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 31
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Testing
Pupils in grades 2 through 11 were given achievement and mental ability tests this year.
The mental ability test results have been helpful to the teachers in grouping pupils for instruction and in selecting pupils who need individual help. Mental test results also help us to de- termine which pupils to have tested by a State psychiatrist.
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The achievement test results indicate that, on the average, the pupils in the West Bridgewater schools are up to grade level with pupils tested in other schools in the United States. The pupils below their grade levels should be assisted greatly by our single grade organization in 1949.
Tests of educational development were administered to all pupils in grades 9 through 11. The results of the 1948 tests as compared with the 1947 results show that the 9th grade was up 8 percentiles, the 10th grade was up 11 percentiles and the 11th grade was up 2 percentiles.
Teachers
These teachers left our service in 1948: Mr. Lindell, Mr. Gori, Miss Blaine, all from Howard High; Mrs. Brown, from Mat- field and Mrs. Hawkins, from Center School.
We are fortunate to secure the services of these people in our school system:
Mr. Grodin, A.B., M.A; Principal High; Preparation, West- ern Res. Univ., B.U.
Mr. Pauli, B.S., Phy. Ed., Gen. Sci .; Preparation, N.C. of Gym., U. of Ind., B.U.
Mrs. Ervin, B.S .; Girls' P. E., Hist. 7, Eng. 7 & 8; Prepara- tion, So. W. Miss. State.
Miss Leavitt, Matfield Principal; Grs. 1, 2 & 4; Preparation, Castine Normal.
Mrs. Shurtleff, Center; Gr. 5; Preparation, Keene Teachers College.
For effective teaching it is necessary to have excellent teachers in our school system and if we hope to hire and keep such teachers wc must maintain an adequate salary schedule.
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The professional spirit of our teachers has been excellent. The cooperation between the teachers, superintendent and school committee has helped to achieve the improved educational results noted in the next section of this report.
Instruction
We are glad to announce that some educational gains have been made this year. Courses of studies in all basic subjects have been developed by our teachers and are in use in all of our schools.
All of our elementary school pupils have up-to-date, uniform textbooks in the basic subjects of arithmetic, reading, history and geography. Most of our pupils have uniform spellers and language books. A start has been made in the improvement of handwriting. A number of dictionaries, supplementary readers and music books have been purchased. Many high school classes have been sup- plied with up-to-date books. Auditory and visual aids to education are being employed, especially in the high school. By the use of small group methods of instruction, almost half of our pupils, who were retarded in reading, have been brought up to grade level. The weaknesses in arithmetic, which were apparent in the standard tests several years ago, have been remedied so that most of our pupils this year are up to national standards.
There are still a number of problems to solve. Since science, health and art are not offered in our elementary curriculum our students show a deficiency in these important areas of study. Edu- cational authorities agree that the number of children in a class- room should not exceed 25, if the most effective teaching is to be done. Most of our classrooms contain more than 30 children.
School Health Council
The members of this organization have helped to safeguard the health of our children. They have prepared a booklet "Now tc School" which is in use in West Bridgewater, and which, in
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revised form, is in use in Raynham. They have helped to trans- port children to Brockton for dental work. They have helped to make plans for a dental survey which the State Department of Public Health plans to conduct in West Bridgewater in 1949.
Thrift
The Thrift Program is conducted to teach our children the habit of regular saving. Through the cooperation of the parents, teachers and the West Bridgewater Savings Bank about 40% of the school pupils save 5 cents or more each week. 588 bank books have been issued and the children have saved $5,597.51 in the one year the plan has been in operation.
High School
The details of the operation of Howard High School are in- cluded in Mr. Grodin's report which is contained herein.
Your superintendent is convinced that our high school has been operated about as effectively as it could be within its present building. Tests in educational development show that on the average our students are at or above the national standards in social studies, the ability to express themselves, quantitative think- ing, background in the natural sciences, literature and vocabulary. The students below the national standards in reading are being given special training by our remedial teacher.
The physical education and athletic programs are being broadened to include almost all of our high school students.
Shopwork for boys and household arts for girls have been given to as many students as our facilities allow.
A number of improvements have been planned for the high school program in 1949. The practical arts curriculum is being revised to meet state requirements; remedial penmanship, spelling, grammar and arithmetic are to be offered to all students needing this instruction; art instruction is to be offered to qualified pupils;
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a course in boys cooking is being organized; more social studies electives are to be offered; a unit of speech including the art of selling one's self and influencing others is to be included in all Junior and Senior English courses.
Maintenance
Much important maintenance work has been done on our school buildings. The exteriors of the Jerusalem, Center and Mat- field buildings have been painted. A fire-resistant boiler room, an oil-fired furnace, a new fire exit, and a new roof have been installed at the Jerusalem School. The top of the chimney at the back Center School was rebuilt. The coal bins in all the elementary schools were enlarged so that coal could be bought and delivered during the summer months, to take advantage of lower prices.
The School System plans to paint the exterior of the Co- chesett School, to replace and stain the shingled exterior of the Sunset Avenue School, and to paint the interiors of all schools where the work is needed to lighten the rooms and save the inside surfaces.
Cost of Education
The budget for 1949 was increased for a number of reasons. In order to house the large number of pupils, and to set up single grades, it will be necessary to transport more children to various schools; this will cost more money. The item for maintenance had to be increased to care for the necessary painting, shingling and other repair jobs that should be done. The item for tuition had to be increased to pay for the attendance of children and adults at various vocational schools. The instruction item was in- creased to pay for higher costs of books, supplies and salaries for next year. The other increases in the budget are due to the ex- pected increased costs of fuel, telephone, and janitors' supplies and salaries.
In spite of the increased budget, we are glad to report that
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the net cost to the Town for the support of school in 1949 will be less than in 1948. Due to general laws, chapter 643, we anticipate more than twice as much state aid for schools in 1949 than we received in 1948. The net cost to educate one pupil in 1948 was about $136; we believe that the net cost per pupil in 1949 will be about $118.
Working Together
In order to be successful, education must be a cooperative enterprise. It has been gratifying to find so many people and organizations willing to give their time and money to improve our schools. These organizations have raised money for dental clinics, scholarships, playground equipment and other school pro- jects: West Bridgewater Parent Teachers Association, William J. and Anna Clifford Howard Fund, Howard Lodge-Knights of Pythias, The Alumni, West Bridgewater Lions' Club, The Child Welfare Services, The Public Library, Jerusalem Parent Teachers Association, Matfield Parent Teachers Association, The Grange, The American Legion, Kay Jewelry Company and the high school Boosters' Club. Your superintendent appreciates the excellent cooperation of the other Town officials and departments in doing things for the schools.
Our voters have elected an excellent school committee. Keep- ing in mind the ability of the Town to pay, every decision of the committee has been made for the best interests of the majority of our young people.
I thank School Committee Members, citizens, parents, teachers, principals and janitors for their cooperation and work in our joint enterprise to educate the children and young people of West Bridgewater.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. RODGERS Superintendent of Schools
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Commencement Exercises
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1948 Howard Hall, June ninth at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Richard E. Swann
Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
Richard L. Giovanoni Virginia Thomas George I. Noyes Motto: "Launched but Not Anchored" Class Colors-Maroon and White
PROGRAM
1. Processional-Pomp and Circumstance
L. Kenneth Manzer-Francis Hoyt
2. Invocation
Reverend John J. Scollan
3. Music-1. My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice
2. The World is Waiting for the Sunrise Howard High School Chorus
4. Address-Playing Your Part in World Affairs Dr. William J. Pinard
5. Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel Richard E. Swann President of Class of 1948
6. Acceptance for School Elizabeth A. Leighton President of Class of 1949
7. Trombone Solo-Yours Is My Heart Alone Darrell F. Manzer
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8. Presentation of Awards
9. Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Adrian Beaulieu Member of School Committee
10. Class Ode Agnes Russis
Class of 1948
11. Benediction
Reverend John J. Scollan
12. Recessional-Memories L. Kenneth Manzer-Francis Hoyt
GRADUATES
R. Priscilla Ames
Russell R. Lincoln
Richard Howard Anderson
James MacLean
Charles Raymond Barros
Darrell Frank Manzer
Harland Beaulieu
Richard Thomas Marzelli
Marjorie Ruth Black
Ethel Marjorie Miles
Walter William Brown
Ernest John Molla, Jr.
Frank Clisby Bunker
Anne Lindsey Morse
Richard Weston Caswell
Shirley Marie Moses George Irving Noyes
John Chambers
Alfred James Chaves
Janet Mary Craddock
Shirley Perkins
Donald Francis Daley
Richard Lang Peterson Agnes Pauline Russis
Elsie Lee Denley
Beverly Claire Erbeck Mario Albert Falzarano
L. Ashton Sears George Richard Sousa
*Jacqueline Lillian Gaffney
*Richard Louis Giovanoni Janet Lec Gummow Mildred Arlene Hagglund
*Richard Ernest Swann Virginia Thomas Dolores Marie Travers James Whynot
Giovanna Zeuli *Honor Students
Jean Elizabeth Owens
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CLASS ODE
Farewell To Howard
Tune: "I'm All Dressed Up With a Broken Heart" Words by Agnes Russis
We have to leave you, dear Howard High,
As friends we'll part today.
But, the teachings you've taught,
Yes, they'll help us a lot
In choosing the right path through life.
We can't think back for the teardrops will start We realize we'll miss you
So long, and good-bye, dear old Howard High Farewell, to you, today.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Richard L. Giovanoni
Science-Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Jacqueline Gaffney
Good Citizenship-Daughters of the American Revolution Richard Giovanoni History-Sons of the American Revolution Richard Swann Kay Jewelry Company Trophy
Richard Giovanoni Valedictorian-Reader's Digest
Richard Swann
Donald Daley
Class of 1947 Scholarship
Howard Lodge, No. 116, Knights of Pythias Scholarship John Chambers Kay Jewelry Company Scholarship Virginia Thomas Parent Teachers Association Scholarship Richard Giovanoni
William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship
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Mr. William H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
The following is the report of the Principal of the Howard High School for the months of September through January.
Because of the splendid aid and cooperation received from the pupils, parents, townspeople, and teachers, it has been a very great pleasure to serve the community of West Bridgewater these past few months. Howard High is indeed fortunate to possess the excellent teaching staff it does. An analysis of the records of the graduates of Howard High School indicates that the education our pupils have received in West Bridgewater is at the least compar- able to that of surrounding communities.
We can, however, improve the quality of our instruction. Close observation of the high school pupils indicates that ad- ditional work in the fundamentals of spelling, grammar, hand- writing, and arithmetic is needed. Some reorganization of the curriculum was necessary in order to give additional training in these fundamentals to those pupils who especially needed it. We have also been fortunate in offering the young people several new courses this year, generally expanding and enriching our present course of study. Mechanical drawing is now offered for credit. The ninth grade girls will now be trained in the fundamental skills of cooking and sewing. In response to many requests from boys and girls in all grades we have recently inaugurated instruc- tion in art. These alterations of the curriculum will, it is believed, enable the teaching staff to make your children more prepared for the complexities of modern civilization.
Although Howard High School is a good school, it suffers through lack of facilities. A glance at past reports indicates that
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these needs have been presented to the Town of West Bridge- water many times. They are so well known that they need no repetition. The children of West Bridgewater would receive a much better education if we possessed new, complete, and modern facilities and equipment.
In order to overcome some of the deficiencies in our facilities for athletics it has been necessary to secure aid from townspeople and sometimes from people outside the community. I want to take this opportunity now to thank Mr. Earl. Gifford, Mr. Carlton F. Hoyt, and the other members of the Howard High Booster's Club for their kind services and support. The High School is greatly indebted to the committee of returned veterans of West Bridgewater for the funds which paid for the two bleacher sections now standing on the town field.
Because the Howard Seminary found it necessary to use the gymnasium three afternoons a week, the high school was forced to find other gymnasium space in which to practice. At the present time some of our practice takes place before or after the Seminary uses the gymnasium; most of it takes place at the South Congre- gational Church in Campello. Because other schools refuse to play in our gymnasium, we are required to play the majority of our basketball games away from home, at great expense to our high school.
Athletics and other social activities play a large part in the lives of our young people. It is extremely gratifying to see the large number of candidates for our extra-curricular activities. Sixty boys and girls are now being carried on four inter-scholastic basket- ball squads. In other extra-curricular fields Howard High School students have also been enthusiastic participants. We believe that the large numbers of pupils in chorus and glee clubs indicate that the artistic as well as the athletic is being cultivated in Howard High.
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Much time and effort have been spent making sure that each student is considered as an individual and is understood as an individual. No two pupils are alike or have the same aims, ideals, or abilities. We have directed our guidance and our program of teaching toward giving each individual the specialized type of instruction which he needs. Throughout a series of assemblies, speakers from various professions have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these occupations. Occupational information has been made available to all the pupils. The guidance depart- ment, under the able direction of Mr. Roger G. Viens, has been successful in securing the services of representatives from various industries who can show our pupils how they may be more suc- cessful in choosing and securing the kind of positions which they desire.
At present we are supplementing our knowledge of the pupils and of the community by a follow-up study, the purpose of which is to find out which portions of our high school training are most useful to our graduates and which portions are least useful. This study is conducted with the aim of adjusting the high school cur- riculum to fit the needs of the community more closely. During the past few months many classes have made educational trips to see points of interest in nearby areas. Our instruction is not con- fined to the classroom nor to the school building. You may have seen in the newspapers accounts of trips taken to the radio stations, newspapers, factories, meteorological stations, stores, and similar institutions. This policy of learning by doing will be continued and expanded in the future. The entire program: classroom in- struction, extra curricular activities, excursions, guidance, and student government, points toward one educational aim. This goal is that Howard High School develop every pupil to the fullest extent of his capabilities, so that we produce happy and useful citizens for the community of tomorrow. This aim can only be accomplished with the support and cooperation of the community.
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In my brief experience here I have come to believe that the schools of West Bridgewater have that kind of support. Let me again take this opportunity to thank the many people who have been so helpful. Although it is impossible to name each one separately, I want the townspeople to know that without their aid it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to carry on many of the activities of the school.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD A. GRODIN Principal
Mr. William Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
Last May the Center School pupils presented a musical enter- tainment under the direction of the music supervisor, Lois J. Snow. It was very well received and after expenses were paid the school had one hundred twenty dollars in its treasury. With these funds a film strip projector and a screen were purchased along with four film strips. Because of the success of this project the teachers suggested a similar entertainment for this year. Plans are now under way for this entertainment.
During the past year the need was felt for more emphasis to be placed on spelling and handwriting. These subjects are now receiving extra attention and there is evidence of improvement already.
All classes are now using the group method in teaching read- ing. This enables each child to work at his reading level. Con- sequently the reading program is much more effective. All this
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has been made possible by the addition of supplementary reading books and the efforts of the teachers to understand the pupils.
The Remedial Reading Program is perhaps the most valuable addition to the school. It has proven to be most beneficial to the teachers and the pupils. Twenty eight pupils are now receiving help and others have received help which was discontinued be- cause they had improved sufficiently to return to their regular classes. Mrs. Mary Horrigan is to be commended for her excellent work.
At this time I should like to thank all of the members of the school department, the parents, the library staff and the social worker for their valuable assistance in giving the children the best training we can.
Respectfully yours,
RICHARD J. FARRELL Principal
Mr. William H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
Perhaps our aim at Sunset Avenue School can be well ex- pressed by a modern definition of Education, "Preparation to meet problems of Life and solve them successfully."
Aside from progressive growth along academic lines, which is very satisfactory, we stress development of the individual child socially. The children of today will be the citizens of tomorrow. Much of our development and training in responsibility is done by actual participation in projects such as keeping records, reports of activities, planning assemblies and actual business transactions.
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In the past assemblies were held once each month but with 141 pupils in the building and inadequate seating facilities for this project we have had fewer such gatherings. However, we hope to give each pupil an opportunity to display his talent or hobby and thus give him confidence in himself and help him develop initiative.
With the large number of pupils in each room the teacher- load is rather heavy. Each teacher has from two to four groups of pupils doing special work suited to their particular needs.
We are thankful for the part-time services of Mrs. Mary Horrigan, who teaches remedial reading. Her work is of great value to pupils who are either not ready for the work in their grade or have lost out for some other reason. Marked progress is shown in these pupils and her services are very valuable to us.
Each teacher has been supplied with a definite course of study and up-to-date textbooks have been furnished for pupils' use.
Two trips to Producers' Dairy were made by pupils from grades four, five, six and seven. They were escorted through the plant and operations explained in detail. This proved a very profit- able experience. The matter of transportation holds up other trips which we might take.
Although the classes are large and the teacher-load heavy our pupils show marked growth academically and socially.
I wish to thank the teachers for their faithful and untiring work.
The cooperation of parents has aided our progress for which I am very appreciative.
Sincerely yours,
THERESA MILLER, Principal Sunset Avenue School
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Mr. William H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
This year Mrs. O'Keefe and I have sixty-two children in our care. The daily schedule keeps us very busy with three grades in each room.
We are delighted with the new textbooks and workbooks. Good tools make good workmen.
We are grateful for the parents who show an increasing interest in their children and this school.
It is a great relief to us to find a policeman on duty at Lin- coln and West Center Streets intersection.
Mrs. Hewitt continues to be of great help to us. Teeth and eyes are being carefully checked this year. A child with a physical or mental defect presents a problem in school and out.
We appreciate the work that Reverend Mr. Moushon and a group of men did in grading some of the playground. We hear they are planning to do more.
Mrs. Horrigan is with us on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons of each week. Twenty percent of our children need much individual attention. This extra individual help is given to them on these days.
There are many improvements we should ask for, but you arc familiar with our needs and our problems.
We hope the children will profit by the course of study pre- pared for them this year. Above all, we desire that they choose the good rather than evil, the truth not falsehood, brotherly love
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not hatred, and that they continue to prepare themselves to be- come good citizens of this community and their country.
Respectfully submitted,
ELIZABETH W. NELSON, Principal Cochesett School
Mr. William H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
Twenty pupils began their school year at the Matfield School. We were pleased to start in a freshly painted building.
All three grades (first, second and fourth) are enjoying work- ing with the new arithmetic books, "Making Sure of Arithmetic," by Robert Lee Morton, Merle Gray, Elizabeth Springstun and William L. Schaaf. In these books the arithmetic starts simply and gradually works up to the harder procedures, giving the children a good understanding of what they are doing.
Remedial reading has been under the direction of Mrs. Mary Horrigan. Due to her efforts, the pupils with reading difficulties are showing progress.
Each Tuesday morning the fourth-graders have enjoyed and benefitted by listening to a geography radio program, "Listen and Learn - Friends Around the World." Much of the success of this program is due to the helpfulness of our librarian, Miss Jean Murdock, who has supplied us with information and pictures for each week's program.
During Education Week the pupils put on a program for the parents, which was well attended.
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The Matfield School is very fortunate in having an active Parent Teachers Association, whose members work very hard for anything which will benefit the school children. These organiza- tion members had a delightful Christmas party for the school pupils and are planning one for Valentine's Day.
In closing, I should like to say that these last five months have been successful and enjoyable because of the excellent co- operation I have received from both supervisors and parents.
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