USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1950-1954 > Part 7
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The Committee appreciates the generous gift of the Med- field Community Orchestra toward the purchase of a new Bell and Howell 16" millimeter projector.
Changes in the requirements for graduates were approved by your School Committee. Now in addition to the former base of twenty credits, physical education is compulsory and counts for one credit. The Committee believes not only that the minds of boys and girls should be developed, but also their bodies.
The School Committee extends thanks and appreciation to the following organizations: The Hannah Adams Club, The Parent Teachers Association, The American Legion, The Lions, and all other civic groups for their financial and moral support of the Medfield Schools' Scholastic and Athletic endeavors.
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J
The Committee heartily thanks the people of Medfield for their continued interest in and understanding of the problems that arise in the present day school world.
Respectfully submitted
LEON M. BOWDEN, Chairman JOHN J. LYONS, Recording Secretary RALPH C. BENEDICT, Financial Sec.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
I hereby submit my second annual school report. Follow- ing this section are reports of the High School Principal, Elementary School Principal, Supervisors and Health Depart- ment. It is proper that you read each of these in order that you have a bird's eye view of our operations.
No single report covers all the aspects of school adminis- tration. The purpose of this report is to summarize the high- lights of the school department during the current year ..
Physical Set Up
During the school year, September 1949-June 1950, all ele- mentary classrooms with the exception of grade six which met in the high school building, were conducted in the elementary school. After the summer had passed we were confronted with overloads in grades three and four. This situation was studied by your school committee, principals and superintendent, and it was deemed advisable to rearrange some of the classes. This necessitated the moving of the mechanical drawing room furni- ture into the shop and scheduling high school classes for the new location; the furniture from the laboratory was placed in the mechanical drawing room (this was done because the pupil units were smaller and it enabled us to place more units in this room); the largest desks and chairs available were mounted on wooden blocks for use in the laboratory. The room formerly occupied by grade five in the elementary school was made ready for a third grade. The mechanical drawing room is used for grade five. Some old arm chairs were resurrected and are used in the location which was formerly the cloak room. This room equipped with a portable blackboard is serving well during this emergency.
Registration-October 1, 1950
Kindergarten, Miss Mowbray 41
Grade 1, Miss Peckham 26
Grade 1, Miss Mclaughlin 27
Grade 2, Mrs. Coulter 25
Grade 2, Miss Haney 22
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Grade 3, Mrs. Phillips
25
Grade 3, Mrs. Howard
25
Grade 4, Miss O'Regan
16
Grade 4, Mrs. Brennan
29
Grade 5, Mrs. Rossi
39
Grade 6, Miss Burns
35
Grade 7, Mrs. Washburn
42
Grade 8, Mr. Horner
25
Grade 9, Mr. Morris
30
Grade 10, Miss McGrath
32
Grade 11, Mr. Mains
23
Grade 12, Mrs. Potter
19
Grade P.G., Mrs. Potter
3
Elementary Private
Finances
1950
1951
Budget $88,916.68
Budget Estimate. $99,855.93
Reimbursement .. 28,842.62
Reimbursement,
Estimate
30,292.56
Total Net Cost ... $60,074.06
Estimate
$69,563.37
Gross per pupil
Gross per pupil
cost
184.09
cost
206.74
Net per pupil
Net per
pupil
cost
124.38
cost
144.02
Reimbursement Chapter 648
$23,813.38
Union Superintendent
1,244.44
Transportation
2,033.46
State Wards
751.28
$28,842.56
The addition of $1450. for 1951 is the additional reimburse- ment under this section for one extra teacher.
Changes in Personnel
Last May, Mr. Peter Ingeneri, who taught sciences in the high school left us to join the Boston School Department. Mr. Malcolm Smith resigned to further his education and was re- placed by Mr. James Morris. In June, Miss Virginia Garrity left to do graduate work at Boston College and Miss Therese Cullinane also resigned. Mr. John Killelea was hired for the balance of the last school year and was re-elected for the present school year. Mr. William Horner replaced Mr. John Foley who was recalled to the Active Marine Corps. Miss Mil- dred Mclaughlin was assigned to grade one; Mrs. Grace
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.
484
19
Total Net Cost,
Howard and Mrs. Barbara Phillips to grades three. Miss Shiela O'Regan who last year taught remedial reading was assigned to grade four. Mr. Paul Mason, former elementary principal re- signed and Mrs. Dorothy Brown was elected to this position. We wish each success in his new endeavor.
Program
We are following the middle road educationally. We are attempting to use the best of the old and the best of the new. Even though subject matter may at times be handled individ- ually we do have occasions which involves more than one sub- ject to develop the lesson; art, English, mathematics, science and handwriting as well as the social studies might be included. Following the modern trend of education we hope to purchase supplementary readers for each grade at the elementary level in order that the background of each pupil be broadened. By having these books available even better results will be obtained.
During the year, maps and globes found needed as a result of a survey were purchased for the elementary school.
The purchase of books and supplies for school use is most important since these are the tools of education. With an adequate teaching staff and the best of tools we feel that the best results will be obtained.
At the high school level a course on the link trainer was given by Mr. Edward Conroy, an instructor at the Squantum Air Base. Millis High School students interested in the course were allowed to pursue it. Expenses were shared by the two school departments.
Tests
Last spring both intelligence and achievement tests were administered. Capacity to learn is measured by the intelligence tests while knowledge which has been acquired is measured by achievement tests.
Each case was treated separately. The findings are used educationally by each teacher to help serve each pupil better. It is well to add that each teacher is constantly aware of the physical, social, emotional side of the pupil. Today we are attempting to teach boys and girls first, not subject matter.
Playground Equipment
Two miniature slides and a merry-go-round were purchased for the primary grades. The merry-go-round will be installed when the new school building is completed. Two ladders were also purchased for the elementary unit.
The proper playground equipment for pupils under the supervision of teachers has endless value. Recreation is an important phase of life for youth and adults.
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Athletic Field
The football field was properly laid out, goal posts erected and in the spring the baseball diamond is to be cut. Pupils have been kept off the field with the exception of usage for football games. Next year it is hoped that the field will be in excellent condition for games and other activities.
Several hundred were present for the dedication of the field in honor of the deceased war veterans which was followed by the Medfield-Millis High School football game.
Looking Ahead
Reading was, is, and in the opinion of the writer will always be basic in education.
Supplementary books in reading, science, social studies as well as additional reference materials will further strengthen our unit. We hope to purchase some of these in 1951.
The Medfield Symphony Orchestra contributed a substan- tial amount which made it possible for the School Committee to purchase a new 16 millimeter Bell and Howell projector. This is an instrument in modern education which is used by all. Film strips have been used in the "35" millimeter machine. We hope to purchase some of these for our own use in 1951.
The new building with an adjacent play area for the kindergarten and primary grades, the present elementary for the intermediate grades, the high school building for the junior and high school groups, will make it an ideal physical school system.
Evening Practical Arts
Three courses, one in glove making, a second in slip cover- ing and a third in children's clothing were held the earlier part of 1950. The attendance in each of these groups was good. These courses are state approved and the instructors likewise are approved by the state office.
Last fall two courses, one in children's clothing and another in rug hooking were started and are now in progress.
We hope to have a variety of courses here in the future. These courses have been determined by an interest survey. The availability of instructors is another factor that confronts us.
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.
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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
- WKOX.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE C. ROY, Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
It is a pleasure to submit my report as principal of the Junior-Senior High School for the calendar year ending Decem- ber 31, 1950.
Of the 23 graduates last June, 11 are continuing their studies, 9 are working, 2 have entered the service, and 1 is temporarily unemployed. At commencement, awards were made to the following: Charles Aylward, Harvard Book Award; Peter Vasaturo, Bausch and Lomb Science Medal; Charlotte Howlett, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen; Barbara Simmons, Washington and Franklin Medal; Robert Dunn and Joan Mick, Freshman Award; Charlotte Howlett, Balfour Prize; Rita Brin, Emily Post Book; Charles Aylward and David Owen, Boys' State; Ruth Benjamin, Girls' State; Myrtle Bosselman, Girls' Sport; Nancy Gronberg, George Hamilton and Marcia Warren, (honorable mention) Town Government Day Essays; Richard Poli, Boys' Sport. Local scholarship winners were Charlotte Howlett, Hannah Adams Club and Legion Scholarship; Loretta Braunfeld, P.T.A. Scholarship; Peter Vasaturo, Lions Club. The Commencement Program will be found at the end of this report.
Our school year opened September 6th, with 175 high schoolers and 90 elementary overflow to make a total of 265 housed in the High School building.
It seemed that classes got under way very smoothly and the number of program changes was small, probably due to the careful guidance of home room teachers in the selection of subjects and the insight gained by students from our Educational Guidance Day just prior to pupil program plan- ning.
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All High School pupil programs were planned for this school year to provide a pupil activity period, Friday the last period. The nine activities introduced are: Dramatics, Shop, Photography, Rifle, Boys and Girls Gymnastics, Boys and Girls Sports, and Girls Glee Club. These were decided on as the result of pupil and faculty recommendations. Every pupil thus ends up his academic week in a field that gives him real pleasure as well as enriched experience.
A committee of pupils in grades 7-10 is working on the design of a significant Medfield High School class ring. It is expected that this will be so appealing that it will become standard for all classes henceforth and become a symbol of the pride of our Medfield citizens in their school.
The Senior Play "A Little Honey" was produced on Friday, December 15th. The class and the coach, Miss Ann McGrath, worked tirelessly and against the threats or near threats of sickness to put on a fine performance for a large and enthusi- astic audience. The proceeds come near putting the Washing- ton Trip goal over the top.
In the operation of our cafeteria it became necessary to increase the price of lunch 1c to keep pace with increased costs. The state reimbursement was reduced 1c because the number of schools participating has greatly increased while their funds have remained static. Almost every community is building one or more elementary schools and the great majority with hot lunch programs. We are compelled to struggle to maintain our high standard of quality and variety.
In September we appreciated the splendid turnout of the Townspeople at the dedication exercises of our athletic field. The game itself and the fitting ceremony were events that will long be remembered. No doubt the excellent new field is a factor in the resurgence of new spirit that has led to one of the most successful seasons in recent years. The gate re- ceipts, too, are highly gratifying and will enable us to provide still more athletic opportunities for our boys and girls.
The active support and gifts of many individuals and civic groups to enrich our school life must not go unacknowl- edged. This typifies the fine community feeling toward its schools. I know it is an additional inspiration to pupils, teachers, and all others to give that little extra, that makes for better results.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES E. BENTON Principal, Medfield Junior- Senior High School.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE CLASS OF 1950
Medfield High School High School Auditorium Thursday, June 15, 1950 Eight O'Clock
Program
Selections by the Medfield Community Orchestra
Mr. Stuart Smith, Conductor
Student Prince Romberg Sleeping Beauty Waltz Tschaikowsky
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance
Class of 1950
Marshalls: Barbara Simmons '51. Nancy Stagg '52 Charles Aylward '51, and Robert Howlett '52
Invocation
Address of Welcome
Robert Garfield Farrell, President, Class of 1950
Junior-Senior Chorus
The Lord's Prayer Malotte
Dear Land of Home Sibelius
Essay-"Our Medfield Heritage" Charlotte. Campbell Howlett
Essay-"Freedom of the Press in America"
Loretta Martha Braunfeld
Piano Solo-Danse Negre Scott Charlotte Campbell Howlett
Essay-"The Era of Specialization" Peter Paul Vasaturo
Address William J. Pinard, Associate Professor of Psychology, Boston University
Junior-Senior Chorus
. Dvorak
Going Home
You the Night and Music Schwartz
Presentation of Class Gift
Kathryn Wealtha Mick, Vice President, Class of 1950
Acknowledgement John Kennedy, Vice President, Class of 1951
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Presentation of Awards Robert K. McCarthy, Lions Club Charles E. Benton, Principal
Presentation of Scholarships Mrs. Ralph Seaman, Chairman, Hannah Adams Club, Scholarship Committee C. Munrow Clark, Chairman, PTA Scholarship Committee Stanley C. Fisher, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Beckwith Post No. 110, Medfield American Legion John J. Lyons, Scholarship Committee, Medfield Lions Club
Presentation of Diplomas Ralph C. Benedict, Medfield School Committee
Class Song . Words by Shirley Nourse Farewell to dear Medfield High School How we have loved every year! Pleasant memories will linger, Memories to us very dear.
As we march on to the future All of your teachings we'll heed. We'll strive to bring our school honor We'll do our best to succeed.
Dear Medfield High, Oh, how happy our choice! Praises to you Sing we now with glad voice. Tune: "Whispering Hope"
Recessional George Washington Post March . Sousa
Class of 1950
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFTY
MOTTO: Satisfactio plus valet lucro (Contentment is better than riches)
Colors: Blue and White
Flower: Red Rose
CLASS ROLL
Loretta Martha Braunfeld Rita Victoria Brin Charles Herbert Campbell Louise Delores Colantonio
Charles Farrell Cox Hugo Frederic D'Antonio Daniel Darling Ann Isabell Farrell
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Robert Garfield Farrell Nancy Evelyn Gronberg Leonard Charles Haigh George Hamilton Charlotte Campbell Howlett Edward Walter Lefebvre Kathryn Wealtha Mick Robert Lee Delano Milton
Shirley Elinor Nourse Richard Nicholas Poli Duane Raymond Seaborn Leo George Shiels Edna Lucille Travers Peter Paul Vasaturo Marcia Warren
REPORT OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit to you my report as Supervising Prin- cipal of the Hannah Adams Pfaff Elementary School.
Having been in this position only four months, I cannot report too much at this time. However I will tell briefly what has been accomplished to date.
The school membership at present is 311, the largest enroll- ment we have ever had. Miss Helen Mowbray, Kindergarten 39; Miss Mildred Mclaughlin, Grade 1, 27; Miss Jean Peckham, Grade 1, 26; Miss Barbara Haney, Grade 2, 23; Mrs. Pauline Coulter, Grade 2, 23; Mrs. Grace Howard, Grade 3, 26; Mrs. Barbara Phillips, Grade 3, 25; Mrs. Anne Brennan, Grade 4, 32; Miss Shiela O'Regan, Grade 4, 16; Mrs. Ann Rossi, Grade 5, 41; Miss Mary Burns, Grade 6, 33.
National Education Week
The week of November 5-11 was celebrated as National Education Week and the school kept "Open House" on Wed- nesday, November 8 for all parents and friends interested in visiting the various rooms. Children's paper, murals and drawing posters were on display for all to see. Many parents took this opportunity to visit the different class rooms and we appreciate their interest in coming.
Stamps and Bonds
Again we have been asked to sell War Savings Stamps and Bonds. Both schools started this sale on November 14th and continued regularly every Tuesday each week.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, the School Committee, Mr. Benton and the faculty for the help and en- couragement you have given me.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY J. BROWN Principal, Hannah Adams Pfaff Elementary School.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The following is the financial statement of the cafeteria for the period September, 1949 to December 1950.
Receipts $17,546.82
Accounts Payable. 855.42
Expenditures 17,448.31
Inventory value . . 338.64
Cash Balance
98.51
Accounts Receiv .. 617.76
Our operations continues under the National School Lunch Program. A one cent decrease in state aid was the reason for the change in price of the lunch from twenty to twenty-one cents for students.
At the present time there are fifteen children in the school system who are receiving the daily lunch at no charge. We have received a contribution from the Salvation Army Funds as partial reimbursement for these. Eligibility for free lunches is determined by the school nurse.
The "Type A" lunch, the requirements of which I have given in previous report is still being served. Menus for the four day period in December 18-21 were as follows:
Baked Luncheon Meat Mashed Potato
Beets
Bread and Butter Milk
Orange Juice Spaghetti with Beef Lettuce-Russian Dressing Bread and Butter Milk
Corn Chowder
Saltines
Sliced Cheese Sandwich Apple Milk
Turkey Fricassee
Mashed Potato
Peas
Cranberry Sauce
Bread and Butter
Milk
The annual Thanksgiving Dinner was on November 16, at which time four hundred eighteen students and adults were served. For this meal we were issued approximately two hun- dred pounds of turkeys from government surplus commodities.
The purchase of some miscellaneous equipment was recom- mended and two large aluminum double boilers have already been received. It is my opinion that our greatest single need at the present time is a freezing unit.
Everyone can look forward to a decided improvement in our present crowded conditions when the cafeteria in the new school is completed.
Respectfully submitted,
PHYLLIS B. LORING,
Director of Home Economics
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
We hereby submit the report of the School Health Program for the year ending 1950.
The health of the children in Medfield continues to be above average. In 1950 there was a moderately large epidemic of measles, and lesser epidemics of chicken pox and whooping cough. This year we also had two cases of anterior polio- myelitis.
The pre-school clinic for registering pupils entering public school in September was held in May. Dr. Stagg examined each child in the presence of his parents and adjustments were made, if necessary. It is hoped that the school dentist will be present at this clinic in the future.
The Dental Clinic sponsored by the Medfield Red Cross was conducted by Dr. Melvin Gulbrandsen, who is a graduate of Bates College and Tufts College Dental School, and has done undergraduate and post graduate work in children's dentistry at Tufts.
This is, in effect, a preliminary report since our work at the clinic is not yet completed. However, it is desirable to state our aims and accomplishments to date.
In regard to the dental work undertaking in the school clinic several things require explanation.
1. It was decided this year to include Senior High School pupils in our program.
2. Preliminary examination of all pupils revealed that considerable dental work was indicated, so that it was necessary to conduct three clinics a week for a longer period of time.
3. No extractions or surgery has been undertaken because of the lack of X-Ray equipment, which is considered essential in modern dentistry.
The school dental clinic has attempted to make the neces- sary dental work as pleasant for the children as possible. It has tried to impress on the child the reasons for good dental work and how they themselves might help to keep their teeth in a healthy condition as a contribution to their general good health, personal comfort, and physical appearance.
It is recognized that the work which can be done in the school clinic is only a part of good oral health. Children and parents must be dental conscious and desirous of good oral health. Other avenues of dental education must be utilized.
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It is hoped that in the future more can be accomplished through Parent-Teacher meetings, classroom discussion, projects, and visual aids, as well as improved facilities in the clinic itself. In addition, it would be desirable to establish a preventative pro- gram of sodium fluoride treatments.
Our sincere thanks goes to the American Red Cross who have helped financially to make the dental clinic possible, and to Mrs. William Frothingham and Mrs. William Mittendorf, volunteer workers for the Red Cross. who have given freely of their time and energy.
The audiometer and vision tests were conducted and all of the serious defects are under treatment.
Eleven pupils who are physically handicapped were reported . to the State Department of Education. It is necessary for only one child to remain at home.
All seniors, boys fifteen years old and over, food handlers and school personnel were X-rayed by the Norfolk County Tuberculosis Clinic.
Ten free lunches are given daily to the children of the needy families by the Salvation Army Fund.
First aid treatments were given throughout the year and several pupils were taken home because of being ill at school.
In conclusion, the children seem to us to be of excellent health and good health habits. We would appreciate it if more of the parents would tell us of their children's health problems so that we could help to solve them.
We wish to thank the school authorities who have been most helpful in carrying out the several features of the School Health Program.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. A. RITCHIE STAGG, M.D., School Doctor MELVIN GULBRANDSEN, D.M.D., School Dentist MADELEINE HARDING, R.N., School Nurse.
REPORT OF PHYSICAL DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my annual report as Physical Education Director.
The Physical Education program offered in Medfield pro- vides a wide variety of activities which will insure the full and complete development of the child.
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As Physical Education Supervisor of the elementary school, I have set up a program which includes the following:
1 directed play 5 rhythmic activities
2 small group play
6 stunts and pyramids
3 large group play
1 team games
7 classroom games
Activities for the Junior High girls include apparatus, for- mal activities, games, relays, highly organized sports, rhythms, dancing, stunts and tumbling.
The intramural program for the Junior High girls consists of basketball, and softball.
The curricula activities for the Senior High girls are appara- tus, formal activities, games, relays, sports of higher organiza- tion, rhythms, dancing, recreational sports and tumbling.
Interscholastic athletics are offered to grades nine through twelve; these include badminton, field hockey, softball and bas- ketball.
During the fall, basketball intramurals are conducted; from the students participating, the varsity basketball squad is chosen. This year the squad will play Millis, Dover, Hopedale, Westwood and the Medfield Alumni.
These interscholastic athletics give the girls valuable ex- perience in developing attitudes of good sportsmanship and fair play.
During the latter part of the year the Junior and Senior girls will put on a demonstration to show what has been accom- plished throughout the school year.
Respectfully submitted,
BARBARA LAMBSON, Physical Education Director
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
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