USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1955-1959 > Part 33
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8
1955
Muriel L. Gold, B.S.E.
Grade IV
University of Vermont
6
1953
Madelyn E. Greene, B.S.E.
Grade IV
Fordham University
15
1957
Alice E. Smith
Grade IV
Hyannis Teachers
15
1956
Nina Dow
Grade V
Gorham, Boston Univ.
12
1956
G. Evelyn Kenefick
Grade V
Framingham Teachers
11
1955
Anna M. Rossi, B.S.E.
Grade V
Bridgewater Teachers
12
1950
Boston University
(1944-1946)
Alice J. Field
Grade VI
Bridgewater Teachers
21
1952
Gertrude McCormick
Grade VI
Boston Normal
12
1956
Barbara A. Vytal, B.S.
Grade VI
Framingham Teachers
1
1958
Leah S. Schiff, A.B., Ed.M.
Remedial Reading
Jackson College
11
1958
Boston University
(1930-1934)
49
PERSONNEL CHANGES
New Personnel
Appointment Effective
John Cuoco, Jr .- Mathematics M. Denise O'Brien-English
G. Marshall Chick-Social Studies Robert D. Hersee-Music
Patricia M. Luttazi-Phys. Education Mary Jane Keyes-Grade II
Jane M. Rooney-Grade III
Barbara A. Vytal-Grade VI Leah S. Schiff-Remedial Reading
September 1, 1958
September 1, 1958 September 1, 1958 September 1, 1958 September 1, 1958 September 1, 1958
September 1, 1958
September 1, 1958
September 1, 1958
Resignations
Anna Savage
August 1958
Richard Randlett
August 1958
Robert Dargie
August 1958
Rosemary Ryan
August 1958
Dorothy McFarlin
August 1958
Rose M. Randlett
August 1958
Frieda Katz
August 1958
Increasing Enrollment and Budget Appropriations
The following table indicates what has occurred with regard to enrollment and Budget Appropriations in the last five years. Enroll- ment figures are as of October 1st each year:
Enrollment
Gain over Preceding Year Appropriation Enrollment Appropriation
1954
602
$137,137
57
$13,182
1955
656
152,768
54
15,631
1956
716
186,821
60
34,053
1957
798
214,671
82
27,850
1958
844
251,481
46
36,809
:
As this is being written, a net gain of 22 is recorded in the enroll- ment since October 1st making a total gain over 1957 of 68 pupils. The present Senior Class has 42 students; the incoming First Grade is estimated at 110 pupils; an enrollment gain of 68.
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Memorial School has 20 classrooms and the projected number of classes for September 1959 necessitates the use of 21 classrooms. This. will mean the transfer of one classroom section to the North Street School.
The North Street School has 7 classrooms and, in September 1959, 6 of these rooms will be used for the Junior High classes and one for an Elementary class.
It is evident that the Town was foresighted to approve the forma- tion of a Building Committee to plan a new Junior-Senior High School. With such a building in use, the conversion of the present High School into a 5th and 6th Grade Elementary School will satisfy the immediate needs of the ever-increasing enrollment.
The estimated Budget for 1959 is $30,579 more than that of 1958. This is in part due to (1) the necessity of engaging two additional teachers for September 1959; (2) regular increments for teachers in accordance with the basic salary plan; (3) adjustments in teacher salaries to meet the State's minimum salary requirements; (4) increase in the Transportation Account-an increase due to additional mileage for the regular buses and special education.
NET COST TO SCHOOLS
Appropriated
$251,481.00
Reimbursement from the Commonwealth:
General School Fund
$29,540.23
Transportation
4,963.92
Special Education
286.31
$34,790.46
Receipts:
Telephone Toll's
$ 9.98
Building Rentals
76.00
Shop Materials
101.94
Lost Books
112.83
Vending
14.30
Metal Sale
14.00
Summer Reading Program
440.00
$769.05
Recapitulation:
Reimbursements
$34,790.46
Receipts
769.05.
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Unexpended Balance, 1958 Appropriation
26.14
35,585.65
Net Cost to Taxpayers
$215,895.35
Acknowledgments
The Medfield Red Feather, the Parent Teacher Association, the American Legion Post 110, the Medfield Lions Club, the Hannah Adams Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Auxiliary demonstrated their continued interest in Medfield school children by their contributions of scholarships, medals, publica- tions and gifts. We are deeply grateful to those organizations for their spirit and kindness.
Developments in 1958
I am pleased to report that during the year the following were approved and adopted:
1. New formats for Report Cards, Grades 1 through 12.
2. A new Permanent Scholastic Record Card for the Junior-Senior High School.
3. A new Guidance Cumulative Record Card for Grades 1 through 12.
Expanding enrollment necessitated the appointment of one addi- tional teacher in Grade 2 and one in Grade 7.
A Special Reading Program was established in February under the supervision of a reading specialist. This class continued until June with 9 students participating.
A 5 week Special Reading Course was instituted in July with 23 students completing the requirements.
Both programs proved to be advantageous to our students and I recommend the continuance of the Summer Course, if the need is apparent.
In September a full-time reading specialist was appointed to work in remedial areas with the Elementary and Junior High pupils.
A Science Program was formally adopted and introduced in the Elementary School.
The Rinehart Functional Handwriting System was introduced in the Elementary School and I recommend its continuance.
52
A reference library was established in the High School English Department.
The Junior-Senior High School sponsored a Science Fair in the Spring. The two winning entrants represented Medfield at the State Science Fair which was held at M.I.T.
Cross-country Track was introduced in the High School.
Maintenance
The custodians did their usual excellent job with general upkeep and maintenance and, in addition, the following were accomplished: (1) painted the corridor ceiling and walls in some sections of Memorial School, (2) painted two rooms in the High School, (3) refinished the gymnasium floor, (4) painted the outside doors at Memorial School and the High School, (5) renovated and moved the administrative offices in the High School.
The heating and vacuum systems in all schools were extensively inspected and repaired.
An incinerator was built in the boiler room of the High School.
Observations
As my second year in Medfield terminates, I am pleased to note that the Staff has demonstrated once again its interest in the welfare of the pupils and in the development of the school system itself. Innovations in the curriculum, in record keeping and in the adminis- trative area have been accepted and practiced by all concerned. As a result, with the prospects of a new building and the implication of changes to be made in conjunction with that project, I am assured of the complete cooperation and help of the entire staff of school personnel.
I wish to publicly thank the principals, supervisors, teachers, secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, nurses and doctors for their interest in the pupils and the schools and for their kindness to me. I am indebted also to the Town Officers and P.T.A. for their cooperation.
In conclusion may I express my sincere thanks to the Chairman and members of the School Committee for their support during the year and for their genuine interest in the Medfield Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS A. BLAKE,
Superintendent of Schools
53
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HANNAH ADAMS PFAFF HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
It is with pleasure that I submit my fourth annual report as prin- cipal of the Junior-Senior High School for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Graduation exercises for the Class of 1958 were held at the school. June 4. There were 30 students in the graduating class.
At the commencement exercises the following awards were made: Harvard Book Award, Ray Warburton; American Legion Girls State, Carol Keirstead; American Legion Boys State, Lincoln Potter and Bradley Bowden; Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen, Catherine Sweeney; Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow, Janice Hutchins; Readers Digest Valedictorian Award, James Bois; Balfour Placque and Key, James Bois; Alton H. Hartford Prize, Janice Hut -. chins; Faculty Award of Merit, Patrick Harris; American Legion Medals, Janice Hutchins and Patrick Harris; Bausch and Lomb Science. Award, James Bois; Gregg Shorthand Award, Janice Hutchins. The scholarships were awarded as follows: Hannah Adams Club, Janice. Hutchins; Parent Teachers Association, John Shugrue; American Le- gion, James Bois; Medfield Lions Club, William Bowden.
In the Spring of 1958 the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test was administered to 475,000 high school juniors throughout the. country. Out of this total figure 10,000 students qualified for the final test. Medfield High School had three students qualify. The three students are Gretchen Gibbs, David Kempton and William Warburton.
In November the students in grades 9 through 12 were given the Iowa Tests of Educational Development. The results of these tests proved conclusively that Medfield High School students are well above the average high school student in the United States. Also, compared with 33 schools locally, our students scored much better than the students in these other schools.
Two members of the Medfield High School Chapter of the National Honor Society were among 2,513 out of 45,548 tested who became finalists for the National Honor Society Scholarships. The two students from Medfield are Gretchen Gibbs and Ann Rhodes.
Again this year the Fred C. Browne Company in Walpole has furnished our driver education students with a new Ford.
Mrs. Amos C. Kingsbury has again made the American Heritage: series available to our students through a gift subscription.
54
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all organizations and individuals who have in any way helped our school and its stu- dents. Special praise should be made publicly to the faculty of the Junior-Senior High School for the cooperation and sincere effort that has made our school the fine school it is.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES F. MAINS,
Principal
55
GRADUATION EXERCISES of the MEDFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1958 HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM Eight O'Clock Wednesday, June 4, 1958
Program
Processional "Pomp and Circumstance"
Class of 1958: Elgar-
Marshals: Margaret Callachan Jeanne Hamilton
Kenneth Jodoin Joseph Santosuosso
Rev. Joseph Gaudet.
Invocation
Address of Welcome James Converse Bois, President, Class of 1958
Girls Chorus-"This Is My Country"
Raye-Jacobs.
Essay-Perspective
Carole Dorothea Ehnes
Essay-Approach
Patrick Samuel Harris
Essay-Crisis
Janice Louise Hutchins
Essay-Valedictory
James Converse Bois
Presentation of Class Gift William Thomas Anderson, Jr., Vice-President, Class of 1958:
Acknowledgment William James Dugan, President, Class of 1959
Presentation of Awards
Charles F. Mains, Principal
56
Presentation of American Legion Medals
Mr. Philip J. Burr, Beckwith Post No. 110
Presentation of Scholarships
Mrs. John H. Roskilly, Jr., President, Hannah Adams Club Mr. Clayton Haigh, Commander, Beckwith Post No. 110 Mr. Frederic Pemple, President, Medfield Parent-Teacher Associa- tion
Mr. Fayo J. Rossi, Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Medfield Lions Club
Presentation of the Alton H. Hartford Prize of the Parent-Teacher Association Mr. Walter E. Frank, Vice-President, Medfield Parent-Teacher Association
Girls Chorus-"America-Our Heritage" Steele
Awarding of Diplomas
Mrs. Jeanne A. Bibby, Medfield School Committee Mr. Thomas A. Blake, Superintendent of Schools
Recessional "Washington Post"
Sousa
CLASS OF NINETEEN HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT
Motto: "Today a dream, Tomorrow a reality"
Colors: Mint Green and White
57
CLASS ROLL
William Thomas Anderson, Jr. William Henry Barth James Converse Bois William Lawrence Bowden Josephine Delphina Bravo Harry Robert Brown Mario Joseph Catenacci Virginia Ann Decker
Francis Joseph Dugan Carole Dorothea Ehnes
Peter Woelfle Frame
Charles Henry Guy Patrick Samuel Harris
Jane Elizabeth Hinkley Janice Louise Hutchins
Lawrence Russell MacKenney, Jr. Karl Henry Magnussen George Eben Nye Nancy Rogers Francis David Rossi
Ernest Charles Roy
Margaret Louise Sargent
Peter Francis Scribner
Nancy Margaret Seeley John James Shugrue Richard Carman Swallow
Catherine Jane Sweeney
Carrolann Tammero
Donald Falconer Wilson Kenneth Ross Wilson
58
REPORT OF MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
'To the Superintendent of Schools:
It is a pleasure to submit my Fourth Annual Report as Supervising Principal of the Memorial School for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1958.
Our Memorial School provides opportunities and training in order that we may have educated Americans. Through guidance and by example our students should develop self-confidence, self-under- standing, and respect for others. In substance the aim of our school is to assist in the development of the complete child, recognizing that this is a responsibility shared with the home and the church.
We are aware of our duty to educate our children in a proficient manner in the basic skills of reading, writing, spelling, speaking, and arithmetic; in the ability to think logically and to understand and apply acquired knowledge, in an appreciation of literature, art, music, drama, and nature, and, by no means least, in assuming responsibility for cor- rect standards of conduct.
The instructural staff at present numbers 21 teachers (including a remedial teacher) for 556 pupils. Many of the teachers are taking courses in varied fields. It is realized that the number of courses taken or the number of degrees which a teacher possesses is not the sole meas- ure of professional success. However, it is an indication of professional capacity and growth in service.
We have used our television set, presented to us by the P.T.A., for instruction in various classroom subjects. The classroom teacher is still very important, as she presides over guided class discussions to insure full participation. It must be remembered that this educational device can effectively be used as a supplement to the teacher and not as a substitute.
A successful Science Workshop has been conducted twice for the elementary teachers. Science consultants were in charge of the work- shop. A stimulating talk on the philosophy and methods of teaching science in today's elementary school was followed by each teacher performing a number of experiments that would interest and challenge the students in their respective classes. The workshop was most profit- able and proved valuable to the teaching staff.
We are in the process of carrying out a handwriting program for grades one through six. Regular monthly instructional periods are held for the teachers. Pupils and teachers are supplied with adequate instructional and motivational materials. A formal test paper for each pupil is examined at four teaching-week intervals for eight qualities
59
inherent in excellent handwriting. These qualities are neatness, letter formation, proportionate size of letters, alignment, spacing, slant, finishing strokes, and line quality. At the end of each grading period the teacher is given a diagnostic chart showing the achievement of each child and the areas in which remedial instruction is required.
Parents are invited to confer with the principal and the teachers concerning progress of their children. Arrangements for the confer- ences may be made through the Memorial School office. Please call. Fleetwood 9-4352.
Firsthand knowledge, cooperation, and reasoned discussion will contribute to the advance of our elementary school.
In closing this report, may I extend my sincere appreciation for the excellent help and cooperation which I have received from my teachers, secretary, homeroom mothers, school committee, and Mr. Blake.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE S. WASHBURN,
Principal
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In planning the school health program we have tried to improve and maintain the health of all children within the school system.
Duties of the School Health Personnel:
1. Physical examinations of the new pupils and pupils not having had a physical examination within three years. Also, frequent examina- tions of children with continuing problems.
2. Consultations with the faculty on psychological problems and emo- tional problems which keep the child from having good social adjustments.
3. Helping with the handicapped children and children who need special handling due to varying degrees of retardation.
60
4. Control of communicable diseases, rendering First Aid; establishing good personal hygiene among the pupils and making home visits when necessary.
5. Tuberculin Tests of selected grades were made by the school phy- sician.
6. Arrangements were made with the State Department of Dental Health whereby a State Dental Hygienist presented an illustrated program on dental care and needs to all children through the junior high grades.
In the spring a Pre-school Clinic was held for the purpose of regis- tering pupils entering public school for the first time in September.
Purpose of early registration:
1. To examine the children entering school for the first time and to discuss health problems with parents.
2. To give the parent and child an opportunity to become acquainted with the school personnel and surroundings.
3. To help the School Department ascertain and plan for the number of children entering school in September.
Most of the pupils were found to be healthy, with only a few needing medical follow up. The major needs were dental.
Vision and Hearing Tests are given at some time during the year to all pupils. Notices are sent to parents if a child fails to pass either of these tests. The tests are merely a screening process. If any child shows symptoms of eye difficulty or hearing loss, parents should not wait for the next school examination, but have medical attention when the problem is discovered.
The Norfolk Tuberculosis School Clinic performed skin testing for tuberculosis in certain grades. This was made possible by the Norfolk County Hospital in cooperation with the School Department, the Board of Health and the Norfolk County Tuberculosis and Health Associa- tion. The purpose of this testing program is to find any children who have been infected with tuberculosis and to give advice, when neces- sary, how best to combat the infection. If a positive reaction is found, necessary arrangements are made for pupils and all other members of the family to be examined and X-rayed. Transportation and arrange- ments to be X-rayed were made for all food handlers, and school personnel who had not been X-rayed within three years. They were examined at the Norfolk County Hospital.
A Dental Clinic is conducted at the Memorial School by Dr. Robert Kirschbaum and the School Nurse under the supervision of the Board of
61
Health. All elementary grade pupils are examined and notices sent home when defects are found.
Because of the continuing growth of the school population and the necessity for more and more detailed record keeping, it may not be possible to complete all of the above-mentioned tests before the end of the fiscal year.
On the whole the children are healthy, happy and well-adjusted. Every effort is being made to maintain and improve the health of the school children.
We thank everyone who helped carry out the above program.
Respectfully submitted,
A. RITCHEY STAGG, M.D. MADELEINE I. HARDING, R.N. VIRGINIA J. McGILL, R.N.
REPORT OF BOYS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Boys' Physical Education program begins in Grade Five and ends in Grade Twelve.
In grades five and six simple games and stunts are of prime importance with particular emphasis placed upon co-ordination of the mind and physical ability. Basic skills such as walking, running, stand- ing, throwing, and catching are incorporated in this program to pre- pare the youngster for what lies ahead in life.
At the junior high level the boys learn the fundamentals of team games such as football, volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball. Along with these team games are dual games such as badminton. Dur- ing the indoor season basic tumbling and apparatus are taught.
At the high school level team games are also taught, but now the emphasis is on the teamwork that is needed for successful fulfilment of the skills that have been learned. More difficult skills on the apparatus
62
and tumbling mats are also taught. Each year in cooperation with President Eisenhower's Youth Council on Physical Fitness, a physical fitness test is administered to all the boys. It is my pleasure to report that Medfield High School compares favorably with High Schools in other parts of the country.
Although Physical Education is primarily concerned with the physical being of the youngster such as, posture, health, ability to per- form in specific stunts and games, it also concerns itself with the social side of life, that is being able to work and play successfully with others, and to live harmoniously with our neighbors.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD B. KEYES,
Supervisor®
REPORT OF GIRLS' PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Physical education classes in Grades I through IV are geared to group activities for boys and girls. These activities include simple rhythms, folk dancing, quiet and active games.
In grades V and VI we work on lead-up games which teach the. essential techniques of team sports. Folk dancing and square dancing are also part of this program.
Junior and senior high school classes involve participation in team and individual sports during school, and an extensive extra-mural pro- gram is conducted after school.
Respectfully submitted,
PATRICIA M. LUTTAZI,
Supervisor
63
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
"To the Supertintendent of Schools:
The purpose of the Art Program is not to train a group of potential artists but to help all of the children develop a love for art in its many forms.
Each child has the experience of working with water color, poster paints, clay and crayons and learns how to use and take care of the materials. Using odds and ends brought from home, the children have created Christmas ornaments, mobiles, holiday figures and Easter hats. Wire sculptoring was done in the upper elementary grades and some of the completed work was exhibited in the showcase in the school lobby.
About fifty-five posters were entered in the annual State-wide Animal Poster Contest and twenty-two boys and girls received prizes ranging from First to Honorable Mention.
Throughout the year, exhibits of the pupils' work have been dis- played either at the Memorial School or the High School on P.T.A. meeting nights so that interested parents may see what we are accom- plishing with the palette and brush.
Respectfully submitted,
MYRTLE R. COBB,
Supervisor
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
In the elementary grades, singing and learning to read notes as well as rhythms is stressed. With record players and records which are being purchased yearly, we are trying to broaden this program even more to prepare the students for a greater appreciation of all the differ- ent phases of music which they will encounter later on in both school and adult life.
64
Junior high students receive instruction in singing and listening as well as some of the more technical elements of music. The course requires no previous skill except in singing.
High school students have the opportunity to join either glee club or band. This year the choral group is comprised only of girls who have given two Christmas programs. The band played for the second of these two.
Students in the elementary grades and those in the junior high are receiving instruction on the different instruments during school time as well as after.
At the present time we are trying to offer as many pupils a chance to join musical organizations as possible despite the physical conditions in our crowded school. Rehearsals of band and glee club are held in the auditorium at present during the lunch hour when the auditorium is not in use.
Plans are now being made for a new high school which will include facilities for a music department eliminating scheduling problems, largely due to lack of physical space, thus enabling the music program to broaden and to function more efficiently.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT D. HERSEE,
Supervisor of Music
REPORT OF HOME ECONOMICS AND CAFETERIA SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools:
The Home Economics curriculum in the Junior and Senior High Schools is based on individual project work. Sewing for beginners is taught in the Junior High School and a more advanced program is given to the Senior High School students.
The School Lunch Program continued to share in the government subsidy program and the Special Milk Program. Prices for both pro- grams remained the same-twenty-five. cents for the hot lunch and three cents for milk.
65
Due to the increased participation of the Hot Lunch Program, the cafeteria personnel in both schools has increased. The Memorial School Cafeteria now employs four women, and the High School Cafeteria employs three women.
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