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 18
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I wish to thank all those who have been so helpful in assisting me to perform the duties of my office. It has been a pleasure to work with the School Committee and you, Mr. Merrill. My work with the School Building Committee has been very interesting and will be rewarding in many ways when we occupy the new building. I must also single out the Boosters' Club which gave me a tremen- dous lift and shouldered many responsibilities which made my work much easier. To them I can only say "Thank you again."
Respectfully submitted,
PETER J. SPERANDIO
Principal
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Commencement Exercises
HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1951 Horace Mann Auditorium Bridgewater, Massachusetts June thirteenth at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President Anthony Zeuli
Vice-President
Barbara Asack
Secretary Ruth Martin
Treasurer Frederick Gummow
Motto: "In cvery thing, one must consider the end." Colors: Maroon and White
PROGRAM
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
June Carlson and Carol Poole (audience please remain seated)
Invocation
Reverend Francis Shea
Music-Green Cathedral Kahn
Glorious Forever Rachmaninoff
Class of 1951 Girls
Address-Understanding Ourselves Dr. Charles Havice Dean and Sociologist, Northeastern University
Violin Concerto, No. 4 Allegro (First Movement) Mozart Beverly Ensher
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel
Anthony Zeuli President, Class of 1951
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Acceptance for the School Robert Leighton President, Class of 1952
Piano Duet-Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 Lisz-Brendel Claire Hambly and Ruth Martin
Presentation of Awards
Trumpet Solo-Goodbye Elizabeth Leach
Tosti
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. James A. Kehoe Chairman, School Committee
Class Song Claire Hambly and Ruth Martin Class of 1951
Benediction
Reverend Francis Shea
Recessional-Memories Kahn
June Carlson
AWARDS
Science-The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Mr. Roger Viens
Good Citizenship-Daughters of the American Revolution Mrs. John Shukis
History-Sons of the American Revolution Mr. Winthrop Jackson
Loyalty and Achievement-The Balfour Company Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools
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The Class of 1950 Scholarship Mr. Peter J. Sperandio
The West Bridgewater Taxpayers Association Scholarship Mr. George E. Noonan Chairman, Scholarship Committee
The Parent-Teachers Association Scholarship Mrs. L. Merrill Caswell President of the Association
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Mr. James A. Kehoe Chairman, School Committee
GRADUATES
Judith Esther Ahlborg
David E. Johnson
Barbara Louise Asack
Dorothy Johnson
Barbara Lillian Bailcy
Oscar Sanford Johnson
Barbara Louise Bakcr
Barbara H. Keith
Edward Francis Burke, Jr.
Orvis Franklin Kinney
Lee A. Caswell
Henry Francis Lawson
*Albertina Adeline Cavacas Amos E. Chaves
*Elizabeth Leach Thomas J. Luciano
Mary Catherine Cochran
*Neil Ralph Manzer
Roger A. Coelho
*Ruth Eleanor Martin William R. May, Jr. Eldon Francis Morcira
Faith Rosamond Cummings
Grace C. Moses
James C. Perkins
*Beverly Claudia Ensher Mary Agnes Franz Charles S. Grippen
Ralph E. Sherman
Robert L. Grippen
Joseph Souza
Frederick A. Gummow
John Francis Sullivan
Clairc Louise Hambly
*Ronald Arthur Swanson
Nancy Ellen Hemenway
* Anthony A. Zeuli
Norman Lawrence Cogswell
Geraldinc B. Couite
Joyce S. Pilla
* Honor Graduates
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ANNUAL REPORT REMEDIAL TEACHER
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I hereby submit my annual report as remedial teacher in the schools of West Bridgewater.
During the past year, the goal of our remedial reading program has been the same as that of the previous year; namely, to help every child with a reading disability to advance in reading skill and interest as rapidly as his abilities permit. Conscientious effort to give help to all those who have reading disabilities has invari- ably produced good results. Even though, in many cases great prog- ress has been made, there is nothing miraculous about remedial reading. There are cases, of course, where progress has not come up to our hopes. We cannot, for certain, guarantee results but we can give the child hope that he can become a better reader.
None of us has ever given up as helpless any reading disability case. It is the rare student who is by nature a reading failure. We have learned that a child of normal ability, who has reading dis- ability, is a disturbed child. Not infrequently a child with a fairly high intelligence has failed to develop reading power.
We have tried to be as thorough as possible in our search of the causes of reading disabilities. All of us realize that failure in reading is a great handicap to the individual. Reading skill is es- sential for success at every school level. Adjustment to modern living demands spced and comprehension in reading. The causes
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of reading failures are numerous and varied. There are physical causes as: poor vision, inability to hear well, malnutrition, and lack of proper rest and sleep. Also more and more we are aware of the effect of emotional disturbances on learning to read. Insecurity in the home and unhappiness in school experiences can often cause lack of progress in reading. Careful analysis of difficulties and ap- propriate procedures to remedy them are necessary if our children are to gain in reading strength.
There are those children with special reading disabilities who need special help which cannot be given successfully in the regular classroom. For these pupils, a class is held every morning at the Center School. These children receive daily periods of special help. We have found that concentrated work with these children is much more beneficial than widely scattered periods during the week. With these pupils, the teacher seeks to discover or determine all the causes of reading difficulties. Often by the time a child gets remedial help, the initial cause of the reading failure is still there, plus many contributing causes which have developed. By careful analysis, the level of reading ability is determined through stand- ardized tests as well as informal tests.
Remedial work is started in this class on the level where the child is, rather than where he ought to be. This is very important, because in having a child try to read more difficult material than hc is able to read with ease, is very apt to harm, not help. A remc- dial program should introduce the child to materials which satisfy both his intellectual and cmotional needs. To remedy a child's weakness in reading may involve learning the skill for the first time. It may be necessary, also, to eliminate poor habits which the child has acquired. Our aim is to scc that the majority become good readers through proper instructional materials and methods.
To learn of the value of remedial work, one needs only to visit our classrooms. Eight pupils, who were in the daily remedial class in January 1951, arc working now with a group in their reg-
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ular elass. Three of those pupils are in the fifth grade and are work- ing with the top group. The others are in the fourth and sixth grades and are working very well in the regular class and making daily progress. Every child has become confident that he can suc- ceed because he has now mastered many of the skills necessary for success. Certainly he is a happier child and he is kept that way by earcful guidance from his room teacher who is intensely interested in his progress. A visit to our schools will show you the various reading levels and what the teacher is doing to guide the needs of individuals in the group. I am grateful to these teachers who take such an interest in these children after they are dismissed from the remedial class. Without their constant guidance and interest, help for our pupils would not be so great.
Afternoon visits were made to the various schools in town to help those pupils who needed extra attention. Usually a group was taken so that some specific difficulty could be overcome. Testing was often done so that the teacher could determine accurately a child's difficulty or his reading ability. Then, too, group demonstra- tions were given of remedial techniques. These pupils received the special assistance which they necded.
In May and June the California Tests of Mental Maturity and the California Achievement Tests were given to two hundred and fifty pupils in grades two, four, six and eight. The Mental Maturity Tests measured the abilities, aptitude and skills and the Battery Achievement Test was used to measure accurately and objectively the pupils achievement in reading, arithmetic, and language. These tests proved helpful. They gave us a picture of the child's achieve- ment and they also provided a basis for planning a remedial in- struetion program. The results of these tests showed that the ma- jority of pupils in West Bridgewater had reached the desired grade placements and measured up to expected achievement levels. For those pupils who fell below a desirable standard, remedial action was taken.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped make our remedial program a success. I have appreci- ated very much the full cooperation given by all interested in this work.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY L. HORRIGAN Remedial Teacher
THE BOOSTERS' CLUB
The activities of the Boosters' Club continued during 1951 in much the same manner as in previous years-sponsoring and fos- tering the various athletic events.
Teen-age dances were conducted with no charge for admis- sion because of a lack of social activity between sport seasons. Re- freshments were provided, and a dance orchestra was furnished without charge by the Brockton Musicians Union.
The ticket booth in the Town Field was repaired and painted by the High School shop students, materials being paid for by the Boosters.
At the beginning of the football season, a rally with parade and bonfire was held.
The ticket and refreshment booths were staffed by Boosters' Club members during all home football games. Free soft drinks were provided for all game officials and visiting team personnel to foster better sportsmanship and goodwill.
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With proceeds obtained from the sale of refreshments at home football games, the club was able again to provide a post season banquet for team members and cheerleaders.
The Boosters' Club again wishes to thank all who cooperated to make this program possible. The Club plans to continue its program in the future as it has in the past.
Respectfully submitted,
THE BOOSTERS' CLUB
EARLE C. GIFFORD, Chairman JULIAN A. LUCINI, Sec'y-Treas. WESTON ANDRE CLIFFORD E. BROMAN
CARLETON BROOKS ARTHUR CHAVES JOHN J. KENT
JAMES A. KEHOE
NANDO PAGANI
GEORGE E. NOONAN
HARRY J. POMEROY
WALTER SOUSA WARREN A. TURNER
RALPH HOWE FOREST CHADWICK PETER SPERANDIO
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts Dear Mr. Merrill:
In my report for this year, I feel that I can say, definite progress
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has been made, although my work includes only the first six grades plus one period a week for Junior High School Glce Club.
Last January new books were purchased for all the second grades, thus eliminating books which had been published in 1929. As it was necessary to have music books for the extra third grade, the new set of books was continued through this grade in September.
An addition to the record library for these elementary grades consisted of an album of march records by Paul Lavalle's Band of America, and "Sparky's Music Mix-Up."
The Junior High School Glee Club made its first public ap- pearance in May. The West Bridgewater Grange, for whom the Glee Club performed, was very kind in its reception. The kindness cxtended even further, and included the presentation of a trombone.
In September, another violin was given. To date, this brings the total to five school owned instruments.
Rehearsals for the school orchestra began last March. This was a new venture in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Instru- mental lessons had been started the previous October with this in view. There were thirteen members in this group. At the present time there are nineteen children in these three grades who are studying some orchestral instrument other than the piano.
All concerned in my work have been most cooperative.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE E. HAYWARD
Supervisor of Music
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SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Classroom experiences associated with healthful living is a most effective avenue of teaching Health in the Schools. Your teachers are always alert to the health and well being of every child and correlate alert Health with other subjects. Children should enter school clean each day having had plenty of sleep and a good breakfast.
Quoting the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Law, "A child may not return to school after exposure to or illness with a communicable disease unless he brings a certificate from the local Board of Health or School Physician. Certificates from the family physician are not legal unless the Board of Health des- ignates private physicians as agents to issue such certificates." This law has been adopted in West Bridgewater.
At the diphtheria clinic held in the Town Hall, April 4, May 5, 22, one hundred and seventy-two booster doses were given. Twenty-two children completed their first immunization.
A Dental clinic sponsored by the Lions Club made this serv- ice available to school children. Dr. Lewis Fuller conducted this clinic at his office on Howard Street. Two hundred fifty-six chil- dren were treated. Three hundred and thirteen notices were sent home indicating defective teeth. One hundred sixty-two were listed as good. A "Long term dental program is specified today meaning Fluoridation of our water supply." A hope of improvement of Dental Health in Children.
Under the direction of the Board of Health a Well Child Con- ference was held July 9, 10, and 11. Since the Department of Pub-
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lic Health was unable to assist as in former years, we secured the services of Dr. Frances Englee of Rockland, Massachusetts. Thirty- one pupils were cxamined. Fifteen entered school in September. Appointments were made by Mrs. Joseph Kline. Others assisting at the clinic were Mrs. John Howard and Miss June Metcalf. Fol- low up work has been done and defects corrected where necessary. Two children had their tonsils removed before entering school.
Five children are under the care of the Clinic for Crippled Children.
Five had chest x-rays at the County Hospital. Results were negative.
Twenty had tonsils removed this year.
A pure tone audiometer was loaned and used in testing ears. Over two hundred children received individual tests, especially those entering school.
Three with some hearing loss have been treated.
Three attended speech clinics which require patience and prac- tice by all concerned.
A total of seventy-three students were examined by the Doc- tor for competitive athletic games. This included blood pressure, heart, throat, nose, ears, posture and feet. The physical condition of this group was excellent.
Of the ninety-seven children entering the first gradc, Dr. Calitri found eighteen needing remedial medical attention of nose and throat. Two had rickets. Two had defective speech and two had heart murmurs. All were duly vaccinated. None seemed to have diseased eyes or ears. Vision was tested and after follow-up calls, glasses were secured for the needy. Ears were tested with the pure tone audiometer. There was a mild epidemic of measles and eight cases reported.
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Many absences were reported by the teachers and at their re- quest the various homes were contacted.
The school doctor completed physical examinations with the exception of a few High School pupils. Notices were sent indicat- ing defects and subsequently contacts were made with parents with suggestions for remedial care.
When we think of the New School we dream of the con- veniences and will forget how we struggled to accomplish our work these past years.
In closing I want to thank the Lions Club, Salvation Army, Junior Red Cross and teachers who made it possible to help build sound minds and healthy bodies.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN W. HEWITT School Nurse
Report of the
West Bridgewater-Raynham School Union No. 61
A special meeting of the Union Committee of the West Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendency Union #61 was held in the Raynham Center School on March 26, 1951 to discuss the resigna- tion of Mrs. Frances Packard, Union Secretary. Her resignation was accepted as of March 30, 1951. Miss Barbara Brown of West Bridgewater was then elected as the new Union Secretary.
The Annual meeting of the Union Committee was held on April 11, 1951 at Raynham Center School. All members were pres- ent. Mr. Erland W. Thayer was re-elected Chairman and Mr. George F. Bellamy was re-elected Secretary.
Mr. Bert L. Merrill who has served as Superintendent of
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Union #61 since his election on September 15, 1951 was re-elected. Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, as school nurse also we re-elected.
A full report of the past year's educational activities was made by Mr. Merrill and accepted by the Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
WEST BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE UNION #61
ERLAND W. THAYER, Chairman JAMES A. KEHOE THOMAS F. KEMP ROBERT S. ARCHER GEORGE F. BELLAMY, JR. RALPH MOYE
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
OF THE TOWN OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER
FOR THE YEAR 1951
DGEWATER
WEST
MASS.
1656
INCORPORATED FEB 16. 1822 VIDA
DORR'S PRINT SHOP BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS
131
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The year 1951 was a difficult period. It called for faith, courage and determination. We met our obligations in the true demo- cratic manner.
We now enter the year 1952 in a strong financial condition.
In the examination of Departmental Budgets, we have recom- mended only those increases which were carefully justified.
Once again it is the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee that careful, accurate records be kept by all Department Heads. Some Departments have followed our earlier suggestions with good results; but in others, much inefficiency still exists be- cause of poor planning and recording. We feel that all Town prop- erty, large and small, should be carefully inventoried. We strongly urge that the Selectmen give this matter their full consideration.
The Survey policy inaugurated in 1949 has been continued through 1951 and more ground will be covered in 1952. Completed surveys include: Fire Department and Insurance Account. The Street Light Survey is being continued by a separate committee. The Highway Survey is nearing completion and a report will be published during the year.
The most important job before the Town in 1952 is the crea- tion of effective Building and Zoning Laws. Every cooperation should be shown this committee.
The net amount of money to be raised for the year's opera- tion is less than in 1951. This is due to increased returns to the Town in 1951 and to greater anticipated receipts in 1952. The limited increases in Department Accounts have also been a factor.
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If the recommendations of the Finance Committee are to :- lowed. a Tax Rate of $52.00 is anticipated.
JOHN C. ELDRIDGE, Chairman NANDO A. PAGANI, Secretary HENRY J. POMEROY, SR. JOSEPH SHARCUNAS FRANK X. BURQUE JOHN A. HOWE FRANK SANBORN
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FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON WARRANT ARTICLES
Article 1. To choose Town officers for the ensuing year not elected on the Official Ballot.
Article 2. To hear the reports of all Town Officers and Com- mittees and act thereon.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1952, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accord- ance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint one of their members to the office of Agent for Veterans' Services.
Article 5. To raise such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the Town charges for the ensuing year, and to make ap- propriations for the same.
Article 5. See Finance Committee Report.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 6. The Finance Committee recommends the appro- priation of $1000.00 to be used with any sum alloted there-to by State and County.
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Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate, or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 New Construction, or take any action rel- ative thereto.
Article 7. The Finance Committee recommends the appro- priation of $10,800.00 to be used with any sum alloted there-to by State and County.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $100.00 for the use of Plymouth County Trus- tees for County Aid to Agriculture (Plymouth County Extension Service) and choose a Town Director as provided in Section 41 and 42 of Revised Chapter 128 of the General Laws, and act thereon.
Article 8. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, in his discretion, but with the written approval of the Board of Selectmen, or a majority thereof, to sell any land acquired by the Town through foreclosure of a tax title and to execute and deliver in the name and behalf of the Town all deeds necessary to effectuate any such sale.
Article 9. The Finance Committee approves this authori- zation.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Contributory Retirement.
Article 10. The Finance Committee recommends that the sum of $1634.00 be raised and appropriated for this purpose to be used along with a balance remaining in the account.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro-
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priate the sum of $1,200.00 for physical training, athletics, sports, equipment, etc.
Article 11. The Finance Committee recommends this ap- propriation.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $400.00 for a Dental Clinic.
Article 12. The Finance Committee approves this appro- priation.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money to be used for the payment of Water Bonds and Interest.
Article 13. The Finance Committee recommends the ap- propriation of $20,005.00 from Water Revenue.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $1,500.00 to be used with the old truck, for the purchase of a new truck for the Water Department.
Article 14. The Finance Committee recommends that this appropriation be from Water Department Surplus.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $150.00 to open a right of way across land owned by the Town at the Water Pumping Station, to furnish access to land beyond owned by other persons.
Article 15. The Finance Committee approves this appro- priation.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $1,442.05, the balance in the Ash Street New Water Mains Ac- count, to the new Meter and Repair Account.
Article 16. The Finance Committee approves this transfer.
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Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $1,000.00 for the new Meter and Repair Account.
Article 17. The Finance Committee recommends that this appropriation be from Water Surplus.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,414.00 to cover the cost of pruning and de- stroying all existing dead wood in the town elms.
Article 18. The Finance Committee approves this appro- priation.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate or transfer from available funds in the Treasury, the sum of $71,960.00 to pay Bonds and Interest on the School Construction Loan.
Article 19. The Finance Committee approves this appro- priation.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $4.10, to pay a 1951 bill of the Brockton Enter- prise-Times.
Article 20. The Finance Committee approves this appro- priation.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose of the following school property when they are no longer of use to the School Department: Cochesett, Matfield and Jerusalem schools.
Article 21. The Finance Committee does not recommend authorization at this time.
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