USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1953-1957 > Part 12
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Preparation
Degree or Years in
Henry P. Clough, Principal Algebra, French
Geometry
New Hampshire
Social Science
University
Raymond F. Biedrzycki
Mathematics,
Rhode Island State
B.S.
Tenth
Science
Howard C. Llewellyn
Commercial Ed.
Salem State
B.S.E.
First
Teachers College
Mildred White
Home Economics
Framingham State
B.S.E.
Fourth
Social Science
Teachers College
Doris O'Neill
English, Latin
Worcester State
B.S.E.
Eighth
Teachers College
Years
Town
Dartmouth College and
B.S. Twenty-eighth Ed.M.
85
Catherine Whelen Margaret Hubert
Grade 6 Boston University A.B. Two
Second Third
Grade 5 Framingham State Teachers College
E. Jane Coleman Margaret C. Duren
Grade 4 Mass. School of Art
B.S.E.
Fourth
Grade 3 Syracuse University
A.B.
Second
Grace Hutchinson
Grade 2 Framingham State Teachers College
Two
Seventeenth
Lillian A. Pennington
Grade 1 Rhode Island College of Education
B.E.
Second
Mary C. Armour (Resigned) Commercial Ed.
Regis College
B.S.
Tenth
Dorothy Stanas (Resigned) Grade 4 Worcester State
B.S.E.
Fifth
Teachers College
SUPERVISORS
Christine Wilson
Music N. E. Conservatory of Music
Three
Eighth
William L. Rinehart
Handwriting University of Pittsburgh A.M.
Eighth
86
i
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SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR PERIOD JANUARY, 1956 to JUNE, 1957
OPEN
CLOSE
HIGH SCHOOL
January 3, 1956
February 17, 1956
February 27, 1956
April 13, 1956
April 23, 1956
June 22, 1956
SUMMER VACATION
September 5, 1956
December 21, 1956
January 2, 1957
February 15, 1957
February 25, 1957
April 12, 1957
April 22, 1957
June 21, 1957
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Same as High School except:
Close June 15, 1956 Close June 14, 1957
SCHOOL NOT IN SESSION
Good Friday Observance, March 30, 1956 Memorial Day Observance, May 30, 1956 Columbus Day Observance, October 12, 1956 Teachers' Convention Day, November 2, 1956 Veterans' Day Observance, November 12, 1956 Thanksgiving Recess, November 22-23, 1956
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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 dependent upon the fitness of the child to profit by the work of the school, such fitness to be determined by the superintendent. Pupils under seven years of age who have not previously attended school shall not be per- mitted to enter later than thirty days after the opening of school in September of any school year.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS
Any complaint or representation which any person desires to make shall be presented or referred in writing to the superintendent of schools, who, in his discretion may bring it before the school committee. In cases of discipline or other school matters relating to their chil- dren, parents shall first discuss the matter with the teacher concerned. If for some reason they are not satis- fied they will further discuss the matter with the follow- ing persons, if necessary, and in the following order : first, the principal of the building and then the superin- tendent 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 abandon 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 reason for so doing is that much confusion 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.
89
However, there may be days when it is advisable to close schools on account of severe weather conditions or any other emergency.
Arrangements have been made with Radio Stations WNAC, WBZ, WWON, and WNRI to broadcast the fact whenever it is necessary to close the schools. The "no school" signals are usually given before, during, or im- mediately after the news program. The siren will also blow three 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.
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SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
RECEIPTS
General Appropriation
$68,239.38
Dog Tax, 1955 536.62
Total Receipts $68,776.00
Total Expenditures $68,032.26
Unexpended Balance
743.74
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid 14,343.46
All School Transportation 9,388.70
Superintendent : Salary-
Transportation 1,493.33
State Wards: Tuition,
Transportation 1,440.84
Vocational Education 631.90
Tuition
255.84
Total Reimbursements
$27,554.07
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$68,032.26
Reimbursements 27,554.07
Net Cost by Taxation
$40,478.19
EXPENDITURES
School Committee Expense ... $74.54
Superintendent's Salary
2,719.94
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Superintendent's Secretary
Salary
538.50
Superintendent's Expense
316.35
Supervisors' Salaries
1,656.56
Teachers' Salaries
35,128.44
Textbooks
1,506.98
School Supplies
1,543.57
Wages of Janitor
3,068.99
Fuel
1,767.09
Janitor's Supplies
715.34
Telephones
178.18
Electricity
546.56
Labor
52.00
Advertising
83.25
Police Protection
27.50
Commissioner of Public Safety
10.00
Replacements
252.00
Trash Removal
22.10
Repairs
3,866.59
Library
142.05
Health
704.05
Transportation
11,720.30
New Equipment
1,240.19
School Lunch Program
151.19
Total Expenditures
$68,032.26
92
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the citizens of Mendon the School Committee sub- mits its annual report.
Resignations were accepted this past year from Mrs. Mary Armour, teacher of commercial education; Mrs. Dorothy Stanas, fourth grade teacher; and Miss Jane Coleman, Art supervisor.
Mr. Howard Llewellyn was engaged at the beginning of the fall term to teach commercial education, and Miss Jane Coleman was engaged to teach the fourth grade. The position of art supervisor is as yet unfilled.
The fence on the west side of the school property was replaced. Trees and brush were cut on the newly acquired property south of the school building. Two classrooms and one lavatory were repainted. The old finish was removed from two other classrooms and replaced with clear varnish. Windows were caulked and tightened and the exterior wood portion of the building was repainted.
An excellent report was presented to the Town by the Regional School Planning Committee. The acceptance of this report by the Townspeople with a vote of five to one in favor of a regional school we believe signifies an awareness of our present crowded classroom conditions and our need of a more comprehensive program of education.
:
1
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We wish to thank Mr. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Clough, principal, and the teaching staff for their cooperation in maintaining a high standard of instruction.
We believe much credit is due to Dr. Lukert and the school nurse in the fight against polio which this year added to their duties.
We wish also to thank the P.T.A., the cafeteria workers, school custodian, and transportation agents, for their aid in providing services necessary for an efficient school program.
Respectfully submitted, GORDON R. GOOD, Chairman CHESTER F. FITZGERALD HARRY C. YORK, Secretary Mendon School Committee.
October 1, 1955
GRADE-AGE DISTRIBUTION
GRADE
AGE
5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12
13 14 15 16 17
18
I
B
4
18
22
10
32
II
B
17
2
19
94
G
6
15
21
40
III
B
3
15
1
1
20
G
4 10
1
15
35
IV
B
5
11
2
18
G
2
16
18
36
V
B
11
5
2
1
16
2
19
37
VI
B
2
12
1
G
1
10
1
12
27
G
2
8
18
G
15
Total Total Total Boys Girls
VII
B
3
13
5
G
VIII
B
3
13
2
18
39
2
8
3
1
14
IX
B
6
11
17
31
G
2
5
2
2
11
X
B
5
2
7
18
G
1
4
1
6
XI
B
3
5
8
14
95
1
3
2
6
XII
B
2
9
1
12
18
G
Boys
4
18
17
10
26
16 21
20
22
12
9
8
5
3 191
Girls
2
14
19
12
18
17
19
18
21
13
8
9 9
1
180
Total
..
6 32 36 22 44
33
40
38
43
25
17
17
14
4
371
7
14
2
23
44
4
15
2
21
G
21
G
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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 considera- tion my annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
There were two changes in our school faculty during the year. Mrs. Mary Armour and Mrs. Dorothy Stanas resigned at the close of school in June. Mr. Howard Llewellyn, of Lynn, was engaged to replace Mrs. Armour in the High School Commercial Department. Miss E. Jane Coleman resigned as Art Supervisor and was appointed to replace Mrs. Stanas in grade four. This left a vacancy in the art department and up to this time we have been unable to find a suitable candidate for this position. Mr. Walter Wright, school custodian, resigned early in the year and Mr. William Hazard was appointed to replace him.
The classroom instruction has continued on a high level. Many new textbooks have been purchased not only for replacements but for the increased number of pupils. Ample supplies of all the necessary materials of instruc- tion have been in use. A new set of reference books was obtained. A new seascope was purchased for use in the High School science department, also a new opaque pro- jector which can be used in all grades. A new liquid duplicator, which quickly and easily runs off enough material for an entire class, has been added to our school
97
equipment. Blackout shades were installed in the science room in order that clearer pictures could be shown when using visual education apparatus.
The most important problem facing the School department at the present time is that of steadily in- creasing enrollment. At the present time the school build- ing is not only filled to capacity, it is over-crowded. The enrollment as of October 1, 1955 was 370 and there are only eleven classrooms available including specialized rooms, such as commercial, science, and home-making. At the High School level classes vary greatly in size. Rooms are just as necessary for smaller classes, such as French, Latin, or Science, as for larger classes such as English or History. It is very difficult to plan a satis- factory program of studies for the secondary school. Several classes a week have to be scheduled to meet in the cafeteria. Six of the eleven rooms must be used for pupils in the elementary grades. This only leaves five rooms available for all the pupils in grades seven through twelve. Grades seven and eight, among the largest classes we have, are departmentalized and are on the same time schedule as high school students. A year ago we expected that there would be two first grades in September, 1956. However, after the October 1, 1955 census was taken, it seemed evident that there would be about 38 first graders next September. Beginning in 1957 and each year there- after, it would be safe to assume that there would be two first grade entering classes each year. Birth rates are increasing each year. The following table shows actual enrollment figures from 1946 through 1955. Figures from 1956-1965 inclusive, are predicted, and are all as of Octo- ber first, each year.
98
MENDON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ACTUAL & PREDICTED ENROLLMENT 1946-1965 Grades
1 2 3 4 56789
10 11 12 Total
1946
19 21 25 18 29 20 41 16 21 15 11 11 247
1947
25 20 24 25 20 28 28 28 16 16 12
7 249 + 2
1948 32 21 18 22 22 20 27 27 23 12 13 12 249 same
1949
32 36 24 21 27 27 23 23 24 18 12 12 279 +30
1950
28 38 36 27 24 24 33 19 19 22 16 11 297 +18
1951
27 31 43 45 29 24 27 32 17 23 16 13 327 +30
1952
39 35 28 42 39 30 21 22 28 14 19 17 334 + 7
1953
35 38 35 26 44 39 33 21 21 23 12 18 345 +11
1954
39 38 37 36 25 43 37 29 19 16 20 11 350 + 5
1955
32 40 35 37 37 27 44 39 31 18 14 18 370
+ 20
1956
38 32 40 35 35 37 27 44 37 28 15 13 381
1957 1958
47 38 32 40 35 35 37 27 42 34 23 14 404
1959
48 54 47 38 32 40 35 35 35 24 32 26 446
1960
55 48 54 47 38 32 40 35 33 32 20 30 464
1961
51 55 48 54 47 38 32 40 33 30 27 19 474
1962
54 51 55 48 54 47 38 32 38 30 25 25 497
1963 55 54 51 55 48 54 47 38 30 35 25 23 515
1964
58 55 54 51 55 48 54 47 36 27 29 23 537
1965
60 58 55 54 51 55 48 54 45 33 22 27 562
Since 1948 the enrollment has jumped from 249 to 370, an increase of 121 pupils. By 1960 there will be nearly 100 more, and by 1965 nearly 200 more. It is clearly evident that the Town must take immediate action to provide for additional classroom space and to give the pupils of the Town the best education that we possibly can. It still must be kept in mind that the school building is seriously over-crowded now.
-- - -
54 47 38 32 40 35 35 37 26 38 28 21 431
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American Education Week was observed by all classes in November. An "open house" night was held one evening during the week. All school personnel were present and in their classrooms. There was an exhibition of the actual classroom work of all pupils. Many parents were present and had an opportunity to inspect work of all pupils and to talk with teachers about the instruction of their children.
All of our elementary teachers attended a one-day workshop conference at the elementary school in Hope- dale. Teachers in the following towns attended and took part in the program: Bellingham, Mendon, Hopedale, Upton, Uxbridge, and Whitinsville. The main subject discussed was "Meeting the Needs of Today's Children." Both general and small group meetings were held. Such conferences are very beneficial to our teachers. The work- shop was conducted under the direction of the Worcester State Teachers' College and the Superintendents of Schools in the participating towns. All school personnel also attended the annual meeting of the Worcester County Teachers' Association the first Friday in Novem- ber in Worcester.
A registration day was held in May for all first grade children who were to enter school in September. The children and their parents also, had an opportunity to visit the first grade classroom. Another such registra- tion day will be held next May. It is very important that all children who are to enter grade one in September 1956 be registered at that time. Much better planning can be done if the approximate number of first grade children is known well in advance of the opening of school.
The annual census and distribution of all minors in town between the ages of 5 and 16 was taken in October,
100
1955. All figures are as of October 1, 1955. Figures shown in this table will not necessarily agree with the figures in the Age-Grade Enrollment Chart. The results of the October 1, 1955 registration is as follows :
5 years or over 7 years or over
and under 7 and under16
Boys
40
162
Girls
32
155
Totals
72
317
Distribution of minors
In public school
membership
39
299
In private school
membership
2
17
Not enrolled in any
school
31
1
Totals
72
317
In addition to regular routine repairs such as elec- trical, plumbing, and heating, the following improve- ments have been made : Interior painting and refinishing, exterior painting of all outside woodwork and walls, new closet, repairs to tennis court, including two new basket- ball posts and backboards, a new fence, sanding and refinishing desks, and repairs to grounds.
The following should be included among improve- ments to be made next year: more interior painting, lighting improvements, further improvements to grounds -cold patch, fence for tennis court, further fence repairs north of school grounds, and repairs to steam radiators.
101
In conclusion, I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for your efforts in making the school year a very successful one. The assistance of Principal Clough, teachers, supervisors, school physician, school nurse, townspeople, parents, and pupils is also deeply appre- ciated.
Respectfully submitted, PERCY L. ROWE
Superintendent of Schools
102
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, 1955. The graduation exercises of the Class of 1955 were
held on the evening of Wednesday, June 22, 1955. Mem- bers of the graduating class were Charles F. Avery, Muriel L. Brothers, Barbara A. Francey, Helen A. Hamilton, Gloria I. Lamothe, Freeman H. Lowell, Kelvin L. Parkinson, Frank L. Rogers, June R. Sutcliffe, Ruth A. Wiersma, George W. York, Jr. Seven members of the Class of 1955 are now enrolled in post-secondary schools and colleges.
June R. Sutcliffe attained first honors and Ruth A. Wiersma second honors in scholastic achievement for the four senior high school years. The Mendon High School Alumni Medal was awarded to June R. Sutcliffe. Kelvin L. Parkinson was the winner of the American Legion Medal, and June R. Sutcliffe was the winner of the Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Gloria I. Lamothe was elected Student Representative by the High school body to represent Mendon High School on Student Gov- ernment Day at the Massachusetts State House on March 11, 1955. Edward Barnes was chosen delegate to Boys' State and Dolores Channing the delegate to Girls' State.
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These students, members of the Class of 1956, repre- sented Mendon High School at the annual sessions con- ducted in June, 1955 by the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary.
Prize Speaking was held at the Mendon Town Hall Friday, April 29, 1955. Selections were presented by Edward D. Barnes, Henrietta M. Bison, Cornelius B. Bracco, Dolores Channing, Jacqueline R. Corr, Gail J. Dudley, Jacquelyn S. Hamilton, Gordon F. Harvey, Louise E. Lamothe, Joan E. Lundvall, Frances E. Scott, Shirley C. Smith. First Prize was awarded to Gordon F. Harvey, Second Prize to Henrietta M. Bison, and Third Prize to Cornelius B. Bracco.
The annual Senior Play was presented at the Mendon Town Hall on December 9, 1955. A comedy, entitled Desperate Ambrose, was very well presented by members of the cast under the direction of Mrs. Doris O'Neill. A very pleasing and successful musical entertain- ment was presented at the Town Hall on February 18, 1955 by a cast of high school students under the direction of Miss Christine Wilson, Supervisor of Music.
The annual school open house held as a part of the observance of American Education Week occurred on the evening of Tuesday, November 8, 1955. The registration of visitors at the open house showed an increase in at- tendance over last year. The interest of parents in this evening of inspection and conferences with teachers is especially gratifying and of great mutual benefit.
The school lunchroom is now in its ninth year of operation. It is meeting the needs of an increasingly large number of school pupils most efficiently and well. To relieve congestion and to improve service time, the elementary grades have been divided into two sections for the lunch period and noon recess.
104
Enrollment figures for the entire building show an increase of approximately twenty pupils over last year's record number. The elementary grade rooms continue to have a relatively even distribution of pupils. Grade Six is the one exception, having ten pupils less than the average of grades one to five. The junior-senior high school group is especially crowded. The admission of a larger-than-usual Grade Seven has resulted in an in- crease of thirty pupils in the junior-senior section as compared with the enrollment of last year. Home rooms are crowded. Fifty pupils are obliged to make use of arm- chairs as homeroom desks. The science laboratory serves as a homeroom for the high school and it is used con- tinuously for class recitations. As the classes coming up through the grades contain more pupils, the crowded conditions in the high school become more and more unsatisfactory. The enrollment figures of the building as of December 22, 1955 are as follows: Grade I 33; Grade II 40; Grade III 33; Grade IV 35; Grade V 37; Grade VI 25; Grade VII 45; Grade VIII 39; Grade IX 32; Grade X 17; Grade XI 14; Grade XII 18.
Parents are urged to confer with the teachers and principal at any time when questions arise concerning school matters.
In conclusion, I wish to express sincere appreciation for the cooperation and assistance of Mr. Rowe, Super- intendent of Schools, the School Committee, and Parent- Teacher Association, the volunteer lunch room workers, and the people of the community.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY P. CLOUGH,
Principal
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
December 10, 1955
Mendon School Department
Mendon,
Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
The following is my report of Mendon School Work for 1955. Toxoid clinic opened March 29 and closed May 24.
74 children received Booster doses
11 children received the three protective doses
17 children were vaccinated May 31, 1955
48 children received the Salk polio vaccine
The annual physical examination of the school chil- dren done in the fall showed the following defects :
Referred for dental evaluations 55
Heart Murmurs 2
Wax in ears 6
Athlete's foot 1
Low arches 6
Asthmatic wheezes 1
Gynecomastia 1
125 children were examined by me.
Respectfully submitted,
RONALD LUKERT, M.D.
106
MENDON SCHOOL NURSING REPORT
1955
Mr. Percy L. Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Mendon, Mass.
May we submit to you the Annual School Nursing Report for the year ending December, 1955.
Mendon School was visited Tuesday of each week when school was in session. Registration was held at the school on May 20th.
Physical examination of pupils in Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 was done by Dr. Ronald Lukert assisted by the nurse. Vision and hearing tests were completed on all grade pupils. Notices regarding defects were sent home to parents and guardians. Antigen clinics were held in Mendon School on March 29th, April 26th and May 31st.
We held our first Salk polio vaccine clinic on May 24th ; and the second polio clinic on June 14th, for pupils who were absent or had colds. Forty-eight first and second grade pupils received the injections. Dr. Ronald Lukert, assisted by the district nurses and teachers, con- ducted the clinics.
Mendon had their first vaccination clinic on May 31st. Seventeen children were immunized at this time. This clinic also was conducted by Dr. Ronald Lukert, with the district nurses assisting.
107
In the early part of the year we had an epidemic of measles; and a few cases of chicken pox and whooping- cough, also three cases of scarlet fever. Colds and sore throats were prevalent at intervals. One school child had a mild case of poliomyelitis in the fall. All children were inspected, weighed and measured during the year.
The following defects were found amongst the chil- dren examined by Dr. Lukert:
Referred for dental evaluations 55
Heart murmurs 2
Wax in ears 6
Athlete's foot 1
Low arches 6
Asthmatic wheezes 1
The following is a summary of the work done by the nurse in her visits to the school :
1-Inspection of pupils 733
2-Pupils inspected for disease 106
3-Pupils recommended for exclusion 16
4-Pupil and nurse conferences 92
5-Pupils treated for minor injuries 66
6-Nurse and teacher conferences 184
7-Home visits 41
In closing may we express our thanks to Mr. Rowe, Mr. Clough, Dr. Lukert and the teachers for their cour- tesy and cooperation; to the school committee and town officials for their support, and to the parents who have made it a pleasure to work in Mendon School.
Respectfully submitted
GRACE MORAN, R.N.
School Nurse
108
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools :
My dear Mr. Rowe:
Since this account will be published in the Annual Town Report, I am taking this opportunity, for the bene- fit of those interested in the School Music Program, to give a condensed outline of my work in the Mendon Schools.
First, may I say that in spite of the "title" Super- visor, I am actually a music teacher. I never go into a class room in which I do not teach the entire time of my visit. I have adopted this practice because, as you know, all grade teachers are not good music teachers, and in some instances a class gets a music lesson only when I present it. I am very happy to say that this is not the case in Mendon. Here I am employed one day a week and I teach in two other towns in order to have a full week's salary. Each year I have directed and rehearsed the musical portions of the High School Musicales and Grad- uations. I carry out the same program in each of my three towns. As soon as one Musicale has been presented, I start rehearsals on a "show" in town number two. By the time the third Musicale has been offered, rehearsal time for Graduations has come. Therefore, I prepare six performances a year, not counting incidental programs, besides teaching every day.
Now for a brief outline of the music which I teach in the Mendon Schools: In Grade One, all songs are taught by rote. The important work in this grade is get-
1
109
ting the child's voice to be buoyant. After a repertory of rote song's has been learned, the child develops ability for phrase recognition and repetition. "So-fa" syllables of familiar songs are taught by rote. The child experiences different rhythmic movements such as: walking, running, skipping, hopping, swinging, swaying and sliding. He learns to clap basic rhythms, and to dramatize song stories, showing originality in self-expression.
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