USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1950-1954 > Part 45
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The Kiplinger Washington Letter of December 24, 1954, on the subject of population, contains this statement: "But another boom, starting in the early 60's, is almost sure. The wave of births in past 15 years will become a wave of marriages then- a bigger boom than at present."
92
While I would not imply that pre-occupation with the ex- panding population is the only concern of those having charge of our public schools, it certainly must be in the forefront of all our thinking. As you are aware, the New School Building Com- mittee has been meeting faithfully throughout the past year and its plans are now being studied by the School Building Assist- ance Commission before submission to the voters. If action is taken by the town within the immediate future, we can prob- ably manage for the first few months of the school year to be- gin next September by utilizing various segments of space such as cafeterias for classroom purposes. If new construction is not available by the beginning of school in September, 1956, we shall have no choice but to go on double sessions with a sharp in- crease in expenditures and a sharp decline in educational effi- ciency.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL:
Resigned:
Mrs. Ruby Berringer
June 30, 1954
Mrs. Jeanne Bibby
June 30, 1954
Mr. Philip Hoffman
June 30, 1954
Miss Barbara Lossone June 30, 1954
Mrs. Dorothy Wallace
June 30, 1954
Mrs. Mary Winchester
July 15, 1954
Mrs. Margery Jayes July 26, 1954
Elected to begin service September 1, 1954: Mrs. Katharine Barnes Mrs. Rose Randlett
Mrs. Jessie Merritt
Mrs. Ruth Kitchin
Mrs. Helen Thomas
Miss Joan O'Toole
COMMENTS ON PERSONNEL CHANGES
Mrs. Margaret Blute was transferred to the fifth grade left vacant by the resignation of Mrs. Winchester. This left the posi- tion of Helping Teacher open, and it was filled by assigning Miss Charlotte Roberts to cover the responsibility on a part-time basis in addition to her work as Supervisor of Music. Most of Miss Roberts time has been devoted to a testing program, the results of which will serve as a basis for special help to those needing it most. Simple justice demands that a word be spoken here about the significant gains accomplished by Mrs. Blute while serving as Helping Teacher. The change of assignment was made at Mrs. Blute's own request.
The resignation of Mr. Philip Hoffman left us without a Su- pervisor of Instrumental Music. When we sought candidates for the position it was found that our prevailing rate of pay was not sufficient to attract any worthwhile people. Upon increasing the compensation, it was possible to sign up a first-class man. but unfortunately an increase in other responsibilities forced his res-
93
ignation almost at once. This happened with other promising candidates until Mr. Robert Kelley, the newly-chosen conductor of the Medfield Community Orchestra, generously agreed to cov. er the position on a per-diem substitute basis. For that reason his name does not appear in the list of teachers. Mr. Kelley is do- ing some excellent work but he needs the active co-operation of parents in seeing that students keep to a rigid schedule of home practice. At Mr. Kelley's suggestion, we have dropped work with a school band and instead we are concentrating upon or- chestral instruction.
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
1954
Appropriated
$137,137.05
Re-imbursements from the Commonwealth:
General School Fund
$33,210.23
All school transportation
1,492.60
Tuition-State wards
846.60
$35,549.43
Receipts
Building rentals
$ 36.00
Sale of supplies
19.70
Sale of shop materials
116.07
Tuition
519.60
Telephone tolls
14.45
$705.82
Recapitulation
Re-imbursements
$35,549.43
Receipts
705.82
Unexpended balance
1,375.64
$ 37,630.89
Net cost to taxpayers $ 99,506.16
It must be stressed that the sum of reimbursements and receipts goes to the Town Treasurer and is NOT available to the School Committee unless specifically appropriated for school purposes. The School Committee can expend ONLY the funds provided by direct appropriation.
We still look hopefully at the bill now pending before the General Court to increase State reimbursements for school pur- poses and thus lighten the burden placed upon the real estate taxpayer at present. Believing that the citizens of Medfield would wish such relief, the writer has agreed to serve upon BOTH committees now hard at work endeavoring to push this bill to enactment. Your superintendent believes he is the only one in the Commonwealth serving upon both. He also serves as chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and hence is in a position to exercise furth-
94
er influence to advance the proposed legislation. Regardless of the outcome of this activity, the rate of reimbursement will remain the same for the balance of the State fiscal year (ending June 30) and we can reasonably expect to collect no less in the next distribution.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Trustees of the Public Library continue their thoughtful practice of turning over to us from time to time copies of books which duplicate volumes already on their shelves. For this we are most appreciative.
The Medfield Community Chest and the Salvation Army con- tinue their assistance to several of our pupils and we are sincere- ly grateful for their help.
The Class of 1954 donated a sum of money to the school to be used for the installation of a so-called "inter-com" system for contacting various parts of the high school building without leaving the office. We are still checking technical advice in the matter before commencing to actually install the equipment. We know we shall find it most useful when it is finally in operation.
The Medfield Parent-Teacher Association has not only con- tinued its active interest in our schools but is expanding its of- ferings of scholarships and prizes to our students in a most gen- erous fashion. The Beckwith Post No. 110, American Legion and the Auxiliary of the Post continue to take an active part in pro- viding awards for our students which they, too, have increased significantly during the past year. The Hannah Adams Club, the Medfield Lions Club and the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion continue their active interest and support. I am sure we all feel just a little more determined to see that we do not fail the expectations of such fine and loyal friends.
Your superintendent believes that the expansion of our school system has progressed in an orderly fashion during the past year, not only because of the close attention to duty on the part of every member of our present staff, but also because the foundation of our system is essentially sound. For this we can thank our predecessors who labored so faithfully to accomplish this result. The unfailing sympathy and support of the School Committee, the friendly co-operation of the townspeople and the unselfish labors of every one of my fellow workers have com- bined to make the problems we face in common seem just a little less difficult.
Your particular attention is directed to the pictures on the following pages which portray actual school activities in prog- ress.
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM H. McLIN Superintendent
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF HIGH SCHOOL
It is customary to address this report to the superintendent of schools, but since the writer serves in that capacity as well, the usual salutation is omitted.
This report covers the work of the high school during the calendar year ending December 31, 1954. The writer has served as principal since September 3, 1952.
The graduating class of June 16, 1954 numbered 18. The most reliable information places 15 in institutions of higher learning as follows: 6 in college, 1 in teachers college, 2 in pre- paratory school, 3 in secretarial school, 1 in art school, 1 in nurses training, 1 in technical school. The remaining 3 are re- ported as gainfully employed.
The following awards were made at graduation:
D.A.R. Good Citizen-Suzanne Kennedy
Bausch & Lomb Science Award-Donald Tompkins
Girls State-Beverly Hull (Priscilla Ehnes, alternate) Boys State-Norman Rossi (William Reynolds, alternate) Balfour Plaque & Key-Suzanne Kennedy
American Legion Medals-Donald Tompkins, Kennedy.
Suzanne
The scholarships were awarded as follows:
American Legion-Louise Fisher
Hannah Adams-Barbara Bowker
Parent-Teacher Association-Donald Tompkins
Medfield Lions Club-Suzanne Kennedy
Medfield Choral Group-Elaine Rawding
The Washington trip was a most enjoyable experience, thanks to the courtesy and good manners of the Senior class. As usual, our young people were showered with compliments everywhere they went. The financial burden of the undertaking is becoming too great as our numbers increase and present plans call for the activity to be abandoned after 1956.
Our football team once again turned in an outstanding per- formance with such a fine example of team play that it would be impossible to single out a single player for honors. We pass along a word of sincere praise to Coach Charles Mains and his assistant John McGrath, Jr.
We are indebted to the Fred C. Browne Company of Walpole for supplying us with a dual-control car which we share with Millis in driver-training work.
A spirit of cheerful forbearance which characterizes both faculty and student body points up a sense of continuing achievement and satisfaction.
Very respectfully, WILLIAM H. McLIN
Principal
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GRADUATION EXERCISES of the CLASS OF 1954 MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Wednesday, June 16, 1954 Eight O'clock
PROGRAM
Processional Class of 1954 Elgar
"Pomp and Circumstance" Medfield Community Orchestra Mr. Stewart Smith, Conductor
Marshals:
Norman Rossi, '55 Marie Oja, '55 Paul Cox, '56 Helen Smith, '56
Invocation Rev. John Garrick
Address of Welcome John Joseph O'Leary, Jr., President, Class of 1954
Glee Club-"Let There Be Music" Miss Charlotte Roberts, Director
Williams
Essay-"American Citizenship and the Arts" Barbara Bowker
Essay-"American Citizenship and the Sciences" Donald Harvey Tompkins
Essay-"American Citizenship and Foreign.Observers" Kenneth Waldron Getchell, Jr.
Essay-"American Citizenship-Precious Birthright" Louise Allen Fisher
Glee Club-"America-Our Heritage" Steele
Presentation of Class Gift
Donald Harvey Tompkins, Vice-President, Class of 1954
Acknowledgment
Priscilla Ehnes, President, Class of 1955
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Presentation of Awards William H. McLin, Principal
Presentation of American Legion Medals Commander Stanley C. Fisher Beckwith Post, No. 110, Medfield
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. Malcolm R. Haskell, President, Hannah Adams Club Mr. Stanley C. Fisher, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Beckwith Post. No. 110
Mr. Charles F. Mains, Past President Medfield Parent-Teacher Association
Mr. Lee DeSorgher, Chairman, Scholarship Committee Medfield Lions Club Mr. Mario Pederzini, Medfield Choral Group
Awarding of Diplomas
Mr. Henry R. DeForest, Medfield School Committee
Class Song Words-Frances Brown, Louise Fisher
To Medfield High we raise our voice
In lasting faith and pride.
Forall the lessons we have learned Our hearts to you in praise are turned As we go forth tonight.
The halls we walked, the books we read Will ever be recalled. As on to future goals we strive,
The memories will keep alive
Our cherished friendships true.
Rose shadows fade into the night
And mingle with the stars.
The blending hues of white and rose
Our love and loyalty disclose
Our colors ever dear.
Tune: "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind"
Recessional March of the Graduates "Washington Post March" Sousa
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR
MOTTO: "The secret of success is constancy to purpose."
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COLORS: American Beauty and White
CLASS ROLL
Barbara Bowker
Henry Randolph DeForest, Jr. Louise Allen Fisher Mary Bradford Flagg Kenneth Waldron Getchell, Jr. Patricia Anne Hastings Jere Greenleaf Hutchins Suzanne Elizabeth Kennedy Nancy Lee Lane
Margaret Mary Molloy Charles Wesson Munroe, Jr. Marcia Newell John Joseph O'Leary, Jr. Elaine Vernetta Rawding Thelma Louise Stevens
Russell Robert Suereth
Donald Harvey Tompkins John Robert Wilson
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SCIENCE GROUP AT WORK
BIOLOGY LABORATORY
-
-
-
FUTURE HOME-MAKERS
MRS. HARDIN,. DR. KIRSCHBAUM and MRS. PENNIMAN IN THE DENTAL CLINIC
A CLASS IN WOODWORKING
MEDFIELD .MILLIS DRIVER TRAINING CAR
MR. SHAW SETTING OUT FOR DRIVING PRACTICE
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF ELEMENTARY AND MEMORIAL SCHOOLS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I present to you my annual report as Principal of the Ele- mentary Schools.
The enrollment of the elementary schools continues to surge upward. Since the opening of school in September we have added seventeen new pupils to Memorial School and six new pupils to North Street School. This totals twenty-three new pupils in six- teen weeks.
The Parent-Teacher Association very generously offered to redecorate the teacher's room at the North Street School. This was greatly appreciated by the teachers.
Open House was held October 9th in the North Street School and on December 13th in the Memorial School with a large group of parents and friends attending.
Some field trips were taken throughout the school year by several classes, and the annual school picnics were held at Nor- umbega Park and Rocky Woods Reservation.
Both Elementary Schools presented a Christmas Program under the direction of Miss Charlotte Roberts with the aid of all the teachers.
May I at this time extend my appreciation to you, the School Committee, the school personnel and the townspeople for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY J. BROWN, Principal
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The School Health Department's duties. consist of regular physical examinations, daily visits to the school, control of com- municable diseases and consultation with the faculty on psycho- logical problems. In addition to these, we have rendered first aid, arranged for chest X-rays for the Senior Class and members of the faculty and supervised school lunches.
Dental examinations were made cn 359 pupils and notices were sent home to parents for those children needing dental care, We have had weekly clinics from the beginning of the school
103
year and the dental work has been completed on many pupils. Because of the greater response each year from the parents we feel that this is one of the outstanding programs offered to the school child.
Vision and hearing tests were given to all pupils from the first grade through High School. Because of the difficulty in ob- taining the State audiometer and the limited time for its use in testing and retesting, we feel that more satisfactory testing could be done if the school owned its own audiometer.
The health of the children is above average. In surrounding towns there have been several epidemics of communicable dis- eases. These may be expected to occur every three to six years as a new group of non-immune children comes to school.
We wish to thank the school authorities and personnel who have been very co-operative.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RITCHEY STAGG, M.D. MADELEINE I. HARDING, R.N. BEVERLY B. PENNIMAN, R.N. ELLIOTT KIRSCHBAUM, D.M.D.
REPORT OF GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The girls' physical education program has been planned to bring out individual differences and develop the personality of the whole child. However, the classes are so large and so varied in skills that progression and follow-ups are made more difficult and it is harder to reach the student who needs to be drawn out.
Many activities are offered to the students, but we are lim- ited in the number with whom we can work closely in the rec- reational activities and intramural competition available.
The following sports are offered in the High School on a varsity and recreational basis: field hockey, basketball, and softball. I should like to include tennis, badminton as individual sports, and the team game, volleyball.
In the elementary schools the following activities are offered.
1. Directed play
2. Large and small group play
3. Introduction to team games
4. Team games
5. Relays
6. Rhythms
7. Stunts and tumbling
8. Ball skills
9. Square and folk dancing
10. Apparatus work
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The Junior High School level consists, mostly of team games and developing skills to a higher degree and the stressing of working together.
Respectfully submitted, JESSIE MERRITT Supervisor of Girls' Physical Education
REPORT OF BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The boys' physical education program is handled in three interlocking stages.
The initial stage, which consists of boys from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades, stresses how individual skills are developed. Re- lay races not only provide the will to win but, what is more im- portant, they develop the individual skills needed in such games as football, basketball, baseball and other team sports. Teaching these skills not only improves the boy athletically but builds him up for better all-around co-ordination.
The Junior High School boys carry on with these individual skills in team games. In this second stage the boys are intro- duced to the game itself by learning the rules and the over all team work. Here actually is the start of an intramural system. Boys of this age need activities which will develop their co-ordi- nation as they are entering the so-called "clumsy" stage.
By the time a boy reaches the third stage he should have a good knowledge of skills and rules. The boys in the High School actually compete in an intramural program, which consists of the more popular sports plus team games that seem to be as favored as the common sports.
As the educational values of athletics come to be more and more recognized in the school program it also is obvious that the intensive coaching efforts are being expended on the select few who are already highest in athletic proficiency, and that the majority of pupils, who also have a keen natural interest in athletics, are being neglected. Through this intramural program, we believe We are bringing to the neglected pupil an opportunity to participate in team games.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. MAINS Boys' Physical Education Director
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REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
"Drawing is a language" and as such it is used very ef- fectively in Medfield Public Schools. The evidence is in every schoolroom in Murals, Window and Board decorations and group displays. We have tried to correlate Art with all other subjects. Thus it becomes much more than an end in itself. It is in fact a very practical form of visual education.
Both children and teachers show fine past training. The Town is fortunate in having classroom teachers who are so well equipped for the teaching of Art.
The Supervisor's chief efforts lie in arranging a program and in supplying inspirational impetus.
In the Junior High School, accomplishment is hampered by the need for room and time.
Respectfully submitted RUTH KITCHIN, Supervisor of Art.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year the children in the Medfield schools have experienced a musical growth stemming from a program consisting of rote and note singing, rhythmic and creative ac- tivities and appreciation through listening.
In May a combined High School Girls' Choral Group and Glee Club performed at the spring concert. At this concert the girls had an opportunity to sing with the school orchestra.
In June, at graduation exercises this High School group again presented several selections.
In December a Christmas assembly was presented in the High School Auditorium. The program consisted predominant- ly of elementary children with several selections from the High School Choral Group.
It is my hope that from a varied and diversified music program the children have grown socially, receiving individual satisfaction as well as the satisfaction of group participation and obtaining an appreciation and love of good music that will lead to cultural development on the part of the child.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLOTTE ROBERTS, Supervisor of Vocal Music.
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REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS AND CAFETERIA SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year the Junior High School classes were divided into two units. The first unit works on clothing and the second unit on foods.
The High School program consists of basic and advanced sewing.
The school cafeteria has continued to share in the govern- ment subsidy program. Student lunches have again increased over last years figures and also the sale of milk has increased.
The number of cafeteria workers has remained the same and they are doing a tremendous job in making the school lunch program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE RICHARDSON, Cafeteria and Home Economics Supervisor.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The industrial arts program has included more new ex- periences for the boys. Some of them have been working with, studying and repairing electric motors, radios, automobiles, bicycles and other equipment. There has been more metal. working done on a voluntary basis than in the past.
We have spent more time in the proper planning and draw- ing of projects to be made. Mechanical drawing is now being taught as a regularly scheduled part of the program in most of the classes.
Respectfully submitted, ALAN SHAW, Supervisor of Industrial Arts.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
To the Superintendent of Schools:
With more students in the high school and the reduced in- surance rates available to young people with Driver E_uca- tion Certificates, the enrollment has almost doubled.
It seems that with these lowered insurance rates or a chance to get a license with free instruction in a dual-control car we
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often lose sight of the real value of driver education - the sav- ing of lives and the prevention of suffering and injury.
Our one aim is to make better, safer drivers. This can be done by acquiring better understanding of the automobile and the physical forces that act upon it, adequate knowledge of motor vehicle laws and most important of all - the establish- ment of proper driving attitudes and respect for the other fel- low.
Manipulative skills alone will not make a safe driver. He must also have the proper knowledge and driving attitudes.
Respectfully submitted, ALAN SHAW, Director of Driver Education.
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MEDFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FINANCIAL STATEMENT Dec. 31, 1952
Budget
Expended
Balance
Overdraft
Acct. 15-Salaries of Supervisors, Teachers
Principals
79,514.00
$78,729.00
$785.00
Acct. 16-Expenses of Supervisors, Principals, Teachers
2,050.00
2,019.32
30.68
Acct. 17-Textbooks
1,605.14
1,539.71
65.43
Acct. 18-Supplies
4,005.71
3,801.17
204.54
Acct. 19-Janitor Service
9,072.24
9,112.44
-40.20
Acct. 20-Fuel
4,910.00
4,236.17
673.83
Acct. 21-Misc. Expenses of Operation
4,000.00
4,926.77
-926.77
Acct. 22-Repairs, Replacement, Upkeep
1,505.00
2,128.59
-623.59
Acct. 23-Libraries
72.10
68.41
3.69
Acct. 24-Promotion of Health
1,048.51
961.49
87.02
Acct. 25-Transportation
6,120.00
6,256.00
-136.00
Acct. 28-Miscellaneous
3,251.15
3,536.70
-285.55
Acct. 30-School Committee
175.00
2.25
172.75
Acct. 31-Superintendent
2,552.00
2,237.05
314.95
Acct. 36-New Equipment
3,126.15
3,919.71
-793.56
Contingencies
1,200.00
459.06
740.94
$124,207.00
$123,933.84
$3,078.83
$2,805.67
Totals
$3,078.83
Balance
-2,805.67
Overdraft
$273.16
Net Balance Unexpended
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MEDFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FINANCIAL STATEMENT Dec. 31, 1953
Budget
Expended
Balance
Overdraft
Acct. 15-Salaries of Supervisors, Teachers
Principals
$84,032.00
$83,301.00
731.00
Acct. 16-Expenses of Supervisors, Principals, Teachers
1,917.50
1,913.13
4.37
Acct. 17-Textbooks
2,243.60
2,310.43
66.83
Acct. 18-Supplies
3,100.29
3,075.71
24.58
Acct. 19 Janitor Service
9,373.04
9,306.75
66.29
Acct. 20-Buel
4,500.00
4,004.35
495.65
Acct. 21-Misc. Expenses of Operation
4,181.00
4,788.91
-607.91
Acct. 22-Repairs, Replacement, Upkeep
1,465.00
1,421.15
43.85
Acct. 23-Libraries
70.00
68.95
1.05
Acct. 24-Promotion of Health
938.12
936.21
1.91
Acct. 25-Transportation
6,256.00
6,166.50
89.50
Acct. 28-Miscellaneous
2,503.99
2,409.76
94.23
Acct. 30-School Committee
50.00
48.00
2.00
Acct. 31-Superintendent
1,900.00
1,761.86
201.57
Acct. 36-New Equipment
425.00
765.72
-340.72
Contingencies
1,000.00
1,074.30
-74.30
Totals
$123,955.54
$123,289.30
$1,756.00
$1,089.76
$1,756.00
Balance
1,089.76
Overdraft
$666.24 Net Balance
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MEDFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FINANCIAL STATEMENT Dec. 31, 1954
Budget
Expended
Balance
Overdraft
Acct. 15-Salaries of Supervisors, Teachers Principals
$95,638.00
$93,071.00
2,567.00
Acct. 16-Expenses of Supervisors, Principals, Teachers
1,820.00
1,813.03
6.97
Acct. 17-Textbooks
2,306.77
2,254.26
52.51
Acct. 18-Supplies
2,949.67
2,947.68
1.99
Acct. 19-Janitor Service
9,875.00
9,799.09
75.91
Acct. 20-Fuel
4,200.00
3,297.10
902.90
Acct. 21-Misc. Expenses of Operation
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