USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1958-1962 > Part 12
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November 4-Teachers' Convention; November 11-Arm- istice Day; November 23, at noon for remainder of week- Thanksgiving Recess; December 23-Christmas Recess; Febru- ary 17-Mid-Winter Recess; March 31-Good Friday; April 14 -Spring Recess; May 29-30-Memorial Day.
AGE OF ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
Any child who becomes six years of age on or before Jan- uary 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.
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Pupils under seven years of age who have not previously at- tended school shall not be permitted 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 super- intendent of schools, who, in his discretion may bring it be- fore 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 mat- ter with the following persons, if necessary, and in the follow- ing 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 abandon the use of the "no school" signal on account of weather con- ditions. 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 realiza- tion 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 any other emergency.
Arrangements have been made with Radio Stations WBZ, WWON, WNRI, and WMRC to broadcast the fact whenever it is necessary to close the schools. The "no school" signals are usually given before, during, or immediately after the news program, from 7:00 A.M. on. The siren will also blow three blasts twice at 7:30 A.M.
If schools do not close on any particular 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
$ 94,841.80
Trans. from Surplus Revenue
10,000.00
Dog Tax, 1960
420.27
Total Receipts
$105,262.07
Total Expenditures
103,549.28
Unexpended Balance 1,712.79
REIMBURSEMENTS
State Aid
$ 20,818.98
All School Transportation
15,893.48
Superintendent: Salary-Transporta- tion 2,320.00
(Certified but not yet received)
State Wards: Tuition, Transportation
2,216.28
Vocational Education 332.95
Total Reimbursements $ 41,581.69
TAXATION COST OF SCHOOLS
Total Expenditures
$103,549.28 41,581.69
Reimbursements
Net Cost by Taxation $ 61,967.59
Sale of items used by High School pupils but no longer adaptable for
use in the Center School
$
1,055.00
EXPENDITURES
GENERAL EXPENSES:
Budget
Expendi- tures
School Committee Expense
$ 200.00 2,400.00
$
150.05
Superintendent's Salary
2,400.00
Superintendent's Expenses
160.00
160.00
Superintendent's Office Supplies ..
20.00
18.72
Superintendent's Office Secretary ..
1,066.40
1,039.53
I
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Other General
400.00
68.30
Census Takers' Salaries
50.00
25.00
$ 4,296.40
$ 3,861.60
EXPENSES OF INSTRUCTION:
Supervisors' Salaries
$ 3,170.00
$ 3,970.00
Principals' Salaries
4,334.00
4,166.62
Teachers' Salaries
61,849.67
60,680.36
Textbooks
1,475.00
1,470.49
Supplies
1,000.00
1,306.76
Miscellaneous Expense
620.00
732.98
Substitutes
600.00
780.00
$ 73,048.67
$ 73,107.21
EXPENSES OF OPERATING SCHOOL PLANT:
Wages of Janitors, etc.
$ 4,441.00
$ 4,723.99
Janitors' Supplies
1,000.00
794.37
Fuel
2,200.00
1,973.34
Water
Gas
175.00
87.47
Electricity
700.00
658.54
Telephones
225.00
222.35
Other Expenses
500.00
499.41
$ 9,241.00
$ 8,959.47
MAINTENANCE OF PLANTS:
Repairs of Buildings and Grounds Replacements
$ 2,500.00
$ 2,081.09
$ 2,500.00
$ 2,081.09
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
New Equipment
AUXILIARY AGENCIES:
School Libraries
$ 226.00
$ 175.71
Health-Medical Inspection
200.00
200.00
Health-Nurse Service
750.00
693.45
Transportation
15,000.00
14,470.75
Insurance
$ 16,176.00
$ 15,539.91
GRAND TOTAL:
$105,262.07
$103,549.28
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To the citizens of Mendon the School Committee submits this report.
The year 1960 marks a significant milestone in the edu- cation of the children of Mendon. It marks the dissolution of School Union No. 15 with the town of Bellingham and the formation of a new School Union No. 59 with the town of Up- ton. This union was a natural sequence to the establishment of the Mendon - Upton Regional School District.
Mr. Kenneth L. Sharp was engaged as superintendent of this new union and the regional school district.
The construction of the Nipmuc Regional School moved at a rapid pace from the beginning of this year under the very capable guidance of our new superintendent. The Junior and Senior High School students moved into the Nipmuc Regional School in September. The curriculum of this school has shown a great advance and is producing marked and successful re- sults in the short time it has been in operation.
The center school was converted to an all elementary school at a minimum of cost, and Mrs. Catherine Whelen was appointed head teacher.
Mr. John Rogers was engaged as Supervisor of Elementary Schools of Mendon and Upton thereby assuring coordination in the elementary education of the children, who will later enter the regional school.
A new chain link fence has been erected between Mr. Parkinson's property and the school property at the center school.
Some new playground equipment has been purchased to replace the worn out equipment.
In conclusion, the educational program in Mendon has taken a large stride toward a better school system. A sys- tem that will prove its worth in the near future.
HARRY C. YORK, Chairman GORDON R. GOOD WILLIAM KIMBALL
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MENDON CENTER SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Boys
Girls
Total
1A
13
12
25
1B
11
16
27
2A
17
14
26
3A
7
16
23
3B
7
12
19
4A
12
11
23
4B
7
5
12*
(21 4/5B
5B
9
0
9*
5A
14
16
30
6A
20
9
29
-
10
129
119
248
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TO THE MENDON SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND THE MENDON-UPTON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Gentlemen:
It is with pleasure that I submit my first annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
Substantial contributions from the Supervisor of Elemen- tary Schools, the Regional High School Principal, supervisors and staff members are included. Their reports provide sum- maries, highlights, and future plans for our schools.
In this era when all forward-looking citizens are striving for better educational programs and facilities, the people of Mendon and Upton have shown through their accomplish- ments that they want at least the same opportunities as are offered elsewhere.
Probably the greatest step forward, facility-wise, was the erection of Nipmuc Regional High School which opened Sep- tember 23, 1960. My association with those committee mem- bers who are directly responsible for the building has proven to me that they have the welfare of the towns' children as their primary concern, and that as time passes a strong educa- tional program will be built. The report of Wilho Frigard, principal, will give you an indication of what we are striving to do now and in the future.
It is hoped that we may expand the use of our facilities to include Adult Education and In-Service Educational oppor- tunities for teachers. We are looking forward to making addi- tions to the curriculum and to strengthening it. Additional stu- dent activities are being studied. However, maturation takes time; and we as administrators ask that you continue to be patient as your school grows to adulthood.
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In the elementary schools, several changes have already been made and more are being planned as the report of John Rogers, Supervisor of Elementary Schools, will indicate. Mr. Rogers is the chief administrator in each of the schools serv- ing grades 1-6. Under him, in each building, is a teaching prin- cipal who teaches full time and also has some administrative duties. We have strived to coordinate the programs of the two towns in all areas where it was possible. All of our pupils in the first six grades can eventually enter Nipmuc Regional. Ef- forts are being made to offer equal opportunities to all pupils in their preparation for secondary school life. Mr. Rogers' re- port will cover many of our attempts and successes in this area.
One of the needs which will have to be given serious con- sideration is that of Special Class Education. Upton can, through the school year 1961-62, continue to send some pupils to Grafton on a tuition basis. Mendon now has no Special Class. In 1962 there will be an opportunity for the towns to join hands again to fill this need. However, in 1962 all space now available will be in use. Any building plans which either of the towns have should definitely include provision for this necessary part of providing for individual differences.
The cooperation of all teaching and non-teaching person- nel has been outstanding. It is a pleasure to work with those on the staffs of all schools. Particular mention is made of the way those students attending Nipmuc Regional work to- gether. School morale and spirit are very high. Parent interest and cooperation is excellent. With continued conditions such as these, our school program will surely continue to grow stronger and more efficient.
In closing, I want to express sincere thanks to each mem- ber of the committees with whom I work. If we strengthen the standings of our school systems in any way, it will be because of the interest, concern, and initiative of the committees who make the policies of our schools.
Respectfully submitted, KENNETH L. SHARP Superintendent of Schools
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MENDON
Census
12/31/60
The annual census and distribution of minors was taken in October, 1960. This includes all residents of the town on Octo- ber 1, 1960, between the ages of 5 and 16 whether attending school or not. Residents 16 and over are not counted. The figures shown here will not necessarily agree with the figures in the grade-enrollment chart. The result of the October 1, 1960 tabulation is as follows:
5 years or over and under 7
7 years or over and under 16
Boys
36
180
Girls
47
158
83
338
Distribution of minors:
In public school membership
53
314
In private school membership
1
22
Not enrolled in any school
29
2
83
338
REPORT OF MENDON HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
I herewith submit the final report of Mendon High School covering the period of the school year from January to June. 1960.
A musical program was presented at the Mendon Town Hall on February 19 under the direction of Miss Christine Wil- son, Supervisor of Music. The proceeds of this program were allocated to the Washington Trip which was made by the Class of 1960 during the vacation week in April.
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A science fair under the direction of Mr. Raymond F. Biedrzycki, Science Instructor, was held March 22. Prize win- ners selected to take part in the regional fair at Worcester Polytechnic Institute were Edward Roy and Carol Perron.
The thirty-third annual prize speaking contest was held at Mendon Town Hall on April 29. Prize winners were Mary F. Hern, First; Diedre A. Channing, Second; Merilyn P. Ron- deau, Third.
Arthur A. Sabatinelli, Jr. a member of the Class of 1960, represented Mendon High School at the Student Government Day of the Massachusetts legislature.
Graduation occurred June twenty-second. Twenty-seven members of the Class of 1960 received diplomas at the gradua- tion exercises at the Mendon Unitarian Church. First and sec- ond honors in scholarship were attained by Carol Ann Perron and Judith Ann Alberto respectively. Judith Mae Francey was awarded the Mendon High School Alumni Association Medal. Carol Ann Perron was the winner of the American Legion Medal. Judith Ann Alberto received the Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate presented by the Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Edward Roy and Linda Sweeney, members of the Class of 1961, were delegates to Boys' and Girls' State Assemblies held at Bridgewater State College and at The University of Massa- chusetts.
Fifteen members of the Class of 1960 are continuing their education in other schools and training institutions.
In conclusion, I wish to add my final words of sincere and deep appreciation to all school officials, members of school committees, staff members, parent-teacher associations, school personnel, townspeople, and student bodies over a long period of years, for the cooperation, assistance, and support which have made possible the operation and achievements of Men- don High School.
Respectfully submitted, HENRY P. CLOUGH
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
It is with great pleasure that I submit my first annual re- port as Supervisor of Elementary Schools for School Union #59, Mendon and Upton.
Having assumed this position as of September 1, 1960, my report will be concerned primarily with what has been accom- plished since that time. The period from September 1, 1960, to the date of this writing has been only a mere four months, but in that period of time much has occurred.
September 1960, saw the opening of the Nipmuc Regional High School. This opening eliminated the necessity of double sessions for the elementary children in the Town of Mendon.
There is an enrollment of 252 children in the Mendon Cen- ter School, 300 in the Upton Memorial School, and 118 in the Upton Ball School which is a total of 670 elementary school children between both towns. For Mendon this is a gain of 19 children compared to last year and for Upton a gain of 18. Be- tween now and September 1961 we expect to enroll in the elementary schools an additional 19 children in Mendon and 22 in Upton.
A formal Physical Education Program was started for grades one through six. Miss Joan Bucklin and Mr. Ellerton P. Whitney, Jr., Physical Education Supervisors at the Nipmuc Regional High School, are at the elementary schools every Wednesday to supervise physical education with the assis- tance of the classroom teachers.
This program consists of body building exercises, relay races, tumbling, various games and practice in the skills need- ed to play basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, etc. It is hoped that this Spring we will be able to have a Field Day in order for parents to see what the children have and what they have been learning in this Physical Education Program. We all realize that for this program to be more efficient we need ad- ditional gym equipment and facilities in which we can have physical education during the winter months. We are now in the process of administering the Kraus-Webber physical fit-
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T
83
ness test to the children. This test will be given again at the end of the school year, and at that time the results will be published.
The instrumental music program for grades four through six in both towns is being continued under the direction of Mr. Donald Thatcher, Music Supervisor at the Nipmuc Regional High School. The program this year is organized much dif- ferently than it has been in previous years. Mr. Thatcher spends all day on alternate Fridays in each town and gives separate lessons of at least one-half hour for each different type of instrument. As the children become proficient in their particular instrument, it is planned to continue the policy of an elementary school band for each town; and, if possible, to combine both bands for a Mendon-Upton Elementary School Band with uniforms and other necessary equipment for a band of this size.
The children in grades two through six in all three schools are now participating in the "21 inch Classroom" sponsored by Channel 2, Television. The advantage of this program is that the children will have the opportunity to be taught by educa- tional experts in various fields for the nominal cost of twenty- five cents per pupil.
Grades two, will view a program entitled, "Folk Music and Dancing"; grades three, "Reading and Storytelling"; grades four, "French"; grades five, "Natural Science"; grades six, "Physical Science and French". All teachers have been supplied with correlated manuals that are used as guides to do follow up teaching.
Due to the formation of the school union between Mendon and Upton and the building of the Nipmuc Regional High School, we have three different report cards and marking sys- tems at present. To eliminate this confusion, a report card committee comprised of three teachers and two parents from each town has been formed. This committee has been meeting every other Tuesday and will continue to do so until one re- port card for the elementary schools, similar to that of the high school, is developed. This committee is comprised of: Mrs. Vir- ginia Cobb, Mrs. Sadie Bliss, and Miss Alice Youngson from the Center School in Mendon; Miss Elizabeth Garrity, Mrs. Joanna Workman and Mrs. Helen Donham from the Memorial
84
School in Upton; Mrs. Ruth Kearsley and Mrs. Beatrice Wood, parents from Mendon; Mrs. Delimar Majeau and Mrs. Roger Bartlett, parents from Upton; Mr. Thomas Cullen, Guidance Counselor at Nipmuc Regional High School; and Mr. John W. Rogers, Elementary Supervisor, Chairman.
A Curriculum Guide Committee comprised of three teachers from each town has also been formed. At the first meeting of the this committee, it was decided to begin work on the development of a Reading Curriculum Guide. When this guide is completed, another committee will be formed to develop a guide for another subject. This will continue until we have curriculum guides available for all subject areas. The following are members of the Curriculum Guide Committee: Mrs. Grace Hutchinson, Miss Margaret Duren, and Mrs. Cath- erine Whelen from the Center School in Mendon; Mrs. Pearl Kimball, Mrs. Mary Greany and Mr. Charles McCabe from the Memorial School in Upton; Mrs. Theresa Trask from the Ball School in Upton; and Mr. John W. Rogers, Elementary Super- visor, Chairman.
American Education Week was observed in both towns this year with scheduled Parent-Teacher conferences as well as an open house evening for visitation. Each conference was approximately ten minutes in length and they were held be- fore school, during recess, after school, and for the first hour of the open house evening. We have an enrollment of 670 children between the two towns and there were about 570 con- ferences.
Your school administrators and teachers have no doubt as to value of these conferences and believe that they were definitely worth-while for all concerned. We feel that confer- ences of this type will lead to even better cooperation be- tween the home and the school as they tend to clear up mis- information and misconception as to what is going on in the school.
It is hoped that future conferences will be as successful, if not more so, but parents should feel free to make appointments with the teachers or school administrators at any time during the school year.
8
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The Art and Vocal Music Programs in both towns are progressing smoothly. In music, the children in the third grades are learning to play the Symphonettes and a glee club has been established for the intermediate grades. Of course this glee club is only in the beginning stages and a few prob- lems have to be solved before it will function as smoothly as we would like.
The school cafeterias provide excellent meals for the chil- dren. Approximately 76% of the children participate in the hot lunch program, 2% go home and 18% bring their lunch and have milk.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the School Commit- tee, the Superintendent, all of the School Personnel, the Par- ent Teacher Associations, and the Townspeople for their co- operation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. ROGERS Supervisor of Elementary Schools
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
School Committee
Mendon, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is my report of Mendon School Work for the year 1960:
The following clinics were held:
Antigen Clinics in Mendon-March 29, April 27, May 25, 1960.
23 pre-school children were given protective injections. 61 school children were given booster injections. Vaccination Clinic on June 8, 1960:
9 children were vaccinated.
Physical Examinations of school children in Grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 showed the following defects:
Referred for dental evaluation 35
Enlarged and chronically infected tonsils 7 Wax in ears 4
Respectfully submitted,
RONALD A. LUKERT, M.D.
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NURSING REPORT
I hereby submit the School Nursing Report for the period from September to December 1960.
Physical health examinations by school physician, Dr. Aus- senhiemer, have been given to all students in Grades 7 and 11 at the Nipmuc Regional School, plus all students partici- pating in competitive activities. In the Mendon School, Grades 1 and 4 have had physical examinations by Dr. Lukert. In Up- ton, Grades 1 and 4 have had physical examinations by Dr. McKernan. All examinations were assisted by the school nurse. Notices were sent out to the parents of children who have been found to have physical defects, and home visits were made where necessary.
The Mantoux Test, sponsored by the Worcester County Health Association, was given to all students, with parental consent, at the Nipmuc Regional School and all Grades in Mendon. Pupils having positive reaction will be given a chest x-ray.
Audiometer testing, vision testing, measuring, and weigh- ing are being done in all grades, at all towns.
Pupils taken ill at school when the nurse is in attendance, are transported to their homes, and any home visits requested by a teacher are also made.
This has been the first year of a full school health program carried on in the Upton-Mendon School District. As a full time school nurse, I'm on call at all times to care for any sickness or injury in the schools of both towns.
Cooperation and consideration on the part of the School Committee, Superintendent, Physicians, Teachers and Parents has been deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted, JANET E. STOCKWELL, R.N.
88
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools My Dear Mr. Sharp:
As Supervisor of Music in the Mendon Public Schools since February of 1948, I hereby submit my annual report.
For the thirteenth and last time, my High School Glee Club sang for the graduation exercises last June. I drove home that night filled with mixed emotions. I had been with that graduating class from their first year in school and of course had grown very fond of them. I thought it was rather fitting that it should be their last performance as a class-and mine, also. The Annual High School Show was a "last", too. We put on a Hawaiian unit, welcoming our fiftieth state into the "union." Now, the Junior and High School classes being in the new Regional School, are no longer under my supervision.
Since there are ten classes in the grades, I alternate my weekly visits to the first four. Therefore, my day consists of visits to grades 1A; 2A; 3A; 4A; 5 and 6 one week and grades 1B; 2B; 3B; 4B; 5 and 6 the alternating week. Recently, we started Glee Clubs which meet at lunch time-the boys one week and the girls the next. Great enthusiasm is being shown at present. I hope it continues.
Briefly, the music course for the first six grades in Men- don progresses from the learning of Rote Songs in the first grades through chord building; interval skips; major and minor keys; natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales; sharp and flat chromatics; the work of the natural; three and four tones ascending and descending chromatically; simple and compound rhythms; instruments of the orchestra; singing in harmony and knowledge of the piano keyboard and the F clef.
In closing, I want to thank you, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Rogers, Mrs. Whelen, all the teachers and School Committee for your cooperation. May I belatedly thank Mr. Clough for his years of thoughtfulness and kindness. I hope that he has been able to unburden himself of some of the countless responsibilities he had assumed while he was Principal of the Mendon Schools.
Respectfully submitted, (MISS) CHRISTINE M. WILSON Supervisor of Music Education
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REPORT OF THE ART INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Kenneth L. Sharp Superintendent of Schools Mendon, Massachusetts Dear Sir:
The aim of the art curriculum is to assist in developing a creative mind in the student. The art program provides the child with opportunities for self-expression and freedom of thought, with challenge enough to stimulate action. In art classes children are taught to work individually and in groups. The object of each lesson is to have the child learn while "hav- ing fun." Enjoyment of art in school is often extended into the child's life outside the classroom.
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