USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949 > Part 72
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During the summer, a room in the elementary building was made over to accommodate the Kindergarten. Because of the class enrollment of thirty-seven pupils, it was necessary to hold two daily sessions. One half of the Kindergarten has attended morning sessions for one half of the year and will change to afternoon sessions in January to give all Kinder- garten pupils the benefit of instruction during their most re- ceptive hours.
The necessary building repairs have been made. Plumb- ing replacements were installed in the elementary building; new sidewalks were laid to the auditorium and cafeteria en- trances; the circular drive was re-surfaced, and minor repairs were completed.
The school committee wishes to thank the Hannah Adams Club, the Parent-Teachers Association, and the Lions Club for their scholarships which add so much interest and pleasure to the program of graduation night as well as give encourage- ment to those receiving the awards. We are grateful to the Parent-Teachers Association for their sponsorship and help in all school matters. We express our gratitude also to the people of Medfield for their continued interest and confidence.
The following reports have been submitted by the heads of the several school departments and will answer many of the questions asked by the town citizens. These reports are from: Mr. E. Perley Eaton, Superintendent; Mr. Raymond Locke, Headmaster; Mr. Malcolm Smith, Manual Training In- structor; Miss Phyllis B. Loring, Household Arts Instructor; Miss Barbara H. Lossone, Girls' Physical Education Instructor; Mr. Raymond Locke, Headmaster, Boys' Physical Education;
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Mr. Walter Smith, Music Supervisor; Dr. A. Richie Stagg, school physician; and Mrs. Madeleine Harding, School Nurse.
Respectfully submitted, JOEL E. GOLDTHWAIT, M.D., Chairman JOHN LYONS EDITH C. HOWLETT, Secretary
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
I hereby submit my sixth annual report as Superintendent of Schools for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Every department of our schools has submitted annual reports, which follow this report. The Superintendent is in- debted to the Principals, supervisors, doctors, and nurses who have supplied information for this report.
Enrollment Information
All towns in Massachusetts are finding need for more school rooms, especially in the primary grades. Medfield is no exception to the rule, in our first grade there are 48 pupils.
The population increase has come from two sources: (1) increased births since the war, (2) new homes in Medfield and the resulting increase in the total population. Medfield has built many new homes. On Summer Street and Pine Street alone one can count eighteen new homes either com- pleted or under construction. On Adams Street, also, there are just completed or under construction six new homes. Throughout the town there are many homes being built. I feel that as the other projects slow down in the towns nearer to Boston; Medfield will continue to grow. Each new home adds about 31/2 to the population and supplies a child for our public schools. The new homes within a half mile radius of the school will give us enough children for another class and another teacher. Medfield has much to offer the new home builder or buyer. Good schools, good roads, excellent snow removal, proper street lighting, excellent water supply, good fire protection, cooperative town officers, moving picture show, shopping center and rather good transportation lines. Med- field has larger lots and with the development of the General Motors Plant and the Shopping Center in the Framingham area will continue to attract new home builders. We have much to be proud of in Medfield's locations and offerings. We must prepare for the new comers and study the facts and figures that follow:
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Table One
Births in Medfield
Present Grade Enrollment
1939
30
Grade 4 40
1940
28
Grade 3 31
1941
37
Grade 2 42
1942
40
Grade 1 48
1943
38
1944
39
1945
41
1946
46
1947
63
1948
65 (estimate)
The above table gives you an idea of changes in the Medfield birth rate and the numbers in the grades. There is a slight difference in the figures as the birth figures are from January 1st to December 31st and the grade figures are from March 1st to February 29th.
The figures do not tell the whole story as most of the children in the new homes were born in other towns and were not reportable in Medfield. Then, too, Medfield born children may have moved. They do show definitely that there is an increase in enrollment due to increase in births throughout the State.
The Census Bureau has figures, for it is believed that the "War Babies" will increasingly swamp the schools.
In the United States the peak of first grade enrollments will be reached in 1955 with about 4.8 millions of children in the first grade. Today there are about 3.5 millions. This is a large increase and will be felt in every town in the whole country.
Medfield in 1948 has 48 pupils in the first grade. These figures indicate that for each grade we will need at least two class rooms as the future years come.
According to the Census Bureau, in 1946 there were in Massachusetts 181 school-age children per 1000 adults, while in the United States as a whole there were 207 such children. Medfield in 1946 had 391 school children on October 1, 1946, with a population of 4,384. In Massachusetts 15.33% of the population was in school, whereas Medfield had 8.91% of the population in its schools.
Twenty-five years ago only 10.2% of the Nation's school- children were in High School grades (9 through 12). The highest point obtained was in 1939 when 26% were in High School. In Massachusetts 28.5% in High School is the highest figure obtained, while in Medfield, in 1948, 22.93% of the
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school population is in High School. Again the population of the Medfield State Hospital causes our figures to be lower than the State figure.
It is difficult to predict anything about population in- creases, however the trends indicate increased enrollment in Medfield for the next ten years. We already know that the first grade must have two classes with two teachers.
I am sure that the reader can see that we are being faced with increased enrollment for some years to come, for if the peak is to come in 1955 we will have this large group going through the schools from 1948 to 1967 which, when it reaches the peak, will mean that our enrollment will be higher than ever before. The Census Bureau states that should there be another war the number of "babies" would again increase and that their figures would be too low.
It is the duty of the people of Medfield to provide class- rooms for the school children. It is my duty to keep the people informed. However, I hope that the people of Medfield will support the article of the School Committee to build a school to care for the population increases. I suggest, also, that the people keep in mind that the Commonwealth is pre- pared to contribute at least 35% of the cost of the building if said building is completed before 1952.
Classrooms needed in Medfield.
1948
1949
1950
1951
Kindergarten
37
1
40
1
40
1
45
1
Grade
1
45
2
45
2
50
2 50
2
Grade
2
42
2
45
2
45
2
50
2
Grade
3
31
1
42
2
45
2
45
2
Grade
4
40
2
33
1
42
2
45
2
Grade
5
42
2
40
2
33
1
42
2
Grade
6
31
1
42
2
40
2
40
2
11
12
12
13
We have available 7 rooms and a small kindergarten room in the Grammar School and used one room in High School in 1948. The above table is estimates based on population in- creases and actual birth rates in Medfield. The High School building will be able to house the High School pupils of Med- field for some time to come after Grade 6 has been removed to the elementary school.
This evidence is conclusive in that we need at least two rooms for each grade and one room for Kindergarten. Four more classrooms are needed at once.
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It is my hope that the people of Medfield will keep these figures in mind and take steps to be prepared should the day come when there are more children than the present school buildings can house.
State Reimbursements
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has contributed sums of money to the Town Treasury, because of Education, for many years. This reimbursement has been based on a formula that has become outmoded. The basis has been valuation, number of pupils, and teachers serving in the schools.
In 1948 the Town received the following reimbursements:
General School Fund Part 1
$3,212.00
Union Supt. Salary
463.13
School Transportation
857.50
Total
$4,532.63
I must point out that in 1948 the Town of Medfield lost Part II of the School Fund. This return was given to Towns whose state and county tax, which is set by chapter 559, is less than .50 and whose valuation per pupil is less than 75% of the state valuation per pupil. Medfield's figure was .48 but the valuation per pupil was 9.055 where as state was 9.389 which is less than 25% below that of State. The report was made out for $3,300.06, which was not paid by the Common- wealth of Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, about 20 towns did not receive Part II, because there was not money enough to pay all the towns.
Fortunately for Medfield both Part 1 and Part II reim- bursements will be omitted in 1949. A new formula established under Chapter 643, Acts of 1948 will replace them. It is possible to figure out the amounts to be received by the Town of Medfield. This new reimbursement is based on number of children in the Town, whose ages on October 1, 1948 fall between 7 years and 16 years. The figures for Medfield is 308. The valuation of Medfield is $3,304,925. A second formula based on the number of teachers may be used, because Med- field is a town of less than 5000 population.
Calculation:
Method No. 1 308 x 130 equals
$40,040.00
$6.00 Tax rate equals 19,829.55
(12 X) $20,210.45
Reimbursement $10,105.23
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Method No. 2
Number of teachers 20.4 x 23 equals
Tuition pupils
$469.00 10.00
459 × 125 less $6 tax rate
459.00
57.375.00
19,829.55
$37,545.45
1/2 Reimbursement
$18,772.73
Medfield should in 1949 receive in its Treasury approxi- mately $18,772.73 because of Education. This is an increase of $10,557.73 over 1948.
I feel that Medfield will receive more from this new method of calculating the income tax return to the towns of the State. The State must find new monies if the amount to be dis- tributed is to be greater than before. State Income Tax brings in abount twenty-seven millions; two millions is retained for collection and the State Department. This leaves twenty-five millions to be distributed to the Towns and Cities in Massa- chusetts.
Last year (1948) five millions was used and distributed because of Education, and twenty millions was sent out be- cause of income tax return. In 1949, considering that there is still twenty-five millions to be reimbursed, fifteen millions will come back to the Cities and Towns for Education and ten millions will be income tax. Some Towns will get more, others will get the same, and still others will get less. The richer the town the better the chance for a smaller return on November 20, 1949. I feel that Medfield will get more which will help the strain on local taxpayer. Then, too, it has been necessary to request a substantial increase in the school budget, which must also be raised by local valuation. The purpose of this act was to equalize the educational offerings of the towns of the State, and to receive reimbursement the town must have a net cost of $110.00 per pupil minus cost of Transportation and school lunches. In Medfield our net cost is $144.73 (June 30, 1948).
There is great inequality in amounts paid for the educa- tion of children in various Towns, even in our State. In the United States as a whole this is a greater problem. To quote, "The people in the wealthiest States have five times as much taxable income per child as the people of the poorest State." Some communities spend sixty times as much on education per child as others do. It is all wrong to deprive children of a decent education just because they happen to be born in one of the poorer States."
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"The Federal Aid for Education Bill, if and when it is enacted, will appropriate funds to the States to help them support their local elementary and high schools and will ap- portion the funds according to the number of children, with the needier States receiving the largest amounts. The bill provides a minimum of support ($5.00 per child per year) for education in each State."
This bill has a good chance of passing since it has the support of many of the newly elected Senators and Represen- tatives. It passed the Senate last year but was held up by Congress and did not come to a vote before the adjournment. There are many items in the bill to help. general education in the United States. The money would be given without Federal control. It is to be distributed as is the Federal School Lunch Money, which has been received in Medfield for several years and makes possible our school lunch and milk program.
The Evening Practical Arts classes have been held in the Spring of 1948. About 40 women participated in the courses in Tray Painting. The work of the women was excellent and some very beautiful trays were turned out. On the evening of graduation they displayed the trays, which was enthusias- tically received by the public in general. Mrs. Elizabeth Rider of Providence, R. I. was the teacher and did an excellent job. The School Department appreciates the fine work of the Ad- visory Committee under the chairmanship of Mrs. E. Augusta Cain and the following members. Mrs. Dorothy Kane, Miss Blanche Marcionette, Mrs. Lydia Fisher and Mrs. Dorothy Gardiner.
Appreciation
This is my sixth report as Superintendent of Schools. It is interesting to note the progress our schools have made in these years. Especially do I wish to thank the School Com- mittee and all the members of our staff for their cooperation; my appreciation is extended to the many individuals who, through this year, have spent hours of valuable time working in the interest of our schools.
Respectfully submitted,
E. PERLEY EATON,
Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF HEADMASTER
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my third annual report as Headmaster of the Medfield Schools.
More and more our schools are recognized as the influence strong enough to carry the ideals of Democracy into the future. Each student in the American school, regardless of his grade, is a potential force which must be molded and trained for the experiences he will meet in later life. Encompassed in the student body are those who will continue their formal educa- tion while others terminate their education in our school. It is both of these groups that we must prepare for life.
The enrichment of the program of studies through the introduction of subjects which are timely and of educational value to round out the individual's educational experience is a major function of the school. Several such program changes have been made for this school year.
In the industrial arts department major changes in the program for grades seven through twelve have been inaugur- ated. In the Junior High School, more time has been allotted for both girls and boys in this program through the scheduling of two extra periods a week, and the combining of periods for one double period each week. In the Senior High School, fresh- man follow a required plan of study. In the sophomore, junior and senior years elections are offered in handicrafts, elemen- tary electricity and woodworking, with advanced mechanical drawing required of these boys majoring in the department in either their junior or senior year. A mechanical drawing class has been opened for girls as an elective.
Believing that a study of the every day commodities to be purchased by individuals is of utmost importance, a new half- year course in Consumer Education is being offered to the seniors. This course through study of the comparisons of commodities will develop the more critical mind in future purchases.
College Physics which in the past has been primarily a class room teaching procedure has been arranged to include four class periods and a double laboratory period for each student per week.
Throughout the Commonwealth there is an alertness to the need of teaching Driver Education. The program includes class room instruction in all the phases of the mechanical oper- ation, care and safety needed in the operating of the modern automobiles as well as actual instruction in driving, using the dual control automobile made available to the Union.
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General Mathematics is again included in the curriculum as a basic preparation for the commercial and general student.
Latin III is continued every other year affording the col- lege student three years of this language for entrance to college.
An elective course in typing provides basic instruction in a very valuable subject especially for those who plan to continue their formal education.
Instruction in Art has been offered and it is hoped that an art supervisor may soon be available to carry out the program.
In that the individual student may be understood to a greater degree and each counselled to the fullest advantage, the Boston University Tests of Interest, Inventory and Mental Maturity were administered to the Juniors early in the school year. Through the results of this battery of tests one's in- terests and abilities are established, the problem is then to plan with the pupil and parent, after understanding of all the other factors involved, a program for the student's future. Students are individually counselled and parents have indi- cated through their conferences a keen and understanding desire of the problems presented by their individual case. The Otis Quick Scoring Test, a measurement of intelligence, was administered to the freshman last spring, this test is the first measurement of mental ability taken in the High School.
A vital part of the guidance program will be centered around the Career Day, which is planned for next spring. At this time, several outstanding individuals from various educa- tional institutions, businesses and professional leaders will meet with the junior and seniors and their parents for a day of discussions, conferences and counselling in their specific fields.
The Senior class presented on December tenth a three act comedy "Almost Summer." This was the second annual play and through their excellent production we are positive that this has been established as a high light of the school year. Last spring, the Dramatic Club presented an enjoyable evening of three one act plays.
Through assembly programs presented by the various classes, students have gained experience in planning and pre- senting varied types of programs before an audience. Our school was chosen by radio station WBZ as one from which the broadcast of the "Junior Town Meeting of the Air" should originate. Students from four schools came to our school where the program was transcribed and later presented over the
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National Broadcasting System. This was a real experience for those taking part as well as the entire student body.
Several changes have been made in the teaching staff of the elementary school. The present orowded condition in grades two and four should be remedied for the maximum results. The Kindergarten has been moved to the elementary building and is operating under inadequate conditions on a two sessions a day basis. This arrangement should be recognized as strictly temporary with the realization that this group of pupils need a large area for play and group activities for the best results from the kindergarten experience.
The reading system in grades one and two has been im- proved through the introduction of a new reading series. It is hoped that grades three and four may be included in this same program next year.
Results obtained from the testing program, which is given throughout the elementary school reveals our grades are above the levels of normal advancement established by the tests. For many years the Stanford Achievement Test has been used. It seemed advisable to change to another test of more accurate measurement. The Metropolitan Achievement Tests were adopted and it is hoped will be continued.
Teachers are showing a greater interest in their pupils, which is indicated through their desire to go beyond the school for educational advancement. Groups have been taken to Boston to visit the Art Museum, Franklin Park, Plays, and the Freedom Train. This is accepted as vital in the complete learning process and teachers have often volunteered extra time to make these trips possible. It is hoped that school funds may be used to defray the transportation expenses now borne by the individual pupil.
Through the full time supervisor of physical education for girls, the elementary school children have the advantage of directed activity in play, games, dancing, etc. This com- bined with our continued emphasis upon the proper body balance and carriage provides a well rounded program.
For the complete report of your school, I urge you to read each report submitted by the various departments, which are more in detail and pertain to specific areas.
May I take this opportunity to thank you, the school com- mittee, the teachers and parents for a pleasant, cooperative and successful school year.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND S. LOCKE.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MANUAL TRAINING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
With the beginning of the 1948-49 school year the Shop program reached its proper physical set-up. We now have broadened out our curriculum and the program is an inte- grated course of study from grade seven through grade eleven plus a year of elective work.
So far this year the plan is working quite well. The basic class, that which will be the first to complete the entire pro- gram, are now freshman and are in general doing excellent work. They grasp the problems and conditions encountered much more quickly and with an understanding which was not shown by previous classes covering the same work. I feel sure that at the end of the year this group will be considerably farther advanced than other freshman groups have been. Con- sequently in the years to come they will be looking for broader horizons and thus do more with the other new courses in our program.
The upper class groups are taking Elementary Electricity, Handicraft, and Advanced Mechanical Drawing.
Lack of all desirable materials has hindered us slightly in the Handicraft course but the boys are beginning to get interested in the things for which we have the materials and I feel sure that the course will become very well liked by the years end.
Electricity is coming slowly but with considerable interest. Being a totally new course it is still somewhat experimental. We are starting wiring hook-ups and will cover house wiring procedure and electric motors. The course is definitely on the beginners level.
Advanced Mechanical Drawing is starting in on scale draw- ing and will then take up architectural drawing. The students will design and draw up plans for a small house. Following this they will draw the various elevations. If time permits we will model the houses in plaster of paris. Thus carrying the entire thing from beginning design through drawings, etc. to basic model. This should help the students in later years when they are buying or building houses of their own. It also fills the need for individual creative work using the imagina- tion, plus the human satisfaction of seeing one's own product carried to completion.
Respectfully submitted,
MALCOLM S. SMITH.
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REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my fourth annual report as home econo- mics teacher.
The school cafeteria has continued to be operated on the government subsidy this past year. The reimbursement for student lunches and the receipt of a variety of surplus com- odities has enabled us to keep the prices constant. Resale items, however, were dropped to their original price of five cents.
Again we have two full time adult workers and a minimum of student help. The number of lunches served daily averages two hundred with approximately the same number being served to the elementary school as to the high school.
A year ago I stated my desire to eliminate the sale of candy at school. Last spring, at the request of the parent teachers association, this was done. This measure also meets with the approval of the state school lunch advisory committee which favors the handling of a minimum of resale items. It is important that the majority of emphasis is placed on the preparation of meals which conform to the menu pattern which has been set up for all schools participating in the program. Although it is not a new requirement it seems pertinent to outline the menu pattern briefly. Each lunch must consist of two ounces of protein, three fourths cup of fruit or vegetable, one portion of bread, two teaspoons of butter or fortified mar- garine, and one half pint of unflavored milk. This represents approximately one third of the child's nutritional requirements for the day. Menus are published weekly and sent home by pupils in the first six grades.
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