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 17
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Lillian M. Hewitt, R. N., Taun. 4-8864
North Main Street, Raynham Center
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Douglas Eaton 18 Central Square
Broc. 3410
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 1952 - 1953
Schools open Wednesday September 3. 1952
Columbus Day, Monday
October 13, 1952
Plymouth County Teachers' Convention, Friday
October 24, 1952
Armistice Day, Tuesday
November 11, 1952
Thanksgiving recess:
Schools close noon, Wednesday Schools reopen, Monday
November 26, 1952
December 1, 1952
Christmas Vacation:
December 23, 1952
Schools close noon, Tuesday Schools reopen, Monday
January 5, 1953
Winter Vacation:
Schools close, Friday
February 20, 1953
Schools reopen, Monday
March 2, 1953
Good Friday
April 3, 1953
Spring Vacation: Schools close, Friday Schools reopen, Monday
April 17, 1953
April 27, 1953
Schools close, Friday
June 19, 1953
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SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP - OCTOBER 1, 1951
SCHOOL
1
2
3
4
5
6
TOTAL
Center
61
30
32
37
37
36
233
Sunset Avenue
31
39
32
30
132
Cochesett
62
62
Matfield
30
30
Jerusalem
24
24
Total
92
84
94
76
69
66
481
7
8
9
10
11
12
Iligh School
78
72
56
32
36
36
310
Total - High and Elementary
791
CENSUS REPORT
Distribution of minors, October 1, 1951:
5 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER AND UNDER 7
7 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER AND UNDER 16
Boys
78
331
Girls
91
311
Total
169
642
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. Administration
1951 BUDGET $ 7,300.00
1951 SPENT $ 7,518.21
2. Instruction:
Salaries
99,332.00
93,950.81
Books and Supplies
7,200.00
6,382.36
3. Operations:
Janitors
5,300.00
5,163.98
Fuel
2,100.00
1,940.56
Miscellaneous
2,500.00
4,048.01
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4. Maintenance
2,800.00
4.249.65
5. High School Operations
7,250.00
4.799.93
6. Auxiliary Agencies:
Library
100.00
32.70
Health
1,955.00
1.963.48
Transportation
27,000.00
20,313.98
Tuition
2,500.00
2,906.68
Physical Education
500.00
. 7.62
Insurance
155.00
378.12
Miscellaneous
250.00
155.86
7. Vocational Education
3,050.00
6.155.66
Totals
$169,292.00
$156,967.61
Reimbursements 1951:
Chapter 70
$ 32,549.09
Household Arts-Voc.
1,305.01
Superintendent's Salary and Travel
2,537.20
Transportation
16,142.40
Tuition
1,258.24
State Wards
2,156.88
Smith-Hughes
109.64
Total Reimbursements
56,058.46
Total Expenditures
156,967.61
Net Operation Cost for 1951
$100,909.15
DIRECTORY OF TEACHERS
Teacher
School
Subject or Grade
Preparation
Peter J. Sperandio, A.B., Ed.M.
High
Geraldine Alfieri, B.S.
High
Elliott L. Hawkes, B.S.
High
Industrial Arts
Gorham State Teachers; B.U. Chandler Secretarial
Katherine H. Johnson
High
Commercial
Albert Kiernan, B.S.
High
Social Studies
Bridgewater Teachers; B.U.
Theresa Miller
High
Social Studies
Brockton Business U .; B.U.
William Henry Moss, B.S., M.A.
High
Head of Languages
University of Mass .; B.U.
Dwight Newell, B.S.
High
English, 7th-8th
Walter Pauli, B.S.
High
Coach, Sciences
Janice Rylander, A.B.
High
Languages
Boston University
Sarah B. Shukis, B.S., M.C.S.
High
Commercial
Arthur Tenney, B.S.
High
Mathematics
Evelyn H. Viens, B.S.
High
Home Economics
Framingham Teachers
Roger G. Viens, A.B., M.A. in Ed.
High
Sciences
Clark University; B.U.
William R. Virchow, A.B., M.A.
High
Eng., Ind. Arts, Soc. St.
Northeastern U .; Clark
Richard A. Belcher, B.S.
Center
Principal, Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers
Marguerite Shurtleff
Center
Grade 5
Keenc
Thelma Cook Emma Taylor
Center
Grade 4
Castine
Center
Grade 3
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
Principal, Guidance Mathematics
St. Anselm; Harvard Bridgewater Teachers
Drury; B.U. University of Indiana; B.U.
Boston University Keene; B.U.
100
'Teacher
School
Subject or Grade
Preparation
Sunset Ave.
Principal, Grade 4
Bridgewater Teachers
Sunset Ave. Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers
Sunset Ave.
Grade 5
Bridgewater Teachers
Sunset Ave.
Gradc 1
Framingham Teachers; Bridgewater
C. Lenore Blumberg Mary-Elinor Richard, B.A.
Cochesett
Grade 3
Cochesett
Grade 3
Concord Training School Mt. St. Mary; Seton Hill
Ellen T. Leavitt
Matfield
Grace 2
Castine
Mary Nelson, B.S.
Jerusalem
Grade 2
Bridgewater Teachers
Mary L. Horrigan, B.S.
All
Remedial
Bridgewater Teachers; B.U.
101
Marjorie E. Hayward, B. of Music All
Music Supervisor
N.E. Cons. of Music; B.U.
Elizabeth W. Nelson Harold Dunn, B.S. Anne O'Keefe Geneva Garvcy, B.S.
102
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
Another year under trying conditions has been completed, and for the first time since March 1949, when we lost the use of the building occupied by the Howard High School, we can look forward with certainty to new and adequate quarters, in the im- mediate future.
Due to the unceasing efforts of the Building Committee, the architect and the contractor, we have been given assurance that it will be ready for occupancy in time to move the Junior-Senior High School classes from the Bridgewater Junior High Building during our Spring vacation. It may also be possible at the same time to transfer some of the elementary pupils to the new Elementary Wing of the building.
A careful survey has been made by our Superintendent of Schools and the High School Principal to determine the allocation of classes in the new building and the assignment of instructors to assure maximum efficiency. As a result of this study, beginning with the September 1952 school year we shall operatc only the Sunset Avenue, and the rear building of the Center Elementary School, and the new building. It will then be unnecessary to use the front building of the Center School. However, we shall con- tinue to keep this building in repair to take care of an anticipated increased enrollment which may come in the near future. The out- lying schools, Matfield, Jerusalem and Cochesett, will be closed and we have recommended that they be disposed of by the town while they still possess some value.
The increased facilities of the new school will call for addi- tional instructors, custodians and other related expenses. It is
103
certainly the intent of the Committee, however, to use all of the features incorporated in the building-manual training, art, phys- ical education, guidance, domestic science and the cafeteria-but to do so with a minimum of additions to the present teaching staff.
Since the cost of operating the new building cannot be ac- curately determined until after it has been occupied for a year, the preparation of the 1952 Budget presented many problems. We can only estimate, for example, the cost of heating, lighting and cus- todial services.
In preparing our budget for the year, we held down every pos- sible item to a minimum, as our contribution toward a reduction in the tax rate. Happily there will be economies in the closing of the outlying schools, which will compensate to somc degree for the increased costs of operating the new building. This factor, plus a decrease in the transportation costs, and no salary increases, other than the regular increments, or any major maintenance items, per- mits us to submit a budget which will not reflect any increase over a year ago.
The Town has been particularly fortunate in having the serv- ices of able administrators in the School Department. Mr. Bert L. Merrill, our Superintendent, and Mr. Peter J. Sperandio, Principal of our High School, have not only performed their duties as ad- ministrators admirably, but have been of great assistance to the Building Committee as advisors. We are very happy to have the services of such capable men.
During the year there have been changes in our teaching staff, but we have been fortunate to secure excellent replacements, and we believe that the efficiency of our instructors remains at a high level. Proof of this lies in the good record of graduates attending colleges, likewise, the willingness of the State Department of Edu- cation to maintain our Class A rating in spite of our reduced sched- ules in the Junior-Senior High School.
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Your Committee wishes at this time to acknowledge publicly the excellent cooperation of all who have made it possible to main- tain a satisfactory school system under trying conditions. Particu- larly we direct these thanks to teachers of the Junior-Senior High School for the performance of their duties under difficult circum- stances. Likewise the Committee feels that the pupils have shown an unusual spirit of willingness to accept conditions as they were and give their best at all times.
Finally, we, the Committee, recognize the debt that the town owes to the good citizens of Bridgewater who have extended a neighborly hand when needed.
Respectfully submitted,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
JAMES A. KEHOE THOMAS F. KEMP HARRY RICHARDSON ERLAND W. THAYER LINWOOD THOMPSON WARREN A. TURNER
105
ANNUAL REPORT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the West Bridgewater School Committee,
I am pleased to submit my annual report of the West Bridge- water schools for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The schoolhouse symbolizes community cooperation. Each school has an obligation to recognize and develop the talents, in- terests and abilities of its young people. A broader scope of educa- tion requires a school to fit the needs of the community. The cit- izens of West Bridgewater may well look with pride to the new school which we hope to occupy this spring. It heralds the realiza- tion of better education for the present and for the future.
FACULTY CHANGES
High School
Mr. Richard Grodin, Principal of the Junior-Senior Iligh School was recalled by the armed services and granted a leave of absence. He was succeeded by Mr. Peter Sperandio, formerly Prin- cipal of the High School in Troy, New Hampshire. Mr. Sperandio has proven to be an able administrator and has won the respeet and admiration of both pupils and teachers.
Mr. Arthur Tenney was elected Teacher of Mathematics and coach of Baseball and Basketball, succeeding Mr. Francis X. Finigan who resigned to accept a position in Winchester.
Miss Jacqueline Killen, English teacher, resigned to accept a position with a traveling theater group. She was replaced by Mr. Dwight Newell.
Miss Geraldine Alfieri, formerly a fourth grade teacher, suc- ceeds Mr. Joseph R. Burgess, Jr., who resigned to accept a govern- ment position. Miss Alfieri teaches Junior High Mathematics.
106
Center School
Mr. Richard Belcher, Principal, was recalled to the service and granted a leave of absence. A successor has not yet been namcd. Meanwhile, Mrs. Marie Sullivan has been substituting as teacher of grade six and Mrs. Marguerite Shurtleff, teacher of the fifth gradc. has been appointed Acting Principal.
Mrs. Emma Taylor, formerly a teacher in the Brockton Schools was elected to succeed Miss Geraldine Alfieri as teacher of grade four.
Sunset Avenue
Mr. Edward F. Sweeney, sixth grade teacher, resigned to ac- cept a similar position in Norwood and was replaced by Mr. Harold Dunn. The latter was soon called back into the service, however, and was granted a leave of absence. Mr. Richard Johnson, a recent graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers College, is substituting for Mr. Dunn.
Jerusalem
Mr. Adelbert Goss, who was janitor for several years, resigned in October and Mr. Henry H. Hall was appointed to succeed him. Mr. Ilall subsequently resigned and was replaced by Mr. William Johnson.
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Extensive renovations and improvements were concentrated at Sunset Avenue and Center Schools, since it is planned to close Jerusalem. Cochesett and Matfield schools when the new building is ready for occupancy.
Sunset Avenue
The exterior was completely repainted after major repairs had been made. A section of one of the pillars at the front entrance was restored. Gutter and conductor pipes were repaired. The upper and lower halls and corridors, teacher's room, supply closet, boys' and girls' lavatorics, and the kitchen in the basement were painted.
107
Sections of the badly cracked concrete next to the building were removed and several loads of gravel were spread near the foundation. This has temporarily prevented bad leakage of surface water into the building. Further extensive repairs and improve- ments should be made.
Center School (rear)
It was necessary to build a new front entrance to the building and make repairs to the two rear entrances.
New cabinets and shelves have been built in the classrooms on the first floor.
Center School (front)
Cabinets and storage shelves were installed in both class- rooms. Considerable electric rewiring was done.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT
Methods and techniques in Education have undergouc con- stant changes. Teachers, more concerned with child growth and development than ever before, are seeking professional improve- ment through study, conventions and conferences, to cope with these trends. Colleges are cooperating by offering extension courscs, designed to meet the needs of these changing methods.
Your Superintendent is a Member of National Education As- sociation, American Association of School Administrators, South Shore Superintendents' Association and the Just-ten Club of Su- perintendents. Last February he attended the National Conven- tion of the American Association of School Administrators held at Atlantic City and submitted a written report of his attendance to the School Committee. He also regularly attends monthly mect- ings of the South Shore Superintendents' Association and the Just- ten Club.
The Chairman of the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools and High School Principal attended the annual Confer- ence of Educators and Businessmen held at Babson Institute. . 1
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feature of the conference was an address by Princess Lleana of the Netherlands. Leading educators and businessmen discussed what cducation can contribute to business and how business can coop- crate with the schools.
A Remedial Reading Conference was held at Harvard Univer- sity under the joint auspices of the National Association of Reme- dial Teachers and Harvard Teacher's Association. Reading consult- ants and experts in the field of reading contributed much valuable information. A group demonstration of remedial techniques was given. The Remedial Reading Teacher attended.
The annual convention of the Plymouth County Teachers As- sociation was held in Brockton as usual.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Two kinds of lunches are served children in the Elementary Schools. Type A lunch consists of a complete meal, and type C, milk only. The former is served at Sunset Avenue and Matfield Schools and the latter at Center, Cochesett and Jerusalem Schools. The program is sponsored by the School Department and is super- vised and approved by the Office of Community Lunch Programs. The Federal Government, through the State Department of Edu- cation, reimburses the town nine cents for each type A lunch served and two cents for each half pint bottle of milk. From our observa- tion. children's health has continually improved. Each day, hot lunches are served to over one hundred children and milk to over two hundred and seventy.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
Better understanding of the aims and accomplishments of our schools has resulted from an exchange of ideas between teachers and parents. The various organizations have actively participated in all school activities during the past year.
Center P.T.A.
This organization is composed of parents of children who at- tend the Center and Cochesett Schools.
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A drive to increase the membership was conducted last fall and the number of parents now totals two hundred and twenty-nine.
Halloween and Christmas parties were held.
A new phonograph and records were purchased and are prov- ing to be of great educational value.
Room representatives aided the teachers in giving various parties to the children. They also provided cars for the transporta- tion of pupils to places of interest. An enjoyable field trip to Ply- mouth was partly financed by the Association.
Prize money awarded to one of the third grades in Cochesett School was spent to purchase a View-master Stereoscope and six reels.
Sunset Avenue P.T.A.
The main project is co-sponsorship of the hot lunch program. Members have given considerable time and effort to make it a suc- cess. It is expected the program will be self-supporting financially.
Oil cloth was purchased for the tables and curtains for the windows in the lunch room.
Halloween. Thanksgiving and Christmas parties were held.
A chicken pie supper was served to nearly one hundred and fifty people. Proceeds from the supper were used to purchase new silver and dishes.
Matfield P.T.A.
Halloween, Christmas and Valentine parties were given the children.
A slide for the playground has been purchased.
110
Jerusalem P.T.A.
A musical play entitled, "The Shoemaker and the Elves," was presented at the Town Hall by the pupils, and sponsored by the P.T.A. Proceeds were used to take the children to Ringling Broth- ers Circus in Boston Garden.
A large unabridged dictionary has been donated to the library of the new high school.
Speakers at some of the meetings were Mr. Raleigh Holden, who explained the School Dental Clinic which is sponsored and financed by the West Bridgewater Lions Club; Mr. Parshley of the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Brockton; Police Chief, Douglas Eaton and Mrs. Mary L. Horrigan, Teacher of Remedial Reading in our schools.
West Bridgewater High P.T.A.
Many graduates will not attend college, but will seek ad- vanced learning in schools of nursing, business, the vocations, and trades. To one of these students the P.T.A. awards annually a one hundred dollar scholarship. This scholarship is given on the basis of merit, school record, character and need.
A concert was held to raise money for the purchase of a grand piano for the new high school. A second concert is being planned for this spring.
WEST BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
The teachers of West Bridgewater and Raynham have again affiliated with the Massachusetts Teachers Federation and the National Education Association. Publications and reports received from these two organizations have kept the teachers well informed of the educational developments in our state and nation. Many of the teachers have had the opportunity to attend conferences where current educational problems were discussed.
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The Association meets every two months during the school ycar. The objectives are: to promote educational interests; to pro- mote cooperation and friendship among teachers, and to further the professional advancement of the members. This association provides a means through which teachers may meet to promote their common aims.
During the past year, meetings included: (1) A talk by Howard Picrce, Juvenile Probation Officer; (2) A film trip to South Amer- ica; (3) An informative talk by State Representative Michael J. McCarthy on, "General Court Proceedures and Activities;" (4) The annual banquet and election of officers; (5) The Christmas Party.
Handbooks, publications and discussion pamphlets have been purchased and added to the professional library. These provide us with vital information relative to our profession.
Officers of the West Bridgewater-Raynham Teachers Associa- tion are as follows: Mary L. Horrigan, President; Walter Pauli, Vice- President; Geraldine Alfieri, Secretary; Loretta Murphy, Treasurer.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Sunset Avenue School:
(1) Resurface and make general improvements to the grounds.
(2) Install fluorescent lights throughout the building.
(3) Purchase and install movable desks and seats. This will pro- vide more flexibility for modern instructional procedures.
Center School:
(1) The playground should be graded and levelled to elim- inate present hazards. Landscaping would greatly improve the appearance of the building.
(2) To properly maintain the building, extensive repairs to window casings, gutter and conductor pipes, flashings and to the brick foundation. The exterior and interior of the building need repainting.
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(3) Purchase and install movable desks and seats.
(4) Lay new floors throughout the building.
(5) Install fluorescent lights.
(6) The present, inadequate heating system should be re- placed by a modern one.
The above recommendations refer to the rear building since the plan is to close the front building when the new school is oc- cupied. It is assumed the rear building will be used indefinitely as an Elementary School.
May I again express my appreciation for the fine cooperation and help you have given me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, BERT L. MERRILL Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I submit herewith my annual report as principal of the Howard High School.
During the year 1951, grades seven through twelve continued to operate on an emergency schedule. Under this type of program we cannot hope to accomplish as much as we could under normal conditions. There are so many good school practices which must of necessity be discontinued for the duration of the short after- noon sessions. The basic courses of study were maintained and the educational needs of our pupils were satisfied to a remarkable de- gree of efficiency. The graduates of the Howard High School have done very well in competition with graduates of other high schools whether it be in college, in the service of our country, or in the labor markets.
A course in General Mathematics for grades nine and ten was added to the program of studies. Formerly those pupils who wanted a course in General Mathematics were placed in the General Busi- ness Training class. We felt that the pupils who wanted General Mathematics and those who wanted General Business Training, should be in separate classes. This change has been very satisfactory and will be continued.
Our athletic teams have demonstrated their ability to win their share of games. More important than winning games was the -
114
spirit shown by our boys and girls regardless of the outcome of the games. Their sportsmanship in all their contests has been above re- proachi and we can be proud of them.
The school attendance record of grades seven through twelve was very good in spite of the type of school day under which we opcratc.
Our extracurricular activities, although restricted somewhat, have helped considerably in enriching the school program and in developing some of these qualities which are necessary in the mak- ing of good citizens.
At this writing, the best available information is that we shall be able to occupy our new building in the late spring. It will indeed be a valuable experience to be able to spend a few weeks in the new school building so that the pupils will be able to adjust them- selves to tlicir new environment before we start on our expanded program in September, 1952. It is our recommendation that we continue our program as it is for the remainder of this school year. It would be inadvisable to increase our offerings in the last few weeks of the school year since this would mean the addition of more teachers at that time.
The opportunities in the other fields such as art, music and physical education will add a great deal to the school life of our pupils. These will be included in the program of studies for the school year 1952-53.
We shall also have the use of a school library, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and a much needed guidance center. It is our observa- tion that a large number of pupils are merely attending school with no purposeful plans in mind. It is our aim to talk at least once with every pupil cach year concerning his or her program in school so that goals may be set up and courses of study may be selected with -tlicsc objectives in mind. If pupils could understand why they
115
should study certain subject areas, they could accomplish more than they do now.
We have set up the courses of study in a pamphlet with an explanatory paragraph following each subject heading so that the pupils would know what to expect in each. Then we asked the pupils to plan their school programs for four years with their choice of vocations in mind. It is our hope that this type of planning with goals in vicw will add meaning to their work. We do expect some changes from year to year with the changing of interests in the pupils, but allowances have been made to meet these changes.
We shall make available to the pupils all the materials, in- formation, and counseling possible so that the pupils can satisfy their fundamental life adjustment needs. It is our aim to provide a balanced program so that the proper attention may be given to home and civic life, to recreation, health, and personal interests, and to the development of understandings and attitudes that make the worker an intelligent participant in everyday life. It is the re- sponsibility of the school to meet the individual needs of youth so that they may deal effectively with the common problems of society. In order to help us attain these ends, the people of West Bridgewater have provided us with a truly magnificent school building to do the job. We, the faculty and pupils, arc indeed grateful.
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