USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1961 > Part 6
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ARTICLE 8
Voted unanimously: To accept the following street, or portions thereof, con- structed under the requirements of the Subdivision Control Law and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to a plan on file with the Town Clerk:
Duggan Road 620.31 feet from previously accepted Duggan Road; including the takings or acceptance of easements for drainage, or other purposes, where shown on said plan.
ARTICLE 9
Voted unanimously: To accept the following streets, or portions thereof, constructed under the requirements of the Suba vision Control Law and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk:
Birch Ridge Road 312.18 feet from Massachusetts Avenue; Cherry Ridge Road 439.25 feet from Juniper Ridge Road;
Juniper Ridge Road 1,509.08 feet from Massachusetts Avenue; including the takings or acceptance of easements for drainage, or other purposes, where shown on said plans.
ARTICLE 10
Voted unanimously: To accept the following street, or portions thereof, constructed under the requirements of the Subdivision Control Law and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to a plan on file with the Town Clerk:
Spencer Road 1,163.62 feet from Prospect Street; including the takings or acceptance of easements for drainage, or other purposes, where shown on said plan.
ARTICLE 11
Voted unanimously: To accept the following streets, or portions thereof, constructed under the requirements of the Subdivision Control Law and as laid out by the Board of Selectmen according to plans on file with the Town Clerk:
Cherokee Road 683.88 feet from Nashoba Road;
Oneida Road 242.06 feet from previously accepted Oneida Road; including the takings or acceptance of easements for drainage, or other purposes, where shown on said plan.
Voted to Adjourn at 7:43 P. M.
CHARLES M. MACRAE, Town Clerk.
SECTION C
Acton School Department Report and Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Report. . 71
71
THE TOWN OF ACTON
REPORT OF ACTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ORGANIZATION
Acton School Committee
Mr. Thomas E. Wetherbee, Chairman Term Expires 1962
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Boardman, Secretary Term Expires 1963
Mrs. Evelyn N. MacLean Term Expires 1962
Mr. Edmond J. McNiff Term Expires 1963
Mr. Edwin Richter Term Expires 1964
Mr. Lloyd E. Williamson Term Expires 1964
Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee
Mr. Lloyd E. Williamson, Chairman Term Expires 1964
Dr. Joseph H. Hartshorn, Vice Chairman Term Expires 1962
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Boardman Term Expires 1963
Mr. Leonard E. Ceglowski Term Expires 1964
Mrs. Evelyn N. MacLean Term Expires 1962
Mr. Edmond J. McNiff Term Expires 1963
Mr. Edwin Richter Term Expires 1964
Miss Margaret A. Shea Term Expires 1963
Mr. Thomas E. Wetherbee
Term Expires 1962
Meetings of the Acton School Committees
The Acton School Committee holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month and the Regional School Committee meets on the second and fourth Mondays. Both groups convene at the Acton- Boxborough Regional High School at 7:30 P. M.
Tel.
Superintendent of Schools, William L. O'Connell 3-5737
3-7738
Director of Guidance, Miss Ruth R. Proctor 3-7738
School Physician, Paul P. Gates, M.D. 3-5671
School Nurse, Mrs. Dorothy Olson 3-7738
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226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Secretaries :
5 3-5737
Mrs. Priscilla Felt, Superintendent's Office 2 3-7738
Mrs. Dorothy Hansen, Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne Schools 3-4982
Mrs. Molly Johnston, Health Office 3-7738
Mrs. Jane Lewis, High School Principal's Office 3-7738
Mrs. Mary Ott, Acton Elementary School 3-4181
Miss Clarke Reese, High School Principal's Office 3-7738
Mrs. Phyllis N. Sutherland, Guidance Department 3-7738
Attendance Officer, Mr. David W. Scribner 3-5221
Principals:
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne Schools
Mrs. Alice F. Hayes 3-4982
Acton Elementary School Mrs. Carolyn T. Douglas 3-4181
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Mr. Raymond J. Grey 3-7738
Vice-Principal, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Mr. Arthur J. Hayes 3-7738
Director of Cafeterias, Mrs. Anne H. Rimbach 3-7977
Cafeteria Staffs:
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne Schools: Mrs. Martha Lowden, Manager; Mrs. Edith Dale, Mrs. Dorothy Decker, Mrs. Laura Fullonton, Mrs. Martha Jeanson, Mrs. Constance McFarland.
Acton Elementary School: Mrs. Helen Worrall, Manager; Mrs. Meridith Lambert, Mrs. Marguerite Shaw, Mrs. Frances Sindoris, Mrs. Mary Spinney, Mrs. Mary Tuttle.
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School: Mrs. Meimi Fullonton, Manager; Mrs. Barbara Bentsen, Mrs. Anna D'Italia, Mrs. Louise Garceau, Mrs. Evelyn Hill, Mrs. Norma Newsham, Mrs. Christine Scrib- ner, Mrs. Katherine Teele.
Custodians:
Julia L. McCarthy-Marion L. Towne Schools: Mr. John Conquest, Mr. Peter Smoltees.
Acton Elementary School: Mr. Robert Graham, Mr. Paul Richardson. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School: Mr. Emery Nelson, Head Custodian, All Schools; Mr. Richard Allen, Mr. Milan Fenjac, Mr. Timothy Hennessey, Mr. Russell Wolfe.
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THE TOWN OF ACTON
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1962 - 1963
Reopening of all schools, January 2, 1962
Winter Recess, February 19 - 23
Spring Recess, April 16 - 20 Memorial Day, May 30
Graduation, June 8
Close of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, June 15
Close of School, Grades 7 - 8, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School June 15 Close of School, Grades 9 - 10 - 11, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 18 (weather permitting)
Summer Recess
Teachers' Meeting, September 4
Reopening of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, September 5 Reopening of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, September 6
Columbus Day, October 12 Visiting Day (Teachers' Workshop), October 26 Thanksgiving Recess, Noon, November 21 - 22 - 23 Christmas Holidays, December 21, 1962 - January 1, 1963 Reopening of all Schools, January 2, 1963
Winter Recess, February 18 - 22
Spring Recess, April 15 - 19
Memorial Day, May 30
Close of Acton Public Schools, Grades 1 - 6, June 14
Close of Schools, Grades 7 - 8, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 14 Graduation, June 8
Close of School, Grades 9 - 10 - 11. Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, June 14
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
1-1-1-1 7:15 A. M. No School Acton Public Schools-Grades 1 - 6
2 - 2 - 2 - 2 7:00 A. M. No School All Schools All Day
74
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITIZENS OF ACTON:
Herewith is presented my annual report as Superintendent of Schools for Acton and the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.
In this my eighth report as Superintendent of the Schools of Acton, I should like to discuss with you three important phases of our School System, namely, Housing (Classrooms), Teachers and Cost of Instruction.
Years 1951 - 1961
1951
1961
Increase
Percent of Increase
I Acreage
30
63
33
110%
II Population
(School) ...
636
2,142
1,506
237%
III Classrooms
23
66
43
187%
IV Teachers
32
102
70
219%
V Budget
$119,170
$709,360
$590,190
495%
VI State Reim-
bursement .. $29,712.73 $93,935.14 $64,222.41
247.96℃
HOUSING
As the year 1961 passes, the housing, or classroom situation, is stay- ing ahead of the enrollment. In the year 1961, a contract was signed by the Permanent Building Committee late in December to Construct and equip a four (4) room addition to the Julia L. McCarthy School. Originally when the McCarthy School was constructed in 1953 it had the necessary facilities for twelve (12) classrooms, but at that time only eight (8) rooms were built. So these four rooms merely bring the building up to capacity. These four rooms are to be ready for occupancy in September 1962 and will be utilized immediately as we will have twelve first grade classes housed in the McCarthy Primary School in the Fall of 1962.
On the Regional level, a fifteen (15) room addition to the Junior and Senior Regional High School was ready in December of this year. The original Regional High School was constructed in 1955 and opened in 1957 with 625 as a student capacity. In this year (1961) we have an enrollment of 840 which means we have 215 pupils more than the school was built for. The fifteen room addition brings the student
75
THE TOWN OF ACTON
capacity to 1,000, which could be reached on the opening of school in 1962. I bring then two points to the attention of the Citizens of Acton, as plans have to be made now to build additional classrooms to keep pace with our continued increases in enrollment.
Both our hard working, conscientious School Committees (Local and Regional) have been formulating plans for additional classrooms.
1. The Regional Committee has purchased land for a future Regional Junior High School.
2. The Local School Committee shall present to the voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March an article granting them per- mission to purchase land to build and equip an Elementary School in the very near future. Since it takes almost two years before a school is ready for occupancy, the School Committee is acting now to stay ahead of various problems such as double sessions which are now confronting other communities.
A school system may have sufficient classrooms to house the children in a community, but to put a well qualified teacher in each classroom is the most important responsibility of any Superintendent and School Com- mittee. I think all will agree that excellent teachers are the backbone of any school system. The Acton Public Schools and the Acton-Boxborough Regional School have been fortunate in hiring and retaining the very best of teachers for our children. The hiring of teachers is a continuous operation that starts in September and, we hope, ends in May. Experi- enced teachers are visited by the Superintendent and Principal, observing them in other school systems, and they in turn visit us to observe our facilities. We experience a very pleasant relationship with placement directors of the many colleges, not only in New England, but throughout the country. Some of the desirable features which interest the best teachers in coming to Acton are the size of class, location, salary, teaching facilities, reputation of the school system, type of faculty (age, equal balance between male and female teachers) and the fact that our faculty is representative of the very best of colleges.
Although salary might not rank first with prospective teachers, it is important. The School Committee has established a salary schedule for Acton that is competitive with other fine school systems in this area. Presentl ythe State minimum salary for teaching is $4,000.00, with a Bill in the Legislature to increase it to $4,500.00. Acton's minimum is $4,200.00 with an A.B. or B.S. Degree and $4,500.00 for teachers having a Masters Degree.
For the first time this year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Benefits have been paid equally by the Town and Region unde. Chapter 32B of the General Laws.
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226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
The salary schedule of surrounding towns in which Acton competes for teachers is as follows:
A.B. or B.S. degree
Minimum
Maximum
Acton
$4,200
$6,700
Bedford
4,400
6,900
Burlington
4,200
7,000
Chelmsford
4,400
6,400
Concord
4,400
7,000
Lexington
4,600
7,350
Lincoln
4,300
8,400
Littleton
4,500
6,500
Sudbury
4,400
Merit
Wayland
4,500
6,800
Weston
4,600
7,700
Conclusion
I express my sincere appreciation to all the many people and town departments who have worked with me for the improvement of our schools. All the school family, the School Committees, the Principals, Supervisors, Teachers, Secretaries and the Custodians, have played an important role in our school progress. Let us continue to strive for improvement as no one in education can stand still. If school systems do not move forward, they will slide backward. As Acton continues to grow in size the quality of our education should more than keep pace. I know the Citizens of Acton desire and deserve the very best. To give you the best is the target upon which we have set our sights.
WILLIAM L. O'CONNELL, Superintendent of Schools.
THE TOWN OF ACTON
77
Proposed Budget for 1962 ACTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS January 1 - December 31, 1962
December 26, 1961
Salaries - Instructional
Present Staff
$298,944.00
Additional Needs - 9 teachers
18,000.00
Substitutes
5,000.00
Conference Attendance
300.00
Miscellaneous
1,000.00
Total Salaries - Instructional
$323,244.00
Books and Supplies
23,632.00
Operation of Plants
Custodians
$17,850.00
Fuel
6,200.00
Supplies
3,000.00
Water
425.00
Gas
1,200.00
Electricity
6,000.00
Telephones
600.00
Miscellaneous
2,000.00
Total Operation of Plants
$37,275.00
Maintenance of Plants
Instructional Equipment
$600.00
General Maintenance Equipment
2,500.00
Total Maintenance of Plants
$3,100.00
Auxiliary Agencies
Libraries
$1,000.00
School Nurse
2,100.00
School Physician
400.00
Eye and Ear Testing
400.00
Health Supplies
100.00
Printing and Advertising
50.00
Transportation
30,000.00
Transportation - Field Trips
500.00
Miscellaneous
300.00
Total Auxiliary Agencies
$34,850.00
78
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
General Control
Administrative Salaries
$8,900.00
Attendance Officer
50.00
Conference Attendance by Superintendent
150.00
Stationery, Postage, Supplies
250.00
School Committee
200.00
Magazines, Books, Dues
50.00
School Census
150.00
Miscellaneous
400.00
Total General Control
$10,150.00
Capital Outlay
2,960.00
Contingency Fund
1,000.00
SUMMARY
Salaries - Instructional $323,244.00
Books and Supplies
23,632.00
Operation of Plants
37,275.00
Maintenance of Plants
3,100.00
Auxiliary Agencies
34,850.00
General Control
10,150.00
Capital Outlay
2,960.00
Contingency Fund
1,000.00
$436,211.00
SCHOOL FINANCES - 1961
School Finances 1961
Received - To the Credit of Schools
State Aid for Transportation
$25,210.00
State Aid for Public Schools 102,559.43
Federal Aid 13,684.98
Education of Handicapped 4,254.31
Tuition
1,350.15
Miscellaneous 59.00
$147,117.87
79
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Appropriated, March, 1961:
Regional School District $286,386.29
Acton Public Schools 352,825.00
Total Appropriated
$639,211.29
Expended from Appropriations :
Regional School District $284,943.98
Acton Public Schools 348,714.71
Total Expended from Appropriations $633,658.69
Expended for Operation in 1961
High Elementary
Total
Instruction
$220,301.46 $269,079.53 $489,380.99
Books and Supplies
17,449.26
13,339.49
30,788.75
Plant Operation
25,439.54
34,777.02
60,216.56
Plant Maintenance
1,458.26
4,503.53
5,961.79
Auxiliary Agencies
8,344.36
4,197.88
12,542.24
Transportation
24,244.63
24,400.00
48,644.63
General Control
9,952.16
9,062.50
19,014.66
Special Charges
4,968.94
4,968.94
Contingencies
166.42
470.92
637.34
$312,325.03 $359,830.87 $672,155.90
Gross cost per high school pupil (760)
$410.95
Gross cost per elementary school pupil (1,283)
$280.46
Gross cost per pupil (2,043) ..
$329.00
Gross Cost of Operation (as above)
$312,325.03 $359,830.87 $672,155.90
Less Federal, State, etc., monies applied to Maintenance in 1961
75,863.41
76,666.09
152,529.50
Net Cost of Operation
$236,461.62 $283,164.78 $519,626.40
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226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Net cost per high school pupil (760) ..... $311.13
Net cost per elementary school pupil (1,283) $220.70
Net cost per pupil (2,043) $254.34
1962 SCHOOL BUDGETS
Total appropriation
recommended by Acton
School Committee $436,211.00
Net amount requested by Acton-Boxborough Regional District School Committee 364,764.66
Estimate of School Aid and other state or federal reimbursement $158,891.14
$800,975.66
Amount to be raised by local taxation for support of schools $642,084.52
81
THE TOWN OF ACTON
Major Achievements - 1961 - Acton Public Schools
1. Contract signed to construct and equip four (4) room addition to Julia L. McCarthy School.
2. Painting of exterior of Julia L. McCarthy and Marion Towne Schools.
3. Appointment of full time Art teacher.
4. Appointment of full time Physical Education teacher.
5. Continued study and revision of Elementary Curriculum started in September 1960.
6. Purchase of following equipment:
(a) Vision testing machine
(b) Drapes for McCarthy School Cafeteria
(c) Cot for health room
(d) Resetting of exterior doors (Julia L. McCarthy School)
7. Clerical assistance for Health (Nurse) Department.
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
1. Complete construction and equipment of fifteen (15) room addition.
2. Appointment of Heads of Departments - Mathematics - English - Science.
3. French added to Grade 7 curriculum.
4. Latin IV added to High School curriculum.
5. Appointment of full time Art teacher.
6. Appointment of full time Physical Education teacher.
7. Mr. Ernest Mandeville recipient of Scholarship at Boston University under the National Defense Act.
8. In service course of study "Economic Education" by Professor K. Sheldon of Boston University and Dr. Myron Spencer, Dean of the Graduate School of Business at Northeastern University.
9. Formation of Debating and Mathematics Teams for inter-scholastic competitions.
10. Renewal of Arthur D. Little Plan in the field of Chemistry.
82
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Left to right: ¥Elizabeth H. Boardman, Secretary, Acton School Committee; ¥Thomas E. Wetherbee, Chairman, Acton School Committee; Leonard E. Ceglowski; ¥Lloyd E. Williamson, Chairman; William L. O'Connell, Superintendent of Schools; Margaret A. Shea; Edmund J. McNiff; ¥Edwin Richter; Joseph H. Hartshorn. Not present when picture was taken, Evelyn N. MacLean.
* Members of Acton School Committee.
83
THE TOWN OF ACTON
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
The goal of school guidance personnel has been stated by one author as follows: "Helping an individual to analyze himself, evaluate his environment, select an appropriate solution to problems, and make realistic plans." One implication of this definition deserves emphasis, namely, that the individual student initiates and carries through the actions mentioned; the guidance counselor assists by showing his acceptance of and interest in the student and by providing him with information about himself, his environment, and the opportunities avail- able to him.
The 1960 report of the local Guidance Department contained a brief description of guidance activities in five broad areas - individual study, educational and vocational information, counseling, placement, and follow-up - as they had developed since initiation of the guidance program in 1952. As stated in that report, the activities do not change from year to year. They are continually being expanded in scope to keep pace with an ever-increasing school population, and points of emphasis shift somewhat each year depending upon the needs of the individual students as they progress through school, meeting certain pressures, making every-day decisions, and formulating plans for their futures.
For the substance of the present report an effort has been made to pose some questions which parents or other members of the community might like to ask about the local guidance program and to give at least partial answers to them.
They are as follows:
1. Who are the members of the Guidance Department ?
In addition to the Director of Guidance, there are currently three counselors - Morton Brenner (appointed September 1960,) Miss Joan Capitell (appointed September 1955 and on sabbatical leave during 1961-62) and William Petkewich (appointed Septem- ber 1961) - and one part-time secretary, Mrs. Phyllis Sutherland (appointed September 1961).
2. How are students assigned to counselors ?
At present the assignment is basically according to grade level. Students are assigned by homerooms and each counselor works with both boys and girls. It is understood that in the case of particular preference a student may request a counselor other than the one to whom he has been assigned.
3. What is the student-counselor ratio?
To date it has been possible to keep within the ratio of 400 students to one full-time counselor on the high school level, as
84
226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
specified by the "State Plan" for schools to qualify for federal funds under the National Defense Education Act of 1958. The objective of the State Department of Education is a ratio of 300:1 and it is expected that with the return of Miss Capitell in September 1962 this objective can be met locally at least for one year.
4. How are interviews with students arranged?
At least one interview per year with each student is initiated by the guidance counselor. In addition, the student makes an appoint- ment through the Guidance Department Secretary to see the counselor as the need arises. With few exceptions, interviews take place during the student's study period rather than class time.
5. How do parents arrange for interviews with guidance personnel?
The counselors are always ready to try to answer parents' ques- tions. Furthermore, interviews are usually mutually beneficial because parents can provide counselors with information that is invaluable in helping individual students. Parents are urged not to wait for an interview to be initiated by the school. They may make appoint- ments whenever they wish by calling the Guidance Department Secretary.
6. What if special remedial or personal adjustment help is needed?
Efforts are continually being made to evaluate local referral sources and, insofar as possible, the counselor will recommend specialized services when the need for them is indicated.
7. When is the Guidance Department "open for business?"
All members of the department are on duty between the hours of 7:45 and 3:15 during the school year and the offices are usually open until 4:30. At least one person is available during the summer between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00.
8. Do guidance services begin at grade 7?
No. In the Acton schools, the guidance program for grades 1-6 has been outlined and initiated, but it is not full-fledged. The Director of Guidance is responsible for coordination of the activities. Principals and teachers cooperate and are aided by one part-time counselor, Morton Brenner, and one part-time consultant, Miss Mary Kearney of the Walden Clinic staff.
It is felt that the key "counselors" in the primary and ele- mentary schools are the teachers themselves, for they enjoy a rela- tionship with their students that is unique. Having one group all day every day provides the opportunity for establishing a close
85
THE TOWN OF ACTON
rapport and for fostering academic and social growth to an extent that is not possible at higher educational levels.
The guidance person in the primary and elementary grades does not see every child on an individual basis as do the secondary school counselors, although he does counsel certain students referred to him by teachers. Much of his work is of a consultant nature as he confers with teachers and parents - interpreting behavior and dis- cussing possible ways to effect changes in attitude or environment. Prevention of academic, social, and emotional difficulties is his goal.
9. Do guidance personnel have any contact with groups?
Yes. One counselor meets on a regularly scheduled basis with seventh grade students in a class called Orientation. Among the topics discussed are: Introduction to the High School, How to Study, Teacher-Pupil Relationships, Finding Out about Yourself, Different Kinds of Jobs, Your Future Educational Plans.
In addition, counselors meet frequently with student groups at the upper grade levels and they arrange certain programs for parents each year. Typical subjects included are: high school plans of study, planning for further education, jobs for high school graduates, national testing programs, scholarship opportunities.
10. What is the guidance library and how does it operate?
The guidance library "doubles" as a waiting area for students and parents who have interviews scheduled with counselors and as the office for the Guidance Department Secretary. However, as the name implies, it is a storehouse of reference books, monographs, school and college catalogues, and unbound pamphlets about careers. Students may use the library during study periods and they may "sign out" reference materials for a period of a week at a time. Catalogues not ordinarily kept on file are sent for immediately upon a student's request.
11. What is the placement record for the Class of 1961:
Of the 87 members of the 1961 graduating class, 56 (64%) chose to further their education in colleges or specialized schools; 24 (28%) undertook full-time employment; and 7 (8%) entered the armed services.
The distribution of those entering schools and colleges was as follows:
Colleges and universities
24
Junior colleges 8
Business schools 9
Nursing schools 2
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226th ANNUAL REPORT OF
Private preparatory schools 6
Technical and vocational schools 7
The increasing selectivity of school and college admissions was felt to some extent by the 1961 graduates and the majority felt it was unsafe to make single applications. In all, 124 applications, transcripts, and recommendations were filed; 82 acceptances were received; and 56 school or college choices were made.
Schools and colleges which our graduates entered last September are listed below:
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