USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Carver > Town annual reports of Carver 1953 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
In conclusion, the year has been more characterized than anything else by a program of improving the physical assets of the school, in reducing pupil-teacher ratio and strengthening the whole working situation. We look forward to the fullest development of these resources for the best interests of all the Carver children in the years to come.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. AUSTIN,
Superinetndent of Schools, Union No. 40.
92
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith present my report as principal of the Carver Consolidated School for the calendar year of 1953.
The school year of 1952-53 partially covered in my report of last year formally closed with the graduation exercises held on June 11. The theme of the program was WHAT MAKES A GOOD COMMUNITY? Accompanying the pupils discussions were colored slides of scenes and civic activities taken in the town of Carver. These slides were prepared by Mr. Earl Boardway. The American Legion award was won by Ronald Parker with an essay entitled THE COLONIZATION OF AMERICA. A list of the graduates follows:
a-Jane L. Ballard
a-Helen R. Paine
a-Richard T. Battles
a-Ronald I. Parker
a-Armin V. Bernhardt
a-Anna P. Pina
c-William G. Brown
e-Manuel Pina
a-Daniel E. Dunklee
a-Shirley A. Pina
a-Joan Fontes
a-Elinor M. Ring
a-Neil A. Garnett
a-Brenda Short
a-Georgia A. Goodreau
d-Joseph Sylvia
a-Bruce S. Jenney
a-Florence L. Thayer
b-Arthur J. Laine
a-Barbara Vieira
a-Donald A. Lopes
a-Annie J. Walker
a-Elsie C. Maki
d-Frederick Ware
a-Allison M. McClellan a-Nancy A. Weston
a-Janice D. Mosher
b-Theodore Williams
a-Plymouth Junior High School b-New Bedford Vocational High School
93
c-Bristol County Agricultural School d-Moved from town of Carver e-Not enrolled in school
School opened in September with an enrollment of 297, an increase of fourteen over the opening of the previous school year. A distribution of pupils by grades is as follows:
Grade 1 35
Grade 5 37
Grade 2 40
Grade 6 38
Grade 3 38
Grade 7 37
Grade 4 44
Grade 8 28
Thus the average size of the grades continues to increase, this year reaching 37 pupils. We have extended a plan pre- viously used to care for this increase, that is to have three home room teachers care for two grades. The plan is currently in use from grades 1 through 4. I strongly urge that this be ap- plied to grades 5 and 6 and eventually a teacher be added for work with grades 7 and 8. To carry out the above plan Mrs. Vienna Cole who has previously taught in Carver has been added to the staff and teaches a combined grade 3 and 4. Mrs. Gordon was transferred from her remedial work to a combin- ation grade 1 and 2. The vacancy created by the resignation of Mrs. Burkhead was filled by transferring Mrs. Hattei Griffith to grade 1. Mrs. Alice Shurtleff was assigned to grade 2. Two resignations marked the school year: that mentioned above of Mrs. Betsy Burkhead, and of Mrs. Florence Gordon. Both teachers will be missed by pupils, teachers, and by the people of the town.
Several changes in basic texts have been made during the year. The arithmetic series, MASTER KEY, introduced in Carver ni 1941 has been replaced by MAKING SURE OF ARITHMETIC by Robert Lee Morton. For spelling, WORD POWER THROUGH SPELLING supplants CORRECT SPELLING also in use in Carver since 1941. New to the school is the Kittle Penmanship system. The above mentioned
94
texts are used in all grades. A history new to grades 7 and 8 is Wilder's THIS IS AMERICA'S STORY; McConnell's OUR WORKING WORLD was introduced as a text for seventh grade geography. Selection was made after careful study and comparisons with other works covering the field. Each text was selected by a committee appointed for that purpose. As yet it is too early to evaluate the success of the new series as the full worth of a basic text is evidenced only after three or four years of its use.
The instruction in musical instruments done during the first half of the year by Mr. Heyward and Mr. Churchill is now being carried on by Mr. Herman Young of Hull. At the pres- ent time we have four pupils studying the trumpet; three, the clarinet; and one each, the trombone and saxaphone.
A course introduced this year is mechanical drawing for the boys of grades 7 and 8. This is taught by Mr. Drake. Much new equipment has been purchased for this instruction.
The shop has been much improved with the recent purchase of four work benches providing working space for sixteen boys. Also contributing to this improvement is the jointer presented by the PTA, and a new sander. The results of these additions can be seen in the ambitious projects now being undertaken by the pupils. The lumber used in these projects are being paid for by the students. Other additions to furnishings and equipment for the building include lockers for both shower rooms, the much needed and greatly appreciated acoustical treatment of the upper hall and of the four stair wells, a new film projector replacing one purchased in 1937, and a new three speed record player. The school yard was made more attractive by the hard top surfacing of the driveway and walks, and by the oil penetration of the parking area.
During the year game parties for the two upper grades were introduced. At these affairs pupils play games of their choice such as monopoly, clue, cribbage, and hearts, while others are
95
introduced to whist and bridge. Student committees plan the evening. The teachers have been most cooperative in pro- viding adult supervision and instruction in games new to the children.
The sports program of the school has been carried on with great success. In basketball Carver lost one league game, but came out in the top position in the league tournament. Like- wise in baseball Carver topped the league. In tag football we were defeated by Marion and tied by Rochester. Here the league championship was won by Marion. Carver's success rests largely on the excellent work of Mr. George Drake who has ably schooled the players in the basic skills of the game, in tactics, and in the necessity of team work.
Our lunch room continues with its success of the previous two years. Pupils participation is high, exceeded by few places in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As an example of this during the month of November we had an average daily attendance of 265 pupils, during this month an average of 260 pupils lunches were served daily. This degree of success is due to the enthusiastic supervision of Mrs. McLure aided by Mrs. Williams, and with the help of Mrs. Beatrice Raymond, as a part-time employee. Early in the fall Mrs. Lena Thomas was added to the kitchen staff. A financial report of the school lunch program follows:
Brought forward
$29.82
Income from pupils lunches
8,501.35
Income from teacher lunches
558.30
State reimbursement
3,864.90
Other income
23.01
$12,977.38
Wages
$3,883.70
Food
7,688.98
Service
331.58
96
Supplies Balance on hand
278.31
794.81
$12,977.38
The program is still maintained with no appropriations from the Town of Carver.
Several fund raising campaigns have been undertaken dur- ing the year. In the annual magazine drive subscriptions totaling $1,074.31 were sold. From this a profit of $258.13 was realized. The Poppy Drive carried on under the sponsorship of the American Legion Auxiliary netted $16.37. The sum of $86.63 was collected for the March of Dimes. $144.79 was contributed by members of the Junior Red Cross under the leadership of Mrs. Hattie Griffith.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all those connected with the school whose efforts and cooperation have made for the success of the school program. The mem- bers of the staff join with me in expressing our appreciation to you and to the members of the School Committee for your guidance and support.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY M. SHAW,
Principal.
97
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mr. George R. Austin Superintendent of Schools, Union No. 40 Middleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Austin:
In compliance with your request, I submit my report as Supervisor of Art, in the Consolidated School, Carver, Mass- achusetts, for 1953.
"Art Education in the public schools holds a most important position, not only because of its ethical and aesthetic values, but also because it has a practical and vocational bearing upon the processes of education, leading the child to keener enjoy- ment of life, and opening the path to finer recreation."
POSTERS
"Be Kind to Animals-Week" was observed by participation of the school children in the M. S. P. C. A. Annual Poster Con- test, conducted by this Society. During my long term of teach- ing and planning this special phase of Art, many Carver boys and girls have been proud recipients of beautiful bronze and silver awards. In addition to these coveted prizes, arises the greater ETHICAL value; a development of a kind and gentle personality toward animals, and also a LOVE for pets is fostered by this phase of poster-making.
"Poppy Posters" were made by pupils of Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8, in the American Legion's Auxiliary Annual Poster Contest. This was the first time that the Auxiliary had asked the pupils to participate in this nation-wide contest.
UNIT DEVELOPMENT & CORRELATED STUDY
Grades one through four developed several units of work. A very interesting and important one was; "How Art Contri- buted to the Home, School, and Community." Art is closely
98
related to the child's home, school and community experiences. Community Helpers, Buildings, Father's Work, Mother's Shop- ping, the Neighborhood, Playground, Playing with Pets, were all demonstrated by individual drawings, murals, and posters.
Ability to translate concepts about the life of other people into Art expression, to become familiar with Creative Art products of people studied in these units, and to select and combine colors satisfactorily, and to blend and shade colors through the media of chalks, crayons, and paints, was de- veloped in several murals and individual posters.
CORRELATION became essential for all grade levels, and it was carried out with Social Studies and Literature in the upper grades, and with Reading in the lower grades.
HANDCRAFT - PAPERCRAFT - WOODCRAFT
Girls in Grades seven and eight developed richness of ex- perience through HANDCRAFT.
Wastepaper baskets, book covers, and many other usuable projects were enhanced in beauty by finger-painting. This type of Art is exceptionally CREATIVE, and is greatly enjoyed by the pupils.
Wooden articles such as candlesticks, bowls, book ends, coasters, trays, salt and peppers sets, were designed and painted. When this work was completed, the projects were lacquered.
CERAMICS
Ceramics was the major attraction in Handcraft. Each pupil made one or two dishes or trays of clay. There is no better way of adding accents to individuality and good taste than with Ceramic accessories. The girls were immediately SOLD on this idea, and made numerous table decorations.
After the clay had been shaped to the desired contour and design, it was then completely air-dried. Next they were placed in a cool kiln, and the temperature was slowly elevated
99
to 1800 degrees. This remains at constant temperature for a period of time. After the process of firing, the article is then glazed. At first this process is quite difficult for the amateur, but after much experience the modeler counts it as FUN, and vies with his comrades to surpass him with a more perfect glaze. Here we create with color which is alluring.
After being air-dried again, the model is then fired at the same high temperature as previously. The model is then finished, and has a beautiful, high gloss glaze -"a thing of beauty" and a most satisfactory piece to keep or give away.
The firing was carried out by the instructor from whom I completed a full year course in Ceramics. She was amazed that children of that grade level could perform such beautiful work.
The transportation of all these articles for firing, (twice for each project) was my contribution to the pupils, so that they might have the most interesting results possible.
An exhibition of over 200 handcraft articles was held in the Art Room during the week of graduation. "This was really a very outstanding exhibition for a public school class", say several Educators including Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers, who saw these Ceramics in various stages of pro- gress. The comments were most enthusiastic and favorable concerning the beauty and artistry of the handwork.
IMMORTAL MINDS
"If we work marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds and instill into them just principles, we are then engraving upon tablets which no time will efface, but will brighten and brighten to all Eternity."
-Daniel Webster Respectfully submitted,
STELLA F. N. MORRISON,
Supervisor of Art.
100
SCHOOL NURSE
Middleboro, Mass. December 31, 1953.
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Herewith I submit my annual report for the Town of Carver, year ending December 31, 1953.
We are living to-day in a constantly changing world. Parents' responsibilities have changed since the early days of our country, and so too changes have come to the Public Health Nurse. Her duties are largely prevention, they are hard to measure, even harder to prove.
Among the newer changes in our program is the annual physical examinations which were conducted again this year by Dr. Vernon Mayo. Pupils in Grades 1-4 and 7 were most thoroughly appraised in the presence of the Nurse, and in many instances a parent was also present.
All pupils were weighed and measured twice during the year, athough the new law requires it to be done only once. In this way I feel I have a far better knowledge of the gain or loss of each pupil if checked Spring and Fall.
Too much cannot be said about our hot lunch program and the contribution it makes to the health and vigor of our children.
The Vision Testing was carried out in Grades 1, 3, 5 and 7. Of the 128 pupils examined, 9 failed and were referred for further examination. Five of these were seen by an Eye Specialist and five corrections have been made to date.
The Audiometer Test was also given in these grades and all passed with the exception of one pupil. He has already had a tonsillectomy, hoping by this some improvement may be noted; meanwhile he is under the care of a noted Otologist.
101
Several cases of chicken pox and mumps were reported in the Spring- otherwise we were free from contagion during the year.
We held a most successful diptheria prevention clinic in April and May; 138 children being immunized. One hundred and seven of school age received the double antigen and 26 pre-schools were given triple antigen. The response from parents was most gratifying and I feel we are very well pro- tected in the town against this disease which still takes too large a toll of our children.
I have made 86 visits to the Consolidated School and 62 to the homes of pupils. On several occasions I have been ac- companied by Mrs. Murphy, Social worker from the State Department of Health where there were problems regarding referals to the Child Guidance Clinic and Counselling.
In closing I am again grateful to Mr. Austin, School Com- mittee, parents, teachers, Junior Red Cross and all others who have been so cooperative during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
MADELINE A. BAKER, R. N.
Public Health Nurse.
102
SCHOOL CENSUS
Age-Grade Distribution, October 1, 1953
Consolidated School Elementary :
Ages :
5-7 Boys Girls
7-14 Boys Girls
14-16 16-21 Boys Girls Boys Girls
Totals
Grade
16
16
2
1
35
Grade N
14
23
2
1
40
Grade
22
16
38
Grade
4
.
.
.
.
16
17
4 4
1 2
28
-299
Not enrolled in school
1
0
2
0
3 3
Plymouth Junior High School:
Grade 9
5
2
5
13
. .
. 25 25
Plymouth Senior High School:
Grade 10
1
0
6
12
2
2
23
Grade 11
2
4
4
9
19
Grade 12
6
10
16
New Bedford Voc'l. High
1
0
3
0
4
4
Bristol County
Agri. School
2
0
2
2
Plymouth Parochial School
3
1
4
4
Grand Total
395
Pre-School
to enter
14
19
. .
. .
. .
. .
.
33
Out of School
. .
. .
1
1
31
18
51
In other schools
. .
2
1
4
5
12
In military service
11
0
11
. .
.
45
Grade 5
24
13
. .
37
Grade
22
16
38
Grade 7
38
Grade CO
10
12
.
.
- 58
. .
. .
Respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE K. SAND,
Census Enumerator.
.
27
18
. .
. .
103
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENCY UNION NO. 40
Report of the Secretary
The annual meeting of the School Superintendency Union No. 40, was held at the Consolidated School in Carver on April 28, 1953.
The following officers were elected for the coming year. Chairman, Harold Griffith, Jr., and Secretary, Marian N. Peirce.
The semi-annual meeting of the Union was held at the Assa- wampsett School in Lakeville.
At this meeting it was voted to hire a part time clerk to help Miss Washburn handle the increased work there, due to the steadily growing number of pupils in the Union.
There was also further discussion of Regional High Schools, and copies of the chief laws pertaining to such schools were distributed and studied. It was agreed that the committee should meet again in January, with a specialist on Regional Schools from Boston, and that school committees from Marion, Mattapoisett and Middleboro be invited to meet with us. Mr. Simeon J. Domas of the School Building Assistance Commis- sion met with the Union committee and representatives from the above towns, at the Consolidated School in Carver. He ex- plained to us in detail the state laws regarding Regional High Schools, and their requirements.
The Union committee wishes to express it's appreciation to Mr. Austin for his cheerful and efficient co-operation with them at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN N. PEIRCE,
Secretary.
TOWN WARRANT
AND REPORT OF
FINANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN of CARVER
MASSACHUSETTS
OF
N
CARV
TOW
MASSAC
INCORPORATED 1790 .......
CHUSETTS
Annual Town Meeting, March 1, 1954 at 12:00 Noon
107
TOWN WARRANT AND REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth, ss. To either of the Constables of the Town of Carver, Plymouth County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the Inhabitants of the Town of Carver qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet at the Town Hall in said Carver on Monday, the first day of March, 1954, at twelve o'clock noon, then and there to act on the following article, namely:
Article 1. To choose all necessary town officials, the follow- ing officers to be voted for all on one ballot, viz: Three Auditors, Three Constables, Three Herring Committeemen, One Tree Warden, One Highway Surveyor, each for one year. One Assessor, One Moderator, One Selectman, One School Committeeman, One Cemetery Commissioner, One Park Com- missioner, One Member of Board of Public Welfare, and Two Library Trustees, each for three years. One Library Trustee (to fill vacancy) for one year.
The polls will be open for at least seven hours.
And you are directed to further notify said Inhabitants of said Town that as soon as the ballots have been counted the meeting will adjourn to Saturday, March 6, 1954, at two o'clock P. M., and at that time will reconvene at said Town Hall in said Carver, then and there to act on the following articles, namely:
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to bor-
108
row money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1954, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 2. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) from free cash in the Town treasury for the sole purpose of meeting charges agains the cemetery funds in the town treasury.
Article 3. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to accept the ceme- tery fund or funds paid into the town treasury under perpetual care statutes, or act anything thereon or thereto.
Article 4. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 5. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to prosecute, compromise or defend suits for or against the Town.
Article 5. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 6. To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Fund.
Article 6. Recommended by the Finance Committee that the Dog Fund be transferred to the Library Account.
Article 7. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture and choose a Town Director as provided in Sections 41 and 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
Article 7. Recommended by the Finance Committee that the sum of $100.00 be raised and appropriated for County Aid to Agriculture.
109
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Town as provided by General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 108, as amended, namely:
Highway Surveyor $1.50 per hour
Town Treasurer $1,350.00
Town Clerk 800.00
Tax Collector 1,350.00
Moderator $20.00 for the Annual Town Meeting and $5.00 for each Special Town Meeting.
Members of School Board $2.50 for each meeting, plus $1.25 per hour for all meetings of over 2 hours.
All other elective Town Officers $1.25 per hour.
Article 8. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the overlay reserve account to the 1954 Reserve Account the sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), and act thereon or thereto.
Article 9. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 10. To choose all necessary Town Officers not elected by ballot.
Article 10. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Construc- tion, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. Recommended by the Finance Committee and the Selectmen that $3,500.00 be raised and appropriated, and not over $10,500.00 to be transferred from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of work, the reimbursements from the State
110
and County to be restored, upon their receipt, to unappropri- ated available funds in the Treasury.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 Highways, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 12. Recommended by the Finance Committee and the Selectmen that $6,500.00 be raised and appropriated, and not over $17,875.00 be transferred from unappropriated avail- able funds in the treasury to meet the State's share of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from the State to be restored, upon their receipt, to unappropriated available funds in the Treasury.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Cemetery Commissioners and the Park Commissioners to em- ploy themselves as laborers in the Cemeteries and Parks, and act anything thereon or thereto.
Article 13. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars ($650.00) to be used to pay for all private work and material in Town Ceme- teries, such as, opening graves, building foundations, etc., as according to General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53.
Article 14. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 15. To hear the report of any standing committees and act anything thereon or thereto and establish any new committees.
Article 15. Recommended by the Finance Committee to hear the report of any standing committees and to establish any new committee and/or committees and act anything thereon or thereto.
111
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of four thousand and ninety-five dollars ($4,095.00) from the Road Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, and act thereon or thereto.
Article 16. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of four hundred fifty-five dollars ($455.00) for the purpose of installing a ceiling and a heating system in the Town Shed, and act thereon or thereto.
Article 17. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of one hundred thirty-three dollars and seventy- six cents ($133.76) to pay the following unpaid bills for 1953, namely:
Gypsy Moth $53.60
Aid to Dependent Children 31.00
Old Age Assistance 45.55
Disability Assistance 3.61
and act thereon or thereto.
Article 18. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.