USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1960 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
A former Fairhaven High School student became a semi- finalist in the National Merit Program in the spring of 1960. Six other young people, members of the 1961 graduation class received letters of commendation. Less than three per- cent of all secondary school seniors in the nation constitute the semi-finalists and commended students.
The opportunity is present at Fairhaven High School if our young people take advantage of it.
142
SUBJECT MATTER AREAS
It is notable that in the Business Department, a program of cooperation between area business leaders and the faculty is being initiated. The purpose is to analyze the business and economic needs of the community so that business education might be made more effective for pupils. Such a program will undoubtedly lead to greater placement opportunities which even now are quite satisfactory. At the beginning of the school year, all typewriters in the department were less than three years old, an indication of the quality of machines available. A comptometer has been added for use in office practice activity.
In the English Department, much time and effort has been assigned to reading programs this year. Remedial reading work has been instituted in the regular English classes for all students in Freshman and Sophomore years who have shown, after testing, the need for such aid and attention. Programs in developmental reading have been set up four afternoons a week for College Preparatory Seniors on a voluntary basis. About fifty students have responded and have thus received further preparation for the College board examinations which stress adequacy in reading and vocabulary skills.
The summer reading program introduced this last June was very successful. Throughout the summer, nearly a thou- sand students from both the senior and junior high schools conformed to the terms of the program and read from three to six books during the vacation period, the number being determined by their ages and their standing in English classes. English instructors and librarians from the Milli- cent library gave warm support to the program, formulating lists of appropriate books and checking cheerfully reports covering the reading project after school had begun in the fall.
It is recommended that an additional full time teacher be assigned to this department.
143
This year, French was offered to Freshmen on a much wider basis than in the past. The reason for this was to meet the demand for the language resulting from the intro- duction offered in grade eight. Much work is being done in the development of comprehension of the spoken word at all levels. Although this approach has been used to some extent in the past, the emphasis now given exceeds anything at- tempted previously. It is anticipated that the number of pupils electing first year French will be increased this year, and that classes in the higher grades will be greater because of our present situation. Accordingly, it is recommended that an additional teacher of French be employed for that subject on a full time basis.
In previous years, Freshmen pupils have been advised not to elect two languages. The increase in French has virtually excluded some pupils from electing Latin. It is felt that pupils contemplating a liberal arts education would benefit greatly from Latin. For this type of student, two languages might be considered provided the past achievement in Eng- lish has been strong.
One hundred and fifty girls elected some phase of the work in Homemaking for the present year. They are mem- bers of a family now and many are looking forward to an early marriage when they will assume responsibilities of a family.
Each high school girl in the department gains more re- spect for the career of homemaking as she learns of the duties of food selection, food preparation, laundering, shop- ping for all the items used in the home and being general manager of a busy family.
The senior girls draw plans for the type of house they would like. Then they select the furnishings which will meet the needs of their type of living. The family budget gets a careful study; for some it is the first time they realized one ever planned ahead.
This department has much to offer the girl who does not anticipate further education. Homemaking is a career of first importance.
144
In Industrial Arts, we are making considerable progress toward a strong program. Much work has been done in renovating the shop area. Some new equipment has been added, but more is needed. Plans are being laid for activities varied in nature and suitable to all levels. The shop is not just a place for those who have difficulties in academic sub- jects. It should offer opportunity for practical work in science and mathematics for those who look forward to col- lege. This department is growing in importance.
In mathematics, effort is continually being made to in- crease the abilities of those students in the college divisions. The field of mathematics on the high school level is becoming more inclusive than a generation ago. The student entering college is assumed to have accomplished some of the things formerly introduced at college level. This requires constant attention to new procedures. Fairhaven is fortunate in hav- ing a program geared to the current requirements.
As mentioned previously, our problems in science grow out of the lack of space and of suitable laboratory equipment. To offset this, we have instituted double laboratory periods for both chemistry and physics. This has provided more time for an important phase of the work. However, the effi- ciency of the department would be greatly increased by the addition of new laboratory equipment.
In the area of social studies, there is a definite need for more up-to-date maps and charts. A survey was made dur- ing the fall which is expected to result in our obtaining such items of this nature which are most valuable for our pur- poses. Greater emphasis has been placed on geography with the result that these classes have been improved consider- ably.
DRIVER EDUCATION
More than eighty students are enrolled in this course at present. Of these, approximately fifty will complete all in- struction and take the driving test. The remainder will prob- ably receive classroom training only. There is only one in- structor this year and since he cannot handle behind-the- wheel training during the regular school session, the number of pupils completing all phases is limited. Driver education is becoming a problem in high schools because of the number of pupils involved. It is recommended that if this program is to be continued, consideration be given to the employment of an instructor who is more readily available.
145
ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The athletic program for boys and girls was carried on as usual and with a great deal of success. Our varsity teams competed in all major and minor sports against our Bristol County opponents. Much credit was brought to our town and school by the success of the basketball team in the Bos- ton tourney, our track team in the State meets, and our un- defeated tennis team. The baseball team did well against the larger schools in the area.
Physical education classes have been made smaller by limiting the opportunity to participate to freshmen and sophomores only. All students should have the privilege of enjoying physical activity and recreation, but the size of our classes must be limited by the smallness of our gymnasium.
Our activities out of doors on the athletic fields and courts are curtailed also by the poor condition of play areas. It would be advantageous to all if the fields at the junior high could be readied for varsity sports on the high school level as well as the junior high level.
LIBRARY SERVICES
The number of volumes available continues to become larger with an increase of over 300 books and paperbacks this year. Circulation figures indicate that we are reaching an all time high for this school which is an excellent sign of increased reading. Library instruction will have been given to all Freshmen at the end of the school year. In addition, classes in English are also receiving instruction in the use of the library. The Library Club is a source of student assistance without which the functioning of the library would be less effective. It is hoped that the town will con- tinue to support the growth of our library. I should like to point out that the space available for study in the library is considerably less than is needed for a school of our size.
146
CONCLUSION
It was a gratifying experience for me to complete a year as Principal of Fairhaven High School. I am sure that noth- ing I have ever done has been as satisfying to me. Much of that satisfaction came from the splendid cooperation of all concerned, Mr. Harriman, the School Committee, the Faculty and Staff and those members of the community at large who have rendered service to the High School. I cannot close my report without a special commendation for the students who daily exemplify the characteristics most desired in young people. It is a privilege to serve them.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES C. ENTWISTLE Principal
147
Report of Junior High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my third annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven Junior High School.
Our third year as a unit in the Fairhaven School system is an improved one in many ways. The need for the explora- tory approach to education for this age group is making itself felt in preparation for high school. The transition is now being made with better understanding on the part of many more students. This is due in marked degree to a dedi- cated faculty who, with a heavy load of two hundred pupils a day, on the average, continues persistently to try to give each Fairhaven boy and girl a good education for American citizenship.
The separation of guidance and library administration into two departments is noted with great satisfaction, for each is a full time responsibility. However, library educa- tion has suffered this year with the transfer of Mrs. Mercia Pike from our staff to the newly-created position of Co-or- dinator of Curriculum. At this point I pay tribute to Mrs. Baker, our teacher of seventh grade English, who, on a part time basis, assumed the responsibilities of library services, assisted by other members of the faculty. It is now recom- mended that Mrs. Baker be appointed full-time librarian for the junior high school.
Counseling is a vital part of our program. Mrs. Cromie is meeting 483 pupils for individual interviews on subject matter as well as on personal problems. In addition, more than one hundred parents have already been interviewed. This is an impossible task if we are to have effective improve- ment in this area. Another counselor is needed. It is note- worthy that the point has been reached whereby there will be a question of federal funds under title 5 of the National Defense Education Act if the situation is not corrected.
148
Ability to use the English language correctly and intel- ligently is basic in our education system. In spite of adop- tion by our school board, of six periods of English a week, we have lacked staff to carry out the plan beyond five periods. One more teacher of English who could also instruct in our expanding French program is needed for September, 1961.
Under the direction of Mrs. Mercia Pike, Curriculum Coordinator, an interesting laboratory plan in reading and mathematics has been set up by Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mr. Antone Cardoza, Mr. James Pasquill and Mrs. Alice Gibbs, to supply enrichment or remedial help in those areas. Results are being tested for improvement. Likewise, for those few pupils who have ability to handle such a program, we are offering first year algebra in grade eight. A much-needed course in research is being taught this year by Mrs. Evlyne Greenfield. Greater opportunities in music, art and printing are offered by Mrs. Dorothy Di Domenico, Mr. Joseph Ra- poza, and Mr. Cuthbert Tunstall. Expansion of the special class program to the junior high school level took place last September under the direction of Mr. Harry Rogers, Super- visor of Special Education.
Educational milestones for the year include :
a. Reading workshop for teachers with Dr. Mabel F. Noall of Boston University as instructor.
b. Educational Enrichment for students with specialized interests, now incorporated with the secretary of state of Massachusetts.
Grateful acknowledgement of valuable assistance in our school is extended to Mrs. Mercia Pike, Curriculum Coordi- nator. From the most intricate problem to the most minute detail in course of study improvement, she has worked un- ceasingly to benefit pupils and teachers and so has helped to make our school a better place in which to learn. We are indeed fortunate to be associated with Mrs. Pike in her new position.
149
Expanded enrollment continues to strain the physical plant and limit our curriculum offerings. Use of the cafe- teria, auditorium, library and music room for recitations, study periods and types of classes for which they are not designed, interferes with good teaching and efficient ad- ministration.
The competent management of our office by the new office secretary, Mrs. Hilda Carriero, is gratefully acknowl- edged.
Recognition of fine services by cafeteria workers and custodial staff is noted. A repeat request for a full time schedule for our janitress is made for the more efficient management of special problems of girls as well as the more effective distribution of custodial duties.
I note with deep regret the recent death of Mr. Samuel Gillespie, our senior custodian. His dedication to duty and love of youngsters have marked with sorrow his passing, but his dauntless spirit will live in our memories.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH I. HASTINGS Principal
150
Report of the Co-ordinators
To the Superintendent of Schools, Fairhaven School Committee, and the citizens of Fairhaven :
This composite report is Mrs. Helen R. Porter, Elemen- tary Co-ordinator's third annual report, and is the first re- port of Mrs. Mercia C. Pike, Curriculum Co-ordinator.
In reference to the elementary schools, you are referred to the preliminary 1959 report. In this report, the fact was stressed that only through careful testing could accurate results of experimentation be determined. The following table indicates results in arithmetic and reading.
EXPERIMENTAL GRADES (Average Grade Scores)
Reading
1959
1960
Differences
Comprehension
4.8
5.9
1.1
Vocabulary
4.8
6.1
1.3
Arithmetic
Reasoning
4.9
5.8
.9
Concepts
5.2
6.3
1.1
Computation
4.8
5.7
.9
A nine month gain is considered normal growth for one school year. Any fluctuation above this norm is gratifying. Although these results are not startling, on the basis of past performance, they do indicate growth. The gain is most noticeable in those areas in which emphasis has been placed on individual differences.
In order to strengthen and co-ordinate the two programs between the elementary-junior high and the junior-senior high school areas, Mrs. Mercia C. Pike was appointed co-or- dinator. Both programs have been set in operation and expanded.
151
Mrs. Elinor Martin, Elementary Reading Supervisor, and Miss Margaret Mangham, of the high school English department attended a special workshop conducted by the Science Research Associates to prepare for this expansion. After completion of these courses, those who attended met with principals and co-ordinators, as well as the head of the high school English department, to plan collectively, for a comprehensive reading program that would carry through graues 4-12.
At the junior high school, two laboratories were set up, one in arithmetic and one in reading. Two extra periods a week were offered in these subjects to students who had ability but who needed to be brought up to grade level, as well as to a few selected students with great potential. Long- range plans have been initiated to accelerate one small group of math students at the junior high school, so that eventually these high potential students will cover high school freshman algebra in grade 8.
Workshops were set up by the co-ordinators at the be- ginning of this school year to acquaint teachers with new methods and procedures and to give instruction on how to improve their own classroom techniques.
In the elementary area, Mrs. Edna Crilley, consultant of the Phonovisual Reading Program, met in workshop ses- sion with teachers of grades 1-5. Dr. Mabel S. Noall, Direc- tor of the Secondary Reading Clinic at Boston University, gave a course of reading skills and the use of multi-level materials at the junior high school level. Departmental workshops were arranged by Miss May Bennett (in arith- metic) for teachers in grades 5-7 and by Mr. Victor Brunette (in science) for teachers in grades 1-8.
Each of the Fairhaven public schools now has the nucleus of a good school library. This goal has been at- tained through the interest and active participation of hard- working citizens who have given time, money and books for this project. We have been fortunate, too, in having had the co-operation of Miss Rita Steele of Millicent Library in pro- viding books and advising on book selection. Where formal library work has been introduced at the junior-senior high school levels, correlation of this program has been expanded.
152
The co-ordinators have been studying a selected group of 5th grade children, to see how gifted children can be chal- lenged to their fullest capacity.
This group is working with Mr. Donald Graves, prin- cipal of the East Fairhaven School, in the Language Arts area, and with Mr. Victor Brunette, in Science. Evaluation should tell us how fast and how far more advanced students can progress.
The Co-ordinator of Curriculum has investigated, thor- oughly, the town's eligibility for reimbursement of Federal monies through the NDEA, Titles 3 and 5, as well as P. L. 874. The Town of Fairhaven is now participating in these Federal programs to the fullest extent. In so far as possible, Federal money received has been used to reduce the school budget for 1961-1962.
In order to inform parents of the schools' growth, a Newsletter is being published and sent home at the end of each marking period, reporting to the community on educa- tional topics of interest to them. In this way we hope to strengthen and improve public relations.
The co-ordinators realize that immediate consideration should be given to an examination of the Social Studies pro- gram (grades 1-12). Through building a professional library, conferences, workshops and consultant services, as well as university affiliation, we hope to provide opportunities for professional improvement in our community.
We are grateful to the teachers and principals for their aid and assistance in carrying out programs which will help raise the educational standards of the Fairhaven Public School System. We also express our gratitude to the Super- intendent and the School Committee for their support.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN R. PORTER (Mrs.) Elementary Co-ordinator MERCIA C. PIKE (Mrs.) Co-ordinator of Curriculum
153
Report of the School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I present herewith my eighteenth annual report as school nurse.
On January 11th the second school nurse Barbara F. Keith was a welcome addition to the school department.
There have been the usual eye and ear examinations during the school year, all pupils in grades 1-12 were ex- amined. Pupils who were entering grade one in September had eye and ear examinations in May. Diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus immunizations were given in January, November and December, and Salk Vaccine was given in May, these Clinics are held under the auspices of the Board of Health.
Attendance cases are few that do not involve health, seven cases of attendance were taken up with the probation officers. Three habitual school offenders were prosecuted in juvenile court.
SUMMARY OF NURSE'S WORK
Classroom Visits
1304
Physical Examinations
Home Visits
105
by Doctor 205
Mass Vision Tests
4009
Children to Court 3
Audiometer Tests
3410
Children to Probation Officers 7
Accidents in School
34
Physically Handicapped 42
(2 of these taken to hospital)
Home Visits to above 12
154
DENTAL CLINIC
The nurse cooperates with the Board of Health Dental clinic by making arrangements for pupils to go to the Clinic held in the Rogers School every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Dr. John Moreau is now the school dentist and Mrs. Catherine Govoni the assistant. Mrs. Govoni resigned in December and Mrs. Eleanor Gonsalves is the new assist- ant. New equipment was provided in September.
SUMMARY OF DENTAL WORK
Fillings
371 Cleanings 96
Extractions
58 Examinations 225
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE F. DENNIE, R.N. School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
155
Financial Statement
ANALYSIS OF 1958, 1959 AND 1960 EXPENDITURES (In Comparison with the 1961 Budget)
Expended 1958
Expended 1959
Expended 1960
Budget 1961
GENERAL CONTROL
Superintendent
$ 8,292.02
$ 8,848.00
$ 9,750.00
Other Expenses
$ 14,112.55
9,520.95
10,652.21
11,980.00
*Out-of-State Travel
169,23
250.12
200.00
INSTRUCTIONAL
Teacher's Salaries
433,322.78
507,954.29
600,561.26
666,266.00
Textbooks
12,806.12
12,922.14
13,751.14
15,286.04
Supplies
13,539.19
20,329.69
18,030.65
19,249.04
OPERATIONAL COSTS
Custodians
39,978.29
44,787.27
41,992.74
44,168.00
Fuel
18,855.63
24,570.87
23,099.89
24,550.00
Misc. Operation
14,528.85
19,535.34
22,327.32
19,920.00
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Repairs and Replace.
19,007.56
19,110.61
36,544.93
36,655.18
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
*New Equipment
976.56
4,971.51
9,705.39
15,055.21
*Buildings and Grounds
14.00
*Special Appro.
1,290.00
AUXILIARY SERVICES
Transportation*
33,675.49
36,950.98
39,924.69
42,121.00
Health
4,001.61
3,962.91
6,640.84
8,125.00
Physical Education
868.66
1,343.14
3,969.13
2,911.85
Cafeterias
4,273.24
3,748.79
6,008.59
7,820.00
Tuition
2,978.34
2,792.30
1,555.75
2,315.00
Driver Education
2,191.55
1,892.96
1,667.91
2,211.00
Sundries
1,387.00
1,845.14
1,658.53
3,379.00
TOTALS
$617,807.42
$724,700.14
$847,189.09
$931,962.32
APPROPRIATIONS
587,843.93
700,064.67
831,862.19
899,589.41
From other Sources
(Including Transfers)
$ 29,963.49 $ 24,635.47 $ 15,326.90
$ 32,372.91
* Segregated Accounts
156
RECEIPTS ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS
ITEMS
Received 1959
Received 1960
Estimated 1961
EXPENDABLE INCOME
Trust Funds
$ 20,386.33
$ 21,169.92
$ 20,500.00
Balances and Refunds
.37
4,623.22
9,917.48
Transfers
8,866.00
1,015.43
Bristol County Dog Fund
2,108.83
1,913.98
1,955.43
TOTAL
$ 31,361.53
$ 28,722.55 $ 32,372.91
OTHER INCOME
School Aid, Chapter 70
117,169.98
121,394.98
122,000.00
Special Education, Chapter 69, 71
3,847.80
7,325.93
7,600.00
Transportation, Chapter 71
18,236.74
19,933.07
20,000.00
Tuition
37,179.37
52,554.98
56,850.00
TOTAL
$176,433.89
$201,208.96
$206,450.00
157
MEMBERSHIP AND ATTENDANCE School Year Ending June 1960
School
Grades
Principal
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
l'ardiness
High School
9-12
Charles C. Entwistle
805
773
723
93.60
459
Jr. High Sch.
7-8
Elizabeth I. Hastings
494
473
450
95.17
202
Anthony
1-6
Ellen E. Rex
170
162
154
95.00
35
F. Fairhaven
1-6
Donald H. Graves
382
343
323
94.04
136
Oxford
1-6
Mary S. Toledo
316
303
284
94.00
72
Rogers
1-6
Ruth B. Wilbur
299
275
260
96.87
55
Tripp
1-6
Edythe Rankin
190
162
171
95.16
151
Totals
1-12
2656
2491
2365
94.83
1110
TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS December 1960
School
Andrade
Arenberg
Union St. Railway
Other
Total
High School
14
72
103
189
Jr. High School
42
139
29
210
Rogers
Tripp
19
3
22
E. Fairhaven
252
5
257
Oxford
N.B. Voc. H. School
11
24
7
42
N.B. Sight Seeing
1
1
N.B. Special
3
3
Bristol Co. Agric.
1
-
1
St. Joseph
25
82
37
144
Holy Family H. S.
4
4
8
O. L. P. H.
3
-
3
Sacred Heart Acad.
8
5
13
Sacred Heart School
Bishop Stang H. S.
10
10
St. Anthony H. S.
i
1
Coyle H. S.
1
1
Totals
352
307
221
26
906
-
-
-
1
1
-
158
ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOL AND GRADE October 1, 1960
School
I II
III
IV
V
VI VII VIII Sp. Tot.
Oxford
44
50
52
47
48
50
291
Anthony
27
30
22
31
26
25
161
Tripp
26
12
33
23
30
31
18
173
Rogers
38
49
45
52
58
33
275
E. Fairhaven
61
53
63
70
56
56
359
Jr. High School
214 248
18
480
Total Elem.
196 194 215 223 218 195 214 248
36 1739
High School
IX 233; X 199; XI 198; XII 198; P.G. 8
836
Total Enrollment
2575
SUMMARY OF ENROLLMENT
October
Elementary
High School
Total
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
2487
1959
1751
787
2538
1960
1739
836
2575
159
AGE AND GRADE TABLE
October 1, 1960
GRADES
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.