USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Leyden > Town annual reports of officers and committees of the town of Leyden, Massachusetts for the year ending 1961 > Part 9
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CURRICULUM
The curriculum of our school is under constant study. Each year we attempt to adopt a textbook for one of the major subjects. This year all teachers are studying the modern approach to mathematics under the direction of Mr. Hugh S. Hayden, Principal of the Bernard- ston Elementary School. During the summer of 1963 Mr. Hayden was granted a National Science Foundation scholarship for the study of the Modern Approach to Math at the University of Vermont. As part of the agreement, he was to bring back to the teachers of the Union the latest and better methods of teaching mathematics from the kindergarten through high school. The teachers have attended these classes with fine enthusiasm and interest. There will be a total of thirty-six hours spent in this class study. It is planned at the con- clusion of the course to have all teachers study the present textbooks available and after much careful discussion recommend a new arith- metic textbook for our schools.
FINANCES
During 1963 the cost of public education in the Town of Leyden was $19,014.19 and Leyden's share of the Pioneer Valley Regional School operational costs was $23,113.63, making a total of $42,127.82. The reimbursements paid to the Town of Leyden were $11,948.34 and Leyden's share of the reimbursements paid to the Pioneer Valley Re- gional School was $4,043.95, making a total of $15,992.29. This leaves a net cost of $26,135.53. The Town of Leyden is educating 91 pupils during the year 1963. This makes a per pupil cost of $287.30. Ana- lyzing costs of 1962 in the same fashion the per pupil cost was $268.97.
40
The reimbursements for the year 1964 as estimated follow:
Chapter 70
$7,388.32
Superintendent's Salary and Travel 617.00
3,350.00
Transportation Vocational Transportation
150.00
250.00
Vocational Tuition Quintus Allen
400.00
$12,155.32
I invite you to study with care the reports of the School Per- sonnel for a more detailed description of the activities of the school.
During the past year the Franklin County Vocational-Technical School Planning Committee of some fourteen towns has been meeting regularly since March. A copy of their activities will be found in a report inserted in your Town Report.
Also, they have invited Leyden to place on the warrant an article to appoint a committee of three to join them in their study of the needs of such a school.
The more we study the world affairs and the grave tensions found in all corners of the earth, as well as our domestic troubles, the greater becomes the need for more education and through that education, more understanding. Also, we should see that every child has every oppor- tunity to increase his knowledge, skills and understanding to the full extent of his abilities. As the country doctor is no longer expected to be the last word in medical care, the lone teacher or school cannot answer all educational problems. We must always be concerned with the education and training of the physically and mentally handicapped, vocationally and technically interested, as well as the talented and normal academic boys and girls. Our educational philosophy should be, accept each individual as we find him, noting carefully his physical handicaps, his mental abilities and his achievement to that point and help him to progress just as far as possible while under our care and supervision. In small towns this is a tremendous task, but with the help of our neighbors and Federal and State assistance, we should be able to do a credible job.
I would like to thank the School Committee, School Personnel, Parents, Friends and Students for the splendid cooperation and assistance received during the year. In this type of operation, suc- cess can only come from the complete cooperation of all.
Respectfully submitted,
F. SUMNER TURNER Superintendent of Schools
41
SCHOOL EXPENDITURES FOR 1963
Appropriation, 1963 Expenditures, 1963
$19,980.00 19,014.19
Appro- priation 1963
Expended 1963
Recom- mended 1964
Superintendent's Salary
$ 910.00
$ 887.94
$ 1,000.00
Out of State
15.00
7.22
15.00
Administrative Expense
108.00
108.00
108.00
Clerk
292.00
291.96
336.00
Teachers' Salaries
9,900.00
8,999.18
10,200.00
Music Supervisor
580.00
889.52
956.00
Art Supervisor
320.00
265.00
320.00
Penmanship Supervisor
150.00
150.00
150.00
Textbooks
250.00
230.67
250.00
Student Supplies
225.00
213.24
225.00
Janitor Supplies
150.00
169.16
150.00
Janitor Salaries
670.00
650.00
700.00
Fuel
800.00
575.98
800.00
Water and Current
325.00
343.50
325.00
Repairs
330.00
392.92
330.00
Physician
60.00
60.00
60.00
Nurse
175.00
160.00
175.00
Vocational Transportation
180.00
103.00
180.00
Vocational Tuition
440.00
391.52
440.00
Transportation
3,800.00
3,749.20
4,000.00
Sundry Ed.
200.00
176.18
200.00
Totals
$19,980.00
$19,014.19
$21,020.00
Balance returned to treasury
$965.81
Public Law No. 85-864, Title III
Available, 1963
$389.29
Received from Commonwealth
142.00
$531.29
Expenditures, 1963
507.43
Available, 1964
$23.86
REIMBURSEMENTS AND NET COST OF EDUCATION
Expendi-
Reimburse-
Cost per
Year
tures
ments
% Net Cost
Pupils pupil
1961
$36,980.97
$18,879.75
51
$18,101.22
88
$205.69
1962
38,148.53
15,823.35
41.4
22,325.18
83
268.97
1963
42,127.82
15,992.29
37.9
26,135.53
91 287.20
New Equipment
100.00
200.00
100.00
1
42
NET COST OF SCHOOLS FOR 1963
Expended by the School Department, 1963
Regular Appropriation (Elem. School) $19,014.19
Pioneer Valley Reg. (Leyden's Share) 23,113.63
$42,127.82
State of Massachusetts Reimbursements and other receipts to Town of Leyden
Chapter 70
7,388.32
Vocational Transportation
156.00
Vocational Tuition
260.00
Transportation
3,350.20
Superintendent's Salary and Travel
393.82
Quintus Allen
400.00
11,948.34
Reimbursement paid to P.V.R.S.
(Leyden's share)
4,043.95
15,992.29
Net cost of education 1963
$26,135.53
LEYDEN SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Net worth January 1, 1963
$ -12.10
Cash balance
$ -273.00
Receipts :
Pupil lunches
$1,263.20
Adult lunches
92.26
Milk
30.51
U.S.D.A.
623.90
Other
34.51
2,044.38
Total cash
1,771.38
Disbursements :
Food
810.80
Labor
1,086.00
Other
52.99
1,949.79
Closing cash balance
-178.41
Closing cash balance
$ -178.41
Inventory
65.31
U.S.D.A. Claims
124.44
Net worth December 31, 1963
$ 11.34
43
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
Began service
Name
Grade
Where Educated
in Leyden
Pearl E. Rhodes
Principal Grades 4, 5, 6
American International College A.B. 1946
*Boston University
Helen Smith Grades 1, 2, 3
*North Adams College Westfield State Teachers College 1953
Phyllis Drew
Music Supervisor
Crane School of Music
1959
August C. Mello
Art Supervisor
*New York University
Massachusetts College of
Art, B.S., M.A.
1963
Eugene Gancarz
Instrumental Music
Boston University,
B.M., M.M.
1962
*Attended without graduation Cafeteria-Mrs. Charlotte Howes
Custodian-Mrs. Charlotte Howes
ENROLLMENT OCTOBER 1, 1963 LEYDEN ELEMENTARY
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Boys
5
3
4
2
2
3
19
Girls
6
3
6
2
6
4
27
Totals
11
6
10
4
8
7
46
OTHER PUPILS
Boys
Girls
Total
Pioneer Valley Regional School
28
16
44
Greenfield Vocational School
1
1
Greenfield Kindergarten
1
1
Totals
29
17
46
LEYDEN CENSUS REPORT
Boys
Girls
Total
Between ages 0 and 5 years
20
24
44
Between ages 5 and 7 years
9
15
24
Between ages 7 and 14 years
25
24
49
Between ages 14 and 16 years
7
7
14
Totals
61
70
131
44
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools and Leyden School Committee:
I submit herewith my first annual report as Union Art Supervisor.
The primary and intermediate grades worked with a variety of media. In their watercolor projects I stressed proper brush handling and technique in color blending. Drawing ability was further de- veloped in the students by having them execute a variety of drawing exercises such as contour and continuous line drawings. In general, I placed accent on developing skill of using their media and manual coordination in execution.
The junior high grades worked with water color, tempra paints, and ceramics. Much time was devoted to the introduction of ceramics and I might add that the end results were quite gratifying.
The senior high students worked on a variety of projects. Each student was allowed to choose a phase of art, and with my guidance, carry out the project on his own. Many students did oil paintings, while other small groups did fashion illustration, ceramics, automo- bile styling, and poster making.
Respectfully submitted,
AUGUST C. MELLO Art Supervisor
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Leyden School Committee:
May I submit the report of the music program.
Because the growth in student ability has opened new horizons and expanded our aims, the demands of the music program are becom- ing difficult to accomplish with our limited personnel. The Spring Festival of the elementary schools will require two performances to use the numbers eligible to take part. More and more varied materials are necessary to meet the expanding needs of our children.
These results have been accomplished because of the continued efforts of the teaching staff and administration of Union 18.
A record player has been purchased which may be carried to and used in the various schools by the supervisor. Supplementary books are being purchased for all schools to provide a background of music literature from which to draw.
All schools performed in programs for the public. Leyden had a public Christmas program. All of the schools took part in the May Festival at the Pioneer Valley School.
Respectfully submitted,
PHYLLIS DREW
Music Supervisor
45
REPORT OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Leyden School Committee:
This is the second year that instrumental music instruction is being offered in the elementary school. Group type instruction is given on a weekly basis to students in the fifth and sixth grades desiring to take up the study of a musical instrument.
Eleven students are presently enrolled in the program. These students are divided into two groups; advanced and beginners. Be- ginning students enter the program on a three-month trial period. Both groups perform in the annual spring music festival at Pioneer Valley Regional School.
The program serves as preparation for the more diversified music program being offered at Pioneer Valley Regional School.
Respectfully submitted,
EUGENE GANCARZ, Instructor
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Leyden School Committee:
Complete physical examinations were given to all the pupils of the Elementary schools. In cases requiring medical or dental attention parents were notified.
Respectfully submitted,
W. R. BUCHANAN, M.D.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Leyden School Committee:
Each child in the Leyden Elementary School had a physical ex- amination, was weighed and measured and had his eyes and ears ex- amined during the school year 1962-1963.
Two students were found to need eye examinations; one student was in need of an examination by an ear specialist, and speech therapy was suggested for another child. In the fall of 1963, I found that these conditions had been or were being taken care of.
On January 18, 1963 Type I oral polio vaccine was given for a second time (for those who had not had it before) to include all school children seven years and over with Type II given on March 15, 1963. The Type II drink completed the first series given, and the Type III drink given on May 5, 1963 completed the second series.
46
The parents of Leyden are to be highly commended for doing such . a good job of immunizing their children against polio.
I wish to thank the school personnel for their courtesy and help. Respectfully submitted, DOROTHY STREETER, R.N.
Leyden School Nurse January 1963 to June 1963
Following is my first report as school nurse at Leyden Elementary School.
Dr. William Buchanan, Jr. examined the entire school body in September. He found the children to be in good health and no de- fects were noted. Heights and weights were done prior to the doctor's visit.
Vision and hearing tests will be done as soon as possible in 1964.
I wish to thank the teachers for their cooperation and assistance in this, my first year as school nurse.
Respectfully submitted,
JEANNE A. FIELD, R.N.
Leyden School Nurse
September 1963 to December 1963
47
Pioneer Valley Regional School District Report
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Mr. Harold Johnson, Chairman
Leyden
Mr. Charles A. Morse, Vice Chairman
Warwick
Mrs. Carolyn Parenteau, Secretary
Northfield
Mrs. Elizabeth Bolton
Northfield
Mr. Charles W. Llewelyn
Northfield
Mr. Wendell E. Streeter
Bernardston
Mr. William E. Field, Jr.
Bernardston
Mrs. Anna Wilcox
Bernardston
Mrs. Marion Zimmerman
Leyden
Mrs. Dorothy Howes
Leyden
Mr. Lloyd V. Freitag
Warwick
Mr. Howard Keith
Warwick
To the Pioneer Valley Regional School Committee and Citizens of Bernardston, Leyden, Northfield and Warwick:
I am pleased to present the seventh annual report of the opera- tions and accomplishments of the Pioneer Valley Regional School. It hardly seems possible that our new building and school are that old. With few exceptions, the building has functioned very well indeed. Numerous building committees of other towns are still visiting our school to be used as a model for them to follow. Great surprise is expressed when these committees learn the age and cost of the school. This speaks very well for the planning, the types of materials used, the use given and the care taken by the custodians and by all who use the building. As of this date we have faced a minimum of trouble.
The report of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted Pioneer Valley Regional School full mem- bership in that group. Thus, we have attained success in the major- ity of the aims and objectives of a comprehensive junior-senior high school.
48
In the report of Mr. Leonard, Principal, will be found the statis-" tics that point out that we are approaching the capacity of our build- ing. The design of the building is such that the addition or additions can be easily made at a minimum of cost. The idea that the Town of Gill might desire to join Pioneer Valley Regional School can be easily done as far as the building goes. Educationally, it will add to the size of the classes which will enable us to make more compatible sec- tions and offer a more varied list of subjects. This growth would help each division of the school. It has been well established that 750 is the ideal size of a regional school. Whether Gill desires to be a partner or not, we must conduct exhaustive studies of our educational future.
CHANGES IN TEACHING PERSONNEL
WITHDRAWALS
Mrs. Joan H. Coughlin
June, 1963
Mrs. Ruth B. Dow
June, 1963
Mr. Richard Martin
June, 1963
Mr. Brian Overdorff
October, 1963
Mr. Leslie Turner
June, 1963
APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Robert C. Avakian
September, 1963
Mr. Robert W. O. Genest
September, 1963
Mrs. Jacqueline Gilman
September, 1963
Mr. Russell A. Goodwin
January 1, 1964
Mrs. Sylvia Liebenow
September, 1963
Mr. August C. Mello
September, 1963
Miss Karen J. Peterson
September, 1963
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Mr. John R. Miles School year 1963-64
The educational backgrounds and assignments of these new teachers may be found in the list of the faculty.
The task of staffing the school still remains as our number one job. Our building is attractive and the student body composed of willing and desirable students. The salary schedule is, in general, the same as many of our neighbors. Housing for these new teachers and their families presents a problem. After much searching locally, they are forced to go elsewhere for lodging. The very situation makes it difficult for them to take a full part in our school endeavors. If a solution could be found for this problem, it would make teaching in Pioneer Valley Regional School equal to any situation.
49
The Evening Practical Arts courses continued to thrive. This past year saw classes in rug hooking and braiding, sewing, chair caning, cake decorating, upholstery and knitting. There was no up- holstery in the fall because of our inability to find a suitable teacher.
Again, I invite you to read the reports of the various depart- ments of our school for further details of the total operation.
Also, I extend to you a cordial welcome to visit classes and extra- curricular events that you may see first hand the workings of our school. Success of any school comes from the total cooperation of all component parts. In general, this is a trademark of Pioneer Valley Regional School. I wish to thank all those who have in any way con- tributed to the fine success of Pioneer Valley Regional School during the year of 1963.
Respectfully submitted,
F. SUMNER TURNER Superintendent of Schools
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
1963
To the Superintendent of Schools and the Pioneer Valley Regional School District Committee:
Herewith, I submit my seventh annual report as principal of this school.
ENROLLMENT
Again, this year, I wish to emphasize our continued annual growth in enrollment. We are fast approaching the capacity of our building for which it was originally designed. At one time in the early fall we had an enrollment of 527, just one year's normal in- crease from the 550 capacity of the building.
May I point out that this figure would be a reasonable one if we were to limit the number of electives and control the number of students in each class. This figure, however, is not a reasonable one under our school philosophy of caring for all the educational needs of students in our comprehensive high school. During the past year it was necessary to drop two subjects because of the lack of available rooms and available teacher time. As we grow larger in numbers, it becomes necessary to have more classes of the required subjects and the more necessary and popular elective subjects. This takes more teachers and more rooms.
50
At the present time, we are making use of areas within the building not intended for classroom use for classes in English, science, social studies and math. These areas and their uses are:
Guidance waiting area
- 1 class each in science, English and literature.
Home Economic kitchen
- 6 classes in science, 2 classes in Eng- lish and 1 class each of math and social studies.
Library
7 classes in English and 5 study halls.
Library Conference Room - 5 classes in English.
Music Room
2 classes in science, 2 classes in literature.
Except during the junior high school lunch period, the cafeteria is being used each period of each day as a study hall. Although this is a general practice in most schools, it does not present the best in study conditions and interferes greatly with the janitors' work sched- ules.
Again, this year, I urge that a study be made into the possible future enrollments of our school and the need for added classrooms. This is in accordance with a recommendation of the evaluation com- mittee. The class enrollments as of December 1, 1963 were:
7P
34
Total 101
8P
30
8V 9V 10V 11V 12V 7V
32 32 27 29 27 23
8R 9R
21 10S 12
"
84
11P
27
77
12P
21
12R
21 16 7S 8S 9S 11
13 17
110
9P
23
86
10P
24
10R 11R
"
64
7R 31 31 20
World Geography and World Affairs added as courses last year were not offered this year because of a lack of teacher time and class- room space. Their need is definite and it is planned to include them, if possible, in future courses of study. Instead of both courses in first year algebra being presented with the modern approach, we now have one modern and the other traditional in accordance with par- ents' requests.
51
The enrollments, by subjects, in the high school classes are:
English 9
86
Refresher Math 12
16
English 10
86
Agriculture 9 & 10
13
English 11
77
Agriculture 11 & 12
15
English 12
63
Industrial Arts 9
8
Speech 10
71
Industrial Arts 10
6
Speech 11
78
Industrial Arts 11
3
Latin I
39
Industrial Arts 12
7
Latin II
26
Senior Glee Club
40
French I
37
Art
40
French II
29
Homemaking 9
7
General Science
67
Homemaking 10
14
Biology
85
Homemaking 11
6
Chemistry
31
Homemaking 12
14
Physics
18
Typing I
85
Physical Science
16
Typing II
24
Government
19
Office Practice
14
World History
75
Bookkeeping I
28
U. S. History
81
Bookkeeping II
19
Prob. of Democracy
62
Shorthand I
18
Algebra I
61
Shorthand II
13
Algebra II
34
Phys. Ed. (boys)
All
Geometry
37
Phys. Ed. (girls)
All
Advanced Math
13
Junior Band
66
General Math 9
30
Senior Band
63
Business Math 9
15
Driver Education
27
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
The Reverend Donald Overlock of the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield delivered the Baccalaureate Address to a gradu- ating class of forty-seven seniors on Sunday, June 9, 1963. His topic was "Everlasting Joy." The Prayer of Invocation was led by The Reverend Jerome Wood. The Lesson was presented by The Reverend Billy Baker while the Benediction was delivered by The Reverend Harold Tallman.
Graduation was held on Friday, June 14, 1963 at 8:00 P.M. The program was as follows:
Processional: "God of Our Fathers"
Class of 1963
Pledge of Allegiance
Audience
Invocation
The Rev. Charles Bentley
Song - "Hol de Light"
Glee Club
Welcome
Duane Page, President Class of 1963
52
1
Honor Essay - "The Hollow Men"
Gail Whitney Carol Olsen
Honor Essay - "Honor"
Glee Club
Songs "Gaudeamus Igitur" - Student Song "You'll Never Walk Alone" - Rogers and Hammerstein
Address
Dr. Franklin P. Hawkes Director of University Extension State Department of Education
"Signals for Youth"
Special Awards
Gift of the Class of 1963
Awarding of Diplomas
Supt. F. Sumner Turner Words by Eileen Zehnter
Class Song
Benediction
The Rev. James Mockler
Recessional "Pomp and Circumstance" Class of 1963
The class officers and class roll were as follows:
President
Vice President Secretary
Treasurer
Duane Page Brenda Billings Michaelyn Caron Eileen Zehnter
Paul Francis Abbey Christie Baldwin
Raelene Alice Bardwell
Linda Agnes Belsky
*Brenda Irene Billings Clemma June Black Richard Louis Browning Thomas Andrew Cadrett Thomas John Carey Michaelyn Agnes Caron *William Taylor Cook Shirley Ann Cutler * Doris Arlene Deane
*Martha Jane Fairman Gordon Franklin Fogg James Robert Fowler
Carol Eileen Lombard Janice Esther Marcotte Robert Howard McCollum, Jr. Louise Marie Mclellan David Alan Miller Nellie Ellen Moore *Carol Dian Olsen *Nancy Louise Ostrowski Duane Everett Page Marjorie Ann Patch David Alexander Pearsall Lorraine Edna Porter *Kathleen Frances Powers Richard Alan Powers Jerry Stuart Scott Clara Mae Shepardson
53
Prin. George M. Leonard Duane Page
William Roy Fritz
Joyce Marie Smith
Philip Ralph Grover
Bonita Darlene Thresher *Judith Ann Townsend
Gretchen Elizabeth Hammond
Norman Roy Herrick
Frederick Ian Holton
Thomas William Judd
Gerald Philip Lewis
Frederick Raymond Walbridge *Gail Irene Whitney Ronald John Wright * Alfred William Young
Eileen Maria Zehnter
* Member of National Honor Society
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Bernardston P.T.A. Scholarship of $100
Gail Whitney
Bernardston Men's Club Scholarship of $100 Gail Whitney
Pioneer Valley Union Teachers' Association Scholarship - Two at $200. Paul Abbey, Martha Fairman
Pioneer Valley P.T.A. Scholarship of $200 Judy Townsend
Bausch and Lomb Science Award (Excellence in Science)
Alfred Young
John Philip Sousa Award (Outstanding work in Instrumental Music and Band Paul Abbey, Brenda Billings
D.A.R. Good Citizenship Award (for dependability, leadership, service and patriotism) Brenda Billings
Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow Award Martha Fairman
Student Council Awards:
1. Highest Scholastic Standing
Judy Townsend Doris Deane
2. 2nd Highest Scholastic Standing
National Honor Society Awards:
Brenda Irene Billings William Taylor Cook Doris Arlene Deane Martha Jane Fairman Carol Dian Olsen Nancy Louise Ostrowski Kathleen Frances Powers Judith Ann Townsend Gail Irene Whitney Alfred William Young
Isaac B. Snow Awards (Two highest ranking students from Bernardston)
54
1. Judy Townsend
2. Doris Deane
Emily C. Jenness Awards (Bernardston) Best in English - Judy Townsend Character - Carol Olsen
George A. Warner Award
Nancy Ostrowski
Special Athletic Award
Richard Powers
Twelve of the 47 students who graduated in June, 1963 are now attending four-year colleges. Six of these are attending the Univer- sity of Massachusetts and we have one each enrolled at Bryant Col- lege, University of Wyoming, Bay Path, Northeastern, Lowell Tech., and Fitchburg State. This number represents more than 25% of the class. It is encouraging to note this high percentage attending four year colleges.
In addition to these, one is in nurse's training at Springfield Hospital, three are at Greenfield Community College, and one each have enrolled at Bryant and Stratton, Wentworth, Northampton Commercial and Stockbridge for two year courses. Seven boys are in the Armed Forces. One girl is at hairdressing school and one girl is attending I.B.M. School. Two students are taking post- graduate courses. Two girls are married while the other fourteen students are now employed in industry.
We believe that the foregoing shows that Pioneer is doing a good job in preparing its graduates for their positions in life.
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