USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1956-1960 > Part 44
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08
Education Local
Education Regional
Maturing Debt, Interest
Protection Persons, Property
Highways
Charities
General Government
Health, Sanitation
Cemeteries
Other Classified Expenses
Veterans Aid
Buildings and Grounds
Libraries
Pensions
Recreation
50.000
100,000
150,000
200. 000
250,000
$300,000
#
The total Acton budget in 1959 was $1,043,276.79. Of this amount the cost of education in the local and regional schools amounted to $474,608.64. This is a gross figure and does not take into consideration any receipts applicable to the cost of education.
lown
budget
224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE TOWN OF ACTON
81
Cost of Operating Acton Public Schools
PLANT OPERATION
10.1
#25878 91
AUXILIARY AGENCIES 9.0 822,719 48
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES 4.2 410.834 65
GENERAL CONTROL 3.0 $7 401 75
# 185 562 31
OUTLAY
4 2. 479 71 1.0
00004 042 14
# 257 17
Total $255,748.51
In order that the Acton citizens may better understand the cost of operating the Acton Public Schools, I have attempted by this chart to show the percent and the amount of each phase of the 1959 budget. As in most school budgets, the cost of instruction is by far the largest amount. Again these are gross figures and do not show any money received by the town to the credit of education.
INSTRUCTION 72.5
MAINTENANCE
CONTINGENCIES 0.001
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
C
0
OPERATION OF PLANT 11.5
INSTRUCTION 67.1 1150. 425. 08
$25 778.67
TRANSPORTATION 482.50 7.8
Books AND Supplies
$10,014.08
4.4
GENERAL CONTROL
SPECIAL CHARGES.
3.63053.15
1.9
0.07
00.7
$4308.37
1625.98
MISCELLANEOUS $7499
MAINTENANCE
AUXILIARY AGENCIES
2.4.85321.82
OUTLAY 0.6 $1209/36
ACTON-$ 224,349.04
Actor's share of operating Regional High School
Each year at town meeting it is difficult to show the citizens of Acton the actual cost of Acton's share of operating the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. Therefore, I have attempted in this graph to illustrate the actual cost of Acton's share in 1959. As in the previous chart, the cost of instruction is the highest percentage of the budget.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
Housing
It is evident that Acton will need to build additional classrooms in the very near future to house the many boys and girls who will be coming to the Acton Public Schools and the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in the next five years. The Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee has already been studying the high school classroom shortage. It is a well known fact that the present regional school can operate efficiently only through June 1961, because in Septem- ber 1961 an enrollment of over 800 is forecast for this system.
The Acton Public Schools will need additional classrooms in the very near future also, as we know that we will have over 1400 children entering our first grades in the next six years.
Acton, like other surrounding towns, is experiencing a shifting population. However, from our high school records we find that since September 1959 twenty-five children have moved out of our school system but that we have gained fifty-two children, making an increase of twenty- seven. The increase is even greater in the Acton Public Schools. If we are to believe the most recent forecast released in Boston, in that Acton will have a population of 8200 in a short time, it becomes more evident that plans for future school needs have to be formulated now.
Miss Marion L. Towne
Miss Towne retired in June 1959 from the Acton School System after almost forty years of devoted service. The Acton School Committee honored her by naming after her the building which was formerly Acton High School. This school is now known as the Marion L. Towne School.
Conclusion
Due to the length of the high school principal's report this year, I have shortened my report. Since the evaluation account of the Acton- Boxborough Regional High School is printed in detail, it is hoped that all interested parents will read it thoroughly.
I should like to express my appreciation to all the parents and children in town who have cooperated with me in continuing to improve the education for the children of the Town of Acton. I should like also to express my appreciation to the school committees for the many hours they have worked with me, and to all the school personnel and other town officers for their excellent cooperation.
WILLIAM L. O'CONNELL, Superintendent of Schools.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1959
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
1. Evaluation by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
2. 1959 Yearbook won awards from Columbia University and Boston University.
3. Latin I now being offered in Grade 8.
4. Biology now being offered in Grade 9.
5. Latin III added to high school curriculum.
6. School newspaper being printed by a commercial printer.
7. High school now a member of Dual County League.
8. Honors program in junior and senior high school.
9. Two projects approved by State Department of Education under National Education Defense Act, - Science Department, $4,700.00, Guidance Department, $600.00.
10. Hiring of instrumental instructor for high school band.
11. As of December 31, 1959, total number of books in school library, 1996; total circulation in 1959, 8202.
12. Appointment of Mr. Salvatore Lipomi as Director of Transportation.
Acton Public Schools
1. Opening of new 20-room elementary school, September, 1959.
2. Hiring of full-time librarian.
3. Fire Safety Program under the direction of Chief H. Stuart MacGregor.
4. Hiring of instrumental instructor for elementary school orchestra.
5. Safety Patrol in operation at bus stops and on buses under the direction of Sergeant Warren Birch of the Acton Police Department.
6. Appointment of Mr. Salvatore Lipomi as Director of Transportation.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School was admitted to the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1955. Although the Regional High School had until 1965 to be evaluated by a visiting committee of educators, the administration decided to be evaluated in 1959. As a result of this evaluation, the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School was notified on May 4, 1959 that the Standing Committee on public secondary schools had voted the Regional High School for continuing membership in the Association.
Member schools of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools must file a progress report five years after the evalua- tion and in this progress report they have the privilege of agreeing or disagreeing with the visiting committee's report. For the purpose of this particular report the administration, after numerous meetings with the faculty makes known its stand by using the following symbols next to the committee's recommendations:
R = Rejected as unwise or undesirable at least at this time. NA = Recommendation not applicable possibly because of faulty evaluation of the situation.
C = Recommendation accepted and completed.
PC = Recommendation accepted, partially completed.
ANP = Recommendation accepted - no progress yet.
REPORT OF THE VISITING COMMITTEE
NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
March 23, 24, and 25, 1959
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL West Acton, Massachusetts
Each school evaluated by the use of the Evaluative Criteria developed by the Cooperative Study of Secondary-School Standards will have as tangible outcomes of the evaluation, these things:
1. The educational values, experiences, and outlook resulting to the staff from working carefully through the Criteria in prepara- tion for review by a visiting committee.
2. The report of the chairman of the visiting committee, at which time an oral summary of the committee's general impressions will be presented.
3 . This written report of the more significant findings of the committee, with suggested recommendations.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
4. The summary forms applicable which present in graphic form the average of the evaluations made by the school staff as modi- fied by the visiting committees. (Excluding J, Data for Individual Staff Members.)
The evaluation has as its primary purpose the improvement of the individual high school in the service it is rendering to the youth of the community which it serves. The point of view of the committee in coming to any high school is highly professional, and every attempt is made to be objective. Since the materials are comprehensive and the time of the visit is limited, it is easily possible that the committee may err in some of its judgments. Individual members of the committee, quite naturally, disagreed regarding some items in the evaluation. By the time the com- mittee finished its work, however, there was a noticeable unanimity of opinion regarding the school's salient points of strength and weakness.
The members of the visiting committee were as follows:
Name
School System Westwood High School
Isaiah Chase
Dr. Walter H. McCloskey
Uxbridge High School
James A. Cooke
Wilbur C. Connon
Perry Van Dyke
Gertrude M. Roughsedge
Olivia Pearson
Fitchburg High School Oxford High School
Rita Roy Norman Frye
Revere High School
Helen V. Gay
Beverly High School Sutton Memorial High School
Wilho Frigard
William G. Phelps
Sudbury Regional High School Hardwick High School
Frank Magean
Franklin High School
Sewall M. Drisco
Hopedale High School
Mrs. Martina Driscoll
State Department of Education
The members of the visiting committee were all enthusiastic in their appreciation for the careful preliminary preparations for their visit and the generous and welcome manner in which they were received. The cooperation of staff and students was most helpful.
VISITING COMMITTEE REPORTS ON SUBJECT AREAS AND MAJOR SECTIONS
Pupil Population and School Community (Section B)
Acton and Boxborough combine to form a community of both rural and suburban characteristics with the latter developing rapidly in the
Shrewsbury High School Ipswich High School Hanover High School Medford High School West Bridgewater High School
Armand Dufour
Joseph Scannell
Winchendon High School
John Canavan
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
foreseeable future. The average income and educational status of families residing in the area is above the national average. Industry in the immediate area is limited, particularly in respect to employment opportunities, but access to outside industrial areas is easily gained by developing highway systems.
The pupil population reflects this background particularly by their serious-minded approach to education and the large proportion planning to go on to further education beyond high school.
Educational Needs of Youth (Section C)
The faculty of the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School has given evidence of a most careful and realistic self-evaluation program and has accepted the educational needs of youth as outlined in the Evaluative Criteria with certain understandable reservations.
The concise statement of philosophy of the school was accepted by the committee and is included in full in this report.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Because we recognize our responsibility:
To the community, which by its support, makes education available to all children -
To the parents, upon whom rests the primary obligation for develop- ment of the child and from whom our own authority comes -
To the child, to whom we are primarily responsible and for whom we must provide an education that will help him to meet his immediate and long range goals -
And because we recognize that in a democracy the good of society can best be served by raising the standards of the individual - we propose to educate the child in the specific areas in which the school is qualified to act.
Our Aims Are:
1. To provide an atmosphere in which learning is encouraged.
2. To meet the common educational needs of the students and, to the extent that this is possible and desirable, to meet their individual needs.
3 . To prepare each to take his place in the community and to continue his education, whether formal or informal, beyond high school.
4. To recognize every student as an individual and to encourage him to think of himself as a contributing member of society.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
5. To provide each child with education consistent with his aptitudes and interests.
6. To develop in the child :
a. Ethics.
b. Habits and attitudes that will result in sound mental and physical health.
c. Appreciations of what is appropriate in the arts and in the art of living.
d. Knowledge that will make him an intelligent and useful citizen.
e. Skills and abilities that will serve him as a consumer and a producer in our economic system.
7. To encourage a gradual development in the child of -
a. The ability to analyze, attack, and solve his own problems.
b. The ability to assume self-discipline.
c. The recognition of his abilities and limitations.
Program of Studies (Section D)
The Committee Commends:
1. The staff for providing a program of studies which is effectively meeting the recognized educational needs of the youth of the communities served.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That the staff continue to evaluate the program of PC studies by frequent meetings of all of the members and that adequate time be provided for this purpose.
2. That a more explicit program of studies be provided which can be made available to the staff, parents and pupils.
ANP
3. That special consideration be given to a study of the PC needs of the academically talented students and provide for such in the program of studies.
4. That a study be made of the offerings in the general ANP course with a view to providing a program which would be practical and meaningful.
Art (Section D-3)
The Committee Commends:
1. The high calibre of displays about the building. There is a better than average use of all available space to exploit and explain the functions of the courses. The
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
display case and bulletin boards are particularly effec- tive.
2. The efficient use of equipment.
3 . The adequacy of supplies for the courses.
4. The high degree of liaison between the Junior High and High School Supervisors in a smooth continuity of courses.
5. The diversified selection of media coupled with an awareness of the need for continual growth in their respect.
6. The classes which are well organized and conduct themselves with determination and direction. They are adapted to the temper and tempo of the individual, especially on the high school level.
The Committee Recommends:
1. Improvement of source material of reference files and ANP library.
2. Addition of storage area for projects underway. NA
3. A greater emphasis on coordination with Industrial Arts PC and Home Economics.
4. The introduction of oil painting. R
5. A course in the technique of air brush. R
6. More emphasis on Art Appreciation, weaving and ceramics. NA
7. A plan to improve the services of the art room through a study of the lighting problem, and the ventilation in the Supervisor's office.
NA
8. That a study be made of the feasibility of adding to the NA art curriculum such media that may create dirt without impairing the cleanliness of the school.
Business Education (Section D-4)
The Committee Commends:
1. The enthusiasm of the business education teachers.
2. The teachers' methods which are adaptable to individual needs and interests.
3 . The satisfactory adjustment which the teachers have made in the task of serving a very wide range of
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
abilities in their classes. Despite such a disparity all levels are being served.
4. The availability of a course in typewriting to non- business students.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That a study be made of the advisability for initiating ANP co-operative effort between the business teachers and the community that business education may be ready for the future expansion in the Town.
2. The organization of a business education club to pro- ANP mote interest in local business, placement opportunities, and co-operative planning.
3. The initiation of a plan for an office assignment course C which will place qualified business pupils in offices in the school, or with a teacher, to perform duties related to the training which they are receiving. Work to be graded.
4. That a program of expansion in acquiring office PC machines and equipment with the cooperation of busi- ness teachers be initiated. The business teachers under administrative guidance will constitute a capable com- mittee to pursue such a study.
5. Elimination of the practice of having a student working NA in the typing room without a teacher present. One teacher should be placed in charge of the typing room.
6. That a study be made of the advisability of including PC Consumer Education, Business Law and Economic Geography as Business Education.
English (Section D-5)
The Committee Commends:
1. The sincere efforts to develop a well-rounded English program on the four general aims in English as set forth in their final course of study.
The Committee Recommends:
1. Continued and greater co-operation with the library C staff and guidance department.
2. That the department head be given released school time for the purposes of supervising aand coordinating
ANP
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
3. That a study be made by the administration and the ANP English department to include a specialist in speech instruction.
4. That more instructional material be provided for PC specialized areas of instruction.
5. That provision be made of more dictionaries in English PC classrooms.
Foreign Languages (Section D-6)
The Committee Commends:
1. The excellent preparation which is apparent in the classroom.
2. The good work done with the materials available.
3. The physical facilities.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That Latin be offered for at least three years for the C College students.
2. That Spanish be offered for three years to all pupils. R
3. That Latin and French be made available to all pupils NA and not only to the College preparatory group.
4. That, for proper coordination, there should be a Head of Foreign Languages Department, who shall be responsible for the proper coordination of the language courses.
ANP
5. That the department have more Readers available in C French and Spanish.
6. That more stress be paid to conversational work in PC French and Spanish.
7. That Maps, Dictionaries, Word Lists and Reference PC Grammars be made available for language classes.
8. That a Foreign Language Section be established in the PC Library for adequate reference work.
9. That there should be more chalkboard space in the NA Language classes.
10. That there should be improved Guidance to encourage NA all pupils who wish to study Foreign Languages.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Health and Safety (Section D-7)
The Committee Commends:
1. The pleasant health suite and its practical location.
2. The staff and administration for its general observance of rules for good health and safety.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That plans be made for extending the program of C Driver Education to take care of the prospective increased enrollment.
2. That steps be taken to improve the mechanics of fire C drill procedure.
3. That pupils, once outside during a fire drill, be directed C to an area clear of all driveways.
Home Economics (Section D-8)
The Committee Commends:
1. The physical facilities which are exceptionally desirable for an all inclusive program.
2. The varied and well-balanced curriculum which has many immediate and carry-over values into adult life.
The Committee Recommends:
1. Initiation of a cooperative study by the Guidance and PC Home Economics Departments for the purpose of influencing more students to take advantage of the fine educational and physical facilities.
2. The planning of a definite Public Relation Program ANP within the community.
3 . That more extended use be made of the living area. PC
4. Increased instruction of the pupils in the maintenance C of equipment.
5. Closer coordination between the Home Economics C Department and other areas of the school.
Industrial Arts (Section D-9)
The Committee Commends:
1. The personnel of the Industrial Arts Department for their enthusiasm and willingness to devote free periods and after school time to further meet the needs of the students.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
2. The Metal Area for its exceptionally fine course content and the great variety of projects offered and under construction.
3. The variety of the courses.
4. The equipment of modern and up to date design.
5. The staff for the formation of the Shop Hobby Club.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That non-skid material be installed on floor of wood- ANP working area.
2. That a study be made of condition of floor of metals C area.
3 . That increased storage facilities should be provided. C
4. That increased variety of work materials be available. C
5. That immediate steps be taken to start a Radio-Elec- ANP trical Program in the Shop.
6. Installation of acoustical treatment on ceiling of the R drafting room.
7. That the hoist in the automotive area be centrally ANP placed.
8. That steps be taken to increase the floor space in the PC machine area for safety.
Mathematics (Section D-11)
The Committee Commends:
1. The sincere effort on the part of the mathematics teachers.
2. The effective use of the available instructional materials.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That a Head of the Mathematics Department be ANP appointed.
2. That the mathematics program be broadened to meet NA the needs of all students in Grades 9-12.
3. That a study be made of the adequacy of instructional PC materials.
4. That a study be made of the articulation between the PC various grade levels in the area of mathematics.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
5. That the administration study the assignment of courses NA to teachers so that mathematics teachers would be teaching only in the mathematics area.
Music (Section D-12)
The Committee Commends:
1. Excellent administrative cooperation and support in the development of a well-rounded music program.
2. Enthusiastic, vigorous, and capable leadership on the part of the director of music in the establishment of a relatively inclusive music program in a short period of time.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That an immediate study be made of the need for an C increase in the music teaching staff to assist the director of music in instrumental instruction in both the high and elementary grades.
2. That the services of the director of music be scheduled C to the high school level except for direct supervision of the elementary school music programs.
3. That the enlargement of the record library be a con- PC tinuing function.
Physical Education for Boys (Section D-13)
The Committee Commends:
1. The staff for the fine relationship which exists between the staff and the boys.
2. The recent addition of new equipment which will make the program more effective.
3 . The fine physical set up for indoor activities and the size of the outdoor area.
4. The use of physical fitness tests for the boys.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That the outdoor play area be closer to school as R valuable class time is lost travelling to and from play area.
2. That more emphasis be placed on skills and abilities C having practicable carry over into adult physical recrea- tional activities.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
3. That a program of corrective activities be provided for PC boys with particular needs.
4. That consideration be given to the assignment of the PC instructor to the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School on a full-time basis.
5. That foot baths and additional locker or basket C facilities be provided in the boys' locker room.
Physical Education for Girls (Section D-14)
The Committee Commends:
1. The staff for the efficient conduct of the program.
2. The incorporation of audio-visual aids in the program.
3 . The recent addition of new equipment which will make the program more effective.
4. The fine physical set ups for indoor activities and the size of the outdoor area.
The Committee Recommends:
1. That the outdoor play area be closer to school as R valuable class time is lost travelling to and from play area.
2. That more emphasis be placed on skills and abilities C having practicable carry-over into adult physical recrea- tional abilities.
3. That tests be administered for the purpose of deter- NA mining the physical fitness of each girl.
4. That a program of corrective activities be provided for PC girls with particular needs.
5. That locker or basket facilities in the girls' locker room C be increased so that each girl has at least one basket.
6. That additional benches and a full length mirror as ANP well as foot baths be added to girls' locker room.
7. That consideration be given to the addition of clothes ANP hooks in the area of individual showers.
8. That consideration be given to the assignment of the PC instructor to the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School on a full-time basis.
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224th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Science (Section D-15)
The Committee Commends:
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