USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 11
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With such a great responsibility having been entrusted to us we greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve you as school committeemen.
We greatly appreciate the cooperation so faithfully given us by, Supt. Rowe, Principal Clough, our splendid teaching staff, Mr. Raymond Barrows, and the transportation agents, Mr. Jesse White and Mr. Harold Barrows.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT F. BOWEN.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Mendon:
Gentlemen :
It is with pleasure that I submit for your consideration my eighth annual report as Superintendent of Schools of Mendon.
Only one change occurred in the teaching staff during the year. In the summer Miss Mary Phelan resigned in order to accept a better position. Mrs. Dorothy Stanas, of Hope- dale, and a graduate of Worcester State Teachers College, was engaged to fill the vacancy.
Our enrollment figures are increasing rapidly at the present time. The following table shows the total enrollment as of October 1, grades 1 to XII, over a ten-year period.
Year
Number
1941
298
1942
307
1943
284
1944
262
1945
249
1946
247
1947
249
1948
249
1949
259
1950
297
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It will be noted that the largest attendance was in 1942 with 307 pupils, and that the smallest was in 1946 with 247. It is also noticeable that the attendance for the years 1945, 1946, 1947, and 1948 remained practically stationary. 1949 showed an increase of ten over 1948. 1950 showed an in- crease of 38 over 1949. It is estimated that the September, 1951 enrollment will be about 315, and that in September, 1952 there will be approximately 330.
In 1942, the year of the largest enrollment, all four of the first floor classrooms-children in grades one to six- were seriously overcrowded with an average of about 45 pupils, and with two grades in a room. Even with a single grade in a room, such a condition is educationally unsound.
The town is growing steadily in population. The census figures over a twenty-year period are as follows:
Year
Number
1930
1107
1940
1315
1945
1504
1950
1614
Considerable new homes are now being constructed. Chil- dren from families moving into town will increase our school attendance. We have 29 pupils attending private and paro- chial schools. The birth rates each year have a tendency to increase.
Taking into consideration all of the known factors in- fluencing future school enrollment, it would seem that expan- sion of the school plant must be provided for in the immedi- ate future.
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The regular classroom instruction has continued on a high level. Particular emphasis has been placed on the lan- guage arts-reading, English, diction, spelling, and hand- writing. Safety education is constantly being stressed, and health education is receiving careful attention. Our work in music, under the direction of Miss Wilson, is progressing most satisfactorily. Handwriting, under the direction of Mr. William L. Rinehart, is improving. Many new textbooks were purchased, as well as all of the necessary materials of instruction. One of the most important factors in maintain- ing a good instructional program is the retaining of capable teachers over a period of years. We have been able to ac- complish this aim for the last two or three years.
American Education Week was observed in all classes in November. An evening session was held in order that more parents, especially fathers, could visit classes. Many parents took advantage of this opportunity to visit their school. Pa- rents are cordially invited to visit the school and classrooms at any time.
A visiting and registration day was held in May for first grade children who planned to enter grade one in Sep- tember for the first time. Nineteen pupils were registered at this time. Ten pupils who entered in September were not registered. Another such day will be held this year when we hope to have all children register for September, 1951.
The continued interest in the school of the Parent- Teacher Association is deeply appreciated. The school cafe- teria has been most successfully operated during the year, and fills a very important part of the entire school program. The play school for the smaller children held at the close of school in June was a splendid project. The P. T. A. was in- strumental in obtaining a United Nations Flag for the school, and has been very helpful and cooperative in many other ways.
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The annual census of all children residing in the town on October 1, 1950 was taken in October. The results are shown in the following tabulation:
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORS.
5 years or over 7 years or over and under 7 and under 16
Boys
24
125
Girls
31
136
Total
55
261
In public school membership
33
236
In private school member- ship
5
24
Not enrolled in any school
17
1
Total
55
261
In the vocational education field, adult evening and sew- ing classes were held in the winter months. These classes were under the direction and supervision of Mrs. Anne Dav- enport. Two classes were organized, one for beginners, and one for advanced students. Quite a number of local women took the opportunity of joining the classes and many fine pieces of clothing were made at very reasonable cost. This entire project was most successful, and very valuable for those who took part in it.
More extensive repairs than usual have been made dur- ing the past year. The outstanding repairs and improve- ments are as follows :
New boiler, oil burner, and 5,000 gallon fuel oil tank.
Painting entire exterior of building two coats.
Refinishing and redecorating all second floor classrooms and two lavoratories.
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New individual desks and chairs for two classrooms.
Repainted entire basement lunch room-ceiling, walls, and floor.
Repainted Home Economics room-ceiling, walls and floor.
Floodlights for parking area.
The major repair item and improvement for the year was the installation of a new boiler and oil burner. A delay in the delivery of the boiler, due to World conditions, necessi- tated the loss of ten school days before heat was ready on October 19, 1950. Some of these lost school days have already been made up. It will probably be necessary to run school a week longer in June in order to make up all lost days. The boiler is an H. B. Smith Company, water tube boiler. The burner is a Petro and uses No. 5 oil. To date both boiler and burner have been very satisfactory. The No. 5 oil can be purchased at a considerably lower cost than a lighter oil and produces a greater amount of heat. The building can be maintained at a more even temperature es- pecially nights, weekends, and vacations than with the old stoker. It is too early to estimate heating costs, but it would seem that the No. 5 oil should be less than coal for a full year period.
In conclusion I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for your efforts in making the year a most successful one. The assistance and cooperation of Mr. Clough, the Principal, the teachers, school physician, school nurses, townspeople, pa- rents, and pupils is also deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, PERCY L. ROWE,
Superintendent of Schools.
AGE AND GRADE CHART
October 1, 1950
GRADE
AGE 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Totals Boys
Totals Girls
Totals
B
12
1
14
1
...
...
..
....
....
....
....
....
..
....
....
I
G
B
4
13
1
...
....
....
..
....
....
....
..
..
..
....
18
20
38
II
G
8
11
1
.
..
....
...
....
...
...
....
....
....
....
22
14
36
III
G
....
3
10
1
....
...
....
...
..
...
....
....
....
....
9
18
27
IV
G
....
....
....
....
2
9
1
1
....
....
....
. .
..
....
14
10
24
V
G
....
..
....
1
7
1
....
....
...
..
....
....
13
B
....
..
....
....
1
7
4
1
....
....
.. ..
....
....
11
24
VI
G
....
....
....
....
....
....
4
13
1
2
....
....
....
....
....
20
33
VII
G
....
...
....
....
2
4
2
1
....
..
....
..
...
...
..
..
....
6
3
1
....
....
....
10
19
VIII
G
....
....
...
..
..
....
....
....
1
2
1
B
....
..
. 4
..
..
..
....
4
9
2
.. .
....
....
....
15
19
IX
G
....
....
B
..
....
...
...
..
..
....
X
G
....
..
....
....
....
....
..
..
..
..
....
....
:
3
3
1
7
9
16
XI
G
....
...
....
....
....
....
..
....
...
B
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
1
5
1
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
15
13
2
138
159
297
Totals
38
34
35
24
19
26
24
22
26
8
10
6 7
1
138
....
....
Boys
16
19
19
9
10
12
11
10
22
15
16
15
9
14
13
12
18
9 9 6
1
....
159
....
..
...
...
...
..
....
....
. .
..
....
B
....
5
16
1
6
....
..
....
.. .
..
.. ..
..
....
....
....
5
13
..
....
....
....
....
...
...
..
..
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
..
..
....
13
....
....
B
....
...
....
3
4
4
2
....
...
....
....
..
..
....
....
....
1
9
2
5
1
..
..
..
..
...
...
...
B
1
7
1
....
....
4
7
11
XII
G
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
13
....
28
....
15
..
...
..
1
...
B
B
....
..
B
4
12
..
....
....
....
10
22
....
9
....
....
....
..
....
....
4
...
....
4
..
...
2
9
00
....
....
2
1
1
....
19
Girls
87
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe,
Superintendent of Schools :-
I herewith submit the annual report of Mendon High and Center School for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Eleven students received diplomas at graduation exer- cises held Wednesday, June 14, 1950 at the Mendon Unitarian Church. Members of Class of 1950: Nina L. Alger, Daniel N. Barnes, Jean A. Beal, Margaret C. Desmarais, John S. Hogarth, Edward J. Lamothe, Gloria M. Mantoni, Faye A. Pouliot, Janet M. Robinson, Annette O. Rondeau, Shirley M. Stimpson.
Janet M. Robinson attained highest scholastic honors and Jean A. Beal second highest for four high school years. The Mendon High School Alumni Medal, presented by the Alumni Association, was awarded to Annette O. Rondeau. Jean A. Beal was the winner of the Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Five members of the class are continuing their education in post secondary educational institutions this year.
The twenty-third annual prize speaking contest was held March 31, 1950 in the Mendon Town Hall. Nine speakers presented selections. First prize was awarded to James Rogers, second prize to Fred R. Phipps, Jr., and third prize to Barbara M. Grant. A cast of sixteen pupils presented the
88
annual Senior Play, "Grandma's Best Years," on December 8, 1950 at the Mendon Town Hall. Earlier in the year the classes of the Junior and Senior High School cooperated in the presentation of a minstrel show for the benefit of the Washington Trip Fund.
Enrollment in school has shown a relatively small but definite increase which seems to be consistent with the gradual growth of the community. The enrollment figures as of December 22, 1950 are as follows: Grade I-29; Grade II-40; Grade IV-30; Grade V-22; Grade VI-24; Grade VII-33; Grade VIII-19; Grade IX-20; Grade X-21; Grade XI-14; Grade XII-9.
An evening session of all grades was held on Monday, November 6, 1950 in connection with the observance of American Education Week. A two hour schedule of classes was held to provide an opportunity for as many parents as possible to visit classrooms.
The school was presented a United Nations Flag by the Mendon Parent Teacher Association on October 24, 1950. Mrs. Herbert F. Bowen, President of the Association, made the presentation at a school assembly on the occasion of the country wide observance of United Nations Day. Barbara M. Grant, President of the Class of 1951, accepted the Flag for the school.
The school lunch continues to operate very successfully and is well patronized by pupils. The writer wishes to ex- press appreciation and thanks of the School Lunch Commit- tee, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the school for the faithful and generous contributions of time and labor which so many of the mothers and friends of the pupils have made in the preparation and serving of meals in the lunchroom. The assistance of additional workers each day has made pos-
89
sible the balancing of the school lunchroom budget each year that it has been in operation.
Once again within a period of ten years the pupils of our high schools face a world where the future seems to be uncertain and menacing. It is difficult to give the adequate advice and guidance to young people which normal world con- ditions would prompt. Yet the experience of our American way of life indicates just as clearly as ever that our boys and girls should take advantage of their present educational opportunities to the fullest extent that they should continue their educational training as far as possible beyond high school. The tremendous response of veterans of World War II to the educational aids provided by the federal government has demonstrated that American youth believes firmly in the benefits of education. Our pupils should take counsel from this fact and others to be found on all sides. There has never been discovered a more profitable way of spending the years of youth than in school training either vocational, pro- fessional, or cultural.
Parents are invited to confer with the teachers and principal whenever they have questions about school matters. In concluion, I wish to express sincere appreciation in behalf of the teaching staff for the cooperation and assistance of the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Rowe, the School Committee, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the townspeople.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH, Principal.
90
MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.
To the Superintendent of Schools:
My dear Mr. Rowe,
Music reading is the product of wide experience in read- ing new material over a span of years. Certain steps have had to be taken slowly at first and as separate operations. The eye must see the whole phrase at once, just as the eye en- compasses the entire line of newsprint at one glance. This is the secret of all fast music reading. If a person is ever to read music quickly, his eye must measure the phrase group and not isolate the individual notes.
Of course the allotment of school time to music is limited, but the radio and other listening media provide excellent means through which to capture the musical interest of the boys and girls. We often discuss in class the previous eve- ning's television and radio shows, and I am happy to hear about new records being added to the individual collections of good music for the phonograph.
Most of the youngsters can feel and interpret correctly many fundamental rhythm patterns found in our songs. These patterns range from the one beat tone to two tones to a beat; the dotted quarter followed by the eighth; six- eight meter; and the dotted eighth and sixteenth note pat- terns. They have been introduced to the simple melodic and rhythmic instruments most commonly employed in the symphony orchestra. We have tried to encourage any ten-
91
dency on the part of the child to study a musical instrument or take voice lessons.
In the chorus we try to develope a finer feeling for something cultural and less tangible. Here two great ele- ments of music, melody and harmony, are put into practice. Thus our young people are developing a true feeling for tonality.
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all connected with the Mendon school system for their splendid co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, CHRISTINE M. WILSON, Supervisor of Music Education.
I
92
SCHOOL NURSE'S ANNUAL REPORT
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe,
Superintendent of Schools,
Mendon, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Rowe:
May we submit to you the Annual School Nursing report for the year ending December, 1950.
Mendon school was visited Tuesday of each week, when school was in session.
Registration was held at Mendon school on May 19th, with the nurse assisting.
There was a question of two pupils having rheumatic fever, which the nurse investigated. One case of scarlet fever was reported and also visited by school nurse.
Colds, chicken pox and mumps were prevalent this year.
The State Department has notified us that they are re- serving the audiometer for use in the Mendon Schools in April and the Massachusetts Vision Testing equipment in March.
We also learned that Mendon will receive service from Worcester County Sanatorium for x-ray of school personnel in the near future.
93
The nurse assisted Dr. Berry with physicals. The pupils in the first, fifth and ninth grades were examined during November and December.
Referred for dental evaluations 16
Conjunctivitis 1
Post-nasal drip 1
Enlarged tonsils 1 Posture 1
Tox-oid clinics were held in Mendon schools March 28th, May 2nd and June 6th. Dr. Berry assisted by the nurses conducted the clinic.
Protective doses
3
Booster doses 107
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurse in her visits to the school:
1. Inspection of pupils 574
2. Pupils inspected for disease 107
3. Pupils recommended for exclusion 6
4. Pupils and nurse conferences 154
5. Pupils treated for minor injuries 41
6. Nurse and teacher conferences 141
7. Home visits 32
In closing, may we thank Dr. F. L. Berry, Mr. Rowe, the School Committee, the principal, and teachers of the Mendon School for their courtesy and co-operation.
Respectfully submitted, GRACE MORAN, R. N., Supervisor of Nurses.
94
PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST MENDON TOWN HALL, MARCH 31, 1950
PROGRAM
Mother Takes Up Slang Vice
Paul Tadakowsky
That We Might Be Saved Montgomery Shirley M. Steere
Freddie' Installment Plan
Seeman
Wayne F. Wagner
White Lilacs Black
Barbara M. Grant
At The Swimming Pool Seeman
Bruce Arthur Thomas
Those Pals of Ours Greaton-Cole Junior High School Chorus
A Little Dumber
Donnell
Ruth M. Bosma
Blind Faith
Martin
Fred R. Phipps, Jr.
The Death of Madame Defarge Dickens
Joanne Goodnow
Johnnie Wears the Contest
Dickerson
James Rogers
Londonderry Air Niel
Dianne Channing
Decision of Judges
95
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL
UNITARIAN CHURCH
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1950
Processional-March of the Priests Mendelssohn Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
Invocation
Rev. Richard Slater
Salutatory and Essay-Nursing
Jean A. Beal
Essay-The Army
John S. Hogarth
Essay-Journalism
Shirley M. Stimpson
Song-O Singing Land Sibelius
High School Chorus
Essay-Social Work
Faye A. Pouliot
Essay-Law
Gloria M. Mantoni
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Essay-Merchandising
Daniel N. Barnes
Essay-Medicine
Annette O. Rondeau
Solo-The Lord' Prayer Malotte
Faye A. Pouliot
Essay-Secretarial Work
Nina L. Alger
Essay-Psychiatry Margaret C. Desmarais
Essay-Coaching
Edward J. Lamothe
Song-Auf Wiedershen Romberg High School Chorus
Essay and Valedictory-Teaching Janet M. Robinson
Award and Diploma Presentation Mr. Herbert F. Bowen Chairman of School Committee
Star Spangled Banner
Benediction
Rev. Richard Slater
Recessional-Pomp and Circumstance Elga Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
97
GRADUATES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1950
Nina L. Alger
Daniel N. Barnes
Jean A. Beal
Margaret C. Desmarais
John S. Hogarth
Edward J. Lamothe
Gloria M. Mantoni
Faye A. Pouliot
Janet M. Robinson
Annette O. Rondeau
Shirley M. Stimpson
98
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Worcester, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Mendon in the County of Worcester, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Mendon qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs to meet at the Town Hall in said Mendon on Monday, the fifth day of March A. D., 1951, punctually at 9 o'clock A. M., to act on the following articles, 1 and 2. Article 3 and all following Articles on this Warrant will be acted upon Friday, the ninth day of March at 7 P. M.
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside over said meeting.
Article 2. To bring in their ballots for the following Town Officers :
One Town Clerk for one year;
One Selectman for three years;
One Assessor for three years;
One Town Treasurer for one year;
One Constable for one year;
One Tree Warden for one year;
One Trustee of the Taft Public Library for two years;
One Member of the School Committee for three years;
99
One Park Commissioner for three years;
One Highway Surveyor for one year;
One Water Commissioner for three years; all on one ballot designating the office intended for each per- son voted for.
Article 3. To hear the reports of the several Town Of- ficers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 4. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the ensuing year.
Article 5. To appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town expenses for the financial year beginning January 1, 1951.
Article 6. To determine the compensation of the Tax Collector for the ensuing year.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, to bor- row money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1951 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year and to renew any note or notes as may be given for the period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 8. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the improvement and repairs of highways, to be expended under the direction of the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Works as provided under Chapter 81 of the General Laws as amended, or take any action in relation to the same.
100
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the operation and repairs of Town machinery, a part or whole to be taken from the Road Machinery fund, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for the maintenance of Chapter 90 Roads, said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State and County for this purpose, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate any sum of money for Chapter 90 New Construction provided the State and County will contribute for such work under the provisions of Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Article 12. To see what action the Town will take regard- ing any legal proceedings that may be brought against or by the Town.
Article 13. To see if the Town will authorize the Select- men to sell any or all real estate owned by the Town by reason of the foreclosure of Tax Title thereon and to execute, ac- knowledge and deliver a proper deed or deeds therefor, authority therefor to terminate March 3, 1952 or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the dog license refund received from the Worcester County in 1950 to be used for general school expenses in 1951, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Assessors with the approval of the Commissioner of Corpora- tions and Taxation to use such an amount of the free cash in the treasury as in their judgment should be used to reduce the tax levy of 1951, or take any action in relation thereto.
101
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $5,000 from available funds to the Stabilization Fund; as defined in Chapter 124, Acts of 1945 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purchase of eight (8) dining tables for the supper room in the Town Hall (same as tables now in use) or take any action in relation to same.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to place on the ballot at the next annual Town Meeting, the office of Modera- tor for the purpose of electing same for a period of one year thereafter and to set salary for same; or take any action in relation thereto.
Articlle 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $175.00 for the re-shingling of the Record Room, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $35.00 for repairs to the old Town library building, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Civilian Defense, or take any action in relation to same.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for new traffic signs, and for paint to mark the roadways, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise the hourly rate of the Highway Surveyor from $1.25 per hour to $1.40 per hour when worked, or take any action in relation thereto.
102
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose and to instruct the Board of Assessors to prepare and publish a valuation book covering valuations of all the real and personal estates in the Town or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1500. to be used for an extension of the East Mendon water system in order to furnish service to the eight houses now under construction and more which are to be built, or take any action in relation thereto.
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