USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1947 > Part 5
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TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$201,760.33
$242,444.94
$275,900.00
From Income
19,123.48
18,267.95
17,600.00
From Appropriation
$182,636.85
$224,176.99
$258,300.00
100
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the Fairhaven School Committee:
I submit herewith my ninth annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
1943-44
1944-45
1945-46
1946-47
Average Membership
1,556
1,600
1,634
1,674
Percent of Attendance
93.55
94.02
94.10
94.56
Detailed information in regard to attendance and membership will be found in the accompanying tables.
TEACHER CHANGES
Name
Began
Left
Reason
Barbara A. Berg
Sept. '43
June '47
Marriage
Gertrude L. Mackinaw
Sept. '43
June '47
To teach in Brockton
Albert F. Ehnes
Sept. '44
June '47
To be Supt. in Marion
Marjorie M. Gilmore
Sept. '44
June '47
To teach in Portland, Ore.
Hazel M. LaRochelle
Sept. '44
Mar. '47
Marriage
Lucille H. Sterling
Feb. '46
June '47
To teach in Portland, Ore.
Annemarie E. Bailey
Sept. '46
June '47
Marriage
Donald G. Jones
Sept. '46
June '47
Leave of absence
Albert L. Rosenthal
Nov. '46
June '47
Substitute
Llewellyn H. Oliver
Sept. '47
Dec. '47
Resigned
While the number of changes is only half that of the previous year, the teacher supply situation is more difficult than ever. The general salary increases granted in 1947 were absolutely essential to maintain our staff. We shall probably find, however, that the minimum salary of $1,900. is too low to attract qualified beginners. The elementary maximum should be raised as soon as possible to $2,700. as it is now in the High School. We must keep open-minded in regard to the whole problem of salaries.
The Town has been fortunate in retaining the services of so well-qualified a staff of principals, supervisors and teachers.
101
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Increased enrollment has created crowded conditions in the Oxford and Rogers schools. The first grade in each school has been divided and additional teachers employed. Further increase in en- rollment in the Oxford School will mean the reopening of the port- able, which is quite undesirable, or the use of the library room in the Anthony school. Further increase in the Rogers school will require the reopening of the Washington Street schoolhouse.
Development of Sconticut Neck has aroused speculation in regard to school building needs in that area. At present there are about 105 children transported by Joseph Andrade and the Cozy Cab from Sconticut Neck to the East Fairhaven and Rogers schools. It does not appear necessary to consider a new school at the present time, but the situation should be carefully watched for future developments.
HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH ROOM
The Lunch Room has been able to continue with only a small increase in charges. Reimbursements from Federal Funds were reduced September 1 from 7 cents to 5 cents for each hot lunch served. Reimbursement on milk has been continued at 2 cents for each bottle. We have been fortunate in securing reimbursement amounting to almost the entire cost for a refrigerator, two steam tables and two food trucks. Reimbursements from Federal Funds amount to 25.3% of the total receipts as shown in the following summary of business for the year ending December 31, 1947.
Receipts
Sales (181 days)
$21,854.26
Ave. $120.74 per day
Federal Funds
4,020.60
64,530 Hot Lunches 81,480 Bottles Milk
Federal Funds
1,629.60
Federal Funds
1,749.15
Equipment
$29,253.61
Expenditures
Services
$ 5,796.20
Outlay
1,932.80
Equipment
Food and Misc.
20,547.51
Balance to Surplus
977.10
$29,253.61
102
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Practically every classroom in every school building needs re- finishing. Window shades must be replaced in many rooms. The Tripp school roof should be renewed as soon as possible. The Washington Street school house should be painted. Other work might well include repairing the stadium wall, laying bituminous concrete at the Oxford School playground and the High School tennis courts, modernizing toilets, and improvement of lighting and heating systems. To this list more items could easily be added. The School Committee might reasonably expend $10,000. or more an- nually for a number of years to repair and improve the school plants.
AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION
Audio-visual education is not really a new idea. We have al- ways had education through the use of ears and eyes. The new in audio-visual education is the use of such materials as motion pic- tures, film strips, recordings and radio. Television will undoubtedly be added.
Language alone is often abstract, and talking is not necessarily effective teaching. Likewise, showing pictures may not be always effective either, but it tends to increase interest and to make the sub- ject or the problem more meaningful. As this occurs, learning takes place.
All schools except East Fairhaven and Oxford have motion picture projectors purchased with money earned by the pupils. All schools have film strips projectors. Several schools have record players. These added facilities will become more useful as more films and records are avaliable and as teachers learn how to use them.
Miss Elizabeth Hastings, who has been appointed director of visual-education in addition to her other duties, will assist a great deal in the development of this part of our school program.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A High School Junior Band has been organized under the direction of Frank P. Gonsalves.
All principals' offices have been equipped with fluid duplicators replacing the old gelatine-roll type machines.
103
Recommendations of the Fire Underwriters Bureau inspector have been carried out.
Our buildings and boilers have been inspected and approved by the inspectors of the Department of Public Safety.
The High School Band is equipped with new uniforms. Fair- haven Post #166, American Legion, is responsible to a large degree for this accomplishment. Others to whom credit is due are the "Band Mothers", the band members themselves and the Uniform Committee consisting of Mr. Harry C. Norman, Mr. Frank Jepson, Mrs. Charles L. MacLauchlin, Mr. Chester M. Downing and Miss Elizabeth I. Hastings.
CONCLUSION
I have appreciated your continued support and confidence which you have placed in me.
Respectfully submitted,
FLAVEL M. GIFFORD
Superintendent of Schools
104
Report of the High School Principal
I present herewith my eleventh annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven High School.
The enrollment figures as of October 1, 1946 and October 1, 1947 appear below.
1946
1947
Grades
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys
Girls
Total
P. G.
0
2
2
6
()
6
12
14
53
97
52
72
124
11
59
79
138
56
67
123
10
61
74
135
68
69
137
9
69
66
135
66
96
162
H. S. Total
233
274
507
248
304
552
8
66
83
149
59
58
117
School Total 299
357
656
307
362
669
For the fourth consecutive year there has been an increase in the number of pupils enrolled in grades 8-12. The Eighth Grade which entered in September 1947 is the smallest in years, yet the entire school showed an increase of 13. In the high school grades there is an increase of 45 over the preceding year.
PUPIL-TEACHER LOAD
Increased numbers mean more classes or larger classes. At present ten high school teachers are teaching 30 periods a week and eight of these have home room duties as well. Because of the work that must be done outside of class in the way of preparation, grading papers, assisting pupils who need extra help, and keeping records, it is not considered good practice to overload teachers by scheduling a teaching assignment every period of every day. I recommend that, as rapidly as conditions permit, additional teachers be employed so that the load may be lightened. One teacher capable of handling English and French and one teacher trained in business subjects and science would take care of the most urgent needs at present.
105
WORLD WAR II VETERANS
At graduation in June 1947 seven students who were veterans of World War II and who had returned to high school to complete their course received diplomas. In October nine veterans were at- tending classes; three of these were post graduates taking refresher courses in preparation for college, and six were working for a high school diploma. Everyone agrees that the young men who served in the Armed Forces deserve an opportunity to get a good education. Our school has been able to offer real help to many veterans from this area. In addition to those who have enrolled as students, many have come to secure advice about educational plans and information about schools and colleges.
GRADUATION, JUNE 1947
The speaker at the 95th Annual Commencement was Eric Alton Ayer. The following received awards:
The Julia A. Sears Essay Prize Thomas Brennan
The D. A. R. Good Citizenship Award Priscilla Clark Winslow
The Lady Fairhaven Cup Martha Elizabeth Cummings Kenneth Slocum Pierce
The Lady Fairhaven Citizenship Award James Avery Gast The Bausch and Lomb Science Medal Elizabeth J. VanderPol
The Fairhaven Mothers' Club Scholarship Elizabeth J. VanderPol
The Mattapoisett Woman's Club Scholarship James Avery Gast The New Bedford College Club Prize Book Patricia B. Litz, '48
The New Bedford Harvard Club Prize Book Raymond Covill, '48
106
Students with highest honors: Diane Herrick, Elizabeth Vander- pol, and Priscilla Winslow had parts in the program.
The Class Gift was a sum of money amounting to over $100 which was added to $100 given by the Class of 1946 for the purchase of an impressive bronze tablet honoring those from this school who served their country in World War II and bearing the names of 25 of our boys, "Who gave their merry lives away for Country and for God."
Of the 97 graduates last June, more than 30 are continuing their education, and about half of these are enrolled in four-year degree- granting colleges.
ATHLETICS
The boys' physical education and sports program has been carried on under the competent supervision of Mr. Clement and Mr. Entin. The program for girls was ably directed by Miss LaRochelle until she left to be married and has been handled well by Mrs. Sullivan since that time.
It is admittedly difficult to find among our 242 boys in grades 9-12 enough good athletic material to produce teams that can stand the pressure of competition with larger schools and heavier teams week after week. Our football team was almost entirely without experience, but they played hard and surprisingly well, reflecting credit upon themselves and those who trained them. Unfortunately they were obliged to play another season on bare and stony ground. An effort was made to get a good crop of grass on the field for September, but there was so much delay in getting the ground ready and the seed planted that results were very unsatisfactory. Director Gilbert of the Bristol County Agricultural School has assigned one of his men to study our problem and to advise us how we may best proceed to get some good turf on our field for next fall and we shall do our best to improve the playing surface. More and more schools are being provided with a practice field other than the playing field. This is very desirable as a field like ours gets extremely hard usage from high school practice, games, gym classes, and occasional games by older players.
We have a serious problem confronting us with respect to adequate and safe seats for spectators. Our old wooden bleachers were built of second-hand lumber many years ago. They have been
107
moved on and off the field repeatedly and have been patched and repaired until their safety has been questioned. We have five sections of excellent steel bleachers which the school has bought at a cost of about $300 a section with money raised in various ways but chiefly from athletics. More of these steel stands should be pur- chased, but the high cost of goods and services necessary for carrying on an athletic program makes it almost impossible to end the year with a profit. The hope has been expressed that the Alumni would help by purchasing some new bleachers or that the community might feel disposed to make a well equipped field their memorial to the Fairhaven boys who fell in World War II. An ambitious project for a living memorial of this sort is apparently finding favor and support in Dartmouth
We are still cramped for space when it comes to basketball. Our floor is smaller than that of the newer gymnasiums, and we have too little room for spectators. This condition must continue until a larger gymnasium is built for boys gym classes and basketball games.
EQUIPMENT
Our sound motion picture projector purchased late in 1946 has been of great value in assembly programs and in providing audio- visual instruction in certain subjects. The Home Economics De- partment has borrowed many films without rental fee from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Films for classes in science, history, geography, English literature, and other subjects are be- coming more numerous and it seems likely that our projector will be used even more in the years ahead. A new sewing machine has been added to the clothing laboratory and a new gas range has been ordered to replace one that has worn out after years of use in the foods laboratory. A number of typewriters and one calculator have been exchanged for newer models in order that our typing and office practice classes may be familiar with the equipment they are likely to find in offices where they may be employed. Some new books have been added to our library and a new floor has been laid in the coaches' office.
BAND UNIFORMS
Through the generosity of Post 166 American Legion and other friends of the school, and through the efforts of the young people themselves, enough money was raised to equip our band with new
108
uniforms. Our old capes and hats have given service in sunshine and shower for about ten years and, while not entirely worn out, the linings were so ragged as to spoil the smart appearance of the band when on parade. The new uniforms consisting of wool trousers, coats and hats make a striking blue and white ensemble. They were worn at the music festivals last spring and in the Mem- orial Day parade. We are glad to express our gratitude to all who helped our young musicians secure such fine uniforms.
Incidentally the band and the vocal ensemble received high ratings at the State and New England Music Festivals again this year.
KEY CLUB - CAREER DAY
With the approval of the School Committee, a Key Club has been formed in our school. This club, the first of its kind in this section of the state, is affiliated with similar groups of boys who are leaders in their schools throughout the nation. The club is spon- sored by the New Bedford Kiwanis Club and the boys have oppor- tunities to become acquainted with some of our leading business and professional men.
One of the projects undertaken by the Key Club last spring was a Career Day. On that day about 25 men and women visited our school and spoke to groups of students who were interested in the different kinds of work they were engaged in. The idea was so helpful to the students that it is planned to hold another Career Day this year and the idea has proved so attractive that already another high school in the area has held a successful Career Day similar to ours.
CITIZENSHIP
Social, economic, and moral conditions at home and abroad in the wake of a great war force thoughtful people everywhere to pay heed to the importance of producing citizens of the right type. The American tradition makes us believe that the motto of our schools is an important fact as well as a well worn phrase, - that in very truth the noblest motive is the public good. Much as we may believe in this principle, our young people are confronted with many examples of selfishness and wrong doing. If they are to be actuated by concern for the general welfare which is indispensable in a
109
democracy, their thinking and their conduct must be influenced by teachers and parents who themselves are guided by high ideals. The home and the school must by direct instruction, by incidental teach- ing, and by worthy example bring constant pressure to bear on the young people who are forming their characters if we are to have citizens who are willing to help carry the heavy responsibilities of post war reconstruction and reconciliation.
Along with this willingness to serve there must, of course, be ability based on knowledge and skill. The task of providing a con- siderable part of this training is also an important part of the work of the school.
To carry on such a program we shall need the continued devo- tion of good and experienced teachers and we shall need to recruit some of our ablest young people to prepare themselves for teaching. All this is bound to be expensive, but the alternative of poor schools, inadequately educated youth, and indifferent citizens would be an invitation to national disaster.
The interest and assistance given by the School Committee and the Superintendent during the year have been of a high order as always and have been greatly appreciated by all of us at the High School.
Respectfully submitted,
CHESTER M. DOWNING, Principal
110
Report of School Nurse
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present herewith my fifth annual report as School Nurse.
The variety of problems confronting the school nurse lend interest to her endeavors, because they afford her an opportunity to meet families as well as the school children themselves. In these visits, this year especially, the effect of the higher costs of living are noticeable. When a recommendation is made that a diet be changed, in many cases the cost is declared to be prohibitive.
The nurse by regular checks with teachers, doctor, dentist, and parents endeavors to protect the health of the children. Schools are visited at least once a week and more often if necessary. To protect children from exposure to contagion, the pupils are urged to report to the teacher and then to the nurse for minor injuries, examination of skin condition, sore throats, etc.
Clinics are held during the year to discover defects of eyes and ears. The mental clinic for retarded children was also held. Diphtheria immunization was given under the auspices of the Board of Health.
In June there was an epidemic of chicken pox with over fifty cases reported, in November there was an epidemic of whooping cough with over forty cases reported.
All children in grades one to seven were weighed three times during the school year. In many cases there was a loss of weight from June to September.
The nurse assisted in the milk program. Pupils may purchase a one-half pint bottle at three and one-half cents. The School Milk Fund furnishes milk free to children unable to pay. The Federal Foods Distribution Administration reimburses us at the rate of two cents per bottle.
111
SUMMARY OF YEAR'S WORK
Classroom Visits
1,094
Follow up Cases
354
Office Calls 47
Referred to School Physician
12
Reported to S.P.C.C. 9
Physically Handicapped Children Reported 34
Physically Handicapped Children Home Visits 6
Accidents in School 15
Pupils for Toxin Clinic
100
DENTAL CLINIC
The School Nurse cooperates with the Board of Health Dental Clinic which is held at the Tripp School. The Board of Health is pleased to announce they have acquired the services of Dr. Edward J. Mee, who is in the clinic every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30.
Summary of Dental Work
Cleanings
155
Fillings
242
Examinations
3
Treatments
14
Extractions
35
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE F. DENNIE, R.N.,
School Nurse and
Agent of the Board of Health
112
Present Corps of Teachers
December 1947
HIGH SCHOOL
Began
Name
College
Brown Harvard
1929
Walter D. Wood, A.B., M.A.
Clark
Assistant Principal
1934 Edith R. Cromie, B.S. Dean of Girls
1947
Doris R. Boucher, B.A.
1946
Raymond G. Boyce, B.S.
1947
Mary E. Casey, B.S., M.A.
1944
Mary I. Cook, A.B.
1939
Alexander M. Clement, B.S.
1946
C. Eleanor Delaney, B.S.
1938
Earl J. Dias, A.B., M.A.
1939
Melvin Entin, B.S.
1930
Alice W. Gidley
1944 Joan R. Hall, B.S.
1928 Mabel G. Hoyle, A.B., M.A.
1941
Dorothea L. Jameson, B.S.
1933
Edith G. Kenny, A.B.
1928 Robert C. Lawton, B.S., M. Ed.
1939 Grace E. Libbey, B.S.
Burdett
Nasson
1927 Anna P. Malone, B.S.
Boston University
1919 James Parkinson
Boston Sloyd
1942 Cuthbert W. Tunstall
Fitchburg
1942
Maud O. Walker, A.B.
Boston University
1929 Marie R. Wentzell, B.S.
1942
Evelyn L. Teixeira Clerk
Rivier
Fitchburg
Bridgewater
Boston University
Wheaton
North Adams
Univ. of Maine
Bates
Boston University
R. I. State
Simmons
Keene, N. H.
Tufts
Boston University
Simmons
Brown
Northeastern
Boston University
Salem
1937 Chester M. Dowing, A.B., M. Ed. Principal
I'niv. of Vermont
113
HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION (Grade 8)
Began
Name
College
1937 Chester M. Downing, A.B., M. Ed. Principal
1943
Catherine A. Boylan, A.B.
Regis
1945
Doris D. Bruce
Bridgewater
1944 Gertrude E. Gidley
1947 Lucien O. Pichette, Ph.B.
Providence
1936 Agnes A. Smith, B.S.
Bridgewater
ROGERS SCHOOL
1947
Richard F. Smith, A.B. Principal
Calvin Coolidge
1945 Ruth B. Wilbur Assistant Principal
Bridgewater
1947
Rose C. Bettencourt
Hyannis
1944
Alma E. Denzler, B.S.
New Haven, Conn.
1921
Mary S. Fletcher
Salem
1923 Mildred R. Hall
Lyndon Center, Vt.
1946
Donald G. Jones, A.B. On Leave of Absence
Clark University
1947 Carol L. Moore, B.S.
Bridgewater
1925
Helen L. Newton
Bridgewater
1947
Llewellyn H. Oliver
Farmington, Me.
1947 Hazel L. Rogers
Framingham
1946 Cecelia M. Urquiola
Antioch
1945
Pearl E. Wilbor
Plymouth, N. H.
EAST FAIRHAVEN SCHOOL
1941
Helen R. Porter Principal
Hyannis
1947 May K. Bennett
Temple University Bridgewater
1946 Josephine A. Perry
1937 Anne Surinski, B.S.
Bridgewater
1946 Grace Willoughby
Hyannis
114
Brown
Harvard
JOB C. TRIPP SCHOOL
Began
Name
College
1921 Elizabeth I. Hastings, B.S., M.S.
Boston University
Principal
1941
Dorothy B. Rogers Assistant Principal
Framingham
1944
Lorraine D. Kelley
Hyannis
1923
Edith A. M'Namara
Framingham
1946
Elsie N. Peltz, B.S.
Bridgewater
1947
Edythe Rankin
McGill University
1945
Mary Voudouris, B.S.
Framingham
1922
Mildred E. Webb
Bridgewater
EDMUND ANTHONY, JR., SCHOOL
1942
Harry Rogers, A.B. Principal
Clark
1932
Mary Toledo
Framingham
Assistant Principal
1945
Edith I. Gardiner
Wheelock
1946
Norah C. Mahoney
Bridgewater
1946 Mary E. Minardi, B.S.
Hyannis
1946 Ruth N. Parker
Hyannis
1945 Hester E. Quigley
Boston College
1947 Ellen E. Rex, B.S.
Bridgewater
OXFORD SCHOOL
.
1942
Harry Rogers, A.B. Principal
Clark
1927 Ann O'D. Brow Assistant Principal
Bridgewater
1944
Eleanor M. Chace, B.S.
Bridgewater
1922
Caroline R. Gilmore, B.S.
Bridgewater
1943
Agnes T. Gleason
Hyannis
1944 Mary A. Jerome, B.S.
Bridgewater
1943 Alice R. Mackenzie
Framingham
1944 Edna M. Stowe, B.S.
Hyannis
1947 Hazel W. Thompson
Bridgewater
1947 Elina D. Walker
Fitchburg
115
SUPERVISORS AND SPECIAL TEACHERS
Began
Name
College
1944
Marguerite A. Johnson Supervisor of Vocal Music
N. E. Conservatory
1921
Elizabeth I. Hastings, B.S., M.S. Supervisor of Instrumental Music Director of Audio-Visual Education Ruth K. Doherty, B.S. Supervisor of Art
Boston University
1946
Mass. School of Art
1947
Ann C. Sullivan Supervisor of Physical Education
Posse-Nisson
1939
Mary A. Smith Adult Alien Education
Herricks Institute
1927
Clarence W. Arey Director of Band and Orchestra
1945 Frank P. Gonsalves Director of Junior Band and Junior Orchestra
Charles H. Lawton Supervisor of Attendance
JANITORS AND ENGINEERS
Began
Name
Assignment
1938 William T. Wood, Engineer
High School
1944
James J. Hanlon, Assistant Engineer
1939
John W. Schofield, Head Janitor
1947 Frank E. Bettencourt
..
,,
1946 Samuel J. Gillespie
,,
1942
Richard H. Jenney
1913 Charles H. Lawton
Rogers
1936 Edward Richard
Oxford
1947 Walter Marsh
Anthony
1929 H. James Ellis
East Fairhaven
1947
James B. Hughes
Tripp
116
TABULATION OF ATTENDANCE RECORD
School Year Ending June 1947
School
Grades
Principal
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
Tardiness
High
9-12
Chester M. Downing
531
193
168
95.07
440
Addition
8
Chester M. Downing
157
149
143
96.00
91
Rogers
1-7
Albert F. Ehnes
297
274
256
93.42
142
Oxford
1-7
Harry Rogers
268
240
228
94.91
113
Anthony
1-7
Elizabeth Hastings
212
192
183
94.82
110
Tripp
1-7
Elizabeth Hastings
209
188
177
94.13
127
E. Fairh'n
1-5
Helen R. Porter
151
138
128
93.06
114
Total
1-12
1825 1674 1583
94.56 1137
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS
December 1947
School
Andrade
Cozy Cab U. St. Ry. Ferguson
Total
High School
45
45
6
96
Addition
15
1-4
2
31
Tripp
9
7
9
Rogers
32
30
62
E. Fairhaven
79
79
Oxford
2
9
11
N. B. Voc. H. S.
2
23
25
N. B. Sight Saving
1
1
St. Joseph
26
22
27
9
84
Sacred Hearts
3
3
Total
137
88
152
24
401
117
AGE AND GRADE TABLE October 1, 1947
AGE
GRADES
TOTALS
-
>
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
PG
SPE- CIAL
5
52
52
6
109
43
152
7
11
79
29
119
8
4
22
94
29
1
150
9
1
3
20
81
29
134
10
4
17
73
44
2
140
11
1
5
10
26
55
41
1
139
12
1
1
9
24
58
39
2
134
13
1
3
4
12
25
48
51
4
148
14
1
1
4
7
18
70
42
4
147
15
7
10
24
67
36
1
145
16
2
13
21
64
52
152
17
2
7
15
52
1
77
18
5
16
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