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 1950-1954 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
Respectfully submitted,
School Building Committee JULIAN LUCINI PAUL LUNDGREN ALLEN FOYE WARREN ANDERSON ROYAL SNELL
CLIFFORD BROMAN
CLIFFORD CARLSON EARLE GIFFORD CHARLES ENSHER ROGER BURRILL JOHN ELDRIDGE, Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND
Superintendent of Schools
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
ER
S
MASS.
5/656
182
PULPIT ROCK
16.
RPORATED
FEB
FOR THE YEAR 1950
DORR'S PRINT SHOP BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS
180
MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Paul H. Lundgren, 8 Arch Street
Term expires 1951 Broc. 3449-J
Dorothy Alexander, 10 Charles Street Term expires 1951
Broc. 2120-R
James A. Kehoe, 173 West Center Street Term expires 1953 Broc. 1459-W
Thomas F. Kemp, 17 Emerson Avenue Term expires 1952 Broc. 7461
Erland W. Thayer, 16 Union Street Term expires 1952 Broc. 8-1402-W
Warren A. Turner, 20 Scotland Street Term expires 1953
Broc. 847-M-4
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Second Monday evening of each month at 7:30 o'clock at the Center school.
SUPERINTENDENT Bert L. Merrill .
Office: Rear Center School Broc. 5094
Mans. 104
Residence: 153 High Street, Mansfield Conference by appointment.
CLERK
M. Frances Packard, 381 Spring Street Broc. 8-1516-W
Office hours: Rear Center School Broc. 5094
Monday through Thursday 8:30-5:00 Friday, 8:30-4:00
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. Joseph Calitri, M.D., 17 Central Square Broc. 678
181
SCHOOL NURSE
Lillian M. Hewitt, R.N.,
North Main Street, Raynham Center
Taun. 4-8864
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Douglas Eaton 18 Central Square
Broc. 3410
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1951
Winter Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
Fall Term
January 2 to February 16, inclusive February 26 to April 13, inclusive April 23 to June 22, inclusive September 5 to December 21, inclusive
SCHOOLS CLOSED ON
March 23
May 30
Good Friday Memorial Day Brockton Fair (elementary)
September 10
October 12
Columbus Day Plymouth County Convention
October 24
November 12
Armistice Day
November 21 (at noon) 22 and 23
Thanksgiving Holidays
SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP - OCTOBER 1, 1950
School
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Center
65
35
35
35
57
227
Sunset Avenue
35
32
30
30
127
Cochesett
72
72
Matfield
35
35
Jerusalem
34
34
Total
100
104
72
67
65
87
495
High School
76
61
41
39
37
43
297
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total - High and Elementary
792
182
CENSUS REPORT
Distribution of minors, October 1, 1950:
5 years of age or over and under 7
7 years of age or over and under 16
Boys
73
330
Girls
93
323
Total
166
653
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. Administration
2. Instruction:
Salaries
83,276.75
100,332.00
Books and Supplies
6,750.00
8,000.00
3. Operation:
Janitors
4,650.00
5,300.00
Fuel
1,600.00
2,100.00
Miscellaneous
1,500.00
2,500.00
4. Maintenance
2,500.00
4,800.00
5. High School Operations
6,647.00
7,250.00
6. Auxiliary Agencies:
Library
100.00
100.00
Health
1,900.00
1,955.00
Tuition
2,500.00
2,500.00
Transportation
18,500.00
27,400.00
Physical Education
1,200.00
500.00
Insurance
211.20
455.00
Miscellaneous
150.00
250.00
7. Vocational Education
3,000.00
3,450.00
Totals
$141,813.95
$174,292.00
Spec. Appropriation
7,721.15
Grand Total
$149,535.10
1950 Budget $ 7,329.00
1951 Budget $ 7,400.00
183
Reimbursements:
Chapter 70
$ 30,177.21
Superintendent's Salary and Travel
2,518.90
Transportation
13,536.94
Tuition
1,351.29
City of Boston
893.49
State Wards
1,528.41
Vocational Education
1,405.20
Smith-Hughes
113.41
Town of Raynham
39.86
Total Reimbursements
$ 51,564.71
Total Expenditures
145,636.50
Net Operation Cost to Town for 1950
$ 94,071.79
DIRECTORY OF TEACHERS
Teacher
School
Subject or Grade
Preparation
Richard A. Grodin, A.B., M.A.
High
Principal, Guidance
Joseph R. Burgess, Jr., B.S., Ed.M.
High
Mathematics
Francis X. Finigan, A.B., Ed.M.
High
Math, Asst. Coach
Elliott L. Hawkes, B.S.
High
Prac. Arts, Guidance
Winthrop E. Jackson, A.B.
High
Social Studies
Katherine H. Johnson
High
Jacqueline M. Killen, B.S.
High
Commercial, Social Studies English
Theresa Miller
High
Soc. Studies
Vm. Henry Moss, B.S., M.A.
High
Head of Languages
Mass. State College, B.U.
Walter K. Pauli, B.S.
High
Coach, Sciences
Janice M. Rylander, A.B.
High
Languages
Evelyn H. Viens, B.S.
High
Household Arts
Roger G. Viens, A.B., M.A. in Ed.
High
Sciences
Clark University
William R. Virchow, A.B., M.A.
High
Fng., Pr. Arts, Soc. St.
Sarah B. Yukna, B.S., M.C.S.
High
Commercial
Northeastern Univ., Clark Univ. Boston University
Richard A. Belcher, B.S.
Center
Principal, Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers Keene Teachers College
Marguerite Shurtleff Thelma Cook Geraldine F. Alfieri, B.S.
Center
Grade 5
Castine Normal
Center
Grade 4
Bridgewater Teachers
M. Evelyn Murphy
Center
Grade 2
Bridgewater Teachers
Mildred E. Metcalf
Center
Grade 1
Lesley
Gladys S. Freeman
Center
Grade 1
Bridgewater Teachers
Western Reserve Univ., B.U. Penn. State, Fitchburg Yale, Boston University Gorham State Teachers Colby, Boston University Chandler Secretarial Bridgewater State Teachers Brockton Business U.
N.C. of Gym., U. of Ind., B.U. Boston University Framingham Teachers
184
Center
Grade 6
Teacher Edward F. Sweeney, B.S. Anne O'Keefe Elizabeth W. Nelson Geneva Garvey, B.S.
School
Preparation
Sunset Ave.
Grade 6
Sunset Ave. Grade 5
Bridgewater Teachers
Sunset Ave.
Prin., Grade 4
Sunset Ave.
Grade 1
Bridgewater Teachers
Catherine L. Blumberg Mary-Elinor McKenney, B.A.
Cochesett Grade 3, Prin.
Cochesett Grade 3
Concord Training School Mt. St. Mary College, Seton Hill College
Mary E. Nelson, B.S.
Jerusalem Grade 2
Bridgewater Teachers
Ellen T. Leavitt
Matfield Grade 2
Castine Normal
Bridgewater Teachers, B.U.
Marjorie E. Hayward, B. of Music All Music Supervisor
N.E. Cons. of Music, B.U.
185
Mary L. Horrigan, B.S.
Center-All Remedial
Subject or Grade
Bridgewater Teachers
Bridgewater Teachers
186
ANNUAL REPORT OF YOUR SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the citizens of the Town of West Bridgewater Greetings:
It was with deep regret that the resignation of William Rodgers was received just before the present school year started. Mr. Rodgers left a host of friends here and all of us were fully cognizant of his fine accomplishments as our superintendent. We were very fortunate in securing the services of a most worthy and well qualified man as his successor, Mr. Bert L. Merrill, who comes to us with a long record of outstanding administrative work as superintendent in Mansfield, Massachusetts schools. The few months that Mr. Merrill has been directing our schools has amply demonstrated that our forward thinking policies will be very well carried on.
Mr. Richard A. Grodin, Principal of Howard High School, has left us to return to the service of our country. Although Mr. Grodin is on military leave, his absence will be keenly felt not only by the high school but by the townsfolk who know and ad- mire this able administrator and educator. He has been of invalu- able assistance in the planning of our new school, not only in his capacity as advisory member but in the actual laying out of the building and grounds. Your school committee sincerely hopes that the day is not too far distant when the sounds of the drums of war have been stilled forever, and Dick Grodin and all our other boys can once again take up the pattern of their normal and peaceful lives with us.
Due to these very uncertain times and the fact that present conditions make it impossible to foresee when our new school will be ready for occupancy, your school committee has contracted with the trustees of the Bridgewater Academy for the use of this as a junior-senior high school for the school year 1951-52. It was
187
necessary to make this commitment as our temporary quarters in the Bridgewater Junior High School will not be available due to their desire to make this part of the Bridgewater Elementary School System. The very existence of our junior-senior high school is entirely dependent upon the completion of the new Bridgewater High School in 1951 and, should this building not be completed then we will, of necessity, be forced to educate our children wher- ever or however we can.
Your school committee is deeply grateful to the loyal teach- ers who have stayed with us in spite of educational conditions which have been far from ideal. To these teachers and our admin- istrative staff go our sincerest thanks for helping preserve and maintain our high educational standards together with the all- important pupil morale so important in fitting out our youngsters for adult life.
Increases in the 1951 school budget are necessary because: (1) The necessity of employing extra high school teachers, (2 ) extra transportation costs due to anticipated double sessions in the Bridgewater Academy beginning next September and, (3) increased costs of books, supplies and maintenance of our old elementary school buildings. One will note, however, that our expected reim- bursements for 1951 will total almost $55,000.00 which is about one-third our total school budget.
Please refer to our Superintendent's report for further in- formation and recommendations regarding the school system.
Respectfully submitted,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
PAUL H. LUNDGREN, Chairman DOROTHY S. ALEXANDER JAMES A. KEHOE THOMAS F. KEMP ERLAND W. THAYER WARREN A. TURNER
188
ANNUAL REPORT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of West Bridgewater,
I submit herewith my annual report of the West Bridgewater Public Schools for the year ending December 31, 1950.
Public schools must bend every effort to help maintain our freedom and preserve our strength and liberty. In the midst of a confused world we must keep our educational tools sharpened for the responsibilities which lie ahead.
Schools combat ignorance, education generates competence and intelligence. American youth must be stimulated to think and act effectively. Improvement comes from application not theory. Every dollar invested in schools is an investment in youth and democracy.
FACULTY CHANGES
There were comparatively few faculty changes during the past year. All of them were in the high school and Center school.
Three new teachers were employed in the high school: Joseph R. Burgess, Jr., and Mr. Francis X. Finigan to teach mathematics; the latter also assists in coaching. William R. Virchow is an in- structor of English, Practical Arts and social studies in grades 7 and 8. Mr. Richard C. Howland, guidance director, resigned at the end of the school year to accept a similar position in a neighbor- ing community.
Due to a larger enrollment in the primary grades, Mrs. Gladys S. Freeman was appointed a first grade teacher.
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL
I cannot over-emphasize the necessity of building a new high school as soon as possible. Our pupils are being denied the type of
189
education to which they are entitled. Subjects which are usually taught in a well-rounded high school curriculum are now taught for short periods, or, through necessity have been eliminated al- together.
Young people should have the kind of education which will prepare them adequately for their careers and for their civic responsibilities.
A more complete report of activities is contained in the high school principal's report.
CENTER SCHOOL
In September, due to the increased elementary enrollment, drastic changes were effected in the physical layout of the schools. The remedial class was moved to the administrative office which, in turn, was moved to the principal's office. New quarters for the principal were built in the rear Center building. Grade 4 was moved to the basement, formerly the remedial classroom. This basement was partitioned, completely painted, chalkboards added and new fluorescent lighting installed. A light has been installed at the entrance of the rear Center building and two-way switches in the upper and lower corridors replaced the old one-way switch. Several new desks and chairs were purchased for the primary and remedial classes.
Center school now houses 225 pupils in seven regular class- rooms and a remedial class in buildings which should accom- modate only six classrooms. Furthermore the hallway in both build- ings contain one or more units such as offices, supply rooms, etc., placing storage space at a premium. Needless to say this school is badly overcrowded.
Because of the large enrollment and limited playground area the present new building site has been used in the past for recess and recreation. When this area was not available due to construc- tion now in process it became necessary to stagger recess and lunch periods in order to properly segregate the primary and intermediate
190
groups of children while at play. Supervision of recreation can more properly be accomplished with fewer pupils on the play- ground at one time. Because of the close proximity of heavy mach- inery to the play area this was thought to be necessary as a safety measure.
The rear Center classrooms have been used throughout the year for school committee and school building committee meet- ings. The services of Mr. George Earle, custodian, have been in- valuable in making these meetings possible and comfortable. He has done a fine job keeping the schools warm in spite of inadequate heating facilities. During the spring months a baseball team was organized from the fifth and sixth grades. Several games were played with the Sunset Avenue school at Town Field.
At the close of school a very successful Field Day was con- ducted under the Center school P.T.A.
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL
School opened in September with the membership of 127 and increased to 130 by December 1.
The principal and teachers in this school as well as all the other schools are mindful of the need to be patient and sympa- thetic with children under their care. They know that they must be taught to live honorably and to think clearly in order to become desirable citizens of the community, state and nation. The teach- er's work seems to be three-fold: To see that pupils' work is well prepared, that pupils are taught dependability and happiness and that the health of each child receives careful consideration.
Teachers are grateful for the parents who have helped make their work pleasant.
We are mindful of the need for more audio-visual aid ma- terial in the school. The fund for this project is growing rapidly.
Some of the improvements made during the past year are: (1) Installation of a Sturtevant blow-type of heater for the dining
191
room in the basement. This gradually adds to the children's com- fort, (2) laying of a 11/2" water main from the curb to the build- ing. The purpose of this was to increase the inadequate water pres- sure. In order to further increase the pressure, the school commit- tee intends to completely renew the interior piping and install modern toilet fixtures. (3) Two new bubblers replace the two that were worn out, (4) lights were installed at the top of each stair- way leading to the basement. (5) the basement floors were painted with gray cement paint which adds to the attractiveness of both the dining room and the kitchen, (6) Some members of the Sun- set Avenue Parent Teachers' Association built a new storage closet to store surplus commodities furnished by the state office of the Community and School Lunch Program, (7) Surface water which seeped into the basement at the southwest corner was eliminated.
COCHESETT SCHOOL
A supervised play program was introduced and is now func- tioning under the direction of a committee of children chosen each month.
The interior of both classrooms was completely re-painted, new fluorescent lights were installed in the classroom on the first floor, repairs were made to the boiler, additional book storage space was built.
MATFIELD SCHOOL
When school opened in September the teachers and children were pleased to see the interior of the school completely re-painted in attractive pastel colors. Mr. Hagglund, custodian, built addi- tional shelves and provided more hooks on which to hang pupils' clothes.
A combination radio and record player was purchased by the Matfield school from money earned by the pupils with the assist- ance of the Parent Teachers' Association. This will be a great aid in teaching music appreciation as well as other subjects.
Extensive repairs were made to the heating system.
192
JERUSALEM SCHOOL
Improvements made to the building included: Interior com- pletely re-painted which greatly adds to its attractiveness and makes the building lighter; weather-stripping has been placed around the fire exit door.
THE RAYNHAM - WEST BRIDGEWATER TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
The Raynham - West Bridgewater Teachers' Association is presently in its sixth year of operation. It was immediately affili- ated with the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation. During the past year this association received its charter as an affiliation of the National Educational Association. As a result of these affiliations the teachers of Raynham and West Bridgewater are cognizant of educational developments at the local, state and national levels.
The objectives of the Raynham - West Bridgewater Teachers' Association are three-fold: (1) To promote the educational inter- ests of Raynham and West Bridgewater, (2) to promote coopera- tion and friendship among the teachers, (3) to further the profes- sional advancement of its members.
Meetings during the past year included the following: (1) A lecture by Professor Burlingame, of Wheaton College, on her trip to South America, (2) A farewell party to ex-Superintendent and Mrs. William Rodgers, (3) A discussion of educational policies by Superintendent Bert L. Merrill, (4) A discussion by Miss Jacqueline Killen, of the high school, and Mrs. Mary L. Horrigan, supervisor of remedial reading, of the proceedings at a remedial conference which they attended at Boston University.
The officers of the Raynham - West Bridgewater Teachers' Association were as follows: Roger G. Viens, President; Wilfred A. Nolan, Vice-President; Janice M. Rylander, Secretary; and, Loretta Murphy, Treasurer.
193
PARENT - TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
The several organizations have continued to work for the best interests of the children and the pupils throughout the year.
West Bridgewater High School Parent-Teachers' Association
Seven regular meetings as well as two joint meetings with the West Bridgewater Taxpayers' Association were held during the year. Several fine programs were enjoyed.
An open meeting was held in the Spring. Dr. George E. Gardner, executive director of the George Baker Guidance Center and outstanding in the field of Guidance, spoke. The town hall was filled to capacity. Another very interesting meeting was held at which time Mr. Roger Burrill, a member of the West Bridge- water School Building Committee, spoke on the progress of the new high school.
Mr. William Henry Moss, Miss Jacqueline Killen, Miss Janice Rylander, faculty members of Howard High School, spoke of the importance of English and how it is taught in grades 7-12, an im- itation of a radio skit was presented, a "question and answer" period followed.
The school committee and superintendent of schools were guests at the April meeting. Plans for holding high school classes in the Bridgewater Junior High School were discussed.
A reception for the superintendent of schools and teachers was held in September at the Bridgewater Junior High School. Several discussion groups each led by a member of the executive committee were formed. The discussion centered around the top- ic, "What Parents Expect of the Parent-Teachers' Association." Parents were afforded the opportunity of talking with teachers on educational matters.
194
A panel discussion on "School Affairs" was conducted in the Town Hall on November 13. Mr. Paul H. Lundgren, chairman of the school committee, spoke on "Duties of the School Committee." Mr. Bert Merrill, superintendent of schools, spoke similarly on the duties of the superintendent of schools in relation to education.
The association is one of many which sponsored a farewell party for the principal of the high school, Mr. Richard Grodin and Mrs. Grodin. This was held at the Unitarian Church. They were- presented a flag-draped cake and a purse of money. Mr. Ralph Frel- lick, Headmaster of Brockton High School, spoke briefly.
Other activities included the establishment of an educational scholarship, raising money for the purpose of starting a library in the proposed new West Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School, and a contribution toward the banquet given to the Howard High School girls' championship basketball team.
Center Parent-Teachers' Association
Because of the overwhelming response in attendance and to membership drives the organization has outgrown the classrooms and now meets regularly in the upper town hall.
One of the outstanding meetings of the year consisted of a music program which was held in the Fall under the direction of Mrs. Donald E. Hayward. Fifth and sixth grade pupils rendered several choral selections. Mrs. Hayward spoke on plans for music in the schools.
At the October meeting held in the Center School Mr. John Eldridge, chairman of the school building committee, spoke on the plans of the new West Bridgewater junior-senior high school and answered several questions regarding progress of the school.
A Field Day was held in June on the site of the proposed new junior-senior high school.
195
Sunset Avenue Parent-Teachers' Association
The parents should be highly commended for the establish- ment of a fine hot lunch program under the leadership of Mrs. Clifford Carlson. Money was raised by various means to equip completely a kitchen, purchase cooking utensils, dishes and silver- ware. A cook and two assistants are employed. Daily they prepare an excellent meal for the children at a nominal cost of twenty cents per pupil. Financing this program at such low cost would not be possible if it were not for surplus commodities supplied at no cost by the Community School Lunch Program. The effort and interest shown by the parents contributes greatly to the health and happiness of the children.
Some of the programs enjoyed were as follows: One evening's meeting, Mr. Robert McCarthy, President of the East Bridgewater Parent-Teachers' Association, spoke most interestingly, adding a few suggestions in the many ways the organization may raise funds. He also clarified many questions in regard to the organization, it- self. Mr. Henry J. Stevens, a visitor in this country from New Zealand, provided another fine evening, presenting in detail the comparison of the United States with the New Zealand mode of life.
Matfield School Parent-Teachers' Association
The hot lunch program was started December 4th, of this year, under the leadership of Mrs. Linwood Thompson. This was made possible by the fine cooperation of the Sunset Avenue Parent-Teachers' Association. Lunches are prepared in the Sunset Avenue school cafeteria, transported in sectional thermos jugs and served to the children. After completion of the meal any food left over and dirty dishes and silverware are returned to the Sunset Avenue School and washed. Money to defray expenses has been raised through careful planning and effort of the parents.
An album of musical records was purchased.
196
Jerusalem School Parent-Teachers' Association
Although this school does not participate in a hot lunch pro- gram financed by the community school lunch program, Miss Mary Nelson, principal and teacher, prepares and serves the chil- dren hot lunches during the winter months. Four parents donated a two-burner electric Universal hot plate for this purpose. Parents have also donated money with which to purchase food to com- plement the children's lunches.
The Parent-Teachers' Association purchased a new aluminum slide for the playground which is greatly enjoyed by the children at recess periods.
Our schools are as good as we make them. They need the help and active support of all parents, professional and business men. Will you help by taking an active interest in your schools? Better schools make a better community.
I wish to express my appreciation for the fine cooperation and support which I have received.
Respectfully submitted,
BERT L. MERRILL, Superintendent of Schools
197
ANNUAL REPORT HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is the annual report of the principal of Howard High School:
The year 1950 was a full chronological year during which the school operated on an emergency afternoon schedule. The impor- tant questions to be answered by this report are: (1) How well have our students done during this emergency period? (2) How well .have the problems of conducting the school under these condi- tions been solved? (3) Is the town meeting the educational needs of its youth?
Our students and our faculty have performed exceedingly well during this entire emergency period. Pupil morale is excellent, co- operation with the teachers, discipline throughout the school, ef- fectiveness of our student government, are all on a very high level. These matters can be judged by items such as the very high per- centage of attendance, about 97% for the year, infrequence of tardiness, and the sharp reduction in cases of truancy. They can also be judged by the enthusiastic spirit of participation in the school's co-curricular activities and by the success of these activi- ties. The junior class plays last year reached high standards of per- formance. The yearbook, under Mr. William Henry Moss' capable direction, was perhaps the best the school has yet produced. Our athletic squads have been larger in number than might be expected from schools of our enrollment. The success of our varsity teams has been noteworthy. Howard High had two undefeated and un- tied teams in 1950. The credit for these and other successful ac-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.