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 39
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All these revisions and studies made were swept away by the fire. At ten minutes after ten o'clock, Monday, March 21, 1949, smoke in the roof area was discovered by Custodian Arvid Hagg- lund. Within a minute all pupils and staff had evacuated the building. Very shortly the once famous land-mark was a shambles. While the fire was still blazing, Mr. Ralph Frellick, Headmaster of Brockton High School, and Mr. Wayne Clark, chairman of the school committee of Bridgewater, came to offer assistance and shelter. The conduct of the high school pupils during the fire was highly commendable.
The process of reconstruction was swift. Within two days, school buildings in two adjacent towns, Brockton and Bridgewater,
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were examined and the recommendation was made that the Bridge- water Junior High School Building would more nearly fit our needs and plans. The night of the fire the officers of the classes and mem- bers of the Student Council met to discuss reconstruction. We estimated that approximately $5,000. of student owned equipment was destroyed in the fire. The Student Council recognized two ad- ditional serious problems: (1) Carrying on all student activities. (2) Helping the faculty in the problem of reconstruction. The Coun- cil immediately began a program of raising money to cover all losses, both to the general fund and to the accounts of individual activities. Three days later representatives of Howard High School had en- gaged a hall, found an orchestra, and visited eight neighboring schools in order to successfully produce a benefit dance. Many organizations donated sums, enabling the student body to purchase a considerable amount of equipment to replace some of the losses. The student activities which were going on at the time of the fire continued without interruption, in some cases rehearsing and prac- ticing without any teacher supervision. Groups of students vol- unteered their services to the staff and worked throughout the week in order to help the process of reconstruction.
The high school faculty met at the principal's home the day following the fire and worked every day and many nights during that week accomplishing the tremendous task of preparing a new high school program from memory and professional training. Each teacher wrote all class lists and grades of each pupil in every class. The Bridgewater Junior High School Building was surveyed, traf- fic rules set up, classes re-grouped, and a school program instituted for that building. Representatives of all publishing houses were summoned, and each member of the faculty and each department head examined all available textbooks; making recommendations for new texts in all classes. The teachers outlined from memory each course in the high school. The work for the following week- work which had to be conducted without pencils, paper or text- books-was planned by each instructor. Each pupil was given a new schedule. The task of organizing a high school, generally tak- ing about three months, was accomplished in a week. The student
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body met on Friday morning, March 25, in the Town Hall to learn how school would be re-established and to discuss bus routes. On Monday, March 28, at 1:25 P.M. school re-convened at Bridge- water Junior High School. Classes began after a brief assembly. It is a tribute to our splendid faculty and excellent student body that classes re-convened without any confusion. Nevertheless, many problems remained unsolved. These problems and their solu- tion constitute the significant section of this report. 1. How could we carry on an athletic program with no facilities or equipment and while the school was being conducted in the afternoon? 2. How could special help and conference time be provided? 3. How could we restore student-owned equipment? 4. We lacked ade- quately equipped space to carry on a complete high school program. 5. Moving the school to Bridgewater would jeopardize the gains made in eliminating poor attendance. 6. Lack of space for study halls made it necessary to place study pupils in the rear of class rooms. 7. There were no textbooks or supplies available. 8. There were no facilities available for rehearsals or for meetings and group activities. 9. The afternoon session is, by its very nature, prejudi- cial to the health and welfare of the pupils. 10. The time schedule made it impossible for the pupils to enjoy the normal, social activi- ties which take place at the close of the school day. 11. The school hours available - 1:30 to 5:30 - were too short to accomplish the aims of modern education. A normal school day should be six hours, exclusive of lunch and recess time.
Some of these problems were solved by the high school staff, some solved by the school committee, and others through the gen- erosity of public spirited citizens and organizations. A few of these problems can never be solved while the school is operating under these emergency conditions.
The West Bridgewater Post of the American Legion came to the immediate aid of the high school athletic program by donating baseball uniforms and equipment. Several high schools donated additional equipment. Through the kindness of the selectmen the town field was made available when needed by the high school.
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Other high schools have cooperated with us throughout the emer- gency by adjusting their schedules to accommodate our program. In the Fall the Howard High School football squad practiced every morning and played its games on Saturday afternoons as usual. The selectmen are permitting the high school to use the town hall for basketball practices and games. The work of converting the town hall for basketball was done by high school students. While the town hall is certainly not a satisfactory or proper place to play basketball, other high schools have consented to play our teams on this floor. The conditions under which it has been necessary for our boys and girls to practice and participate in sports are far from desirable. The effort and sportsmanship of our students have over- come these disadvantages, while the support of the townspeople has continued to make our activities financially successful. Much of this success may be attributed to the West Bridgewater Boosters Club which continued its hard work and efforts in behalf of the boys and girls.
When it became common knowledge that the high school would have extreme difficulty in providing special help and con- ference time, the facilities of the Unitarian Church of West Bridge- water were offered the school. The church vestry has been used every day from 10 until 12 for guidance conferences and special help. Every member of the faculty is present at the church at least one morning a week for these purposes. Without this kind offer of space in which to work, an essential part of the education of our youth could not have been offered.
The student body was able to raise a considerable amount of money through its benefit dance, minstrel show, and through ad- missions to its athletic functions. The faculty of the high school, the P.T.A., the Sawtucket Barn Dancers, and many other civic organizations throughout the region donated generously to help the general fund. By the end of May all funds which had been destroyed by fire had been restored to student activities; additional money could be used to partially replace equipment destroyed by fire.
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Through the cooperation of the school nurse and the attend- ance officer the high school has been able to maintain a very fine record of attendance throughout 1949. A policy of calling the parents of every absentee in order to determine immediately the whereabouts of any youngster not present for school was instituted in September, 1948. This program contributed to an immediate increase in attendance and to the virtual elimination of delin- quency. Despite the emergency conditions, there are a few parents who occasionally permit their children to be absent for trivial or unnecessary reasons. Regular attendance is essential to good schol- arship. The development of the habits of dependability and punc- tuality are uppermost in the minds of all who are striving to give the youth of West Bridgewater the best possible opportunity for success.
Although the Bridgewater Junior High School Building was better suited to our needs than any other available school build- ing, it is a small junior high school and not equipped to handle grades ten through twelve. We were able to persuade the Superin- tendent of Schools in Bridgewater to remove some heavy mainten- ance machinery from the shop, thus providing more floor space. It was necessary to construct a typing room from available space in the basement of the building. The household arts room was not de- signed for a high school household arts program. The reference and library facilities are not large enough or appropriate for high school classes. These problems have been partially solved only by tempo- rary measures. A considerable amount of new equipment has been purchased and is being used. Operation of classes such as biology, chemistry, and physics is seriously hampered by lack of materials and places to store them.
With a considerable amount of effort it had been possible in the Fall of 1948 to re-schedule Howard High School in such a way as to eliminate the necessity of having study pupils in the back of every class room. In our new quarters this was no longer possible, and we were forced to revert to this very poor practice. The only solution to this problem is using the auditorium as a study hall. This expedient will be necessary as the school grows.
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During the week immediately following the fire, negotiations were made with Brockton High School to borrow textbooks, sup- plies, and equipment, so that we could hold classes. Mr. Frellick, without any hesitation whatsoever, made available any and all equipment we desired. By November of 1949 enough texts, sup- plies and equipment had been purchased to make it possible for us to return Brockton High School's generous loan.
There is no immediate solution to the problems associated with holding school in the late afternoons, except the personal ad- justments which the students themselves have made. Physiologi- cally and psychologically they have been under a strain which should not be prolonged. Only the enforcement of regulations which require pupils to travel to and from the school by school bus, the program of safety instruction in the high school, and the vigilance of our Chief of Police and his department have thus far prevented any accidents occurring on the way home from school after dark.
The habit of eating upon returning home from school in the afternoon was so strong that it became necessary to allow pupils to eat during a brief home room period in the middle of the school day. Because our accelerated schedule allows none of the normal social enjoyments of school such as walking to and from school in leisurely fashion, conversations during home room periods and at lunch time, dances and general get-to-gethers at the close of school, we have found it necessary to allow the home room period to be- come a recess period. This is practically the only chance the pupils get to talk with each other.
The faculty has worked very hard trying to accomplish the tasks of education with only two-thirds of the normal classroom time available and with constant limitations of facilities. The pro- gram of pupil guidance and counselling has been effectively operat- ing and is helping our pupils in many ways. It has been necessary, however, to double the amount of home work in many cases and to increase scholastic requirements throughout the school. The teachers must work twice as hard to avoid losing too much ground
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during the period of emergency. Only the objective scholastic tests which will be given this Spring, will tell us how much the education of West Bridgewater children has suffered since the fire.
A financial statement of all the Howard High School accounts has been examined and approved by the school department, and placed on file in the superintendent's office.
Because of our splendid faculty and because West Bridgewater students have proven equal to the occasion, the education of the youth of the community probably has not suffered too much thus far. The general effects of the conditions under which the high school has been operating are beginning to make themselves felt, however. School spirit, high morale, and hard work cannot be ex- pected to compensate indefinitely for the lack of a school building.
Respectfully,
RICHARD A. GRODIN, Principal
CENTER SCHOOL
In October 1949 a Center School P.T.A. was organized as a branch of the West Bridgewater Central P.T.A. This group has the interest and backing of the parents and it plans many activities for the school.
A glee club, under the guidance of Miss Alfieri, has been formed in grades 4, 5 and 6.
The children of the Center school presented a revue, "Far Away Places" at the town hall on April 5, 1949. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed the show. The proceeds were used to purchase blackout curtains for a classroom so that film strips could be used in instruction.
The boiler rooms in this school were fireproofed, the class- room interiors and ceilings were repainted, and a new fire escape constructed.
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Mr. Belcher and I wish to thank the teachers and pupils for their cooperation in making 1949 a successful year.
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL
A P.T.A. was organized for this school in October and it has purchased a wire recorder, radio, phonograph combination for the school. This group is working hard to set up a hot lunch program and to make other improvements in the school.
The exterior of the school was reshingled, the boiler room fire- proofed and a fire escape replaced. The building should have the exterior trim painted and the halls and toilets redecorated.
The Christmas virtue of giving was made a reality by a project to collect and distribute gifts for those in need.
Mrs. Nelson and I thank parents, teachers and pupils for their cooperation in all the projects of the school. The teachers have this motto: "Look forward, not backward; look up, not down, and lend a hand."
COCHESETT SCHOOL
The parents of pupils in the Cochesett school have been in- vited to participate in the Center school P.T.A. and they should contribute a great deal to the efficiency of the school.
The exterior of this building has been painted, the boiler room fireproofed, a new fire exit installed. The interior of this building should be painted and renovated.
Miss McKenney, Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Horrigan and Mrs. Blumberg have set up a reading program which is functioning ef- fectively in this school.
All third grade pupils in town attend this school. The children have developed both socially and mentally by working and playing with children of their own ages.
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JERUSALEM SCHOOL
The Jerusalem P.T.A. has continued to help this school in every way possible.
A tile block ceiling has been installed and the interior has been repainted.
The first grade children have learned a great deal this year in social behavior as well as basic school subjects. Miss Nelson be- lieves that the single grade plan helped her to have a successful school year.
MATFIELD SCHOOL
The Matfield P.T.A. has continued its excellent support of this school. They have purchased records for the school and given the children parties at Hallowe'en and Christmas.
A program for parents during Education Week was presented to a group of about twenty parents.
The boiler room has been fireproofed and a new fire exit in- stalled. The interior should be painted and a new floor installed.
Miss Leavitt believes that a single grade has enabled her to give the children more individual attention.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
In September 1949 single grades were established in each room in each school in town. The grades were established according to the school membership table above. This policy has resulted in greatly improved instruction for each child, and it has provided enough classrooms for the year 1949.
A remedial class was established in the Center school. Pupils who were retarded in reading were assigned to this class for their morning program. The accomplishments of this class have been so outstanding that a report from Mrs. Horrigan is included else- where in my report.
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The time schedules for all schools have been equalized so that the net instructional time for each school is about five hours.
The courses of study in all basic subjects have been used and constantly revised to meet the needs of the pupils.
Since all the instructional texts and supplies of the high school were destroyed by fire it was necessary to purchase new, up-to-date books and supplies for all pupils in grades seven through twelve. New typewriters, typing tables, tablet armchairs, business ma- chines and office supplies and equipment were purchased.
The program to replace worn out books has been continued and our elementary pupils are using, in most cases, standard and supplementary textbooks in reading, geography, history and arith- metic. This program should be continued if we wish to give our children adequate educations.
Auditory and visual aids to education are being employed, especially in the high school.
Science, health, safety and art programs have been organized in a few grades. Every pupil should receive instruction in these vital subjects, and I hope these programs can be broadened to include all of our pupils.
TESTING
Pupils in grades one through six were given the Metropolitan Achievement Tests in June 1949 before the single grades were es- tablished. The results of these tests are below:
Grade 1-averages 4 months ahead of national standards Grade 2-averages 1 month ahead of national standards Grade 3-averages 2 months behind national standards Grade 4-At national standards
Grade 5-averages 5 months ahead of national standards Grade 6-averages 1 month behind national standards
Pupils in grades one and four were given mental ability tests. The results of these tests were helpful to the teachers in grouping
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pupils for instruction and in selecting those who need more individ- ual help. Mental tests results help us to determine the children that should be tested and helped by guidance clinics.
Pupils in grades nine through twelve were given the Iowa tests of educational development again this year. The results of this test indicate that in 1947 our high school pupils averaged bet- ter than forty-five percent of the children tested throughout the country; in 1948 our pupils tested at the forty-eighth percentile; in 1949 our pupils tested at the fiftieth percentile. So we may con- clude that the achievement of our high school pupils is improving slowly and they are up to national standards.
The eighth grade was tested by the Boston University testing service. These tests gave us much valuable information which is used for guidance purposes. The results indicated that our eighth grade pupils were excellent in mathematics, at grade level in all other subjects except English. The course of study in English has been increased to remedy this situation.
SCHOOL HOUSING,
The school housing problem is critical. Fire destroyed Howard High School so we have no high school for our pupils in grades seven through twelve. Our town has a grave obligation to build a school for these children.
Every room in our elementary schools is filled to capacity at the present time. If the expected number of children enter our elementary schools in the next five years we shall be one classroom short in 1950, one in 1951, two in 1952, three in 1953 and four in 1954.
All of the elementary buildings are old and need moderniza- tion. The lighting in most of the rooms does not come up to ap- proved present day standards according to a survey made by the Brockton Edison Company. We are whitening ceilings and repaint- ing interiors to improve the lighting. It may be necessary to install additional fixtures, or different type fixtures, after the painting is
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completed. The floors are in poor condition in a number of rooms. These examples illustrate the problems of maintenance of old wooden buildings. It is expensive to heat and maintain so many small and outmoded buildings. Efficient planning would require that the buildings be modernized or replaced as early as possible.
HEALTH
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted a Dental Survey in our schools in 1949. The teeth of each school child in town were examined and cards sent to the parents of those whose teeth needed attention.
A Dental Clinic was established in the back Center school. Equipment was purchased by the Red Cross. The School Depart- ment installed the equipment in its present quarters. The clinic is being largely supported by the West Bridgewater Lions' Club who pay about two-thirds of the costs of operation. This clinic should improve the dental health of our school children.
The health of employees and pupils is protected by General Liability and Workmen's Compensation insurance.
An item "Physical Education" has been placed in the school budget. This money is used for physical and health education in the high and elementary schools.
Chest x-rays of all pupils and teachers in our high school were taken this year. No person was found to be infected with tuberculosis.
THRIFT
The program of Thrift education has been continued this year. Six hundred and seventeen children have bank books. These chil- dren had saved a total of $8,275.06 by the end of 1949.
ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The cost of education, like everything else, is high these days. Although it was necessary to increase the school budget for 1950,
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this table shows that the net cost per pupil will be lower than it has been since 1946:
Year
Net Cost per pupil
1946
$106.00
1947
124.00
1948
138.00
1949
140.00
1950
112.00
The reason that the net cost per pupil is lower is the increased state aid for schools.
Year
State Aid and reimbursements
1948
$11,671.62
1949
38,099.26
1950
51,407.59 (estimated)
In order to educate the increasing number of children in our schools we must increase our budget to hire and keep teachers, to purchase books and supplies, and to supply suitable school buildings.
If we hope to fit our children for living in these days of great changes we must give adequate financial support to our schools.
COOPERATION
The year 1949 will always be remembered in West Bridge- water as a most difficult year. The schools could never have func- tioned without the splendid cooperation among our school system, government officials and townspeople. I cannot list the innumer- able people who have contributed their time, money, advice and interest to help our schools but I thank you all at this time.
The school system is grateful to the following groups for spe- cial contributions: the Unitarian Church of West Bridgewater, Town of Bridgewater, West Bridgewater Lions' Club, West Bridge- water town officials, West Bridgewater Taxpayers' Association, Central P.T.A. and all its member groups, Kay Jewelry Company, Howard Lodge-Knights of Pythias, William J. and Anna Clifford
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Howard, The Alumni, The Grange, The American Legion and the State Department of Education.
I thank each member of our staff for the fine work that has been done this past year.
The people of West Bridgewater have elected an excellent school committee. Each problem that has come before the com- mittee has been decided for the best interests of our children and our town. Their unselfish devotion has enabled us to continue the education of our children during this difficult year.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM H. RODGERS, Superintendent of Schools
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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
With Government costs running at a high level, the following analysis may prove helpful to the taxpayer in understanding his community burden:
I Increases:
A. General Government $ 2,478.50
B. Protection 1,205.00
C. Health & Sanitation 500.00
D. Charities
6,965.00
E. Highways
2,855.32
F. Education
23,616.95
G. Unclassified
679.51
$38,300.28
II Remaining the Same:
A. Cemeteries
$ 250.00
B. Recreation
1,500.00
$1,750.00
III Decreases:
A. Veterans Services
$ 6.00
Total Increase ........... .....
$38,294.28
IV Water Department
A. Decrease of $298.20
The increases above are made necessary for the most part by conditions in the Town beyond the control of those who serve it in administrative capacity. Our Charities are operated on a State- wide pattern in a manner that is highly commendable. The division of the job of Accountant and Welfare Agent will tend to lower our Welfare cost. Further, this division is required by the State.
Increases in education are affected considerably by our lack of a school and State aid to education will do much to cut this.
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Such salary increases as have been recommended are to cover additional work required or to place that salary more accurately in the general wage picture.
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