USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1958 > Part 8
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Painted exterior trim and sash at the High School Addi- tion.
Painted woodwork at Rogers School.
Resurfaced south roof East Fairhaven School.
Refinished gym floor at Oxford School.
Miscellaneous painting at Tripp School.
Painting of miscellaneous classrooms at all schools.
General repairs in all schools includes repair, cleaning, replacement of gutters, repairs to doors, floors, locks, door- checks, windows, roofs and furniture. The maintenance men have continued to be used as substitute janitors when neces- sary in case of absence.
The work involved in any plumbing and heating which requires a specialist is done by contract on bid. The largest of these items this year was the turbining of the high school boilers in order to make them operative for another year. We do all repair and maintenance work with our own men if it is at all possible.
THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Since taking office on April 1, 1958, I have attended 26 meetings of the School Committee, 4 meetings of the Finance Committee, over 30 meetings of the Junior High School Building Committee, and somewhat over 15 meet- ings of the Rogers School Building Committee. In addition to each of these regular committee meetings I have also at- tended meetings of each P. T. A. at least once and have de- livered addresses to each of them. With the addition to the staff of a Co-ordinator, I feel that we are now equipped to handle about what should be expected of us as a first class school system, with the exception of the clerical work in the office, which with the addition of a new building, seems to be mounting into alarming proportions.
165
CONCLUSION
I would like to express my public appreciation of the professional interest and help which I have received from my predecessor, Mr. Flavel M. Gifford, without which I would not have been able to grasp the scope of my position so quickly.
I would like to thank the School Committee very much for the splendid cooperation and support which I have re- ceived since I have been here. The harmony of this com- mittee and the genuine interest of each of the individual members has been an inspiration to all of us. They have been willing to spend many hours without recompense, in a sincere interest to benefit the youth of our community.
It would also be a remission on my part if I did not ex- press my sincere appreciation for the devoted work and cheerful spirit of our school staffs, who have worked very hard this year in order to build a school system in which all of us can be justly proud. In particular, a great deal of credit belongs to the members of my own office staff, without which all that we have done would have been im- possible and I am deeply indebted to them for the willing- ness to assume extra responsibilities and to put in extra hours in order to get the work done.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNWOOD P. HARRIMAN Superintendent of Schools
166
Report of the High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present my twenty-second annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven High School.
CLASS OF 1958
At the June graduation of the Class of 1958 Chairman of the School Committee, Mr. Albert M. Gonsalves, presented 142 diplomas. About 48% of the class has continued to at- tend school. Thirty-seven are in four-year colleges, five are in junior colleges, five are in business schools, 15 are attend- ing nursing schools and seven are in other schools. Fifty- three members of the class are employed, nine are in the Armed Services, four are at home, one is hospitalized, and six are seeking work or temporarily laid off. Eight of the girls in the class have married.
Cash awards valued at $4,977 were received by graduates.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Honor Society Key Club
Varsity Club
Jr. Chamber of Commerce
Dana Greenfield Terje Furhovden
Barry Behn
Terje Furhovden
Patricia Wrightington
Mattapoisett P.T.C.
Ruth Downing Kathleen Radcliffe
Judith Vohnoutka
Shiela Tunstall
Jean Alden
Barry Behn
Mary Lou Goulart
National Secretarial Association-New Bedford Chapter
Class of 1903
Jean Alden Rosemary Murphy
William Alfred Haslam, Class of 1951
East Fairhaven P.T.A.
Marilyn Lopes
167
F. H. S. Alumni
Touchdown Club
Mattapoisett Woman's Club
North Fairhaven
Fairhaven Mother's Club
Anna B. Trowbridge
James Parkinson
Fairhaven Teachers' Association
Mattapoisett Teachers' Club
Brown University
Worcester Polytechnic Inst.
Portuguese-American War Veterans
David Harrison Elsie Twiraga Dianne Cooper
Rosemary Murphy Barbara Besse Patricia Wrightington Patricia Wrightington Judith Vohnoutka Beorj Jensen
Ann Sherman, F.H.S. '56 Barry Behn
Terje Furhovden
Terje Furhovden
OTHER AWARDS
The Lady Fairhaven Cup
Rosemary Murphy Barry Behn
The Lady Fairhaven Citizenship Award
Ellen Mahoney
Bausch and Lomb Science Medal
Fairhaven Lions Club Science Medals
Terje Furhovden
Ellen Mahoney Judith Vohnoutka
D.A.R. Citizenship Award Sears Essay Prize
Rosemary Murphy Judith Langlois
The Class of 1958 presented a certificate to Mr. James Parkinson who was retiring after 39 years of service as a teacher in Fairhaven High School.
SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT
The achievements of the Class of 1958 are a credit to them and to their homes and school. It is heartening to note that the Class of 1959 is also showing academic strength.
The Scholarship Qualifying Test was given this fall to over 215,000 high school seniors across the country. About 20 of our seniors took the test here and six placed in the 90th percentile or above. Approximately half of our group did better than 75% of all who took the test.
168
Terje Furhovden
Two of our seniors are finalists in the National Honor Society Scholarship Tests. This means that they are in a group of 2500 chosen from 45,000 who were tested.
One of our seniors is a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Tests.
GROWTH OF THE SCHOOL
Over a ten-year period the enrollment of the school in grades 9-12 has increased about 40% but in recent years the rate of growth has been even more rapid. In the period between October 1, 1956 and October 1, 1958 the enrollment in grades 9-12 jumped from 701 to 783 or more than 11%. Our Senior Class this year has 24 more members than the class graduated last June. The school is crowded now and if the expected increase arrives next September it will be difficult to find enough classrooms and homerooms.
To be sure, the Junior High School has relieved us of Grade Eight, but this grade had already been forced into an afternoon session. This meant that the departure of this grade provided no additional room during the regular school day.
GUIDANCE
A letter from Mr. Warren E. Benson of the Massachu- setts Department of Education written after a visit to our school commends the work of the Guidance Department, but warns us that we should add qualified personnel to assist the Director of Guidance who has been carrying our entire guidance program alone. I recommend that at least one full-time, trained guidance worker be added to this department at the earliest possible date.
SCIENCE
Much attention is focused on science and mathematics in these days. Over a period of years we have enlarged and strengthened our mathematics department. We should now give careful attention to our science department. Facilities should be provided that would allow qualified students to do more advanced work in biology, chemistry and physics. Time should be provided for more laboratory work in these subjects and classes should be kept small enough so that effective laboratory work may be done.
169
Not everyone has the interest or the aptitude to succeed in advanced science and mathematics courses, but the facil- ities should be available so that those who are able may be encouraged to go on in these important fields.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
Every year many young people go from our Business Department into office positions. Their success speaks well for the quality of their training. Some old equipment should be replaced and some new equipment should be purchased for the the department so that our graduates may be famil- iar with the office machines they are likely to use when they are employed.
HOME ECONOMICS
Our courses in Home Economics have great practical value. We should add some new equipment so that we may give some instruction not now possible. We should also be considering a new location for this department if the time comes that our school is less crowded. It is difficult to con- duct classes in the Home Economics room and in the Biology Laboratory at the same time because there is no partition between these rooms, yet they must be in use most of the day. New chairs are needed in both of these rooms, the present furniture being as old as the school.
ENGLISH
It is trite but true to say that the study of English is basic. We have reason to believe that we have an excellent course of study in this subject and a competent corps of teachers.
This year we were able to begin work in remedial read- ing for upper classmen whose achievement tests showed weakness in this essential skill. This work should be con- tinued and extended.
LIBRARY
Our library is a beautiful room but it was designed to serve a school less than half the size of ours. The librarian has been resourceful in making the best possible use of every square foot of space. We shall need more bookcases and more books. It is gratifying to see the use of the library increase at a time when many activities of the present day discourage reading of books.
170
ATHLETICS
The usual sports for boys and girls have been continued. Gym classes are too large to permit a well-planned program even though seniors are excused from gym altogether. There are some periods when the gym is idle because no instructor is available at the time.
After more than fifty years of use many of our wooden lockers are in poor condition. We should begin at once to replace these with modern steel lockers.
Our basketball games are now played on the large floor at the Junior High School. Thought might well be given to the advantages of constructing a football field adjacent to this building where there are excellent parking facilities. Our bleachers could easily be moved to the new site and the costly replacement of the canvas around the present football field could be avoided. Such a place could also provide a practice field separate from the play- ing field.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
A number of non-athletic activities contribute valuable experiences and wholesome enjoyment to students in our school. In this connection one thinks of the vocal and instrumental music groups, the sewing club, "The Huttles- tonian" staff, the Senior Play, school dances, driver train- ing, the Student Council, the Key Club, the Future Teachers Club, the Future Nurses Club, the French and Spanish Clubs, the Art Club, the Library Assistants, Honor Society and the Traffic Squad.
These activities are possible only because young people are interested in them and because teachers are willing to give time and direction to them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TEACHER
Times change. Schools, like everything else, have a some- what different aspect today from those of years ago but the importance of the teacher is still as great as ever. Experi- enced, understanding, devoted teachers are what make the success of the modern school possible.
171
Parents usually recognize the sincerity and competence of the teachers and work with them for the welfare of their children. Young people from these families have a cooper- ative attitude and take a justifiable pride in their accom- plishment with rare exceptions.
APPRECIATION
I feel sure I speak for all the teachers at the High School as well as for myself when I express appreciation to the citizens of the Town who have stood by the schools and tried to meet the needs of boys and girls, to the School Committee whose unselfish efforts to provide better schools for a better tomorrow are apparent to any observer, and to the Superin- tendent whose vision and skill make possible the firm but sympathetic leadership without which no school system can succeed.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER M. DOWNING Principal
172
Report of Junior High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my first annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven Junior High School.
On September 8, 1958, the first Junior High School in Fairhaven was opened with 398 pupils enrolled. "Welcome Day" and a student handbook helped to adjust teachers and pupils to this beautiful school and a new type of educa- tion for grades seven and eight. The building was officially dedicated on Sunday, November 9, 1958. Following the ceremony, approximately 1,000 interested citizens inspected the fine facilities of this school. It was the fulfillment of a dream for many of us.
To put into operation on short notice, a curriculum which would best serve the needs of pupils who are exploring sub- ject matter geared toward senior high school education, the schedule was simplified; all club programs were omitted or arranged before and after school; the greatest emphasis was put on study habits. For more successful transition, the following developments have been made: functional mathematics including algebra and geometry, methods of research through library classes, a Saturday morning sci- ence enrichment series for young scientists of grades eight to twelve.
A parent-teacher group, formed in November, is plan- ning programs aiming at better understanding of the type of education necessary for our boys and girls. Student Coun- cil is the key organization and has been most helpful in the establishment of new school policy. A plan for landscaping of school grounds is now in the planning stage assisted by Senior Improvement Association members. A school news- paper will hit the press at a much earlier date because of assistance from the editorial staff of the New Bedford Standard-Times.
173
Our guidance director administers a successful plan of individual counseling, but with added duties as librarian and director of audio-visual education. Another counselor is needed to adequately introduce parents and students to preparation necessary for higher education, careers and personal development.
Physical education and health classes are producing vis- ible improvement in physical skill, emotional maturity, so- cial competence, and moral values. Intramural activities have included trampoline skills, wrestling, and basketball. Outside activities will be curtailed until playing fields are ready.
Along with this growth have appeared very serious im- mediate needs which should be carefully studied. During the past year the lack of two teachers caused the faculty to carry a heavy teaching load and made it necessary to schedule double classes for homemaking, shop, music and physical education. With a minimum enrollment of 495 pupils in September 1959, every available classroom space will be occupied while the music and art rooms become home- rooms. Five additional classroom teachers, plus a full-time vocal music instructor, are needed, and the girls' physical education instructor should become a full-time teacher at the Junior High School.
Efficient maintenance of the building is impossible with the present custodial staff. Our janitress should be full- time an one more full-time assistant custodian is needed.
In long range planning these developments would im- prove instruction markedly : a reading teacher for special education, one foreign language on a conversational basis, typing - a most effective tool in High School, and enrich- ment programs for those who will develop leadership in varying careers.
The opportunity to work with a School Committee and Superintendent who offer encouragement and support of
174
our Junior High School program, has given us the necessary security and challenge in initiating a new level of education in this Junior High School. From a simple beginning we hope to expand and enrich our curriculum to challenge young people to a high level of achievement.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH I. HASTINGS Principal
175
Report of Elementary Co-ordinator
To the Superintendent :
The opening of the 1958-59 school year was changed from September 3 to September 8. This postponement gave me an opportunity to arrange a three-day conference period for the Elementary teachers. The emphasis was spread over the combined subjects of reading, language, penman- ship, and history. It also afforded an opportunity to have an orientation day for the new teachers. The teachers felt this was a helpful type of program and we look forward to repeating it in the future.
During last spring and summer, I made a survey of all the elementary textbooks and found that some of the schools were not fully equipped with science, health, and arithmetic books which the School Committee had previously adopted. I feel that after a formal adoption of a textbook, all schools should be using this text within a three-year period. I also found a need for more supplementary reading and reference books.
Due to the rapid changes that modern life demands, con- stant revision of the curriculum and up-to-date teaching methods are essential. In order to help meet some of these demands, two afternoons of released time have been granted the elementary schools for a science and an arthmetic work- shop. Each of these sessions called together all of the ele- mentary teachers so that they could see the graduation and development of the curriculum being studied. These work- shops are a refresher course on six levels.
A report card study is being conducted and this com- mittee consists of parents as well as teachers. A social studies program and a more extensive library program are also in progress. Two Pilot Classes (experimental groups) are under way, one in reading and one in arithmetic. After careful study and testing, if these classes show sufficient gain, other classes will be started within our school system.
176
May I express here my appreciation for the fine coopera- tion shown me by both teachers and parents. I also wish to thank the Superintendent and the School Committee for their support.
Respectfully submitted, (MRS.) HELEN R. PORTER Elementary Coordinator
177
Report of the School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present herewith my sixteenth annual report as school nurse.
There have been the usual eye and ear examinations during the school year, because of the increase in school enrollment, and the increase in the nurse's work not all children were examined. Diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus immunizations were given under the auspices of the Board of Health, in October and December. The nurse assists with cases referred to the Bristol County Mental Health Clinic.
The girls in the Sophomore, Junior and Senior classes now have a Future Nurses' Club, the school nurse is advisor to this new organization.
Attendance cases are few that do not involve health. Four cases of attendance were taken up with the probation officer. One habitual school offender was prosecuted in juvenile court. Two parents were taken into court for vio- lating the school attendance law.
As I stated in my 1957 report a second nurse is needed by the school department to give more efficient health serv- ice to all school children.
SUMMARY OF NURSE'S WORK
Classroom visits
1016
Assisted by School
Home visits
121
Physician 104
Office calls
31
Physically handicapped children 30
Referred to School Physician
5
Home visits to above
11
Accidents in school
142
Children or parents to
Mass. Vision Tests
842
court
3
Audiometer Tests
721
Children or parents to
Children taken home
153
probation officer 4
178
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 Wednesday morning. Dr. Normand Gamache is the dentist and Mrs. Catherine Govoni his assistant.
SUMMARY OF DENTAL WORK
Fillings
507
Cleanings 12
Extractions
121
Examinations 27
Respectfully submitted, LOUISE F. DENNIE, R.N. School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
179
Financial Statement
SCHOOL EXPENDITURES AND 1959 BUDGET
ACCOUNTS
Expended 1957
Expended 1958
Budget 1959
GENERAL CONTROL
Salaries and Expense
$ 13,642.18
$ 14,112.55
$ 17,910.00
INSTRUCTION
Teachers' Salaries
382,302.72
433,322.78
507,785.00
Textbooks
9,321.91
12,806.12
18,322.00
Supplies
11,511.06
13,539.19
16,228.00
OPERATION
Custodians
36,948.54
39,978.29
47,145.00
Fuel
17,400.84
18,855.63
18,700.00
Miscellaneous
12,491.64
14,528.85
15,300.00
MAINTENANCE
Repairs & Replacement
20,376.59
19,007.56
16,508.00
OUTLAY
Buildings and Grounds
14.00
1,800.00
New Equipment
1,654.16
976.56
7,500.00
Spec. Appropriation
1,290.00
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
Transportation
30,191.91
33,675.49
35,954.00
Health
3,941.80
4,001.61
5,717.00
Physical Education
498.49
868.66
1,503.30
Cafeteria
2,433.22
4,273.24
3,661.00
Tuition
2,784.85
2,978.34
2,681.00
Driver Education
1,559.85
2,191.55
2,071.00
Sundries
1,424.35
1,387.00
1,579.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$528,490.20
$617,807.42
$720,364.30
APPROPRIATIONS
525,000.00
587,843.93
697,804.30*
FROM OTHER INCOME
$ 23,490.20
$ 29,963.49
$ 22,560.00*
*Estimated
-
-
180
RECEIPTS ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
ITEMS
Received 1957
Received 1958
Estimated 1959
EXPENDABLE INCOME
Elementary Trusts
$ 4,791.75
$ 4,863.17
$ 4,800.00
High School Trusts
14,794.15
15,564.12
15,500.00
Balances and Refunds
1,701.39
19.58
Transfers
6,725.83
Bristol County Dog Fund
2,222.49
2,262.49
2,260.00
TOTAL
$ 23,509.78
$ 29,435.19
$ 22,560.00
OTHER INCOME
School Aid, Chap. 70
102,869.98
112,164.98
112,164.98
Spec. Education, Chap. 69, 71
2,812.16
3,578.77
3,500.00
Transportation
13,503.90
13,463.85
14,000.00
Tuition
32,833.11
37,491.10
37,000.00
TOTAL
......
$ 49,149.17
$ 54,533.72
$ 54,500.00
-
-
-
181
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE School Year Ending June 1958
SCHOOL
Grades
Principal
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
Tardiness
High School
9-12
Chester M. Downing
775
742
692
93.27
812
H. S. Addition
8
Chester M. Downing
167
160
152
94.76
48
Oxford
1-7
Harry Rogers
366
341
315
92.02
235
Anthony
1-7
Mary S. Toledo
201
192
180
93.84
149
Tripp
1-7
Elizabeth I. Hastings
247
226
209
92.35
190
Rogers
1-7
Ruth B. Wilbur
321
265
283
93.60
154
E. Fairhaven
1-7
Helen R. Porter
441
407
373
91.55
245
Total
1-12
2518
2333
2204
93.06
1833
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS December 1958
Union St.
School
Andrade
Arenberg
Railway
Other
Total
High School
9
81
76
166
Jr. H. School
26
46
106
1
179
Rogers
1
1
2
Tripp
E. Fairhaven
335
Oxford
-
6
3
3
N. B. Voc. H. S.
3
28
3
34
N. B. Sight-Saving
1
1
2
N. B. Special
1
3
4
Sol-E-Mar
3
3
Bristol Co. Agric.
1
5
6
St. Joseph
25
97
34
156
Holy Family H. S.
1
15
1
17
Sacred Hearts Acad.
12
12
Sacred Heart School
-
1
1
Total
395
228
281
22
926
-
-
335
6
Taunton Voc. H. S.
182
ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOL AND GRADE October 1, 1958
School
I
II
III IV V VI VII VIII Sp. Tot.
Oxford
55
50
44
46
50
55
11 311
Anthony
24
29
31
25
26
33
168
Tripp
29
18
30
31
34
34
176
Rogers
39
51
53
39
41
55
278
E. Fairhaven
69
67
61
62
53
74
386
Jr. High School
224 173
397
Total Elem.
216 215 219 203 204 251 224 173
11 1716
High School IX 207; X 238; XI 170; XII 167; P.G. 1 783
Total Enrollment
2499
SUMMARY OF ENROLLMENT
October
Elementary
High School
Total
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
1957
1627
760
2387
1958
1716
783
2499
183
AGE AND GRADE TABLE
October 1, 1958
- GRADES
Age
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
PG
Sp.
Total
5
62
62
6
140
63
203
7
13
130
46
189
8
1
17
143
48
209
9
4
23
124
50
201
10
1
6
18
113
63
2
203
11
9
27
145
75
1
257
12
1
3
13
30
99
32
178
13
1
1
8
24
101
42
1
5
183
14
5
20
34
113
44
1
1
218
15
3
5
39
140
58
1
2
248
16
1
1
11
46
92
45
2
198
17
2
6
15
104
1
128
18
1
2
14
17
19
1
1
20
0
Over 21
1
3
4
Total
216
215
219
203
204
25.
224
173
207
238
170
167
1
11
2499
Boys
116
108
116
103
105
138
106
88
110
99
68
71
1
8
1237
Girls
100
107
103
100
99
113
118
85
97
139
102
96
0
3
1262
184
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 1959 if born on or before March 1, 1954. Certificates of birth and vaccination are required at the time of entrance.
COMPLUSORY SCHOOL AGE
All children must attend school between the ages of seven and sixteen years. 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 in the Junior High School or at the Principal's Office in the Fairhaven High School. The minor must appear in person and present a birth certificate or other suitable evidence of age.
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