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 32
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Respectfully submitted, ELLEN T. LEAVITT, Principal Matfield School
Mr. William Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
In making my report for the Jerusalem School for the past year, I wish to thank the School Committee and the citizens of West Bridgewater for a really adequate new heating system which was installed last Fall and has been functioning perfectly since. We now have automatic heat which is much more practical and eco- nomical. Heat is evenly distributed and all parts of the room register the same temperature. With the old system we would "roast" our faces at 75° - 80° temperatures and "freeze" our feet at 50°. Now the youngsters have far fewer colds and because of the constant flow of fresh air are more wide-awake and doing far better work. It also is a nice feeling to arrive in the morning prepared for work and not with the worry of "whether the schoolroom will bc warm enough or will I have to send the youngsters home and lose another day!"
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We also have had a new fire door installed. Hitherto in a fire drill the youngsters had to go out the window (which is quite a drop for little fellows) because the only other exit had the heater room blocking it.
Another improvement is the dumping of several loads of loam on the edge of the school yard and the street. Now the water draining down the hill doesn't all back into the yard and the youngsters have a fairly dry and even place to play instead of a huge mud puddle. The Town has given us two swings and the Jerusalem Parent Teachers Association has given us a see-saw, two benches and an outside sandbox for playground equipment-all of which both the children and I greatly appreciate.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. NELSON, Principal Jerusalem School
Mr. William H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
I was appointed remedial teacher for the schools of West Bridgewater on April 1, 1948. A definite need was felt for remedial instruction, particularly in reading, for pupils who have good capacity for reading and language but have not made normal progress.
Remedial instruction was given to pupils in reading, math- ematics, spelling, and language. Pupils from every school and from every grade were selected for this work. Since the beginning of the present school year, most of the remedial work has been in reading and spelling.
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Great care was taken in the selection of pupils. Children with the greatest promise as well as the greatest need were taken first. Careful examination of reading achievement tests, other tests, physical records, and data from the teachers, nurse and social worker were valuable sources of information in making the selec- tions. Individual examination of pupils was given prior to the formation of the instructional groups. Children with similar needs were grouped together. In some cases it was necessary to give individual attention.
In September, 1948, standardized reading tests were given to every pupil recommended for remedial reading. Since each case in remedial reading is a combination of difficulties and causes, these tests aided the classroom teacher as well as the remedial instructor. Pupils selected were grouped and a program outlined for each group. Library materials, games and devices necessary for the correction of the various types of faulty habits are being used constantly. Pupils are not assigned to a group permanently. Rate of learning differs; therefore, those who make rapid progress are often named to work with a better group.
Some pupils have made such satisfactory gains that they have been allowed to leave the remedial class. Others are overcoming their difficulties so that their periods of instruction have been lessened. Properly scheduled remedial instruction has proved very worthwhile.
It would be impossible to carry on work of this type without the help and cooperation of all those interested in these pupils.
I wish to thank the superintendent of schools, school princi- pals, teachers, school nurse, and the social worker. They have been most generous, helpful, and cooperative.
Respectfully,
MARY L. HORRIGAN Remedial Teacher
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1
Superintendent William Rodgers West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I take pleasure in submitting to you my annual report as Music Supervisor in the public schools of West Bridgewater.
Although music is not required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yet thinking-people everywhere have come to recog- nize its educational value to the child, and so it has become a necessary subject in the school curriculum. Unfortunately, in rural schools, it is largely limited to just classroom instruction from a song book. There is no time allowed for a broader knowledge of music appreciation through the use of the phonograph. There is no more fascinating study, nor more cultural than the art of music.
In the schools what work has been done this past year in the appreciation of good music has been incidental. There is no doubt of the interest and enjoyment of these lessons on the part of the pupils. They hear many of the selections over the radio and come to recognize old friends. One teacher remarked to the supervisor after a lesson Grieg's PEER GYNT, "How much more the music means when you know the story back of it all." Certainly good music by the great masters would not have lived through the years if it had not real intrinsic value. What we sing our children will sing. They are not born with bad taste but often have it thrust upon them.
The high school chorus had a larger membership this past year. On January 24th a representative group made a broadcast from the Brockton station and we were all pleased at the favor- able reports.
Since the eighth grade has been in the high school, they, to- gether with the high school chorus-students from all four years
15+
of the regular high school enrollment-have been using the same choral book. The supervisor has protested this on the grounds it is feeding the same diet in music for five years. Also, no one assumes full responsibility for the care of the books. At the recommenda- tion of the music supervisor, additional music books have been purchased which will enable her to present musical selections of different types of various high school classes. These books are for her instructional purposes so she can retain full authority over their use.
In the Spring the Center School gave an entertainment in the town hall. Each grade took part. The program consisted of folk dances, drills, singing in one, two and three parts. Some of the entertainers were in costume which added to the ensemble effect at the end. A school performance means much planning and drill on the part of teacher and child but it is well worth while occasionally to show the public the kind of work done in rhythm, melody and harmony. It is also a happy memory to those who participate.
The work in all the grades of the schools has followed the prescribed course of study.
In September, a new "set-up" in Cochesett and in Matfield and Jerusalem necessitated changes in the books in order to furnish new song material to those grades held back because of crowded conditions at the Center.
In closing I wish to express my thanks for the courteous co- operation given me by every one this past year.
Yours truly,
LOIS J. SNOW
Music Supervisor
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Mr. W. H. Rodgers Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rodgers:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Nurse.
The School Health Council organized last year with Mrs. Joseph Kline as chairman has achieved results. The booklet com- piled by teachers and under guidance of the superintendent was distributed to parents for pre-school children. Visiting hours for children entering school in September was a success; eliminating most of the first day of school worries. Primary teachers felt it well worthwhile, and we plan to repeat the program again in June.
A Well Child Conference was held June 29-30 and July 1st by Dr. Higgins, a pediatrician of notc. Thirty-three appointments were made. Fifteen mothers and one father were interviewed at the clinic concerning child health. Thirteen entering school children were examined. Seventeen had no physical defects. Since the clinic one child has been admitted to the Randolph School for the Deaf. Other emergencies werc covered either by the social worker or myself.
Reporting on the dental clinic:
37 children were treated at a cost of $337.00. Lions' Club contributed $28.50.
25 days were spent at the clinic with 218 treatments.
2 pre-school children were treated.
The State Department of Health have promised to make a Dental Survey for us. A dental office in town would eliminate travel, speed up work, allow examinations and put the program on a standard. We have many applicants for dental work.
Cases of children referred by teachers for cye glasses were followed up and corrections accomplished through families. Ear conditions were taken care of in the same way. One emergency was treated by a specialist gratus.
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Eight children were chest x-rayed at the County Hospital. This is a follow-up on contact cases of Tuberculosis. Towns of our size will come under the County Hospital Program for chest x-rays such as has been conducted in the larger eities by the State Board of Health.
A Toxoid Clinie was conducted by the Board of Health under the supervision of Dr. Belmore. 24 children completed three in- oculations. 7 were unfinished. 40 received booster doses.
T'en new children were referred to the Guidance Clinie; each ycar this work increases. Improvement is gradual, sometimes covering years. Having all medical defeets corrected, there is no physical reason for the individual not to adjust himself to the proper grade level.
Crippled children have attended the orthopedie elinie. Two have been operated upon, one received home instruction, 5 are unable to attend school.
Dr. Calitri worked intensely with Howard High football and other athletie students in examining them for their games. Major defects were few consisting of defective teeth and tonsils. Physical examinations have been completed in the outlying schools. Plans are underway to complete the examining of grades seven and eight, also the Center School. Numerous cases of mumps have been reported. Sudden changes in the weather and children going to school unprepared is the cause of much illness.
Having defects corrected is really up to the parents. However, your nurse is always ready and willing to help.
Numerous contaets were made with parents relative to children attending clinics concerning hearing, eye-glasses and infectious diseases.
In closing I want to thank all for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N.
157
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Although the cost of our Town Government continues at a high level, additional State returns and efficient management will fix the burden on the local taxpayer approximately the same as last year.
The Finance Committee does not recommend the amount specified in Article 11 for Supplementing Federal Aid for Child Welfare Services. At present, this is not a statewide project and we feel that the benefit to the townspeople is not in proportion to the cost. Further, we have no definite information as to the future extent and cost of this service.
The Finance Committee recommends the North Main Street water main extention requested in Article 16. The Committee further recommends the extention of water main on Beacon Street. We feel, however, that the best interests of the Town will be served by including both these jobs in our project and one vote.
In refusing to recommend the installation of street lights requested by various petitions, the Committee is not adverse to better lighting of the Town but feels that this subject should bc placed in the hands of a competent committee for study and recommendation. Thus the entire town would benefit. Lights improperly placed could be relocated and after proper hearing new lights could be distributed uniformly. Many of the requests for lights are well founded, but in some instances the number of lights requested for a given street does not seem to be in keeping with need.
The Finance Committee recommends Article 29. We feel that the appointment of the Tree Warden by the Selectmen would afford the opportunity of combining thesc activities under the
158
Department of Highways. Such a policy would increase the ef- ficiency of our Highway Department and allow it to render more and better service for each tax dollar so spent.
The Finance Committee recommends Article 31. This Article does not commit the Town to any one plan or location of a school. Its purpose is to determine the willingness of the voters to enter into school construction. The controversial issues of regional schools versus local schools, High School versus Elementary Schools and so forth, will be faced as they arise. This Article is inserted at the request of the School Committee to find if the people want some kinds of a new school.
If our recommendations are followed, a tax rate of $+2.50 is anticipated.
A table of estimates by departments, amounts recommended by this Committee and report of recommendations on Articles appearing in the Town warrant appear on the following pages.
We wish to thank all who have assisted us in our work this year.
ARTHUR L. READ, Chairman CARL PEARSON, Secretary EDWARD G. ASACK HARRY J. POMEROY ROWLAND F. COLE JOHN C. ELDRIDGE G. WILLARD PETERSON
159
1949 REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE ON ARTICLES IN THE TOWN WARRANT
Article 1. To choose Town Officers for the ensuing year not elected on the Official Ballot.
Article 2. To hear the reports of all Town Officers and Committees and act thereon.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1948, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 3. The Finance Committee recommends such author- ization.
Article 4. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and to make appropriations for the same.
Article 4. The recommendations of the Finance committee for each department appear in the table included in their report.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $190.00 to be used toward the purchase of a new adding machine for the Tax Collector's office, the present adding machine to be used as part of the purchase price.
160
Article 5. The Finance committee recommends this appro- priation.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90, New Construction, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 6. The Finance committee recommends the appro- priation of one quarter of the total amount to be contributed by the State, County and Town, our share of the contribution not to exceed $3750.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $100.00 for the use of Plymouth County Trustees for County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Extension Ser- vice) and choose a Town Director as provided in Section +1 and 42 of Revised Chapter 128 of the Gencral Laws and act thereon.
Article 7. The Finance committee recommends this appro- priation.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the 'Town Treasurer, in his discretion, but with the written approval of the Board of Selectmen, or a majority thereof, to sell any land acquired by the Town through foreclosure of a tax title and to execute and deliver in the name and behalf of the Town all deeds necessary to effectuate any such sale.
Article 8. The Finance committee recommends this appro- priation.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $900.00 to be used toward the purchase of a new car for the Police Department and use the present police car as part payment.
161
Article 9. The Finance committee recommends this appro- priation.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1175.00 to paint the town hall and fire station.
Article 10. The Finance committee recommends this appro- priation.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $500.00 to supplement Federal Aid for Child Welfare Services.
Article 11. The Finance committee does not recommend this appropriation.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to transfer a parcel of land owned by the Town on South Elm St. to Herbert Holmes and receive in ex- change a parcel of land off South Elm St. owned by Herbert Holmes.
Article 12. The Finance committee approves these transfers.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to purchase a parcel of land off South Elm St. owned by A. Scudder Moore and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the same.
Article 13. The Finance committee approves this, appropria- tion.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $300.00 for a School Dental Clinic. (By Petition)
Article 14. The Finance committee approves this appropria- tion.
162
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to accept the be- quest of $300.00 from the Estate of Annie L. King for perpetual care of the Elihu Leonard lot at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Article 16. To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Water Commissioners to lay a new water main on North Main Street from, at or near the intersection of Copeland Street to the Brockton line and raise, appropriate or borrow sufficient sums to do the same or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 16. Refer to Finance Committee report.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate a sum of money to lay approximately 300 feet of water main on Beacon Street from West Street southerly to property of Walter Holyoke. (By Petition)
Article 17. Refer to Finance Committee report.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and ap- propriate the sum of $868.00 to purchase a Rescusitator and a Cutting Unit for the Fire Department or take any action relative thereto.
Article 18. The Finance committee approves this appropria- tion.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treas- ury the sum of $18,830.00 to be used for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest.
Article 19. The Finance committee recommends this be appro- priated from water Revenue.
163
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to pay land damage awards on Keenan, Bedford and Scotland Streets or take any action relative thereto.
Article 20. The Finance committee approves this appropria- tion.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Assessors to take from available funds in the Treasury a sum of money to be used for the purpose of reducing the tax rate for the current year.
Article 21. The Finance committee recommends this article.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1003.00 to install 59 street lights on Prospect, West Center, Pleasant, Beacon, Crescent, West, Lincoln and South Elm Streets, or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $34.00 to install 2 street lights on Hillside Avenue, or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $68.00 to install 4 street lights on Union Street, or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $85.00 to install 5 street lights on Manley Street south from Walnut Street, or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $17.00 to install a street light on East Street
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south of the railroad crossing, or take any action relative thereto. (By Petition)
Article 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Refer to Finance committee report.
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to accept the pro- visions of section 38A of chapter 41 of the General Laws, thus permitting the selection of the collector of taxes as collector of accounts, and pass any vote or votes in relation thereto.
Article 27. The Finance committee is not in favor of this article.
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to make the follow- ing change in the Town By-Laws, Article 8, Section 7 strike out the following, "not later than February 22 of each year."
Article 28. The Finance committee is in favor of this article.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote that commencing after the annual town meeting in 1950 the Tree Warden will be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. (By Petition)
Article 29. Refer to Finance Committee report.
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to petition the General Court for legislation authoriz- ing the Selectmen, upon such conditions as said Selectmen shall from time to time prescribe, to permit the use of the Town Field for athletic games and other entertainments of a public nature at which an admission fee may or may not be charged. (By Petition)
Article 30. Refer to voters.
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to petition the Gencral Court for legislation to borrow
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outside the debt limit for the purpose of acquiring land and con- structing and originally equip and furnish a school building or take any action relative thereto.
Article 31. Refer to voters.
Article 32. To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.
Article 33. To elect the following Town Officers by Official Ballot: One Town Clerk for one year, One Moderator for one year, one Assessor for three years, one Selectman and member of the Board of Public Welfare for three years, one Treasurer for one year, one Water Commissioner for three years, two School Com- mittee members for three years, one Tree Warden for one year, two Trustees of Public Library for three years and two Constables for one year.
Polls open from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., March 19, 1949.
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BUDGET REPORT
Item
No.
Average Expended Expended 1948 1945-1947 GENERAL GOVERNMENT - 6.3% of TOTAL
Estimated 1949
Recom- mended 1949
1 Moderator
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
2 Finance Committee
15.00
15.00
25.00
25.00
Selectmen:
3 Salaries
533.33
683.25
750.00
750.00
4
Expense
509.42
671.59
930.00
930.00
5 Town Accountant
899.15
1065.36
1140.00
1140.00
Treasurer:
6 Salary
975.00
1300.00
1300.00
1300.00
7 Expense
412.75
521.26
700.00
700.00
8
Salary
1600.00
1800.00
1800.00
1800.00
9 Expense
570.63
699.29
725.00
725.00
Assessor:
10 Salaries
1061.17
1087.10
1380.00
1380.00
11
Expense
435.89
565.72
700.00
700.00
12
Other Financial Offices
25.00
25.00
Town Clerk:
13 Salary
825.00
1000.00
1000.00
1000.00
14 Expense
150.61
142.50
172.50
172.50
15
Election & Registration
708.07
1250.94
905.00
905.00
16 Law
67.03
100.00
100.00
100.00
17 Town Hall & Offices
2926.90
3029.81
4209.00
3669.00
18
Preserving Old Records
8.57
50.00
50.00
19
Town Counsel
150.00
200.00
200.00
200.00
Total General Government
$15595.50
PROTECTION OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY - 8.2% of TOTAL
20
Police
4742.84
5446.92
6509.00
6509.00
21
Dog Officer
62.26
175.30
200.00
200.00
22 Fire Department
4147.25
4066.33
5075.00
5075.00
23 Hydrants
1490.00
1490.00
2387.50
2387.50
Collector:
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Item
No.
24 Sealer of Weights & Measures
79.27
100.00
25 Moth Suppression
2218.23
2641.79
3066.00
Tree Warden:
26 Salary
413.30
678.30
930.00
930.00
27 Expense
1082.90
1259.68
1685.00
1685.00
Total Protection of Persons and Property HEALTH AND SANITATION - 1.3% of TOTAL
$19952.50
28 Health
1800.96
1413.87
2010.00
2010.00
29 Inspector of Animals
151.23
400.02
375.00
375.00
30 Inspector of Slaughtering
169.40
19.29
100.00
100.00
31 Visiting Nurse
300.00
600.00
600.00
600.00
32 Diphtheria Clinic
92.50
100.00
110.00
110.00
33 Well Child Conference
50.00
50.00
50.00
Total Health and Sanitation
$3245.00
HIGHWAYS - 12.9% of TOTAL
34 Highways
15858.13
16785.47
22354.00
22354.00
35 Chapter 90 Maintenance
1332.72
1500.00
36 Road Machinery
1411.74
1959.54
2000.00
2000.00
37 Snow Removal
3015.10
10600.95
3000.00
3000.00
38 Street Lights
3964.74
4201.76
4212.76
4212.76
Total Highways
$31566.76
CHARITIES - 18.1% of TOTAL
Public Welfare Administration:
39
Salary
124.86
117.30
150.00
150.00
40 Expense
403.32
429.61
687.00
687.00
41 General Welfare
4757.17
8629.48
9020.00
9020.00
Old Age Assistance:
42 Administration
825.01
937.70
1096.00
1096.00
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