USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1953 > Part 2
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$ 446 57
To Tax Title Account $
5 40
Paid to Treasurer
441 17
$ 446 57 $
446 57
1951-Outstanding January 1st, 1953
Tax Title Account
$
6 10
Assessor's Abatements
2 00
Paid to the Treasurer
2,152 50
Outstanding Dec. 31st, 1953
76 18
$ 2,236 73 $
2,236 78
1952-Outstanding January 1st, 1953
$ 6,055 96
Omitted Assessment
22 10
To Tax Title Account
$
6 80
Paid to Treasurer
3,672 65
Outstanding Dec. 31st, 1953
2,398 61
$ 6,078 06 $ 6,078 06
1953-Poll Tax Commitment
$ 312 00
Personal Property Commitment
11,037 95
Real Estate Commitment
23,010 05
Refunds on Tax after payment To Tax Title Account
152 40
7 00
Assessors Abatements
628 85
Paid to Treasurer
27,419 15
Outstanding Dec. 31st, 1953
6,457 40
$ 34,512 40 $ 34 512 40
!
$ 2,236 78
34
ANNUAL REPORT
Motor Vehicle Excise
1952-Outstanding, January 1st, 1953 Assessors Commitments Refunds after payment Assessor's Abatements
$ 590 52
250 86
50 66
$
138 48
Paid to Treasurer
745 35
Outstanding Dec. 31st, 1953
8 21
$ 892 04 $
892 04
1953-Assessors Commitments Refunds after payment Assessors Abatements Paid to Treasurer
$ 4,915 87
200 97
$ 156 80
3,793 98
Outstanding Dec. 31st, 1953
1,166 06
$ 5,116 84 $
5,116 84
Interest & Costs
Collected
$
283 24
Paid to Treasurer
$ 283 24
$ 283 24 $
283 24
Summary
Total Collected on Tax Accounts
$ 33,685 47
Total Collected on Motor Vehicle Excises
4,539 73
To'al Collected on Interest & Costs
283 24
Paid to the Treasurer $ 38,508 44
$ 38,508 44 $ 38,508 44
Outstanding Taxes and Excises
Taxes Motor Vehicle Excises
$ 8,932 19 1,174 27
$ 10,106 46 $ 10,106 46
Respectfully submitted,
W. G. CHAPMAN, Tax Collector
35
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of TOWN TREASURER
Cash on hand, January 1st, 1953
Received from all sources
(See Summary for detail)
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants
Cash on hand December 31st, 1953
$ 49,619 72 104,746 00
$ 96,190 68 58,175 04
$ 154,365 72 $ 154,365 72
TRUST FUNDS
Balance on hand, January 1st, 1953 $ 31,299 70
Interest accrued and paid 1,020 12
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds 100 00
Library Legacy 1,000 00 $ 163 84
Withdrawal of Cemetery Funds
Withdrawal of Library Funds
669 65
Balance on hand December 31st, 1953
32,586 33
$ 33,419 82 $ 33,419 82
SUMMARY OF TOWN TREASURER'S REPORT RECEIPTS
Cash on hand January 1st, 1953
Alden Fund Income
444 54
$ 49,619 72 $ 444 54
Cemeteries
Annual care of lots
$ 86 00
Sale of lots
85 66
Perpetual care funds received
200 00
$ 371 66
County Treasurer
Dog Tax Refund (Library)
$ 209 99
Wild Cat Bounties
10 00
Aid to Highways
2,407 44
$ 2,627 43
36
ANNUAL REPORT
Fire Department
Received for fees
$ 7 75
Refunds on Registration
2 78
Refund Forest Fire Warden
35 63
$ 46 16
Highway Department
Machine Rental Fund
$ 1,554 20
Refund on Compensation Insurance
49 99 $ 1,604 19
Library
Fines
$ 24 40
Payment for lost book
75
Sale of Books
1 80
Legacy for a Special Purpose
30 00
$
56 95
School Lunch Program
From the sale of milk
$ 360 24
$ 360 24
Selectmen
Licenses and permits
$ 13 00
Sale of Surplus goods
8 00
$ 21 00
State Treasurer
O.A.A. Federal Grants (Aid) $ 5,497 00
O.A.A. Federal Grants (Admin.) 702 87
O.A.A. State Reimbursement (Aid) 3,983 04
A.D.C. Federal Grants (Admin.) 19 53
A.D.C. State Reimbursement (Aid)
285 31
D.A. Federal Grants (Aid)
963 60
D.A. Federal Grants (Admin.)
118 24
D.A. State Reimbursement (Admin.)
65 05
D.A. State Reimbursement (Aid)
441 32
Income Tax
280 00
O.A. Meal Tax
302 98
Schools, Chapter 70
7,570 55
-
37
ANNUAL REPORT
Corporation State Tax
1,879 50
Live Stock Control
17 50
Lieu of Taxes
4,317 08
School Lunch Fund Federal Grants
125 02
State Aid to Highways
22,924 15
Hawkers License
3 00
General Relief State Sick Poor
56 43
High School Transportation
6,251 86
Supt. of Schools Salary
237 49
- $ 56,041 52
Taxes
Tax Collector
$ 38,508 44
$ 38,508 44
Town Clerk
Dog Taxes
$ 301 80 $ 301 80
Town Hall
Rent
$ 25 00 $ 25 00
Trust & Investment Funds From Library Funds $ 669 65
From Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds 163 84 $ 833 49
To Trust Funds Wheeler Legacy for Library 1,000 00 $ 1,000 00
Withheld Items
Federal Withholding Taxes
Wor. Co. Ret. System
$ 2,259 08 244 50 $ 2,503 58
$ 154,365 72
DISBURSEMENTS
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants $ 96,190 68
Cash on hand, Dec. 31st, 1953 58,175 04
$ 154,365 72
Respectfully submitted,
W. G. CHAPMAN, Treasurer
BALANCE SHEET - 1953
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Cash all sources
$ 54,689 34
Alden Fund Income
3,475 70
Library Petty Cash 10 00
$ 58,175 04
Excess Sale of Land 469 95
Mary Alden Fund, Income
3,475 70
Tax Levies
1951-Personal Prop. $ 76 18
1952-Poll Tax 12 00
Personal Prop. 435 57
School Lunch Program Cash Balance 209 63
Real Estate 1,951 04
Sale of Cemetery Lots
120 66
Cem. Pep. Care Funds
100 00
Appropriation balances
16,324 08
$ 8,932 19
Motor Vehicle Excise
1952
$ 8 21
Co. Ret. Sys.
26 30
1953
1,166 06
$
131 18
Machinery Fund
1,038 84
Tax Possessions
96 30
Overlay Surplus
4,096 46
Departmental Accounts Old Age Assistance Aid to Highways State 13,567 04
200 49
Overlay Abatements 1951 66 18
1952
1,083 12
County
5,892 52
1953
522 23
19,459 56
Overestimated 1953 County Tax Agency
$ 71 39
Federal Grants, Welfare Dept.
1,065 82
1953-Poll Tax 18 00
Personal Prop. 911 25
Real Estate
5,528 15
$ 1,174 27
Employees Deductions Fed. Tax $ 104 88
ANNUAL REPORT
1,671 53
38
BALANCE SHEET (Continued)
Underestimated 1953
Reserve for collection
Motor Veh. Excise
1,197 40
Co. T. B. Hospital
387 57
Tax Titles 96 30
Dep. Rev.
200 49
Lib. P. C. 10 00
Aid to H. W.
19,459 56
20,963 75
Surplus Revenue Previous years
38,136 48
1953
571 50
38,707 98
$ 88,446 97
$ 88,446 97
Net Fixed & Funded
Debt:
Inside Debt Limit $ 11,500 00
Outside Debt Limit
8,500 00
$ 20,000 00
Serial Loans
Municipal Bldg. and remodeling loan 1951 $ 8,000 00
Municipal Bldg. and remodeling loan 1951 3,500 00
School Bldg. Loan 39
ANNUAL REPORT
DEBIT ACCOUNTS
1
State Parks & Res. 21 54
409 12
BALANCE SHEET (Continued)
Acts 1950
8,500 00
$ 20,000 00
$ 20,000 00
December 31st, 1953
Trust and Investment Funds Cash & Securities $ 32,586 33
Mary Lincoln Alden Fund
$ 7,626 63
Library Funds
Wright fund
$ 573 29
Fobes fund
4,724 08
B. P. Clark Fund
2,116 10
J.H.O. Lovell
335 29
S. R. Dean Fund
1,709 88
B. Bramman Fund
114 19
Wheeler Fund
1,000 00
10,592 93
Henry Wright Park Fund Cemetery P. C. Funds
324 58
12,777 15
Post War. Reh. Fund 1,265 04
$ 32,586 33
$ 32,586 33
Respectfully submitted, W. G. CHAPMAN, Treasurer
ANNUAL REPORT
40
$ 20,000 00 TRUST and INVESTMENT FUNDS
41
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Town Appropriation
$ 400 00
New Lots
100 00
Received from Trust Funds
163 84
$ 663 84
Expenditures
L. A. Hardy
$ 468 05
L. W. Hardy
18 40
Robert A. Hardy
24 15
Charles G. Munson
13 80
Jamara Bros.
87 25
A. Menault, machinery & repairs
10 00
Hardy's Garage
1 95
Walsh's Market, paint
4 23
Furnace Grain & Coal Co.
16 73
Arthur Webb. Office Expense
19 28
$ 663 84
Received Annual Care of Lots - 1953
$
71 00
Received Annual Care of Lots - 1952
9 00
Received - Lots Sold
40 00
$ 120 00
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR WEBB, Secretary
42
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
After the hectic year of 1952, it is with pleasure, that your Welfare Department reports a very quiet twelve months in Welfare assistance in all categories of assistance. We were able to keep well within our estimated budget and, due to the fact that the Commonwealth was able, and did, make the Federal and State reimbursement payments on time, we were able to sanction the transfer of $2,800.00 in welfare funds to other departments and returned $3,475.33 to the Revenue Account at the close of the year. The pro- gram, as outlined by the State Department for the year 1953, was carried out in detail. Our Welfare Worker was able to revamp all of the case histories, check all details rela- tive to eligibility for assistance, make the necessary calls and give the special supervisory attention to individual cases when needed. At this time she has, under her super- vision fourteen Old Age Assistance recipients, two Disabi- lity cases and one State General Relief case. Temporary assistance was given to one family who are, at the present time, self supporting. Our Aid to Dependent Children ac- count is inactive at this time. In view of the above the Department is able to make a very drastic cut in our esti- mated budget for the ensuing year and hope to be able to keep within the limit set.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Appropriation $ 500 00
State Reimbursement 285 31
Balance in Federal Grant Acct.
251 24
State Re. to Estimated Receipts
285 31
Balance in Federal Grant Acct. 251 24
Returned to Revenue
500 00
$ 1,036 55 $
1,036 55
SUMMARY
Paid from Town Funds
00
Reimbursement for prior year 285 31
Gain for the Town $ 285 31
43
ANNUAL REPORT
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Appropriation $ 9,000 00
Balance in Federal Grant Acct. 227 85
Federal Grants received 5,497 00
State & Town reimbursement
3,983 04
Old Age Meal Tax (Esti. Rec.)
302 98
Due from Cities & Towns, 1-1-53
200 49
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants $ 10,918 93
Balance in Federal Grant Acct.
448 95
State Funds to Estimated Receipts
4,243 66
Trans. to Memorial Hall Acct.
1,000 00
Trans. to Snow & Sand Acct.
1,000 00
Returned to Revenue
1,356 97
Due from Cities & Towns
242 85
$ 19,211 36 $ 19,211 36
SUMMARY
Paid from Town Funds $10,918 93
Total Reimbursement 10,211 36
Cost to the Town
707 57
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Appropriation $ 2,500 00
Balance in Federal Grant Account 103 30
Received from Federal Grants 963 60
State & Town Reimbursement
447 25
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants $ 1,509 75
State Funds to Estimated Receipts
445 35
Adjustment to Admin. Acct.
1 90
Balance in Federal Grant Acct.
124 25
Trans. to Administration Acct.
800 00
Return to Revenue
1,132 70
$ 4,014 15 $ 4,014 15
SUMMARY
Paid from Town Funds $ 1,509 75
Total Reimbursement 1,410 85
Cost to Town 98 90
44
ANNUAL REPORT
GENERAL RELIEF ACCOUNT
Appropriation
$ 1,000 00
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants
$ 514 39
Return to Revenue
485 61
$ 1,000 00 $
1,000 00
SUMMARY
Paid from Town Funds $ 514 39
Reimbursement in 1954 00
Cost to Town $ 514 39
ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTS
Bal. in Welfare Acct. 1-1-53 $ 976 60
Bal. in A.D.C. Ad. Acct. 1-1-53 18 63
Bal. in O.A.A. Ad. Ac. 1-1-53 40 29
Bal. in D. A. Ad. Ac. 1-1-53
4 20
Trans. from D. A. Aid Acct.
800 00
Received from Federal Grants
840 64
Received from State Grants
59 12
Adjustment from D. A. Account 1 90
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants
$ 1,106 24
Bal. in Welfare Acct. 12-31-53
1,393 96
Bal. in A.D.C. Ad. Acct. 12-31-53 9 32
Bal. in O.A.A. Ad. Acct. 12-31-53
202 81
Bal. in D.A. Ad. Ac. 12-31-53
29 05
$ 2,741 38 $ 2,741 38
SUMMARY
Paid from Town funds $ 1,106 24
Total Reimbursement 899 76
Cost to the Town $ 206 48
SUMMARY FOR DEPARTMENT
Appropriations all categories $ 13,000 00
Total State Reimbursements 4,774 72
Federal Grant Acct., 1-1-53 645 51
Total received from Fed. Grants
7,301 24
State Meal Tax 302 98
Due from Cities & Towns 1-1-53 200 49
45
ANNUAL REPORT
Balance in Welfare Admin. Acct. 1-1-53 976 60 Transferred from D.A. Aid Acct.
to Admin. 800 00
Adjustment from D.A. Aid to Admin.
1 90
Total paid on Selectmen's Warrants
$ 14,049 31
Transfers to various accounts
2,800 00
Due from Cities & Towns, 12-31-53
242 85
Adjustment in D. A. Accounts
1 90
Federal Grant Acct. 12-31-53
1,065 82
State Reimbursements to Est. Rec.
4,974 32
Balance in Welfare Admin. Acct.
1,393 96
Returned to Revenue
3,475 28
$ 28,003 44 $ 28,003 44
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD AGAR, Chairman MARGUERITE TROY W. G. CHAPMAN, Agent Board of Public Welfare
46
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
Town Appropriation
$ 210 00
Expended for Labor $ 169 20
Balance
40 80 $
Dutch Elm Control
Town Appropriation
$ 105 00
Expended for Labor $ 194 85
$ 89 85
Six Elm trees with Dutch Elm Disease removed and destroyed by the Moth crew.
Seven reported destroyed on M.D.C. Land by the M.D.C. crew.
Respectfully submitted,
ELMER V. NEWTON,
Moth Superintendent
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of FOBES MEMORIAL LIBRARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st, 1953 RECEIPTS
Town appropriation
$
600 00
Dog Tax Refund
209 99
From invested funds
669 65
$ 1,479 64
EXPENDITURES
Librarian
$ 208 00
Janitor
166 00
Heat and Lights
222 05
Books and Magazines
290 67
Librarian's Expenses
56 02
Repairs (Including Oil Burner)
411 45
Printing
5 25
Old Books purchased
1 00
Fire Insurance
109 20
Balance Librarian's Petty Cash Acct.
10 00
$ 1,479 64
JOHN P. DAY
WINIFRED LANE
PHILIP B. BURGESS
Trustees
48
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of THE AUDITOR
Town of Oakham, Mass - Year 1953
As Auditor of the Town of Oakham I have examined the books of accounts of the Selectmen, Treasurer, Tax Col- lector and Librarian. Cash book footings were verified, cash and securities checked and found correct. Cash re- ceipts from all sources were checked and found correct .. Tax Collector's cash and outstanding unpaid taxes were checked, also the Collector's remittance sheets to the Treas- urer were found to be in proper order. Appropriation records as kept by your auditor have been checked and ve- rified with the books of the Town's Officers and amounts spent and balances returned to revenue verified. Recommendations for the preservation of Town Records, also for the more efficient handling of Town Accounts have. been made to the proper Town Officers.
O. HAROLD ERICKSON,
Town Auditor
49
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of CHARLTON HOME FARM ASSOCIATION
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st, 1953
ASSETS
Land & Buildings
$ 14.000 00
Cash in Savings Banks
11,787 32
U. S. Bonds (3) 2,814 00
Personal Property (Inventory)
3,344 00
Amounts due from Towns
1,367 57
Cash in Warden's account 300 00
Cash in Treas. Checking Acct.
1,029 38
$ 34,642 27
OPERATING ACCOUNT FOR 1953
Receipts
Cash 1-1-53
25 13
Income Farm
612 31
Withdrawn from Savings Bank
1,000 00
Account Rec. - Boarders
19,546 56
$ 21,184 00
EXPENDITURES
Accounts paid
$ 20,154 62
Cash in Checking Acct. 12-31-53 1,029 38
$ 21,184 00
WARDEN'S REPORT
Number of Boarders from Town
20
Other Boarders 12
Total number of Boarders 32
ROBERT F. TUCKER, President LESTER P. GATES, Secretary & Treasurer CARL F. DAVIS, Auditor
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of BOARD OF HEALTH
Town Appropriation
$ 25 00
Departmental receipts
9 50
Paid Davis & Bennett, Inc., for water test
$ 15 00
Receipts to Treasurer
9 50
Balance to Revenue
10 00
$ 34 50 $
34 50
LICENSES ISSUED
1-Recreational Camp renewal
@
$ 0.50
2-Sale of Oleomargarine
@
0.50
A __ Cale of Milk & Cream
@
0.50
1-Victualer's
@ 2.00
2-Sunday
@
2.00
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES REPORTED
None
WORCESTER COUNTY SANATORIUM 4-Outpatient examinations
INVESTIGATIONS
2-Water pollution 2-Public Nuisance
Respectfully submitted, HENRY W. STONE, JR., Chairman JOHN P. O'DONNELL ROGER H. LONERGAN
51
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 1953
Appropriation
$ 1,400 00
Expenditures
Ralph's Gas Station
$
9 18
David Labonte
10 44
Haven Goodwin
10 50
Hardy's Garage
27 70
Warren Belting Company
7 15
Leonard A. Hardy
7 51
Conant & Parker
50
David Deane
392 50
John C. Lane
24 95
Robert T. Quigley
12 45
Hobbs & Warren
9 16
Stanley Judycki
175 00
Robert O. Lane
17 50
N. E. Fire Chief's Ass'n
3 00
Conant & Parker
20 13
Frank A. Smith & Son
267 63
Fuelite Natural Gas Corp.
242 45
Labor
141 50
$ 1,379 25
Unexpended Balance
20 75
$ 1,400 00 $
1,400 00
The Fire Department answered calls for 14 fires in 1953:
4 chimney fires
$ 20 00
2 building fires
9 00
6 grass and brush fires
98 25
1 truck short circuit
4 00
1 call investigating smoke
2 25
Labor paid in 1953 for chimney
and partition fire, Dec. 30, 1952
8 00
$
141 50
The Town Treasurer received a check from the State in the amount of $35.63, 50% of the cost of overhauling one of the portable pumps.
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Permits issued by the Dept. in 1953:
3 L.P. Gas $ 1 50
5 Burner Installations 2 50
4 Oil Storage 2 00
1 Range Oil Storage 25
3 Blasting 1 50
$ 7 75
In October the Department purchased a 500 gallon tank truck to increase the immediate supply of water available at any fire.
The cost of $175.00 was paid out of the Fire Department appropriation.
We are informed by our Insurance Agent that the addi- tion of the tank truck will give our Department a higher rating, and will entitle the owners of farm property, with- in a 3-mile radius of the center a 5% reduction in their Fire Insurance.
With the purchase of 372 feet of 11/2 inch hose in 1953, the Department now has 780 feet of 11/2 inch hose and 1200 feet of 11/8 inch hose.
The summer of 1953 was extremely dry with the Burn- ing Index at the explosive stage day after day for weeks.
Of the 6 grass and brush fires, we had to call in out- side help for only one.
The Department gives full credit for the small num- ber of these fires, to the extreme caution of all of the peo- ple of Oakham. The Department also wants to thank the many people who called in and reported smoke seen or un- authorized fires.
Every such call was investigated immediately.
These calls undoubtedly saved much greater losses.
Respectfully submitted, OAKHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT.
LEONARD A. HARDY, Chief
53
ANNUAL REPORT LIBRARIAN'S REPORT 1953
To the Board of Trustees of Fobes Memorial Library:
There were 36 new application cards issued in 1953.
134 books were borrowed during the year on the inter- library loan system.
50 of these books were for vacation reading projects.
10 children participated and received "Vacation Read- ing Diplomas."
87 of the borrowed books were for adult readers of western and detective story interest.
At the close of the school year, 20 Honor Certificates were given to pupils in grades 5-8, who read books on the state reading list, in conjunction with their school work.
During the summer a "Story Hour" was conducted, with Mrs. Alfred Morse, as narrator.
63 children registered, 10 of whom were summer visit- ors.
New books were given to 17 children for attendance prizes. The names of the children were published, at the time, so I will not repeat them here.
There are 23 magazines on the reading table. Three of which are gift subscriptions from the Congregational Church, the Grange, and the Parent Teachers Association.
497 magazines were in circulation during the year.
3729 books were circulated in 1953.
Adult
Children
190 books on loan
496 fiction 101 non-fiction
2144 fiction
798 non-fiction
787 adult books
2942 children's books
259 books were added to our shelves; out of which 79 were for adult readers. Only three were purchased.
The 76 books were given by the following people:
Ralph Daniels, Mr. and Mrs. D. DeRoches, O. Harold Erickson, Rose Marie Krepel, New Braintree Library, Mrs. John Mann, Peter P. J. Morris, Mr. and Mrs. John Neelley, A. A. Parker, American Legion Post, No. 378, Mrs Grace Rood, the Conant sisters, Eva Allen and Alice Malcolm.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
148 new children's books were purchased. 32 were giv- en, making 180 new books for the children.
Those who gave children's books were:
Elizabeth Black, Beverly Gallant, Mrs. Fred Lane, Mrs. Alfred Morse, and Verna Tucker.
In June, I was issued a petty cash account, for which I was very grateful.
Received
$ 10 00
Paid
3 box rents @ 50c per quarter $ 1 50
Stamps, cards, envelopes 1 45
Story hour material and sundry accessories 6 30
Refund on book 75
$ 10 00
This account has been audited.
A reading list was drawn up for the Den No. 1, Cub Scouts, to start reading achievement.
Merit Badge books have been purchased to aid Scout Troop No. 144 in their achievement awards.
In 1954, I am anxious to obtain books that will be useful to the high school pupils in their home work and library reference requirements.
As you know great effort has been made to build up the children's library, and I hope we may continue.
I thank you for your generous support in all of the un- dertakings of the year.
I especially want to thank Mrs. Morse, the parents and friends, who helped make the story hour a success.
Also many thanks to the school teachers and Mr. Buker.
At the close of the year, we started a new reading project, in cooperation with a woman's group, that has got off to a good start, with wonderful interest, thus far.
Hoping for still better support from the towns people, and promising you untiring service in the work, I close.
Your Librarian,
MRS. LILA WILBUR
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the OAKHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE For the year ending December 31, 1953 SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Willard C. Rutherford,
Mrs. Mary H. Parsons
Philip Dwelly
Term expires 1954 Term expires 1955 Term expires 1956
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
William H. Buker Holden ,Mass.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT
Mrs. Lois P. Drawbridge
Mrs. Addie P. Wentworth
Holden, Mass. Holden, Mass.
TEACHERS
Mrs. Esther G. Hawkes
Mrs. Winifred B. Lane
Miss Helena K. Rutherford
Grades VI, VII, VIII Grades III, IV, V Grades I, II
SUPERVISORS
Miss Ruth S. Innes Gregory F. Bowes
Rinehart Handwriting System
MUSIC ART PENMANSHIP
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Leroy E. Mayo, M.D. Holden, Mass.
SCHOOL NURSE
Mrs. Brenda T. Sullivan Holden, Mass.
CUSTODIAN
Winthrop H. Boyd
Oakham, Mass.
BUS DRIVERS
John O'Donnell
Leonard A. Hardy
56
ANNUAL REPORT ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Donald Agar
Oakham, Mass.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term
January 4, 1954 thru February 19, 1954
Spring Term Summer Term
March 1, 1954 thru April 15, 1954
Fall Term
April 26, 1954 thru June 11, 1954 September 8, 1954 thru December 23, 1954
HOLIDAYS
April 16, 1954
May 31, 1954
October 12, 1954
November 5, 1954
November 11, 1954
November 24 to November 29
Good Friday Memorial Day Columbus Day Teachers' Convention Armistice Day Thanksgiving Recess
Report of the SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and citizens of Oakham:
I herewith present my sixth report and the fifty-fourth of the series.
Mrs. Leone B. Daniels, after twenty years of faithful and conscientious service as a school committee member. retired. Her excellent judgment and thorough under- standing of educational problems were a great asset to the committee. Mr. Philip Dwelly, the newly elected member. is taking an active interest in the schools and proving to be a real help to the committee and the superintendent.
Oakham is fortunate in retaining the same qualified teachers. Our teachers not only know their pupils, but the parents. Only small towns can have such a happy situa- tion. We hope Oakham may be able to retain these teachers for several years.
In October mental and achievement tests were given to grades four, six and eight. The results are given in the chart below.
Norm for the tests are 4.1 for Grade IV, 6.1 for Grade VI and 8.1 for Grade VIII.
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Norms for Oakham Pupils were
as follows:
Gr. IV Gr. VI Gr. VIII
Reading
4.5
6.0
8.5
Arithmetic
4.6
6.2
8.9
Language
4.8
5.9
9.4
Spelling
5.0
6.2
8.6
The eighth grade was seven months above the norm.
Information that teachers receive from such tests is valuable in adjusting their teaching methods and ascer- taining the amount of time needed for the several subjects.
The enrollment has increased. There are now eighty-three pupils in the elementary school. There are eighteen attend- ing secondary schools, ten at North Brookfield High, six at Holden High and two in the Worcester High Schools.
The refinishing of the desks has improved the work- ing conditions of the pupils and minor repairs will tend to provide a better school.
The local organizations which have assisted the school deserve our thanks and appreciation. Especially, I wish to mention Mrs. Verno Tucker, who has managed the milk fund. Keeping the State records for this fund is quite a task.
The aid that our pupils have received from the Libra- rian, Mrs. Lila Wilbur is appreciated. Libraries are a neces- sary aid in the modern school system.
Doctor Leroy E. Mayo, the school physician, reports that the annual physical examinations have been completed. Immunization clinics were conducted using diphtheria and tetanus toxoid provided by the State. Clinics are being planned for the coming spring.
Mrs. Brenda T. Sullivan, the school nurse reports that a pre-school clinic was held with parents present. The pur- pose of this clinic was to check the health of the child and to insure his best physical condition when he began school. The nurse suggests that parents should report all contagious diseases to the Board of Health. This Board has the authori- ty to issue permits before children are allowed to return to school. The State Department of Health has established the following regulation:
"A child shall be examined by a physician six months before entering school or during the first year after entrance and at intervals of three or four years."
Mrs. Sullivan has visited eleven homes, had personal interviews with parents, weighed forty-eight pupils, given eight first aid and given sixty four vision tests.
53
ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Gregory F. Bowes, supervisor of art, reports that the policy of self expression and experimentation with va- rious media have been carried out. In the upper grades varied activities, such as murals, stained glass windows and three dimensional paper sculpture projects have been taught, as well as consideration of figures in action, seasonal projects, color theory and practice in using water colors, poster paints and crayons.
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