USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Carver > Town annual reports of Carver 1959 > Part 4
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This situation gives rise to the hope that the possibility, slight that it may be at this time of writing of forming a regional high school plan with Plymouth, will develop. Shift- ing from one school to another, as described in the above paragraph, brings no lasting benefits to the Carver youth, nor in a larger sense, to the town. It is only when the question has been settled with some permanency that we shall have the solution. Carver should not have to repeat the migration around the circle again. The opportunity of joining with others in a regional school pattern has all but closed for good; Ply- mouth represents the last chance. It is earnestly hoped that 1960 will be the year when the final solution is made to the question which has been met with a variety of temporary solutions since 1926.
We are fortunate to have few changes of staff to report. Miss Kathleen Cosgrove, a teacher in the fifth grade, resigned her position in late July to undertake European travel. Mrs. Florence K. Sand, a former Carver teacher, returned to regular service and was engaged to take Miss Cosgrove's place. Mrs. Sand also took the substitute's position when Mrs. Margaret Atwood was granted a leave of absence from March 16 for the balance of the school year.
The Committee has been forced by circumstances to ap- prove major repair items this year at the school, chiefly in the heating system, the glass blocks and the series of wells holding the water supply. It was necessary to open up the floors in the south wing and replace the return line for the heating system which was buried in the slab and to do similar work in the room formerly used for Home Economics instruc- tion in the north wing. This work, with attendant extra jobs, as repair of flooring ruined in the excavation, etc., accounts for $2,126.40. The replacement work has been installed in such a way as to make it always possible in the future to get at the piping at any time. A number of the glass blocks in
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the many windows had cracked due to pressure and have been replaced. This accounts for $458.00. Work renewing the well points, making new connections, etc., $347.21. The remainder of the funds used for repairs represents routine work on electrical, plumbing and heating mechanisms. Baring unforseen developments, the work performed should be lasting in nature, which will not have to be repeated. The transportation con- tract for Vocational school purposes expired this year and the committee called for bids on June 15, 1959. Only one bid was received. This was divided into three parts, depending upon the size of bus accepted and whether to be new or used. The used equipment, the same as that having been previously operated under the expired contract, was to have cost the town $495.00 more per year than in the previous contract. The committee took the matter under advisement and after due consideration, decided to investigate the possibilities of town- owned equipment. All available pertinent information was obtained and the members and superintendent were in agree- ment that a substantial saving to the town could be realized by town ownership of a bus to be used for Vocational purposes and such other special transportation for pupils as could be arranged. Accordingly, bids were asked for furnishing a vehi- cle. When the bids were opened on July 6th, it was found that the cost of a town-owned bus, same size, would be $1,705.00 less than the bid filed on new equipment on June 15th. As funds for such a purchase would be subject to town appropri- ation, a meeting was called on July 15th but article was lost by a margin of two votes. Favorable action could have resulted in a real saving to the town inasmuch as reimbursement on vocational transportation, unlike elementary and high school, is limited to 50% of the local funds expended. Public owner- ship having been defeated, previous bids were rejected and new bids called for on July 27th. Three bids were received, as follows:
Weston Eayrs (Middleboro) $5,656.00 Sarah Holmes 5,840.00
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Aime Desroches
5,870.00
It was agreed it was better to keep the contract within the town and accordingly the award was made to Sarah Holmes for the above sum. The contract runs for a three year period.
A comparison of the expenses of 1959 with the proposed budget for 1960 revealed an increase of $8,525.00 for 1960. The items causing this increase are chiefly two in number, salaries and tuition. In the case of salaries, the legislature has raised the mimium teacher's salary again, this to $4,000.00. In order to be reasonable and fair with the teachers in the local school, allowing for the fact that any beginning teacher must be paid at least this sum, plans must be made to readjust all teachers' wages to make recognition of this factor. A number of the teaching staff have had a great many years experience and it is a serious situation to have a beginning teacher,offering no experience, receiving within a few hundred dollars of what the experienced teacher receives. The salary plans of the committee intend to take this change of minimun salary into account. Tuition charges, over which there is no control, account for other increase. The charges at Middleboro ad- vanced from $303.00 to $335.00 per student. At Silver Lake the charge is rising from $400 to $450 per pupil. Tuition at New Bedford Vocational School is increasing from $325.00 per pupil to $400.00. One other increase, next in importance, is found in the fact that the new vocational transportation con- tract, even through the re-bidding, will cost the town several hundred dollars more per year.
In connection with Vocational transportation, it should be reported here that it has been possible to realize a slight income for the town under this contract, as it has been possible to aid both Plymouth and Wareham with the transportation of one pupil each, and $1.00 per day, per person, is being collected
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for the town. This income aids to a small extent in meeting the added cost; however, there is no assurance of the continu- ation of this income.
As we conclude again the report for a calendar year, we have a number of features in the present situation which give us cause for grateful reflection. A school staff which works well and is conscientious in its effort, a school principal who is devoted to his school and who spends many hours beyond the ordinary needs in his effort to provide the best for Carver children, a staff where a high percentage of the teachers are experienced, an excellent custodial staff, a school committee which takes a genuine interest in the progress of public edu- cation for the town, - all of these features contribute to a wholesome school program and to continued progress with the public schools. Citizens have cooperated excellently in their continued support of the school program during this continued period of rising costs. Taken from any viewpoint one may wish to use, we have the assurance that the work of the school has the attention of a large number of people in a variety of responsibilities. We hope to see the final solution to our second- ary problem in the year to come.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. AUSTIN
Superintendent of Schools, Union 34
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
OF THE GOVERNOR JOHN CARVER SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report as principal of the Governor John Carver School for the calender year of 1959.
The enrollment for the year ending in June averaged 303, yet during this period the names of 321 different pupils ap- peared on the school register. The year numbered 178 days the average pupil was in attendance for one hundred and sixty nine days. There were fourteen pupils who had perfect attendance; eighty-two pupils were absent three days or less.
During the last part of May achievement tests were ad- ministered to all pupils. Six of the eight grades equaled the national average for the grade; two grades failed to reach this point; one by two months, the other by three months.
The extensive sports program discussed in my last report was carried with sucess. While the basketball team did not place as high as in some other years, the baseball team won first position in the Massasoit League.
The school year was brought to a formal close with the graduation exercises held on Thursday evening, June 11, at which diplomas were presented to twenty-three pupils. The American Legion Essay Award was won by Robert Brown; Marsha Penti was presented with the newly instituted Kiwanis Award. Following is a list of the graduates:
Alan Martin Ballard a Barry Holmes Parent a
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Carolyn Pamela Bolduc
a Sally Jeanne Peckham a
Robert Francis Brown
a Ronald Pimental C
Phyllis Carmichael
a Marsha Elizabeth Penti a
Gerald Erwin Courtney
a Barbara Elaine Roberts a
Kathleen Elizabeth Halunen a Rebecca Shaw a
William Frederick Hitchcock a Wesley Warren Shurtleff, Jr. b
William Brian Jennings
a Fred Stephen Ward a
Diane Jean Kallio
a Elizabeth Weston a
Linda Andrea Lopes
a Gary Franklin Weston a
Eldred Seldon Mosher, 3rd b John Curtis Williams
George Elmer Young, III a
a Middleboro High School
b New Bedford Vocational High School
c Not in school
Two college scholarships were Presented by local groups. To Bette Johnson now enrolled in the State Teachers College at Westfield, went the PTA Scholarship; the Kiwanis Scholar- ship was awarded to J. Theodore Young now a freshman at the University of Massachusetts.
With the opening of the school year 1959-1960 seven home rooms with split grades were set up as contrasted to one for the previous school year. This policy of home rooms with two grades was established for several reasons, the first being a financial consideration.
At the present writing, with the exception of the Special Class, we have an enrollment of 308 pupils or an average grade size of 38 pupils. In actual count the grades range from 26 pupils to 49 pupils. Any grade exceeding thirty-five pupils cannot be handled efficiently by one teacher, and of our eight grades only two have less than this number. Yet the size of these larger classes is not large enough to warrant the hiring of two teachers per grade. Our three primary grades range in
b
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size 41 to 49. Under the arrangement of using two split home rooms and three straight grades, five teachers can provide the instruction. With no split grades six teachers would be neces- sary. With no combination sections in the upper grades another teacher would also be necessary. Thus the operation of the school is carried on by a staff of fourteen rather than one of sixteen teachers.
Under the sytem of pupil placement used last year our fifth and sixth grades were cared for by three teachers; one having a combined grade made up of the higher achieving pupils of each grade, one teacher with a straight fifth, and the other with a straight sixth. Under this arrangement the pupils in the split section benefited - they were permitted to proceed at a faster rate and to do more difficult work at each level. The child who just missed being assigned to this section found that his progress was retarded by the lowest achievers in his grade. I felt that the middle section of each grade suffered by this arrangement. To remedy this we are carrying on an experiment - all sections of the fifth and sixth grades are combined groups. We have an upper section of twenty-seven pupils, a middle section of twenty-three pupils, and a lower section of twenty-one pupils. With three split home rooms of ability grouping, the middle section of each grade is not held back by the slow learners.
We have also found that the achievement range in each room is cut down even though two grades are under one teacher. In last year's straight sixth grade the achievement range between the highest and lowest pupil in the class was three years and six months. In one of the combined groups the range between the lowest fifth grader in the room and the highest sixth grader is one year and nine months. In this way the greater part of the instructional material is directed at pupils at the same educational level. By having the slower section made up of fewer pupils more time is available for
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remedial work. The three teachers involved in this experiment are convinced that the pupils are benefiting by the use of split sections. The results of the achievement testing program in May should indicate the worth of this experiment.
Another benefit resulting from this arrangement is the equalization of the teacher load. In our present set up no teacher has a pupil load greatly in excess of another. Our largest class room houses thirty pupils, our smallest, twenty-one. The average class size is slightly under twenty-six. Thus no teacher differs from the average by more than five pupils.
The number of charitable drives in which the school takes part has been cut down and were for the year limited to the Jr. Red Cross and the March of Dimes. Two profit making activities finance the fund known as the School Fund. These are the Magazine Drive which netted three hundred and twenty six dollars and the sale of pupil pictures which earned ninety nine dollars and forty cents for the fund. A summary of the money taken in is as follows:
Junior Red Cross 31.72
March of Dimes 47.94
Magazine Drive 1,170.23
Picture Sale 466.50
Insurance 307.50
The close of the year found the School Fund with a balance of five hundred and twenty-nine dollars and eighteen cents.
Two hundred and one, or 66% of the pupils took advantage of the protection offered by the insurance program. Thus far in the present school year three claims have been made. I suggest that parents contact the school if claims are not settled to their satisfaction. As yet no such complaints have been forthcoming.
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One new text was introduced during the year - "Our English Language" for grade two. A set of the World Book Encyclopedia was purchased for Mrs. Wright's room; new maps and globes were obtained for grades five, six, and seven. For the coming year several new texts are needed: history for grade seven, science for grades five and six. A general study should be made of the reading material as the basic text now in use was introduced in 1944. If a new system is to be chosen, it's introduction should be made one grade per year, working up from the first grade.
For the first time the school is utilizing the services of the Old Colony Association of Mental Health. This work was supported in part by the PTA, by the School Committte, and by the School Fund. For the coming year the entire financial backing of the program is to be assumed by the parent Teachers Association. A psychiatrist is at the school for one half day a month. He confers with teachers on problems children or regarding children who are not achieving up to their ability level. Usually improvement results from these interviews. The more serious cases are referred to the clinic in Brockton. We at the school feel that this service is very worth while and appreciate the efforts of the PTA in underwriting the program.
The situation in the lunch room is most pleasing. Excellent menus are offered to the children and the financial picture is good. Mrs. Irene Williams has maintained the high standards set by her predecessor, Mrs. McLure. Two state inspections have taken place during the year - one devoted to the audit- ing of the books of the School Lunch Revolving Fund and the other to the management of the cafeteria. Practices here met with the approval of the auditors and of the inspector. Two local organizations, the Community Service Group of South Carver and the Carver Kiwanis Club, contribute money to provide free lunches for children.
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I now present the financial summary of the year:
Receipts
Balance on Hand, Jan.ยบ 1, 1959 $607.53
Sale of Pupil Lunches 9,101.42
Sale of Teachers Lunches 864.90
Reimbursement from Commonwealth of Mass. 3,839.97
Other Income 33.83
Total
14,447.65
Expenditures
Food
8,105.97
Wages
5,015.00
Services
460.93
Supplies
202.56
Equipment
130.67
Total 13,915.13
Balance with Town Treasurer 532.52
The above balance does not take into consideration assets and liabilities. A more informative picture of our financial Con- dition follows:
Assets
Balance with Town Treasurer 532.52
Value of Inventory 455.78
Reimbursements Claims Due 880.17
Total Assets 1,868.47
Liabilities
Bills Payable 917.28
Balance $951.19
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School teaching can be a difficult and unpleasant task or it can be a most satisfying and rewarding experience. The difference rests on several factors, the personality of the teacher, the relations with parents, with the superintendent and with the School Committee. Here our Carver relations between teachers is good, teaching conditions are most satisfactory - the teacher responsibility for the safety and health of the children is greatly eased by the excellent work of Mrs. Mary Korpinen of the Public Health Nursing Program. We teachers feel that we are most fartunate because of the fine relationship between the teachers and the PTA and with parents in general. We are ever aware and deeply appreciative of the support that comes from you, Mr. Austin, and from the School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY M. SHAW
Principal of The Governor John Carver School
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SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENCY UNION No. 34
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
On the evening of April 13, 1959, members of Union No. 34 met for the last time with Rochester as a member of the committee, at the Rochester Memorial School for the annual meeting.
Officers elected for the year were Alan I. Dunham, Chair- man and Norma E. Perkins, Secretary.
Due to the fact the new Union office will be located at the Apponequet Regional High School, it was voted to close the present office in Middleboro on July 31, 1959
With Rochester leaving the Union and Freetown taking its place, it was agreed the Union Committee meet June 20, 1959 in its new membership to attend to the continuation of Union business.
The Union Committee held this meeting at Assawompset School and unanimously voted to re-elect Mr. George R. Austin, Superintendent of Schools for a three year term to begin July 1, 1959.
Once again, it is our opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Austin. We are indeed fortunate to have his services, for he has always faithfully performed his duties with respect for the individual needs of each town of this Union.
Respectfully submitted,
NORMA E. PERKINS, Secretary
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SCHOOL CENSUS Age-Grade Distribution, October 1, 1959
Governor John Carver School Elementary:
Ages
5-7
7-14
14-16
16-21
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls
Boys
Girls Totals
Grade 1
26
16
42
Grade 2
21
19
2
6
48
Grade 3
23
20
43
Grade 4
11
16
27
Grade 5
17
15
32
Grade 6
17
21
38
Grade 7
18
18
36
Grade 8
11
14
9
6
3
0
43
Special Class
6
2
1
1
1
0
11
Bristol County Agricultural School:
Grade 10
1
0
1
Grade 12
1
0
1
New Bedford Vocational High School:
Grade 9
4
0
4
Grade 10
2
0
1
0
3
Grade 11
4
0
4
Grade 12
1
0
1
Silver Lake Regional High School:
Grade 11
1
4
9
4
18
Grade 12
3
9
12
Silver Lake Vocational High School:
Grade 11
1
1
2
Memorial High School:
2
1
9
9
21
Grade 10
4
4
6
2
16
Grade 12
1
0
1
Sacred Heart Parochial:
1 0
4
1
0
2
1
1
10
10
Grand Total
414
Total number of children, age 7-16, resident in the town Pre-School to enter, 1960:
283
18 13
31
Left School
1
0
32
23
56
Other Schools
9
5
14
Military Service
Respectfully submitted,
9
0
9
. .
. .
2
Grade 9
320
2
12
30
38
FLORENCE K. SAND, Census Enumerator.
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following report of the Police Dept. for the year ending December 31st, 1959.
COURT CASES
Male
Female
Total
Allowing Imp. Person to operate M. Vehicle
1
1 2
Assault and Battery
3
3
Breaking and Entering (night) w/intent to com. felony
2
2
Contempt of Court
5
5
Capias, non-support
3
3
Disturbing the Peace
9
9
Drunk
19
2
21
Driving to Endanger
8
1
9
Driving under the Influence
7
1
8
Failing to have License in Possession
1
1
Failing to have Reg. in Possession
1
1
2
Failing to stop for Stop Sign
2
2
Failing to stop for Red Light
2
2
Failing to stop for Police Officer
1
1
Failing to Keep to the Right of Solid White Line
2
1 3
Larceny over $100
2
2
Larceny under $100
1
1
Malicious destruction of Property
5
5
Operating w/o License
2
2
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Operating after Revocation of License 1
1
Operating an UnReg. and Uninsured motor vehicle
1
1
Speeding Using w/o Authority
2
2
1
1
-
-
-
Total 80
8
88
Arrest made for other Departments
10
Summons served for other departments Committed:
28
Taunton State Hospital
1
Plymouth County Farm
8
Bridgewater State Farm
3
Automobile Accidents Investigated
36
Automobile Accidents over $200 damage
20
Personal injuries, result of automobile accidents
39
Persons taken to hospitals, result of automobile accidents
36
Emergency calls, Persons taken to hospitals from homes
31
Number of Complaints recieved in 1959
1,841
Respectfully submitted,
DANA THOMAS,
Chief of Police.
1
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REPORT OF THE HIGHWAY SURVEYOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Chapter 81 allotment of $24,750.00, of which the town appropriated $6,600.00 and the state $18,150.00, can be used for maintenance purposes only. Out of this amount ap- proximately $12,500.00 was used to purchase and apply 3,800 gallons of asphalt for sealing the streets. The remainder of the account was used for patching, catch basins, culverts, shoulders and other miscellaneous maintenance operations.
The Chapter 90 allotment of $24,000.00, of which the town appropriated $6,000.00, the county $6,000.00 and the state $12,000.00, was used on two streets. Twenty thousand dollars was alloted for Main Street, Route 58, where 2500 feet of road was completely rebuilt to a width of 26 feet with the proper drainage, 9 inches of new gravel and approximately 1600 tons of Bituminous Concrete Type I surface applied.
The remaining $4,000.00 was spent on Tremont St. where 1400 feet of the 18 foot road was widened to 26 feet with 9 inches of gravel foundation and a Bituminous Road Mix Type C-1 used on the widened area and existing road as a base and leveling course.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN E. ATWOOD, Highway Surveyor
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REPORT OF THE SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is my Annual Report as Sealer of Weights and Measures for 1959.
Platform 100-5000 3
Spring Scales
3
Computing Scales 5
Avoirdupois 9
Vehicle Meters
3
Liquid 1 Gallon and Under
4
Gasoline Meter 12 Inlet
15
Yard Sticks 1
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. BISBEE, Sealer of Weights and Measures
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REPORT OF TOWN AUDITORS
We submit herewith our report of an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Carver for the period from January 1, 1959 to December 31, 1959. We find the records and books neat, accurate and in excellent order for which we express our appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS A. MERRITT PHYLLIS J. HARRIMAN DORIS S. WARD
February 3, 1960
Board of Auditors
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PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING SERVICE
The following figures were compiled for the purpose of comparing cost of all services of our Public Health Nurse as compared with the old method of the various town depart- ments obtaining the same services.
There are, however, additional services or benefits to the town that cannot be accurately listed, but should be taken into consideration in evaluating the program.
For example:
1. The nurse is at the school daily, as compared with only part time coverage.
2. There are cases listed under The Board of Health that could be a financial obligation to them. However, as the accu- ate amount cannot be determined they will not be listed.
3. All residents, permanent or summer, of the Town have the privilege of using this service. There were, of course, no services for the general public under the old program.
4. Many of the cases listed as unpaid were cases that were on the borderline as to the need of Town assistance of some nature. These too are not listed under any item as accuracy cannot be determined.
5. One of the Town's small businesses - - the Rest Homes definitely benefit by the Public Health Nurse. A Rest Home could not accept cases that would require injections of any kind. Recently a rest home owner added several rooms. This of course added to his taxes.
The following is the financial comparison using the calen- der year 1959.
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1. Present Program
Total amount spent by the Public Health Committee $2,184.12 Total amount of fees collected by the Committee 170.25
Net cost of present program $2,013.87
2. Actual Cost If Under Old Program
1. School Nurse Salary $1,650.00
2. School Nurse Transportation 250.00
3. School Health Supplies 60.00
4. Welfare Department 29.50
5. Veterans' Aid, etc. 0.00
Net cost under old program $1,989.50
The following explains how the above figures were derived.
The figures 1 thru 3 were derived by using the actual amount spent for school health supplies by the Public Health Committee and by using the Salary and Transportation figures of the Towns of Lakeville and Rochester who share the Ser- vices of a School Nurse. School Department consulted.
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