Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949, Part 52

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1594

USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949 > Part 52

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).

Reimbursement from Commonwealth:

Part I, School Fund

$2,848.00

Part II, School Fund

1,860.58

Tuition-State Wards

721.96

Tuition-Walpole

130.00

Superintendent of Schools

483.33

6,043.87

Net Cost of Schools

$39,249.97

(This reimbursement is over 13% of total expenditure)

NO SCHOOL SIGNAL

The High School-fire alarm 7:00 A.M.

The Elementary School-fire alarm 7:30 A.M. .

Notice will be announced over Station WBZ at 7:00 A.M.

$45,293.84

ANNUAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT 1946

There have been outstanding improvements in our school this year. During the war progress was limited, but a 1946 review shows definite developments under the following headings:

1. Discipline:

a. Leadership of Mr. Raymond Locke, Headmaster, has brought about unity between schools.

b. Return of men teachers to the class room has brought about keener observance of school regula- tions.

c. Average attendance has improved due to active interest in studies.

2. Elementary School Morale:

a. New teachers are enthusiastic and cooperative.

b. Exhibits of class work rouse a sense of competition.

c. School newspapers or bulletin create interest in school events.

d. Participation in musical programs and plays is help- ing children to become more socialized.

3. Over-crowded classes:

a. Four of the largest classes have been divided, making it easier for teachers to control and teach classes.

b. More attention can be given to the individual.

4. Athletics:

a. Teacher-coaches encourage fair play throughout school hours as well as during games.

b. New equipment for basketball and football has cre- ated new interest.

c. Development of school spirit is more apparent.

5. Physical Education:

a. Students are becoming posture conscious and are receiving more critical attention from a health angle.

In order to continue the development of these projects the school committee will need an increase in the annual appro- priation of approximately $10,000. This is comparable to recom- , mendations of other towns.

We are all aware of the national crisis within the educa- tional system. School reports for the last several years have indicated the teacher-shortage. This shortage can be attributed to the war and to higher pay in industrial fields. Today the situation is acute. The low status of teachers' salaries has been an item of daily discussion over radio and in current articles. The regular but small pay increases have been incon- sequential in holding teachers in the profession. Schools have been affected according to the course of action they have been practicing these recent years. Teachers' salaries in Medfield have been rising slowly; however, with this year's rise in the cost of living, present salaries are inadequate. The solution

to the problem lies in making the teaching positions more at- tractive by recognizing the importance of this profession and by bringing teachers' salaries to a high level. The school com- mittee recommends increases of from two to five hundred dol- lars, dependent upon experience and seniority. Towns and cities throughout Massachusetts are recommending increases in teachers' pay. The entire cost of these increases does not fall entirely upon the towns; state reimbursements have amounted to $200 per teacher per year and the amount is ex- 'pected to increase.

Mrs. Ralph Brown who had been a teacher in our schools since 1922, twenty-four years, resigned in June. On behalf of school children and their parents, the school committee wishes to express appreciation for the many years of kind service.

Through the war years the committee has been realizing the need of more male teachers. At one time, Mr. Hartford was the only man on the teaching staff. At the present time, there are five male instructors; this situation is most desirable for moral and disciplinary stability.

Mr. Raymond Locke came into the schools this year as Principal of the Elementary School and Headmaster of the Elementary and High Schools. His work as vocational guidance director is invaluable; from aptitude tests and vocational guid- ance, students are more decided in their choices of study. Some have already matriculated in colleges.

Over-crowding in the elementary grades had become a major school problem. The situation had existed for three years. This fall two extra teachers were employed and four grades were divided. Mr. Locke gives a detailed explanation in his report.

The physical education program introduced and guided by Dr. Goldthwait is beginning to show evidence of a year's in- struction. Mrs. Cook, an expert physiotherapist, engaged by Dr. Goldthwait, has been giving instruction in body mechanics to teachers and pupils. Three members of our staff have had special instruction in posture building. Posture pictures of the pupils have been taken and placed on file for comparison and correction. Our young people will be unusually fortunate if they can take advantage of this instruction which can help them to live longer and healthier lives.

The new Athletic Field has been surveyed and cleared of brush. Loam has been pushed from the area and most of the leveling has been completed. When spring comes the leveling can be finished, the loam replaced and the field given its first seeding. The committee for the development of this field is: Mr. Dana Jeerson, Jr., chairman, Mr. John Ross, Mr. Alfred Vasaturo, Mr. Joseph Kennedy, Mr. Francis McCarthy and members of the school committee and Mr. E. Perley Eaton. Also, Mr. Frank Haley and Mr. William Palumbo serve in an advisory capacity.

In considering the conditions of school buildings: the high school is being maintained in first class repair. The elementary school repairs have been put off during the war years, there- fore, there is much to be done. The interior needs replastering, repainting, etc., the roof needs repairing. If in-coming grades continue to be over-sized it will not be long before this building will have to have extensions. Plans are being considered as to how this enlargement can best be done.

Mr. Eaton secured a war surplus Link Trainer for the school. Plans are being worked out for proper housing of this equipment so that it can be used by the school boys as a source of interest for their shop work.

In order to continue with the projects mentioned in this report, to keep to the present school standard, to keep extra teachers for our over-crowded classes, to employ a headmaster for our school system, and to increase teachers' salaries, the school committee recommends an appropriation for 1947 of $55,565.

The answers to your questions about school matters will be found in the following reports which have been compiled for you by:

Mr. E. Perley Eaton, School Superintendent,

Mr. Raymond Locke, Headmaster,

Mr. Alton H. Hartford, Principal,

Miss Phyllis Loring, Home Economics Teacher,

Mr. Malcolm Smith, Manual Training Teacher,

Mrs. Madeleine Harding, School Nurse,

Dr. H. L. Park, School Physician,

Mr. Walter Smith, Music Supervisor,

Mr. Francis T. Crowley, Physical Education Director.

Respectfully submitted,

DANA B. JEFFERSON, JR., Chairman, JOEL E. GOLDTHWAIT, M.D., EDITH C. HOWLETT, Secretary.

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

To the School Committee of the Town of Medfield:

I hereby submit my fourth annual report as Superinten- dent of Schools, for the year ending December 31, 1946. Fol- lowing, there are reports from the various school departments, which will explain in detail the work accomplished.

THE MEDFIELD SCHOOL FACULTY

At the present time in Medfield, there are 18 full time teachers, and two part-time instructors: the Supervisor of Music (2 days per week), and the Kindergarten Teacher (1/2 day each school day). There is still need for a part time Supervisor of Art, but with only two days' work per week to

offer, it has been impossible to obtain one. We have hoped that by joining with Hopedale in the hiring of an Art Super- visor, we would be able to offer full time employment. How- ever, to date, neither Medfield, Norfolk, nor Hopedale has a Supervisor of Art.

Last year in Medfield, there were 16 full time teachers, and two part time teachers. This year, there are two new full time teachers. These teachers have made it possible for us to have smaller sized classes in the schools. There are eleven teachers in the High School, where grades six through twelve are housed. The Kindergarten is located in the lobby of the Auditorium, and meets from 8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. each day. Grades one through five are located in the Grammar School, and use the seven rooms of that building. Each class has but twenty-five pupils, and is ideal for teaching pupils of these ages. I refer you to the report of the Headmaster, who will go into detail as to the classes in that school.

This fall in Medfield, we were able to secure the services of Raymond S. Locke, of Mansfield, as Headmaster and Guid- ance Director of the Medfield Schools. Mr. Locke came to us with the highest recommendations, and has more than lived up to them. There was great need for such an officer in the Medfield Schools, for the coordination between the schools was lacking. Now the schools, grades 1 through 12, operate as a unit. The pupils of Grade 1 to 6 use the facilities of the High School. Each grade has had plays in the auditorium. Each day the classes come to the lunch room, with their teacher, and have their dinner together. Other activities, such as assemblies, moving pictures, etc., for both schools, take place in the auditorium. There is coordination and harmony in the school. The feeling of the whole faculty is that lessons learned in one grade are as important as those learned in another, or in the most advanced high school classes.

I feel that the faculty as a whole, is working well in Med- field. There is a better spirit of help, and willingness to coop- erate, than I have ever before seen in Medfield. The general discipline is very good, and there is a friendly feeling among the students. The pupils really want to help in the regular school routine. More and more we strive to develop freedom of thinking, and try to create within the children, a desire to participate in the government of our schools.

The faculty is well trained. All of the teachers are grad- uates of standard Normal Schools, with at least two years' training beyond High School. Fourteen of our eighteen teach- ers have Bachelor's Degrees, and two of these teachers have Master's Degrees. We hope that all of our teachers will soon have Bachelor's Degrees. Some teachers are working at col- leges in Boston now to earn credits for a degree. However, the experience in the classroom is of great value, and the teachers without degrees have many years of successful teach- ing experience to their credit.

The turnover in all school faculties has been great, and Medfield has been no exception. As you know, I came to Medfield in 1943, and only three of the original teachers are now on our faculty. In 1943, there were 18 regular teachers, so the turnover has been about 83.5%. This is too great, and I would hope that from 1947 to 1950, the change would not be over 25%. Usually, the more stable the faculty, the better the system.

In 1945, the turnover of the Medfield faculty was 7 teach- ers of 16, or 43.5%, while in 1946, we lost 6 teachers, or 37.5% of the faculty. I do hope that this will change, so that the faculty will be more permanent. Medfield should not be the training ground for larger and richer towns. The cause for the changes are numerous, but in general, teachers left to go to larger school systems at higher salaries. These systems sent out scouts, and took what they thought were our best teachers.

The School Committee has realized for some time that higher salaries for the teachers were necessary, and during the last few years have increased the salaries of the teachers. In 1947, a substantial salary increase is absolutely necessary, and the Town of Medfield must face a much higher School Budget. The budget for 1946 was $45,295.60, while the pro- posed budget for 1947 requests $55,565.00, an increase of $10,269.40. This increase is due and chargeable to Teachers' Salaries. The School Department finds it necessary to look at both sides of the problem, that of the teachers, and that of the taxpayers. But, as the taxpayers demand more services, the costs will be higher. We have smaller classes, a kinder- garten, and these items add to the cost of education in Med- field. The increase this year will be about $4.10 of the tax rate of the Town of Medfield. It is our hope that the State will help more with teachers' salary reimbursements. In 1946, the total State Reimbursement was only $2828.00 for 16 teachers, or an average of $176.60 per teacher. The State did supplement this reimbursement with so called Part II to the amount of $1860.58, with an average of $116.00 per teacher, making a total average reimbursement of about $292.60 per teacher.

Our new salary schedule follows:

Elementary teachers $1400.00 to $1950.00 per year.

High School teachers $1400.00 to $2150.00 per year. According to experience, salary increases have been granted from $200.00 for no previous experience, to $500.00 with 3 or more years' experience per year, starting January 1, 1947.

EVENING SCHOOL FOR WOMEN

In the spring of 1946, the School Department in coopera- tion with the State Department of Vocational Education, held classes in Slip Cover work for women. There were about 30 women that wanted the work, but we were limited to about

15, so some could not attend the classes. The class was in charge of Mr. Harold G. Kirk of Brookline. Mr. Kirk is an instructor at the Henry O. Peabody School in Norwood, and came to us because of the efforts of Principal Blanche Mar- cionette, who is an advisor to our school in Medfield. Mr. Kirk did excellent work, and the ladies enjoyed and benefited from the course. Next spring, again, we may have another course for women in sewing, dressmaking, or slip cover work.

VETERAN'S EDUCATION

Many of the returning veterans are not graduates of high school. Several attended high school for two years, or more, but did not gain credits enough to graduate. About ten boys in Medfield indicated that they would like to earn credits for graduation. The School Department took advantage of a re- cent Massachusetts law, and established a school for Veterans.

The School holds classes on Monday and Thursday evening, and at present, we have classes in Mathematics, and Science. Next term we will conduct class in History and English. Sev- eral of the boys may graduate in June 1947, if they earn points enough. Several boys have already completed the work neces- sary, namely:

Norman Rhodes Robert Chick

PROGRESS

I wish to bring your attention to the progress in ath- letics, as told by the coaches, and in the report of the Field Building Committee. Progress has been maintained in our cafeteria, and in spite of high costs, we are still able to main- tain school lunches for 15 cents. Please read about this in the reports of Principal Hartford, and Miss Loring. Guidance is continuing, and better records are being kept-I refer you to the report of Guidance Director Locke.

In conclusion, may I express thanks to the Medfield School Committee. No Superintendent could wish for a better place to work. In every case, there is cooperation in the best in- terests of better education for the children of Medfield. The teachers are worthy of much thanks, and it is with apprecia- tion that I close another year in Medfield. My work has been much easier because of our custodian, who works for a cleaner, better school.

I also wish to thank my secretary, Mrs. Pauline Gehman, for her help in the smooth running of the School Department. She has worked hard on all of the reports, finances, letters, and interviews. No one single item is greater than her con- tribution.

To all the people of the Town of Medfield, for their con- tinued confidence and help, my appreciation and thanks. Respectfully submitted,

E. PERLEY EATON, Superintendent of Schools.

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

To the Superintendent of Schools:

I submit the following report as Principal of the Medfield High School, for the year 1946.

In June, a class of 19 pupils was graduated. Six of these are attending college, one training to be a nurse, one has enlisted in the Army, and one in the Navy. All others are profit- ably employed.

The following awards were made at the Graduating Exer- cises: The Harvard Club Book Award to Philip Burr of the Class of 1947; the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Medal to Audrey Werner; the Washington-Franklin History Medal of the Sons of the American Revolution to Lois Nourse, Class of 1947; the Bosch and Lomb Science Medal to Walter Ehnes; the Medfield Lions' Club Sportsmanship Tro- phy to Philip Burr, Class of 1947; the Hannah Adams Club Scholarship to Walter Ehnes; and the Medfield Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship to Audrey Werner. A program of the exercises will be found at the end of this report.

The Class of 1947 consists of 27 members, and the total enrollment of the school this year is 180. This includes the sixth grade, which we have put into the Junior High School. I feel that after this year, as long as grade six must be in this building, they should be treated as a separate unit with lunch period and recess at the same time as the Grade School, and with a single teacher devoting full time to them. Experience has shown that they are not mature enough to be put into the regular Junior High School group.

During the spring vacation last April, the Senior Class took a trip to New York, and Washington, spending two nights and one day in New York, and three nights, and two and one-half days in Washington. In New York they visited the NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, and took a sight seeing trip through the city. In Washington they visited all the public buildings, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, and the Franciscan Monastery. The class felt that the trip was very profitable, both as entertainment and education. This year's class plans a similar trip, with the probable addition of a motor coach tour to Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley.

At the close of school in June, two Junior Class girls, June Crowell, and Lois Nourse, were sent to the Girls' State at Bridgewater Teachers' College, by the local American Legion Auxiliary; and four Junior Class boys, Philip Burr, David Clark, Ronald Curry, and Perley Eaton, Jr., were sent to Boys' State, at the State College at Amherst, by the local Post of the American Legion. The practice these pupils got in actually carrying on the operation of local, state, and national govern-

ment for a week, rounded out the knowledge acquired in their study of History and Government during the school year.

Rhoda Thiel and Sally Bramman appeared for our school in the Junior Town Meeting of the Air, sponsored by Radio Station WBZ. We expect to participate in this activity again this year. Patricia Kennedy, Barbara Kennedy, and Jean Hogan have been delegates from here to the Council of the Boston Metropolitan Chapter of the Junior Red Cross during the year. This Council meets on the first Friday of each month from October through May. This fall, each home room in the building filled a Christmas box to be sent overseas by the Red Cross.

In Athletics, we have had both boys' and girls' basketball teams, coached by Mr. Smith and Miss Grant respectively; baseball, coached by William Palumbo; and football, coached by Mr. Crawley. We had fairly successful seasons in all three sports. This winter, Medfield has joined with Ashland, Dover, Millis, Wayland, and Westwood to form the new Dual-County Basketball League.

Despite the shortage of materials, and the high cost of food, we have been able to operate the cafeteria without in- creasing prices on anything but milk and ice cream. During the summer and early fall, we were able to buy enough dishes, silverware, and trays so that we do not now have to wait between lunch groups to wash dishes, etc. We also were for- tunate enough during September to get meat enough to carry us through December. We have also received an amount of surplus commodities from the State Surplus Commodities Divi- sion, which has helped considerably to reduce the cost of our food during the fall. We feed a few over 300 pupils a day, most of whom have the hot lunch. Lunch starts at 11:30, when we feed half the high school group. Then between 11:55 and 12:25, we feed the grade school group, and from 12:25 to 12:45, the other half of the high school is fed. What we need most now for equipment is more tables so that more pupils can be fed at one time. The financial statement of the cafeteria will be found at the close of this report.

In closing, I wish to thank you, and the members of the School Committee, for your assistance during the year.

Respectfully submitted,

ALTON H. HARTFORD, Principal.

MEDFIELD SCHOOL CAFETERIA FINANCIAL REPORT

Cash on hand, January 1, 1946

$973.75

January

Receipts $1,210.00

Expenditures $1,650.68 784.77

March

1,364.67

1,508.57

April

1,101.58

1,104.60

May

1,437.59

1,226.37

June

729.60

950.55

July

431.64

1.73

August

181.86

239.57

September

906.17

1,133.68

October

1,220.20

1,305.36

November

1,312.80

1,771.92

December

1,326.17

1,298.76

$12,158.83

$12,976.56

Add January 1st balance

973.75

$13,132.58

Deduct Expenditures

12,976.56

Balance

$156.02

July and August transactions due to receipt of reimburse- ment checks from the State, and purchase of additional equip- ment. As of January 1, 1947 the State owes us $360.67 and we owe bills amounting to $518.02 leaving a deficit of $1.33 for the year.

A. H. HARTFORD, Principal.

HEADMASTER'S REPORT

To the Superintendent of Schools:

May I present to you my first report as Headmaster of the Medfield Schools.

A survey at the opening of school in September, showed the enrollment in grades one through 4, to be 152. This was divided into 4 groups, each with about 38 pupils. Realizing that a necessity in good teaching, especially in the lower grades, is small classes, the crowded condition in these grades was of first consideration. After careful consideration, the kindergar- ten was moved to the lobby of the Auditorium. Such an ar- rangement has many advantages, such as, larger space, excel- lent toilet facilities, the group is by themselves, and the oppor- tunity to use the auditorium. This change made available one more room in the elementary building, and with the hiring of another teacher, the first four grades were divided into six levels. Pupils were placed in the level found suited to them

February

936.00

through their test scores, and the teachers contact with the child. Under the above division, with no grade larger than 26, we have an ideal teaching situation which has contributed to the fine teaching that is being accomplished.

The reading program in use last year, has been continued, with the pupils placed at their level of reading found by test- ing, and through the teachers contact with the child. A student teacher has been available for two and one-half days a week, which enables a great deal of individual and small group teach- ing. In connection with the reading program, the Metropolitan Reading Test was given in September, to the second grade; in the spring the usual testing program will be given through the system.

In an attempt to use all of the facilities available and to present to each child every opportunity for advancement, the teachers have used the auditorium for music and the presenta- tion of plays. These plays have been written and presented by the various grades to the whole school, as well as parents. The music program that we hope to start soon, is one of listening and music appreciation. Record lists have been obtained, and an interest shown by the Parent-Teacher Association, through their purchase of records, and the Medfield Public Library, in their desire to start a record library in the program. Combined with this, we hope to use a radio program for appreciation.

Throughout the fall, both teachers, and pupils, have devel- oped a sense of health consciousness, and the importance of proper body mechanics. Pupils are instructed in proper sit- ting and standing positions.

In the elementary school, a new report card has been intro- duced in the third, third and fourth, fourth and fifth grades. This card presents a complete picture of the child, from the beginning of the year. Parents are encouraged to meet with the teachers, in order that the most for each individual child may be planned. In the lower grades, a progress report ranks the individual on his educational advancement, social adjust- ment to the group, and the many factors that lead to the total experience of the boy or girl in their early formal school training.

Both the elementary and the high school entered into the Junior American Red Cross drive for membership, and con- tributed generously to the filling of overseas boxes.

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.

Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949, Part 52

Author: Medfield (Mass.) Publication date: 1940 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 1594

Author: Medfield (Mass.)
Publication date: 1940
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 1594