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 11
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tivities should be given both to the willing and capable student body and to the splendid faculty advisors who carried on these ac- tivities despite the many deficiencies of time, place and facilities with which to work.
The problems of conducting the school under the conditions imposed by the emergency afternoon sessions have been solved with a fair degree of success. These problems consist of getting the pupils to and from school safely and of imparting the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to happy and useful citizenship. Transporting three hundred pupils ranging in ages from twelve to eighteen is always a problem. Returning them to their homes after dark and over busy highways can be hazardous. Because of the continued vigilance of our police department, this transportation has been accomplished safely and efficiently.
A school can only be measured in terms of how well it does what it sets out to do. Howard High School attempts to be a com- prehensive high school, offering first, preparation for useful citizen- ship, second, vocational training in commerce and in girls' house- hold arts, and third, preparation for advanced study of several types. Our students can be judged by means of objective tests and by their effectiveness on the job. The results of the Metropolitan Achievement Tests, administered to grades seven and eight last June show that our pupils tested well above the national averages in all phases of their instruction. Test batteries administered by Boston University last March revealed that our junior class scored at or above national norms. Our commercial department can judge itself in terms of the employability of its product. We have been able to consistently maintain a favorable position in the regional labor market because of the quality of the skills and attitudes taught here. Frequent educational visits to business institutions have enabled our students to overcome in part the disadvantages of lack of specialized business equipment. Our college preparatory students find that they are well prepared for advanced study. Each year our highest ranking students have won scholarships to the in-
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stitutions of their choice. Each year some students who have failed to achieve college certification marks in high school have been ad- mitted to college and have been able to perform average work. It is a task for both pupils and teachers to accomplish the year's work so successfully in three-fourths of the normal time allotment.
The accomplishments mentioned above are praiseworthy. The town is well justified in taking pride in them. The high school is not, however, meeting many of the needs of our youth, primarily because our emergency school day and the conditions of our emer- gency housing simply do not permit our doing so. Some of these needs will be met normally by the facilities of the new school building, others will not be reached until West Bridgewater's citizens examine their high school in terms of today's civilization. The modern high school incorporates in its offering many object- ives which were not a part of school life fifty or even twenty years ago.
How do we determine the needs of youth? We work back- ward from the life experiences of our citizens, from their success or failure in meeting their problems. From our knowledge of the civilization of today and of what it is likely to be tomorrow we work forward to determine what preparation will help our children best. Some of these things are obvious, and are even now a part of the offerings of all high schools. Our varsity athletic teams, due to Head Coach Walter Pauli's splendid skill, are good examples of technique, physical condition, and good sportsmanship. But our expanded squads do not offer physical development to all the pupils, nor do they offer training in those forms of recreation which are especially beneficial to rich, healthful adult life. These include volleyball, archery, hockey, skating, tennis, badminton, hiking, run- ning, bowling, and corrective exercises. We abandoned our art pro- gram after the fire, and at the present time are offering no organ- ized training in art in any of the six high school grades. Two hours a week voluntary chorus work, no matter how fine, in no way meets the needs of music appreciation, vocal, and instrumental music for
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three hundred boys and girls. The town cannot expect to perform the vital services of vocational and personal guidance without the services of a full-time guidance director. All of our children need activities rich in creative written and oral expression, not just the "varsity" who work on the yearbook or who participate in the essay contests.
It has been proven statistically that driver education in high schools is of tremendous value in reducing accidents and in reduc- ing the cost of our automobile insurance. Although Lucini Motors has generously offered to donate a vehicle for this purpose, our afternoon schedule has not yet enabled us to take advantage of this opportunity. In view of the present national emergency our State Department of Education urges that high schools include instruc- tion in first aid in their curricula. We have not yet met this need. Although the high school offers senior girls in the Practical Arts course of study a good course in home life, we have known for some time that we should be offering such instruction to all boys and girls in the schools.
Much of the great interest in the high school athletic activ- ities is due to the community service of the Howard High School Booster's Club. Since its inception in September, 1948, the club has been immeasurably helpful in the conduct of high school sports activities. I have asked the club to report to you their activities during the past two and one-half years.
The purpose of this report was to inform you of the progress your high school has made during the past year and to suggest what steps should be taken in the future. It is my belief that the school is operating about as well as it can under the circumstances and that its accomplishments during the past year are due to the efforts of a fine student body and a splendid faculty. Continuation of work of this calibre after the new building is completed will re- ward West Bridgewater with education that is truly fine in all respects.
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The past three years have been arduous, but rewarding in many ways. Many people and many organizations have been help- ful to the school and to me, personally. Serving the high school youth of West Bridgewater has been pleasurable because of the help and cooperation of the community. To all who have helped, I wish to express my gratitude for making our progress possible. Space does not permit me to mention all these kind citizens by name; I can only express here my heartfelt thanks.
Respectfully, RICHARD A. GRODIN, Principal
Commencement Exercises
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1950 Nunckatessett Canoe Club June fourteenth at eight o'clock CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer
David Thayer Marilyn Marzelli Ruth Sawyer Jean Willis
Motto: "God our guide, Democracy our pride." Class Colors: Maroon and Gold
PROGRAM
1. Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Claire Hambly and June Carlson
2. Invocation
Reverend Lloyde W. Lowe
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3. Music-Ave Verum
Class of 1950 Girls
4. Address-A Deeper Meaning for Patriotism Reverend Mark B. Strickland First Congregational Church, Manchester, N. H.
5. Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel David Thayer President of Class of 1950
6. Acceptance for School Anthony Zeuli President of Class of 1951
7. Piano Accordian Selection-Dark Eyes Carol Kohl
8. Presentation of Awards
9. Music-The Lord's Prayer Class of 1950 Girls
10. Presentation of Diplomas Mr. Paul H. Lundgren Chairman of School Committee
11. Class Song Nancy Rosnell and Ruth Sawyer Class of 1950
12. Benediction Reverend Lloyde W. Lowe
13. Recessional-Memories Claire Hambly
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GRADUATES
Howard Ralph Anderson George Alton Baker
Beatrice Ann Borges
Charles Stephen Bunker Joan Signe Caller Dorothy Eva Chaves
*Marjorie Eileen Cyr Phyllis Agnes Dillenschneider Charles Edwin Garfield Geraldine Avis Grippen Marilyn Grace Hodnett Richard Alan Johnson
*Carol Jean Kohl Jane Frances Leach
*Patricia Lucille Leighton Marjorie Ann Lundgren
Nancy Lorraine Lyseth *Marilyn Ann Marzelli Antoinette Marie Mazza Joan Frances Merchant June Wilma Metcalf Mildred Louise Noyes *Jean Marie Poirier Frank Chesley Rolfe Nancy Marie Rosnell Ruth Carol Sawyer Nancy Loraine Sherman David Warren Thayer
*Eleanor Ruth Turner Ella Mae Veronesi
*Jo Ann Ruth Welch *Jean Mildred Willis
*Honor Graduates
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Science-The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company
Marilyn Marzelli
Good Citizenship-Daughters of the American Revolution
Jean Willis
History-Sons of the American Revolution Eleanor Turner Loyalty and Achievement-The Balfour Company David Thayer The Class of 1949 Scholarship Eleanor Turner
The Kay Jewelry Scholarship Jean Willis
The West Bridgewater Taxpayers Association Charles Bunker
The Parent-Teachers Association Marjorie Cyr
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard
Marilyn Marzelli
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THE BOOSTERS' CLUB
The Boosters' Club came about when Earle C. Gifford ap- proached High School Principal Richard A. Grodin in 1948 to see if the school would accept help in the athletic program from a group of sportsminded townsmen. The purpose of this original group of eight men was to make the public conscious of the great need for athletic equipment of all kinds, and to stimulate support for the teams.
For a year and a half after the first meeting the club operated as an informal group, working with Mr. Grodin to achieve these purposes. In the Spring of 1950 it was decided to elect officers to direct the club activities. Elected were Earle C. Gifford, chairman, and Julian E. Lucini, secretary-treasurer.
Several goals have been achieved. In cooperation with the Board of Selectmen who petitioned the Legislature, permission was granted by the State to charge admission to Town Field. The town was induced to provide snow-fencing, which the Boosters' erected around the field, thus giving control of admissions. The American Legion was approached to provide funds from the Vet- erans' Memorial Fund to pay for materials for two sections of bleachers. This money was made available, and the Boosters, to- gether with the high school shop pupils and other interested townspeople furnished the labor for construction of the bleachers. Ticket booths were staffed by members of the club at all games. A number of banquets were held for various teams, both girls and boys. Sweaters and jackets were awarded. A refreshment booth was purchased and staffed. An enthusiastic football rally was held at the beginning of the 1950 season.
Funds were raised by prize drawings, sale of tags and buttons as well as by direct donation. The refreshment booth also provided a source of income.
The Boosters' Club at this time wishes to thank members of
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the Board of Selectmen, American Legion, School Committee, Police Department, Fire Department, Auxiliary Police Association, Parent-Teachers Associations, and all other townspeople who have assisted in this important program.
Respectfully submitted, THE BOOSTERS' CLUB
EARL C. GIFFORD, Chairman JULIAN E. LUCINI, Sec'y-Treas. WESTON ANDRE CLIFFORD E. BROMAN
CARLETON BROOKS
ARTHUR CHAVES
RICHARD A. GRODIN JOHN J. KENT JAMES A. KEHOE
GEORGE E. NOONAN NANDO PAGANI
HARRY J. POMEROY
WALTER SOUSA
WARREN A. TURNER RALPH HOWE
ANNUAL REPORT REMEDIAL TEACHER
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I hereby submit my annual report as remedial teacher in the schools of West Bridgewater.
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The goal of our remedial reading program is to aid every child with a reading disability to advance in reading skill and interest as rapidly as his abilities permit. During the last year, we have been successful in helping a great number of our children improve their reading performance. We have been able to discover more accu- rately and easily our reading levels of ability, diagnose the causes of reading difficulties, and make plans to correct these difficulties.
Insofar as possible, the remedial cases are handled by the class- room teacher. For very extreme cases of reading disabilities, ex- tensive analysis must be made and individual corrective exercises must be administered. Those pupils with special disabilities must get specialized help. This is where the remedial program in West Bridgewater plays a very important part.
The remedial reading class held every morning at the Center school is for those pupils who are in need of a daily intensive pro- gram. Improvement in reading can only begin from the level at which we find the child. Reading is a skill and we cannot go on to a higher level until the child has mastered the skills of the previous level. In the daily remedial class, it is much easier to start the child at his true reading level and carry him on from there. Here we have more time to eliminate poor habits and to help the child over- come the feeling of failure which very often accompanies a reading disability. Here, too, the pupil's needs, interests, and abilities are more carefully studied so that individual weaknesses can be cor- rected or lessened. At present there are fourteen pupils attending this daily class. After a year of intensive remedial reading instruc- tion, seven pupils have returned to their regular grades and three others are nearly up to their grade level.
Afternoons I visit the schools where there are pupils needing special attention. These pupils are grouped according to need, and special work, to overcome specific difficulties, is given to them. The classroom teacher carries on the work during daily reading periods and gives special assistance whenever possible. Every group of chil-
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dren being helped in this way, is at present showing favorable improvement.
At various intervals, reading analyses are administered to dis- cover levels of ability and to determine specific disabilities. These analyses include standardized materials and teacher made tests. From these tests much information is gained that proves valuable to both teacher and child.
During the year 1950, I have attended the Remedial Reading Teachers' Conference and the New England Reading Conference where the subject of reading was discussed by noted educators. I have visited the reading clinic in Boston where I observed pupils at work and studied the methods and materials used. This I have done in order to be better able to help our pupils.
Special devices, games and activities necessary for the correc- tion of the various reading disabilities are being used constantly. Library books are borrowed as a further aid to independent read- ing. Opportunity is given to each pupil for much reading from basal readers, supplementary readers, workbooks, charts, and specially- prepared teacher-made material.
The remedial reading program has been described to parents and others by having the remedial teacher tell about it at Parent- Teacher Association meetings and club groups in West Bridge- water. Questions which followed the talks proved that parents were interested and grateful for this service.
The following shows the result of one year's intensive remed- ial instruction given to a group of pupils.
Number of Pupils 2
Reading Level at Start
Reading Level December, 1950
second reader
grade 4
1
first reader
grade 3
7
primer
grade 3
10
primer
grade 2
primer
grade 1
1 1
pre-reading grade 1
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped make our remedial reading program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. HORRIGAN, Remedial Teacher
ANNUAL REPORT MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill, Superintendent of Schools, West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Since writing my report of last January certain aims have been developed while others are in an embryo stage.
One of the aims was to have an adequate record library. At present this would be confined to the first six grades. At this point the library contains three albums: Tschaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," Prokovieff's "Peter and The Wolf," "Rusty in Orchestra- ville," and a single record, "Tubby The Tuba." These latter three records emphasized the instruments of the orchestra. The record companies are now making pre-tested and age-grouped recordings which are definitely of educational value. Additions to the library will continue with this in view.
In March, each class in the Center school from the fourth grade through the sixth stressed the instrumental side of music. Bulletin boards were devoted to this theme, pictures of instru- ments were brought in by the children, and some of the classes made exceptionally fine notebooks on this subject under the direc-
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tion of their class teachers. This was the groundwork for an instru- mental program that began in September.
As soon as the Fall session started, letters were sent to the parents of children in all the fourth, fifth and sixth grades in re- gard to an instrumental program with the ultimate aim of build- ing a school orchestra. The results have been of worth. By the end of this year there will be a school orchestra with the pupils from these grades.
For the most part, the vocal books used in these grades are older publications. They are fine books but so are some of the newest publications. As sets need to be replenished, or classes changed, it is to be hoped that the new books may be used. This has been accomplished in Miss Nelson's second grade and plans have been made to continue this through the other second grades.
Through the generosity of the Sunset Avenue Parent-Teach- ers Association and the kindness of Mr. Winthrop Jackson, instruc- tor of social sciences in the high school, the Sunset Avenue and Center schools were able to have some audio-visual work. A for- eign film of the Vienna Choir Boys was shown. Until there are facilities and equipment, this side of music education will have to be neglected.
Due to the fact that there is neither time nor place for music in the junior or senior high school, this must be neglected with the exception of a group of junior high school students who have formed a Glee Club and rehearse once a week at the town hall. At Christmas this group sang for their classmates at Howard High School.
The townspeople have been more than generous in sponsor- ing music in the schools. Three pianos have been given and are be- ing fully enjoyed. To help out on the instrumental program, a saxa- phone, a clarinet and a violin were given to be used by the students.
All of the pianos in the grades were badly in need of tuning. This has been remedied and is much appreciated by all.
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The Sunset Avenue Parent-Teachers Association purchased a rccord-player, radio and wire-recorder for their school. Two other small record-players and radios were bought; one for the Center school and one for Cochesett. A record-player was given to the Sunset Avenue School for use in the first grade.
I have appreciated very much the full cooperation given by the school committee and the teachers within the school system.
Respectfully submitted, MARJORIE E. HAYWARD, Supervisor of Music
ANNUAL REPORT SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Bert L. Merrill, Superintendent of Schools, West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Herewith is a summary of my activities as school nurse.
November 1, 1950 your nurse attended the state-wide meet- ing of Massachusetts Committee of the Mid-Century White House Conference held in Boston. Listening to Governor Dever and other well-qualificd representative agents for Children and Youth Wel- farc, Dr. Linden Snedeker, assistant administrator at the Children's Medical Center and chairman of Health Service, suggested “Stream- lining the School Health Service throughout the state by eliminat- ing the present requirements of an annual physical examination for cach school child, recommending less frequent but more thor- ough school cxaminations." Every phase of child development was discussed, including delinquency. A number of these speakers went
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to Washington as delegates to the White House Conference. In due time we will hear results of the White House Conference.
Many towns have adopted the plan of examining grades 1, 5 and 10 with parent present if possible. A similar program, no doubt, will be adopted here; especially will there be a change when the law becomes effective requiring towns to organize Health Units. (Chapter 662, Acts 1949.) Each town will be represented to develop and finance these units. A total of 26 units is planned.
A major problem concerning the distant areas where children must attend school, is taking children home when suddenly ill. The second phase is where shall the child be sent in the absence of the parent and the door is locked? This does occur too often.
Hot lunch is another problem which has been worked out at the Sunset Avenue School where an average of 80-90 meals per day are served; rapidly spreading to Matfield school serving 30 others. An accomplishment indeed, with guaranteed nourishment unexcelled.
Lunches at Jerusalem school are cared for duly. The Center school just hasn't the facilities. Who knows, some ingenious per- son may surprise us with a workable plan serving hot soup during cold weather.
Physical examinations have been completed up to the seventh grade. Students entering competitive athletic games at Howard High School passed their physical examinations. Since afternoon sessions, more time is needed to complete the health examinations.
A total of 75 notices were sent to parents of children having defective tonsils. Other defects were: 25 for carious teeth, 3 with asthma, 6 with heart murmurs, 4 with defective hearing, 6 with de- fective vision and 3 with belphritis.
Accomplishments: 15 had tonsils removed. 3 had a specialist remove tonsils because of defective hearing. 5 were fitted to eye- glasses, 115 received dental care at the dental clinic-total cost
-
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was $468, $112 cash received. $400 appropriated by the town and the Lions' Club contributed a substantial amount.
The Guidance Clinic has been referred to many times to help adjust children. 4 children made regular visits. 3 have been dis- charged. 3 had psychiatric examinations at the clinic. Numerous cases of whooping-cough were reported, asthma and other allergic disturbances caused absences from four to six weeks. Reported were: 31 cases of mumps, 63 cases of measles, 12 cases of chicken pox and 2 had pedeculi. First aid treatment has been given promptly followed by doctor's services when necessary. Numerous contacts were made for the teachers through home visits. Cases were referred to hospital clinics and private physicians with good results. Five children contacts of tuberculosis were chest x-rayed at the Plymouth County Hospital.
Board of Health Toxoid Clinic-45 booster doses were given. 20 completed, 3 doses each. 6 incompleted, a total of 117 injections.
Well Child Conference was held four days in May. 67 ap- pointments made. 62 were examined. 22 entering school. 48 fam- ilies represented. Major medical defects found 18, 26 needed dental carc, all pre-school children.
In closing I wish to thank the Lions' Club, Salvation Army and Junior Red Cross for contributions, teachers and parents for their cooperation making 1950 a successful year.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R. N. School Nurse
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Report of the West Bridgewater-Raynham School Union No. 61
The annual meeting of the Union Committee of the West Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendency Union #61 was held in the Raynham Center School on April 4, 1950. All members were present. The following officers were elected: Mr. Erland W. Thayer, West Bridgewater, chairman and Mr. George F. Bellamy, Jr., Raynham, secretary.
Mr. William Rodgers was re-elected Superintendent for the two towns. Also re-elected were: Mrs. M. Frances Packard as the superintendent's secretary and Mrs. Lilliam M. Hewitt as school nurse.
A special meeting of the committee was held on September 3, 1950 to discuss the resignation of Mr. William Rodgers as Super- intendent of the Union.
Three meetings were held on September 11, 14 and 15, 1950 to interview a portion of the forty applicants for the Superintend- ency. Mr. Bert L. Merrill, of Mansfield, was unanimously elected as Superintendent of Union #61.
Respectfully submitted,
West Bridgewater-Raynham School Committee Union #61 ERLAND W. THAYER, Chairman THOMAS F. KEMP PAUL H. LUNDGREN ROBERT S. ARCHER MRS. LAURA BEARSE GEORGE F. BELLAMY, JR.
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1951
EWATER
R
4. WEST
MASS.
1656
MM
16 1822
ORPORATED FEB
217
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Many factors have contributed to make the burden of the West Bridgewater Taxpayer heavy in 1951. The voters' decision to adequately house the school population within the confines of the Town has resulted in a substantial increase in the tax rate. Nationwide elevation of living costs and added work have com- bined to make salary increases advisable in many cases. This means a further increase in the tax rate to which must be added an in- crease of approximately $32,000.00 in the operation of schools.
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