Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1951-1955, Part 9

Author: Acton (Mass.)
Publication date: 1951
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1262


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1951-1955 > Part 9


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58 Books and Supplies


5,800.00


59


Transportation


8,500.00


60 Tuition (see special article)


61 Power, Rent, Repairs, Misc.


7,100.00


62 Capital Outlay-permanent equipment


1,200.00


63 Library


100.00


64 Health


500.00


Total


$137,700.00


56 Salaries


:


6


REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the School Committee and Citizens of Acton, Massachusetts :


Herewith is presented my fourth annual report as Super- intendent of Schools for Acton. The topical form of report which was inaugurated last year will be used as it makes for easier reading and easier reference.


TEACHING STAFF


1. A revised salary schedule to be effective in Septem- ber, 1952 has been established which will include a merit- rating incentive provision, recognition of experience, training, and special duties, and extra compensation for in-service training.


2. Acton lost several teachers to other systems at the end of the 1950-51 school year. Social Studies Instructor Albert Koch was engaged by the Darien, Connecticut system, Art Supervisor Gregory Bowes went to the newly formed Wachuset Regional School District, Miss Mary Lynch of the South School Fourth Grade accepted a position in her home town of Shrewsbury, and Mrs. Anne Welch became a member of the Berlin schcol faculty. Lt. John Winton, who made an outstanding record in his first year as Physical Education Supervisor and Coach, was called to active duty by the Army, and was granted a leave of absence by the local school com- mittee.


3. New teachers who joined the Acton system in the fall were: Mrs. Katherine Matsen, South School Fifth Grade; Miss Joan Dwane, Center School Third Grade; Mrs. Patricia Nordberg, West School First Grade; Mr. Raymond Grey, High School Social Studies ; Miss Carol Spaulding, Art Super- visor; and Mr. Joseph Sheehan, Boys Physical Education Supervisor.


ADMINISTRATION


1. In recognition of the continuing threat to our national security, a civil defense procedure to be followed in case of an air raid while the schools were in session was established.


7


2. Cooperation with Educational Service Associates, en- gaged by the Town to conduct a survey of local population trends and building needs, throughout the summer and fall. Members of the Senior Class carried out a thorough census of all pre-school children, as well as of those already in school, to obtain data for the special school survey and regu- lar school department reports.


MAINTENANCE


1. The redecoration of the High School interior, author- ized by a Special Article for $1000.00 in the 1951 Warrant, was completed satisfactorily by a local firm for $620.00.


2. The Center School heating plant was replaced under a Special Article in the 1951 Warrant, and this has solved what was the perennial "Center School heating problem". $6000.00 was appropriated for this purpose, and the work was done by a local heating engineer for $5800.00.


3. The extra hot water boiler and radiators at the South School were moved to the West School during the 1951 Christmas holidays, to provide extra heat for the western side of that building. With the completion of this project all the school buildings have enough heating plant capacity to cope with the combination of strong winds and low tem- peratures.


HOUSING


1. The system continued to use the two rooms rented from Maynard for the West and South Second Grades, and the Center Church Sunday School room for the First Grade in that village.


2. Cooperation with the Fire Department and authoriza- tion by a Special Town Meeting made it possible to provide a room suitable for school use in the new fire house at the Center. Adequate lighting, heating, exit, and toilet facilities have made this classroom one of the best in Acton, and its


8


use by the school department has not interfered in any way with the activities of the fire department.


3. The establishment of a new Fourth Grade for South Acton and a new Remedial Class at the elementary level to serve the entire system pose special housing problems which will have to be solved by September 1952. Possible locations in- clude the Town Hall, West Acton Fire House, and the small assembly room at the Center Fire House.


4. The 69 page "Report of the School Building Survey of the Acton Public Schools" prepared by the Educational Service Associates covers the local school housing situation very thoroughly, and it should be studied by all who are concerned with Acton's shortage of educational facilities. The tide of rising grade school enrollment which reaches the Fourth Grade in the fall plus more overcrowding at the high school in September, may make it necessary for a "two- platoon system" to be used. at either the primary or the secondary school levels in the near future.


EDUCATIONAL SERVICES


1. Acton school authorities helped to relieve the crowded conditions at the Blanchard Memorial School in Boxborough, by taking the Boxborough Eighth Grade students in addition to those in Grades 9 to 12. This did not materially affect the overcrowding at the high school as the Eighth Grade had a relatively small enrollment.


2. An athletic injury insurance plan, sponsored by the New England Secondary School Principal's Association, was put into effect during the year, and the majority of the high school students took advantage of the financial benefits provided for a $1.00 premium. To date several have re- covered for medical care as a result of minor injuries, and a substantial part of the gross premium has returned to Acton in the form of benefits.


3. Establishment of a part-time Remedial Class which has been operated on an experimental basis by Mrs. John Foley, a graduate of Bridgewater Teachers' College. Through


9


the medium of this class, pupils who have reading and arith- metic difficulties which could not be corrected by ordinary teaching methods, have had the benefit of an educational "trouble-shooting" service, and the results have been satis- factory to date. Present plans call for this class to be placed on a full time basis in the fall.


The year ahead will be a year of decision for Acton, for during 1952 our townspeople will have to formulate far- reaching plans which will affect the educational future of a generation yet unborn, as well as those youngsters now in the system and those of pre-school age. After eleven con- secutive years of record-breaking birth rate, climaxed by the nearly four million babies born in 1951, educational authori- ties anticipate that the nation's schools will need over half a million more classrooms and teachers by 1960, and only those communities which do adequate long-range planning now will have satisfactory school facilities ready for Ameri- ca's post Pearl Harbor tide of children.


The interest, understanding, and professional knowledge possessed by our fine School Department staff and the coopera- tion of the Acton School Committee members have combined to resolve the short-range problems which have arisen during the past year, and I am sure that a continuation of this teamwork effectively supported by the townspeople could result in satisfactory solution of Acton's long-range school problems.


Respectfully submitted,


WHITMAN PEARSON


1


Superintendent of Schools


10


MEMBERS OF THE ACTON FACULTY


HIGH SCHOOL


Name WILLIAM O'CONNELL Vice-Principal ALPHONSE ALMINAS


Professional Training


Subjects


Boston University


BS in Ed


Artihmetic


Boston University


MS in Ed


Business Training


Suffolk Law School


LLB


Business Law


Boston University


BS in Ed


English


Boston University


MS in Ed


Civics


CARL BOWMAN


Fitchburg Teachers College


Physics, Biology


Boston University


BS in Ed


Chemistry


MARY EMERSON


University of New Hampshire


BS in Home Ec


Cafeteria Home Economics


DOROTHY FERRY


Radcliffe College


AB


English


EDWARD FERRY


Middlebury College


AB


History


Syracuse University


MS


Geography


RAYMOND GREY


Tufts College


AB


English, History


Tufts College


MS in Ed


Civics


JOHN HAYNES


Boston University


AB


Mathematics


Boston University


MS in Ed


Civics


EVELYN KNOWLTON


Bradford Junior College


Cafeteria


RUTH PROCTOR


Radcliffe College


AB


English, French Spanish


11


Name JACQUELINE ROBERTS JOSEPH SHEEHAN


RALPH STETSON


MARION TOWNE Dean of Girls


Professional Training Salem Teachers College Boston University


BS in Ed


BS in Ed


Subject Commercial Subjects


Physical Education Coaching


Industrial Arts Driver Training


English Orientation


SOUTH SCHOOL


Professional Training Fitchburg Normal School


Grade III


The Lesley School


II


Fitchburg Normal School


VI


Smith College


AB


V


Fitchburg Normal School


I


WEST SCHOOL


CAROLYN DOUGLAS Principal ANNE DERBY


Fitchburg Teachers College


BS in Ed VI


Lesley College


BS in Ed


II


12


Name JULIA MCCARTHY Principal


HELEN DeCOSTE


JESSIE GEMMA


KATHERINE MATSEN


FLORENCE MERRIAM


Massachusetts School of Art Northeastern University Smith College


AB


Name CATHERINE EVANS JOANNE MCLAUGHLIN PATRICIA NORDBERG


Professional Training Bates College


AB


AB


III I


CENTER SCHOOL


DARDANA BERRY Principal


Framingham Teachers College


V


MARGARET BARRETT


Lowell Teachers College


II


RAMONA DAVIS


Boston University


AB


VI


JOAN DWANE


Emmanuel College


AB


III


CELINA MacLEAN


Perry Normal School


I


ALL SCHOOLS


IRENE COSTELLO


Bridgewater Teachers College


BS in Ed


Physical Education


JOHN PRISKE


Truro College


AB


Music


New England Conservatory


MS


Massachusetts School of Art


BS in Ed


Art


CAROL SPAULDING


WHITMAN PEARSON


University of Pennsylvania Boston University


BS in Econ MS in Ed


Grade IV


Regis College Fitchburg Normal School


13


REPORT OF ACTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC


ASSOCIATION


The Acton Athletic Association started the 1951-1952 year with the election of officers. Richard Rhodes was elected President and Edna Nichols, Secretary-Treasurer. Each of the six home rooms had two representatives which comprised a total committee of fourteen students. The first objective was to raise funds for the current year. This was accom- plished by three main money-raising events : the annual dance, the magazine drive, and the sale of Christmas cards. The magazine drive broke all records, as gross sales totaled $1243.30, making a net profit of $337.31; the net profit on the A. A. dance amounted to $40.00; while profits of $80.00 were gained from the sale of Christmas cards.


Although our activities gained more money than in pre- vious years, our expenses also increased. Our cleaning bill alone was over $250.00. We purchased new basketball jerseys for the Varsity Team with the old jerseys being turned over to the Junior High Team.


Acton, as in the past five years, has been a member of the Wachusett League, which has now increased to twelve teams. This League is divided into two sections-Eastern- Western Division-six teams comprising each league. Acton won the Eastern title in 1951 and then defeated Townsend to win the championship of the Wachusett League. The basketball team won another trophy when they gained the championship of the Eastern Massachusetts Small School Tourney. The Acton team was further honored by being invited to the Eastern Massachusetts School Tournament (the old Tech Tourney), to which only the very top teams are invited.


14


The Soccer Team this year was very successful winning six games and losing only two. Both of these two losses were by one goal. Mr. Joseph Sheehan, the former Captain of the Boston University Basketball Team, was selected to succeed Mr. Winton as head coach and director of Physical Education. Mr. Winton, who did such an outstanding job in his first year at Acton, was called into the Armed Forces as he holds a reserve commission. Miss Irene Costello is Coach of all girls' sports and the Physical Education program for girls in the elementary and high schools.


The Junior High School Teams which we started a few years ago have been very successful, as many of these boys and girls have won places on the Varsity Teams. We have arranged a ten game schedule for both boys and girls on the Junior High level.


I would like to thank all the people in town for the magnificent help they have given me in improving our athletic program: including Mr. Pearson, members of the faculty, the School Committee, and especially to the newly formed "Booster Club". The Booster Club did a tremendous amount of work last spring in raising funds in order that the Basket- ball Squad might take an educational tour of New York City. They also presented wrist watches to the Varsity team and gave a wonderful banquet to the members of the Squad. I again would like to thank the Booster Club for their grand support.


Respectfully submitted,


WILLIAM O'CONNELL


Faculty Manager


15


REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN


Mr. Whitman Pearson


Superintendent of Schools


Acton, Massachusetts


Dear Mr. Pearson :


I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.


The usual physical examinations of all school children were completed in October.


Special examinations were given early in the year to those students participating in competitive athletics.


Parents were notified of all defects found and remedial measures advised where indicated.


In conjunction with the Board of Health, Schick Tests · and inoculations of Diphtheria Toxoid were given to the chil- dren of the lower grades and pre-school children. This was done at the High School this year because of our scattered classrooms. Transportation was excellent.


I wish to thank the superintendent, townspeople, teachers, and school nurse for their cooperation.


Respectfully submitted,


PAUL P. GATES, M.D.


16


1


REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE


Mr. Whitman Pearson Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts


Dear Sir:


Report for school year ending December 31, 1951.


Communicable diseases are fast becoming less, and colds are of shorter duration with the advent of the new drugs.


Pre-School clinics were held in the three villages early in May, allowing ample time for parents to have children's defects found to be corrected before the fall term and be- fore the Diphtheria Clinic. Diphtheria Clinics were held at the High School this year to help overcome congestion at the grade schools.


The usual School Physical Examinations were completed in November, and notices were sent to parents where neces- sary.


The ever increasing school population adds to all this work in numbers and time and increased follow-up work.


Again may I express my gratitude to all those who have so cheerfully cooperated.


Respectfully submitted,


LILLIAN F. TAYLOR, R.N.


17


AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION


AGE 0-1


1-2 2-3


3-4 4-5


5-6 5-6 6-7


7-8


8-9


9-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 .13-14


14-15 15.16 16-17


17-18 18-19


Totals


Entering Class of


Pre- 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952


1951


School 60


61


65


83


102


81


Pre-School Total


452


Grade I


7 42


3


52


II


16


61


9


1


87


III


6


58


7


3


74


IV


14


39


4


57


V


13


32


6


51


VI


17


34


14


1


2


68


1


1


2


· 7


58


70


81


60


56


40


14


1


3


1


391


VII


8


32


5


2


47


VIII


2


7


25


5


1


40


IX


15


19


8


2


44


X


14


26


3


43


XI


8


30


3


41


XII


13


15


2


30


High


10


39


45


40


43


48


18


2


245


System


7


58


70


81


60


56


50


53


46


43


44


48


18


2


636


School Plus Pre-


School 60


61


65


83


102


81


7


58


70


81


60


56


50


53


46


43


44


48


18


2


1088


18


Ungraded


Elementary


GRADUATION, JUNE 15, 1951


Acton Center Woman's Club Scholarship Mary Amanda Starbuck


Acton High School Scholarship Wilhelmina Knippel -


School of Practical Arts Scholarship Carol Edwin Spinney


National Scholastic Honor Society Members


Evelyn Sofie Andersen


Mary Amanda Starbuck


Marilyn Moore


Barbara-Jeanne Holbrook


Wilhelmina Knippel


Clare Elizabeth Linscott


Nancy Lee (Class of 1952)


Susanne Mellor (Class of 1952)


Nancy Winslow (Class of 1952)


Edwards-Quimby Post, American Legion Medals


To the best all around boy and girl in the senior class as judged for scholarship, loyalty, and achievement. Janice Rae Teele


Harry Burton Morse


Washington and Franklin History Medal


Awarded by the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for excellence in the study of United States History.


Suzanne Mellor (Class of 1952)


Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award Medal For achieving the highest scholastic record in science. Mary Amanda Starbuck


19


Renssalaer Medal for excellence in Science and Mathematics James George Daricek


Reader's Digest Association Valedictorian Award Barbara-Jeanne Holbrook


Acton Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship Sarah Kathryn Jewell


West Acton Woman's Club Scholarship Clare Elizabeth Linscott


Boston Rotary Club Basketball Championship Shield Harry Burton Morse, Captain Acton High School, Eastern Small Schools Championship Team.


CLASS OF 1951


Evelyn Sofie Andersen


Phyllis Jean Andersen


Richard Bruce Barnhart Julia-Ellen Barry Ruth Eleanor Beach Richard Calhoun Brewster Richard Paul Bursaw John McLane Campbell James George Daricek Carroll Moore Feltus Joanne Marie Flerra Wilfred Arthur Fraser Robert William Hayes Barbara-Jeanne Holbrook Sarah Kathryn Jewell Patricia Ann Johnson Joan Marie Joyce Wilhelmina Knippel


Harold Morey Laffin


Marilyn Irene LeDuke Clare Elizabeth Linscott Dianne Nancy Manter Joyce Merriam Dorothy Joycelyn Morong Marilyn Moore


Harry Burton Morse


Warren Henry Morse


Douglas Gordon Poland


Thomas William Rooney Barbara Johanne Schou Carol Edwin Spinney


Mary Amanda Starbuck Janice Rae Teele Joan Frances Tucker


Clare Virginia Mary Wait Bernard Augustine Walther


Janet Bryce Wilson William James Wilkshire


20


INDEX


First Section


Assessors 100


Board of Health


158


Board of Health Agent


160


Burial Agent


162


Cemetery Commissioners


153


Civil Defense Department


170


Dog Officer .


70


Elizabeth White Fund


119


Fence Viewers, Report of


69


Finance Committee


2


Fire Department


57


Fire House Committee


165


Forest Warden


59


Inspector of Animals


67


Inspector of Milk and Food


162


Inspector of Sanitation


161


Inspector of Slaughtering


161


Inspector of Wires


64


Insurance Committee, Report of


171


Librarian's Report


156


Middlesex County Extension Service


154


Moth Superintendent


65


Police Department


60


Playground Site Committee


67


School Building Committee, Special


166


Sealer of Weights and Measures


64


Selectmen's Report


48


State Audit


92


Superintendent of Streets


65


Tax Collector


102


Town Accountant


120


Balance Sheet December 31, 1951


148


Town Clerk's Report


70


Births


72


Marriages


76 80


Deaths


Non-Resident Burials


82


Dog Licenses


84


Jury List (Revised) 1951


90


Town Election, March 5, 1951


45 66


Town Forest Committee


24


Town Meeting, Special (Abstract) April 30, 1951 Town Nurse


160


Town Officers


50


Appointments by Selectmen


52


Treasurer's Report


107


Tree Warden


152


Trustees of Goodnow Fund


119


Veterans Services


68


Welfare Department


162


Warrant, Monday, March 3, 1952


4


Workmen's Compensation Agent


69


Zoning Committee Interim Report


169


Second Section


Schools :


Age and Grade Distribution 18


Calendar - 1952-1953


3


Budgets for 1952


6


Financial Report


5


Graduation Awards


19


Graduates - Class of 1951


20


High School Athletic Association


14


Members of the Acton Faculty


11


Organization


2


School Committee


4


School Nurse


17


School Physician


16


Statistics


6


Superintendent


7


Town Meeting (Abstract) March 12, 1951


44


ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE SEVERAL OFFICIAL BOARDS ACTUN, MASSACHUSETTS For the Year Ending December 31, 1952


1952 ANNUAL REPORTS


of the Several Official Boards


For the Year Ending December Thirty-First


RATED


ONI


1735.


ACTON.


Town of Acton, Massachusetts


Printed at


Concord Press, Inc., West Concord, Mass.


REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE


Adjustments in wages and salaries, the granting of paid vacations and the extension of services have contributed to budget increases for 1953. On the whole, the Finance Com- mittee has been impressed by the efforts of the Selectmen and the School Committee (together representing approximately 75% of the budget) in their efforts to administer the affairs of their offices in an economical manner. Mindful of the school construction program upon which we have embarked, the various departments have endeavored to keep their ex- penses at a minimum.


The school budget has increased, largely due to the esti- mated operating costs of the new elementary school now under construction. The Board of Public Welfare now is operating within a Welfare District in conjunction with the Towns of Carlisle and Bedford. The adminstration is by a competent, trained agent and continued operating efficiencies should be realized.


Once again, there has been some spending in excess of appropriation. Attention is called to Chapter 44 Section 31, as amended by 1946 Chapter 358 Section 23 and by 1949 Chapter 138, which in substance provides that no department financed by municipal revenue shall incur a liability in excess of appropriation.


This year the Finance Committee expended practically its entire Reserve Fund in what we believe to be unforeseen and necessary expenses. We think, however, that it is better for the various departments to know this Reserve Fund is available when necessary rather than increase their miscel- laneous budget.


2


Following are the transfers from the Reserve Fund :


Board of Health - Salaries $1,100.00


Board of Health - Expense 1,619.72


Disability Assistance 1,200.00


Liability Assistance - Article 36


113.58


Workmen's Compensation


185.58


Aid to Dependent Children


300.00


Tax Collector - Expense 75.00


Elections and Registration - Salaries


116.00


Elections and Registration - Expense 14.00


Fire Department - Expense


530.01


Treasurer - Expense


387.20


School Department - Book Expense .


200.00


Selectmen - Wages


32.70


Moderator


20.00


Town Clerk - Expense 41.00


Police Department - Expense


65.00


$5,999.79


In addition, the Town has some unpaid bills which must be carried over into the 1953 Town Meeting for payment. De- spite this, the Finance Committee does not feel that it will be necessary to increase the Reserve Fund.


The Finance Committee would like to thank all Boards and Committees for their cooperation during the past year and particularly the Fire Department for the use of the Center firehouse for meetings.


ALBERT S. COOK BRADFORD S. LEACH NORMAN MCINTOSH HERBERT W. MERRIAM


ROBERT F. CHARLES - Chairman JOHN M. WHITTIER - Clerk


3


TOWN WARRANT


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX, ss.


To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County, Greetings :


In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the transaction of town affairs, to meet in their respective pre- cincts, to wit :


Precinct 1-Town Hall, Acton Center


Precinct 2-Congregational Church, South Acton Precinct 3-Woman's Club House, West Acton


at 12 o'clock noon, Monday, the second day of March, 1953, by posting a copy of this warrant, by you attested, at each of the places as directed by vote of the town, seven days at least before the second day of March.


To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town officers : Moderator, town clerk, town treasurer, collector of taxes, one selectman for three years; one assessor for three years; one member of the board of public welfare for three years; four constables for one year; one cemetery commis- sioner for three years; two members of the school committee for three years; one member of the school committee for two yeas (to fill vacancy) ; one member of the board of health for three years; one trustee Memorial Library for three years; and a tree warden.


And also to vote on the following question :


"Shall the town accept the provisions of sections sixteen to sixteen I inclusive, of chapter seventy-one of the General Laws, providing for the establishment of a regional school district, together with the town of Littleton, and the con- struction, maintenance and operation of a regional school by said district in accordance with the provisions of a proposed agreement filed with the selectmen ?" Yes No


4


The polls will be open at 12 o'clock noon, and close at 8 o'clock P.M.


You are further requested in the name of the Common- wealth to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton as aforesaid, to meet at the TOWN HALL in said Acton on Monday, March 9, 1953 at 7:30 o'clock P.M.


Then and there to act on the following articles :


Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and committees and fix the salary and compensation of all the elective officers of the town.


Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers and boards, or act any- thing thereon.


Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any committees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.


Article 4. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary ex- penses of the several departments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.


It is recommended that the following sums of money be raised and appropriated for the several purposes hereinafter designated and that the same be expended only for the pur- poses under the direction of the respective boards, committees, or officers of the Town as follows:


Recommended Expended


1953


1952


General Government 3.8% of Total


1 Moderator


55.00


$ 55.00


2 Finance Committee Expense .


75.00


35.25


3 Selectmen's Dept. Salaries


Wages


3,684.00




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