USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Carver > Town annual reports of Carver 1961 > Part 5
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made possible additional classrooms for use at the larger school and restoration of the library to its original purpose. The cooperation of the Selectmen in permitting the use of the basement room at the Town Hall for a Shop is appreci- ated for it permits the school to open up the insights of boys to this type of training for individual interests and pos- sibly a life work for some. The Home Economics room has been restored to its original purpose and girls now have an introduction to this type of training as a part of their school curriculum. The report of the principal covers this in more detail.
The size of the school staff has been increased so as to accommodate added sections and obtain a better teacher-pupil ratio in the system. The principal's report touches upon the changes in the staff this year. It is unfortunate for a school to have continued change in the teaching staff. A rapid turn- over does not make for continuity of the learning process and replacements can never fit into the new position im- mediately without some time to become oriented. In the preparation of the 1962 budget, the Committee has had this problem much in mind as well as the fact that cooperation with Plymouth in the regional school district will necessitate a realistic approach on the part of Carver to the matter of suitable salaries for teachers. At the close of the year, the Committee was giving consideration to adoption of a better type of salary program so that it might be able to compete more effectively with neighboring towns and cities for good teachers.
Curriculum expansion and reading program changes have been underway this year. The most significant, discussed more fully in the principal's report, is the change in the instructional program in reading, grades 4 through 6. One of the all-time problems in teaching of reading (and to a degree, other subject areas ) has been the great difference in ability found within the limits of any single classroom
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situation. Grouping pupils by a combination of demonstrated achievement and ability makes for a far more teachable group and all pupils, regardless of their native talents and achievements, have a better chance. In this newer plan it is possible for the rapid learner to advance at his own rate without the frustration developed by waiting while the slower pupil catches up. It is equally true the slower pupil has a better chance to work at and solve his own problems at his own rate without the embarrassment of unfavorable comparison with his classmates of greater capabilities.
We have had a good curriculum development in Carver, one in which firm steps have been taken to meet individual needs of pupils, strengthen courses, and expand program to include opportunities which would otherwise be not avail- able. We are mindful of the fact these changes could not have come to pass unless the committee members approve and encourage such expansion and development. We are appreciative of your interest and concern for truly good schools. We pledge our continued cooperation and support in carrying out such a plan.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. AUSTIN
Supertindent of Schools, Union No.34
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE CARVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report as principal of the Governor John Carver School and the Benjamin Ellis School for the calendar year 1961.
Developingprocedures to enrich the curriculum experiences · of individual pupils is a constant challenge. A step toward this enrichment was taken in January with the introduction of a Science Fair at the Governor John Carver School.
The purpose of this fair was to encourage our children to take a more creative interest in the field of science. The children responded enthusiastically and created exhibits of which the school could be justly proud.
All exhibits were judged on the basis of originality,' application of science principles, and knowledeg of the prin- ciples involved in the exhibit.
As a result of the judging, Linda Washburn received first prize for her entry entitled "The Plant Kingdom." Hon- orable Mention awards were also presented to Susan Dunham for her volcano exhibit, Joyce Maki for an exhibit which demonstrated the effect of carbon chemicals on the growth of plants, and also to Diane Houston for a model which re- vealed how water power is created and delivered to the community.
This Fair, coupled with the purchase of new science equipment under the National Defense Act (title III), has added greatly to our science program in developing interests in various areas of science. Mr. William Levesque and Mrs. Hazel Carmichael, our science instructors, put much effort into this project and were very pleased with its results. Therefore it is our intention to continue this as an annual affair.
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In February, an afternoon detention program was adopted by the Carver School Committee. This detention program is used for disciplinary purposes and also as a means of encouraging pupils to be more conscientious in their work-study habits.
An evaluation of the results of this program made in the late spring and another in December revealed that it has been most effective in fulfilling its purposes.
Graduation exercises were conducted on Thursday, June 15th, with the Civil War Centennial as its theme. Many excellent essays were written concerning this important event. Two awards were presented for the best of these compositions. Rochelle Fernandes was presented the Amer- ican Legion Essay Award by Commmander Herbert Day and Geraldine Carter was presented the Community Service Club Award by its president, Mrs. Margaret Johnson.
Mr. Erwin K. Washburn presented diplomas to the following graduates:
Barbara Barrows a
-
Lucille Jan Barrows
a
Claire Marie Botelho a
Geraldine Carter
a
Linda Costa a
Louis Edward Duverger a
Lois Ann Erickson a
Rochelle Anne Fernandes a
Nancy Ferreira d
Brenda Lee Furtado a
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Ricardo James Gomes a Wayne John Gomes a
George Gabriel Gonsalves b
William Andrew Halunen b
Lawrence Carl Harju
a
Robert Treat Harriman
a
Linda Jean Hoffler
a
Gary Russell Jordan a
Nancy May Leach
a
Karen Dian Lopez
a
Donna Marie Mazzilli
a
Richard Meuse a
Wanita Marie Nickerson
a
Loraine Jane Normand
a
Marion Peters Nunes
a
George Michael Pimental
a
Leslie William Pimental
a
Linda Marie Pimental
a
David Allen Poirier
a
Frank Spencer Richardson III
b
Mary Ann Santarpia
a
Judith Ann Sarnelli
a
Alvina Marie Veronica Silva
a
Eugene John Souza
b
John Paul Tompkins
C
Ann Margaret Wentworth a
Mark Fosdick Weston a
Franklin Pierce Wilbur, Jr. a
Linda Maria Witt
a
Allen Banker Wood a
(a) Middleboro, (b) New Bedford Vocational, (c) Bristol County Agricultural School, (d) Did not continue.
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The cost of higher education continues to rise and the value of scholarships to assist young people in their education cannot be underestimated. This year the following $100.00 scholarships were presented by local groups:
Sylvia Pesonen - Northeastern - Teachers' Scholarship Douglas Gould - Univ. of Mass. - Teachers' Scholarship Charles Austin - State College, Moorehead, Kentucky -PTA Scholarshin
The school year closed with an enrollment of 318. Twenty children had perfect attendance and the average daily attendance was approximately 94% of our total enrollment.
The school year 1961-1962 opened with an enrollment of 338. This figure had risen to 341 by the end of December.
With the opening of the new school year (1961-1962) numerous changes and additions were necessary. Increases in the enrollment created a need for additional classroom space. As a result, the Benjamin Ellis School was renovated to house two classes of Grade I.
This has proven to be a very suitable arrangement. The first grader, who has many difficult adjustments to make in his first year at school, is now able to make these adjust- ments without the competition and confusion by the older children.
On August 28-29 an open house was held at the Ben- jamin Ellis School for entering first grade pupils and their parents. Parents of each class were invited on separate days. These meetings were highly successful. They provided opportunities for the parents to ride the newly arranged bus routes with their children . They also provided time during which the children and their parents could meet Mr. Washburn, Chairman of the School Committee, Mr. Austin, Superinten- dent of Schools, Mrs. Burbank, Mrs. Eayrs and Mrs. Shaw, whom they would have as teachers, and me.
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There were numerous discussions concerning the ' needs of the child, how a parent can help his child in school, the school lunch program, bus routes, and other areas of the child's program. Parents and children then toured the building and had a snack in the cafeteria before returning to their homes by bus.
Several changes in our curriculum have been made this year. Shop and Home Economics were reorganized in order to provide a fuller program for the boys and girls of grades 6-8, and to offer them an understanding of these areas of learning. This broader educational background will give them a better understanding when it is time for them to determine their selection of courses for high school.
A half year course in Algebra has been instituted. This course is offered only to these pupils who are capable of handling this extra work.
The Library with its various materials is vital to the educational program of any community. However, in some communities, such as this, we find that only a limited number of children have an opportunity to make use of its vast resources. For this reason we have increased the research materials in our school library as well as other types of books. Mrs. Vienna Cole has spent much time in organizing our Library, and has trained two of our eighth grade girls as her assistants. She is also conducting Library classes for Grades 4-8. The large number of children who avail them- selves of this facility testifies to its value.
A number of changes in the Staff have also been made this year. Mrs. Mary Korpinen resigned her post as school nurse to accept a position as District Nurse in Middleboro. Mrs. Rachel Penti was engaged to fill this position and has started her work with much enthusiasm.
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Mrs. Harriet Campbell, Mrs. Lydia LeBaron and Mr. Edward Morgan resigned their positions as teachers. Miss F. Elizabeth Standley of Wenham was hired to replace Mrs. Campbell as teacher of Grade 4. Mr. Donald Morrison of Dighton replaced Mrs. LeBaron as Music Supervisor, and Mr. Henry M. Shaw was hired to replace Mr. Morgan as Junior High School Social Studies teacher. It seems that Mr. Shaw's true interest is here with the children of Carver.
Other additions to our teaching staff were a result of an increase in enrollment. Mrs. June Mendell of Mattapoi- sett and Mrs. Alvin Boyer of Plymouth were hired to teach grades 4 and 5 respectively.
The reorganization of our Home Economics and Shop Programs necessitated the hiring of Mrs. Hilda Buck of Middleboro as Home Economics Instructor and Mr. William Johnstone as Shop Instructor.
The handbook for Junior High School students, men- tioned in last year's report, has been completed by the teachers and distributed to the students. Teachers have discussed its contents with the students in order that they might realize what is expected of them as young adults in our Junior High School.
Our School Lunch Program continues to be successful. The hot lunches for both schools are being prepared at the Gov. John Carver School. The meals for the Benjamin Ellis School are then transported to the school by Mrs. Louise Holmes, who has also capably managed the cafeteria work at the Benjamin Ellis School. This, of course, has added to the cost of our program. However, with the careful planning and direction of the program by Mrs. Irene Williams, the program continues to be self-supporting and to meet the nutritional standards set up by the National School Lunch Program.
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The financial summary for the lunch program for the year is as follows:
Receipts:
Balance on hand, Jan. 1, 1961
$243.36
Sale of Pupils' Lunches
9,431.24
Sale of Teacher Lunches
797.70
Reimbursements from State
4,997.66
Other Income
129.40
$15,599.36
Expenditures :
Food
$8,592.38
Wages
5,236.10
Services
608.81
Supplies
305.15
Equipment
212.00
14,954.44
Balance with the Town Treasurer
$644.92
During American Education Week (Nov. 6-10) parents and town officials were again invited to view the school lunch program and to have lunch with the children. Over ninety people responded to the invitation. It is always encouraging to see the fine response our parents give to these school functions. On Thursday of American Education Week an Open House was held at the Governor John Carver School. Following the Open House, a program, arranged by Mrs. Rachel Penti in cooperation with the American Cancer Society, was presented. Dr. H. H. Hamilton of Plymouth presented a film followed by a discussion of problems concerning cancer.
"Reading is both the most important and the most troublesome subject in the elementary school curriculum. It is most important since it is a tool the mastery of which
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is essential to the learning of nearly' every other school subject. It is the most troublesome since pupils fail in reading far more frequently than in any other elementary skill." -Arthur Gates - The Improvement of Reading.
We know, then, as teachers that the teaching of reading is an outstandingly important assignment. Thus a major change has been made in our reading program this year in an attempt to provide better opportunities for our pupils. I belive this change will make our program more effective in dealing with individual problems. Beginning in September pupils were grouped according to ability and accomplish- ment, rather than by grade. In classifying by grade a pupil may be reading material which is either too difficult for him to master or so easy for him that it offers no challenge. By eliminating the restrictions of the grade placement we have been able to place pupils in classes in which they may achieve success in reading development more satisfactorily.
This new program of ability-grouping creates a situa- tion in which we have discovered two valuable assets. One, the child does not become frustrated by working at a level which is too easy or too difficult for him. Rather, he is able to work at his own level and thus realize a greater sense of accomplishment. Secondly, it limits the reading range within the classroom, thus allowing the teacher more time to deal directly with the individual.
Books and equipment for our various programs are purchased from the school fund. This fund is also used to provide money for the Eighth Grade Class Trip to Boston. The activities which make this fund possible are as follows:
Gross
Net
Magazine Drive
$1,377.61
$408.70
Pictures
465.15
106.00
The amount of money collected by the school this year for charitable organizations and for insurance is as follows:
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Junior Red Cross $43.96
Plymouth County Health Assoc.
11.63
Insurance 310.50
Looking ahead to 1962 there are two items which are being considered. In the Spring we expect to have an even- ing of music presented by the School under the direction of our Music Supervisor, Mr. Donald Morrison. Considera- tion is also being given to the possibility of more depart- mentalization in Grades 4-6. This year we are experimenting with this type program in a limited way. Mrs. Hazel Carmichael is teaching science to all classes in the Inter- mediate Grades. The advantage of having this type program would be found in the fact that each teacher would be able to concentrate his time on fewer subject fields and therefore be able to offer more in those particular areas.
The Staff and I wish to convey our thanks to Mr. Austin, our
Superintendent and to the Members of the School Committee for their guidance and support and also to the parents of our pupils for the interest and cooperation which they have shown.
Respectfully submitted
RICHARD J. ELDRIDGE
Principal of the Carver Public Schools
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SCHOOL CENSUS Age-Grade Distribution, October 1, 1961
Benjamin Ellis School and
Governor John Carver School
Ages 5-7 Ages 7-14 Ages 14-16 Ages 16-21 Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Totals
Elementary:
Grade 1
29
21
1
2
53
Grade 2
2
5
18
10
.
·
36
Grade 3
42
Grade 4
22
28
50
Grade 5
23
21
. .
. .
. .
. .
.
.
.
13
19
5
3
1
.
41
Special Class
5
2
2
1
10
-335
Bristol County Agricultural School:
Grade 9
2
Grade 10
.
.
.
. .
.
. .
·
Grade 12
1
1
New Bedford Vocational High School:
4
1
5
Grade 10
. .
.
. .
. .
2
. .
2
Grade 11
.
.
. .
2
2
Grade 12
. .
..
. .
. .
3
. .
3
Memorial High School:
Grade 9
2
4
9
17
2
1 35
Grade 10
8
12
3
1 24
Grade 11
2
2
6
8
18
Grade 12
.
.
. .
91
Sacred Heart Parochial:
1
1
1
0
2
1
6
6
Grand Total
448
Total number of children, age 7-16, resident in the town
Pre-school to enter, 1962
Left School
1
2 44
20 6.7
Other Schools
5
10
15
Military Service
7
7
.
.
.
44
Grade 6
.
12
15
27
Grade 7
15
17
32
Grade 8
. .
.
.
. .
1
. .
1
Grade 11
-
4
Grade 9
. .
. .
Respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE K. SAND,
Census Enumerator
.
7
7
14
12
2
. .
.
24
18
343
.
TOWN WARRANT
AND REPORT OF THE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF CARVER
MASSACHUSETTS
OF
CA
S
INCORPORA
ATED 1790.
SSACHUSET
Annual Town Meeting, March 3, 1962 at 12:00 Noon
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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, Greeting:
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 Governor John Carver School House in said Carver on Saturday, the third day of March, 1962, at 10:00 A.M., then and there to act on the following article, namely:
Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers, to be voted for all on one ballot, viz. One Moderator, Three Aud- itors, One Tree Warden, One Highway Surveyor, each for one year. One Assessor, One Selectman, One member of School Board, One Cemetery Commissioner, One Park Com- missioner, Two Library Trustees, One Town Clerk, One Town Treasurer, One Collector of Taxes, Three Constables, each for a term of three years. One member of Planning Board for the term of five (5) years.
The Polls will be open for at least eight 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 10, 1962, at two o'clock, P.M., and at that time will reconvene at said Governor John Carver School House, then and there to act on the following articles, namely:
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Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1962 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 fifteen hundred ($1,500.00) dollars from free cash in the Town Treasury for the sole purpose of meeting charges against the Cemetery funds in the Town Treasury.
Article 3. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 4. To see what disposition the Town will make of the dog fund.
Article 4. Recommended by the Finance Committee that the Dog Fund be applied to the Library Account.
Article 5. To see what amount the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the use of Plymouth County Trus- tees for County Aid to Agriculture and choose a Town Di- rector as provided in Section 41 and 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws and act thereon.
Article 5. Recommended by the Finance Committee that the sum of $100.00 be raised and appropriated for County Aid to Agriculture, and choose a Town Director as provided in Section 41 and 45 of Chapter 128 of the General Laws.
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Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the overlay reserve account to the 1962 reserve account the sum of five thousand ($5.000.00) dollars.
Article 6. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Town, such salaries to be retroactive to January 1, 1962, as provided by General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 108, as amended, namely:
Highway Surveyor $100.00 per week
Town Treasurer $2,100.00
Town Clerk $800.00
Tax Collector
$2,100.00
Moderator $20.00 for the Annual Town Meeting, and $5.00 for each Special Town Meeting.
Members of the School Board $3.00 for each meeting, plus $1.50 per hour for all meetings of over two hours.
All other elective Town Officers $1.50 per hour.
Article 7. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 8. To choose all necessary Town Officers not elected by ballot.
Article 8. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of six thousand ($6,000.00) dollars for Chapter 90 Highway Construction on Main Street and to transfer the sum of eighteen thousand ($18,000.00) dollars from Free Cash in the Treasury, to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of work, the reimbursements from the State and County to be restored, upon their receipt, to free cash in the treasury, and act thereon.
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Article 9. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five hundred ($2,500.00) dol- lars for Chapter 90 Highway Construction on Tremont Street, and to transfer the sum of seventy-five hundred ($7,500.00) dollars from Free Cash in the Treasury, to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of work, the reimbursements from the State and County to be restored, upon their receipt, to free cash in the Treasury, and act thereon.
Article 10. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of six thousand six hundred ($6,600.00) dollars for Chapter 81, Highways, and to transfer the sum of eighteen thousand one hundred fifty ($18,150.00) dollars from the Treasury, to meet the State's share of the cost of work, the reimbursements from the State to be restored, upon their receipt, to free cash in the Treasury, and act thereon.
Article 11. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Cemetery Commissioners and the Park Commissioners to employ themselves as laborers in the cemeteries and parks, and act anything thereon or thereto.
Article 12. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of six hundred and fifty ($650.00) dol- lars to be used to pay for all private work and material in Town Cemeteries, such as opening graves, building foun- dations, etc., as according to General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53.
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Article 13. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 14. To hear the report of any standing com- mittees and act anything thereon or thereto and establish any new committees.
Article 14. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed four thousand ($4,000.00) dollars for Assessors' Plans, such sum to be used and expended by the Board of Assessors and act anything thereon or thereto.
Article 15. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred seventy dollars and eighty cents, ($370.80) to pay the following unpaid bill namely:
(1961) International Salt Company, (Snow Account) $370.80
Article 16. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 17. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town charges for the ensuing year.
Article 17. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to take from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for the purpose of reducing the tax rate, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 18. The Finance Committee recommends that no money be taken from available funds in the Treasury for the reduction of taxes.
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Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to elect a Tree Warden for the term of three (3) years, said vote to take effect at the next annual town meeting.
Article 19. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to elect a Highway Surveyor for the term of three (3) years, said vote to take effect at the next annual town meeting.
Article 20. Recommended by the Finance Committee.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to return the following appropriation balances to the Road Machinery Fund: Tractor Shovel Purchase $ 8.00
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