USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Pepperell > Town annual reports of the officers of the town of Pepperell, Mass 1954 > Part 5
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To the many interested parents and citizens who have been aware of our housing needs for several years, I trust it is understandable that in this matter we make haste slowly. Perhaps the final solution will be wiser.
Teaching Personnel
This past year saw many changes in the teaching fac- ulty. Constant changes in teaching personnel does not increase teaching efficiency. It therefore becomes im- portant that we consider measures that will provide con- tinuity in teaching service. This may appear to be an unimportant matter but the basis for good school organi- zation and maximum teaching efficiency rests with our per- manent teaching personnel. Longer teaching, supervisory and administrative service should be one of our important goals.
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Teacher Resigning
Exp. in Pepp. Position New Teacher
Albert Vachon 2 yrs. Art Supervisor Gerald Miller
Florence Savas 1 yr. Music Supervisor Constantine
Kenneth Willard 3 yrs, H.S. Soc. Stud. Minor McLain &
Limberakis
Catherine Hynes 2 yrs. Shattuck School
Grace Clancy
Chester Wood 21/2 yrs. 7&8 Gr. Science
Walter Boklaga
Doris Ashley
2 yrs. Remedial Read.
Leslie Barden
M. Pauline
Mahony 2 yrs. Shattuck School Winifred Pawlowski
(on leave)
Fritz Lindquist
2 yrs. H.S. Principal
Edward Roewer & Rolfe Schoppe
School Health Program
For many years, I am sure, Pepperell has given excel- lent health services to pre-school and in school youth. I should like to call to your attention the excellent service our school nurse and school physicians have given to their duties and to thank them for the throughness of their work and the fine spirit and interest they show in our pupils. From many years of working directly with school health problems, I find the health services available to the youth of Pepperell to be at a very high level.
During the Fall term five teachers from the Shattuck and Groton Street Schools enrolled and completed a Uni- versity extension course in Health Education for Elemen- tary Schools. This course gives a new awareness to the importance of health as a factor in learning and will tend to improve health instruction at the classroom level.
Items of General Information
Classroom enrollments continue at a very satisfactory level for maximum teaching results at both the Shattuck and Groton Street Schools. October 1, 1954 enrollments were as follows:
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Norman Friberg
Groton Street School
Clara M. Shattuck School
Pupils
Pupils
Miss Elizabeth Dwyer
23
Mrs. Inez Creighton 23
Mrs. Helen Whalon
25
Mrs. Winifred Pawlowski 20
Mrs. Madelon Whalon
25
Mrs. Mildred Milroy 20
Mrs. Dorothy Foss
27
Mrs. Janie Maynard 22
Mrs. Doris Larson 24
Miss Ruby Greer 22
Mrs. Grace Clancy
23
Mrs. Sybil Ramsey
28
Mr. William Earley
28
The school census for October 1, 1954 continues to indicate that approximately seventy pupils will enter Grade I the following September.
Last Spring, after a very successful drive for funds, the school band was equipped with new uniforms. The band participated in the Memorial Day Parade and pro- vided two concert programs during the late summer. Both programs were enthusiastically received. The support of the school band must come through either paid band per- formances or town appropriation. Uniforms must be cleaned, repaired and adjusted, new uniforms purchased as the band increases in number, and it is sincerely hoped that members from our band can participate in the Spring music festival. These items make a yearly appropriation necessary and the activity certainly justifies adequate finan- cial support.
The Remedial Reading program was discontinued for the 1954-55 school year due to the resignation of Miss Ashley and the shortage of qualified replacements in this specialized field. This has been very worthwhile instruc- tion and should be part of the school program in Septem- ber 1955.
Several items of maintenance and repair were carried out in 1954. The school buildings are well maintained and classroom painting at the Groton Street School is planned
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for 1955. The playground at the Groton Street School was graded last summer and should be seeded down either this Spring or Fall. It is hoped that this work on the play- ground will reduce the hazards that led to injuries to the pupils.
Open House duirng American Education Week is always well attended. However, Open House should be every day or week that you, as a parent, would like to visit your school. You are urgently requested to visit school more frequently than this one occasion.
Each year building principals, supervisors and the school nurse write reports describing the work carried out under their direction. They contain information that you will want to know and I urge you to read them.
In closing I wish to thank all individuals for the many fine things they have contributed toward helping Pep- perell youth during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, ELLIOTT A. DIGGLE
Superintendent of Schools
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REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
In the short time that I have been in charge of the high school, I have noted the following:
The curriculum is based on the needs of the individual students. The college course is planned for those students who will continue in education. The commercial course is for those students who are being prepared for further education in business or who plan to enter some phase of business after graduation. The general course is for the students who have no specific area of study in mind. Yet, it is broad enough to leave the field of higher education open in several types of junior colleges and other schools of learning beyond high school.
The English department develops the students' abili- ties in oral expression as well as written. There is also a strong effort made to interest students in good literature as a means of evaluating character development, both fic- tional and real. Additional material in the new texts this year is proving valuable.
In our advanced mathematics and science courses we are meeting the requirements for college entrance, which is the primary aim in these courses. Since the majority of our students do not continue in formal education be- yond high school it is important that our curriculum meet the needs of these students as well. Scientific thinking, mak- ing applications to agriculture, the home, and other situa- tions outside of school, form a large part of other science
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courses. Different mathematics courses stimulate clear thinking, logical reasoning and accuracy.
Each growing person should be acquainted with our heritage, culture, and form of government. Our social studies courses are built around these phases of democracy.
The aim of our business courses is to prepare stu- dents for every-day living by presenting the tools that are necessary in the business world today. What are these tools ? Dictation, transcription, following directions, tact- fulness, office decorum are studied as necessary tools in the business world. Vocational information about the many types of openings in business is included in this work.
The work in foreign languages is aimed at meeting college requirements. Much effort is expended on writing, reading, and speaking. Customs, habits, and civilizations are studied as background material for comparison with our American way of life.
Economics is offered this year for the first time in several years. For young people to realize the tremendous interplay among local, state, federal, and world govern- ments, and to feel the importance of each person's contri- bution to the whole economic order is becoming increas- ingly important. Economics is being studied in order to guide the student to a richer appreciation of the workings of the economic life.
In the Arts, sewing, art, music which includes the continuance of choral and band work, special instruction is offered one day a week. I feel the rapid development of the band has been noteworthy as evidenced in the per- formances at extra-curricular activities. It should be noted that this is only the second school year for instru- mental music.
Physical examinations have been given by the school
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physician and the school nurse to sophomores and seniors. This program is a worthwhile one for since ancient times a sound body and a sound mind have been essential to suc- cess. To have a Dental Clinic available to our school is another factor that safeguards good health.
Beside the extra-curricular athletic activities, each student now has the opportunity in physical education of working with heavy apparatus. This places the emphasis on individual physical conditioning. Availability of the gymnasium to all students is needed in the future for the allotment of time to individual sports.
We are fortunate in having the services of a fine cus- todian who keeps our building in good repair. Respect for community property has kept our building in good condi- tion. However, from constant use by both senior and junior high schools and by outside groups, there is a need for replacements.
Lack of space is a detrimental factor in the efficient running of our school. Additional class rooms, storage space, a conference room, a teacher's room, all should be available in tthe near future to meet our needs.
In the society in which we live people should know how to get along with one another. The growth of this relationship takes place to a great extent in the schools. Through sports, our magazine drive, the work of the Stu- dent Council, and throughout the classrooms we are con- stantly striving for healthy and happy student relation- ships as well as student-teacher understandings. We also hope these relationships and understandings continue through adulthood.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD W. ROEWER Principal, High School
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REPORT OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendents of Schools Pepperell, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Following is my third annual report of the activities, problems and work accomplished in the Pepperell Junior High School.
In September our enrollment for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades was one hundred seventy-nine pupils.
At the beginning of the school year this fall we had many changes in the school faculty. Mr. Boklaga, replac- ing Mr. Wood who resigned in the summer, teaches seventh grade geography, a class of eighth grade history, and sev- enth and eighth grade physical education. Mr. Barden (part time) teaches eighth grade science, and current events. This extra help from a part time teacher made physical education for girls possible for the first time in junior high. Mrs. Hartwell of the sixth grade is teaching remedial reading two periods each day, thus carrying on the excellent program started by Miss Ashley in the junior high.
Mr. McLain of the High School faculty teaches one class of history.
Mr. Limberakis, Music Supervisor, and Mr. Miller, Art Supervisor, are both getting good results.
As is to be expected in towns paying relatively low salaries, we are constantly training beginning teachers who move on to higher salaried positions as soon as they have the experience required by larger school systems. These
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frequent changes create a situation which is difficult since it takes time for adjustment, and pupils do not respond properly until they have become acquainted with the new teacher and his methods.
Sharing class rooms with high school teachers contin- ues difficult for pupils and teachers of both schools. The storage space is too limited and home rooms shared by two classes can not be called a home room for either class since each is limited in its use. Lockers built for two people are now shared by four. We hope the present arrangement which has been in operation too long, can soon be remedied, and we will in the very near future have adequate space and better working facilities for a group of splendid chil- dren who deserve more than Pepperell is giving them.
Respectfully submitted, FLORENCE M. FLYNN
Principal
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REPORT OF THE GROTON STREET SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1954.
The teaching staff remained the same as that of last year with the exception of the supervisors of music and art.
The remedial reading program, that has been carried on for the past few years, was not continued in the fall.
The second and fourth grade children were given physical examinations by Dr. Crocker, assisted by Mrs. Dee, the school nurse. Eyes were tested by Mrs. McLeod and ears by Mrs. Dee.
Fifty-nine children were taken by bus to the Toxoid clinic held at the high school, for booster shots.
Miss Almeda King, State Nutritionist, gave a talk on nutrition and care of the teeth which was very interesting and informative.
In the fall the milk program was carried on at a lower cost to the child.
The women, who have taken the children to the dental clinic, have been most co-operative in getting the children back to school quickly and safely, whenever the occasion arose that they were needed for rehearsals or various reasons occurring during the year.
An accident insurance policy has for the second con- secutive year been made available to each child desiring to take advantage of it.
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In the spring, due to an epidemic of measles, the chil- dren were unable to put on a program they had prepared for the Mother's Club. This fall, during education week, the play "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" was presented under the direction of the Music Supervisor, Mr. Limber- akis, which was very entertaining and well attended. We are grateful to the Mothers' Club for serving refreshments, as it gave the teachers more time to talk with the parents.
The two prints, that were purchased and framed by Mr. Vachon and now hang in the first and second grade rooms, were donated by the Mothers' Club. The interest and generosity shown us by this organization is deeply appreciated.
The playground has been resurfaced, but due to lack of proper drainage around the base of the building to take care of surplus rain water, gullies are again forming in the newly loamed school grounds.
The interior of the building should be painted in light pastel colors as dark colors absorb light and light colors reflect it. As the physical facilities of the school contrib- ute to good living and learning, glare, should be cut down and greater light reflection produced for a healthier, hap- pier, school environment. The teachers are also in need of a rest room. These needs have been asked for in the past and they should be given due consideration in the very near future.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all who have contributed in any way for their assistance and co-opera- tion during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, M. ELIZABETH R. DWYER
Principal
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REPORT OF THE SHATTUCK SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I submit herewith the annual report as Principal of the Clara M. Shattuck School.
Preface
An annual report is more than just a story of one year's educational opportunities. It is another chapter in the history of education in the community. It has archival value.
It was fortunate that New England towns early began the practice of publishing annual reports because we owe to some of these musty documents our debt for knowledge of early educational procedures. Future generations will be interested in the schools of to-day just as we are inter- ested in the schools of yester years. The annual report is an important story; it carries records of the past year and perhaps predictions of the future. It should merit interest because it is part of the story of public education. I feel that its historical value alone justifies its preparation.
Administration
The faculty consists of nine members who instruct the 210 pupils. There are two sections for each grade except grade IV. Although the principal has a full time teaching schedule a plan has been worked out that offers adequate supervision for all play periods.
Instruction
The pupil-teacher load may be considered ideal-our
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greatest enrollment is 29 in each of the two sections of Grade V.
Instruction is believed to be excellent with numerous techniques employed to prevent retardation and reduce the number of failure cases.
Visual aids have been used in the Social Sciences. Pepperell has an excellent collection of film strips on the elementary school level. A most gratifying fact is that it is being increased each month by the purchase of one or more film strips.
The new Rand McNally wall-maps and globes pur- chased last winter are other important visual aid tools that have helped to make our teaching more effective.
The recently adopted Winston Arithmetic Series have helped greatly in the attempt to make the subject more meaningful and in the contribution it should make to other fields of study. Elementary education is concerned with the total achievement of the child in all ages of growth- mathematics is one essential part of this unified whole.
Health and Safety
The redecoration of seven of our classrooms, hall and office was a great improvement. Few people realize the psychological impact environment has on the child. With the classrooms pleasing in appearance, with simplicity, use- fulness and balance as ideals we have what may be de- scribed as a desirable psychological environment. The weather-stripping of the windows no doubt reduced the number of colds the pupils and faculty had as drafts were eliminated. The physical environment sets the stage for social, emotional, and intellectual growth-this is an im- portant base upon which an effective school program may be built.
The milk program is patronized by more than 150 pupils each day. This is an increase over last year.
Special emphasis has been placed upon Fire Drills.
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Fire Chief Boutwell had the opportunity to observe one drill and offer suggestions and comments.
The School Patrol is active again. The patrol safe guards the child and its members are aided in the develop- ment of responsibility.
The uniform physical examinations were given during December. Pepperell is most fortunate in having the ser- vices of Mrs. Dee as school nurse.
The special accident insurance-which was an innova- tion last year-is subscribed to by more pupils this year.
Special Observances
. Arbor and Bird Day was observed in all classrooms. Some rooms made a study of trees and planted maple seed- lings which were later transplanted in the ground. Many pupils built bird houses and after they were placed in the trees watched eagerly as the houses were acceptd by ten- ants. The grounds were cleaned and a project was worked out in grades IV and V concerning conservation of natural resources.
The local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars assisted in Pre-Memorial Exercises which were held on the grounds.
During Fire Prevention Week pupils of grades I, II, and III visited the Fire House and a member of the Fire Department spoke to the pupils of grades IV and V.
Open House was held during American Education Week. Over 200 people signed the guest book. This is one medium by which the school's goals and practices may be interpreted to the parents.
American Book Week brought several people to school to assist in the observance. All children enjoyed stories
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either told or read and illustrated by local adults. Book reports and posters made by the pupils were also a part of the week's special program.
The children eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus on the fire engine. The American Legion who makes this and the gifts for each cihld possible enriches the lives of the youngsters. Without it much would be left out!
Recommendations
Every citizen of Pepperell should be aware of the Housing Problem-this concerns not one school but the entire system. Shattuck School is sound of structure but it is far from adequate when one wishes to carry out a modern educational program. It is recommended that every citizen give study and thought to the problem -- which may soon be most urgent.
Conclusion
Every decade brings a rash of new words to the teach- er's lexicon. Often they carry a new idea but many times we have the same idea in a new verbal dress. Instead of "objectives" we have "overviews" and the old-fashioned outline becomes a "pre-plan." Teachers are faced with the problem of striving to maintain a balanced perspective in which synthesis of the new and the old will be a practical course of action resulting in the development of each indi- vidual, the knowledge, interest, ideals, habits and process whereby he will find his place and use that place to nobler ends.
Your guidance and assistance has been welcome at all times. I am most conscious of the excellent spirit of co-op- eration that exists among the members of the faculty. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share responsibility have been contributing factors to what ever progress we have made .
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM M. EARLEY Principal
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REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Mass.
Dear Sir:
Being a newcomer to the Pepperell School System and to the teaching profession as a whole, I have not had much time to put my program in practice to the point of report- ing on it. In brief, my program is completely extensive, offering as much of each medium to all types of experi- ments as possible. Always realizing that all children are not born artists, much of the work is designed for free expression making for the enjoyment of all rather than the satisfaction of a few. Where talent is noted, it is prompted, encouraged, and helped. Fundamentals of art education are mixed in here and there, mostly through individual help of the pupils.
As has been found in the past, there is a lack of time for projects, materials, and spots for storage (the latter in the high school, especially). Art materials are tempting things for those who want or need them and know of their unlocked storage spot .- Four small shelves in a kitchen cupboard for both high school and junior high materials seems inadequate.
I must say that my year in Pepperell has been, thus far, an enjoyable and enlightening one. My many thanks to the fine co-operation of grand teachers, exuberant pupils, and a sincere staff.
Respectfully submitted, GERALD A. MILLER Art Supervisor
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REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Elliott A. Diggle Superintendent of Schools Pepperell, Mass.
Dear Sir:
"There is not any Music of Instruments whatso- ever, comparable to that which is made of the voices of children, where the voices are good, and the same well sorted and ordered."
William Byrd
A course of study has been set up for grades one to six which clearly shows the work that will be covered dur- ing the year. Each Principal has been given a copy of this program. In brief, it gives all the theoretical materials to be covered during the year. Each teacher has a course of study for her grade and an assignment music book in which all lessons are made for the week. This course of study is supplemented with an appreciation of record lis- tening, rhythm band, and performance.
In the Groton Street School this course has attempted to aid the teachers in fully understanding the work that will be covered during the year. At this point I would like to thank Miss Dwyer, Principal of the Groton Street School, for her complete and undivided co-operation in putting on a musical program for the Mothers' Club at this school dur- ing National Education Week. Twenty-seven pupils par- ticipated in the performance of Uncle Remus' tale of "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby"-a job well done by the pupils. I do think that a set of books for the fourth grade should be bought which would complete the series throughout the school.
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More fifth grade books were purchased for the Shat- tuck School which completed the series "A Singing School" for the entire school. Here, too, the course of study has attempted to bring out understanding of the music program.
In the Junior High School a set of books which, I be- lieve, would be more desirable to the pupils, should be pur- chased. The Junior High School age is an "in between" age and music in such books should be more appealing to the students. A Christmas radio broadcast was arranged for the Junior High School. The sixth grade Junior Chorus sang seven Christmas songs; seventh and eighth grade choruses each sang two numbers. I would also like to add that a vote of thanks should be given to Mrs. Olga Hart- well for her co-operation in making these programs possi- ble. A trip to see a musical stage show in Boston is being planned for the Junior High Chorus.
The Senior High School Mixed Chorus and Girls' Glee Club also gave a Christmas radio broadcast at which time five songs were recorded on tape for Nashua Broadcasting Studios. These tapes were also used on the loud-speakers in down town Nashua. Mrs. Simmons very graciously of- fered to do this. The same program was presented at the Senior High School Christmas Assembly. Future broad- casts are underway for the Easter Holidays; late in May a program of secular choral music is being planned. The Senior Chorus will also present a musical in May with the help of the Junior Chorus, which will be asked to assist. Octavo music has been purchased for both Junior and Senior High Schools.
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