USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1962 > Part 6
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I strongly recommend to the Committee that a school- adjustment counselor be secured and started on this task effective no later than September of 1963.
ADDITIONAL STAFF REQUIREMENTS
I am requesting in the 1963 Budget that six (6) additional teachers be employed for the 1963-64 school year. I am re- questing that three of these teachers be placed in the High School to help with the teacher-load in the following four
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areas: English, French, Social Studies, and Industrial Arts. Two of these teachers would be placed in the elementary schools; one would be placed in charge of the extra class- room of students expected in the East Fairhaven area and the other would be placed in charge of a special pre-primary class for students screened out of school entrance by means of our 1st Grade Readiness Testing Program. It is my in- tention to establish this class by the conversion of a basement at the Oxford School.
One teacher will be necessary in the area of Special Class Education for trainable children. These children are pres- ently being handled by the City of New Bedford, who have notified me officially that as of September 1963, they will be unable to handle our students in addition to their own. There are two ground-level rooms at the rear of the Oxford School auditorium formally used by the maintenance division, which could be converted into two very nice rooms for this purpose, having a separate outside entrance and ground-level facili- ties, which are primary considerations in the establishment of a trainable class program. Since we must educate children at both ends of the intellectual ladder, we must vigorously endorse a program of this type for the approximately 10 to 12 students in this category which we have at the present time.
STATE SUPPORT OF EDUCATION
I recommend very strongly the endorsement and support of the School Committee in the action of House Bill #1781, which is an act for the improving of the distribution of State funds for public and vocational schools. The General Court in its wisdom, has seen fit repeatedly to legislate salaries, curriculum areas, and ancillary services, thereby placing fi- nancial burdens on the towns, which have only the property- tax upon which to base their appropriations. House Bill #1781, which has been filed for consideration in the 1963 session of the General Court, is designed to provide an over- all state average of 40 percent of State support for school operating costs, which would involve more than double the amount of state money under our present formula. The new formula is an equalizing formula based upon an equalized valuation of the towns of the Commonwealth, deriving its
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support for this state subsidy on a sales and use tax of 2 per- cent of the retail sales of tangible personal property.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ranks 12th in per capita income and 48th in state participation in public school education. Due to increased costs and larger enrollments the total educational cost for town of Fairhaven's economic ability is rapidly outstripping the town's ability to pay from real property taxes. To a very large extent, one can greatly sympathize with the property taxpayer, who has such a large burden to bear in the paying of municipal charges. Great resentment is engendered toward public education, since such a large percentage of the municipal tax burden is caused by educational costs.
ADMINISTRATION
Elaine M. Marshall, Financial Clerk Beatrice M. DeCoffe, Secretary Nesta M. Oliveira, Correspondence Clerk
As I have many times indicated in previous reports, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for me, as your Super- intendent, to satisfy myself with the efficiency with which I am able to carry out my duties. The amount of time that is necessary for me to spend in building and maintenance prob- lems, purchasing and financial and business matters, far outstrips the amount of time I am able to spend in the areas
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for which I am primarily responsible. My primary duty as Superintendent of Schools as I see it, is to be the chief edu- cational officer of the school system, and I feel that I should be spending 75 percent of my time in these areas. At the present time, I am able to spend less than 25 percent of the time in areas for which I was specifically trained. I strongly recommend the acquisition of an administrative assistant in this department, in order that the more routine details of school administration, particularly in areas of business, budgeting, buildings and grounds, maintenance, and routine reports be handled by this person under my direction. These duties are not of a clerical nature and could not be delegated to a clerical person; however, they could be handled by someone with business administration training and training which I could give him on the job.
CONCLUSION
Reports of the Principal of the High School, Principal of the Junior High School, Co-ordinator of Elementary Educa- tion, the School Nurse and Attendance Supervisor, which are incorporated in this Fairhaven School Report, will be able to point out in more detail some of the other areas of strength and weakness, which should be brought to your attention and to the attention of the citizens of Fairhaven. I sincerely appreciate the fine cooperation shown me by the School Committee, and my own immediate staff in the administra- tion of the Fairhaven School System for the benefit of the youth of our Town. I am proud of the work that we have done, the accomplishments that we have made, and the pro- fessional ability with which we have been able to handle the task of educating our youth. Credit should be given to so many persons that it would be impossible for me to list them all specifically. Suffice it to say, that without their help, sup- port, and encouragement, my administration of your schools would have been greatly hampered if not altogether impos- sible. I am grateful to them for what they have done.
Respectfully submitted,
LYNWOOD P. HARRIMAN Superintendent of Schools
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Report of the High School Principal
Charles C. Entwistle, Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my fourth annual report as Principal of Fairhaven High School.
The past year, 1962, may well be considered as a year of inspiration. The sesquicentennial anniversary of the found- ing of the town caused us to pause and reflect on the accom- plishments of the past. At Fairhaven High School, we drew from local history many themes which served as points of departure for enriching our educational program. It is reasonable to assume that many of our young people were strengthened in their aspirations for the future as a result of their study of community life in the past.
On June 13, 1962, School Committeeman Cecil H. Whittier
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presented diplomas to 144 seniors. The graduation program was highlighted by the presentation of a dramatic chorale, "America is a Little Town" by honor graduates. The chorale was written by Mrs. Paul L. Knipe, Head of the English De- partment in honor of the sesquicentennial celebration. It may be said that this presentation was the highwater mark of the school year. It was truly a most worthy contribution to the story of Fairhaven.
Scholarships and awards having a total value of $4,713.33 were given to the following graduates.
Scholarship
Recipient
Fairhaven Mothers Club
Alison Hood
Fairhaven Mothers Club (Nursing)
Dianne Ponte
Quota Club
Dianne Ponte
Anna B. Trowbridge Fund
Marilyn Besse
Honor Society
Marilyn Besse
Bausch and Lomb Science Medal
Marilyn Besse
Girls Club Scholarship
Sallejane Andrews
Rogers School P. T. A.
Robert Wrightington
New Bedford Women's Club
Robert Wrightington
Ligue des Presidents
Kathryn Smith
Bridgewater Club
Kathryn Smith
Fairhaven Varsity Club
John Hall John Hall
Fairhaven Sports Committee
Fairhaven Teachers Association
Joyce Howland
Fairhaven Teachers Association
Janice Clunie
Fairhaven Teachers Association
William Perry
Fairhaven Teachers Association
Richard Lang
Fairhaven Teachers Association New Bedford College Club
Margaret Dearden
Margaret Dearden Joyce Howland Janice Clunie
New Bedford College Club
Chester M. Downing Future Teachers Club North Fairhaven Improvement Association East Fairhaven P. T. A.
Janice Clunie
William Perry
William Perry
Lady Fairhaven Cup
Lady Fairhaven Cup
Lady Fairhaven Citizenship Award
Graduate Achievement of Greater New Bedford Italian Women's Club
Miss New Bedford Future Nurses
Sharyn Dickinson
Exchange Club of New Bedford
Catholic Women's Club
University of Rhode Island
University of Georgia
Sharyn Dickinson Kathleen Amaral Michael Fitzgerald Robin Holmes
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Fairhaven Key Club Standard-Times
William Perry William Perry Margaret Dearden
Richard Litchfield Richard Litchfield Karen Behn Karen Behn
During the graduation program, the Class of 1962 gave to the school the sum of two hundred dollars to be used for the purchase of trees and shrubbery to beautify the school grounds.
A survey of the class after graduation revealed that 41.8 percent of the graduates had continued education beyond the secondary level including 24.8 percent who had enrolled in four year institutions. 39 percent are employed and 8.5 percent are in the armed forces.
In January, 1962, an evaluation committee representing the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools spent three days reviewing the secondary program in Fairhaven. Preparation for this evaluation had been going on over the previous eighteen months. Many townspeople, as well as the school staff had contributed to the preparatory work. As a result, the school was ready for the scrutiny of the visitors. Many commendations were received, but there were also many constructive suggestions for improvement of both plant and program. The overall result was favorable as is shown by the fact that the Association at its annual meet- ing voted to award continuing membership to Fairhaven High School. However, we cannot stand on our laurels. Progress reports on needed improvements will be required twice during the next five-year period.
In September, school was opened with a total enrollment of 800, of whom 231 were Freshmen. To accommodate the demand for a variety of courses and to provide opportunities for smaller classes, a seven-period day was instituted. The school day was lengthened by fifteen minutes so that it was possible to maintain the length of class periods at an accept- able level. In spite of the addition of one period daily, it is still necessary to make close schedule adjustments to insure availability of suitable classroom area. We are now using over ninety percent of the available general classroom space daily. We anticipate that our schedule for next year will require us to use every square foot of general class space that can be used. At that point we shall be literally satu- rated. It is difficult to predict how the problem will be solved
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in September of 1964.
The Business Department under the direction of Mrs. Marie R. Noyer completed the survey of local business firms which was begun in 1961. The purpose of the survey was to determine whether students receiving business training were properly prepared for entry into office work. We were gratified to learn that our graduates were considered well- qualified beginners. This type of training is best accom- plished with up-to-date equipment and so we have continued our policy of replacing some of the typewriters and business machines annually. At the same time, we have sought to make changes in room furniture. As a result, we completed the refurnishing of the typewriting room during the year. This area is now in excellent condition. We recommend that serious consideration be given to the replacement of the bulky outmoded desks in the bookkeeping room so that space may be used more efficiently. The success of our graduates when placed in positions warrants the acquisition of modern training equipment.
As we noted above, the graduation presentation developed in the English Department followed the theme of the sesqui- centennial celebration. A similar theme was followed in public speaking classes. Students, selecting topics of local interest, did so well that a speakers bureau was set up for the purpose of carrying the celebration message to various adult groups. Throughout the early months of the year, high school student speakers were in constant demand.
Graduates going on to higher education need experience in written expression. Accordingly, much writing is encour- aged in our English classes. Ninth grade students write at least four short themes per month. As students progress towards the twelfth grade, the demands are increased. The junior and senior students not only write themes on a bi- monthly basis but also carry out a research paper assign- ment. Communication, however, is not confined to theme writing. It is part of every day experience in all classes. With this in mind, the English Department is stressing increased cooperative effort with other departments in an effort to
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raise the standards of expression. Mrs. Knipe has prepared a handbook for use of all instructors in the effort to improve language use.
As an outcome of a recommendation by the Evaluation Committee, the English Department is preparing a school newspaper, "The Spray", which will be published shortly. The Business and Industrial Arts Departments are assisting in the mechanics of preparing the paper for publication.
We pointed out last year that the introduction of French at the Junior High School would eventually have great effect on the program at the secondary level. Two noticeable re- sults are already apparent. First, the sophomores who were members of the original pilot group in Grade 8 have de- veloped an oral facility which, by far, exceeds that of any other previous class. Secondly, the continued interest in the language is such that in September 1963 we shall offer French IV for the first time. The increase in demand for this language will require an additional teacher in Septem- ber 1963.
In both French and Spanish audio-lingual drill is stressed so that student proficiency in speaking and comprehension is greatly increased. The use of commercial and teacher- made tapes for both individual and group work is highly successful. With such a background our students will be well prepared for language laboratory instruction when it is established.
The demand for Latin continues to be relatively strong. This language not only furnishes a good foundation for the classical student but it also opens the door to some of the world's richest literature. The student who looks forward to a liberal arts education finds the combination of Latin and a modern language of great assistance to him.
Worthy of note is the fact that a group of senior students desiring to acquire a knowledge of Spanish is studying in extra session after school. This is in addition to their regular schedule which is already full.
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Mathematics is a dynamic subject, the growth of which has been so extensive that it cannot be treated adequately by following the traditional curriculum. The Mathematics Department is providing an opportunity for many students to follow a program that is new and challenging. Modern mathematical concepts and processes are included in certain programs on the ninth and tenth grade levels with some pro- vision for the downward extension to junior high school grades. There are accelerated groups for the more able students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. At the same time, provisions are made to meet the mathematics require- ments of students who do not seek or need to develop an understanding of newer concepts.
With each passing year, the need for programs of practi- cal training for a large segment of our high school popula- tion becomes more pressing. Such programs especially for boys, require considerable classroom area. At present our facilities limit the breadth of our offerings. During the past year, we have acquired additional equipment for woodwork- ing, metalworking, and printing. This will make it possible for us to do more than we have done. However, the physical layout of the facilities for boys makes it difficult to properly supervise activities in two areas at one time. We recommend that an additional instructor be added to the staff for boys. The separation of facilities for girls likewise creates prob- lems. However, we are not faced with overcrowding al- though there has been an increase in the number of girls electing the clothing course. We feel that much more could be done if there could be a rearrangement of areas.
Under the direction of Mr. Raymond Boyce, the Science Department has undertaken a series of regularly scheduled meetings dealing with curriculum and curriculum change. All grade levels from one through twelve will be included eventually. At present, the major emphasis is centered on grades seven through twelve. This should result in less over- lap and in greater opportunity for new learning particularly at the junior and senior levels. The enrollment in the general science and biology classes has increased with resultant
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Fairhaven High School Lab - Raymond G. Boyce
crowding, particularly in the biology area. We strongly recommend that consideration be given to the enlargement of facilities for biology so that we can offer it as a laboratory course. We have obtained several items of science equip- ment under the provisions of the National Defense Education Act, and we have requested the purchase of more equipment under the same provision. Student activity in this depart- ment has increased considerably during the year with a corresponding increase in a genuine interest in science.
Following the recommendations of the Evaluation Com- mittee, we are now developing a social studies curriculum which places increased stress on contemporary problems. For example, a study of non-European countries was begun in September. Important areas such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America are being considered. This is necessary be- cause our everyday living is affected by the happenings in
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these regions. Similarly, we have begun a study of Com- munism and its meaning for us as a free people. This subject has been controversial for schools and so it is a matter re- quiring careful consideration. Many of the reputable book companies are publishing materials on this for the first time. Our selection of texts has been carried out with considerable care. Social studies subjects are primarily content subjects having heavy reading requirements. Many of our students experience frustration because of limited reading abilities. In order to overcome this with some groups, we are giving thought to the development of experimental classes using materials geared to the level of the reading ability and com- prehension of the individuals concerned. Although this may seem to be a regression from the secondary level, it appears to be a more realistic approach than the assignment of ma- terials which are barely understood. World situations being what they are, it behooves us to bring about real understand- ings regardless of the method employed.
The athletic teams of the high school competed in the Bristol County League in all major sports. The high school girls also participated in a full schedule of basketball, volley- ball, and softball as members of the Girls' Bristol County League.
Our basketball team was once again invited to play in the Southeastern Mass. Basketball Tournament at the Boston Garden, and the baseball team was qualified for the State Baseball Tourney in Boston. The varsity track team did well in their Boston meets and against their Bristol County op- ponents.
The physical education classes participated in the Physical Fitness Meet held by the Exchange Club of Greater New Bedford, and all the boys and girls were given a series of physical fitness tests. Tumbling, apparatus work, gymnas- tics, and sports were also part of the class program. Physical fitness programs for all is an aim of the department.
The high school cheerleaders returned from the Spencer Cheerleaders Tourney with a trophy for excellence.
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The Art Department continues to produce excellent results in spite of extremely limited facilities. Of particular inter- est to the townspeople was the design of a cover for the ses- quicentennial program. Many fine subjects were submitted with the choice going to the work of Miss Claire Ann Baker. Another notable achievement was the distribution of large holiday cards to numerous local institutions. These cards were developed by members of the Art Club. Working in a wide variety of media, students of the art classes have enriched this school and have contributed well to local exhibitions. Special mention must be made of the skill and energy displayed by our art instructor, Mrs. Mandell, who literally works miracles with limited resources.
During 1962 there were 352 new books added to the high school library collection. This growth was paralleled by an increase in circulation and by greater use of reference ma- terials by students. The library is an important part of our school facilities. It contributes much to the knowledge of our students when properly used. At present we have nearly the capacity both for shelf area and for study area. Assum- ing that the use of the library will continue to grow we will face the necessity of enlarging library facilities in the near future.
The band at the high school has always been an outstand- ing organization. During the past year the group came into prominence on two occasions. Newly outfitted in attractive blue uniforms, the band participated in the fine parade that climaxed the sesquicentennial celebration in July. Later, sponsored by the Fairhaven Band Parents Club, the organi- zation traveled to Atlantic City for the Miss America Parade. There the musicians shared honors with Miss Karen L. Behn, Class of 1962, who had been selected as Miss Massachusetts.
In June, Mrs. Marguerite Johnson led the graduating class in singing Kiplings "Recessional" for the last time. After eighteen years of active, productive service to the Fairhaven schools and to the high school in particular, Mrs. Johnson retired. Her tireless efforts will be long remembered.
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In June also, Fairhaven High School suffered a grievous loss in the sudden death of Mr. Walter D. Wood, Assistant Principal. For thirty-three years, Mr. Wood had given a full measure of devoted service to the school and community. Countless men and women came under his tutelage and were touched by his quiet, understanding manner of imparting knowledge. The Class of 1962 in fine gesture of respect established a bookshelf in his honor. At a moving ceremony in the school auditorium, the Walter D. Wood Memorial Bookshelf was dedicated in December. It is fitting that the spirit of Mr. Wood should be forever in Fairhaven High School.
During the year, our students distinguished themselves in many ways. To enumerate all would be a lengthy task. However, I should like to single out for commendation Miss Eileen C. Escolas and Mr. Charles A. Maxfield of the Class of 1963. These young people achieved places among the Semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Examination. It is our hope that they will receive coveted honors as finalist.
As I look back over the year, I am moved to note the assistance which has come from many sources and without which the principalship would be an impossible task. To the School Committee, Mr. Harriman, and the entire staff and faculty, I extend my appreciation for their generous and valuable support.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES C. ENTWISTLE, Principal
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Report of the Junior High School Principal
Elizabeth I. Hastings, Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Principal of the Fairhaven Junior High School. Enrollment is greater than predicted - 457 in total - and transfer pupils from other schools or communities have reached an all-time high.
Possibly the most important new step in expansion of curriculum and services this year stems from the moving of the superintendent and his staff to the new administrative center, thereby freeing the guidance and health suites for important pupil education in those fields.
A very necessary program has been introduced this year by Miss Margaret Manghan, our secondary school reading supervisor. This fall, pupils have been taught, in small
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Fairhaven Junior High School Library At lecturn : Alice W. Rapp, Librarian At bookcase: Charles F. Foley
groups, some of the basic skills of better reading. For this beginning we are very grateful, but two days a week does not allow sufficient time to develop mastery or to start a remedial program. This is a full-time job. Therefore, I urgently request that one reading teacher be eventually assigned exclusively to the junior high school so that greater competence in this important skill may be developed before pupils reach senior high school.
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