USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1945-1949 > Part 16
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Last year the eighth grade of 39 pupils was housed in the high school building for the first time. This year a class of 56 pupils introduced new problems of housing and scheduling.
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These problems have been met with the addition of a new teacher to the staff, the rearrangement of home rooms, the use of classrooms at lunch time, and the formation of class accom- modations in a corner of the assembly hall. Neither of the last two provisions are entirely satisfactory. Eating lunches in class- rooms is neither sanitary, or psychologically sound. The im- provised classroom lacks some of the essentials for good learning activities-blackboard space, adequate heat and light, conven- ience, and a stimulating environment.
The school is now taking advantage of the National School Lunch Program. The chief aim of a part of this program is to promote better health through the drinking of more white milk by growing boys and girls. Under this arrangement the pupils · pay three cents for å five-cent bottle of milk. Although, ideally, every pupil in the school should be a participant in this program, an increase over last year's sales of 40 per cent is encouraging.
Considerable interest is being demonstrated by war vet- erans in completing their requirements for a high school diploma. Two veterans are now regularly attending school, and eight have taken steps to complete their work in other schools organized for veterans. In granting credit for training in the Armed Forces, the recommendations of the American Council on Education are closely followed. This source of information is generally accepted as the standard for high schools and colleges.
Our 1946 basketball team brought considerable honor to itself and Howard High School by receiving and accepting an invitation to participate in the Eastern Massachusetts Basket- ball Tournament. In being eliminated early, however, the team showed the effects of training upon its wholly inadequate home floor.
In carrying on the athletic program of the school, the estab- lishment of football together with low revenue from basketball
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because of lack of seats presented heavy financial responsibilities. An appeal for financial support was made to the citizens of West Bridgewater. Sparked by prizes consisting of two watches and two pairs of nylon stockings presented by individual members of the School Committee, the pupils did a magnificent job in turning into the athletic fund the unbelievable sum of $1080.97. This amazing response of the Town was most gratifying. The school thereby was able to survive the heavy expenses of the initial full year of football.
One troublesome problem arising out of football and base- ball is in connection with the maintenance of the field owned by the Town. In order to prepare the field for use it has been nec- essary to utilize the time and energy of the school shop classes. This practice of taking shop time, interfering with school sched- ules, and the performance of work unrelated to shop is neither fair nor sound educationally. It is hoped that measures will be taken in the near future to correct this situation.
In conclusion, I wish to thank you and all others who have striven so earnestly with me to make Howard High School a bet- ter school for the children of West Bridgewater.
Respectfully submitted,
NILS G. LINDELL, Principal Howard High School
January 6, 1947
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
Despite the many changes in the staff and the reorganiza- tion of the Center School, the necessary adjustments of the teachers and pupils was made quite rapidly and the results have
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been gratifying. With the inception of the New Year, it is hoped that more time may be devoted to phases other than basic skills.
Now that the new changes have been given a fair trial, I should like to comment on their successes or failures, whichever the case may be.
Since the fifth grade has been departmentalized, the pupils are undoubtedly benefitting by their separation from the fourth grade. It has made possible much more individual attention than the teacher could previously give them. The same is true of the fourth grade pupils who now have a full time teacher. However, the teachers feel that the fifth grade pupils are too immature to be doing departmental work. A full time teacher could meet their needs much more readily by giving them even more indiv- idual attention.
If the fifth grade were to have a full time teacher, it would , mean that the other two teachers would have to carry on the work in the sixth and seventh grades. One of two systems could be utilized. The work could continue to be departmental with each teacher taking on another subject or the departmental work could be omitted entirely leaving one grade to each teacher. It is my personal belief that the latter solution is the best. There would then be a great deal more correlation between subjects than there is under the departmental systems.
Another change which has taken place, the placement of the primary grades in one building, has proven most satisfactory. When it is possible to give the first and second grades separate 100ms, the operation of those two grades will be much smoother. I realize that this is an emergency measure due to overcrowded conditions. The best work possible is being done in that room under the present conditions.
Because of the lack of equipment available, the progress of the physical education department has been somewhat hampered.
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As soon as there is more equipment available, the pupils will be given a more extensive program. I feel that the importance of this phase of training cannot be stressed too much.
At the present time the most important work is being done in the field of reading. Three teachers are pursuing a Harvard- Boston University Extension Course in Reading and Studying in the Elementary Grades. Newer practices are being utilized and many of the reading disability cases are being cared for. The more difficult remedial reading cases have been referred to the Brockton Clinic. There are four boys enrolled there at the pres- ent time and there are several more waiting to be accepted as soon as arrangements can be made. This work has been accom- plished through the whole-hearted cooperation of the parents, Mrs. Sherman, and the teachers.
In September and also during American Education Week, invitations were extended to the parents to visit the school at any time to discuss problems with the teachers and to familiarize themselves with their school. The number of parents who ac- cepted the invitation was not large and I sincerely hope that a greater number will find it possible to visit in the future.
The only planned program for the parents and the school was presented by the fourth grade at Christmas time. It was most successful and it is this type of activity that should be more frequent if the time permits.
With the continued cooperation of the teachers, school de- partment personnel, and the parents, I am anticipating a very successful and enjoyable year.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD J. FARRELL, Principal
Center School
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Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Great stress has been put upon the fact that the individu- ality of the child must be recognized and developed into gainful channels. We must take the child where he is and carry him along to the goal he is to reach. No two develop at the same rate.
Therefore, I find that we have made progress along the lines of development of our pupils, both academically and socially.
The results of periodical tests given all children show that the academic standing of the school is very satisfactory. A plan was worked out by which we hoped to have Grade I by itself as better pupil adjustment can be made if the teacher can devote her entire time to first grade pupils. The start which pupils get at this stage and age has influence on their future progress. How- ever, this year we have not been able to carry out this procedure because of the large number of pupils in Grade II. Part of the grade had to be put with Grade I. This is not really a hardship for pupils, as they learn by hearing others recite. Better arrange- ments may be made next year.
Throughout the grades there are pupils who need more in- dividual and special attention than can be given by a teacher with two grades in a room. If we had the services of a part time remedial teacher the pupils would benefit.
As the pupil of today is the citizen of tomorrow we have al- ways had in mind the teaching of cooperation, civic pride and responsibility. At the present time I am very proud of the de- velopment along these lines.
There is a fine spirit of cooperation among the pupils, both in the school room and outside. Through the Junior Police, with
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the fine pupil cooperation, children are conscious of safety in going to and from school and on playgrounds. The Junior Police should be commended for their part during the Halloween celebrations.
The sense of responsibility has been stressed through our Girls' Citizenship Club, Hobby Clubs, Boys' Citizenship Club, Junior Police, Orchestra, and Assemblies. The Assemblies are planned by the pupils of each grade with teacher supervision. Every pupil has an opportunity to take part at one time or an- other. Poise and self confidence are developed.
From the money made from the Pageant written and given by the pupils of the Sunset Avenue School we have bought two pianos, one for downstairs and one for upstairs.
Aside from the financial gain, this pageant was of great edu- cational value to pupils who learned to find suitable material, write it up and recite the speaking parts well. Miss Cass was re- sponsible for the dramatic parts which were very well done.
Costumes were assembled and made by some of the pupils, and the needed properties were built by boys of Grades Six and Seven. This necessitated much planning and developed skill in handcraft.
We had a four piece orchestra made up mostly of Grade Seven pupils who are now in Grade Eight. Much enjoyment re- sulted from this. They not only played for assemblies, but for dancing a half hour a week during the winter recesses as well.
As an outcome of the work of other clubs, each child has a definite part in the workings of the school and he is very proud of it.
In closing, I wish to thank all parents for their cooperation and friendliness and hope the same spirit will continue.
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We have a very efficient corps of teachers who are interested in the welfare of all the pupils. I wish to thank them for their part in making the school a happy worthwhile place which most children enjoy attending.
Respectfully submitted,
THERESA MILLER, Principal Sunset Avenue School
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
There have been two major innovations at the Jerusalem School this past year-both advantageous to the pupils.
First the transfer of grades four and five to the Center School has made possible a much more complete. curriculum for grades one, two, and three. We have time now for necessary sub- jects, including the basic three R's plus nature study, health, supervised recreation, etc. Pupils now get individual attention that all beginners need in order to have a good firm foundation for future success in mastering new subjects as they encounter them in higher grades. Confidence in himself is the greatest asset a pupil can acquire, and he achieves this only in work well done.
Secondly, we have now, through a state subsidy, a mid- morning lunch consisting of cookies or crackers and milk. Every child takes milk and many are showing physically and mentally the benefits of this extra meal. It makes the transition from home to school easier.
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At this time, I would like to thank Mrs. Joseph Kline, Pres- ident of the Jerusalem Parent Teachers Association, and her executive committee. She has given us a very full and interesting program this year-reawakening the entire organization to the real benefits to be desired from a P.T.A. that really functions. The spring program calls for an art contest for all children in the school system with prizes for each age group. This is a worth- while activity and deserves publicity and support. May it bring out some real talent.
Respectively submitted,
MARY E. NELSON, Principal Jerusalem School
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
Miss Merithew and I returned to Cochesett School antic- pating a very happy year. There were twenty-five pupils in grades three, four and five, and twenty in grades one and two.
Lack of playground equipment here is a decided handicap. With money earned by the children, a basketball was purchased by Miss Merithew. Thus the problem of the older boys was solved. But the girls and children in grades one and two are without much to interest them. It is on the playground that children learn valuable lessons of cooperation.
Also, there is a great need for a good piano or victrola. Chil- dren should be trained to listen to good music.
Miss Merithew left us in November. Mrs. Anne O'Keefe is taking over the teaching of grades three, four, and five.
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We are interested in each and every child and desire that our teaching may result in a happy classroom, with happy chil- dren growing in knowledge and understanding.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH W. NELSON, Principal Cochesett School
Superintendent Arthur B. Lord West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
I herewith submit to you my report on the work done in Music in the schools of West Bridgewater this past year.
When schools opened in September a thorough test was made of the voices in Grades I and II and a record kept of those who had difficulty in carrying a tune or matching tonal groups. Some of the children find their singing voices in a week or two while with others it is a matter of months before they finally know how to vocalize properly.
For the little children a number of rhythmic rote songs were taught. These were accompanied with hand, foot or body motions for precision and concerted action. Little choirs were organized to lead and to stimulate the slower children.
Songs for technical drill are much emphasized in Grades III and IV. The work in these grades is particularly gratifying be- cause it is the first positive opportunity the teacher has of real- izing how much musical knowledge the pupils have acquired and how much of the basic training has been absorbed as a guide and help to future progress. When these pupils can take up a new song and sing it with a neutral syllable observing the tonal skips and sequences and keeping the correct time, then they have
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a secure foundation on which to build. One of the first mile- stones for the young child is to recognize the fact that two notes in the same place on the staff must represent the same tone. This is a delightful revelation to the note beginner both in sing- ing and in writing.
In Grades V and VI and VII aside from the regular work prescribed by the course of study some written work was done in scale building, recognition of keys and the relationship of Major and Minor modes. The Fifth Grade at the Center School enjoyed lessons with the rhythm band using orchestra scores and accompanied on the piano by one of the class.
Beginning with January there was no supervision of music in the Eighth Grade at the high school and from September on the Third Grade at the Center had no supervision, there being no time allowed on the supervisor's schedule.
With the opening of schools in September it was gratifying to see all the first grades throughout the town making such an excellent start. This is largely due to the teachers in charge. It is essential to the advancement of music in the lower grades that a teacher be able to carry a tune, to know the simple funda- mentals in Time, and Tone and Notation. It is equally essential that all teachers observe the lesson conducted by the supervisor in order to follow the prescribed procedure, correct definitions and to profit by any supplementary information given in con- nection with the lesson at hand.
The music in the high school is still elective and the chorus is representative of all the classes. Work was done with the girls' and boys' sections separately as well as in a combined . mixed group.
Yours respectfully,
LOIS J. SNOW,
Supervisor of Music
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts Dear Mr. Lord:
School Physician Joseph F. Calitri, M.D., has completed the physical examinations of the school children throughout the town.
Tonsil and adenoid defects were most numerous, carious teeth were next. Notices were sent to parents for the same. Other defects were malnutrition, possible scolirosis of the spine, rheu- matic heart conditions, knee infections, wrye neck. Seven chest X-Rays were recommended. Children entering school were duly vaccinated, and one third had received dental care. Seven had tonsils removed.
Any skin eruptions were carefully checked by teachers, and reported. Follow up of such cases was done by the nurse to secure proper treatment. Three cases of scabies were found and reported to the Board of Health. Impetigo, ring worm and ped- iculi received careful attention. All contagious skin diseases were excluded from school.
Eyes were examined by teachers. Defects were followed up in some instances by the nurse. Treatment and glasses were ob- tained by families. Fifteen received remedial care.
Ears were tested by the Audiometer, from the third to the seventh grades, at the Center and Sunset Avenue Schools, and also the eighth grade. Three with defective hearing were dis- covered; none were totally deaf. The alloted time for use of the Audiometer was insufficient to cover our needs.
Feet were examined, and several were referred to the school Physician for his advice.
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Contagious diseases were excluded. Cases of 70 Measles, 4 Whooping Cough, 4 Scarlet Fever, 20 Chicken Pox.
Follow-up tubercular contacts were chest X-Rayed at the County Hospital; including those referred this year a total of twelve were examined. All were negative.
The Board of Health, under Dr. Belmore, conducted a toxoid clinic for diphtheria. Twenty-seven children were immun- ized, and six received booster doses. After two years, immunity often begins to weaken. A single dose of diphtheria toxoid, usually 0.5 cc., is recommended for children up to thirteen years of age. High school students are recommended to be Schick-tested and only those found susceptible should again be immunized. A recent census revealed children from forty families attending school, that have never been immunized against diphtheria.
A total of 53 children under six years attended the Well Child Conference held at the Town Hall, seven of whom entered school.
Retarded and problem pupils were referred by the Superin- tendent for psychometric examinations, and again referred to other clinics for possible corrections. The Guidance Clinic at Brockton has been most helpful, especially when reading has been the difficulty. Mrs. Clara Sherman, of Family Social Wel- fare Service, has given help wherever possible. A total of 10 are attending remedial reading classes. Five are attending speech therapy classes.
The number of handicapped children is appalling. This in- cludes rheumatic heart conditions:
3 spastic Parapligia cases
2 with poor vision
1 defective hearing
1 idiocy ?
2 ex-polio cases
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- 5 speech cases 1 diabetic case 114 notices were sent for defective tonsils and adenoids. 150 need immediate dental care.
Miss Turner and Miss Maver gave an illustrated nutrition lecture to the teachers which was well attended, also distributed printed material, useful in the class room. More on this subject will be introduced later through Miss Jean Latimer, Health Edu- cational Director from Massachusetts Division of Hygiene.
Attended Nurses' Convention, also South Eastern Nurses Club, of which I am a member.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N.,
Commencement Exercises
CLASS OF 1946 HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Howard Hall, June twelfth at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President David Fratus
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Shirley Gummow Shirley Owens Lester Noyes
Motto-"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" Class Colors-Blue and White Class Flower-Red Rose
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PROGRAM
1. Processional
Howard High School Orchestra
2. Invocation Reverend Iris Kerr
3. Piano Solo-To Spring Florence Murray
4. Address-The Future-Our Responsibility Lucius A. Whipple, President Rhode Island College of Education
5. Music-Carmena Howard High School Chorus
H. Lane Wilson
6. Presentation of Class Gift David Fratus President of Class of 1946
7. Acceptance For School Robert Hagglund President of Class of 1947
8. Piano Solo-Tschaikowsky's Concert No. 1 Donald Holbrook
9. Presentation of Awards
10. Music-Toselli's Serenade Howard High School Orchestra
11. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Paul H. Lundgren Member of School Committee
12 Class Ode Theresa Seymour
Class of 1946
13. Benediction Reverend Iris Kerr
14. Recessional-Spirit of America G. Underwood, Jr.
Howard High School Orchestra
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GRADUATES
Leon Frederick Beaulieu
Sophie Bertha Burba
George Edward Carnes
Marjorie Ann Craddock
Shirley Faye Crone Bernardo June D'Ambrosio
Donald Alfred Davio
Thomas Hayden Ely
Mary Jane Pross
David Joseph Fratus
Milton Elmer Rockwell
Marie Carolyn Gaffney
Muriel Bassett Ryder
Shirley Gummow
Theresa Arlene Seymour
Emily Thomas
Dorothy Eva Thompson Geraldine Alice Welch
CLASS ODE
To the tune of "I Can't Begin To Tell You" Words by Theresa Seymour
Oh Howard High we're leaving;
We're bidding you adieu,
Our hearts will always treasure joys we knew;
Our lives are just beginning,
And when life's storms are new,
Our days with you will help us see them through.
The fun we had in classes,
Our proms and football games,
Will keep our hearts remembering and make us young again; So once again, Dear Howard, We sadly say adieu, To you we will remain forever true.
Irma Gloria Hawes
Donald Gerard Holbrook
Rita Mary Hooper
Barbara Gilmore Lundgren Muriel Frances Mansfield Florence Ardele Murray
Lester Howard Noyes Shirley Louise Owens Mary Evangeline Paiva Grace Stuart Payne
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Superintendent's Report on School Housing Conditions in West Bridgewater
In my last years' report I analyzed in detail the conditions in the Schools as determined by the State Department of Edu- cation and Public Safety in 1942, and the appointment of a local school housing committee to investigate needs in that year. The report of this committee was made in March 1945 at which time the appointment of a Building Committee was authorized, and money was appropriated for the work of this committee in deter- mining upon a school site for a Junior-Senior High School and for the cost of hiring professional assistance. I further analyzed in detail the improvement which would be brought about as a result of building of a Junior-Senior High School. With the help of such building experts as were available and with the help of Mr. Robert Dean, Town Assessor, I prepared an analysis of the cost of such construction and the implication of such an invest- ment as far as tax-payers in West Bridgewater were concerned. I shall not, therefore, repeat the data that was presented, but I do wish to refer you to the Superintendent's report for 1945. Consequently, my report this year concerns the more pressing needs for new housing that have developed this year and a re- view of the progress during the past year.
Details of action of the Building Committee appear in the report of the Building Committee elsewhere in this Town Report.
The selection of land for a school site is one of vital im- portance to the functioning and operation of the school system, involving as it does, the use to which the land is put in the edu- cational program of the system. Too frequently not enough at- tention is given to the space requirements of a modern educa-
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tional program, to geographical location which is both central and safe, to location desirable for placement of a building to pro- vide adequate light, to the relationship of the new building site in relation to the other buildings in the school system. Through the experience of years, educators and architects have deter- mined the criteria essential to good building sites and as a re- sult have prepared check lists like those of Strayer and Engel- hardt and that of the State Department of Education in Connecticut. The Building Committee, the School Committee, and the Superintendent of Schools have analyzed the proposed school site, the Henry Howard lot, in detail and find that it meets our requirements as does no other lot in town.
As parents of children in the elementary schools must realize, and as is realized by every survey group which has examined our schools, eventually building for elementary school children must be undertaken. When this time comes it will be desirable not to duplicate in building that which is already available in a Junior-Senior High School. This might mean boiler room, cafeteria, assembly hall, and gymnasium. A Junior-Senior High School located beside Center school would be ideally located in terms of a new elementary school building on the present Center school lot. An excellent example of long range planning is to be found in the town of Falmouth. In West Bridgewater such a plan is mandatory. Thus it would seem that serious consider- ation should be given to the opinions of the various groups which have made detailed surveys of school sites with these factors in mind.
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