USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Pepperell > Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1951 > Part 4
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596.79
Pumping Station No. 1-Expense
3,211.41
Pumping Station No 1-Eng., wages
3,160.85
Piping System-Material
10.39
Meters-New
41.30
Meters-Maintenance
440.93
Pumping Station No. 2-Material
318.42
Pumping Station No. 2-Labor
267.60
Water Commissioners
270.00
Collector, First National Bank
20.00
Sundry Account
295.56
Bonds
3,000.00
Interest on Bonds
2,347.50
Transfer to Loan Payment
1,253.21
Total Expenditures
$22,182.28
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS D. BEMIS,
Superintendent.
68
Report of Trustees of Lawrence Library
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
The Trustees of the Lawrence Library respectfully submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1951:
Organization
Chairman, John R. Shugert Secretary, Beatrice Parker
Executive Committee
John R. Shugert Clelan G. Winn George A. Schultz
Finance Committee
John R. Shugert Clelan G. Winn George A. Schultz
Book Committee
Beatrice Parker Ethel Clarke Irene T. Attridge
During the past year there have not been any major problems to handle but we have been busy with the usual routine matters.
Due to careful budgeting we have been able to buy more fiction and reference books this year than in the past, the latter which were badly needed by the schools and have been used quite extensively. Our plans for 1952 are again to try and build up our reference library as well as buy any books that are in demand by the general public.
For the first time in many years we have been able to come out even at the end of the year, that is, with no bills being carried over and here again this has only been ac- complished through careful budgeting.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN R. SHUGERT, Chairman.
69
Report of Treasurer of the Lawrence Memorial Library
Cash on Hand Jan. 1, 1951 $ 29.96
Income from Bonds :
Northern Pacific R. R. Bonds $ 300.00
New York Central R. R. Bonds 245.00
Detroit River Tunnel R. R. Bonds 180.00
Chicago & Indianapolis R. R. Bonds 80.00
Bangor & Aroostook R. R. Bonds
120.00
-
Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Bonds
100.00
Holyoke Street R. R. Bonds 27.50
Interest U. S. Government Bonds
610.00
$ 1,662.50
Income from Stocks:
First National Bank of Boston 112.50
Shawmut National Bank of Boston 92.40
$ 204.90
Town Appropriation $ 3,300.00
Miscellaneous Income
Sale of Bangor & Aroostook R. R. Bonds $ 2,858.26
Sale of Rights First National Bank 18.45
Transfer Funds from Savings Account 30.00
$ 2,906.71
Total Income $ 8,104.07
INCOME AND PAYMENTS
Cash on Hand Jan. 1, 1951
$ 29.96
Receipts for 1951 8,074.11
8,104.07
Total Payments during 1951
7,715.84
Unexpended Balance of 1951
388.23
70
SECURITIES OWNED BY THE LAWRENCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
BONDS:
10 Northern Pacific R. R. Bonds $ 10,000.00
7 New York Central R. R. Bonds 7,000.00
4 Detroit River Tunnel Bonds 4,000.00
2 Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Bonds 2,000.00
2 Chicago & Indianapolis R. R. Bonds 2,000.00
19 U. S. Government Bonds 25,300.00
1 Holyoke Street R. R. Bonds 500.00
STOCKS:
50 Shares First National Bank of Boston 2,900.00
77 Shares Shawmut National Bank of Boston 2,772.00
SAVINGS BANK:
First National Bank of East Pepperell 321.66
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP R. McCLAIN
Treasurer
71
Report of Librarian of the Lawrence Memorial Library
January 1, 1952
To the Trustees of Lawrence Library, the Librarian respectively submits the following report for 1951:
Circulation
Number of days the library was open
202
1
Number of new patrons
135
Number of books and magazines circulated
13,896
Classified Circulation of Books and Magazines - Adult
General
17
Fine arts
164
Philosophy Religion
57
Literature
327
23
History
174
Social science
123
Travel
325
Philology
4
Biography
554
Science
99
Fiction
6,174
Useful arts
222
Magazines
1,768
Classified Circulation of Books - Juvenile
Religion
13
Literature
55
Social science
102
History
50
Science
81
Travel
35
Useful arts
96
Biography
102
Fine arts
71
Fiction
3,260
The adult circulation was 10,031.
The juvenile circulation of 3,865 shows a gain of 277.
Through Inter Library Loan we have borrowed 24 books from other libraries.
We have added 368 books to our collection this year, 340 by purchase, 28 by gift.
72
List of Magazines for 1952
American Magazine Atlantic Monthly
Better Homes and Gardens
Book Review Digest
Booklist Catholic World g.
Child Life
Christian Century
Consumer's Research Bulletin g.
Holiday
House Beautiful
Hygeia (Today's Health)
Ladies' Home Journal Life
McCall's Magazine
Mademoiselle
National Geographic
N. Y. Herald Tribune Book Review
N. Y. Times Book Review g. Newsweek
Our Dumb Animals g.
Pepperell Free Press g.
Photoplay
Popular Mechanics
Reader's Digest
Reader's Guide to Periodicals
Rotarian g. Saturday Evening Post
Saturday Review of Literature g.
School arts Time
Turner's Public Spirit
Wee Wisdom
Woman's Day g.
HELEN M. WILEY
Librarian
!
73
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Department
OF THE
TOWN of PEPPERELL
MASSACHUSETTS
.1735
G.23
AM .DEDDERELL
For the Year Ending December 31
1951
IN MEMORIAM
HERBERT H. ARCHIBALD
Superintendent of Schools
Nineteen Hundred Forty-Eight to Nineteen Hundred Fifty-One
Ray M. Newell, Chairman Board of Selectmen Town Hall Pepperell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Newell:
I enclose herewith the complete report of the Pepperell School Committee covering the work of the department through the fiscal year, 1951.
Very sincerely yours, ELLIOTT A. DIGGLE,
Superintendent of Schools
ORGANIZATION FOR 1951
William H. Kenney, Pepperell, Ch. Term expires 1954
Sidney F. Mason, E. Pepperell Term expires 1952
Mrs. Kenneth Davis, E. Pepperell, Sec. Term expires 1953
Superintendent of Schools
Herbert H. Archibald Elliott A. Diggle, Pepperell
Telephone at office (Shattuck School) Pepperell 22
Telephone at residence Pepperell 471-4
Telephone at High School Pepperell 68
Telephone at C. M. Shattuck School Pepperell 22
Telephone at Groton Street School Pepperell 2
School Physician
Charles T. Porter, M. D., East Pepperell, Mass. (In charge of diagnosis, first aid, sanitation and certificates for return after communicable diseases.)
School Examiner
Charles T. Porter, M. D., East Pepperell, Mass. (In charge of annual physical examination and pre-school clinic.)
School Nurse
Mrs. Ellen Dee, R. N., East Pepperell, Mass. (Nurse of Pepperell District Nursing Association.)
Office in Town Hall-Telephone at office, Pepperell 433 -Telephone at home, Pepperell 311
Janitors
Peter Fitzpatrick John F. Cullinan
Bus Drivers
Harold B. Olsen Alfred Baraby Roger Ryan
Oak Hill Nashua Road and North Pepperell South Road
78
Supervisor of Attendance Harold C. King
No School Signal
At 7:30 on fire alarm: Three blasts followed by three (33) means all schools, both high and elementary, will be closed all day. Also broadcast from WBZ several times be- tween 7:00 and 8:00 a. m.
* Deceased
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1952
January 2 to February 15 7 weeks
February 25 to April 18
8 weeks
April 28 to June 13 (Elementary)
7 weeks
April 28 to June 20 (High School)
8 weeks
September 8 to December 19
The schools will close on all legal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and the days allowed for teachers' convention and visiting schools.
Schools close at noon for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Financial Statement December 31, 1951
Appropriation 1951
$120,815.00
Dog Tax
877.21
Refund
461.60
Total Resources
122,153.81
Total Expended
112,014.63
Total Transferred to Groton St. School
$
1,000.00
79
Total notes on loan paid off
8,590.00
9,590.00
December 31, 1951 Balance
549.18
Salaries of School Committee
Expended $ 180.00
Expense of School Committee
189.00
Salary of Superintendent
2,880.00
Expense of Superintendent
1,372.70
$
4,621.70
Expense of Instruction
Salaries of Supervisors
$
3,856.96
Salaries of Teachers, High
34,082.66
Salaries of Teachers, Elementary
37,983.14
Text Books, High
767.97
Text Books, Elementary
713.51
Supplies, High
902.83
Supplies, Elementary
528.29
$ 78,835.36
Expense of Operation
Janitor, High
$ 2,400.00
Janitor, Elementary
3,000.00
Fuel, High
1,833.56
Fuel, Elementary
2,163.47
Operating, High
1,406.75
Operating, Elementary
1,402.85
$ 12,206.63
Repairs
High
Elementary
$ 578.87 362.55
$ 941.42
80
Auxiliary Agents
Health Transportation Tuition
$ 391.05 8,982.82 2,028.27
$ 11,402.14
Summer Playground
Salaries and Expense
$ 659.54 $ 659.54
Outlays
Equipment
$ 577.97
$
577.97
All Other
Transportation of Teams
$ 397.25
Athletic Equipment
1,110.66
Visual Education
334.97
Grounds
206.79
Remedial Reading
155.85
Art
193.89
Music
208.63
Vocational Guidance
161.83
$ 2,769.87
Total Expended
$112,014.63
Total Transferred
$ 1,000.00
Total Notes and Interest Paid
8,590.00
$ 9,590.00
Balance December 31, 1951
549.18
Reimbursements
School Aid
$ 27,391.85
School Transportation
4,645.00
Union Superintendent
2,126.66
Tuition State Wards
1,404.34
Vocational Education
532.00
81
Tuition Individuals High School Athletics Refunds
79.29 270.70 557.00
$ 37,006.84
The above reimbursements reduce the actual cost of education to the town to $84,597.79.
WILLIAM KENNEY, 2nd
Chairman of School Board
82
PROPOSED 1952 SCHOOL BUDGET December, 1951
Financial Statement
School Committee Salary
$ 180.00
Expense
200.00
Supervision Salary
2,895.00
Expense
1,500.00
Teachers' Salaries
79,365.00
Janitors' Salaries
5,400.00
Text Books
2,000.00
Supplies
2,000.00
Operating
3,000.00
Fuel
4,000.00
Health
400.00
Repairs
1,000.00
Transportation
11,300.00
Tuition
1,800.00
Grounds
100.00
Equipment
400.00
Summer Playground
650.00
Visual Education
350.00
Art
200.00
Music
200.00
Reading
200.00
Guidance
250.00
Principal and Interest
6,260.00
Appropriation
$123,650.00
83
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To Members of the School Committee and Citizens of Pepperell :
It is with a deep sense of humility that I carry on the high level of educational work of your late superintendent, Herbert H. Archibald. It would be gratifying, I am sure, were he to know that improved school programs and ser- vices to the youth of Pepperell will always remain the para- mount goal of the teaching and supervisory staff and the parents and citizens of Pepperell.
-
It is not possible, with less than one month's oppor- tunity for observation, to report to you on the progress of the schools during the past year. However, the reports of the building principals and special supervisors will indicate to you the work of their respective departments.
For the years immediately ahead, school officials in Pepperell are faced with two major problems. The first problem concerns the need for additional classroom space to relieve crowded classroom conditions and to house an ever increasing school population. It is quite possible that many school problems, at both the elementary and secondary school level, have their origin in, and revolve around, over- crowded classroom conditions. A school building program that looks ahead for twenty or more years will certainly require the judgement of our wisest and ablest citizens, and it would be helpful if the town would appoint a special com- mittee to work with the school committee in studying this problem. The second problem is directly related to the first. It is that of providing the many and varied edu- cational services of a modern school. Most adults want better school programs and more educational services for their boys and girls than they themselves had. This is only natural, and most certainly correct thinking. We live in a complex world society and we, in America, are dedicated to the ideals of democratic government, perhaps the most. difficult form of government to operate. How successful our citizens of tomorrow will be in meeting the problems of tomorrow depends in large measure, on the education we provide for our youth today. Our one hope is that we may
84
provide today's youth with the knowledge and know-how to succeed where we have apparently failed.
At the December meeting of the school committee the preliminary school budget request for 1952 was discussed in detail. It was apparent that any realistic consideration of a budget must reflect the increased costs of services, maintenance and operation. I would like to give assurance, however, that our one thought was the maintenance of an educational program for the youth of Pepperell on an effec- tive and economical basis. You can easily recognize that costs for an expanding and improving school program for 1952 must increase with the increased costs of doing busi- ness.
I would like to take this opportunity to report that I have observed an excellent spirit of interest in the schools of Pepperell, and also a concern for their improvement in the years ahead. This is, indeed, a wholesome attitude for the citizens of any community. I feel sure, from my brief acquaintance with your school personnel, that they appre- ciate this interest and co-operation on the part of the citi- zens of Pepperell. Continued support is the one sure way to progress.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLIOTT A. DIGGLE, Superintendent of Schools
85
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Elliott Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Massachusetts Dear Mr. Diggle:
This past year has witnessed a large turnover in the teaching staff at the high school. Among the new mem- bers of the staff are, Mr. Russell Hamilton, teaching phy- sical education, science, and coaching; Mrs. Olga Hartwell, social studies and junior high school reading; Miss Barbara Mountain, physical education, general business, junior high English, and coaching; and Mr. Kenneth Willard teaching social studies and directing the guidance program.
In November of 1949, the members of the Pepperell Study Group, in a report to the School Committee, listed some ten features of a modern school program which they hoped would eventually be found in our curriculum in Pep- perell. Mr. Archibald's report for 1949, recommended that we start on (1.) health education, (2.) guidance, and (3.) remedial reading. It is time now to note the progress in each of these fields.
Last year, under Mr. Pappalardo and Miss Blinn, phys- ical education was offered to all pupils in grades 7-10. This year, under Mr. Hamilton and Miss Mountain, physical edu- cation and health instruction is required for all pupils in the high school. Our physical education instructors are doing an excellent job considering the limitations under which they must work. Our shower facilities are too limit- ed to offer every pupil a shower after class instruction. Even with the addition of some equipment this fall, our gymnasium equipment is on the meager side. Pupils are not required to wear uniforms which limits the type of activity in which they may engage. If we can obtain finances for the purchase of equipment, we can, over a period of years, build up our program. It is well to con- sider a budget for physical education which affects every
86
-
boy and girl rather than limit the budget to interscholastic athletics which affect only about fifty to sixty different pupils.
Mr. McCreech made a start on developing cumulative records for the Guidance Department. Pupils in Grades 11 and 12, were tested by Boston University last year. Our pupils attended a Career Day held at Alvirne High School, in Hudson, New Hampshire. Mr. Willard is completing the work on the cumulative records. Our file of Occupational materials and College catalogues is being expanded and kept up to date. The remainder of the 1951-52 school year will see an increase in the work of the guidance department.
Under the direction of Mr. King, the work in remedial reading had been well started. The time available for his reading work was limited by the necessity of his teaching two history classes at the high school. The town of Pep- perell has lost a valuable reading consultant, but here at the high school Mrs. Hartwell has had time to work with more pupils in Grade seven. Our past experience seems to point to the value of a full time remedial reading instructor for the whole school system.
This, then, can very well be termed a report of progress in the three fields recommended in 1949. We have made considerable advancement and hope that two more years will find us through the beginning years and physical edu- cation, guidance, and remedial reading, an integral part of the curriculum.
We are still attempting to enrich our program, but continually run into the problem of a lack of adequate space and facilities. We have attempted to foster the development of clubs, but find that most of them must meet after school when there is a keen competition among sports, intramurals, plays, class dances, and part time work for the pupil's time. We are attempting to provide time during school hours for these activities without cutting down the time for classroom instruction but have had lit- tle success thus far. Assemblies planned by pupils with pupils as participants are extremely valuable. Here again we run into the problem of finding time for rehearsals in the auditorium which must serve as either a study hall or
87
a classroom when there are no gym classes. So far this year we have found it necessary to curtail the number of pupil-planned assemblies because we have been unable to rehearse for them.
For the past few years the necessity of providing more adequate facilities for our non-college preparatory pupils has become more and more apparent. We can not much longer put off an attempt at solving the problem of training in home economics and industrial arts. Already a goodly number of our pupils are finding solution by trans- ferring to trade schools in other cities. As required by law, the town of Pepperell is paying not only tuition to these out-of-town schools, but also a transportation allow- ance. There is every indication that the number of pupils who will want to go out of town for this type of training will increase rather than decrease in the years to come.
Mrs. Dee and Dr. Porter have given physical ex- aminations to candidates for the athletic teams. Under the direction of Mrs. Dee, eyes and ears have been tested and notices sent to parents,
No amount of progress or success would be possible without the continued excellence of the work of our faculty. Miss Flynn, in her position as assistant prin- cipal, has done much to improve our work with the pupils in grades seven and eight.
Audio-Visual Education Grades 1-12.
During the past year we have been able to add con- siderably to our equipment and services. We have pur- chased a record player to handle 12" 33 1/3 rpm trans- criptions ; a second film strip projector; a microphone; and two cabinets to hold our film strips. Our library of film strips has been increased to about one hundred and forty.
During the 1950-51 school year we rented twenty-five motion pictures. Reservations have been made to increase this number to sixty for the 1951-1952 school year. Even though these motion pictures are rented on requests of teachers in all twelve grades, our program does result in
88
a motion picture every two weeks in the elementary and the high school.
Teachers and pupils using the motion pictures and film strips have been most enthusiastic. They are not planned for entertainment, but have definite instructional objectives. We are daily proving the statement that, "One well selected picture is worth one thousand words."
With the help of money earned in our magazine drive, we hope to purchase a tape recorder for the Audio-Visual Department. School people are discovering new uses for this instrument every day. The possibilities for use in foreign languages, language instruction, speech improve- ment, and in every subject matter field are limitless.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT B. PATCH, Principal.
89
Report of the Principal of the Shattuck School
Mr. Elliott Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Diggle: -
Following is my report for the school year, 1951:
The year has been one in which some progress has been made both physically and in pupil training.
Due to an ever increasing number of pupils, it was found necessary to reorganize the entire grading system from grade one to six. A transfer of all first and fifth grade pupils to the Shattuck School, and some general transfers from the Shattuck School to the Groton Street School, made it possible for the first time in history to have a school system where a teacher is teaching a single grade instead of two grades. Transportation for all pupils transferred was provided, and for most pupils the situa- tion is more comfortable than before. Some adjustments of pupils to their new environment have taken time, but in general the result is highly satisfactory.
The milk program is operating, and about one-hundred- seventy-five pupils daily are availing themselves of this privilege.
Our annual open house night during Education Week was as usual a success, with about two-hundred-fifty parents attending. This affair seems to be the best media for parents and teachers to discuss their problems in a friendly and sociable manner.
It is ever more apparent that the gift of the field back of the school by Mr. Thomas Kennedy was a valuable asset to the town. It is not usable the year round at present due to the brook between the school and the field. This brook should have a culvert from Mr. Ryan's garage to
90
the railroad tracks, thus draining the field so it could be used in the spring and fall.
A parking area for teacher's cars has made it possible for motorists to have clear vision while passing the school, and thus cut down the accident hazard. Less parking by parents in front of the school and less speed by motorists would also reduce the hazard.
Several years ago a man was added to the elementary faculty, and this has proven to be a worth while innova- tion. Men as teachers in elementary grades are becoming more prevalent. They are a help in discipline, and pre- pare the entire student body for their high school life where more than half the faculty is made up of men.
Mr. Catalini who taught social subjects in the Shat- tuck School last year resigned to accept a position in Fitch- burg, and he was replaced by Mr. Louis Caouette who is a graduate of Bates College, and has his master's degree from Boston University.
Eye, ear, and physical examinations were given as prescribed by law, and notices of defects sent home by Mrs. Dee.
Mr. King, supervisor of reading, resigned to accept a position at Fort Devens, and the program of remedial reading in the elementary grades stopped. It seems that a teacher who could help all pupils in all subjects is more in demand at this time than one who specialized in reading only.
The entering class next year promises to be the largest in history with about ninety first grade pupils. This will require an additional teacher. We may find the teacher, but where we shall find the additional room is a question.
With the passing of Mr. Archibald, we feel that we lost a true friend. He was a man who loved his fellow men, and the town has benefited by the work he did for it.
In closing, may I say that I think we have had a satis- factory school year.
Respectfully submitted,
CARLTON A. BURNEY.
91
Report of the Principal of the Groton Street School
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Diggle:
-
Following is my tenth annual report as principal of the Groton Street School. We are enjoying the new heat- ing and lighting systems that have been installed. The lighting has contributed to the lessening of eye defects.
A door connecting the two rooms on the first floor was completed the first of the year, and a fire escape built at the rear of the school which enables the students on this floor to evacuate the building quickly in case of a fire blocking the front of the building.
New stair treads were put on the basement stairs, but all stair treads should be replaced as they are in poor con- dition.
The place that was made in the basement to store sup- plies is very inadequate. The chimney forms one wall, and when it rains the water comes through damaging what- ever is stored there.
Improvement in instruction, teacher load and pupil supervision was made possible by the transfer of Grades One and Five to the Shattuck School. Each teacher now has a single grade. Pupils were transfered to this school from the Shattuck building enlarging the single grades, but relieving the teacher of the necessity of having to divide her time between two grades.
Educational slides and film strips have been presented at various times during the year for the youngsters' appre- ciation and enjoyment. We are grateful to Robert Patch, Principal of Pepperell High School, for this accommodation.
92
It was a pleasure to meet and talk with the parents that attended "Open House" which was held during Edu- cation Week.
The Mothers' Club provided the usual hoodsies for the children at Christmastime. These are always welcome and appreciated. We have this organization to thank for a donation for the purchase of rhythm band instruments, also for a cot, afghan, pillow and folding screen which may be used by any youngster that happens to be sick or meets with an accident in the course of a school day.
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