USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1963 > Part 4
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It is a pleasure to submit my fourth annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools for the towns of Mendon and Upton including the Regional School District.
Detailed reports submitted to me by the Supervisor of Elementary Schools, the Principal of Nipmuc Regional High and Special Supervisors are included. These reports contain specific information that should be of interest to all.
One of the most important accomplishments of the year was the accreditation of Nipmuc Regional High School by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. It will now be our duty to see that these standards are maintained and that the recommendations of the Association be carried out as soon as is possible.
A study of the enrollment data in Mr. Roger's report will give a good indication of the size of Nipmuc Regional High School six years hence. By the Fall of 1965, Nipmuc will definitely need extra classroom space.
National Defense Education Funds have been used in both towns to strengthen Science, Mathematics, and Foreign Language programs.
The Mendon School Building Committee is working diligently towards solving classroom shortages in Mendon. It is hoped that citizens will see the needs of the children and act favorably on the plans submitted by the Committee.
My sincere thanks go to all those who helped carry the load during my illness. All school committees worked beyond their call of duty as did Mr. Rogers and Mr. Frigard. Words seem inadequate to express my appreciation.
In conclusion let me express my thanks to all of those who help make the operation of our schools a cooperative one.
Respectfully submitted, KENNETH L. SHARP, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Mendon, the School Committee submits this report:
On January 17, 1964 the voters of the Town gave their approval of the addition to Center School, confirming their interest in the continued improvement of the Mendon school system. The six class rooms are planned to be in operation sometime during October, 1964. The Building Committee presented the Town with an excel- lent plan. This addition, providing space for growth and increased group activities, will allow the teachers to further the education of the children of Mendon. Therefore should see no loss of quality of instruction due to overcrowding.
The budget shows a twelve per cent increase. Half of the in- crease is for renovations to the old building. The cafeteria equip- ment will be moved into the old Home Economics room, providing necessary space for additional tables. Included in the renova- tions are the installation of a dishwasher, all changes to plumbing and wiring, and repainting. The other half of the increase in oper- ating cost is for one additional classroom teacher for a total of twelve, plus 2/5's of a remedial reading teacher who we will share with Upton, and additional transportation and fuel.
As school budgets rise, due to increased enrollment and in- creased cost per pupil, the need for a broader tax base becomes more critical. The real estate tax supports the greater portion of the school budgets in every town. The State Legislature continues to pass laws giving proportionately less help to the small towns, even adding to town budget problems with State give-aways of the town's major source of income, the real estate tax. Action to increase the tax base must come from the voters. Your State Representative should be made aware that you believe the Schools are the respon- sibility of the townspeople, but the State must assume a larger share of the financial burden, if the small towns are to continue to improve their school programs.
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The Committee wishes to thank the teachers, administrators, department employees and the town officers for their co-operation in providing another good year of operation. We especially want to thank Mr. Rogers who took on many extra duties during Mr. Sharp's absence. Special thanks is also due the P.T.A. and the voters of the Town for their efforts on behalf of the approval of the addition, a most important addition to the school system.
Respectfully submitted, H. WILLIAM THATCHER, Chairman GORDON R. GOOD, Secretary E. JOHN MAGLIOCCA
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
1963-1964
It is with pleasure that I submit my fourth annual report as Supervisor of Elementary Schools for School Union #59, Mendon and Upton.
As of October 1, 1963 the enrollment in the elementary schools was as follows:
MENDON CENTER SCHOOL:
Boys
Girls
Total
Grade
1A
16
14
30
1B
17
13
30
2A
15
14
29
2B
16
13
29
3A
9
15
24
3B
12
9
21
4A
12
19
31
4B
13
9
22
5A
16
15
31
5B
21
8
29
6A and 6B
14
26
40
Totals
161
155
316
316
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UPTON MEMORIAL SCHOOL:
Grade
2A
9
18
27
2B
11
14
25
2C
14
8
22
3A
7
17
24
3B
18
11
29
3C
15
7
22
4A
9
16
25
4B
17
11
28
4C
12
9
21
5A
11
19
30
5B
16
12
28
5C
17
7
24
6A
12
15
27
6B
13
11
24
6C
10
7
17
Totals
191
182
373
373
GEORGE S. BALL SCHOOL:
Grade
1A
15
13
28
1B
15
13
28
1C
15
13
28
Totals
45
39
84
84
Total pupils in Mendon and Upton
773
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In Mendon we have a serious overcrowded classroom situation. As of now there are 41 pupils in one sixth grade classroom. Next September there will be 60 pupils entering Grade 6 with only one classroom. Besides being one classroom short for Grade 6, we also have two classes in the basement rooms. There is no question but that we need an addition to the Center School next September in order to avoid double sessions. Of course the Building Committee is working on this problem and it is my hope for the Center School children that it will be resolved by next September.
The Elementary School Art Program under the supervision of Mrs. Marjorie Weed for Upton and Mrs. Helen Thomas for Mendon is progressing smoothly. The children have art one day every other week with their respective art teacher and a lesson is left with the classroom teacher for the following week. In both towns very suc- cessful poster contests and creative projects have been held for the elementary grades.
We are very pleased with both the vocal and instrumental music program for the elementary schools. Miss Arlyne Marcy, Vocal Music Supervisor has been doing a wonderful job in this phase of the program. The Glee Club under her guidance is doing a remarkable job. Once again the Glee Club and the Elementary School Band held a combined Christmas concert at the high school. The auditorium was filled to capacity and the children were excel- lent and the audience enjoyed the program very much.
The instrumental program and the Elementary School Band under the supervision of Mr. Donald Thatcher, as usual, had an excellent year. There are now 54 in the Elementary School Band and another 56 taking lessons. Unfortunately for the Elementary School Band, but fortunately for the High School Band, we lost 26 of our band pupils to the High School, many of them now members of the High School Band. Parents should realize that every Septem- ber we lose children to the High School, therefore it takes a while before the new children become as proficient as those who have left. We still have the same old problem in each school-where to practice so as not to disturb the classrooms. I would like to thank the Booster Committee and all those who assist us throughout the year with the Elementary School Band.
Miss Jane McKenna and Mr. Allan Byrne, Physical Education Supervisors for the High School are now in the second year at the Elementary Schools. They are doing a fine job and this year's
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"Field Day" under their supervision and direction went off ex- tremely smooth. We were fortunate in that the weather was ideal for the "Field Day". Many parents attended throughout the day to see their children do the various events. The children really enjoy this program and enter into the trials wholeheartedly.
We still have one problem with our physical education program and that is space during inclement weather. In past years during the winter months we cut the period for each grade from 45 to 30 minutes. The reason why the gym periods have to be cut during the winter is due to the fact that the cafeterias are used 3 hours for lunch and we can't hold any periods out doors. This year we are giving Grades 1, 2, and 3 square dancing throughout the week and on Wednesday the boys and girls in Grades 4, 5, and 6 are having 30 minute periods for the boys and 30 minute periods for the girls. By doing this we have less pupils in the gym period at any one time and the instructor can do much better in teaching the skills the children will need to successfully participate in the various sports when they reach the High School.
There has been very little change in the "21-inch" Classroom television programs. All grades are having the same programs as they had last year. All that has been added are two series, "Visiting New England" and "Places in the News". These two programs will be used for enrichment in Grades 4, 5, and 6.
The Parent-Teacher Conferences held in May to explain to parents the test results and the conferences held during National Education Week were very successful. This year 92% of the parents attended these conferences. It was our opinion that two conference periods with another held in March for those pupils doing unsatis- factory work, would work out far better than three conference periods, therefore this is the procedure we will follow for the time being. Also, in observance of National Education Week, a hand- booklet entitled "Your Schools" was sent home to all parents. We feel that this booklet is very informative and hope that it will answer many questions that parents might have.
The Health Program under the supervision of Mrs. Janet Stock- well, our school nurse, is a definite asset to the education of the children. The pupils in Grades 1 and 4 have physical examinations each year; the children in all grades are given an eye and ear test
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each year and pupils who fail are retested to verify our findings. This past year Mrs. Stockwell made arrangements to have a dental hygienist from the State Department of Public Health check the teeth of all the children and recommendations were sent home where needed. In addition Mrs. Stockwell is on call at all times to handle sickness and emergencies.
As usual the Lunch Program in both towns is continuing to operate extremely well. The cost of this program is paid entirely out of the lunch proceeds and the pupil participation fluctuates between 80 and 86%. Once again the parents of the first grade chil- dren were invited to the school to have lunch with their children. This proved to be a very enjoyable day for all concerned and many parents attended.
I mentioned last year that many of the programs initiated over the past years would have to be curtailed or discontinued due to lack of facilities. I am happy to say this year that the needed facili- ties are being provided and not only will programs not be curtailed and discontinued, but rather we will be able to move forward to keep pace with the rapid progress of today's world.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the School Committee, all School Personnel, the Parent-Teacher Association, and the Towns- people for their wonderful cooperation and assistance.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN W. ROGERS, Supervisor of Elementary Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT MENDON-UPTON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1963 ORGANIZATION SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Gordon R. Good, Chairman Term Expires 1966
L. Everett Murch, Treasurer
Term Expires 1964
Richard D. Stockwell
Term Expires 1964
Frederick M. Magee
.Term Expires 1965
Edward L. Prentiss
Term Expires 1965
Mrs. Helen Wheeler
Term Expires 1964
SUPERINTENDENT Kenneth L. Sharp
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
Mrs. Isabelle B. Grant
Mrs. Dorothy J. Bradley
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Christian W. Aussenheimer, M.D.
SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Janet Stockwell, R.N.
ATTENDANCE OFFICER Henry P. Clough
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To the Citizens of Mendon and Upton:
Schools which are found to be satisfying the educational needs of the community are invited to become members of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Member- ship in this organization establishes the school as an accredited secondary school. After careful evaluation, Nipmuc Regional High School has been accepted and is now a member of this organization.
We are proud of the attainments of our students in athletic competition, in extra-curricular activities, and in the type of school spirit manifested by the student body.
Expenditure for instruction, administration, and materials in our schools absorb a major portion of our community budget. It is expected that the proposed budget for 1964 will show an increase of 10.2% over 1963, with no increase in per pupil cost.
Education has grown to be the most important function of our local government. It is the very foundation of good citizenship, the principal instrument in awakening young people to cultural values, and in preparing them for professional training.
The response of the student body when confronted with the decision of the Supreme Court regarding prayer and bible reading in the public schools, as interpreted by our state attorney, has indi- cated that another objective is being reached in preparing our future citizens to take their places in the world of tomorrow. This student- initiated and conducted activity has gained wide-spread recognition.
For more detailed information, we refer you to the report of the superintendent, the principal, and the accountant.
We wish to thank Mr. Frigard, Mr. Clough, Mr. Cullen, and all our staff for their cooperation in maintaining the high standards of the school during the enforced absence of Superintendent Sharp. We are glad to have him back.
GORDON GOOD, Chairman Regional School Committee.
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
During the past year, one of the original objectives of the Nipmuc Regional High School was attained when the school was evaluated and accepted into membership by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Membership in this Association signifies accreditation and indicates that the school facilities, program, administration and staff at the time of the evalu- ation were adequate enough and organized to provide a high school education consistent with the needs and means of the school district.
The visiting committee which evaluated the high school sub- mitted a written report containing commendations and recom- mendations. The Regional School Committee must now classify the recommendations into four categories: 1) those that can be carried out immediately; 2) those that can be carried out in the near future; 3) those that require long-range planning; 4) those that are con- sidered invalid in our situation. In the spring of 1965 a report must be made to the Association indicating what has been done with the recommendations.
Following is a summary of the major commendations and recommendations:
Commendations:
1. The efforts being made to identify and solve curricular problems to meet effectively ten particular needs, abilities. and interests of all pupils.
2. The sequential development of the curriculum and the provision made by the program of studies for education beyond the high school.
3. The wide variety of media available and the diversified offerings in Art.
4. The up-to-date facilities and equipment and the strong emphasis on vocational preparation in the Business Educa- tion area.
5. The uniformly excellent instructional preparation and pre- sentation in all classroom phases of English and the se- quential vocabulary building program for grades 7-12.
95
6. The quality and variety of course offerings in Home Eco- nomics, as well as the amount and excellence of the equip- ment and instructional materials.
7. The offering of three foreign languages in a school of this size, with the inclusion of the history, geography, art, and general civilization of the countries whose languages were being studied.
8. The efforts of the Industrial Arts instructors in seeking to provide a variety of experiences to enable pupils to develop skills commensurate with their aptitudes.
9. The sound courses of study in mathematics, particularly in the college preparatory groups, and the teaching tech- niques being employed by the teachers.
10. The continuity and variety of the Physical Education pro- gram and the equipment available for carry-over activities.
11. The variety of Science courses offered and the professional interest of the staff.
12. The use of reference materials available and the extensive use of bulletin boards in the Social Studies area.
13. The physical facilities, general atmosphere, fine selection of books, and the administration of the Library.
14. The sufficiency and excellent condition of Audio-Visual equipment.
15. The functional, student-centered and well-directed guid- ance services, and the excellent rapport existing among students, teachers, administration, parents, and the guid- ance personnel.
16. The accessibility of the health area and the excellent co- operation with the staff.
17. The residents of the school district for providing a func- tional and well-equipped school plant.
96
18. The custodians for their excellent work in maintaining the building and grounds.
19. The fine spirit of pride, teamwork, and loyalty among staff members.
20. The outstanding cooperation of the faculty in supervising extra-curricular activities, the centralized accounting sys- tem for pupil activities and the percentage of pupils par- ticipating in extra-curricular activities.
Recommendations:
1. That opportunities for advanced study be provided for pupils with unusual ability, achievement, and interest.
2. That a specific program be introduced to meet the needs of the slow learner and to assist pupils with serious learn- ing difficulties.
3. That the art instructor be made a full-time person in to allow for expanded continuity of the program.
4. That more business courses be added, including personal typing and note-hand for college-bound pupils.
5. The establishment of a remedial and developmental read- ing program and the introduction of a sequential writing program for grades 7-12.
6. More stress be placed on the development of audio-lingual skills in foreign languages and that tape recorders and audio-lingual tapes be made available to develop these skills.
7. That a Health Education program be established.
8. Double laboratory periods at all levels in Home Economics.
9. A blower system for the shop area.
10. The use of a progressive series of mathematics books from grade seven on.
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11. That instructors in physical education be assigned to the school on a full-time basis and that additional locker facilities be provided.
12. That consideration be given to the acquisition of more equipment for individual and laboratory work in biology and that a science club be formed for those whose interests extend beyond the normal classroom requirements.
13. That a coordinator be appointed for social studies and that more tables and book racks be provided for the classrooms.
14. That provisions be made for additional black-out curtains and/or day-light screens for more effective use of audio- visual materials.
15. That the audio-visual director be given more time to fulfill his responsibilities.
16. That an additional full-time woman counselor be provided for the guidance department in order to sustain the excel- lent work being accomplished and to other individual guid- ance to seventh and eighth grade pupils.
17. That the potential of the librarian be more fully realized by releasing her from other duties.
18. That a portable screen be provided in the health suite for more privacy and that continued study be made to solve the problem of transporting to their homes students who become ill at school.
19. That the outdoor facilities be expanded by providing more space for physical activities and sports.
20. That a language laboratory be provided.
21. That when an addition to the building is needed that con- sideration in terms of additional space be provided for music, audio-visual, physical education storage, art, home economics, and library.
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22. That the advisability of a student activity ticket be investi- gated and that the establishment of a student store be studied.
23. That coordinators be appointed in all departments.
24. That the school committee codify its policies and that a ratio salary schedule be considered for administrators and other personnel not on the regular salary schedule.
Many of the above recommendations have already been effect- ed and many more are in the process of implementation.
A general summarizing statement relative to our evaluation would be that although we have an excellent school at the present time, we must look for opportunities to "broaden our horizons" and to improve our offerings and organization.
It should be noted at this time that projected enrollment figures demand that provisions for additional classrooms and facilities must be made in the very near future. With our present enrollment, we are beset with an abundance of at-capacity classes and are forced to use specialized areas such as the cafeteria, office practice, and home economics rooms for home rooms and the auditorium as a study hall. We can live with this situation for another year; but a considerable jump in the September 1965 enrollment will create an undesirable situation.
In closing, I wish to thank all persons and organizations who have helped in any way in the operation of the Nipmuc Regional High School. In particular, my sincere appreciation goes to Henry Clough, Thomas Cullen, Harold Murphy and Mrs. Dorothy Comolli, all of whom performed additional duties during the past fall when my duties as Acting Superintendent kept me away from the high school office so much.
Respectfully submitted, WILHO FRIGARD
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NIPMUC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL THIRD ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES - 1963 NIPMUC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM Thursday, June 13, 1963 - 8:00 P.M.
CLASS OF 1963
Melva Mae Allen
* Paula Jean Allen Margaret Ruth Blackler Anne Elizabeth Bouchard Margaret Anne Bowman Cynthia Thayer Brown Paul William Burnham Peter Chilson Burr Mary Ann Bushnell David John Cellini Stanley Mitchell Craib, Jr. *Louise Rita Croteau Anne Priscilla Denton *Bruce Allan Donham
*Linda Ruth Frigard * Bonnie Marie Garrett Dorothy Amelia Gorenflo Margo Beth Hamilton Diane Madelyn Handfield Donald Arthur Handley Judith Beverly Hopkins David Nelson Jacobson *Lloyd Allen Johnson Dennis Michael Jonis Cynthia Ann Kean
Joann Frances Kearnan James Michael Kempton
*Ralph Carleton Kimball Mary Elaine Kirby Richard Allen Koehne Claire Ann Lavergne
*Celeste Catherine Lucier Catherine Louise Martin Kathleen Lynn Martini
*Betty Jane Nydam Olof Frederick Olson Robert Francis Pearo *Nancy Louise Perkins *Marilyn Lee Perron Joyce Thelma Pharnes Arlene Viola Phipps Edwin Donald Pirie Richard Lewis Porter Robert Joseph Savicki Ronald Andrew Savicki Maryellen Stockwell
* Ramona Elizabeth Temple Lauren Estelle Tougas Richard Gordon York Thomas Gary Zajac
*_ National Honor Society
100
PROGRAM
* Processional
School Band
* Invocation Rev. Edward S. Sheehan St. Michael's Church, Mendon
* National Anthem All present
Address of Welcome
David Jacobson, Class President
Essay: "He Who Findeth Knowledge Findeth Life" Marilyn Perron Essay: "This Is My Country" Dorothy Gorenflo Selection: "This Is My Country" ( Raye-Jacobs ) Class of 1963 :
Essay: "He Can Turn The Tide and Calm The Angry Sea" Ramona Temple
Essay: "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" Nancy Perkins Selection: "Over The Rainbow" ( Harburg-Allen ) Class of 1963
Presentation of Class Gift David Jacobson, Class President . ..
Presentation of Awards Wilho Frigard, Principal
Remarks Kenneth L. Sharp Superintendent of Schools
Presentation of Diplomas Gordon R. Good Chairman, School Committee
Class Song: "He" (Mullan-Richards ) Class of 1963
* Benediction Rev. Stanley W. Possell Upton Methodist Church
* Recessional School Band
101
Director of Band and Chorus Donald Thatcher
Accompanist ......
Paula Allen
Marshal
Arthur Bartlett Junior Class President
*_ Audience Standing
Class Officers
President David Jacobson
Vice-President
Lloyd Johnson
Secretary
Nancy Perkins
Treasurer
Margaret Bowman
Class Advisor Eugene Morin
Class Motto
"He Who Findeth Knowledge Findeth Life"
Class Color
Crimson Red
Class Flower Carnation
School Committee Gordon R. Good, Chairman Edward L. Prentiss, Vice-Chairman L. Everett Murch, Treasurer Frederick M. Magee Richard D. Stockwell Mrs. James R. Wheeler
102
Superintendent of Schools Kenneth L. Sharp
School Faculty Wilho Frigard, Principal Henry Clough, Assistant Principal
Joseph Arangio
Eileen Lucier
Stephen Bodnar
James McGee
Allan Byrne
Jane McKenna
James Courville
Helen Moore
Margaret Cullen
Eugene Morin
Thomas Cullen
Harold Murphy
William Cumming
Margaret Navickas
Evelyn Dauphinais
Richard Robinson
Anne Davenport
Stephen Rosenfeld
Joan DiNardo
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