USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > Town annual report of the offices of Fairhaven, Massachusetts 1963 > Part 6
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Scholarships and awards having a total value of $11,344.94 were given to the following graduates:
Scholarship & Award
Amount $ 150
Recipient
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philopthes
Anne Alexion
Society Scholarship
Standard Times Scholarship
$ 150
Kenneth Browning
Rogers School P. T. A.
$ 100
Beth Church
Fairhaven Mothers Club (Nursing)
$ 100
Beth Church
Fairhaven Mothers Club
$ 100
Eileen Escolas
University of Massachusetts
$1250
Eileen Escolas
Commonwealth Scholarship
$ 300
Ann Early
East Fairhaven P. T. A.
$ 100
Nancy Carvalho
Benjamin Bates Scholarship (Bates College)
$ 600
Nancy Carvalho
Fairhaven Girls Club Scholarship
$ 25
Susan Benjamin
Williams College Scholarship
$1600
William Holt
University of Bridgeport
$ 800
Football Scholarship
per year
Steve Vining
Anna B. Trowbridge Award
$ 264.94
Cynthia Mello
Chester M. Downing Future Teachers Scholarship
75
Linda Martin
F. H. S. Future Nurses
$
50
Barbara Jo Moore
Rainbow Mothers Club
$ 100
Barbara Jo Moore
of New Bedford
$ 150
Barbara Jo Moore
F. H. S. Key Club Scholarship
$ 100
Charles Maxfield
N. B. Exchange Club History Award
$ 200
Charles Maxfield
North Fairhaven Improvement Asso.
$ 65
Wilfred St. Onge
Lady Fairhaven Citizenship Award
$ 15
Linda Poirier
Bryant College New England
$ 800
Linda Poirier
Regional Scholarship
Fairhaven Teachers Association
$ 150
Anne Alexion
Scholarship
Fairhaven Teachers Association Scholarship
$ 150
Cynthia Mello
Fairhaven Teachers Association
$ 150
Linda Martin
Scholarship
Fairhaven Teachers Association Scholarship
$ 150
Eileen Escolas
Lady Fairhaven Cup
William Holt
Lady Fairhaven Cup
Marjorie Schmidt
Bausch and Lomb Science Medal
Marjorie Schmidt
Ligue des Presidents
$
50
Marjorie Schmidt
Amvets Scholarship (National
$ 500
Marjorie Schmidt
Honor Society)
New Bedford College Club
$ 500
Marjorie Schmidt
Smith College Scholarship
$ 800
Marjorie Schmidt
Science Awards (Gold)
Marjorie Schmidt
Science Awards (Silver)
Nancy Carvalho
Science Awards (Bronze)
Richard Souza
New England Deaconess Hospital
$1800
Kay Alice Marriott
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Grand Chapter of Mass. Order of the Eastern Star
Beloit College Scholarship
During the graduation program, the Class of 1963 gave to the School the sum of three hundred dollars to be used to add to the landscaping design of the school grounds begun by the Class of 1962.
The Guidance Department reports that fouty-four per cent of the Class of 1963 have continued their formal educational pro- gram in some thirty-six different institutions. Over half of those going on to school are enrolled in programs leading to the bach- elor's degree. Forty-eight per cent of the class are employed in forty-three local businesses and industries. Approximately six per cent have entered the armed services.
A detailed analysis of the work undertaken in each of the various department of the High School is beyond the scope of this report. In general, it may be said that the staff within the depart- ments is alert to the changing patterns of offerings on the secondary level and is instituting change whenever it is feasible to do so.
Increased enrollment in the Business Department necessitated the hiring of an additional teacher in September. This increase is due, in part, to the expanding opportunities for job placement in this field. To provide adequate business training the courses of study are being revised continually, the most recent change being the addition of a unit on data processing. Increased emphasis is also placed on the development of closer relationships be- tween the school and the business community.
In the English Department the pace of written composition has been stepped up. In the top level English classes a great deal of adult writing is being done by the pupils with the stress placed on original thinking. At the same time, the program is being adopted in other classes where the level of ability is lower. Here, the assignments in literature and composition are modified and simplified. It is an ever increasing task of the English Department to provide adequate instruction at all levels in this most funda- mental subject. It should be noted that this department furnished the leadership for the development of an opening exercise program necessitated by the banning of Bible reading. In addition, this department must be credited for the high caliber of a most im- pressive memorial assembly for the late President Kennedy.
111
Training in reading is closely allied to instruction in all fields, but particularly to that in English. The non-reader, the poor reader, and the reader wth physical disabilities are all at a serious disadvantage, especially at the secondary level. At present, we are able to devote three days per week to reading instruction, but this is far from enough. Two days are given over to helping able readers develop their skills further. One day is given to remedial work for those who have reached high school without the ability to read adequately. It is true we are thus able to make some prog- ress, but it is equally true that this important area needs continued and increased attention.
Our program in Industrial Arts is showing signs of a healthy growth. An additional shop teacher was added to the staff in September so that work in metals became a reality for the first time in many years. The improved quality of work produced in several areas included in Industrial Arts has brought about a satisfying change in the attitude of many non-academic pupils.
The Foreign Language Department includes instruction in French, Latin, and Spanish. This year French IV was offered for the first time, thus enabling some pupils to study the language for five years. With increased emphasis on the listen-speak method of instruction, there is being developed a high degree of proficiency in pupil ability to converse. Simultaneous instruction in literature provides balance to the program. Although the audio-lingual approach is practised to a lesser degree in Latin and Spanish, the strees on literature in these courses gives the pupil a solid back- ground for future work in these or related areas.
At Fairhaven High School, the Mathematics Department has been a leader in adapting newer methods and concepts in the teaching of this subject. The program in the so-called modern mathematics now extends down from the Senior year to the seventh grade level in the Junior High School. General Mathematics is available to those whose future needs or present abilities call for a less vigorous course. By adjusting the classes in ability it has been possible to provide suitable mathematics instruction at every level.
In Physical Education stress has been placed on the develop- ment of boy and girls, who are physically fit. All pupils in the
112
first three years of high school participate in some form of physical training. The organization of an intramural sports program would provide for additional activity for those who are not members of varsity interscholastic teams. Although the school athletic team did not win any league championships the boys and girls performed well. Individual performances worthy of note were those of Alan Patenaud, who won the Class D indoor 1000 and outdoor Half-Mile Championship and of John Wojick who won the Class D Outdoor.
There is wide-spread interest in science among the upper- classmen, particularly in Chemistry where the enrollment classes include an intensive course more difficult than offered in previous years. It is hoped that a course in PSSC Physics will be offered in 1964. The faculty is now preparing for this by attending a special evening course. Consideration is being given to the installa- tion of a new Biology laboratory that will provide for greater laboratory activity. The Science Department as a whole is still working on a correlated program for grades seven through twelve.
The Social Studies Department has been preparing courses of study that will provide for a continuity of program suggested by the Evaluation Committee in 1962. This has involved the elimination of overlapping material and a general tightening of demands on the pupil. The general picture in Social Studies is one of increased scope and difficulty. To provide also for the non- reader, the department has worked cooperatively with the Reading Supervisor in overcoming reading problems in one World History class. The combination of high interest material and easy vocab- ulary has appealed to many pupils, who have been able to make progress that might have been impossible otherwise.
The Music Department including both the vocal and instru- mental groups has expanded its offerings during the year. The enrollment in vocal music has increased from 30 to 100 pupils. In addition, both groups have worked in combined fashion to present several fine concerts including a new venture at Christmas. During the Spring, the band exchanged programs with the Frank- lin, New Hampshire High School. If the schedule permitted, there is little doubt that the music groups would include many more young people. The quality of those now performing is emphasized by the selections of several pupils for the All-State Concert.
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The Fairhaven High School Library continues to grow in the number of books available. During 1963, some 350 volumes were added, but the recommended ideal of ten books per pupil has not yet been reached. Approximately, one half of the student body use the library regularly. It is hoped that this number will increase as facilities are expanded. It should be noted that the physical limits of the present library will restrict expansion very shortly.
Once again, Fairhaven has two students who achieved the status of semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Examina- tion. They are Edward Lefkowicz and Catherine Wershey. These young people deserve commendation for their achievement. In November, Edward B. Locke was selected to attend a meeting on the use of atomic energy in Chicago.
There is one problem that Fairhaven High School shares with almost every other secondary school in the country. That problem is one of treating in an adequate way the diverse needs of an in- creasing school population. A satisfactory program must give equal attention to the high-ability and the low-ability pupil without neglecting the pupil who is considered to be average. The first step toward achieving such a program is the development of courses of study geared to the entire range of abilities. This is a task that requires concerted, united staff effort. This can be ac- complished best during the summer vacation. It is, therefore, recommended that consideration be given to providing funds for a four-week full-time summer workshop in which selected staff members can develop the materials necessary to do the job that is needed.
In conclusion, I should like to commend the faculty and staff of the High School experienced and dedicated, they are an asset to the entire community. To them, to Mr. Harriman, and to the School Committee I express my gratitude for their support in a job that becomes more complex each year.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES C. ENWISTLE, Principal
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Report of the Junior High School Principal
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present herewith my sixth annual report as Principal of Fairhaven Junior High School.
Enrollment, again, seems to be our major problem with a total of 478 pupils which exceeds the predicted figures. The increase in transfer pupils throughout the year suggests the need for further study of this condition. Class size is climbing toward thirty-five at a time when fewer pupils per teacher are vital as a deterrent to mass production. Research indicates that effective improvement of pupils' weaknesses calls for more individual at- tention on the part of the instructor. This means smaller classes. Our ultimate goal is individual programming when adequate staff is available.
The continued development of basic reading skills is still the most critical need in the Junior High School. Miss Margaret Maughan, our secondary reading supervisor, is able to teach for us, two days a week, only. We need a full-time reading specialist. Some progress has been made by reducing the social studies pro- gram and increasing the number of weekly language arts periods to six for all but three classes. This allows more time for teaching reading skills and spelling, in particular.
Other areas of development which mark some progress are: the testing and revising of new courses of study in science, geo- graphy and practical arts; extension of modern mathematics to three classes each in grades seven and eight; introduction of conversational French into one seventh grade division, thus in- creasing to five the number of classes with hope for future expansion as we add staff; and the added opportunities of selection of extra curricular activities, particularly intramurals, after school. A team of English and history teachers is doing research on cooperative instruction in these subjects. Our library is in greater demand for study before and after school. Respect for culture is on the increase because of unusual opportunities in art
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and music. The audio visual department is becoming a valuable aid to many teachers because there are more available materials and equipment to enrich and more clearly interpret that which is being taught. The physical fitness program is helping more of our young people. Careful administration and records of the national physical fitness program, now in its third year, indicate a gradual and progressive raising of health standards among our young people. Many parents are visiting our school to consult with counselors and teachers, and our Parent-Teachers' Association is becoming more active preparing and attending programs to better understand what the Junior High is trying to do for Fairhaven youth.
This improvement and enrichment of curriculum must be at- tributed, not only to the good leadership of department chairmen, but also to interested Junior High School teachers, who have re- spect for education, interest in youg people and loyalty to our school.
With the completion of this report, Fairhaven Junior High School prepares to bring to a close the first episode of its history - six happy years as a two grade school. We now turn our thoughts to the challenge of the expansion of our building and the addition of grade nine which must assume student leadership in a necessari- ly expanded program in September, 1964. We, the faculty, eagerly face this opportunity to develop a broader education at the Junior High School level, hoping that the results may better serve our community.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH I. HASTINGS, Principal
116
Report of the Elementary Coordinator
To the Superintendent of Schools, School Committee, and the Citizens of Fairhaven:
I submit my sixth annual report on the developments in our regular school program for the year 1963.
The 1963-64 school year began with a large number of teachers needing special supervisory assistance. Due to the teacher turnover, 29% of the schools' 55 elementary teachers needed help. Supervision in reading, spelling and language has been maintained. Teachers have been given assistance and suggestions where and when needed. The phonics program has been carefully guided for ap- plication in both reading and spelling. Our faculty members have been most cooperative in working toward the basic goals in the language arts and are to be commended for their fine efforts.
In addition to the number of changes in the teaching per- sonnel, there was a change in the principalship of the Rogers School. Mr. James S. Francis was hired as principal of the Rogers School due to the retirement of Mrs. Ruth B. Wilbur.
Our school libraries are growing but there is still much need to expand to meet the needs of modern educational requirements. Our parent-librarians have given tirelessly of their time and effort to keep the school libraries in working order. In November, Mr. Charles W. Adams, State Supervisor of Elementary Libraries, visited all of our schools. We are waiting for his summary of recommendation for the Fairhaven elementary libraries.
Our staff have been working to improve our spelling program in the elementary grades. During the past year, we have tried the Harper & Row system of spelling in several of our classes and have found it valuable. It is a program which completely relates to our phonics system and teaches the child "how" to spell rather than injecting numerous lists of words to be learned by rote. All classes have been divided into groups as we feel it as important to meet individual needs in spelling as in reading. We are now
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working on a program whereby the lessons can be taped and used occasionally with one group while the teacher is working with another. Tapes arc of great value in developing listening power and ability to follow directions as well as releasing the teacher to meet the needs of those who need personal assistance.
The science program is being well coordinated under Mr. Victor Brunette's supervision. After several meetings and a great deal of independent study, the Science Committee selected a new textbook - Harper & Row's Today's Basic Science, which has been adopted by the School Committee. The committec is still continuing to work on a course of study.
The Audio-Visual Department has expanded and our staff is constantly using more and more of our equipment. Many of our teachers have taken a course in audio-visual methods or have been instructed by the audio-visual supervisor. Through the use of such media, wisely selected and intelligently used, a bridge between learning through direct experience and the abstract manipulation of words provides a rich and meaningful background for our students.
Much more emphasis has been placed on the need of a stronger map and globe program in the primary grades. The third grade students are now being introduced to this program. A workshop, under the direction of Mr. Hugh Blanchard, Rand McNally consultant, instructed teachers in some of the techniques necessary to implement this program.
All children in grades 2-6 are receiving training in the Rinehart Method of Handwriting. Teachers are meeting once a month to receive correct instruction in handwriting by Mr. Child, instructor for this system. Classroom visitations are made whereby both teacher and pupil's work is evaluated. I am sure that parents, who attended our open house meeting during Education Week and heard Mr. Child speak on this subject, are aware of the importance of proper penmanship.
In May and early in September, before the beginning of school, all of our entering 242 first grade pupils were given a readiness test. In January, 1964, a pre-primary program will be started at the Oxford School for all children who will have reached their
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7th birthday before the end of the school year, and who were ex- cluded from our regular first grade program due to lack of maturity. This group will be given a strong readiness program, followed by careful evaluation of their achievement to determine the value of such a class. In last year's report I stated my reasons for such a program because I feel that this is the first step toward establishing kindergartens in Fairhaven.
In January, 1964, we are starting an in-service course of in- struction in the modern math program which will be given for all elementary teachers, grades 1-6. In grades 1 and 2, we are now using a text that introduces the beginning concepts of modern math. There has been a close relationship between the sixth grade teachers and the junior high school in this program, and this will continue in our in-service course. This type of instruction should make a much smoother transition for all 6th grade pupils going into the junior high school.
Two pioneering programs were started this fall - one for all interested first grade parents who received detailed informa- tion about our first grade curriculum. Instruction in the phono- visual method was demonstrated and many suggestions were given on how the parents could help their children at home. The other program established close working ties between the Fairhaven Elementary School System and the private kindergarten teachers. At our first meeting, the reading program was explained. Other meetings will be held during the year to discuss the many phases of our curriculum. Such public service should result in better education for our children.
My greatest concern for the next school year is the growth of population in the East Fairhaven area. I had hoped that by Sept- ember, 1964 we could expect the new school on Sconticut Neck to be completed. However, due to the high cost of construction and the need for further study, it appears now that we cannot look forward to this school opening until September, 1965. In order to give every child in this area the best education possible, and to avoid a platoon system, we plan to use every available space possible at the East Fairhaven School to provide a sound educa- tional program. An estimated enrollment of 450 pupils is expected and the use of the Teachers' dining room, the Teachers' room and the stage, as well as parts of the cafeteria, will be utilized for special classrooms.
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Mr. John Schomer, State Supervisor of Elementary Education, visited our schools this fall and was very much impressed with the education that the Fairhaven children are receiving. He was es- pecially interested in some of the grouping and departmental work that we are doing.
May I again express my appreciation to the teachers, Super- intendent and the School Committee for their continued support.
HELEN R. PORTER, Elementary Coordinator
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Report of the School Nurse and Supervisor of Attendance
To The Superintendent of Schools:
I present herewith my twenty first annual report as school nurse.
There have been the usual eye and ear examinations, all pupils in grades one thru 12 were tested. Pupils who were to enter grade one in September had eye and ear examinations in May, by testing them at this time any defects that are found can be corrected before the child enters school in September. Each year since this program started we have found several children who have either defective vision or a hearing problem. Diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus immunization was given in October, November and December. Sabin Oral Vaccine was administered in January, February, March and May, in all schools for children in grades one thru twelve. These clinics are held under the auspices of the Board of Health with the school nurses assisting. Asian Flu Vac- cine was administered in December by Dr. Sykes to all staff members requesting it. All High School Seniors were X-rayed in September.
Attendance cases are few that do not involve health, or some emotional problem. There were six attendance cases taken up with the probation officer. Three habitual school offenders were prosecuted in juvenile court. One child was sent to Middlesex County Training School, the others were placed on probation. Child- ren were taken to the juvenile probation officer for informal visits 15 times.
May I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Harriman and the school committee for their continued help and understanding in the school nurses' program.
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SUMMARY OF WORK OF MRS. DENNIE AND MRS. KEITH
Classroom Visits 421
Physicals by Dr. Sykes 610
Children taken home 334
Mass vision tests 3261
Home visits 118
Audiometer tests 3179
Physically Handicapped children 45
Accidents in school 69
Home visits to above 14
Children to hospital due to accidents 6
Children taken to mental health clinic
4
Children to court 9
The nurse cooperates with the BOARD OF HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC by making arrangments for pupils to go to the clinic, held at the ROGERS SCHOOL every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Dr. William Xifaras is the dentist and Mrs. Eleanor Gonsalves his assistant.
Fillings
289
Extractions 82
Cleanings
168
Examinations 162
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE F. DENNIE, R. N.
School Nurse and Supervisor of attendance
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Financial Statement
ANALYSIS OF 1961, 1962, AND 1963 EXPENDITURES
Expended 1961
Expended 1962
Expended 1963
GENERAL CONTROL
Superintendent
$ 9,731.17
$ 10,603.87
$ 11,147.47
Other Expenses
11,848.07
12,495.41
13,623.36
*Out-of-State Travel
21.80
350.00
501.25
INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
Teachers' Salaries
661,761.45
712,417.09
781,151.33
Textbooks
12,888.83
11,908.26
14,131.99
Supplies
17,452.03
20,569.91
20,822.28
Libraries
4,866.96
5,899.24
OPERATIONAL COSTS
Custodians
42,972.64
45,346.30
51,580.29
Fuel
24,389.78
25,561.58
23,974.57
Misc. Operation
21,544.05
22,329.51
22,319.46
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Repairs & Replace.
35,290.40
50,023.34
53,395.50
AUXILIARY SERVICES
*New Equipment
14,950.15
10,431.95
9,263.65
*Building & Grounds
*Special Appro. (N. D. E. A.)
7,067.03
*Transportation
41,672.35
39,919.19
45,558.01
Health
7,633.12
8,746.13
8,971.29
Physical Education
2,872.28
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