USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1956 > Part 6
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131
THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Fairhaven and Mattapoisett at present form the largest superintendency union in the Commonwealth, with Fair- haven paying 80% of the superintendent's salary and general office expense. The Committee is giving consideration to a dissolution of the union so that the town may have the full- time services of the superintendent.
The administrative work of the superintendent's office is such that the Committee may eventually have to employ an administrative assistant or similar executive so that the superintendent may be permitted to spend more time in educational work and less in business management.
1957 BUDGET
In general it may be said that the increase in the 1957 budget over the 1956 expenditures is caused, except in minor items, by the above mentioned teacher salary schedule ef- fective in September 1957 and the full impact of the salary schedule which became effective in September 1956.
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS - 1956
A new dishwasher and hot water booster have been in- stalled in the high school, and apart from the necessity for an exhaust fan and hood to remove the steam escaping from the washer, the lunchroom employees are delighted with it.
A new roof has been installed at the Anthony School at considerably less than the amount appropriated.
ARTICLES RELATING TO SCHOOLS - 1957 WARRANT
High School Fire Escapes, etc. The office of the state building inspector has advised the Committee that certain changes must be made at the high school to comply with safety requirements, such as installation of fire escapes from the third floor, smoke doors, enclosures of basement stair area and door closers. Estimated expense involved is $20,000.00.
High School Heating. The Babcock & Wilcox coal-fired boilers have been in use for 50 years and their continued use may be on "borrowed time." Difficulty is being experienced in controlling the heat in parts of the building. The Com- mittee recommends the appointment of a special committee to study the heating needs, to bring in a report with recom-
132
mendations, with authority to obtain estimates or bids on the cost of the work to replace the boilers and to make other recommended changes in the heating system.
Rogers School Addition .: We urge favorable action on articles that will expedite the building of the addition as recommended by the Elementary School Building Com- mittee.
Rogers School Repairs. The gutters have deteriorated to the point where roof timbers are exposed to the weather. The brick side-walls need scrub-coating and repairing to preserve the building.
While it is not the intent of the present article to take care of the following, it is noted that the windows in the building are badly deteriorated and so loose as to permit considerable heat loss. The Town should give consideration to replacement of the windows and frames soon.
USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
There has been a considerable increase in the number of requests for the use of school buildings and grounds. Parent- Teacher organizations have used the property for their regu- lar meetings and for special occasions such as a carnival at the Anthony School and suppers at other schools. The Fairhaven Varsity Club has used the Stadium for all of its home football games. Other organizations which have made requests include the Little League. East Fairhaven Improvement Association, Silent Police, 4-H Club, several basketball organizations, Lions Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Firemen, and several church organizations. Buildings have also been used for precinct meetings, regis- trations, and elections.
The Committee has made no charge for the use of the property but has required that payment for services be made directly to the custodians. A policy adopted March 13, 1956 established a minimum charge of $5.00 plus $1.50 an hour for each hour of fraction of an hour after the first three hours.
The policy of the Committee in this matter is guided by General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 71, which provides for use of school property for "such educational, recreational, social, civic, philanthropic and like purposes" as the com- mittee deems for the interest of the community.
133
IN MEMORIAM
The School Committee regretfully notes the passing of Mrs. Ann O'D. Brow on May 13, 1956 and Dr. Charles E. P. Thompson on July 29, 1956. Mrs. Brow had taught the Special Class for 29 years. Dr. Thompson had served as School Physician almost continually since October 27, 1911 and as a member of the School Committee from 1922 to 1926.
Both Mrs. Brow and Dr. Thompson were fine examples of their respective professions and untiring workers for the public good.
CONCLUSION
Your attention is called to the report of the Super- intendent of Schools and to other reports included herewith as part of the report of the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
WALDO E. HAYDON, Chairman CECIL H. WHITTIER, Vice-Chairman CLARENCE E. MaGUIRE ALBERT M. GONSALVES JOHN T. MORGAN CLARENCE I. BANGS
School Committee
134
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the Fairhaven School Committee :
I submit herewith my eighteenth annual report as Super- intendent of Schools.
ATTENDANCE AND MEMBERSHIP
1952 - 53
1953 - 54
1954 - 55
1955 - 56
Average Membership
1,972
1,967
2,103
2,220
Percent of Attendance
93.80
94.79
93.11
94.34
Further information concerning enrollment by school, grade, and age may be found in the accompanying tables.
TEACHER CHANGES
Name
Began
Left
Memo
Edith A. M'Namara
Jan. 1923
June 1956
Retired
Ann O'D. Brow
Sept. 1927
May 1956
Died
Grace L. Downing
Sept. 1939
Nov. 1956
Leave of Absence
Cecilia M. Urquiola
Sept. 1946
June 1956
To Dartmouth
Elsie N. Peltz
Sept. 1946
June 1956
To Dartmouth
Mary T. Sullivan
Sept. 1951
June 1956
To Dartmouth
Vivian M. Kellick
Feb. 1952
June 1956
Resigned
Therese J. Vanasse
Sept. 1952
Jan. 1955
Resigned during Leave
Robert F. Couture
Jan. 1953
June 1956
To Warren, R.I.
Barbara A. Barba
Sept. 1954
June 1955
Resigned during Leave
Myra A. Lopes
Sept. 1954
Nov. 1956
Resigned
Mary P. Brennan
Sept. 1955
June 1956
Leave of Absence
Priscilla Doran
Sept. 1955
Oct. 1956
Resigned
Justina S. Ferreira
Sept. 1955
June 1956
To Taunton
Elaine F. Pollard
Sept. 1955
June 1956
Resigned
Charles G. Smith
Sept. 1955
June 1956
Irene E. Kerwin
Nov. 1956
Dec. 1956
Resigned
This list of 17 teachers includes 2 on leave of absence and expected to return, 5 who left to teach elsewhere, 1 who re- tired, 1 loss by death, and 8 others who left teaching. Eight replacements were found among women who returned to teaching after being married and at home, 1 from teaching elsewhere, 1 from a teacher's college and 8 from other colleges.
135
ORGANIZATION
Organization of grades one to seven has continued the same as last year with all classrooms in use and a Rogers seventh grade in the Boys' Club. There is a combination grade room in the Rogers School with 18 fourth graders and 11 fifth graders and another combination grade room at East Fairhaven with 15 sixth graders 13 seventh graders. This fall 13 of our 49 classrooms in grades one to seven enrolled 36 or more pupils, a number which is generally con- sidered excessive.
The increase in enrollment in grades eight to twelve re- quired a drastic change in the program for grade 8 and in- convenience to the others. Since September 1956 the eighth grade session has been scheduled for afternoons only. The same or a similar plan will have to be followed until the proposed junior high school becomes a reality.
Enrollment figures for the current year show the con- tinued upward trend and additional teachers will conse- quently be required. The prospective organization for next September will require an additional teacher for East Fair- haven and two for the High School.
READING
Mrs. Marianne A. Kennedy began her special assignment in September as a special teacher of reading in the elemen- tary schools. Her particular duties are to diagnose reading difficulties and to work with principals, teachers and pupils to make the teaching of reading more effective.
MAINTENANCE
Among the items of work completed by our Maintenance Department this year are the following :
Raised level of floor in north end of High School tunnel Painted exterior of Anthony School
Painted exterior of Tripp School
One oak floor in Rogers School classroom
Painted corridors in Rogers School
Accoustical tile ceiling in East Fairhaven auditorium
The men took care of about 8 acres of playgrounds dur- ing the spring and summer and made numerous minor re- pairs in all of the school buildings. Metal staging purchased this year has proved very useful and should be supplemented next year.
136
SUPERINTENDENCY
The Superintendent has attended 42 School Committee meetings in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett during the year. He has also attended practically every meeting of the two building committees and various other meetings for purposes related to school work. The business and professional management of the school systems of the two towns has be- come more complicated, the teacher shortage makes the fill- ing of vacancies more difficult, and the organization of the superintendency is no longer adequate to provide proper educational supervision of the school systems. The two school committees should take suitable action to relieve the situation.
CONCLUSION
I am including herewith the reports of the High School Principal and the School Nurse and a number of statistical reports of general interest.
Respectfully submitted, FLAVEL M. GIFFORD
Superintendent of Schools
137
Report of the High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present my nineteenth annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven High School.
CLASS OF 1956
In June 1956 Mr. Waldo E. Haydon, Chairman of the School Committee, presented diplomas to 129 Seniors. The address to the graduates was made by Mr. Ralph Moye of Boston University. Twenty-two scholarships were reported with a combined value of $3,351. Awards were made as follows :
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fairhaven Mothers' Club
Janice Snook Carol French
Fairhaven High School Key Club Fairhaven Varsity Club
Anne Sherman
Antonio Santos, Jr. Faith Alden
Teachers' Associations of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett
Mary E. Root
Millicent Morgan Marilyn Taber
Mattapoisett Woman's Club Anne Sherman Gale Duxbury
Mattapoisett P. T. C.
Beverly Heald
F. H. S. Alumni Association Susan Leach
Anne Sherman
F. H. S. Class of 1955
John Rogers
Fairhaven Junior Chamber of Commerce
Mario Thumudo, '49
Susan Leach Carol French
East Fairhaven P. T. A.
Anna B. Trowbridge
Northeastern University Boston University Standard-Times
Gloria Yen
Antonio Santos, Jr.
Charles Entwistle
Carol Hebert Jeanne Paiva
138
OTHER AWARDS
Bausch and Lomb Science Medal
Nathan Heuberger
Readers' Digest
Nathan Heuberger
The Lady Fairhaven Cup
Carol French John Rogers
The Lady Fairhaven Citizenship Award
Katharine Mahoney
D. A. R. Citizenship Award Katharine Mahoney
Fifty-one students representing 39% of the class plan- ned to continue their education. Thirty-five have entered degree-granting institutions while sixteen others are attend- ing nursing schools, junior colleges or other schools. At least eleven of this class have entered the service.
AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE
Last summer Judith Robinson of the Class of 1957 spent about two months in Switzerland and this year we have a Japanese boy, Kenneth Edward Iida, as a member of the senior class. We hear from the three foreign students who were in Fairhaven under the A. F. S. plan in previous years. It seems obvious that this interchange of young people is building international goodwill in days when such under- standing is greatly needed.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The usual athletic teams and physical education classes have been maintained. Last spring the baseball team made an excellent record. The 1956 football season was highly successful. Although we had a limited number of replace- ments available, the boys kept themselves in excellent con- dition and were able to achieve a 21-0 victory over New Bedford. Our basketball team won the Class B champion- ship in the Bay State Tournament for 1956. Basketball has started well this season but it is difficult to schedule games because many schools are in leagues and because our gym offers such limited facilities for players and spectators. We hope that by 1958 the gym in the new junior high school will be available to us. Mr. Cook has resigned as tennis coach. This game should be encouraged, but it might be well to consider an intramural program under the direction of a faculty member designated by the School Committee rather than to concentrate attention on a small varsity team.
139
Although compulsory physical education is now limited to grades 9-11, classes are large and the program is limited on that account. Our cheerleaders won a trophy at Spencer, Massachusetts in competition with about a dozen large schools.
GUIDANCE
Our Director of Guidance devotes long hours to the pro- gram of testing, personal counseling, and general guidance. To assist in the wise selection of high school courses, a meeting was held for parents of pupils in Grade 8. A panel discussion by F. H. S. graduates now in college was held just before Christmas. This program was designed to help juniors and seniors in the college course prepare for the transition from school to college. The greatest needs of this department are clerical help that would permit the director to use her time on tasks that require special preparation and some additional trained help so that grades 8-10 could re- ceive more attention.
ENGLISH
The oft-repeated testimony of Fairhaven High School graduates in college that their preparation in English was excellent speaks well for the teachers of this subject and for Miss Mabel G. Hoyle who is head of the English Depart- ment. Effective teaching of English calls for a good deal of written work. As classes grow larger it becomes difficult for a teacher to handle the paper work and still do the studying and general reading that are necessary for superior teaching. If the standards in this basic subject are to be maintained we must have additional help in this department.
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
The demand for people with a knowledge of science and mathematics increases year by year. Our task is two-fold. We must provide adequately for those who are preparing to meet college entrance requirments and at the same time provide additional courses for those who are not headed for college. Classes in these subjects are crowded this year and will continue to be unless we can have more help.
OFFICE
The high school office is a very important place, but as long as things run smoothly it is likely to be overlooked. The clerk handles correspondence, records of many kinds,
140
telephone messages, typing, and supervision of seniors as- signed to the office for practical experience in filing and duplicating. She prepares transcripts of marks for colleges, meets visitors, keeps the Activity Fund and the petty cash account and does a score of things that contribute to the smooth running of the school. As numbers increase her work increases. An additional clerk who could help in the office and in the guidance department is needed.
CROWDING
In September 1956 we were forced to enter upon a two- session plan. High school hours were unchanged but the activity period was shifted to the end of the day. Grade 8 occupies all the classrooms on the second floor of the ad- dition except the typing room from 12:30 to 4:20. They have no physical education and no lunch. There is a period be- tween the arrival of grade 8 and the dismissal of grades 9-12 during which the two platoons overlap and produce severe crowding. This is handled by having the second lunch period from 12:00-12:25 and by using laboratories, lecture rooms and the cafeteria to house classes and home rooms during period 6 and the activity period. There are definite disadvantages to the double platoon plan but there seems to be no escape from it until the junior high school building is ready for use.
CONCLUSION
This is a day of criticism. It seems to be the popular thing to point out the faults, real or imagined, in civic leaders, in parents, in schools, and in young Americans. Some criticism is undoubtedly in order, but there are still men in public life because they want to serve their fellows; most parents are genuinely interested in their children; schools are faced by complex and difficult problems but devoted teachers are assuming extra burdens in order to lead, instruct and mould their pupils; young people are wholesome and ambitious. The delinquents who attract so much attention are a small minority. It is well to temper criticism with knowledge and moderation.
During this year, we have been encouraged by the help received from the Superintendent of Schools and by the Christmas letter from the School Committee which indicated an awareness of the difficulties under which teachers are serving and an appreciation of the service rendered. We
141
have been further heartened by the promise of a better salary schedule next September and by the expectation of a junior high school by September 1958. Our task will con- tinue to be complex and demanding, but a consciousness that a friendly community recognizes the importance of education and is willing to support the schools by word and deed will do much to maintain a high level of achievement on the part of teachers.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER M. DOWNING
Principal
142
Report of the School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present herewith my fourteenth annual report as school nurse.
The nurse cooperates with teachers, doctors, dentists and parents in protecting the health of school children. Each school is visited once a week and more often if necessary.
There have been the usual eye and ear examinations dur- ing the school year. Diphtheria immunization was given under the auspices of the Board of Health. The nurse as- sisted in the Salk Polio Clinics in March, June, November and December, also under the auspices of the Board of Health. Both first and second shots were given, a total of 4350 doses. All high school seniors and sophomores were given chest x-rays in November. The nurse has also assisted with cases referred to the Bristol County Mental Health Clinic.
A record is kept of all accidents both in school and out serious enough to cause absence from school or require medical attention. Thirty such cases were reported in 1955 and 32 in 1956.
Attendance cases are rare that do not involve health, but each year we have a number of truancy cases. In 1956 four cases were taken up with the probation officer and one case of an habitual school offender was prosecuted in the Juvenile Court.
SUMMARY OF NURSE'S WORK
Classroom Visits
1021
Follow up Home Visits 121
Office Calls 26
Referred to School Physician
11
Accidents in School
23
Massachusetts Vision Tests 922
Chest X-rays 335
143
Children taken home 162
Assisted School Physician with Physical
Examinations, Dr. Thompson 543
Dr. Gardner
42
Physically Handicapped Children
29
Home Visits to above
11
541
Diphtheria Clinic Audiometer Tests
874
The nurse cooperates with the Board of Health Dental Clinic by making arrangements for pupils to go to the clinic held at the Tripp School every Tuesday and Wednes- day morning. Dr. Normand Gamache is the dentist and Mrs. Catherine Govoni his assistant.
SUMMARY OF DENTAL WORK
Fillings
417
Extractions
116
Cleanings
14
Examinations
32
Respectfully submitted, LOUISE F. DENNIE, R.N.
School Nurse
Supervisor of Attendance
Agent to the Board of Health
144
Financial Statement
SCHOOL EXPENDITURES AND 1957 BUDGET
ITEMS
Expended 1955
Expended 1956
Budget 1957
GENERAL CONTROL
Salaries and Expenses
$ 10,967.03
$ 11,906.15
$ 14,100.00
INSTRUCTION
Teachers
327,699.64
350,074.75
393,030.00
Textbooks
7,804.60
9,599.17
10,300.00
Supplies
10,616.96
12,773.74
14,600.00
OPERATION
Janitors
32,641.71
35,261.21
36,640.00
Fuel
14,849.90
15,725.93
16,000.00
Other Expense
10,571.66
11,662.54
11,300.00
MAINTENANCE
Repairs & Replacement
14,875.12
17,374.80
15,350.00
OUTLAY
Buildings & Grounds
98.06
1,352.74
2,100.00
New Equipment
1,125.29
2,183.45
1,950.00
OTHER AGENCIES
Transportation
23,706.16
27,055.81
29,900.00
Tuition
1,516.87
2,219.62
2,570.00
Health
3,896.69
4,031.10
5,000.00
Physical Education
1,001.58
1,022.31
500.00
Lunchrooms
4,190.08
2,731.42
2,440.00
Driver Education
966.79
1,648.08
1,700.00
Sundries
1,089.97
1,476.35
1,200.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
$467,618.11
$508,099.17
$558,680.00
APPROPRIATION
444,149.00
486,287.23
536,836.45
FROM OTHER INCOME
23,469.11
21,811.94
21,843.55
145
RECEIPTS ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
ITEMS
Received 1955
Received 1956
Estimated 1957
EXPENDABLE INCOME
High School Trust Funds
$ 14,896.93
$ 14,476,26
$ 14,500.00
Elementary Trust Funds
5,156.61
4,632.40
4,600.00
Balances and Refunds
2,757.17
1,226.14
743.55
Bristol County Dog Fund
1,850.50
2,220.69
2,000.00
TOTAL
$ 24,661.19
$ 22,555.49
$ 21,843.55
OTHER INCOME
School Aid. Ch. 70
$ 97,179.98
$102,869.98
$106,000.00
Special Education, Ch. 69, 71
2,156.59
2,562.02
2,700.00
Transportation, Ch. 71
7,846.79
10,639.45
11,300.00
Tuition
23,204.65
27,983.31
33,000.00
TOTAL
$130,388.01
$144,054.76
$153,000.00
146
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE
School Year Ending June 1956
SCHOOL
Grades
Principal
Total
Membership
ยท Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
Tardiness
High School
9-12
Chester M. Downing
647
626
589
94.12
513
H. S. Addition
8
Chester M. Downing
176
171
163
95.43
64
Oxford
1-7
Harry Rogers
365
344
322
93.57
129
Anthony
1-7
Mary S. Toledo
191
177
169
95.49
84
Tripp
1-7
Elizabeth I. Hastings
266
243
229
94.22
134
Rogers
1-7
Ruth B. Wilbur
301
289
273
94.64
76
E. Fairhaven
1-7
Helen R. Porter
400
370
349
94.23
160
TOTAL
1-12
2346
2220
2094
94.34
1160
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS December 1956
School
Andrade
Cozy Cab
U.St.Ry.
Other
Total
High School
13
61
78
-
152
H. S. Addition
2
31
26
59
Tripp
16
2
18
E. Fairhaven
277
1
278
Oxford
10
10
N. B. Voc. H. S.
1
21
22
N. B. Sight Saving
1
1
2
N. B. Special
1
1
Bristol Co. Agric.
2
2
St. Joseph
27
106
34
167
Parochial H. S.
4
22
26
Sol-e-Mar
-
1
1
Total
325
203
197
4
738
-
-
-
-
147
ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOL AND GRADE October 1, 1956
School
I
II III IV V VI VII VIII Sp. Tot.
Oxford
41
46
56
53
54
36
34
17 337
Anthony
29
25
22
32
33
21
18
180
Tripp
28
37
36
33
37
27
36
234
Rogers
48
36
39
55
48
37
36
299
E. Fairhaven
48
58
48
70
52
51
45
372
H.S. Add'n.
-
182
182
Total Elem.
194 202 201 243 224 172 169 182
17 1604
High School IX 210; X 205; XI 144; XII 139; P.G. 3 701
Total Enrollment
2305
SUMMARY OF ENROLLMENT
October
Elementary
High School
Total
1936
1589
648
2237
1937
1423
670
2093
1938
1431
709
2130
1939
1326
702
2028
1940
1267
690
1957
1941
1237
613
1850
1942
1172
506
1678
1943
1113
460
1573
1944
1134
482
1616
1945
1157
495
1652
1946
1190
507
1697
1947
1172
552
1724
1948
1284
506
1790
1949
1355
562
1917
1950
1385
565
1950
1951
1393
548
1941
1952
1439
551
1990
1953
1537
578
2115
1954
1533
587
2120
1955
1590
637
2227
1956
1604
701
2305
148
AGE AND GRADE TABLE
October 1, 1956 GRADES
Age
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
PG
Sp.
Total
5
52
52
6
131
58
189
7
10
120
46
176
8
1
19
113
61
194
9
3
28
145
80
256
10
2
11
27
102
28
170
11
3
8
26
101
35
3
176
12
2
11
35
95
30
1
1
175
13
4
6
28
112
55
1
8
214
14
1
1
7
25
111
53
5
203
15
1
4
14
31
124
36
210
16
1
9
22
86
36
154
17
2
5
19
84
110
18
1
3
16
20
19
2
1
3
20
Over 21
1
2
3
Total
194
202
201
243
224
172
169
182
210
205
144
139
3
17
2305
Boys
106
107
98
127
112
88
87
84
103
89
53
60
3
11
1128
Girls
88
95
103
116
112
84
82
98
107
116
91
79
-
6
1177
.
149
SCHOOL ENTRANCE
Children may enter the first grade if they are five years and six months of age on or before September 1 of the cur- rent school year. Consequently children will be admitted to the first grade in September 1957 if born on or before March 1, 1952. Certificates of birth and vaccination are re- quired at the time of entrance.
COMPULSORY SCHOOL AGE
All children must attend school between the ages of seven and sixteen. Certain exceptions may be made by written permission of the Superintendent of Schools for children who have reached the age of fourteen and have completed the sixth grade.
EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS UNDER 18
Employment permits, sometimes called "School Cards," are required for all persons under eighteen who are em- ployed in manufacturing, mechanical, mercantile, and cer- tain other work. These may be obtained at the office of the Superintendent of Schools. The minor must appear in per- son and present a birth certificate or other suitable evidence of age.
REGISTRATION OF MINORS October 1, 1956
Age Group
5-7
7-16
Total
Boys
262
1115
1377
Girls
268
1093
1361
Total
530
2208
2738
Distribution :
In Public Schools
243
1723
1966
In Private Schools
156
448
604
In Vocational Schools
14
14
Institutions
1
10
11
Not in School
130
13
143
Total
530
2208
2738
150
Teachers, Custodians and Lunchroom Employees
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