USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1951-1955 > Part 32
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AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION TABLE (October 1, 1953)
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Total
Pre
school 101 105
105
103
89
122
1
II
17
68
2
1
88
III
14
46
8
2
70
1V
17
59
11
1
88
V
11
64
9
3
87
VI
11
47
3
1
62
ELEMENTARY 498
VII
16 39
7
62
VIII
12
41
18
3
74
JUNIOR
HIGH
136
IX
10
32
7
3
52
X
1
7
21
6
1
36
XI
12
22
2
36
XII
11
25
3
39
SENIOR HIGH
163
Acton (Figures include tuition schools paying students)
18
97
87
65
79
88
73
57
60
57
43
42
28
3
797
18
80
5
103
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
This year for the first time Acton High School has been forced into a "two-session" day. Because of this, many prob- lems and adjustments had to be settled. Mr. Pearson has covered this in detail in his report, and I will pass over it except to say that this two-session day has eliminated study periods.
There has been an improvement over last year in our Guidance Department where Miss Proctor has been placed as a full-time guidance director. Miss Proctor has given her report concerning accomplishments in this field.
My report will be based mainly on Athletics, Music, and Audio-Visual Aids.
Athletics. The major change in our athletic program has been the return of John Winton from the armed forces to resume his coaching and supervising physical education in the junior and senior high school. Mr. Joseph Sheehan, who was so successful here the past two years, resigned to take a position in his home town of Cambridge.
The girls' physical education and coaching was again under the direction of Miss Isadore Stearns from the Uni- versity of Maine.
The Acton High School Athletic Association elected officers in late September for the year 1953-54. The results were as follows: George Morse, President; Charlotte Hill, Secretary; home room representatives - Grade 11, Urban Mclellan and Lucy Newport; Grade 10, Malcolm Langille and Martha Lee; Grade 9, Patricia Perkins and Edwin An- derson; Grade 8, Ellen Staples and Irving Duren; Grade 7, Anne Myers and Robert Harris.
The Magazine Drive was conducted in early September and we had gross sales amounting to $2,183.65. This was not as much as last year when the total was $2,271.45. Never- theless, it was the second highest in the school history. The profit from this was divided differently this year as the high school classes entered competition for prizes of $75,
25
$45, and $25. The Freshman Class won the $75, the Sopho- more Class the $45, and the Senior Class the $25. These amounts were put into the class treasuries and will be used to help defray the expenses to go to Washington. The Athletic Association realized a profit of $479.65.
Although the school was on "two-sessions," we continued to carry on all interscholastic athletics. The girls were un- defeated in varsity field hockey, while the boys had their first losing season in soccer since the sport was introduced four years ago. At this writing, the basketball teams have excellent records and could possibly win the championship in the Wachuset League. For the first time in many years the girls basketball team, under the capable coaching of Miss Stearns, has an excellent chance of establishing the best girls record in the past ten years.
Our junior high school teams are again members of the Middlesex Junior High School League. Mr. Arthur Gulla is the coach of the boys basketball and baseball teams, and Mrs. Joan Cook Flannery has volunteered to coach the girls junior high basketball team.
In closing, it should be reported that the Acton High School varsity basketball teams have won over eighty games in four years and have been invited to the Tech Tournament the past three years. They have won numerous titles and trophies, and not too much can be said of the fine coaching of Mr. John Winton and Mr. Joseph Sheehan.
School Activities
Audio-Visual Aids. The audio-visual aids program at Acton High School is, in my opinion, second to no small school. We have the following equipment: 2 16mm pro- jectors, 5 film strip projectors, 1 tape recorder, 1 power speaker, 1 3-speed record player, 1 78 r.p.m. record player, 1 lantern slide projector, 1 fi'm strip cabinet, 7 screens, and 1 re-winding and film splicer machine. This equipment, under the capable direction of Mr. Ralph Stetson, is available to the entire school system by making the proper appointment in advance. We have allowed civic organizations in town to use our projectors on many occasions.
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Music. Our music department has been strengthened this year as Mr. John Priske has been employed on a full time basis. In the past he has spent only part of his time here in Acton and the rest in New Hampshire. He has been in charge of all of our musical programs, which include Easter, Christmas and Memorial Day assemblies, Graduation, and the annual Music Festival. With the addition of the new cafeteria he has been able to improve our junior high school boys and girls glee club. This was noted particularly this year at Christmas when this group sang for the Parent- Teachers' Association, elementary, junior and senior high schools. If any child has an instrument, Mr. Priske is only too happy to instruct that child and improve his playing. He is now working on an operetta for the Seventh and Eighth Grades which will be ready in a few months.
Driver Safety Program. This year marks our fourth year in the driver safety program. In the past four years close to 100 boys and girls have obtained their driving licenses through this program. It should be noted here that a boy or girl who has obtained his or her license in this course can request a 15% discount on automobile insurance rates. We have posters and films demonstrating safe driving in hopes that these boys and girls will reduce the very high accident rate in the state. This program is under the super- vision of Mr. Ralph Stetson.
Rifle Team. Last year we started a rifle team in Acton Junior-Senior High School under the supervision of Mr. Norton Levy, who was interested in teaching basic funda- mentals. This year we have a regular rifle team which has competed in matches with Newton, Watertown, and Waltham. Our team has won two and lost one in this type of competition. The Concord Armory is used a great deal by Mr. Levy for practice.
Chess Club. Mr. Theodore Hersey has started a chess club in the high school, and although it has not had any com- petition, the boys have been able to gain a great deal from the coaching and instruction of Mr. Hersey.
27
The Class of 1954 started very early in the year to ob- tain funds for their annual trip to Washington. The first important venture was the Senior Play, "Our Miss Brooks", directed by Mr. Vincent Gannon which was played for three nights, and a net profit of $625.00 was gained from this. The Seniors again conducted a census of the town, and under the leadership of Mr. Raymond Grey were able to present up to date figures on our future enrollments. The April vacation has been advanced one week with the approval of the School Committee, in order that the Seniors might have better accommodations on their trip. Therefore, the spring vacation this year will be April 12-16. I should like to express my appreciation to all people and businesses in town who have helped the Senior Class, the school, and the athletic teams in any capacity. Without this help we could not do very much.
The faculty at the high school should be congratulated on the splendid job it is doing on the "two-session" day. It has required many of the teachers to teach from early morn- ing to late afternoon. If the "two-session" day has been successful, it is so because of our faculty and the wonderful cooperation I have received from them. I should again like to thank the School Committee, townspeople, Superintendent Whitman Pearson, members of the faculty, the custodians, and all the other members of the school family for their fine support and cooperation.
SPECIAL REPORT OF THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Director: Miss Ruth Ramsdell Proctor
Organized guidance services, aimed at meeting the in- dividual needs of students-personal, educational, and voca- tional-did not exist in the Acton High School until a little more than a year ago. At that time it was recognized that such services were needed to supplement the efforts of the school staff to meet the needs of the students in groups. For
28
the school year 1952-1953 a Guidance Director was appointed and was relieved of classes for four periods each day. In September, 1953, guidance was felt to be a full-time task.
Organization of the program followed an outline of long- range plans drawn up during the summer of 1952. Some progress has been made in each of five areas, as shown by the following summary.
A. Individual Inventory Services - A new folder-type cumulative record for the High School was developed in an effort to have a more complete picture of the whole individual. The following areas of the pupil's history and development are recorded : home background, school history, mental ability, achievement in different fields of study, health, special ap- titudes, out-of-school experiences, educational and vocational interests, personality, and plans for the future. Personal tata blanks and autobiographies completed by the students, interviews, tests, and information from faculty members and the school nurse are contributing sources for record card information. The cumulative records are filed in the Guidance. Office and are accessible at all times to faculty members and administrators. They are consulted before any individual interview and the information is used to help pupi's in understanding themselves and in making their educational and vocational plans.
A similar record card was recently developed for the Acton schools, grades 1-6, and the teachers of those grades are now collecting and recording information.
B. Informational Services - Books, bulletins unbound monographs, and posters have been collected and utilized with a view to providing students with information about educational and occupational opportunities. Information is continually being added concerning: (1) current opportunities and requirements of schools, colleges, and universities, (2) joh opportunities, requirements, (3) scholarships and loans. Arrangement has been made with Maynard High School so that, Acton pupils may participate in a series of monthly career conferences in order to become further acquainted with occupations of interest to them.
29
C. Counseling Services - Counseling is available dur- ing the school day for all pupils in the High School. Parents are equally welcome in the Guidance Office.
The interview provides an opportunity for the student to express himself freely, to discuss with an acceptant person his problems or his plans, and to reach his own decisions. The counselor frequently asks for some information and, in turn, imparts some facts, but the aim is to have the student help himself. The answers are not dictated and unnecessary per- suasion is avoided.
D. Placement Services - Careful consideration is given to data about each student's capabilities and limitations and to his expressed vocational objectives. It is hoped that better placement in various high school courses will result from the long-range plans of study made by the students with their parents, and subsequently discussed with the Guidance Direc- tor in interviews.
A series of interviews with High School Seniors is held with the hope that such interviews will result in better placement in specialized schools, colleges, or jobs.
No job-placement bureau is maintained, but the school accepts the responsibility of providing any possible assistance to pupils seeking either part-time or full-time employment. When calls are received from local business concerns or in- dustries attempts are made to fill the vacancies with qualified students or graduates.
E. Follow-Up Services - A study of the problems and experiences of former pupils is one important source of occu- pational information and one of the best means of continual evaluation of the school curriculum, instruction, and guidance services.
A follow-up questionnaire has been mailed to graduates and drop-outs of the classes 1948-1953 inclusive, and to date about 80 percent response has been received. The individual comments are evidence of a keen interest in the school and its progress, and school authorities agree that some valuable suggestions have been offered, especially at this time of new
30
school planning. Final tabulations including returns of the Class of 1953 have not yet been made, but following this report are excerpts from a preliminary study of results made in August, 1953.
Guidance is not a one-man job. To be successful it re- quires the cooperation of all staff members, working with enthusiasm, wisdom, and patience. Whatever progress has been made during the short life of the Guidance Department in the Acton High School is evidence of this cooperation.
EXCERPTS FROM REPORT OF FOLLOW-UP STUDY, AUGUST, 1953
A. Occupational Planning and Present Status
1. Of the 109 respondents, 72 were girls; 37 were boys. 33 are married ; 25 are students ; 22 are in the Armed Forces, and 45 are employed. Only two are presently unemployed and seeking work.
2. 75% feel that they have now made a definite choice of occupation, and about 50% have continued with the same occupational plan they had in high school.
3. The two most important sources of help in occupa- tional planning were said to be parents and school personnel.
4. It was almost unanimously agreed that organized guidance services should be provided in the high school.
B. Educational Information
1. The college preparatory and commercial course stu- dents were generally satisfied that they had taken the right high school course, but about 50% of the graduates of the general course were dissatisfied with their choice. Apparently the general course pupils needed more guidance and probably also a wider range of subject offerings.
2. Two-thirds of the total group have had some educa- tion beyond that received in the Acton schools. 22% went
31
on to four-year colleges, while the remaining 45% are dis- tributed among junior colleges, technical schools, business schools, teachers colleges, nursing schools, and specialized schools in the Armed Forces.
C. Suggested Additions for the High School Curriculum
1. Typing for all college preparatory students
2. More Home Economics
3. More Shop - including machines
4. Agriculture
5. Public Speaking
6. Human Relations
7. More Mechanical Drawing
8. Latin
9. More Music and Art Appreciation
10. Office Practice
D. In answer to the question, "In what ways do you think the Acton High School can be of greater value or service to those now in school?", two-thirds of the respondents ex- pressed some opinion. The ideas most frequently stated have been organized under three headings and they may be summarized as follows :
1. GENERAL
a. Engage competent teachers and give them every incentive to stay in Acton.
b. Provide a larger school plant with a wider range of educational opportunities.
c. Discipline, especially respect for older people and for superiors, is most important, particularly in the business world, and should be stressed.
d. Enrich the high school library.
2. CURRICULUM
a. More attention to "How to Study" techniques.
b. More attention to forewarning college preparatory
32
students so that transition from high school to college would be easier.
c. More practical skills for general course students.
d. Main emphasis in English on diction, grammar, note-taking, self-expression, and the philosphy in literature.
e. Special help provided for students planning to take college entrance examinations.
f. Home Economics courses encouraged for all girls and particular emphasis on practical homemaking problems.
g. Boys expecting to enter the Armed Forces be en- couraged to study a modern foreign language. .
h. A unit in some course devoted to the methods of securing and keeping jobs.
i. Stressing of importance of reading comprehension and speed; remedial opportunities provided.
3. GUIDANCE
a. Individual aid in educational and vocational planning.
b. More information about various occupations; use of field trips, audio-visual aids, and conferences with rep- resentatives of different occupations.
c. Increase of self-confidence through the proper use of extra-curricular activities.
d. Ability and interest testing and the relation of re- sults to occupational choices.
e. Guidance to include better social adjustment of the individual.
f. More publicity for scholarship opportunities.
g. Provision of placement service for graduates.
Some of the suggestions made have been incorporated in the school program since the graduation of the Class of 1952; others may well be considered in making additions or revisions in the Acton secondary school program.
33
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Whitman Pearson Superintendent of Schools
Acton, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Report for School year ending December 31, 1953.
Eye and ear examinations of all the pupils were com- pleted for the School year ending June 1953. The School Department has purchased a new Massachusetts Vision Test- ig Machine to facilitate this year's examinations.
Physical examinations of the children in every grade of the Grammar Schools, ninth, twelfth and all the athletes in the High School, have been completed. The follow-up work continues with good cooperation from the parents and teachers.
The Pre-School and Diphtheria Clinics were held in April and May.
Appointments were arranged for teachers having their chest X-rays this year. Transportation to Waltham Sani- torium for chest X-rays was provided for the personnel and students working in the new cafeteria. Several other students were brought to the Emerson Hospital for X-ray of minor injuries. Parents approval is first required.
It is hoped that this coming year we may make more and better use of the fine new Health Room provided for us.
Respectfully submitted,
EILEEN F. HALE, R.N.
34
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Whitman Pearson
Superintendent of Schools
Acton, Massachusetts
January 5, 1954
I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.
The yearly physical examinations were completed in November, 1953. Special examinations for those participating in athletics were conducted at the beginning of the school year.
Parents were notified of all defects found and remedial measures advised where indicated.
In conjunction with the Board of Health, Schick Tests and inoculations for diphtheria were given in May to the lower grades at the High School.
I wish to thank the Superintendent, townspeople, teachers, and school nurse for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL D. GATES, M.D.
35
GRADUATION EXERCISES, JUNE 12, 1953
Salutatorian
Valedictorian
Virginia Ruth Leavitt Richard Fraser Laffin
Scholarship Awards :
Acton High School Trust Fund William Kazokas, Jr.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Richard Laffin
Boston University
West Acton Woman's Club Georgia Clahane
Massachusetts School of Art
Acton Center Woman's Club Dardana Berry
Wheelock College
Parent-Teacher Association Virginia Leavitt
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Maynard Rotary Club Elaine Priest
University of New Hampshire
Other Awards :
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Certificate.
Patricia McCarthy
Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute Alumni Medal for excellence in Mathematics and Science. William Kazokas, Jr.
Bausch and Lomb Science Medal William Kazokas, Jr.
American Legion Medals for Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achievement
Virginia Leavitt John Edgar
National Scholastic Honor Society Members
Seniors : Dardana Berry, Georgia Clahane, William
Kazokas, Kenneth Marble, Richard Laffin,
David Sibel
Juniors: Charlotte Hill, Glenn Pasanen, Margarette Jarvi, John Way
36
CLASS OF 1953
Joanne Elaine Acorn John Paul Ashline
Carolyn June Barnhart Dardana Berry
Margaret Joyce Cameron
Georgia Clahane
Gaye Priscilla Clarke
Maureen Beatrice Cornellier John Wilson Edgar Ruth Louise Erikson Brian James Fitzgerald Robert Milton Greenough
Roger Bruce Gregory
William Lawson Harper Charles Frederick Harrison Jean Hollis
David Albert Jackson
Sybil Claire Higgins Sylvia Marian Jewell
Eleanor Marie Johnson
Mary Ellen Johnson
Sarah Ann Jones
William Cypras Kazokas, Jr. Elsa Louise Knippel Richard Fraser Laffin Josephine Landry Janet Olive Larrabee Virginia Ruth Leavitt
Robert Akester Mansfield
Kenneth William Marble Patricia Julia McCarthy Alton Bruce McKelvie Arlene Marie Niven Elaine Dorothy Priest Frank Wendell Putnam III Richard Parker Schou
David Vernon Sibel
Doris Christine Torkelsen
37
INDEX
First Section
Assessors
114
Board of Health
190
Board of Health Agent
192
Cemetery Commissioners
182
Dog Officer
85
Elizabeth White Fund
147
Fence Viewers, Report of
87 2
Finance Committee
Fire Department
Forest Warden
Highway Department
Inspector of Animals
195
Inspector of Sanitation
196
Inspector of Slaughtering
194 83
Inspector of Wires
Librarian's Report
183
Middlesex County Extension Service
188
Moth Superintendent
84
Planning Board
88
Police Department
77
Report of Committee Investigating Water Supply for Town Dump
200
Report of Nagog Regional School District Committee
201
Report of Elementary School Building Committee . . Sealer of Weights and Measures
203
Selectmen's Report
68
State Audit (May 28, 1953)
111
Tax Collections 116
124
Town Accountant
148
Balance Sheet December 31, 1953
176
Town Clerk's Report
89
Births
90
Marriages
94
Deaths
94
Deaths
100
Non-Resident Burials 102
85
Town Collector
81 82 87 86
Inspector of Milk and Food
Dog Licenses
103
Jury List (Revised) 1953 109
Town Election, March 2, 1953 66
Town Forest Committee 84
Town Meeting (Abstract), March 9, 1953 21
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), May 25, 1953
45
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), July 6, 1953 47
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), July 27, 1953 48
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), August 31, 1953 . . 48
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), September 14, 1953 50
Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), November 2, 1953 51 Town Meeting, Special (Abstract), December 16, 1953 Town Nurse
54 193
Town Officers
71
Appointments by Selectmen
73
Treasurer's Report 134
Tree Warden 182
Trustees of Goodnow Fund 147
Welfare Department 196
Warrant, Monday, March 1, 1954
4
Workmen's Compensation Agent 86
Zoning Committee 205
Second Section
Schools :
Age and Grade Distribution 24
Calendar - 1954-1955
2
Budgets for 1954 7
5
Graduation Awards
36
Graduates - Class of 1953
37
Guidance Department
28
High School Principal
25
Members of the Acton Faculty
21
Organization
2
School Committee
4
School Nurse
34
School Physician
35
Statistics 6 . .
Superintendent
. .
5
Financial Report
.
.
Annual Reports
OF THE
SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS
Town of Acton MASSACHUSETTS
For The Year Ending December Thirty-First
1954
BLANCHARD AUDITORIUM
....
1954 ANNUAL REPORTS
of the Several Official Boards
For the Year Ending December Thirty-First
Rt.
ITED
ONI
1735
"ACTON
Town of Acton, Massachusetts
Printed at Concord Press, Inc., West Concord, Mass.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Expenditures necessary for the good government and well-being of the Town of Acton-with particular reference to proposed additional school facilities-will apparently not permit a marked reduction in the tax rate in the near future. However, your Finance Committee has been favorably im- pressed this year by the effort on the part of the majority of Town Boards and Committees to hold appropriations to a necessary minimum.
The immediate necessity for a new High School (com- plicated by the collapse of the Nagog Regional School District) together with the contemplated change of the present High School to a building suitable for more elementary grades would point to the need for the utmost care and consideration on the part of the School Committee in preparing future budgets and requests. In view of the fact that the school operating budget has been increased by approximately $29,000, additional capital expenses should be kept to a minimum. Desirable but non-essential items should also be avoided.
We again recommend that the Town Dump be transferred to the Highway Department and regret that this proposal has not been, and is not now being, presented to the Town for its consideration. Obviously this transfer would not relieve the Board of Health from its responsibility with respect to Town Dump sanitation but should provide for more efficient use of equipment and manpower.
The Town is now on the second year of its three-year contract for garbage removal. This contract is made up of
2
a base charge of $4,950. plus $5.00 for each additional dwell- ing constructed during the previous year.
Several items re-occur yearly as special articles in the Annual Town Warrant. Such items as replacement of shade trees, insurance providing indemnity for officers or employees of the Town while operating Town vehicles, and insurance for protection of members of the volunteer Fire Companies have been repeatedly approved by the Town. We suggest that these items may properly be transferred to the general Town Budget in future years.
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