort. An unusual project this fall was the collection of milkweed pods which were packed in old onion sacks and shipped to Michigan to be used in the manufacture of life- jackets. Milkweed floss is a substitute for kapok which is now unobtainable.
The Special Class at the Oxford School has made articles to be sold for the benefit of the International Children's Fund. This work and other work of the Junior Red Cross is carried on under the general supervision of Mr. Rogers and Mrs. Brow.
Mr. Ehnes reports that the sale of War Savings Stamps in the Fairhaven schools during the fall term amounted to $5,685., an average of about 88 cents per pupil per month. December sales alone amounted to $1624. and five out of the six schools had a buying record of over 90% which en- titles them to fly the Minute-Man flag during the following month.
Waste paper collection during the fall term is reported by Mr. Ehnes as amounting to over 10 tons. Pupils of the Tripp School brought in the record average of 39 pounds per pupil.
While the specific activities reported here are for the fall term the pupils were similarly active from January to June. The schools are always ready to assist in the war effort.
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TEXTBOOKS
The textbook situation has been continually improved. New texts have been introduced throughout the elementary schools in one principal subject a year so that the annual expenditure has been about the same from year to year. The choice in each case has been preceded by a study of various texts by the Superintendent and a committee of teachers or principals.
The latest introduction is a science reading series for all grades from one to eight. New times and new know- ledge require new books. These new books are intended for instruction in reading, for understanding the world. about us, and for the development of individual interests by the children who read them.
CONCLUSION
I am pleased to report that the work of the schools is going along smoothly in spite of the many changes in principals, supervisors and teachers during the past few years. We are fortunate in being able to maintain a well qualified and loyal staff.
I am including herewith the reports of other members of the school department and a number of tables for the information of the School Committee and the citizens of Fairhaven.
Respectfully submitted,
FLAVEL M. GIFFORD
Superintendent of Schools
125
Report of High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my eighth annual report as Prin- cipal of the Fairhaven High School. The table below shows the enrollment on October 1, 1943 and on October 1, 1944.
1943
1944
Grades
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys
Girls
Total
P. G.
0
0
0
0
1
1
12
32
54
86
44
61
105
11
47
69
116
42
70
112
10
53
75
128
49
58
107
9
66
65
131
74
83
157
198
263
461
209
273
482
8
68
80
148
68
68
136
266
343
609
277
341
618
It will be seen that there has been an increase in en- rollment for the school as a whole in spite of a slight de- crease in the number of Eighth Grade pupils.
During 1944 the Fairhaven High School has provided a program that encourages young people to develop their minds, increase their knowledge, add to their skill, improve their health, enlarge their friendships, and contribute to the welfare of the community and the nation. While not every pupil has made full use of these opportunities, there has been evidence of a spirit of loyalty to the school and a will- ingness to cooperate with the faculty. Under these con- ditions it has been possible to achieve some excellent re- sults.
People naturally associate intellectual development with the work of the school. Reading, study, discussion, recitation and examination are designed to add to the store of useful knowledge and to increase ability to think and to express ideas. No one should expect these ends to be
126
reached if the means are neglected, yet some appear to do so. They hope that somehow their marks will be satisfactory in spite of unnecessary absence, neglected study, and for- gotten assignments. In so far as this is caused by immatur- ity, parents and teachers have obvious responsibilities as guides and counsellors.
More than twenty-five per cent of the class graduated in June 1944 entered advanced schools or colleges. Girls from this class received two of the three scholarships given by the New Bedford College Club. One boy received a scholarship at Williams College and a girl was awarded a scholarship by Pembroke College. The certificate privi- lege of the school remains in full force as has been the case for many years.
At the Graduation Exercises June 21, 1944 the follow- ing prizes were awarded:
The Julia A. Sears Essay Prize Marjorie Myra Terry
The D. A. R. Good Citizenship Award Ruth Besse
The Lady Fairhaven Award Ruth Besse
The Lady Fairhaven Cup Anne Elizabeth Lawton Robert Martin Mahoney, Jr.
The College Club Book Janice Braley, 1945
The Harvard Club Book
Bradford Pierce, 1945
Parts in the program were taken by the three students with highest honors: Elizabeth Louise Kobak, Ruth Besse and Adrianna Jeannette VanderPol. The address of the afternoon was ably given by Mr. Cameron Beck.
Improvement of health is a matter of vital concern to any community. Instruction in health is given at suitable
127
times in classes in civics, general science, biology, home ec- onomics and physical education. Health classes are conduct- ed in Grade Eight.
Proper nutrition has a bearing on the health of young 'people. Our new cafeteria kitchen greatly facilitates the preparation and serving of hot, wholesome, and attractive lunches. Miss Jameson reports that about three hundred fifty pupils purchase hot plates daily and many others buy milk, sandwiches, or desserts. At present some pupils are obliged to eat from trays held on their laps. The installa- tion of modern cafeteria tables with attached stools would improve the seating facilities and make easier the care of the lunch room floor.
The cooking laboratory, now available throughout the day for classes in foods preparation, has considerable obso- lete equipment that should be replaced when possible in order to provide first rate facilities for girls in this depart- ment.
Closely related to health and physical development is the athletic program. Girls under the direction of Miss La- Rochelle have classes in physical education and play bas- ketball, hockey and softball. Boys under the care of Mr. Entin have classes in physical education and play football, basketball and baseball. The gymnasium has been im- proved by the resurfacing of the floor during the summer.
The 1944 Basketball season was a satisfactory one. We won more than half of the games played and entered a team in the South Shore Tournament held in Brockton.
Thirteen Baseball games were played in 1944. Of these we won eight. This included one victory over New Bedford High School.
Our Football season this fall was very satisfactory. The team suffered one defeat and played one tie game, but it won all the other games on the schedule. This record in- cluded a notable victory over New Bedford High School on November 11. While we all realize that the playing of a team in any season may be highly commendable without such a victory, nevertheless, it was gratifying that the skill- ful coaching of Mr. Entin, the successful leadership of co- captains Young and Lopes, and the spirited team work of
128
the players should have ended the 1944 season so happily for Fairhaven.
As usual the Fairhaven Varsity Club gave the squad a banquet and this year the club also presented the letter men with silver footballs. The Fairhaven Association of Busi- ness Men recognized the fine work of the team by present- ing the letter men with sweaters.
The organization of the school has been improved by restoring the position of Dean of Girls. Miss Edith Rogers is serving with understanding and skill in this important post. When not teaching classes Miss Rogers counsels girls about attendance, school achievement, educational and vo- cational plans, and personal problems. She also talks with parents and tries to coordinate the work of the school and the influence of the home for the welfare of the pupil. Sim- ilar work for boys has been carried on in efficient manner for several years by Mr. Walter D. Wood, the Assistant Principal.
Each year the Senior class, with the assistance of Miss Margaret Siebert, publishes a year book, The Huttlestonian In 1944 the Eastern Massachusetts Scholastic Press Asso- ciation after examining and judging year books from many schools awarded first prize in Class C to The Huttlestonian.
In line with the trend to stress ability to speak and un- derstand a foreign language, oral work is receiving addi- tional emphasis in classes in French. Some use is made of suitable recordings to accustom pupils to the sound of the language. There is need of a good electric phonograph and a few more records when they can be secured to supplement the excellent spoken French of the teacher, Miss Giguere. During the summer of 1944 Miss Giguere was selected to give instruction in French to the celebrated Trapp family at Stowe, Vermont.
Classes in printing have done work for the School De- partment, the Fairhaven Ration Board, the Fairhaven Boys' Club and the American Legion, Post 166. Boys in wood- working classes have built shelves for a new food supply room and have done valuable work in repairing school equipment.
The Band, Orchestra, and Ensemble have played for a number of organizations in town and their work has re- ceived much favorable comment.
Last spring a successful production of The Mad Hat-
129
ters was given by the Senior Class under the direction of Miss Mabel Hoyle. The profit was used for the expenses of the Senior banquet and prom and for the class gift of seventy-five dollars to start a fund for the purchase of a sound moving picture projector for the school. The F. J. I. A. also gave twenty-five dollars to this fund.
Beginning this fall a course in elementary science has been added to the work of the Eighth Grade.
Many activities of the school are naturally associated with the War effort. Speakers from the Army and Navy have kept upper class boys informed of the opportunities in the various branches of the Service. Stamps and bonds are sold in every home room and a teachers' bond club en- courages regular purchases on the part of the faculty. The Student Council has made the sale of stamps and bonds one of its major interests. Another project of the Council was the mailing of Christmas cards to former F. H. S. students now in the Service. At an assembly this fall students con- tributed the money to finance the undertaking. The two- color printing was done in our own shop and the photograph of the school in winter was furnished by the Principal. The Band added its own greeting to servicemen who belonged to this organization while in school. Many letters testify to the pleasure these cards have brought to boys in many parts of the world. Boys at home on leave visit the school in considerable numbers and express their continuing interest and loyalty. During 1944 one hundred forty service men and women signed the attractive guest book of the school provided by the Student Council. The Honor Roll with about eight hundred names is revised every few months and attracts much thoughtful attention on the part of young people and adults.
Paper salvage has been carried on with renewed vigor this fall under the direction of Mr. James Parkinson who has been a member of the High School faculty for twenty- five years. The school now has its own baler and boys pre- pare the waste paper for sale. Since September, over a ton of paper has been disposed of and the money received has been added to the moving picture projector fund.
Tin salvage is carried on regularly by the F. J. I. A. with Miss Anna Malone in charge. This group also makes various articles for the American Red Cross.
130
For two years the High School Principal has served on the War Problems Committee of the Massachusetts High School Principals' Association.
Three teachers, Miss Siebert, Miss Wentzell and Miss Kenny, are giving volunteer service at St. Luke's Hospital in this period of acute labor shortage. Many pupils are work- ing part time in homes, stores and factories. This may well provide valuable work experience and a feeling of satisfac- tion because of the help given the War effort, but there is constant danger that school work will be slighted by these employed students unless there is adequate parental super- vision.
As usual this has been a year marked by understand- ing and valuable assistance on the part of the Superinten- dent of Schools and the School Committee. For this we at the High School gladly express our thanks and to the tasks ahead we pledge our best endeavors.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER M. DOWNING
Principal.
131
Report of School Physician
To the Superintendent of Schools
and Parents of School Children:
During the past four years of war we have had an op- portunity to evaluate the physical defects which have been the cause of so many rejections by the armed forces. Many of these boys did not have their physical defects corrected during their school years when they were called to the at- tention of parents by the School Physician.
Every day I note the apparent lack of interest of some parents who do not seem to care if their child has a beginn- ing deafness, or teeth which should be filled or extracted, or eyesight below normal. These defects are listed on the "Parents' Notification Slip" which is sent home with the admonition to have it signed and returned to school the next day for use by the Nurse or Physician. Children report sometimes that the parents were too busy to sign the slip. As this takes not more than five seconds, it should be worth that to any "busy parent" in terms of the child's health.
The human body is the most wonderful and intricate machine ever produced and each part must run smoothly. This cannot prevail if there are physical defects which are allowed to continue untreated. They "clog the machinery" and result in inferior work done by the "machine".
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