USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1946-1950 > Part 8
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Elsea Bridgess * Acting Principal
Appt. Graduate of
Home Address
Helga Archer (Mrs.)
6 REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Voters of Acton:
The school committee presents its report for the year 1946 with that of the superintendent, which has been ac- cepted by the committee.
The past year has been one of perhaps unusual activity in our school committee due to the resignation of Superin- tendent Richard B. Greenman, who completed his services July 31.
There were fifty applicants for the position of superin- tendent of schools and after careful thought and many inter- views, the committee selected Mr. David C. Bowen, who was at the time superintendent of schools in Tyngsborough, Dun- stable, and Pepperell. Mr. Bowen comes to us with a record of fine achievement and the school committee feels its choice of Mr. Bowen the best.
The turnover of teachers was heavy this past year, but we were fortunate to open school in September with a full complement.
In March, Mr. Ralph W. Stearns of West Acton was elected a new member of the committee and Mrs. G. Howard Reed of West Acton was re-elected for a term of three years.
The Committee hopes the voters will keep in mind consoli- dation of our elementary school system, for the good of our future citizens.
The committee asks that you appropriate the sum of $81,350.00 for 1947.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGARET FRASER, Chairman
7
Received-To Credit of Schools
General School Fund (Part I) $4,520.00
Tuition and Transportation-State Wards 82.34
Vocational Education tuition 11.30
City of Boston Wards 130.62
Town of Boxboro-Tuition 1,463.61
Town of Westford-Tuition 407.22
Miscellaneous collections at High School 73.42
Credit-overcharge (Harcourt, Brace Co.)
2.32
Total Received $6,690.83
Net Cost of Operation
Appropriated 1946 $73,465.50
Expended 69,517.26
Received by Town Treasurer (as above). 6,690.83
Net cost of schools $62,826.43
Less non-operating expenses 988.42
Net cost of operation $61,838.01
Expended in 1946
High Elementary Totals (Gr 7-12) (Gr 1-6) (Gr 1-12)
Superintendance, Enforcement of Laws & Miscellaneous Expenses .
$ 1,435.96 $ 1,379.15 $ 2,815.11
Teachers, Principals, Supervisors and
Janitors' Salaries
30,735.42
20,254.50
50,989.92
Books and supplies
1,927.61
877.60
2,805.21
Fuel
1,418.17
1,361.57
2,779.74
Janitors' Supplies Telephone, Light
and power (Miscellaneous operating)
1,254 78
665.23
1,920.01
Repairs and Maintenance
1,408.48
479.66
1,888.14
Libraries
100.24
110.47
210.71
Health
125.00
125.00
250.00
Transportation
2,495.00
2,375.00
4,870.00
Totals
$40,900.66 $27,628 18 $68,528.84
Less receipts
$ 4,560.87 $ 2,129 96 $ 6,690.83
Net cost
$36,339.79 $25,498.22 $61,838.01
8
Approximate average no. of pupils
240
280
520
Average yearly cost per pupil
$151.41
$91.06
$118.92
In addition to the above, the school department expended the following:
New equipment
$515.00
Tuitions to vocational schools
241.92
Payments to Mass. Teachers' Retirement Bd.
231 50
Total of these three items $988.42
Total expended $69,517.26
Proposed Budget for 1947
Superintendance, Enforcement of Laws
& Miscellaneous Expenses $ 3,400.00
Teachers, Principals, Supervisors and Janitors' Salaries
59,700.00
. .
Books and Supplies
3,500.00
Fuel
3,000.00
Janitors' Supplies-Telephone, Light & Power (Miscellaneous operating)
2,200.00
Repairs and Maintenance
2,500.00
Libraries
200.00
Health
300.00
Transportation
5,250.00
Outlay (New grounds and equipment)
1,000.00
Tuition (Vocational Schools)
300.00
$81,350.00
9
School Membership and Attendance
Membership by Age and Grade, October 1, 1946
HIGH SCHOOL
Age
Boys:
Grade
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Tot.
7
2
6
2
1
11
8
4
10
4
2
1
21
9
7
6
2
1
16
10
6
9
3
2
20
11
1
5
14
4
24
12
1
8
9
2
10
19
18
18
20
14
Total 101
Girls
7
7
15
4
1
27
8
1
5
15
1
22
9
12
15
2
29
10
7
10
2
19
11
6
13
1
20
12
3
11
1
1
16
8
20
31
24
18
18
12
1
1 Total: 133
Grand Total: 234
ACTON CENTER SCHOOL
Age
Boys
Grade
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Tot.
1
10
10
2
5
1
6
3
1
4
5
4
1
6
7
5
2
5
7
6
ยท
3
4
1
8
Ungraded
2
1
1
4
10
6 5 9
10
5
1
1
47
10
Girls
1
6
1
2
2
6
1
9
3
1
3
4
4
2
1
3
5
2
3
5
7
7
Ungraded
1
1
1
3
8 8 7
4
3
8
39
Grand Totals
18 14 12
13
13
13
1
1
85
SOUTH ACTON SCHOOL
Age
Boys
Grade
5
6
7 8 9 10
11 12
13
14
Tot.
1
1
7
1
9
2
7
2
9
3
2
2
4
4
5 2
11
5
2
1
1
4
6
2
5
1
8
Ungraded
1
1
2
Total
1 7 8 9
5 7
6
2
45
Girls
S
2
1
9
3
13
3
3
4
7
4
4
4
1
9
5
2
7
1
10
6
2
5
1
8
Ungraded
Total
8
13
11
6 10
6
1
55
Grd. Tot. 1
15
21
20
11
17
12
2
1
100
1
7
1
7
6
11
WEST ACTON SCHOOL
Age
Grade
5
6
7 8
9 10
11
12
13
14
Tot.
Boys
1
1 15
1
17
2
1
9
2
12
3
9
9
4
1
3
2
1
7
5
1
6
3
1
11
2
5
5
1
13
Totals
1
16
10
12
4
10
9
6
1
69
Girls
1
3
3
1
1
8
2
4
4
3
2
4
1
7
4
2
4
6
5
3
9
2
14
6
2
4
6
Totals
3
3
7
7
8
11
6
45
Grd. Tot.
4
19
17
19
12
21
15
6
1
114
6
12
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Acton, Massachusetts
The year 1946 may be remembered by those especially interested in the Acton schools as a year of changes in the school personnel. Since June, 1946 you have had a new super- intendent and six new teachers in the high school faculty of twelve. The following teachers came to us in September : Miss Greene, Latin; Miss Piermarini, French; Miss Deehan, Junior High history and geography ; Mr. Headstrom, science ; Mr. Kyrios, Senior High history and civics, and coach of boys' basketball; and Mr. Wheeler, industrial arts. There were two changes in the elementary schools-Mrs. Gemma, Grades 5 and 6 in the South school and Mrs. Braman, Grades 1 and 2 in the Center School. It was also necessary to hire a music supervisor and an art teacher. For these positions we obtained Mr. Priske for music and Miss Bridgess for art. Mrs. Toye, who was Miss Beers until a few months ago, has resigned and will leave in February. This will leave a vacancy in the department of physical education for girls. We have also a new secretary in the high school office-Miss Anderson from Westford. Expressing this in a different way, there are only two teachers in the high school who have taught in Acton over a period of years. They are Miss Towne and Mr. Hop- kinson. Mrs. Emerson began teaching in 1943. Miss Horrigan came in 1944, and Miss Hogan and Mr. O'Connell both came in 1945.
Mr. Charter has returned from the Army and has been placed in his former position as custodian of the high school building and truant officer.
We are requesting a larger budget for teachers' salaries with the hope that we can reduce the number of changes and can attract experienced teachers when changes are necessary.
Our schools are not perfect. We must recognize the need for improvement in attitudes. general deportment, and attend- ance, but with the continued cooperation of parents, teachers,
13
and the large majority of the pupils, we certainly will have reason to be proud of our schools.
Parents should become familiar with our problems and should make it their business to know our teachers. This should be done as soon as possible. In most cases the better acquainted the parents and teachers become the better will be the cooperation between the home and the school, and the better will be the training and education received by the pupils. In other words, the taxpayers are more likely to get what they expect for the money they are appropriating for schools.
Acton is growing and from all indications it will grow very fast in the next few years. This growth will necessitate changes in the school plant within a very few years. My recommendation is that some thought be given to how this growth will be met when it becomes necessary to make changes. It might be well to acquire land while it is available in anticipation of future needs. We certainly will need more facilities for athletics, and for health and recreation programs.
We may not need a plant the size of Concord's but it would be nice to have room to grow in the future as more room becomes necessary. Our present facilities are not ade- quate even now to accommodate all the boys and girls who wish to take part in intra-mural basketball, and there is very limited seating capacity for those who enjoy watching our games. The playing space is not regulation size nor is the ceiling as high as it should be for high school games.
It has been my experience that correct attitudes and good citizenship can be taught very well and to very good advantage through a well organized athletic and recreation program.
I wish to call attention to the reports of special depart- ments which follow.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID C. BOWEN,
Superintendent of Schools.
14
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Center School:
I herewith submit my report for the Acton Center School for the year 1946.
The teaching staff from January to June was Miss Rob- erts in Grades 1 and 2, Mrs. Hatch in Grades 3 and 4, and Mrs. Berry in Grades 5 and 6. In June, Miss Roberts resigned and Mrs. Braman was appointed. The average enrollment was eighty-five. There are sixty pupils who bring lunches regu- larly. Milk is sold to these pupils.
The children took part in the Infantile Paralysis collec- tion. Their enrollment in the Junior Red Cross was 100 per cent. Red Cross boxes were filled for needy children abroad. Seeds were sold in the spring, as usual, to aid our school fund.
The fifth and sixth grade children took part in the annual music festival held in Needham. In June, they left money for the school fund and presented two books, "Wonders of Science" and "Battle Stations", to the school. Several of the children in Grades 4, 5, and 6 were presented state certificates for books read during the year, under the direction of Miss Lothrop, our librarian.
The Parent Teachers' Association kindly sent us a gener- ous check which enabled us to buy much needed playground equipment. Mr. Harvey kindly added to our baseball equip- ment. From the proceeds of a food sale, sponsored by our parents, more equipment was procured.
I respectfully submit the following recommendations :
1. A new heating system which would give an even heat to all rooms.
2. An extension of the chain-link fence in front of the building and the entire grounds fenced in.
3. An outside fire escape leading from Mrs. Hatch's room on the upper floor and an opening directly out of Mrs. Braman's room to join this.
4. Playground equipment to be supplied by the school de- partment.
15
I wish to thank Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Braman, and Mr. Har- vey for their fine cooperation which has made the atmosphere of the school so harmonious.
DARDANA BERRY Acting Principal
West School:
The West Acton School opened in September with the same staff of teachers. Mrs. Wells in Grades 1 and 2 has forty pupils, Mrs. Archer in Grades 3 and 4 has twenty-seven pupils, and Mrs. Douglas in Grades 5 and 6 has forty-one pupils.
The total enrollment on September 9, 1946 was 114 pupils. The present enrollment, December 20, 1946, is 108 pupils.
The average number of pupils bringing lunches at noon is thirty-eight.
Fire drills are held monthly.
An average of thirty bottles of milk has been sold daily since September.
Junior Red Cross enrollment was 100 per cent. Enough gifts to fill nine boxes were given by the children to be sent overseas.
Money gained from selling seeds purchased "The Geo- graphic Magazine" for Grades 5 and 6, "The Weekly Reader", a small newspaper, for Grades 2, 3, and 4, and soft balls and marbles for Grade 1.
A gift of $20 from the Parent Teachers' Association pur- chased a football, a volley ball, and a basketball.
Education week was observed by holding open house from 7-9 p.m. Teachers were in their respective rooms to talk over any matter of interest to the parents regarding the progress of their children.
The playground is now in very good condition, the adding of three more loads of gravel, very generously given by Mrs. Arthur Fraser-Chairman of the School Committee, has made it possible for the children to enjoy the grounds at all times.
16
The pupils of Grades 5 and 6 took part in the Music Fes. tival held last May at Needham, Massachusetts, and returned with a rating of B+.
A much needed radiator was installed in Mrs. Wells' room which helps to keep the room at a more comfortable tempera- ture.
Mrs. Wells attended the four day conference held at the Massachusetts State Teachers' College in Bridgewater last June and was awarded a certificate of attendance.
We appreciate the fine spirit of cooperation and helpful- ness given us by the parents.
In closing, I wish to thank my co-workers, Mrs. Archer and Mrs. Douglas, for their cooperation in all projects and assistance in supervision.
CARRIE F. WELLS,
Acting Principal
South School:
I herewith submit my annual report for the South Acton School.
The September enrollment was as follows: Mrs. Gemma, Grades 5 and 6, thirty pupils ; Miss McCarthy, Grades 3 and 4, thirty-one pupils; Miss Merriam, Grades 1 and 2, forty-two pupils. Because of withdrawals and entries, the present en- rollment stands twenty-six, twenty-eight, forty-three.
Fire drills are held monthly. The milk sale averages sixty bottles a day. Owing to the large number of pupils bringing lunches, two teachers are now on duty during the lunch hour. Sixth grade girls assist in the supervision of the girls' basement. The Red Cross enrollment was 96 per cent. State Certificate Reading is carried on in three grades.
Several donations have been received this year. In June, the Acton Parent-Teacher Association gave the school $20. This money has been used to pay for baseball gloves, repairs on the soccer and football, and subscriptions to two maga- zines. The teachers and pupils are very grateful for this generous gift. During the summer, Mr. John C. Starbuck kindly donated thirty-two folding chairs for use in the lunch
-
17
room. These chairs have been renovated by Mr. Harvey and are a great help in times of assembly. We have extended our thanks to Mr. Starbuck. Two trees were very thoughtfully donated at Christmas by Mr. and Mrs. Manter and Mr. Morse.
In May, a Day of Plays was conducted. Each room pre- pared two plays. We intended to hold our performance outside. but the weather being very rainy, we used our lunch room and played to a crowded house. After the program there was a silver collection which amounted to $10.60. In the same month the sixth grades from all Acton schools received honorable mention at the Needham Music Festival.
During Education Week in November, parents were spe- cially invited for an afternoon program. Many mothers re- sponded. Girls of the sixth grade served refreshments, a large portion of which they brought from home. At the school Christmas Party, the boys of the fifth and sixth grades were responsible for decorations, served the refreshments, and helped to clean up the room afterward. Through these and other activities, the teachers are trying to establish a sense of responsibility and courtesy coupled with industry. I am very grateful for the cooperation of my fellow workers.
In concluding, I would like to make the following sugges- tions-1. that the first grade be trained separately through employment of another teacher, and 2. that some facility for obtaining hot water be installed in the building.
JULIA L. MCCARTHY, Principal
High School :
Conant Library
The library is open for reference work a number of periods during the day and until 3:15 p.m. after school. Books can be drawn out in the morning before school, during the noon lunch hour, and after school.
There is a great need for many more books on fiction, biographies, autobiographies, and historical novels. These books are needed for the required reading in the courses in English. There are also a number of reference books needed.
18
A large percentage of the present senior high school books are read before the end of the school year.
We hope to get some of the much needed books after January 1.
We wish to thank Doctor Mayell for his gift to the school library of a set of Stoddard Lectures.
The fund, left the school by Miss Charlotte Conant, will help in adding historical books to the library.
HENRY HOPKINSON,
Librarian
Dramatics
The Senior Class of Acton High School presented Vivian Mayo's comedy "A Pair of Country Kids" to a capacity audi- ence on the evening of November 15, 1946. The pupils were rewarded by the generous applause and appreciation of the audience for the time and effort put into the play.
As the school had no permanent set, the class used the Dramatic Club Fund for materials to build one. This required a great deal of enterprise and initiative on the part of many pupils.
Rehearsals have begun for the presentation of three one-act plays, "High School Daze", "The Case of the Weird Sisters", and "Sweet Adeline", in the spring.
ANN F. HORRIGAN
Commercial Department
This year the work of the commercial department has been taught by several teachers, but the objectives of a work- ing business knowledge for each student taking the commercial course have been maintained. The first and second year short- hand classes have been divided so that beginning and advanced classes are now taught as two different sections. Second year shorthand is now transcription which combines shorthand and typewriting as a person employed in the business world would combine them.
The equipment of the typing room should be renewed and the outmoded typewriters replaced. Another suggestion
19
for this department is that a general office practice class including all phases of office work be introduced and required by all students carrying the commercial course.
MARY HOGAN
Elementary Schools and Girls' Physical Education
The elementary schools program of physical education was concerned with the building of strong bodies for the future. It included exercises, games, health charts, and in- spections, with special emphasis on good posture and good sportsmanship.
The physical education program for high school girls tried to meet the needs of each student and through the year provide some type of activity that would prove beneficial and enjoyable to each, as well as provide a carry-over value in their future life. Opportunities for all were found in bad- minton, deck tennis, horseshoes, darts, volleyball, basketball, softball, and field hockey. Folk dancing, ballroom dancing, and square dancing were also a part of the program, teaching co- ordination, rhythm, and self-confidence. The extra-curricular sports, field hockey and basketball, offered keen competition for a small group in the interscholastic games, and the intra- mural games gave experience to a larger group.
The health program included one theory class a week for Grades 7, 8, 9 and 10, with health books for each class. Health films supplemented the study and proved very helpful and educational.
As in the past, the present and most continuous need in physical education is for additional and better facilities and equipment on the field and in the gymnasium.
DOROTHY B. TOYE
Art
All children should be taught the value of the study of art, at least through the Junior High School grades. Through this subject we gain a better appreciation of beauty in the world about us. The study of color and design helps people to dress in better taste and to make their homes more attrac-
20
tive. To some people it offers a hobby with which to spend their leisure time. Many adults earn their living by some phase of art, and natural tendencies are often discovered in art classes in school. For these reasons all pupils should be encouraged to study and get as much as possible from the short time allowed in school to the art courses.
I hope all concerned will cooperate so that our pupils will find the study of art a pleasure and valuable in the coming year.
ELSEA M. BRIDGESS
Music
This report is, necessarily, based upon a brief but careful analysis of conditions as I find them, rather than upon any records of past achievements or records, with which I am not familiar.
The Department of Music Education in the Acton Schools is endeavoring to institute a program of reorganization and such improvement as seems essential to the best interest of the students.
In the high school, a schedule is being arranged, which, it is hoped, will enable the music students to receive a maxi- mum of music training and experience with a minimum of time-loss in the pursuit of knowledge in other required subjects.
A survey reveals that student-interest in participatory music is about average in vocal music, but below average in instrumental music. This judgment is based upon the will- ingness or unwillingness of the students to consider the best interest of the group before their own personal convenience or inconvenience.
A girls' glee club and a boys' chorus are on the way to a reasonably effective technical proficiency. As opportunity per- mits, these will be amalgamated from time to time into a chorus of mixed voices.
So far, it has not been possible to organize a junior glee club with students from Grades 7 and 8.
There is a serious lack of suitable book and other musical material for the use of both the high school and the junior
21
high. This condition can, eventually, be remedied by replac .. ing the present books with more modern material. In the interim, most of the music, both vocal and instrumental, has been from the supervisor's personal library.
Neither the instrumentation of the instrumental units. nor the ability of the students to play, is, at present, equal to the demands of standard high school repertoire of Class A or Class B grade.
To correct the former deficiency, it will be necessary to purchase two or three basic instruments, which are indis- pensable in modern units. Steps have already been taken to correct the latter through the development of new talent.
Any pupil in the school who owns a standard band instru- ment may receive basic instruction and training from the supervisor without cost if the pupil agrees to play in either the school band or orchestra, subject to the approval and control of the supervisor, the entire period of the pupil's en- rollment in the school.
Professional pamphlets outlining the supervisor's aims in Music Education have been placed in the hands of all grade teachers and additional ones will be issued with more specific directions as the system advances.
JOHN PRISKE
Industrial Arts
Due to world conditions the work in the Arts and Indus- tries Laboratory has been curtailed; however, we have partly overcome the shortages and high prices of materials and equipment by using tin cans for sheet metal and by using second-hand lumber, metals, and all the used materials we could collect.
We solicit donations of equipment, materials, and supplies.
I would suggest that parents and guardians visit our shop in order to better understand and appreciate what we are doing. If this suggestion is followed, misunderstandings and troubles will be reduced to a minimum.
A furnace for melting, forging, and heat treatment of metals would be a desirable addition to the shop. An Arc Welder would also be useful. The purchase of a machinist
22
lathe to take the place of one which is very old, obsolete, and worn out, should be considered. We could also use a small sheet metal brake. If a building program is ever planned, a larger shop should be considered.
I wish to thank the school committee, superintendent, teachers, and janitor for their cooperation.
ERNEST O. WHEELER
Acton High School Athletic Association
At Acton High School this year a drive was started in early September for members for the Athletic Association. It was very successful with 75 per cent of the students joining. On October 18, 1946 the Athletic Association con- ducted a dance which resulted in a profit of $87.95 being added to the treasury. The annual magazine drive resulted in increasing the treasury by $275.
Before the basketball season commenced, the Athletic Association sold student and adult season tickets with the result that a student can now see any of our home games for an average of 12 cents less tax. Our balance sheet as of December 20, 1946 was $501.
The physical education program for boys at Acton High has attempted to reach every individual in the school. As usual we are being represented by a basketball team which has a twenty-one game schedule. The highlight of the season will take place at the Boston Garden on February 13 when Maynard High School will play Acton High School. The first squad is composed of ten men while the second squad is composed of fifteen players and has a schedule of about twelve games. In addition, we have organized a junior high school team which also will play about twelve games.
The interest of the students has risen to the point where anywhere from fifty to one hundred students accompany the team on its out-of-town games. As usual the home games are packed to capacity. We have initiated a uniformed cheer- leader section which has been praised by the visiting teams as well as by many of the local townspeople.
However, the athletic department has not confined itself. to interscholastic sports. Our slogan has been "Athletics for
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