USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1948-1952 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19
Respectfully submitted,
VESTELLA M. DANIELS, Librarian.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AND
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWN OF MENDON
MASSACHUSETTS
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1949
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 1949-1950. SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Gordon R. Good, Chairman
Term Expires 1951 John L. Lundvall
Term Expires 1950 Term Expires 1952
Regular meetings held at the Center School building on the fourth Monday of each month at 7.30 P. M.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS-PERCY L. ROWE, B.S.E., Ed. M.
The Superintendent may be met every Tuesday and Wednesday at the Mendon High School or by appoint- ment.
Office-Center School, Bellingham Center
Telephone, Milford 152-4
Office Hours-4 to 5 o'clock P. M. on school days.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN. 80
Francis L. Berry, M. D. K. A. Campbell, M. D. (Resigned)
Telephone, Milford 2934-R
SCHOOL NURSE.
Ruth Manuel, R. N.
Milford District Nursing Association
JANITOR.
Raymond Barrows Mendon, Mass. TRANSPORTATION AGENTS Harold C. Barrows, Mendon, Mass. Jesse F. White, Mendon, Mass. ATTENDANCE OFFICER Robert Bartlett Mendon, Mass.
Herbert F. Bowen, Secretary
Name
TEACHERS. Subject or Grade.
Preparation
Degrees Yrs. Ser. or Yrs. in Town
Henry P. Clough, Principal
Algebra, French,
Dartmouth College and
B.S.
Geometry, Geography
New Hampshire University Ed.M. 22nd
Raymond F. Biedrzycki
Math., Biology,
Rhode Island State B.S.
Fourth
Science, Physics
Mary C. McCormack
Commercial Ed. History
Regis College
B.S.
Fifth
Louise Benotti
Home Economics,
Simmons College
B.S.
Third
Doris O'Neill
English, Latin
Worcester State Tea. Col.
B.S.E. Second
Mary E. Phelan
Grade 6
Regis College
A.B.
First
Virginia Mayo
Grades 4 and 5
Bridgewater State Tea. Col.
B.S.E.
Sixth
Barbara Seaver
Grades 3 and 4
Framingham State Tea. Col.
B.S.E. Fifth
Grace Gaskell
Grade 2
Framingham State Tea. Col.
Two Eleventh
Bertha Hammann
Grade 1
Rhode Island College
21/2
Fourth
SUPERVISORS.
Name
Subject
Preparation
Degrees Yrs. Ser. or Yrs. in Town
Christine Wilson
Music
N. E. Conservatory of Music
William L. Rinehart
Handwriting
University of Pittsburg
Diploma Second 3 Yrs. M. A. Third
81
Social Science
82
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD FROM JANUARY, 1950 TO JUNE, 1950.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Open January 3, 1950, Close April 14, 1950.
Open April 24, 1950, Close June 16, 1950.
SUMMER VACATION.
Open September 6, 1950, Close December 21, 1950.
Open January 2, 1951, Close April 13, 1951.
Open April 23, 1951, Close June 15, 1951.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
Close February 17, 1950.
Open February 27, 1950.
Otherwise, same as High School.
Close June 9, 1950.
Close June 8, 1951.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
February 22, 1950, Washington's Birthday.
May 30, 1950, Memorial Day.
October 12, 1950, Columbus Day.
Thanksgiving Recess, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following. All Legal Holidays.
83
AGE OF ADMISSION TO SCHOOL.
Any child who becomes six years of age on or before January first of the year following the term when he wishes to enter school may be admitted into the first grade, but in every case the admission of a child under six shall be de- pendent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be determined by the superin- tendent. Pupils under seven years of age who have not previously attended school shall not be permitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in Sep- tember of any school year.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS.
Any complaint or representation which any person de- sires to make shall be presented or referred in writing to the superintendent of schools, who, at his discretion may bring it before the school committee. In cases of discipline or other school matters relating to their children, parents shall first discuss the matter with the teacher concerned. If for some reason they are not satisfied they will further discuss the matter with the following persons, if necessary, and in the following order: first, the principal of the building and then the superintendent of schools. If, finally, the superintendent has been unable to satisfy the parents, he shall report the case to the school committee for consideration and action.
THE NO SCHOOL SIGNAL.
It is the policy of the school officials to practically aban- don the use of the "no school" signal on account of weather conditions. This is in line with what many other cities and towns are doing. The reasons for so doing are that much con-
84
fusion has resulted from the use of the "no school" signal, and the realization that the loss of even one school day is a very serious one.
However, there may be days when it is advisable to close schools on account of severe weather conditions or other emergency.
Arrangements have been made with Radio Stations WNAC, WBZ, WEAN and WWON to broadcast the fact when- ever it is necessary to close the schools. The "no school" signals are usually given before, during or immediately after the news program. The siren will also blow two blasts twice at 7.30 A. M.
If schools do not close on any particularly bad day (rain, snow, or cold) parents are requested, and urged, to use their own judgment in sending their children to school.
85
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
General Appropriation
$46,262 65
Dog Tax, 1949
399 35
Total Receipts
$46,662 00
Total Expenditures
$46,139 58
Unexpended Balance
522 42
REIMBURSEMENTS.
State Aid
$9,078 46
Tuition
50 54
Superintendent : Salary and Trans-
portation
773 32
All School Transportation 6,371 51
Boston City Wards
165 50
State Wards
72 04
Vocational Education
605 74
Total Reimbursements $17,117 11
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS.
Total Expenditures
$46,139 58
Reimbursements
17,117 11
Net Cost by Taxation
$29,022 47
Expenditures :
School Committee Expense $41 50
Superintendent's Salary
1,999 78
86
Superintendent's Expense 242 48
Music Supervisor's Salary
563 00
Handwriting Supervisor's Salary
350 00
Teachers' Salaries
23,056 82
Textbooks 1,080 09
School Supplies
762 76
Wages of Janitor
2,389 30
Fuel
1,584 23
Janitors' Supplies
505 58
Electricity
377 70
Telephone
104 06
Repairs
2,425 00
Maintenance
1,288 07
Libraries
32 49
Health
452 84
Transportation
7,826 08
New Equipment
1,057 80
Total Expenditures
- $46,139 58
87
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Citizens of the Town of Mendon:
The excellent quality of instruction in our schools this year has been due largely to the efforts of our Superintendent, Mr. Percy Rowe and to our Principal, Mr. Henry Clough, who together with the faculty personnel were forced to make rapid adjustments at the beginning of the year to accommodate an unusually large number of pupils in the lower grades.
The selection of Mendon as an attractive town in which to build and live is making itself felt by increased enrollment in our schools. We believe this to be a definite trend. Sep- tember school opening of nineteen hundred and fifty should find more than one hundred pupils in the three lower grades. A continuation of this trend over the ensuing years will make necessary more class rooms to house the individual grades of our elementary school.
The committee believes it will be possible to cope with the situation for the coming year but some planning may be neces- sary for the future.
It is with regret that we have been forced to accept the resignation of Doctor K. A. Campbell after some twenty years of excellent service as our school physician.
Transportation at no cost to the town was provided by Mr. Jesse White for pupils attending out of town athletic con- tests and his generosity in this regard is appreciated.
88
Four class rooms have been completely redecorated in pastel shades increasing the amount of light available in these rooms. Two class rooms have been equipped with new desks and chairs of the modern movable type.
The installation of emergency lighting has permitted more extensive use of the building in the evening both for adult education and increased student activities.
The boiler in our present heating system although it has passed inspection for this year has reached an age at which such boilers should be replaced. Recommendation has been made that an oil burning boiler be installed reducing manual labor and providing more controlled and less expensive heat- ing.
We wish to thank the Parent-Teachers' Association and townspeople for their assistance and co-operation this past year.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON GOOD, Chairman, HERBERT BOWEN, JOHN LUNDVALL, Mendon School Committee.
89
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee of Mendon :
Gentlemen:
It is with pleasure that I submit to you for your consid- eration my seventh annual report as Superintendent of Schools in Mendon.
For the first time in many years we were able to open school in September with the same teaching staff. To be able to retain a capable faculty is a most desirable aim in educa- tion. Overcrowded classrooms in the elementary grades made it necessary to engage another teacher early in September. Miss Mary E. Phelan, of Boston, and a graduate of Regis College, was selected, and was given grade six. Grades one, two, and six are now single grades.
Excellent progress has been made in the regular daily classroom instruction. Many new textbooks were purchased during the year. Ample supplies and supplementary materi- als have been furnished. Some new equipment in the science department has been added. The wire recording equipment purchased late in 1948 has been exceedingly helpful in teach- ing English and speech. Many educational and instructional films have been shown. Outside lectures have been made. Stress has been placed on reading and voice. A very impor- tant factor in good instruction is the retaining of teachers in a school system. All teachers returned to their positions in September, one new teacher was engaged in the fall in order to relieve the overcrowded condition in two classrooms. These
90
two rooms had 46 pupils each which is far too many for effi- cient teaching. No class in the elementary grades now exceeds thirty-four.
The total school enrollment as of October 1, 1949 was 279. This is an increase of 30 pupils over the figures of a year ago. Next September the enrollment will probably be very close to 300. For the next year or two the school attendance figures will have to be carefully studied. It could very well be that additional classroom space will be necessary within two or three years. Judging from the birth rate alone, present facili- ties should be adequate until 1953 or 1954. The influx of new families is a factor which makes it rather difficult to deter- mine very accurately the school population in the immediate or near future. The following table shows the enrollment on October 1 in both high and elementary grades over an eight year period.
Elementary
High
Total
1949
213
66
279
1948
189
60
249
1947
198
51
249
1946
189
58
247
1945
195
54
249
1944
203
59
262
1943
221
63
284
1942
237
70
307
Some changes have been made which should result in still better school and community health. The health of each child is the most important goal of our school program, and accordingly, the work of the school physician and his staff is of the utmost significance. We are confident that our new school physician will help us to attain this goal.
Through the courtesy of the town of Mendon Health De- partment all of the children of the first grade were given a
91
fluorine treatment for teeth. Through the kindness of the Worcester County Health Association in loaning its most modern ear-testing and eye-testing apparatus the ears and eyes of every pupil were carefully tested.
American Education Week was observed November 6-12. As a part of the program for Education Week an evening ses- sion of all classes was held on Monday evening, November 7. This gave an opportunity to fathers as well as mothers to visit classrooms. An excellent attendance of parents took advan- tage of this opportunity to see for the most part the regular school work of all classes.
In October two adult evening sewing classes were or- ganized under the direction of Mrs. Anne Davenport. Two classes a week were held for a ten-week period. A large num- ber of Mendon residents attended the sessions of these classes and will exhibit their garments in the school cafeteria the latter part of January.
The school census was taken in October. The figures in the following table may not agree with the Age-Grade Enroll- ment Chart, because some of the five-year old children are not enrolled in the school membership, being too young to attend school. There are also pupils 16 years of age, or over, in school who would not be included in the following figures.
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORS OCTOBER 1, 1949.
5 years or over and under 7
7 years or over and under 16
Boys
31
111
Girls
27
120
Total
58
231
92
In public school member- ship
35
207
In private school member- ship
3
18
Not enrolled in any
20
6
school
-
Total
58
231
Since Dr. K. A. Campbell, our school physician for many years, felt it necessary to resign late in summer, the School Committee appointed Dr. Francis L. Berry, of Mendon, to that position in September. We wish to express our apprecia- tion for the splendid work done by Dr. Campbell in our school system over a period of years. He gave freely of his time, was very faithful and conscientious in performing his duties, and will be missed by the entire school personnel. We all wish him the best of everything in life in the future.
The school health program has been most successfully carried on under the direction of our new school physician, Dr. Berry.
In addition to regular routine repairs such as plumbing, heating, and electrical work, the following more important things have been done:
Repaired tennis court fence. Repaired classroom windows, two rooms. Installed metal fire door in shaft to attic. Painted and completely refinished four classrooms. Painted cafeteria floor and home economics room floor. Began painting lunch room ceiling. Vacuum pump overhauled.
93
Refinished all floors and corridors.
New window shades, one classroom.
The major repair program for the coming year should in- clude a continuation of the painting of classrooms and the in- stallation of automatic oil heat. The old heating system is in- efficient, expensive, and requires almost constant attention from the first of December until the first of April. Rather ex- pensive repairs seem to be necessary each summer, especially on the inside boiler brickwork.
Among the new equipment items obtained during the year are the following :
8 additional "Instant" fire extinguishers.
Double emergency lighting unit for cafeteria.
"Exit" signs in cafeteria.
2 new typewriters.
Additional tables and chairs for lunch room.
New modern movable tables and chairs for two class- rooms.
In concluding I wish to express my sincere thanks for your very generous and able assistance during the year. The excellent cooperation of the Principal, Mr. Clough, the teach- ers, parents, pupils, friends, and citizens is also deeply appre- ciated. Better education results by the intelligent, construc- tive, and cooperative participation of all.
Respectfully submitted,
PERCY L. ROWE,
Superintendent of Schools.
AGE AND GRADE CHART
October 1, 1949
GRADE
AGE
Totals
Totals
Totals
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Boys
Girls
B
2
12
....
....
....
....
....
..
....
....
...
I
G
5
11
2
....
....
.. ..
...
..
....
...
...
....
..
5
14
1
..
..
..
....
..
....
....
....
..
....
....
16
36
II
G
....
3
12
1
....
..
....
..
...
...
....
..
..
..
7
17
24
III
G
....
....
8
8
1
....
.. ..
...
..
..
. .
..
....
....
....
....
....
21
IV
G
..
..
....
...
1
6
..
I
7
5
1
1
....
...
..
..
..
....
....
15
12
27
V
G
....
..
..
....
3
4
4
1
..
...
....
....
..
..
....
....
..
..
...
....
..
..
1
6
3
1
1
2
14
9
23
VII
G
..
..
....
. .
...
..
....
....
5
3
1
....
....
....
...
....
....
B
....
....
. .
..
.
....
....
..
4
10
2
B
....
..
..
..
....
..
..
..
..
..
2
9
5
....
....
16
8
24
IX
G
....
..
..
....
. .
...
....
....
....
2
5
1
3
1
9
9
18
X
G
B
....
..
....
....
....
....
....
...
....
..
..
1
5
1
5
7
12
XI
G
..
....
....
..
....
....
..
....
....
.. ..
B
.....
....
....
....
..
....
....
..
....
....
...
..
..
...
....
XII
G
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
3
6
3
9
12
Total
7 31
39
17
18
25
21
24
26
19
22
18
12
136
143
279
Boys
2
17
17
7
9
14
10
13
10
10
13
9 5
136
....
....
Girls
5
14
22
10
9
11
11
11
16
00
9
9 7
....
..
....
3
4
. .
..
....
....
....
..
. .
..
...
..
..
B
B
....
....
..
..
2
8
4
..
....
...
...
.. ..
..
..
...
14
7
27
VI
G
B
..
..
...
..
....
....
VIII
G
....
..
..
. .
..
..
..
..
..
..
....
2
3
....
2
....
..
7
16
23
....
B
. .
..
....
....
..
..
. .
..
....
....
1
7
1
. .
. .
..
...
..
..
. .
..
..
....
....
....
....
4
1
....
...
....
..
1
..
....
..
..
....
..
12
15
2
11
1
1
....
..
..
..
94
....
....
14
18
32
B
....
B
..
.
..
2
9
..
:
B
....
....
..
....
....
..
..
:
5
....
....
..
..
3
....
....
. .
..
20
143
95
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, 1949.
The registration of the school as a whole shows an in- crease in enrollment when compared with that of last year. The increase is principally located in the lower grades with some smaller additions in the high school group. The figures for the building on December 23, 1949 are as follows: Grade I-34; Grade II-34; Grade III-26; Grade IV-22;
Grade V-27; Grade VI-28; Grade VII-25; Grade VIII-24;
Grade IX-23; Grade X-18; Grade XI-11; Grade XII-12.
Graduation exercises of the Class of 1949 took place June 15, 1949. Diplomas were awarded to Marilyn Beal, Marjorie L. Bowen, Jacquelyn M. Curley, Frederick J. Grant, Sylvia M. Harvey, Shirley B. Keefe, Ronald T. Lowell, Richard M. Mattson, Gertrude Oppewal, Laurita A. Phipps, Ethel J. Rogers, Lorna F. Wagner. Highest and second highest scho- lastic honors were attained by Lorna F. Wagner and Marilyn Beal respectively. The Mendon High School Alumni Medal and the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen- ship Award were awarded to Laurita A. Phipps.
The Annual prize speaking program was given March 25, 1949 at the Mendon Town Hall. Jean A. Beal, Edward J. Lamothe, Gloria M. Mantoni, Fred R. Phipps, Faye A. Pouliot, Janet M. Robinson, Cecile M. Rondeau, Helen N. Sabin, and Shirley M. Stimpson presented readings.
Janet M. Robinson, Helen N. Sabin, and Faye A. Pouliot were the winners of first, second, and third prizes respective- ly.
96
The Senior Play of the current year, In Spring the Sap, was presented with great success on December 2, 1949.
The teaching staff of the school had no replacements dur- ing the year. A rearrangement of crowded grade rooms has made possible an additional teacher in the upper grades. The writer appreciates the very earnest and efficient work of the teachers of the School. The community is fortunate in hav- ing good teachers.
In connection with the national observance of American Education Week, an evening session of all grades was held on November 7, 1949. The session was especially well attended by parents.
The demands of modern life seem to call for a larger and ever widening understanding of the world about us. It is es- pecially important both to the individual and to our nation that our young people get as much education as possible. Boys and girls need it that they may be as well prepared as possible in the competition of life. Our nation needs it in order that our republican form of democracy may be pre- served by intelligent and honest citizens. Our schools must do everything possible to insist on the development of mental abilities and of moral character.
Parents are urged to confer with the teachers and prin- cipal whenever they have questions of any kind pertaining to school matters. It is the sincere wish of the school faculty to be of service to parents so far as possible.
In conclusion, I wish to express deep appreciation for my- self and for the teaching staff for the cooperation and assist- ance of the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Rowe, the School Committee, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the people of the Town of Mendon.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH, Principal.
97
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST MENDON TOWN HALL, MARCH 25, 1949
Honey
Black
Janet M. Robinson
A Tragedy in Millinery Wiggin
Cecile M. Rondeau
The Unseen Witness
Wayne
Fred R. Phipps
The Late Afternoon of a Nymph Lincoln
Nancy Sabin
The Dove
Yradier
High School Chorus
The White Hands of Telham Davenport
Gloria M. Mantoni
The Yellow Wallpaper Gilman
Faye A. Pouliot
Beyond the Last Mile Morris
Edward J. Lamothe
Patient in Room L
Donnell
Jean A. Beal
Edith Economizes Phelps
Shirley M. Stimpson
Stein Song Fenstad
High School Chorus
Decision of Judges
98
GRADUATION EXERCISES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL UNITARIAN CHURCH WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1949.
PROGRAM
Processional-"March of the Priests" Mendelssohn Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
Invocation
Rev. Raymond A. Sabin
Salutatory and Essay-Theodore Roosevelt Marilyn Beal
Essay-George Washington Carver
Sylvia M. Harvey
Essay-Daniel Chester French Gertrude Oppewal
Essay-Winston Churchill Richard M. Mattson
Essay-John Wanamaker
Marjorie L. Bowen
Song-"Come to the Fair" Martin
High School Chorus
Essay-John Eliot Laurita A. Phipps
Essay-Florence Nightingale
Ethel J. Rogers
Essay-John J. Pershing Ronald T. Lowell
99
Essay-Carl Sandburg Jacquelyn M. Curley
Song-"Roses from the South" Strauss High School Chorus
Essay-The Wright Brothers Frederick J. Grant
Essay-Dwight D. Eisenhower Shirley B. Keefe
Essay-Valedictory-Horace Mann
Lorna F. Wagner
Award and Diploma Presentation
Mr. Gordon R. Good Chairman of School Committee
Star Spangled Banner
Benediction
Rev. Raymond A. Sabin
Recessional-"Pomp and Circumstance" Elgar Mrs. Bertha B. Rogers
GRADUATES OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1949.
Marilyn Beal
Marjorie L. Bowen
Jacquelyn M. Curley
Frederick J. Grant
Sylvia M. Harvey Shirley B. Keefe
Ronald T. Lowell Richard M. Mattson
Gertrude Oppewal
Laurita A. Phipps
Ethel J. Rogers
Lorna F. Wagner
100
MUSIC SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools, Mendon, Massachusetts :-
Dear Mr. Rowe:
Music, like language, is first introduced to the individual through the ear. Almost from birth, a child is conscious of sounds around him. Thus, if in his preschool years, he can hear much music at home, either from the family group, or from the radio or phonograph, he can acquire an extensive repertory of songs and he will attempt to sing without much encouragement. On the other hand, children with no oppor- tunity to develop musical feeling at home, come to school with no ability for musical expression; consequently, musical instruction in the first two years of school has to be given over almost entirely to rote experience, that is, music learned by imitation.
Just as a child has three or four years' experience in speaking a language before he attempts to read it, so before any study of notation is attempted, he must be ready for reading music. Sometimes, depending on the calibre of the class, this music reading readiness is not found until the third grade or even later. However, I try to keep to my schedule with some elasticity of course, of reading from no- tation with "do" on the first line, by the end of the first half of the second year. The child is encouraged to associate tones with their appropriate notes. This association, as in the formal study of language, results from a slow, painstaking process and must be concerned at first with relatively few
101
tonal patterns. Through hearing, singing and building these patterns he adds to his musical vocabulary just as through frequent association with word sounds-by seeing, spelling and writing them, he enlarges his language vocabulary.
The language of music, however, is far more complex than that of speech, and requires much patient instruction. It is both scientific and artistic. It is a science, because it rep- resents systematized knowledge and it is an art because this knowledge is made effective through skill in its practice.
I know the youngsters are steadily progressing. The teachers are most co-operative and willing, and once again I wish to thank them and Mr. Rowe for their wonderful co- operation and willingness. It is a pleasure for me to be associated in teaching with them.
Respectfully submitted, CHRISTINE M. WILSON, Supervisor of Music Education.
102
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools,
Mendon, Massachusetts :-
Dear Mr. Rowe:
I would like to take this opportunity to report briefly to you on the examinations we have conducted during the past few months.
Pupils of the first, fifth and ninth grades were examined, eighty-eight pupils in all.
Twelve pupils were noted as needing dental evaluation, seven pupils for enlarged (chronically infected) tonsils, one for enlarged glands.
No communicable diseases of any serious nature were found.
The members of the Senior class in the High School had their chests x-rayed at the Consultation Clinic.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.