USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 14
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Boston University
8
1955
(Mrs. Vernon)
Josephine McMahon, B.S. (Mrs. James)
Grade III
Emporia State Teachers
6
1955
Muriel L. Gold, B.S.E.
Grade IV
University of Vermont
4
1953
(Mrs. Harvey)
Grade IV
Farmington
7
1955
Alice E. Smith (Mrs. Winthrop)
Grade IV
Hyannis
13
1956
Nina Dow (Mrs. Donald)
Grade V
Gorham, Boston Univ.
10
1956
G. Evelyn Kenefick
Grade V
Framingham
9
1955
(Mrs. D. Vincent)
Grade V
Bridgewater, Boston
10
(1930-1934) 1950
Anna M. Rossi, B.S.E. (Mrs. Lawrence)
University
(1944-1946)
Alice J. Field (Mrs. Arthur)
Grade VI
Bridgewater
19
1952
Rose M. Randlett (Mrs. Frederick) Grade VI
Niel Training School
18
1954
Gertrude McCormick
Helping Teacher
Boston Normal
10
1956
(Mrs. Andrew)
Pauline A. Coulter, A.B.
On Leave of Absence
Portia
9
1949
(Mrs. Robert)
Helen O. McLin (Mrs. William) (Long-term substitute)
60
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Medfield
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith my fifth annual report as superintendent of the Medfield public schools, it being the fifth such report compiled since the town withdrew from the superintendency union.
RISING ENROLLMENTS - RISING COSTS
ENROLLMENT AS OF OCTOBER 1 (Exclusive of Kindergarten)
Gain Over Preceding Year
Actual
Per Cent
1951
453
1952
498
45
9.9%
1953
545
47
9.4%
1954
602
57
10.4%
1955
656
54
8.9%
1956
716
60
9.1%
47.7%
APPROPRIATED FOR OPERATING SCHOOLS
January 1-December 31
Increase Over Preceding Year
Actual
Per Cent
1952
$124,207
1953
123,955
($252 decrease)
(-00.2%)
1954
137,137
$13,182
10.6%
1955
152,768
15,631
11.3%
1956
186,821
34,053
18.2%
How do the Increases in Enrollments and in Costs Compare?
An exact parallel between enrollments and costs is difficult to obtain since the Commonwealth counts school pupils on October 1 of every calendar year, while expenditures are totaled on December 31. However, we can draw some broad comparisons. From 1952 to 1956, enrollment climbed from 498 (see above) to 716-a gain of 218 pupils. Dividing 218 by 498 we get a figure of 42.77% gain in enrollment. During the same four years our school appropriation climbed from $124,207 to $186,821. This was a gain of $62,214. Dividing $62,614 by $124,207, we find the increase was at the rate of 50%. It will be noted
61
that the big increase in the appropriation came in 1956 when we were compelled to increase our expenditures for additional teachers, fuel and janitor service as we brought thirteen new classrooms into use. Increases such as these are not likely to recur every year, since once the big change has been made, it should not have to be repeated until enroll- ments catch up, two or three years hence. (The rate of increase in the requested school appropriation for 1957 is 1% less than in 1956, despite the fact that plans must be made for operating our enlarged elementary school for a full year rather than one-third of a year as in 1956.
How Do We Compare with Towns Our Size Elsewhere in the Common- wealth?
Due to the growth of our town in recent years we are now classed in Group II (5,000 to 10,000). The comparison cited below is made by the State Department of Education and is based on the school year ending June 30, 1956.
Per Pupil School Expenditures of Medfield Compared with Average for Group II and for the State
Acct. No.
Medfield
Group II
State
General Control
31
$ 9.42
$ 7.87
$ 8.46
Salaries
15
166.59
174.66
185.29
Textbooks
17
4.80
4.30
3.59
Stationery and Supplies
18
4.12
9.42
8.92
Janitor service, Fuel, Light, Water and
20)
Janitors Supplies
21)
33.95
30.56
32.50
Repair and Replacement,
Upkeep
22
4.25
9.73
11.86
Libraries
23
.16
.75
.41
Health
24
1.91
3.30
4.12
Transportation
25
8.75
10.89
9.26
Tuition
27
.12
.70
3.10
Physical Education
27A
6.02
1.91
2.18
School Lunch
27B
.60
1.14
.87
Miscellaneous
28
1.63
2.95
Total
$210.69
$256.86
$273.51
19)
Medfield compares very favorably in most categories, especially in Salaries, Supplies, Upkeep and Transportation. The apparent excess in Janitor Service, Fuel and Light is due to the fact that many muni- cipalities raise special funds to cover the evening use of school buildings while we charge such use to our regular appropriation. Physical Education is heavy because we do not have the attendance, and hence gate receipts, at our athletic contests that some towns enjoy. All in all, Medfield is well within the average for its population group and the Commonwealth as a whole as the total clearly shows.
62
NEW FACILITIES
The new thirteen-classroom addition to our former seven-class- room Memorial Elementary School was opened for school sessions on Monday, September 17, 1956. Public inspection of the structure took place on Sunday afternoon, December 2. For all practical purposes the enlarged building will be completely filled in September, 1957.
A check of our enrollment table of last October 1 will soon show that when the big classes now coming through elementary grades reach high school, the housing problem will once more become acute. That time is not more than three years away. To put it bluntly first grade enrollments three times the size of classes graduating from high school are bound to make themselves felt sooner or later.
The purchase of additional land by the town during 1956 and the decision of the School Committee to seek funds for a survey of possible future school needs are steps that should yield big dividends in the not-too-distant future.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Resigned:
Mr. James G. Bachman (Military substitute,
service ended Jan. 30, 1956)
Mr. Freeman T. Frank
June 30, 1956
Mrs. Norma Rosenberg
June 30, 1956
Mrs. Antanet M. Shaw
June 30, 1956
Miss Charlotte Roberts
June 30, 1956
Mrs. Margaret H. Blute June 30, 1956
Mrs. Anne M. Brennan
June 30, 1956
Elected to commence service as noted:
Miss Virginia Fedor
Sept. 1, 1956
Mr. Russell Tiffany
Sept. 1, 1956
Miss Laura Smith
Sept. 1, 1956
Mr. Robert Dargie
Sept. 1, 1956
Mrs. Alice Smith
Sept. 1, 1956
Mr. Charles Laverty
Sept. 1, 1956
Mrs. Elizabeth Sauer
Sept. 1, 1956
Mrs. Nina Dow
Dec. 3, 1956
Mrs. Gertrude McCormick
Dec. 3, 1956
Returned from military service:
Mr. James E. Morris Feb. 1, 1956
On leave of absence until June 30, 1957:
Mrs. Pauline Coulter
63
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
1956
Appropriated
$186,821.99
Reimbursement from the Commonwealth:
$26,745.23
General School Fund Transportation
1,440.00
Tuition-State wards
618.00
$28,803.23
Receipts:
Building rentals
$ 56.00
Telephone tolls
20.49
Sale of shop materials
113.63
Private tuition
541.00
Damage to property
30.75
Sale of supplies
9.80
Sale of old equipment
43.50
$ 815.17
Recapitulation:
Reimbursements
$28,803.23
Receipts
815.17
Unexpended balance, 1956 appropriation
1,255.11
Net cost to taxpayers
$155,948.48
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Medfield Community Chest, the Salvation Army, the Parent- Teacher Association, Beckwith Post 110, American Legion, Medfield Post 6644, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Medfield Lions Club, the Hannah Adams Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution have all continued or broadened their activities designed to aid and to inspire our students.
The Medfield High School Alumni Association presented a beautiful American flag and platform standard for the stage of the new audi- torium of Memorial School.
Mrs. Amos C. Kingsbury presented a year's subscription to AMERICAN HERITAGE to the high school library as a Christmas gift that will be deeply appreciated throughout the year.
As the writer brings to a conclusion his final report as your super- intendent of schools just prior to taking up his new duties in a broader field of education, he finds himself impelled to observe that no adminis- trator has ever been the beneficiary of more tolerant and sympathetic relations with the School Committee nor more whole-hearted co-opera-
64
30,873.51
tion from the staff than it has been the writer's privilege to enjoy since assuming this office September 1, 1952. Upon relinquishing his present post January 25, 1957, he will take with him the blame for any of the shortcomings in our educational program over the past five years. The credit for any accomplishments he relinquishes to the faithful who have borne with him "the heat and burdens of the day" as a slight token of his abiding gratitude to them.
Very Respectfully,
WILLIAM H. McLIN, Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit my second annual report as principal of the Junior-Senior High School for the year ending December 31, 1956.
The graduating class of June 6, 1956, numbered 31 students. As of this report there are 18 attending schools of higher education, three in the armed forces, eight are gainfully employed and one is married.
The graduates of the Class of 1956 are attending the following schools and universities: Bates College, Colby College, Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute, Holy Cross College, Dean Junior College, University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts School of Radio, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Tufts College, Pierce Secretarial School, Stockbridge School at the University of Massachusetts, Middle- bury College, Vassar College, Dartmouth College and the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing. Medfield High School is also represented by graduates at Boston College, Boston University, Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology and Lesley College.
The following awards were presented at the June 6, 1956 graduation:
American Legion Auxiliary Girls State
American Legion Boys State Alan Evans '57
D.A.R. Good Citizen Carol Delma Anderson '56
Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow
Helen Herbert Smith '56
Readers Digest Valedictorian Award
Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr., '56
65
Balfour Plaque and Key Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr., '56 Alton H. Hartford Prizes Elaine Patricia Mezzanotte '56 Robert Harding Waters '56 American Legion Medals Charlotte Anne Wood '56 Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr., '56 The scholarships were awarded as follows: Hannah Adams Club Scholarship-Norman Harris Lougee American Legion Scholarship-Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr. P.T.A. Scholarship-Helen Herbert Smith
Lions Club Scholarship-Bruce Andrew MacPhetres
In awarding scholarships the students complete a summary infor- mation sheet which is distributed to the teachers. The teachers vote, by ballot, for the students they feel most worthy of receiving these scholarships. These ballots are turned in to the Principal and he alone compiles the results. The Principal is the only person to know of the results until they are read at graduation.
The program of studies was revised in the Spring of this year. The revision made it possible for a student entering the high school to choose one of three separate courses, namely College, Business and Practical Arts. Each course was so designed that a student may select it for four years. Another objective in revising the program of studies was to require that certain subjects be taken in each individual course.
In September of 1956 grades seven and eight were moved to the North Street School and grades nine through twelve remained in the high school. This move greatly relieved the crowded conditions of the previous school year. The uncrowded conditions will probably last for only one more school year as there are twice as many students entering the high school as are graduating. With 24 students in the graduating class of 1957 and 54 students entering the ninth grade in September of 1957 the high school will be filled to capacity. There is also a very strong possibility of having three seventh grades in September of 1957. If this occurs five of the seven available rooms in the North Street School will be in use. At this rate the capacity of that building will be reached in September of 1958. In a preliminary inquiry of course enroll- ment for the high school, for the year 1957-58, we find there will be 121 students enrolled in the college course, 51 students in the business course and 15 enrolled in the practical arts course. Keeping all of the above information in mind we should have three additional teachers in September of 1957. One of these teachers will probably be needed in the seventh grade, another for boys' physical education and social studies and the third for science and math in the high school.
Mr. Fred C. Browne again furnished a dual-control driver educa- tion car which was shared with Millis High School.
66
In closing I would like to express the staff's appreciation to the following organizations who have presented the students with scholar- ships: The Hannah Adams Club, The Parent-Teachers Association, The American Legion and the Lions Club.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. MAINS, Principal
GRADUATION EXERCISES of the MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1956 HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Wednesday, June 6, 1956 Eight O'Clock * :
PROGRAM
Processional Class of 1956 Elgar
"Pomp and Circumstance" Medfield School Orchestra Mr. Robert A. Kelley, Director
Marshalls:
Alan Evans
Joyce Kingsbury
Paul Seeley
Margaret Tucker
Invocation
Rev. John R. Nelson, DD
Address of Welcome Paul Richard Cox, President, Class of 1956
Glee Club-"Graduation Day" Miss Charlotte Roberts, Director
Sherman
Essay-"Our Debt to the School" Norman Harris Lougee
Essay-"Our Debt to the Community" Bruce Andrew MacPhetres
Essay-"Our Debt to Our Parents" Helen Herbert Smith
Essay-"Our Debt to the Future"
Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr.
67
Glee Club-"One God"
Drake and Shirl
Presentation of Class Gift
Robert Michael D'Antonio, Vice President, Class of 1956
Acknowledgment
Thomas Vincent Sweeney, Jr., President, Class of 1957
Presentation of Awards
Charles F. Mains, Principal
Presentation of the American Legion Medals
Commander Daniel Hinkley, Jr., Beckwith Post No. 110, Medfield
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. Charles C. Cain, President, Hannah Adams Club
Mr. Stanley C. Fisher, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Beckwith Post No. 110
Mr. John W. Sutcliffe, President, Medfield Parent-Teacher Association
Mr. George N. Savela, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Medfield Lions Club
Presentation of the Alton H. Hartford Prizes of the Parent-Teacher Association
Mr. William H. McLin, Superintendent of Schools
Awarding of the Diplomas Mr. Alton H. Hartford, Medfield School Committee
Class Song
Recessional March of the Graduates "Washington Post" Souza
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX
Motto "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Colors: Royal Blue and White CLASS ROLL
Carol Delma Anderson John Joseph Belmont, Jr. Charles Herbert Bennett, Jr. Jane Oliver Bryer Margaret Bates Callachan Marie Louisa Carr Charles Henry Cougherty, Jr.
68
Paul Richard Cox Robert Michael D'Antonio David Mackinnon Darling Nancy Adele Duffy Richard Anthony Fisher Carol Ann Flagg Joanne Frances Gugliotta Mario Henry Ippolitti Edward Emile Lindberg
Norman Harris Lougee Bruce Andrew MacPhetres Joseph Francis McCarthy, Jr. Elaine Patricia Mezzanotte Hugh Darrel Mick Darel Clark Nowers David Gilford Nowers Ann Estelle Palumbo Willis Andrew Regan Jeanne Antonia Sargent
Helen Herbert Smith Elinor Jane Spring Arthur Ritchey Stagg, Jr. Robert Harding Waters Charlotte Anne Wood
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL - MEMORIAL SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
This report would be incomplete if I were to omit reference to our new school addition. Owing to the splendid response of Medfield citizens and the cooperative efforts of the School Committee, Superin- tendent of Schools, and the School Building Committee, we can now speak positively, inasmuch as the proposed addition to the Memorial School is a living reality.
Last year we housed grades four through six in the North Street School, but now we have grades one through six in the Memorial School, with four hundred seventy-six pupils and eighteen teachers. Next year there will be three classes each in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and in grade 1 there will be four classes, with a possible fifth class, which will fill the building to capacity.
In the spring all classes were given a day for a field trip which was well chaperoned by teachers and mothers.
69
This fall we have held three assemblies in our new auditorium, giving National Education Week, Thanksgiving and Christmas pro- grams.
In closing I again express appreciation of the thoughtfulness and personal interest of School Committee members, the superintendent, and Medfield citizens in the teachers and students of the Medfield elementary school.
Respectfully submitted, MAUDE S. WASHBURN, Supervising Principal, Memorial School
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
We present to you our annual report of the School Health Program for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Duties of the School Health Personnel:
1. Physical examinations of the new pupils. This includes all pupils not having had a physical examination in three years and pupils playing football.
2. Control of communicable diseases.
3. Consultations with the Faculty on psychological problems.
4. Rendering First Aid.
5. Regular examinations of hair and heads.
6. Testing all pupils' eyes and ears every year and notification to parents of any defects found.
7. Weighing and measuring all pupils.
8. Establishing good personal hygiene among the children.
9. Promoting and conducting a Dental Clinic.
10. Arranging with the Norfolk County Hospital for the Senior Class, bus drivers, and workers in the cafeteria to have a chest X-ray for the determination of Tuberculosis.
11. Arranging with doctors and the school department for special clinics, such as the polio and the pre-school clinic.
12. Making home visits whenever necessary.
Pre-School-Physical Examinations:
A pre-school clinic was held in the spring for the purpose of registering pupils entering public school in September. Each pupil was given a physical examination by Dr. Stagg with a parent present. Thus the parent was given the opportunity to talk with the doctor about the child.
Number of Pupils attending Pre-School Day 52
70
Physical Examinations:
Physical examinations have been done on over half the pupils. (The State requires that one-third be examined). All pupils are weighed and measured at the beginning of the year and if possible during the year.
Parents of pupils found with defects of eye, ear, nose, throat or heart are notified.
Audiometer Test for Hearing:
This report is not complete, as all the pupils have not been tested.
Massachusetts Vision Test:
This report is not complete, as all pupils have not been tested. Number of pupils tested to date 401
Number of pupils retested 32
Number of pupils now wearing glasses in school 35 Number of notices sent home-vision deficiency 18
Dental Clinic Report:
The Dental Clinic is conducted by Dr. Robert Kirschbaum and the School Nurse under the supervision of the Board of Health. All pupils are examined in the Elementary Grades and notices sent out if defects are found.
Number of pupils examined 458
Pupils not needing care 166
Pupils having their own dentist 138
No replies 50
Pupils having school dentist
104
Tuberculosis Report:
The Norfolk County Tuberculosis School Clinic was conducted in October in the Medfield schools. All members of the Senior Class, food handlers, and school personnel who had not been X-rayed within three years were examined.
Pupils and personnel X-rayed 56
Salk Poliomyelitis Vaccine Program:
The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, through the March of Dimes Funds, provided sufficient amounts of the Salk Vaccine to the State Health Department, so that it could be given to those who so desired to have their child have the vaccine.
71
Number of Clinics 5
Number of pupils receiving vaccine 392 468
Health Conferences and Rendering of First Aid to Pupils First Aid treatments were given as follows:
Removal of splinters
Dressings for cuts, scratches and bruises Sprains Poison Ivy, dogwood poison, oak poison Removal of foreign bodies from the eyes Other minor emergencies
The health of the children appears, as usual, to be above normal rate. Measles, mumps, colds, chicken-pox, and upset stomachs seem to have caused the greatest part of absenteeism.
May we take this opportunity to thank the superintendent, teachers, parents, and others, who have willingly helped us to carry out a good school health program.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RITCHEY STAGG, M.D., School Physician ROBERT KIRSCHBAUM, D.M.D., School Dentist MADELEINE HARDING, R.N., School Nurse VIRGINIA McGILL, G.N., School Nurse
REPORT OF THE GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In Grades I through III, the physical education program consists of rhythmic activities, folk dancing, quiet and active games; this pro- gram is for boys and girls.
In Grades IV through VI, we work on lead-up games which teach the essential techniques of team sports; stunts and tumbling are also offered to the boys and girls.
Small classes in the junior and senior high enable the girls to participate in team and individual sports in class and an extensive extra-mural program is conducted after school. Body mechanics and dance are offered in the high school.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSEMARY F. RYAN, Supervisor, Girls' Physical Education
72
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Art is not a subject that stands alone in the classrooms of the modern school but is a part of the regular curriculum. Murals, three- dimensional projects and individual illustrations are created to show the various phases in geography, history and English that the children are studying throughout the school year.
Medfield pupils participated in a state-wide animal poster contest and won many prizes. One of the Medfield posters was on exhibition in a store window in Boston during "Be Kind to Animals" Week.
The annual Art Show was held in May and interested parents saw a varied display of art work: watercolors, pastels, colored paper and crayon work and mechanical drawing plates.
I would like to thank the elementary teachers for their co-opera- tion, also the superintendent of schools and the two principals for their assistance in making my work so enjoyable.
Respectfully submitted,
MYRTLE R. COBB, Supervisor of Art
REPORT OF THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The purpose of music is two fold: (1) to stimulate interest in good music and (2) to develop musical talent.
Singing is emphasized in the elementary grades. Note rather than rote singing is stressed in grades, four, five and six. The purchase of portable record players and the possible later purchase of records will broaden this program.
Junior High students, grades seven and eight, receive beginning instruction in all phases of music. This rounded program includes guided listening, music dictation, music writing, singing and harmony. Opera, symphonic music, folk songs, instruments of the orchestra. organs, history of music, music in relation to current items of interest in everyday life, musical comedy, popular music, are but some of the areas about which the program revolves. The course is geared to the average student and no performing skill nor musical ability is necessary.
High School students may participate in the girl's chorus, boy's chorus and/or the instrumental group. Some Junior High students participate in the latter.
73
Plans are being formulated to remove scheduling conflicts at the high school level and to expand and strengthen the program at all levels.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT DARGIE, Director of Music
REPORT OF THE HOME ECONOMICS AND CAFETERIA SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Junior High Classes were divided into two units: foods the first half of the year, and clothing the second half. The Senior High program consisted of basic and advanced clothing, needlecraft, and knitting.
The school cafeteria has continued to share in the government subsidy program. Student lunches again have increased over last year's figures. The entire school system is now on the 25c a lunch program. The price for 1/2 pint of milk is 3ยข.
The cafeteria personnel has remained the same and they are doing a tremendous job in making the school lunch program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE RICHARDSON, Home Economics and Cafeteria Supervisor
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS
To the Superintendent of Schools:
1
It has been our aim this year to broaden the scope of the Industrial Arts Program through the introduction of additional new units of instruction. These are being inserted in the high school program as Power Mechanics. A unit of Production Furniture was accomplished with a high degree of success. Cabinet work is very popular with a considerable demand for large pieces in Period Design. The junior high program is very active in projects utilizing the maximum in hand tools and their processes. It is our desire to press on with the use of the shop facilities and equipment to their maximum capabilities in the promotion of the expanded Industrial Arts program.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. MORRIS, Supervisor of Industrial Arts
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