USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1958-1962 > Part 4
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These are some of the reasons why it became neces- sary to inaugurate the dual session system. No one likes it. The School Department was reluctant to attempt it and only did so to relieve an untenable educational situation. Parents dislike it and so do pupils. We all sincerely hope that this makeshift arrangement will only last a year or so. Parents (and pupils also) should be complimented for their splendid cooperation in what we trust will be only a temporary measure.
The actual decrease in time in the elementary grades, one through six, is only approximately fifty minutes per day. The length of the school day at the junior-senior high school level has been increased by thirty minutes daily.
In spite of all the disadvantages of a two-platoon system the new adjustment is working out in practice exceptionally well. With smaller classes in the lower grades more individual attention can be given each child and
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learning has been enhanced. In the upper grades one addi- tional room has been made available for the complete school day and another room from 8:00 A. M. until noon. Previous to last September the entire secondary educa- tional program only had the use of five rooms, three of which were specialized; namely; commercial, science and home economics.
When 165 junior and senior high school students are confined to such cramped quarters it is indeed a serious situation. Having the use of these extra teaching stations in these grades since September has improved our whole program. There seems to be a greatly improved atmos- phere not only at the high school level but at the elemen- tary level as well. In fact, our entire educational cur- riculum is functioning better at present than it has for several years because in recent years the school plant has been too crowded, or over-crowded, for the efficient accomplishment of the learning process. However, we all sincerely wish for increased classroom space so that double sessions will be unnecessary.
One of the greatest, if not the greatest, forward steps educationally was taken by the town in the spring of 1958 when Mendon voted to form a regional junior-senior high school district with the neighboring and bordering Town of Upton. Fortunately the Town of Upton also voted over- whelmingly to form this district. Last November each town voted to appropriate funds totaling nearly $60,000 for the initial planning of this new school, which will probably be located not far from the Upton-Mendon town line but within the limits of the Town of Mendon. This school will be planned to provide for the pupils in grades 7-12 in both towns. This will leave the present Mendon school building to provide for Mendon pupils in grades 1-6 inclusive. This procedure of forming a regional district
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will cost the town much less for construction than as if Mendon built a school plant of its own. The operational costs should certainly be less than what Mendon would have to pay for running two schools, a high school, and an elementary school. At the same time the secondary school program would be tremendously improved over what Mendon alone would have to pay for a comparable schedule of studies, moreover, greater State-aid and bene- fits are received each year for the costs of running a school in a regional school district.
As this is written (December 27, 1958) it is not known whether or not this school will become a reality. Voting for the bond issue may not take place until Feb- ruary. But as the Town (and Upton, also) has gone this far it would be extremely foolhardy and shortsighted not to carry out the regional school plan to its culmination.
In conclusion I wish to express to you my sincere thanks in making the past year an unusually successful one. The assistance and cooperation of Principal Clough, the teachers, school physician, school nurse, supervisors, townspeople, parents, and pupils is greatly appreciated. And, as this is my final report, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the help, aid, assistance, and co- operation so ably and wholeheartedly given by the towns- people. Such support makes for the very best morale in the entire School Department.
Respectfully submitted, PERCY L. ROWE Superintendent of Schools
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REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To Mr. Percy L. Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
I herewith submit the annual report of Mendon High School and Mendon Center School for the year ending December 31, 1958.
High school graduation exercises were held on Wed- nesday, June 18, 1958. Ten pupils received diplomas: Paul Dugas, Douglas Winn Goodnow, Constance Hope Hamil- ton, Edward Francis Hoggarth, Leo Joseph Lamothe, Beverly Jane Rhodes, Robert Adam Rocks, Linda Louise Sabatinelli, Audrey Edith Smith, Edward Bertel Swanson.
First honors in scholarship were won by Linda L. Sabatinelli, and second honors by Audrey E. Smith. The Mendon High School Alumni Association Medal, pre- sented to the member of the graduating class who has contributed most to the general welfare of the school, was awarded to Constance H. Hamilton. The Good Citizenship Medal and Certificate presented by the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution were awarded to Linda L. Sabatinelli. The American Legion Medal pre- sented by the Roger L. Wood Post of the American Le- gion was awarded to Edward B. Swanson.
Robert A. Rocks, winner of the election for Student Representative, represented Mendon High School on Stu-
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dent Government Day at the State House. David B. Lowell and Marjorie E. Vear, members of the Class of 1959, were named delegates to Boys' and Girls' State and attended the annual assemblies conducted by the Massa- chusetts State American Legion and Legion Auxiliary.
The annual high school prize speaking contest was held March 28, 1958. Ten members of the Class of 1959 presented selections. First prize was won by Cynthia L. Tuttle; second prize by Carolyn A. Hensel; and third prize by Kenneth W. Lundvall.
The Class of 1959 presented the annual senior class play on the evenings of December 12 and 13, 1958 at the Mendon Town Hall. A mystery drama, Stranger in the Night, was ably presented under the direction of Mr. Wayne Miller of the high school faculty.
Enrollment figures as of October 1, 1958 show a slight increase over those of a year ago. Grade One-42; Grade Two-43; Grade Three-39; Grade Four-32; Grade Five -38; Grade Six-29; Grade Seven-35; Grade Eight- 35; Grade Nine-20; Grade Ten-34; Grade Eleven-30; Grade Twelve-20.
Since the beginning of school in September, grades one to six inclusive have been operating on a double ses- sion schedule. Grade One and Grade Five, each of which has two sections, have attended the morning session from 8 A. M. to 11:55 A. M. Grades Two, Three, Four, and Six have been in session from 12:05 P.M. to 4 P.M. Grade Two has been divided into two sections. This change of schedule and division of Grades One, Two and Five have made necessary the addition of three teachers to the elementary staff.
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Several changes in high school schedule and organiza- tion have been introduced this year. Two teachers have been added to the high school staff of instruction. The use of one additional classroom all day and another during the morning hours has been of great benefit to the high school grades. These rooms previously had been used only by the elementary grades. The increase in the size of the high school faculty has provided a number of significant improvements in the high school organization. The separa- tion of eleventh and twelfth grade English into single grade classes has corrected a long standing class combina- tion which has become increasingly undesirable and in- equitable. It is no longer necessary to alternate certain classes from one year to the next in social studies, mathe- matics, and language. Except for a few individual classes, it is now possible to organize study rooms and remove study pupils from recitation periods. Some extra remedial work periods have been provided for junior high school groups. The high school day has been lengthened one half hour in accordance with the recommendation noted in last year's report. The additional room made available by the double sessions in the elementary grades has contributed greatly to the alleviation of a condition in high school which was rapidly developing into an extremely difficult situation.
The observance of the annual Americna Education Week was continued through an open house evening on November 12, 1958. An especially large attendance of parents made the conference hours with the teachers very much worth while and significant.
The school cafeteria continues to serve the high school grades with the customary excellent meals. The double sessions in the elementary grades have reduced the lunch room operation to a single service period. For the
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first year since the beginning of the lunch room program, there has not been the need for continuous volunteer as- sistance on the part of cooperative and generous parents and friends. A special milk program sponsored by the School Lunch Administration has been in operation to provide a bottle of milk daily at a nominal charge to ele- mentary school pupils.
Other school activities and programs have been con- tinued as usual. In conclusion, I wish to thank Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Superintendent of Schools, the members of the School Committee, the Mendon Parent-Teacher Associa- tion, and the townspeople for their cooperation and assist- ance
Respectfully submitted, HENRY P. CLOUGH, Principal
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
December 31, 1958
School Committee
Mendon School Department
Mendon, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is my report of Mendon School Work for the year 1958.
The following clinics were held:
Toxoid Clinics March 12th, April 9th, and May 13th: 18 Children received the three protective doses. 68 Children received the booster doses.
Vaccination Clinic on May 21st:
24 Children vaccinated.
The annual Physical Examination of school children in Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 showed the following defects:
Referred for dental evaluation 36
Heart Murmurs 5
Wax in ears 6
Enlarged thyroid gland
1
Strabismus
1
Bronchial Asthma
2
Enlarged and Chronically infected tonsils. 7
Respectfully submitted, RONALD A. LUKERT, M.D.
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MENDON SCHOOL NURSING REPORT
To Percy L. Rowe
Superintendent of Schools
Mendon, Massachusetts
May I submit to you the Annual School Nursing report for the year ending December, 1958.
Mendon School was visited Tuesday of each week. Physical examinations of pupils in Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 were done by Dr. Lukert assisted by the School Nurse. Notices regarding defects were sent home to parents and guardians.
Antigen Clinics were held in Mendon School on March 12th, April 9th, and May 13th. These clinics are always conducted in the spring, and any child three months of age or older is always welcome. These injections protect children from whooping cough, diptheria, and lockjaw. All school children in Grades 1, 6, and 11 are advised to have a booster shot at one of these spring clinics, but must have parental consent.
A Vaccination Clinic was held on May 21st with Dr. Lukert in charge assisted by the nurse. Twenty-four chil- dren were vaccinated at this time.
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A week later the vaccinations were read by the nurse and certificates given to the parents. This also is a yearly clinic and any child living in Mendon is welcome to attend.
Registration was held at the school on May 15th and 16th. Mr. Clough was assisted by the School Nurse in obtaining the desired information necessary for the school Health Record cards. All children were weighed, measured, and inspected during the year. Many minor injuries were taken care of during the year. The latter part of January and the first part of February we had a measles epidemic, and in the spring a number of pupils were ill with intestinal upsets. We had one reported case of Scarlet Fever. Colds and sore throat were prevalent at intervals during the win- ter months.
Audiometer and vision testing of all pupils present were completed by the nurse. Defect slips were sent home to parents and guardians.
Pupils taken ill at school when the nurse was in at- tendance were transported to their homes, and any school home visit requested by a teacher was also made.
The following defects were found among the children examined by Dr. Lukert:
Referred for dental evaluation 36
Heart murmurs 5
Wax in ears 6
Enlarged thyroid gland
1
Strabismus 1
Bronchial Asthma 2
Enlarged and chronically infected tonsils 7
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The following is a summary of the work done by the nurse in her visits to school:
Inspection of pupils 530
Pupils inspected for disease 140
Pupils recommended for exclusion 15
Pupils and nurse conferences
86
Pupils treated for minor injuries 69
Nurse and teacher conferences 215
Home visits 23
I wish to thank Mr. Percy L. Rowe, Supt. of Schools, for his cooperation and assistance over the years, and to wish him health and happiness in his retirement.
In closing may I express my thanks to Dr. Lukert, School Physician; Mr. Clough, Principal; and the teachers for their courtesy and cooperation; to the School Com- mittee and Town Officials for their support; and to the parents for their cooperation and confidence.
Respectfully submitted, GRACE MORAN, R.N. School Nurse
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REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
To the Superintendent of Schools
My dear Mr. Rowe:
Again I submit my annual report of Music Education in the Mendon Schools. As usual, it is rather difficult to do, because we follow pretty much the same pattern in my format each year. This year, because of double ses- sions in the Grades, I can visit each teacher only once every two weeks. Of course, it isn't working out as well as when I saw each class every week, but I don't believe that the teachers could give any more time to my subject (un- der these shortened hours) than they are doing.
Teaching of Junior High Music is becoming more and more challenging. These pupils are at an age where they express their approval of the current music craze, often to the exclusion of all other music. The reading of new songs by notes and rhythms almost becomes a distasteful chore to them. This worried me until I learned at the Music Supervisors' Conference at Amherst in October that this attitude is universal. So, sometimes feeling more like a policeman than a teacher, I think I have made it appar- ent that there is work to music as well as pleasure.
The High School young people are singing very well. I would like to have still more boys in the Chorus.
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In closing, Mr. Rowe, for your never failing considera- tion, willingness, help and friendliness, I want to express my gratitude. One could never find a kindlier "boss." I sincerely regret that you are resigning as Superintendent of the Mendon Schools and I wish you every joy and hap- piness in your new life of "ease and comfort." I wish to thank, too, Mr. Clough, the School Committee, all the teachers and the school children for their support and co- operation.
Respectfully submitted, CHRISTINE M. WILSON Supervisor of Music Education
109
MENDON HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE SPEAKING CONTEST
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1958
Mary Elizabeth Phelps
Jean S. Roy
Football Fan Alexander
Thelma L. Wiersma
Afraid of the Dark Callahan
Carolyn A. Hensel
What Timothy Whispered to God Donnell
Nancy M. DeLorge
Aunt Amanda's First Basketball Game
Witter
Marjorie E. Vear
Brother Makes a Cake
Kimball
Kenneth W. Lundvall
Peace on Earth
Lee and Burke
Girls' Sextette
The Creation Johnson
Cynthia L. Tuttle
The Spartacus Oration with Pantomime
Kellogg
David B. Lowell
God Remembers Kimball
J. Karen Pharnes
Don't Tell Me No Gossip Reece
Norma E. Rogers
Decision of Judges
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MENDON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18th, 1958
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar Mrs. Raymond F. Biedrzycki
Invocation
Rev. Don A. Yost
Salutatory and Essay-It's A Woman's World Audrey E. Smith
Essay-To A New Frontier
Edward B. Swanson
Song-The Calypso Song
Thomas
High School Chorus
Essay-And Now-Graduation
Constance H. Hamilton
Essay and Valedictory-The Junior College Movement
Linda L. Sabatinelli
Song-The Hallelujah Chorus
Handel
High School Chorus
Presentation of Awards, Scholarships, and Diplomas- Mr. Claire N. Thurber,
Commander of Roger L. Wood Post, A. L. Mr. E. Theodore Giatas,
111
President of Mendon Parent-Teacher Association Mr. Bruce A. Thomas,
Master of Mendon Grange, P. of H. Mr. Gordon R. Good, Chairman of Mendon School Committee
Star Spangled Banner
Benediction-
Rev. Hvezdon Kafka
Recessional-March Romaine Gounod
Mrs. Raymond F. Biedrzycki
CLASS OF 1958
Paul E. Dugas
Douglas Winn Goodnow
Constance Hope Hamilton
Edward F. Hoggarth
Leo Joseph Lamothe Beverly Jane Rhodes
Robert Adam Rocks
Linda L. Sabatinelli
Audrey Edith Smith Edward Swanson
112
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 MON- DAY the Second day of MARCH A.D., 1959, punctually at 9:00 o'clock A.M., to act on the following articles viz:
Article 1.
Article 2 and all following Articles on this Warrant will be acted upon Friday, the 6th day of March at 7:00 P.M.
Article 1. To bring in their ballots for the following Town Officers:
One Moderator for one year; One Town Clerk for one year; One Selectman for three years; One Assessor for three years; One Constable for one year; One Tree Warden for one year;
One Trustee for Taft Public Library for two years;
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One Member of the School Committee for three years;
One Park Commissioner for three years;
One Highway Surveyor for one year;
One Water Commissioner for three years;
One Member of the Regional School District Committee for three years;
One Member of the Regional School District Committee for two years;
all on one ballot, designating the office intended for each person.
Article 2. To hear the reports of the several Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 3. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the ensuing year.
Article 4. To appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray town expenses for the financial year beginning January 1, 1959.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow a sum of money not to exceed $25,000 in antici- pation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1959 and to issue a note or notes therefor, pay- able within one year and to renew any note or notes as may be given for the period of less than one year, in ac- cordance with Section 17, Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 highways, or take any action in relation thereto.
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Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highways Maintenance, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds in the treas- ury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Construc- tion, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will appropriate any sum of money for the operation and repairs of Town ma- chinery, a part or whole to be taken from the Road Ma- chinery Fund, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 10. To see what action the Town will take regarding any legal proceedings that may be brought against or by the Town.
Article 11. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to sell any or all real estate owned by the Town by reason of the foreclosure of Tax Title thereon and to execute, acknowledge and deliver a proper deed or deeds therefor, authority therefor to terminate March 7, 1960, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to appropri- ate the dog license refund from Worcester County in 1959 to be used for general school expenses in 1959, or take any action in relation to the same.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Assessors with the approval of the Commissioner of Corporations 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 1959, or take any action in relation thereto.
115
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $5,000 from unappropriated Available Funds in the treasury to the Stabilization Fund, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) for Civilian Defense, or take any action in re- lation thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) for the purpose of widening, installing drainage and other necessary work on Blackstone Street to complete the road to the Blackstone Town line, or take any action in re- lation thereto.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of three thousand, five hundred dollars ($3,500) to purchase and equip a vehicle suitable for use by the Police Department as a cruiser, or take any action in relation thereto.
POLLS WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by post- ing up an attested copy thereof at the Post Office in said Mendon and causing a copy to be published once in the Milford Daily News, a newspaper published in Milford, Mass., both said posting and publication to be at least seven days before the time of the meeting hereby ordered to be held.
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Hereof fail not, and make due return of this war- rant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk of said town before the time of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands at Mendon, this 26th day of JANUARY A.D., 1959.
ROBERT P. CONGDON ERNEST P. WOOD HAROLD METCALF Selectmen of Mendon
A true copy, attest: WILLIAM D. RONDEAU, Constable of Mendon
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REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
FOR THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TO BE HELD MARCH 6, 1959
To the Citizens of the Town of Mendon:
Your Finance Committee has spent many hours of study on the various Departmental Budgets in an effort to provide the greatest amount of service by these de- partments to the Citizens of the Town, and at as low a tax rate as possible, without reducing the essential needs of any department.
We have discussed the requested budgets of these several departments with their Committee or Chairman in official meetings with them. While in most cases their requested budget has exceeded that of the previous year, we have found that most of the increases are the result of increased cost of material, postage, etc. In all of these requests we have concurred with them and recommended the amount requested. However, when we have found re- quests for which we could get no reasonable or adequate ex- planation, we have not gone along with them. The reason for this being that departments with the desire to deliver as much service as possible to the Town, have some times asked for slightly more than the Town can afford, when it is all added up.
We have, however, concurred with all essential requests to the best of our knowledge and have recommended such amounts as are given on the following pages.
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Bulletin E, Association of Town Finance Committees, Part V, page 10 reads as follows:
"The work of the Finance Committee as to the Budget largely concerns:
(a) Investigation into and advice as to the ways and means of eliminating all substantial waste;
(b) Advice as to the size and scope of the service program which the town can afford."
The Finance Committee is, of course, an advisory com- mittee only. At the Town Meeting all, part or none of the recommendations must necessarily be followed. But please keep in mind that every dollar appropriated carries with it the obligation to pay for it. While at this time there is no exact way to tell for sure what the tax rate will be, it seems likely that it may increase approximately ten dollars this year even with the recommended appropriations listed herein. We hope that with the reimbursements that will come in and with thoughtful voting on appropriations, it will be less.
Respectfully submitted, LEONARD M. ROGERS ARTHUR WIERSMA JOHN L. LUNDVALL Finance Committee.
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Article 4.
1958
1958
1958
1959
Appro- priation
Transfers
tures
dations
Moderator's Salary
$ 25.00
$
25.00
$ 25.00
Selectmen's Salaries
700.00
700.00
700.00
Selectmen's Expense
250.00
237.32
250.00
Treasurer's Salary
800.00
800.00
800.00
Treasurer's Expense
275.00
257.09
330.00
Tax Title Foreclosure
36.00
36.00
Town Accountant's Salary
500.00
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