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 8
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ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Effective education is carried on only when it is possible to give individual attention to each pupil. It is necessary for teachers to study pupils systematically, to seek out those who are malad- justed. A competent teacher like a competent doctor must first be a good diagnostician. She must try to discover causes of failure and, if necessary, call on specialists in child guidance to help her.
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In cases where this has been done, pupils have been found to fit more readily into the life of the classroom. Only when there is so- cial, emotional and physical adjustment can children progress satisfactorily in their school work.
In a class of thirty pupils no two pupils look exactly alike. Just as different as their physical appearance is their mental ability. No two children learn alike. Therefore, I repeat, instruction to be effec- tive must be individualized.
As far as is possible the Center School teachers follow this pro- cedure. However, even though one teacher has been added to the staff and the eighth grade removed there are in some cases too many pupils per teacher for a program of individualized instruction.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Education in the modern school room is not a limited subject matter curriculum. It is as broad as life itself. The sum total of all the child's experiences makes up his education. Therefore, the extra-curricular activities are a definite part of any school curricu- lum. The teachers of the Center School stress these activities in order to develop in the pupils responsibility and good citizenship. The boys and girls definitely show that they are learning to care for themselves and to live and work together in harmony because of the time and effort expended in these fields.
In previous reports these activities have been mentioned. In addition, the science work in grade five has proven of great interest, stimulated by the material which the teacher obtains periodically from the Children's Museum.
Respectfully submitted,
ELLEN F. KETT, Principal Center School
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Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
The general program at the Sunset Avenue School has followed the procedure of last year to a great extent, but there has been also outstanding developments in all phases of basic education.
As a complement to the academic side of our school life, which we feel measures up well to standard, as proven by periodic tests given uniformly throughout the town, we have attempted to round out the child's social and emotional life by directed activities such as: assemblies, planned and presided over by pupils, and organ- izations of various types.
Latent talents and abilities have been developed through par- ticipation in plays, art work, and instrumental programs. All this procedure is so directed that it may give the child confidence in leadership and ability to work in cooperation with others and thus help to prepare him for a broader and fuller life in his community.
Although we are still handicapped by crowded conditions, with prospects of larger first grades for sometime to come, there has been one outstanding adjustment whereby the first grade is under the supervision of one teacher. This has been made possible by the transfer of grade eight to the High School building. However, in the remaining rooms there are still two grades under one teacher which necessitates limiting the work to basic subjects with little for enrichment or remedial work.
The building of an office at Sunset Avenue has provided the much needed privacy for consultation and the more successful accomplishment of a principal's work. To this feature I am very thankful.
:
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I have been very fortunate in having efficient and co-operative teachers which has made the year pleasant and profitable.
Respectfully submitted,
THERESA MILLER, Principal Sunset Avenue School
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
As Mrs. Ryan, the Primary teacher, and I are both new here at the Cochesett School this year, we have had to spend most of our time so far in getting acquainted with the pupils, and getting things started. She has 20 pupils in the first and second grades, and I have 25 pupils in the third, fourth, and fifth grades. We could and would have more activities if the time permitted, but with three grades in a room it is almost impossible to do anything but teach the regular lessons.
We have tried to get a small school library started so pupils will have books to read in their spare time as we think reading is the most important subject.
We also try to work in plays and entertainments for special ยท days, and for Friday afternoons, as we believe that these help the children, especially the self-conscious ones . ..
We still have about 15 pupils who buy Victory Stamps, and we have sold about $30.00 worth from September to December 21.
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About 90% of the pupils contributed something to the Junior Red Cross.
Respectfully submitted, EDNA L. MERITHEW, Principal
Cochesett School
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
In actual tools of learning the Jerusalem School is exception- ally well equipped and can be compared favorably with any modern school. TIME, however, is at a premium-four and one-half hours of working time per day must be divided among five grades. The first grade is one of the most important grades of all and should have much more oral work than can be accomplished now with fair- ness to the other four grades.
Because of the large number of grades, the classes are very in- formal and the children for the most part work in groups-some- times in the charge of a student leader. We try to organize and carry out one large unit of work during the school year which will include some activity from each child.
Since the large number of classes demand more time than we actually have, it would benefit all the children in this district if the fourth and fifth grades could be transferred to the Center School. The only other alternative would be an assistant teacher.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY NELSON, Principal Jerusalem School
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Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
I herewith submit my annual report on the work done in music in the public schools of West Bridgewater.
In Grades I and II the lessons consisted of rote songs, singing games, and simple folk dances. Attention was given to the elimina- tion of monotones and to the writing of simple blackboard work in music notation of scale and tonic chord skips, preparatory to book study later on. Rote work was continued in Grades III and IV but in a lesser degree and more time given to drill in basic technical study. More complicated rhythms and problems in time, the learn- ing of keys, minor mode and part singing began in Grades V and VI and carried through Grades VII and VIII.
Because of the crowded condition in the Primary Room at the Center no opportunity is available for individual singing or for frequent testing of ability. There is no space to teach singing games or folk dancing which the children so enjoy and which help in de- veloping a free, easy, rhythmic motion.
I wish particularly to commend the book work of the second grade at the Cochesett School.
The eighth grade in the high school has lost much valuable time in music. Beginning in September these pupils had no lesson for several weeks. Then it was arranged to combine with the Fresh- men and alternate music with the other three classes, each group having half time. This of course is very unsatisfactory and if con- tinued might result in a lack of interest and of serious participation.
The amount of time allowed for music study at the Center was decreased as compared with that of former years and a noticeable lowering of the standard was a result. While it is highly desirable
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that boys and girls should enjoy singing, that is not the sole aim of school music. They should be trained to listen and listen intelli- gently to good music. They should be taught to perform artisti- cally and understandingly and to get the most out of every lesson. Singing in school is not primarily a period of relaxation for either class or teacher. It is a period for emotional expression, for an appreciation of the best in music and should serve as an inspiration to higher and better living. "Many a sapling started in the wrong direction, might, with a little help be trained to grow into a mag- nificent tree. Try to teach boys and girls ethics directly and they will think you are preaching. Give them MUSIC. It seems to have an effect upon the mind and nervous system which makes the in- dividual more receptive to idealistic principles." Henry Ford, the greatest industrialist in the world, says, "Start the day with a song". Singing is a mental tonic. Music seems to have a most hu- manizing and rationalizing effect. It arouses qualities long dormant and gives the individual a keener appreciation and understanding of the value of those things necessary to his development.
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS J. SNOW, Supervisor of Music
Mr. Arthur B. Lord, Jr. Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Lord:
The physical examinations at the Howard High are of special significance because of athletic requirements. Early correction of physical defects is very important so that students may be eligible
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for future competitive sports. These yearly examinations have a far reaching effect on not only the physical condition but also on the mental development. Dr. Belmore examined 201 students.
22 notices were sent for defective tonsils.
6 have defective hearts and were referred to the family doctor for advice.
2 had asthma.
26 needed dental care.
2 had defective hearing.
3 obtained glasses
18 families with 40 children were referred to Guidance Clinic. Chest x-rays were done of all known contacts of tuberculosis. 7 were discharged, 9 are continued cases.
Your Nurse at present is giving a course in Practical Art of Nursing. For their own well being and because they could be a means of contaminating others, I would urge more caution about sending students to school who are too ill to remain all day.
Elementary Schools.
Physical Examinations were completed by Dr. Belmore, School Physician.
49 notices were sent for defective tonsils.
50 notices for neglected carious teeth.
3 notices for defective hearts.
1 notice for High Blood pressure.
5 were referred to social services.
9 were examined by Psychiatric Traveling Clinic.
10 children who entered school were advised to remain out until September of the following year. Six followed this advice avoiding the stigma of repeating grade 1.
I have made numerous contacts with families relative to cor- rections of defects and followed up reported illness referred by teachers.
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The well child conference was held June 25 to 28.
62 children accompanied by parents were examined.
42 families represented;
38 mothers;
52 pre-school children.
Total number needing:
Medical attention 9 Dental attention 13
Nutrition attention 6 Nose and throat 16
Ears and eyes 2
Immunized against Diphtheria 27
Attention to vaccination 54
Since the clinic, 45 follow-up visits were made.
13 entered school.
18 were immunized against Diphtheria
20 were immunized against Whooping Cough.
23 were vaccinated.
9 had other medical attention.
3 attended habit clinic.
Five years of this well child conference work together with other health interest has resulted in healthier first grade enrollment.
Eye tests were given by the teachers. Those who showed defects were referred to the nurse who followed the case by retest- ing and getting in touch with parents. 7 have obtained glasses, and 3 did not need glasses.
The new Massachusetts Vision Test is highly recommended and most towns are purchasing their own equipment. Optomole- gest test to be successful should not be hurried. The child as a whole should have good health habits, rest, good food, exercise and observation in the home.
Dr. Belmore examined the ears, for signs of wax and inflam- mation to help check with the audiometer test which should be given 3 or 4 times during school life and whenever occasion arises.
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The Diphtheria Clinic was under the direction of the Board of Health. Forty were immunized. A booster dose is advised for those who were immunized in infancy or about 7 years previous.
We miss our Dental Clinic which lapsed due to scarcity of dentists. The State Dental program calls for florine treatment which is supposed to prevent dental decay. In connection with this program; the state Department of Health will furnish a dental hygienist to work with pupils of the 5th grade, following up with the same children for a period of 5 years. We are still hopeful that this program may become a reality.
Feet were examined-Two were advised to obtain corrective shoes; 3 were flatfooted; 3 had athletic feet (being treated) 2 at- tended orthopedic clinic. In reported contagious disease, there were 22 cases of scarlet fever.
Through the use of Federal Funds an othopedic clinic is con- ducted at the Brockton Hospital. Children referred to this clinic must have a doctor's application. Four children are receiving cor- rective treatments. Three are taking speech therapy through the same coure. The S. P. C. C. was called to investigate social prob- lems in the home.
Extermination of flies by the use of D. D. T. was most suc- cessful. This was done under the direction of the State Department of Public Health and appreciated by all.
In closing I want to thank Dr. Belmore, teachers, and parents for their cooperation in helping to maintain Health in the Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N.,
School Nurse
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Commencement Exercises
CLASS OF 1945 HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL Howard Hall, June thirteen at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Richard Goldie
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Charlotte MacTighe James Asack Marilyn Williams
Motto-"This far and farther" Class Colors-Dark Green and White Class Flower-White Rose
PROGRAM
1. Processional
Howard High School Orchestra
2. Invocation Reverend Frank Fellows
3. The Star Spangled Banner Audience
4. Address-What Counts Most Dean Charles Havice Northeastern University
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5. Music-Our Heritage R. W. Gibb Howard High School Chorus
6. Presentation of Class Gift Richard Goldie President of Class of 1945
7. Acceptance for School Leon Beaulieu President of Class of 1946
8. Saxaphone Solo-Minuet No. 2
L. Van Beethoven
Richard Goldie
9. Presentation of Awards Good Citizenship Certificate Washington and Franklin Certificate
Reader's Digest Award
Class of 1944 Scholarship Principal Nils G. Lindell
Edith F. Howard Scholarship Mr. Arthur Ryder
Member of the Trustees of the Howard Funds
William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Mr. Clare Parker Member of School Committee
10. Music-La Paloma S. Yradie
Howard High School Orchestra
11. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Sherman H. Perkins Chairman of School Committee
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12. Class Ode
Barbara Chisholm
Class of 1945
13. Benediction
Reverend Frank Fellows
14. Recessional
Howard High School Orchestra
GRADUATES
James George Asack
Nancy Jean Bradford Lois Faxon Chester Barbara Clair Chisholm Marilyn Beverly Coelho Lawrence Roland Correia Stanley Allen Currie. Dorothy Ayers Dalrymple Robert Wilson Firing
Charlotte Elizabeth MacTighe
Merton David Minsky
Meredith Louise Newman
Donald Leonard Perkins
Muriel Lorraine Pillsbury Alan Wallace Read Barbara Jean Reid Betty Jane Ryder
Grace Lillian Sigren
Richard Vosmus Goldie
Barbara Jean Towers
Wilbur Duguid Tracy
Herbert Albion Holmes Marion Evelyn Johnson Dorothy Jean MacDonald
Jacqueline Fay Vandyke
Marilyn Williams
.
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CLASS ODE To the tune of "There Are Such Things" Words By Barbara Chisholm
Dear Howard High, we now shall part. You'll always be close to our heart.
The joys that we have shared will always linger on.
And still the mem'ry stays, e'en though we have gone.
Our teachers, now, we bid adieu; We'll ne'er forget our days with you.
Our hopes, our dreams, our trust, our life have all been built by you.
We leave you now, and go on to the new.
Your ivied walls, and vistaed walk, Deep in our hearts, these things we'll lock
Such scenes we'll cherish more and more as years roll by, Our last few happy hours, and now our good-bye.
Yes! We'll remember you always, And we'll recall these happy days. Still the time has come now for our farewell and good-bye. We'll ne'er forget beloved Howard High.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT ON SCHOOL HOUSING CONDITIONS IN WEST BRIDGEWATER
What are conditions?
The problem of school housing has had serious consideration in West Bridgewater since March 1942 when a committee was ap- pointed to investigate needs. This committee called in experts from the State Departments of Education and Public Safety to assist in the study. The reports of these groups appeared in March, 1945 and emphasized the inadequacy of school housing, grades one through twelve. The recommendation of the local committee was that plans be made immediately for construction of a six year high school. The Town Meeting of 1945 authorized the appointment of a Building Committee with authority to employ consultants and architects to draw plans, and further authorized the committee to determine a suitable school site. Thus, it would seem that the Town last March recognized the need for a new building and was prepared to build in the near future.
It appears desirable, however, to review the salient facts which led to this decision and to re-emphasize the needs. The State De- partment of Education and the local Committee on School Housing are agreed upon the following facts:
1. The need for new building for BOTH the grades and high school is great, and building has been delayed too long.
2. The buildings now used are physically inadequate and in some cases unsafe. (A fire in the high school could sweep from cellar to roof unobstructed; Jerusalem and Matfield Schools have one exit from the school and that at Jerusalem past the furnace; there
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is insufficient room in all buildings for a modern educational program.)
3. The advantages of a good educational program are pro- hibited by lack of adequate facilities. By inference this means that our children are handicapped in their education as compared with that education offered their children by other towns in the State. The fact that our boys and girls do reasonably well after they leave school proves nothing except that they do well in spite of the handi- caps they face here and might do better if given greater advantages.
The present Building Committee has appointed an Educa- tional and Building Consultant who recognizes the same inadequa- cies found by the investigating committees.
What should we have? .
The Department of Education has recommended construction of a single building to house all grades and permit use of the gym- nasium and auditorium by the grades without duplication in build- ing. The local committee, however, decided upon a building for the six years of high school which in some measure will relieve the over- crowding in the grades and postpone the time when the Town must build for the grades. Probably this thinking represents the will of the Town and so becomes the immediate problem.
I would like to point out, therefore, the benefits which we can reasonably expect in a new six year high school building.
1. We can give grade pupils better opportunities by better pupil-teacher distribution made possible by removing grade seven to the new building.
2. We can be sure that our high school pupils are safely housed in modern construction. (The fact is that in 1930-40 in the United States sixty pupils were killed in one school, one hundred were burned to death in another because of inadequate housing.)
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3. Pupils will have adequate toilet and shower facilities.
4. Light and ventilation will be adequate under present State standards.
5. Heat will be provided to all rooms and held at constant temperature.
6. We shall have an auditorium which can be used safely and efficiently, where school functions can be held, and which will be available for Town civic functions.
7. . We shall have an adequate gymnasium with proper facilities not only for basketball but for a proper physical education program.
8. We shall have a library which can be used, a health room for examinations, sick pupils, dental clinic, etc., a guidance- conference room for pupil-parent-teacher conferences.
9. We shall have adequate storage space.
10. We shall have control of the building and the janitor.
11 We shall have a building which can be kept clean.
12. We shall be able to provide rooms designed for the instructional purposes for which they are used.
13. We shall have home rooms and conference rooms where a broad program of clubs and activities may be held. The modern program must be more than classroom instruction if we are to achieve our educational objectives of development of desirable social, emotional, and character traits.
14 We shall have adequate room for six grades of pupils in household arts.
15. We shall have a complete general shop available readily to six grades of pupils.
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16. We shall have a building in which all pupils can take pride. (This in itself is a strong factor for good pupil morale.)
17. We shall have a building in which the Townspeople can take pride, as partial evidence of their desire to give their child- ren the American birthright of good education.
18. We shall have a building no better than that provided by most towns of this Commonwealth for their children.
What about costs?
The people of New England are conservative, and conservative people like to see what they are buying. They also want to know the price and relate values to cost.
I have pointed out that the experts believe we should build, and I have presented their reasons and summarized in detail the gains we shall make if we move into a new building. This is what you are buying.
Now the price. Today building costs are up from forty cents per cubic foot to fifty-five cents. Materials are scarce, and labor is even more scarce. While three bills are before Congress to provide more money for schools, there is no immediate prospect that they will pass. Consequently, it is difficult to arrive at an estimate of what a new building would cost the Town. However, a good esti- mate would seem to be $225,000 including interest charges over a twenty year period. The Town has a Reserve Fund of $50,000 and an Excess and Deficiency Fund of about $45,000. The latter should not be touched for outlay purposes, but the Reserve Fund exists for post-war projects. Conservatively one-half of the $50,000 should be available for schools. Thus, bonding would be on $200,000 or $10,000 a year for twenty years. The tax now is $1.00 for $3600 of assessed valuation. The increase in the rate, then is 10000 -: 3600 or about $2.80 per $1,000 valuation. The following table shows how this tax would be distributed in West Bridgewater.
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Real Estate Tax Table
Valuation=$3,165,726.00
Tax rate == $29.80
1945 tax revenue=$94,339.69 $1.00 tax on $1000 produces $3608.00
People Average Average Average Average
Valuation
Number Valuation
Tax
Rise
Total
Average Tax People Percent Increase
$1-500
176
$250
$14.90
$ .69
$15.59
500-1000
51
750
22.35
2.07
24.42
259
23%
$1.30
1001-1500
32
1250
37.25
3.46
40.71
1501-2000
78
1750
52.15
4.84
56.99
2001-2500
137
2250
67.05
6.23
73.28
2501-3000
162
2750
81.95
7.61
89.56
553
51%
8.17
3001-3500
136
3250
96.85
9.00
105.85
3501-4000
118
3750
111.75
10.38
122.13
749
70%
8.17
4001-4500
52
4250
134.10
11.77
145.87
4501-5000
35
4750
141.55
13.15
154.70
5001-5500
15
5250
156.45
14.54
170.89
5501-6000
16
5750
171.30
15.92
187.22
6001-9000
45
7500
223.50
20.78
244.28
9001-12000
23
10500
312.90
29.09
341.99
12001-15000
3
13500
402.30
37.40
439.70
15001-18000
1
16500
515.00
45.71
560.71
18001-20000
1
19000
566.00
52.63
618.63
76
7%
25.75
20001-25000
2
22500
670.50
62.33
732.83
25001-28000
0
28001-30000
1
29000
834.40
80.33
914.73
1084
Note: The following data explains the Personal Property Tax.
Valuation $443,077.00 Taxes collected $13,203.00
Brockton Edison, Gas and Light, and N. E. Telephone pay $7,570 in taxes here, or more than half of the total personal property tax.
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It can be seen that for 70% of the householders the average increase in taxes per year would be only $8.17. For this $8.17 you are buying improved educational opportunity as cited above. We in the School Department believe that this investment in the future is worth an average of $8.17. If we are to have these advantages, Townspeople must support the recommendations of the Building Committee, and to approve a bond issue of this size, two-thirds of Town meeting members must approve the article.
It should be pointed out now that for several reasons the cost of operation of the schools will increase in the years to come.
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