USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1950-1954 > Part 17
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Respectfully submitted,
PETER PEDERZINI JOSEPH A. ROBERTS KENNETH R. CLARK
Cemetery Commissioners.
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84
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
Superintendent of Schools
Year Ending December 31, 1951
85
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Ralph C. Benedict, Chairman Term Expires 1953
Leon M. Bowden, Financial Secretary
Term Expires 1952
John W. Hinkley, Secretary Term Expires 1954
Superintendent of Schools
George C. Roy, 67 North Street, Medfield
Medfield 576
Superintendent's Office, Medfield High School Office Hours: 8:30 to 3:30 each school day.
Medfield 22
High School Principal
Charles E. Benton, Medfield High School. Medfield 22
Elementary School Principal
Dorothy J. Brown, Medfield Elementary School Medfield 564 New Elementary School Medfield 448
School Physician
A. Ritchie Stagg, 25 Pleasant Street, Medfield Medfield 335
School Nurse
Mrs. Madeleine Harding, R.N., North St., Medfield Medfield 119
School Custodians
Walter F. Reynolds, North Street, Medfield Medfield 341
Ercole Iafolla, Vinald Road, Medfield
Kenneth E. Lougee, North Street, Medfield
Medfield 250
SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Term:
September 5 through December 21
Second Term:
January 2 through February 15
Third Term: February 25 through April 11
Fourth Term:
April 21 through June 20 or until High School has been in session 180 days.
Holidays:
October 12, Columbus Day
October 26, Teachers' Convention
November 23-24, Thanksgiving and day following
April 11, Good Friday
May 30, Memorial Day
87
TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, DECEMBER 31, 1951
Name
Position
Superintendent
Charles E. Benton, S.B., LIB., LIM. Principal
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High School Elaine Pederzini, A.B. Olive Potter Phyllis Loring, B.S. in Ed. Ann McGrath, A.B. Charles Mains, B.S. in Ed. Gerald Campbell, B.S. in Math. James Morris, B.S. in Ed. Jr. High Maude Washburn
Norman Bergeron, B.A. in Ed.
Alan Hastings, B.S. in Ed., M. in Ed.
Elementary Dorothy J. Brown Mary Burns, A.B., A.M.T. Jeanne Bibby, B.S. in Ed.
Ass't Prin., For. Languages Commercial Household Arts English Social Studies, Phys. Ed. Mathematics, Science Industrial Arts
Grades VII and VIII Jr. Business Training Grades VII and VIII Social Studies, English Grades VII and VIII Com. Geog. X, Guidance
Principal Grade VI Grade VI
Education
Providence, Boston Univ. Univ. of Conn., Brown, Rhode Island College of Educa- tion, Bridgewater, Hyannis Harvard, Northeastern Univ., Boston Univ. Harvard School of Education
Wheaton College University of Vermont Framingham State Teachers' College Regis College Boston University
Boston College Fitchburg State Teachers' College
Hyannis State Teachers' College, Boston University, University of Vermont Providence College
Tufts College
Bridgewater State Teachers' College Emmanuel College, Harvard Framingham State Teachers' College
George C. Roy, A.B., Ed.M., C.A.G.S.
89
Anna Rossi, B.S. in Ed. Donna Renda, B.S. Anne Brennan, B.S. in Ed.
Alice Ferris, B.S. in Ed., M.S. in Ed. Marilyn Smith, B.S. in Ed. Muriel Daley, B.S. in Ed. Pauline Coulter, A.B. Barbara Mckay, A.B. Jean Peckham, B.S. in Ed. Mary Banks, B.A. Helen Mowbray, B.S. Supervisors Barbara Lambson, B.S. in Ed. Dorothy Wallace, Ed. M., B.S. in Ed. Eleanor Edwards
Philip Hoffman, A.B., B.M.
Resigned John Killelea Edith Croteau William Horner Shiela O'Regan Barbara Phillips Grace Howard Mildred Mclaughlin Samuel Seiniger
Grade V Grade V Grade IV
Grade IV
Grade III
Grade III Grade II
Grade II
Grade I
Grade I
Kindergarten
Physical Education Art
Music
Instrumental Music
Bridgewater State Teachers' College Framingham State Teachers' College Boston Teachers' College
Bridgewater State Teachers' College Boston University
Framingham State Teachers' College Portia College University of Maine Lesley College Manhattanville Lesley College
Westfield State Teachers' College Mass. Arts, Boston Univ., Harvard Eastman School of Music, N.E. Conservatory of Music Muhlenberg College, N.E. Conservatory of Music
ยท Military Leave of Absence Resigned, December 31, 1951 Resigned, June 30, 1951 Resigned, June 20, 1951 Resigned, April 27, 1951 Resigned, February 16, 1951 Resigned, August 8, 1951 Resigned, July 1, 1951
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee was organized as follows: Mr. Ralph Benedict, Chairman; Mr Leon M. Bowden, Financial Secretary; Mr. John W. Hinkley, Secretary.
Regular public meetings are held at the High School the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 P.M.
The Committee has unanimously agreed that it is to the best interest of the School System that Medfield withdraw from the School Superintendency Union. The pooling of in- terests with the other towns in the Union, either administra- tive or physical, does not exist. The Legislature has noted this fact of usefulness of the Union Superintendency as such and has enabled towns with a valuation of over two million dollars to withdraw at the annual meeting with a majority vote. The School Committees of Millis and Norfolk were noti- fied in December of 1951 that the Medfield School Committee would place this question before the voters at the annual town meeting.
Administratively we feel the school system is on a sound basis. Effective January of 1952 an accounting system based on the State Report classification of school accounts goes into effect. A program of preventive and regular maintenance is to be instituted utilizing our very capable custodial service to be her advantage.
With direct supervision and accountability clearly estab- lished, we believe businesslike operation of your investment in physical plant, personnel and operating funds will be realized.
The Medfield Community Orchestra provided the services of an instrumental instruction program and the response to the instrumental program has been noteworthy.
In addition to instruction services the Orchestra has also underwritten the purchase of some of the less standard instru- ments. There is every reason to believe that in the near fu- ture our school will have both band and orchestra. This action of the Orchestra is certainly constructive contribution to the school system and the community.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the parents of the elementary school children, to the elementary teachers for their cooperation and patience during the trying months prior to the opening of the new elementary school.
We wish of course to thank all community organizations for their continued interest in our schools, for their active and real support.
Respectfully submitted,
RALPH C. BENEDICT, Chairman LEON M. BOWDEN, Financial Secretary JOHN W. HINKLEY, Secretary
90
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
I hereby submit my third annual school report. The re- ports of the High School Principal, Elementary Principal, Su- pervisors and Health Department follow this section. In order that you have a rounded picture of our operation it is well to read all reports.
The purpose of this report is to summarize the highlights of the school department during the calendar year 1951. It is well to keep in mind that no individual report covers all the phases of school administration.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL:
Resigned
Mrs. Edith Croteau
Mrs. Grace Howard
Mrs. Barbara Phillips
Miss Mildred Mclaughlin
Miss Shiela O'Regan
Mr. William Horner
Mr. Samuel Seiniger
Elected
Mrs. Olive Potter
Mrs. Donna Renda
Mrs. Jean Bibby
Miss Marilyn Smith
Mrs. Alice Ferris
Mrs. Muriel Daley
Miss Mary Banks
Mr. Alan Hastings
Mr. Norman Bergeron
Mr. Kenneth Lougee, elected custodian of the new elementary school.
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS:
During 1951 much work was done in the Hannah Adams Pfaff Elementary School. The entire interior of the building was painted or varnished. New lights were installed through- out the building and the boiler, which was in need of extensive repairs was put into A-1 condition. Parts of the exterior of the building needed painting in several places and this was corrected.
To comply with state law the stage curtain in the high school was flameproofed. The boiler in this building was not operating properly and this was repaired.
The athletic field section which is to be used for baseball has had a diamond marked off and the infield has been prepared for actual play. Medfield has reason to be proud of its athletic field. As time goes on it should be a source of pleasure for the youth of the town. It is well to have the athletic facilities so ideally located in relation to the rest of the plant.
PHYSICAL PLANT:
From January through June, three elementary classes were held in the high school. The mechanical drawing room was used for grade five; the cloak room for grade four and a classroom on the second floor for grade six.
91
Since last September grade six has still utilized the room and part of grade five has used the cloak room. Though over- crowded the remaining elementary classes have been held in the elementary building. The seven rooms in the present elementary building have been operated as follows: first grade in one room, two teachers; second grade in two rooms, two teachers; third grade in one room, two teachers; fourth grade in two rooms, two teachers; fifth grade in one room, one teacher.
The kindergarten was opened on November 26, 1951 in the new school.
FINANCES:
1951
Budget
$92,000.00
2,449.01
1952 $120,000.00 Estimated
$94,449.01
Estimated Reimbursements
Reimbursement, Chapter 648
$24,297.73
$24,297.73
Union Superintendent
1,244.44
1,244.44
Transportation
1,054.20
1,054.20
State Wards
447.93
447.93
Total Reimbursement
$27,044.30
$27,044.30
Amount Spent
$94,449.01 $120,000.00
Total Reimbursement
27,044.30
27,044.30
Net Cost
$67,404.71
$92,955.70 Estimated Net Cost
EVENING PRACTICAL ARTS:
The attendance in our evening practical arts courses did not warrant their continuation this past year. Three classes were started but the enrollment dwindled and it was not ad- visable to carry on with such small numbers. When the en- rollment becomes too small we do not receive any reimburse- ment. Probably more classes should be started in the fall if the townspeople are willing and interested enough to attend the classes regularly.
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL:
The High School-fire alarm 7 A.M.
The Elementary School-fire alarm 7:30 A.M.
Notice will be broadcast over radio stations WBC, WNAC and WKOX.
In the event of changes of weather which warrant early closing of school, the fire alarm signal will be sounded.
92
PROGRAM:
We attempt to have the program of reading instruction based on the interests and needs of the students. Formerly some were of the opinion that all techniques of reading were taught in the primary grades and the years spent in school in the intermediate years along with the junior and senior high school experiences were merely practice of this acquired skill. In all grades reading is a skill which is constantly developed. In order that the pupil make the proper interpretation of the printed word an attempt is made to afford the proper back- ground and experience.
Every teacher is a teacher of reading; understanding of the proper vocabulary and interpretation of the printed page is always kept in mind. At the elementary level there are various groups within a given class and each group moves along according to its own background and experience. Just as there is readiness for the next step in reading so too there is readiness in arithmetic and in other areas of education.
The pupil is most important and the program is planned, as near as possible, to his experienced background.
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
93
AGE AND GRADE TABLE October 1, 1950
Age
Grades
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Totals
5
16
6
30
24
7
25
18
8
1 27
25
9
2
24
23
10
3
19
9
11
4 23
11
12
2
11
17
5
13
1
2
24
5
14
2
4
16
3
1
15
2
6
13
4
16
1
6
14
9
17
1
2
4
13
18
1
Totals
46
50
47
52
48
44
32
35
29
25
23
22
453
Boys
24
23
22
31
27
25
19
19
11
12
7
10
230
Girls
22
27
25
21
21
19
13
16
18
13
16
12
223
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit my report as principal of the Junior-Senior High School for the year ending December 31, 1951.
We graduated a fine class of 19 last June 14th. Seven of these are continuing their education (3 at college, 2 at. prep- aratory school, 1 at business school, and 1 at nurses' training school); 9 are gainfully employed; 2 have joined the U. S. Navy; 1 has been married. Awards were presented at com- mencement as follows: D.A.R. Good Citizen, Barbara Simmons; Bausch & Lamb Honorary Science Medal, Barbara Simmons; Emily Post Book, Joan Beal; Girls' State, Nancy Nowers,
94
(Janet Zullo alternate); Boys' State, Robert Howlett, Charles Waters, (Ronald Gorman, alternate); Washington & Franklin Medal, Nancy Stagg; Harvard Book, Robert Howlett; Fresh- man Boy, John Wilson; Freshman Girl, Louise Fisher; Girls' Sport, Lois , Harmon; Balfour Plaque & Key, Barbara Sim- mons; Town Government Essays, Nancy Stagg, Marie Vasa- turo, and Beverly Perrin; Lions Athletic Trophy, Edward Curry. Scholarship winners were Joan Fisher, Legion; Bar- bara Simmons, Lions; Charles Aylward, P.T.A .; Verna Oja, Hannah Adams Pfaff Club. The Commencement Program will be found at the end of this report.
The program of studies was thoroughly revised in the Spring of this year. The main features bring required sub- jects and electives in line with today's trends and needs. A new curriculum centering around Industrial Arts or Household Arts has been added with 10 periods per week devoted to those fields in each of grades 9 - 12. The pupil response has been excellent both in numbers and interest. We hope new equip- ment will grow in scope with the progress of the students so that a wide range of pre-vocational training can be given to all who desire it.
Our new report cards this September explain credits and graduation requirements and contain a 5 point marking scale with C from 70 - 79 representing average achievement. This grade represents the accomplishment we should expect from the greatest number of pupils who represent the bulk of our future substantial citizens. Marks above or below this level are reserved for those smaller groups who make unusually high or low attainment.
Through the generosity of the Medfield Community Or- chestra it has been possible to give instrumental instruction every Friday during the school day. Twenty-seven high school pupils are now learning to play percussion, stringed and wind instruments. On a rotating schedule they are excused from regular assignments for a period of 40 minutes, so that they miss each class once in six weeks. It is confidently expected this will soon lead to the formation of a school orchestra and band.
Certificates were awarded to grade 8 at simple but im- pressive graduation exercises Monday, June 18th at 11:00 A.M. This event serves to mark a significant moment in the ending of Junior High School and impresses the entering Freshman of the importance of a new way of life as he prepares for adulthood.
Career Day was held on March 27th under the direction of Mr. Roland Darling of Northeastern University. Through his efforts a fine corps of speakers was obtained to present inter- esting and informative material in preparing for post-school vocations. In the afternoon of the same day our teachers
95
conducted a series of discussions with small groups on their subject fields to help students choose their courses of study for the following school year.
The Senior play, "A Case of Springtime" was presented December 7th to a large and enthusiastic audience. It is hard to decide whether the play just suited the actors or whether they just fitted the play. In any event the performance was outstanding and reflected credit on all.
One of our finest assemblies was a one hour musical pro- gram produced February 6th by 16 professional musicians from Boston Symphony group under the direction of our Supervisor of Music, Mr. Seiniger. This performance was designed to be both educational and entertaining.
Our auto driver training course is flourishing with our new dual control car. A certificate from the Registry of Mo- tor Vehicles has been awarded to the school for its part in helping the Commonwealth maintain its eminent national po- sition safetywise on the highways.
In addition to our generous array of studies offered, we have planned extensive experiences designed to develop our pupils in many broadening ways. Through these activities we are promoting democratic processes by having pupil participa- tion in the planning and execution of the undertakings. Some of the ways in which this is being done are designing of a standard class ring by committees from the classes of 53 - 56, planning and running a "Town Meeting", election of a Safety Patrol to supervise traffic in corridors and lunch room and election of student council to give student view-point on im- proving our school. Our Friday 7th period for activities is continuing with dancing and glee club most popular this year. This sort of participation is the best training possible for the adult world and augurs well for the future welfare of our country.
We must not close without expressing thanks to all our citizens for their interest and intelligent backing of our schools and especially to the class of '51, the P. T. A., American Legion, Legion Auxiliary, Hannah Adams Club, Lions, Com- munity Orchestra for their more than usual generous gifts.
96
GRADUATION EXERCISES of the CLASS of 1951 MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Thursday, June 14, 1951 Eight O'clock
PROGRAM
Selections by the Medfield Community Orchestra
Mr. Stewart Smith, Conductor
Danube Waves Waltz
Ivanovici
La Belle Helene Overture
Offenbach
Processional
Pomp and Circumstance
Elgar
Class of 1951
Marshals:
Robert Howlett
'52
Robert Dunn
'53
Marilyn Park
'52
Joan Mick
'53
Rev. Robert H. Brock
Invocation
Address of Welcome Charles Theodore Aylward, President, Class of '51
Solo-"The Heart That's Free" Joan Elizabeth Fisher Mrs. Elaine Pederzini, Accompanist
Robyn
Essay-"Keeping An Art Alive" Ruth Doris Benjamin
Essay-"Military Service and the High School Graduate" Charles Theodore Aylward
Piano Solo-Waltz in E. Minor Chopin
Ruth Doris Benjamin
Essay-"The Advantages of Rural Education" Barbara Elizabeth Simmons
Address- Dr. J. Wendell Yeo, Professor of Education, Boston University
Girls' Glee Club
You'll Never Walk Alone Rogers Waltz of the Flowers Tschaikowsky
The Halls of Ivy Russell-Knight Mrs. Elaine Pederzini, Director
Presentation of Class Gift
John Francis Kennedy, Vice President, Class of 1951
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Acknowledgement
Marie Macleod, President, Class of 1952 Presentation of Awards Charles E. Jolliffe, Lions Club Robert K. McCarthy, Lions Club Charles E. Benton, Principal
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. Henry E. Young, Jr., Chairman
Hannah Adams Club, Scholarship Committee Stanley C. Fisher, Chairman, Scholarship Committee Beckwith Post No. 110, Medfield American Legion Supt. George C. Roy, Scholarship Committee, Medfield Lions Club Lawton B. Kingsbury, Chairman PTA Scholarship Committee
Presentation of Diplomas John W. Hinkley, Medfield School Committee
Class Song Lyrics-Barbara Elizabeth Simmons As the class of 1951
We will each go on his way
Facing each new problem rising
As we would the wak'ning day. With the strength that is within us And the knowledge we have gained
We can reach the far horizons That those before obtained.
For to Medfield High, we say good-by To the days that now are done;
We will face the future well equipped To meet both hard times and fun. Though war or peace may greet us In uncertain days ahead The memories of dear Medfield High Will stand us in our stead. Melody: Joan Elizabeth Fisher Harmony: Ruth Doris Benjamin Recessional-Washington Post March Class of 1951
Sousa
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE MOTTO: "Finis Coronat Opus" Ovid "The result justifies the effort" COLORS: Maroon and White FLOWER: Red Rose
98
CLASS ROLL
Charles Theodore Aylward Dorcas Marion Ballou Joan Caroline Beal Ruth Doris Benjamin Myrtle Rose Bosselman Norma Faye Cantoreggi Thomas Alan Copithorne Edward Francis Curry Beverly Ann Dewar
Joan Elizabeth Fisher Richard Prescott Harmon John Francis Kennedy Nancy Elizabeth Koch Allan Joseph Larkin Helen Theresa McCarthy Bradford Mills Morse Verna Mae Oja David Lawrence Owen Barbara Elizabeth Simmons
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I submit my report as Supervising Principal of the Hannah Adams Pfaff Elementary School.
The enrollment by grades is as follows: Kindergarten, Miss Helen Mowbray, 51; Grade I, Miss Jean Peckham, 24; Grade I, Miss Mary Banks, 24; Grade II, Mrs. Pauline Coulter, 26; Grade II, Mrs. Barbara Mckay, 26; Grade III, Mrs. Muriel Daley, 24; Grade III, Miss Marilyn Smith, 25; Grade IV, Mrs. Alice Ferris, 26; Grade IV, Mrs. Anne Brennan, 25; Grade V, Mrs. Anne Rossi, 24; Grade V, Mrs. Donna Renda, 23; Grade VI, Miss Mary Burns, 22; Grade VI, Mrs. Jeanne Bibby, 23; making a total of 343 pupils.
The sale of War Savings Stamps and Bonds goes on regularly each week. From September through December sales have amounted to $523.00.
We have shared in some of the various campaigns and I will list a few of them such as the March of Dimes, Salvation Army Drive, Junior Red Cross, Jimmy Fund, Heart Fund and the Crusade for Freedom.
All recreation periods are properly supervised by three teachers on the playground although this presents quite a problem because of the overcrowded conditions. It has worked
99
out quite satisfactory but will be improved when we can move the lower grades into the new elementary building. There are 149 children at play during the first recess period and 143 on the playground for the second recess.
We haven't started our recess milk program as yet be- cause of the crowded conditions but will start just as soon as possible.
The teachers and pupils are looking forward to an organ- ized visual program in the near future. We have films and film strips to correlate with our classroom subjects but no room available to show them in.
The Elementary school gave its first Christmas Concert under the direction of the teachers and the supervision of Mrs. Edwards, our Music Supervisor. The large attendance of pa- rents and friends was very gratifying to the teachers and pupils. We shall endeavor to make this an annual event.
On behalf of the faculty and myself, I wish to thank you and the members of the School Committee and of the commu- nity in general who are working together for the benefit of our children.
Respectfully submitted
DOROTHY J. BROWN Principal
REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit to you the annual report of the home economics department and school cafeteria.
The most significant change in the department this year has been the installation of a specific course of study for grades nine through twelve. It has been planned that Fresh- man and Sophomores should meet together and that Juniors and Seniors should meet together also. In this way the sub- ject matter offered would change every two years so that four complete courses are offered during the high school year. A girl may major in home economics by enrolling for ten forty-minute periods per week, or she may supplement her other work with five periods per week. This is considered an unprepared subject, therefore, sufficient time is given for projects to be completed in class. The program includes such fields as home decoration, child study, clothing selection and home finance as well as the more traditional foods and cloth- ing.
A more recent trend in home economics education is a de- viation from the emphasis once placed upon the perfection of
100
skills and more importance placed upon its contribution to in- dividual growth and effective home living. The modern idea supports the theory that a girl learns as much from her mis- takes as her successes and that more learning and self reliance comes from allowing her to observe the results of each.
With the opening of the new elementary school, we expect a decided ease in the crowded conditions in the school cafe- teria. In is expected that we will require two full time work- ers in our present kitchen and one in the new one.
The recommendation of a "B" lunch program for the younger children has been approved by the committee. It is felt that this type is much more suitable for children of this age. It is in no way less balanced nutritionally than the "A" lunch. The principal difference is in the size of serving and it is hoped that a decreased price will result in increased par- ticipation. It is also my desire that time will be provided in the future so that a program of nutrition education can be introduced in the elementary school. There is a definite need for making the children more "food conscious" and early train- ing at this level could only result in improved habits later.
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