USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1940-1949 > Part 82
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In 1948 the town received the following reimbursements on account of education.
General School Fund Part 1 $3,212.00
Union Superintendent of School Salary 463.13
School Transportation 857.50
On November 14, 1949 your School Department was notified that the following amounts were also due your community on account of Education for the school year ending June 30, 1949:
Chapter 70, as amended 1948, Chapter 643
$18,835.23
Union Superintendent's Salary
450.57
All School Transportation
1,239.00
State Wards 885.09
$21,409.89
This was an increase of $16,877.26 over 1948 that the town of Medfield received from the Commonwealth on account of Education. In 1950 Medfield should receive from state sources in its treasury on account of Education a little more than in 1949. This will come chiefly on account of Superintendent of Schools salary. The new figure will approximate $1,244.44 as compared to $450.56.
Probable Reimbursement-1950
Chapter 70 as amended 1948-Chapter 643
$18,835.23
Union Superintendent
1,244.44
Transportation State Wards 885.09
1,239.00
Total
$22,203.76
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Instruction
The method of instruction in the classroom varies consider- ably. Some of our faculty are using modern techniques while others depend on the older methods. Within certain categories we can show a teacher how to teach. With any method or technique teaching may be good or bad. We have heard the expression "The Art of Teaching" and since teaching is an Art are we to expect each teacher to do things the same way? With either method, the proper teaching infers the mental. physical, social and emotional development of the pupil. The student should have an objective, have assignments which he is able to do, have an opportunity to acquire the basic skills, but be guided by the teacher to see beyond the immediate problem and be given a chance for personal judgement when he is old enough. Medfield is fortunate to have many teachers who are quite capable based on the above. and all of the rest are working daily to reach these objectives. A reasonable amount of the question and answer method, recitation, report- ing, testing, writing methods, along with the socialized proce- dure, project method and visual aids techniques is our objec- tive of presentation.
Textbooks
Since September several new textbooks have been pur- chased for our students. Books are tools of learning. With the proper tools and a sufficient number of them the best results should be obtained.
A survey has been made in both schools to point out the needed visual materials, maps and globes, for our social studies areas. We hope we shall be able to develop this program dur- ing 1950.
Test
Before the end of the present school year, we are planning to administer both group intelligence as well as group achieve- ment tests. The former measures the innate ability to learn while the latter measures book knowledge which has been acquired. These will be used for diagnostic purposes. The individual cases will be studied and the weaknesses of each pupil will become the starting point for learning in his case.
Reading and Phonics
The aim of reading is primarily comprehensive of the meaning or content of sentences. The objective of phonics is to acquire ease in the pronunciation of words. Since the goals of each differ we are scheduling the reading and phonics separately.
Kindergarten
The entrance age to our Kindergarten will be four years and eight months as of the first of September. This was the recommendation of the present administration and was voted
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by your School Committee. Parents of children who are under age and feel that their children should enter Kindergarten may have them tested by approved sources.
For the majority of boys and girls the first departure from supervision of the parent is attendance at Kindergarten. This involves a new experience and is a challenge to the boy or girl who has depended on the security of his family at home. It he is to be content in his class he must begin an adjustment immediately and for some individuals, who have had limited association with youngsters their own age, it is difficult. In some cases there are no playmates for the individual and he has constantly been exposed to adult groups. The Kinder- garten is particularly valuable for pupils in this case.
According to authorities a Mental Age of six years to six and a half years is the best age to learn to read. We feel that with the entrance age as suggested, corresponding benefits will be achieved.
Educational and Employment Certificates
Every person from 14-16 years of age who is employed must have an employment certificate or permit, and those between 16-21 years of age must have an educational certifi- cate. When one makes an application for a 16-21 certificate he should bring with him to the high school principal's office a copy of his birth certificate.
There he will be given a blank entitled "Promise of Em- ployment." This card is taken to the potential employer for his signature. Next if ; taken to the school physician for his signature. The individual then returns the card signed by both employer and physician and is given an educational cer- tificate.
On very rare occasions 14-16 years of age employment cer- tificates are issued but only at the discretion of the superin- tendent of schools.
Legislation
Some of the bills relating to Education which were ap- proved by the members of the Legislature during 1949 and became effective as indicated are as follows:
Chapter 648 Local History and Government Compulsory in High School. The subjects required in high schools by this section are as follows:
1. American History
2. Civics, including Constitution of the United States.
3. Constitution of Massachusetts
4. Local History and Government
Effective September 28, 1949
Chapter 648-New Minimum Teachers' Salaries $1800. and $2100. This statute sets minimum teachers' salaries as follows:
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$2100. for towns with valuation over $2,500,000. $1800. for towns with valuation less than $2,500,000. Effective November 15, 1949.
Chapter 637 Regional School Building Aid Limits Increases.
Construction grants to regional school districts shall not be less than 35% or more than 65% of the approved cost. Formerly these limits were 25% and 50%.
Legislation 1950
A bill, S87, sponsored by the Massachusetts Council of Public Schools would increase state aid to schools by $15,- 000,000.
Involved in the proposed formula are net average member- ship and local amount of money spent on Education in terms of the state average spent on Education. Communities that would invest more than the state average of local funds in Education would receive more proportionally than communities that spend less than the state average.
School Building Situation
The townspeople of Medfield have long been aware of the school building situation. A year ago a school building com- mittee was appointed. No doubt a report of this committee will be found elsewhere in the annual report so I shall not develop this matter in detail.
We are aware of the over crowded conditions in our elementary classrooms. We know that this situation will an- nually become worse. The problem is serious. What are you going to do about it as citizens of Medfield?
May I at this time extend my appreciation for the coopera- tion offered by the members of the School Committee, the Principals, the school personnel and the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. ROY, Superintendent
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 Stations WBZ, WNAC and WMEX.
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my report as principal of the Medfield Junior-Senior High Schools for the year ending December 31, 1949.
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In June a class of 18 students was graduated of which 11 are attending college or other institutions of advanced training. Awards were made at the Graduation Exercises as follows: The Harvard Book to Peter Vasaturo, the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Medal to Phyllis Carlson, the Washington-Franklin History Medal of the Sons of the American Revolution to Loretta Braunfeld, The Bosch and Lomb Science Medal to Joan Leave, the Medfield Lion's Club Sportsmanship Trophy to James Darling, the Hannah Adams Club Scholarship to Pauline Reynolds, American Legion Scholarship to Joan Leave, the Medfield Parent-Teachers Asso- ciation Scholarship to James Darling, Lion's Club scholarship to Phyllis Carlson, Faculty Freshmen Awards to Robert Web- ster and Marilyn Park, and Balfour Plaque and Key Award to Joan Leave. A program of the exercises is appended to the end of this report.
We opened our present school year September 7 with 158 in the Junior and Senior High Schools and 43 sixth graders as an elementary school overflow to make a total of 201 housed in our building. Two new teachers, Miss Ann McGrath in English and Mr. Charles Mains in Social Studies and as coach, were on hand to greet the incoming students. Mr. Samuel Seiniger has also been added to our staff as supervisor of music. Thus the High School faculty is more stable this year than for some time and I feel sure this is an important factor improving school spirit and efficiency. With changes in ad- ministration, we were met with a shortage of books and supplies but pupils and teachers carried on nobly until this situation was squared away. In fact so well did they do, that I feel sure there was no loss in educational values and there was a marked gain in friendly pupil-teacher relations.
The enrollment by grades October 1 is given in Table 1 below for students housed in the High School Building:
TABLE 1 Enrollment by Grades :
Grade 6
43
Grade 7
31
Grade 8
26
Grade 9
31
Grade 10
25
Grade
11
21
Grade
12
24
From Table 1 it will be seen that the High School does not yet face the problem of large classes but next year we will be confronted with it in the entering class. From then on we will increasingly need for proper operation of the High School, the space now taken by the elementary overflow.
Early in the Fall several new safety and health measures were adopted. First, we have restored regular fire drills. For these drills teachers take with them class lists and take at-
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tendance' outside just as would be necessary for a real fire. The principal takes out the day's absence list and checks with teachers to see that all are present or accounted for. During our practice drills we found that physical education and music activities in the cafeteria and gymnasium drowned out the sound from the remote fire bells so that these groups could not hear a fire signal. Accordingly we have now installed additional bells at these spots with ample volume to be heard above the din. Secondly, precaution against athlete's foot in our shower rooms include latest improved type of fresh daily foot bath, daily cleaning of shower room floors, foot inspection, and provision of a preventive type of dusting powder. Any pupil still hesitant about relying on all these precautions is advised to use bathing shoes. Thirdly, pupils are no longer allowed to play on the gymnasium floor in their bare or stock- ing feet. We think this a dangerous source of infection. Sneakers, not shoes, should be worn for all active games on the floor.
In guidance this year we are replacing career day (one day for Juniors and Seniors) by a whole series of 8-10 assem- blies where experts talk to all the High School pupils. These speakers have proven to be both stimulating and popular. When dozens of pupils stay after school to question them farther we are sure an impression is being made. We are indebted to Mr. Darling of Bryant and Stratton for bringing this program to Medfield. The series is supplemented by a related radio series in certain vocational areas. Pupils may go to the studios for the hour discussion or listen to 15 minutes of its rebroadcast.
The Senior performance. "A Mind of Her Own," December 16, was unusually well coached and produced before an en- thusiastic and large audience. It was our first chance to try out the new lighting facilities provided by the P. T. A. All agreed that scenery, lighting, acting, and other details were all executed with a high degree of perfection. All who had a part in bringing this educational experience about deserve congratulations.
Acquisition of a new 35 m.m. projector has stimulated the use of audio-visual aids in our classrooms. We are looking forward to the day when a new movie projector and an ample service budget will permit regular use of these modern and most potent classroom teaching aids. Proper use of these aids by skillful teachers has been proved to yield for certain types of learning a 75% increase in amount and an immeas- urable increase in retention.
In the operation of our cafeteria we have restored three workers to handle our increased enrollment. By eliminating cakes and other bakery products and substituting fresh fruits, fruit juices, and home made pastries we have increased our state subsidy and are offering, therefore, a better meal than
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ever at no increase to the pupil. With the help of the Salvation Army we are able to continue free lunches and milk where there is need.
Over a period of years there has been some improvement in attendance but not sufficient. My predecessors have made frequent mention of the importance of punctual and faithful attendance. I wish to repeat this and with emphasis. I be- lieve that education is the most important business of our pupils and that it supercedes all else-health alone excepted. The Town has a big stake in this business, it has large sums invested in the plants, and the educational budget is the largest yearly expenditure. We in the education business feel that all this is a sacred trust. We feel the Town does not begrudge one penny spent but with this money goes a mandate that we do all possible to get the greatest return. Absences, tardinesses, or dismissals are not alone detrimental to the individual con- cerned but do reflect on the seriousness of the group and the academic standing of the school. Accordingly those parents most concerned about our schools have an interest too in doing all they can to combat this notion that one day now and then does not matter much. Remember in the High School each major subject meets once a day for 180 days a year. Since the class period is 40 minutes in length this gives a total of 120 hours or the equivalent of but 5 twenty-four hour days. In this time a pupil is expected to learn to type, or master the basic principles of geometry, or chemistry etc. Surely one day does take out enough time to have its effect. These time limitations point up forcefully also, the necessity for a minimum of 2 hours home study in grades 9-12 every day over and above that available in school. Surely if our most highly endowed pupils find it a requisite for success our less fortu- nate ones cannot justify less.
In closing I would like to mention the extensive community use of the High School Auditorium, Cafeteria, and even class- rooms. This use has increased this year to the point where it is a rare afternoon or evening when both the auditorium and cafeteria are not both in use. In other words we are fast approaching the saturation point of complete use of our build- ing. In this we are happy. It will certainly return full measure of value to the community.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES E. BENTON Principal Medfield Junior-Senior High School.
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1949 Medfield High School Thursday, June 16, 1949 Selections by the Medfield Community Orchestra
Mr. Stewart Smith, Conductor
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Selections from Victor Herbert. Herbert
In a Persian Market
Kettelby
Gold and Silver Waltz Lehar
Processional
Class of 1949
Invocation
Rev. John Garrick
Address of Welcome
Blanchard Dominick Warren, Jr., President Class of 1949
Essay-"The Dawn of Tomorrow" Pauline Evelyn Reynolds
Address Mr. Roland Darling
Director of Occupational Information
Bryant and Stratton Commercial School
Presentation of Class Gift
Robert Benjamin Ripley, Vice-President Class of 1949
Presentation of Awards
Superintendent, E. Perley Eaton Headmaster, Raymond S. Locke
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. Harry M. Gardner, President Hannah Adams Club
Mr. John K. Anderson, Chairman P.T.A. Scholarship Committee
Mr. Norman Smith, President Medfield Lion's Club
Mr. Stanley Fisher, Chairman Scholarship Committee, Beckwith Post No. 110 Medfield American Legion
Presentation of Diplomas Leon M. Bowden, Medfield School Committee
Class Song
We're eighteen strong and hopeful souls All dressed in cap and gown.
The symbol of the progress of The class of '49.
We'll always strive to do our best To hold its banner high
That man may point with pride and joy
As it waves up in the sky. We've worked and played in by-gone years And now that we must part
We'll not forget despite the tears
That it's really just the start. And as we struggle on through life To gain our chosen ends
We're all for one and one for all, For democracy and friends. We won't forget the sound advice
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Our teachers tried to give We won't forget dear Medfield High As long as we shall live. Tune: "Auld Lang Syne"
Recessional
Class of 1949
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FORTY-NINE
MOTTO: "Non progredi est regredi" (Not to go forward is to go backward)
COLORS: Green and White
FLOWER: White Carnation
CLASS ROLL
Joan Agatha Alley Joseph John McCarthy
Virginia Teresa Aylward
Denis Patrick McSweeney
Robert Callahan, Jr.
Edward Arnold Newell
Phyllis June Carlson
Viola Georgiana Oja
George Marshall Chick
Pauline Evelyn Reynolds
James S. Darling
Robert Benjamin Ripley
Marcia Alice Flagg
Lawrence Howard Tisdale
John H. Henderson, Jr.
Blanchard D. Warren, Jr.
Joan B. Leave Alfred Anthony Zullo
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
May I present to you my first annual report as Principal of the Elementary School.
The enrollment of the Elementary school continues to surge upward. Since the opening of school in September, the enrollment has increased from 273 pupils to a total of 302 pupils. This increase is probably due to the new home de- velopments in the town and we may look forward to increased enrollment in future years.
The first major problem confronting me was the over- crowded conditions in the third grade. As our already over- crowded school building would not allow the division of the third grade into two classrooms, the only solution was to obtain another teacher to assist the present third grade teacher in one room. This has been done and seems to be working very satisfactorily.
In the first and second grades, report cards have been issued so that parents may understand how their children are
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adjusting themselves. This has not been done in past years, but I feel that the student's first few years of school are of great importance in his adjustment between the home and school environments, quite often, the mutual aid between parent and teacher is invaluable to the student in his transition.
A new system of permanent record cards has been set up in the elementary school which will follow each pupil from his entrance to the school system through each grade to the Junior High School, at which time they will be transferred to the Principal of the High School for his use. These record cards are invaluable, as the pupil's entire elementary school history is recorded on one permanent record.
A survey of our textbooks taken in September showed that most of the textbooks in use were obsolete and inadequate for the pupil's needs. As a result of this survey, the school committee gave permission to order the necessary textbooks and basic readers for all grades. These textbooks have been obtained; and I feel that our elementary school is well equipped in basic readers and supplementary textbooks as any modern elementary school in this state.
Visual education is becoming more prominent in modern schools and we were very fortunate in procuring a film-strip projector for the teachers to use in their classrooms. This form of visual education aids the teacher immensely, as it is much more advantageous to show the students film strips that are related to the subject which they are studying on that exact day. An excellent project for the future would be the establishment of a film strip library that would be accessible to the entire school system.
The Parent-Teachers Association very generously pur- chased a playground slide of stainless steel for use by the school children. This slide was erected through the manual efforts of the men of the Parent-Teacher Association. Also, the generous contribution of a truckload of sand has enabled the children to use the slide with maximum enjoyment and safety.
Of greatest interest to the students of the elementary school was the establishment of the Safety Patrol. The patrol boys and court of girls have been doing an excellent job and warrant the full cooperation of their schoolmates and of the adults who enter the school zone. Since its inception, the Patrol has boosted morale among the students; and the children are now safety-conscious. Prevention of accidents has definitely demonstrated the merit of this Patrol.
This past September the following new members were added to the faculty of the elementary school:
Mrs. Pauline Coulter
Miss Barbara Haney
Grade 2 Grade 2
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Mrs. Patricia Kellner Miss Shiela O'Regan Miss Jean Peckham Mrs. Dorothy Wallace
Grade 3 Grade 5 Grade 1 Art Supervisor
Your attention is called to some of the major needs of the elementary school.
1. A hard surfaced play area for use when the earth is soft.
2. More penetrating testing program.
3. More extensive use of visual and radio education.
4. Wooden library boxes for procurement of books from the public library.
In closing, I wish to thank you and the members of the school committee for the assistance and cooperation that I have received.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL J. MASON, Principal.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit the report of the School Health Activities to the year ending December 31, 1949.
The program of the school health work was carried on this year as in the past. The major objectives of our program have been to establish a good personal hygiene among the children. Through the excellent cooperation of our grade teachers, good health habits are formed by the children at an early age.
Preschool Physical Examinations
A pre-school clinic was held in May for the purpose of registering the pupils entering public school in September. Each pupil was given a physical examination by Dr. Stagg with a parent present. It was very helpful having a parent present, as she was at liberty to talk with the doctor about her child. If her child had a physical defect or was in any way handicapped, necessary adjustments were made.
Number of pupils attending Preschool Day 41
Physical Examinations
A careful physical examination was given each child by Dr. Stagg this fall.
Number of pupils examined 434
Number of pupils with speech defects 3
Number of pupils with posture defects 3
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Number of pupils with ear defects 6
Number of pupils with nose and throat defects 77 Number of pupils with defects of the heart 3 Number of pupils with defects of feet and spine 6 Number of pupils with defects of the teeth 46
All parents have been notified of defects found and advised to consult their family physician.
DENTAL CLINIC REPORT
The Dental Clinic was conducted by Dr. Brown and spon- sored by the Medfield Red Cross assisted by Mrs. William Frothingham.
Number of pupils examined 200
Number of pupils having own dentist
51
Number of pupils not needing care 5
Number of pupils with orthodontia 2
Number of cleanings
93
Number of temporary fillings
52
Number of permanent fillings
83
Number of refusals
3
Number of no replies
33
This clinic includes all pupils in the Elementary building.
Handicapped Children
It is requested by the State Board of Education that your School Nurse report to the Superintendent of Schools pupils that are physically handicapped. This means pupils having a speech defect, diabetes, deafness, organic heart, epilepsy or any physical defects which would prevent him from attending school regularly.
Number of physically handicapped 10
Number of pupils not in school because of
handicap 2
Tuberculosis Report
The Norfolk County Tuberculosis School Clinic was con- ducted again this year in the Medfield School. All seniors, food handlers, football players fifteen years and over were x-rayed. It was offered to the school personnel and twelve volunteered to be x-rayed. The Tuberculosis Seal is respon- sible for part of this clinic.
Number of pupils x-rayed 41
Number of employees x-rayed 12
Individual reports have been sent to all those x-rayed.
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Hearing and Vision Report
The routine audiometer and vision tests were conducted during the year. All of the serious auditory and visual de- fects are under treatment. There are, however, minor de- fects needing attention, which will be taken care of in the near future.
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