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 26
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P. T. A. ACTIVITIES
Howard High:
A beautiful Grand Piano was purchased for the auditorium in the new school.
A ten volume set of Popular Science Encyclopedias was bought for the new school library.
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A $100.00 scholarship was again awarded to the senior further- ing her education in a school other than a college or university.
A splendid concert was held in the auditorium for the benefit of the piano fund. Piano selections were rendered by Kenneth Man- zer. Miss Phyllis Ensher played selections on the Harp.
An illustrated lecture on his recent trip abroad was given by Dr. James A. Davidson.
The organization is sponsoring a Youth Center for Jr .- Sr. High School students. The response of the pupils is encouraging. Some groups and clubs include radio and electronics, Junior Sportsman and Gunnery, and Social and Square Dancing. Other clubs will be formed as the program gets under way.
Sunset Avenue:
The association has been most helpful to the school. Parents and teachers have cooperated at all times for the common good of the children.
Several new benches have been provided for the lunchroom and new coverings have been purchased for the tables.
Several steel bicycle racks were made and given to the new school.
Many parties were arranged throughout the year.
Center School:
The Center P.T.A. has kept the home and school in constant touch with each other by various activities and donations.
A complete set of Comptons Encyclopedias and movable stand was purchased for the new school.
It is well-known that the use of audio-visual devices in the classroom are a powerful means toward achieving our major pur- pose, namely; good teaching. A film strip projector and a record
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player were purchased, and supplement classroom instruction. These are greatly appreciated by both teachers and pupils.
All sixth grade pupils enjoyed a trip to the "Science Fair," spon- sored by the P.T.A.
The annual Field Day was again held at the town park and was greatly enjoyed by all pupils.
CONVENTION-CONFERENCES
Your Superintendent is a member of the American Associa- tion of School Administrators; the South Shore Superintendents' Association, the New England School Superintendents' Association; the Massachusetts School Superintendents' Association; and the Just Ten Club of Superintendents.
The annual meeting of the American Association of School Ad- ministrators was held in Boston. Your Superintendent regularly at- tends monthly meetings of the South Shore Superintendents' Asso- ciation and the Just Ten Club, held in various towns. He also at- tended the annual convention of the New England and Massachu- setts School Superintendents' Association held at Bridgewater, April 9, 10, 11.
Mr. Sperandio, High School Principal, attended the annual convention of the secondary principals' Association in Framingham, April 16, 17, 18. He also regularly attends monthly meetings of the South Shore Principals' Association.
Mrs. Elizabeth Nelson, principal of the Sunset Avenue School, attended the regular annual meeting of the elementary principals' Association in Amherst, Massachusetts.
The annual convention of the Plymouth County Teachers' Association was held in Brockton, as usual.
MAJOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Sunset Avenue:
Sections of the play area and the driveway were graded and
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paved which greatly adds to the appearance of the building. Repairs were made to two dormer windows, and sections of the roof were reshingled with fire proof shingles. Sections of the roof over the basement entrance were reshingled. Damaged and leaky gutter and conductor pipes were replaced.
Center School:
Fluorescent lights which had been removed from the Coche- sett School were installed in two of the classrooms. All corridors and vestibules, the principal's office, teachers' rooms, girls' and boys' lavatories, were repainted. The tar and gravel roof over the front and east side entrances were repaired. Repairs were made to the front and east gables. Sections of the roof were repaired to prevent leakage.
New School:
Shelves were built in all cabinet and storage spaces. An addi- tional gas range was purchased. A sliding door was constructed at the service window between the kitchen and the cafeteria. Three panic bolts with floating nite latches on each of three corridor doors were installed. A power lawn mower with plow attachments was purchased.
May I take this opportunity to express my grateful apprecia- tion for the fine cooperation I have received 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, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The graduates of Howard High School have continued to prove their abilities in college and universities. Many have been granted scholarships on the basis of their college preparation, abil- ities, and merit. The achievements of our graduates are remarkable in view of the type of school program which they had to undergo during the past school year.
The school attendance is very good. We do have some isolated cases of truancy but on the whole, we have been averaging less than five per cent absences.
During the year 1952, we experienced the realization of years of planning and work. With the opening of school in September, we entered upon a new era of education for the children of West Bridgewater. Never before have the boys and girls been given the opportunities which they may now enjoy.
Courses in art for grades seven through twelve were established. The results of the pupils' work disclosed numbers of pupils who had talents which were truly wonderful to see developed.
Regularly scheduled physical education classes have now been added to our program. Boys and girls meet in separate gymnasiums and with proper supervision enjoy many varied activities. These activities are planned to aid in the physical development of our
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pupils. We can now work toward both the physical and mental growth of our youth.
Our athletic tcams have demonstrated the real spirit of sports- manship. They have always conducted themselves in the spirit for which interscholastic sports programs can be justified.
Field hockey is now available for girls in the fall season.
A basketball league for grades eight and nine has been organ- ized. We have entered a team to represent our school. At present, the league is composed of teams from Hanson, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and West Bridgewater.
We have also started a junior high school football program which did not include any games with other schools during the reg- ular season due to the lack of proper equipment. We planned the program so that there would be no body contact. However, through . the efforts of the Boosters' Club, we have been able to equip the team so that we can permit contact during the next football season. All our athletic teams now have excellent equipment with the ex- ception of the baseball team. Last year we purchased football equip- ment. This year we bought new basketball uniforms; and next year we hope to acquire new baseball suits.
Our extra-curricular activity program has been increased con- siderably. Dancing seems to be the most popular type of activity and consequently the various classes are permitted to sponsor many dances. We now have assembly programs which the pupils conduct and in which they participate.
Intramural sports began after the Christmas vacation. We plan to organize basketball teams for all the boys and girls who are not members of the regular squads.
We have also added a number of classes in music. We have an orchestra which does exceptionally well in view of the length of
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time it has been organized. Our Glee Club has approximately fifty members and it proves to be very popular.
The school library is not equipped as well as it might be. It has some sets of encyclopedias, very few reference books, and some fic- tion. However; we feel that in time we shall have all the shelves filled.
We are fortunate to have for the first time a guidance center. The guidance office is busy all the time. The pupils are now getting the best opportunity they have ever had to seek out the solutions to their personal problems, to acquaint themselves with the de- mands of various types of vocations, to plan their high school pro- grams to meet the needs of the occupations of their choices which will make their school work more purposeful.
The school lunch program. is now providing excellent hot lunches which more than satisfy the minimum requirements as established by the federal government, namely:
1. One-half pint whole unflavored milk;
2. Two ounces of fresh or processed meat, poultry meat, cooked or canned fish or cheese; or one-half cup cooked dry peas, beans, or soybeans; or four tablespoons of peanut butter; or one egg;
3. Six ounces of raw, cooked, or canned vegetables and/or fruit;
4. One portion of bread, muffins, or other hot bread made of whole-grain cereal, or enriched flour; and
5. Two teaspoons of butter or fortified margerine.
Milk is available for those who prefer to bring their lunches. The only other item sold is ice cream.
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The number of hot lunches served varies from 450 to nearly 600 per day, with a daily average of approximately 500. In addition, wc serve ncarly 125 bottles of milk daily to those who prefer to birng their own lunches. These figures include the lunches which arc transported to the Sunset Avenue School. We serve nearly 70% of the enrollment in the schools of West Bridgewater. This per- centage is one of the highest in the state. One of the main objec- tives of this program is to improve the health of our children through more and better school lunches at lower cost. We are happy to be able to participate in this work, especially since the school lunch program operates independently of any town funds, but it is subsidized in part by federal aid.
We expect an increase of over forty pupils in the junior-senior high school for next year. This same increase has been rather con- sistent during the past few years and will continue for at least two years more. This increase in school population presents us with the need for more classroom teachers. At the opening of the next school year, we will have two classrooms available in the high school which are not staffed at this time.
The Howard High School has maintained its Class "A" rating among the secondary schools of Massachusetts and there is every in- dication that it will continue to do so.
In closing, I wish to thank the Boosters' Club for its valuable and helpful assistance throughout the school year and to all those who in any way contributed to the success of the past school year. I am grateful for the happy experiences in working with you, the School Committee, and the School Building Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER J. SPERANDIO
Principal
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Commencement Exercises
HOWÅRD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1952 Horace Mann Auditorium Bridgewater, Massachusetts June eleventh at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President Robert Leighton Vice-President Robert May
Secretary Natalie Hollertz
Treasurer Theodore Kehoe
Motto: "Knowledge is power" Colors: Blue and White
PROGRAM
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
June Carlson and Carol Poole (audience please remain seated)
Invocation
Reverend Paul Lauffer
Music-Let All Things Now Living Welsh Melody
Class of 1952 Girls
Address-The Marks of an Educated Youth Reverend Hugh Weston Minister, journalist, news commentator
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel Robert Leighton President, Class 1952
Acceptance for the School
Herbert Noyes President, Class 1953
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Presentation of Awards
Music-You'll Never Walk Alone Class of 1952 Girls
Rodgers
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. James A. Kehoe Chairman, School Committee
Class Song Natalie Hollertz and Adelaide Emery Class of 1952
Benediction
Reverend Paul Lauffer
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
Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement-The Balfour Company Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools
The Class of 1951 Scholarship Mr. Peter J. Sperandio Principal of the High School
The West Bridgewater Taxpayers Association Scholarship Mr. Howard S. Donovan Chairman, Scholarship Committee
The Parent-Teachers Association Scholarship Mrs. L. Merrill Caswell President of the Association
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The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Mr. James A. Kehoe Chairman, School Committee
The Edith F. Howard Scholarship Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools
GRADUATES
Carol J. Alexander Charles W. Allen
*Susan Ames
*Clyde Darrow Jopling
Sven Erick Benson
*Theodore E. Kehoe
George Laurence Burford
Barbara Ann Chaves
Patricia Rose Dillenschneider
*Robert Graham May Frank Thomas McLeod, Jr.
Adelaide Mitchell Emery John F. Foubert
Francis L. Perry
Donald H. Foye
Leroy F. Richard
Irving Adams Gaffney
Rodney Clifton Sherburne
Janet Goodwin
Patricia Ann Snow
*Beatrice Evelyn Gummow Lois Marilyn Gummow Catherine Lorraine Gurney Mary Louise Hanf
Gloria Lorraine Swanson
*Warren E. Turner
*Barbara Jeanne Ward
*Natalie Ruth Hollertz Marie Elizabeth Johnson
*Robert David Leighton Lawrence Lyons
Estelle Audrey Eaton
Jean Marie Olsen
Honor Graduates
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ANNUAL REPORT GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The need for a guidance department primarily concerned with pupil personnel has been recognized by the School Committee, for some time. There was incidental guidance services carried on by the staff but lack of time prevented.the proper development of the program.
During the short time that I have been Guidance Director, I have endeavored to initiate and develop an organized guidance pro- gram that would be a supplementary service of the school in pre- paring youth for adulthood. In order that guidance policies may function effectively they should possess the following characteristics:
1. A recognition of individual differences.
2. The right of each pupil to arrive at an occupational objective.
3. Conformity with the school's philosophy.
4. Some degree of permanency and at the same time be flex- ible to meet changing conditions.
5. Foster a feeling of belonging, to each pupil.
6. The need for intelligent research.
7. The dignity of the individual.
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A pilot study is to be initiated at the 8th grade level to aid the pupils to select tentative occupational or educational objectives from a Master Program of Studies. Considerable attention is to be given to the study and choice of electives made by the pupils, with the aid of parents and teachers.
A cumulative record system is to be established in the pilot program. This system will permit the maintenance of uniform guid- ance records and make it possible to study a pupil's progress through the grades. Ideally such records should begin with the entrance of the child in the primary grades so that longitudinal studies can be made. The Guidance Director has made a comprehensive review of this type of record used by other schools, and has constructed a cumulative card to be used in the pilot study as a temporary meas- ure. After an evaluation of this system to determine its weaknesses and strengths, a permanent cumulative record system will be rec- ommended for installation to meet the school's needs.
The Guidance Director has made a thorough study of the tests to be used in the pilot study and in the establishment of a minimal test program for the entire school. The purpose of the testing pro- gram is to aid the teacher to know what to expect from the pupil in the way of academic performance, and to survey the assets and limi- tations of the individual pupil in various learning capacities. The program will be confined usually to group tests. Individual tests will be given to selected pupils when the school feels the need for : more accurate appraisal. These individual tests can not be given to all pupils because of the heavy expense such a program would entail. The cost of tests is only a few cents, but when you are test- ing a large number of pupils this might make the difference in a limited budget. Reuseable booklets and answer sheets will reduce the cost greatly. An effective testing program need not depend closely upon great financial outlay. The cost of the test should in the long run be computed in terms of the validity of the test per unit of cost.
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The Division of Employment Security has been contacted to make arrangements through the local branch office serving this area, subject to the approval of the Superintendent and the School Com- mittec, to offer a supplemental counseling, testing and placement service to the current senior class and drop-outs, who are to enter the labor market for the first time. It is planned to have this pro- gram start early, in order that this school may have an occupational profile of his potential abilities.
A specimen test library has been set up that includes a wide variety of psychological tests.
It is proposed to have the Occupational Information Library located in the Guidance Office. Contacts and arrangements have been made to furnish this school with pamphlets, references on careers, occupational trends, and data regarding college require- ments. Pupils will be urged to take full advantage of these splen- did materials.
Individual counseling will be conducted between the pupil and the Guidance Director, by a regular schedule throughout the year that will not interfere with subject matter activities. Any one will be invited to make appointments in the school day set aside for this purpose to discuss their plans to meet present needs and futurc occupational goals.
It is proposed to introduce group guidance courses on an elec- tive basis, after a survey of the common problems and needs of the student body. The purpose is to reach all the pupils, in order to widen their occupational horizon.
A cooperative relationship is to be established between the school and other community resources in order to develop a refer- ral system to meet problems that are beyond the scope of the Guid- ance program. A continuous and comprehensive study is to be con- ducted to cvaluate the effectiveness of the guidance services, and
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to carry on investigations to improve their methods and techniques. Results of these studies are to be channeled to the faculty.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES R. KISSELL Director of Guidance
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 West Bridgewater schools.
Children who have good capacity for reading but have failed to make normal progress, spend the entire school day in the new re- medial home room. Here most of the instruction centers on read- ing development, although other subjects are taught.
To make this class a success, care is taken in the selection of pupils, and in the initial adjustments to pupil's needs.
The children are given Eye and Ear tests. Each child is also given an individual reading analysis test to determine his ability to read.
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Guidance and leisure reading and in the use of workbooks and self-instructing games is given. The room library is chosen with due regard to levels of ability and the correlation of subject matter.
One has only to visit the new remedial room to observe how every provision has been made for rapid growth in reading and language skills. One realizes that remedial reading is a field of importance.
I am grateful and wish to thank those who have helped make the remedial program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH SMITH Remedial Teacher
SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Below are quoted some of the Health Regulations:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1952 passed an act to further regulate the physical examinations of school children.
The following regulations became effective September 1, 1952. The purpose of these regulations is to discover disabilities of chil- dren early so remedial procedures may be taken to correct them.
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"The School Committee or Board of Health shall cause every child in the public schools to be separately and carefully exam- ined by a physician duly registered in Massachusetts within six months before entrance to school or during the first year after entrance and at intervals of either three or four years after."
Thus we have been examining children in grades 1, 4, and 7, as well as those participating in competitive athletic games. Nearly all were found in good physical condition and no serious defects were observed.
"Tests of Sight and Hearing shall be performed by teachers, physicians, optometrists, nurses, or others who are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health." The vision of enter- ing children has been tested and remedial care given where indi- cated. Nurses meetings have been helpful in interpreting how to apply these new health regulations.
The addition of a dental hygienist is an advancement in health education. She has the knowledge and time to spend with advanced cases where there has been a lack of training in mouth hygiene. The mouth and nose are gateways where diseases may enter.
The common cold, a virus infecting the respiratory tract, could cause operations on ears, sinusitis, lung infection, and polio. Fol- lowing is a report of other examinations:
Forty-four notices were sent to several homes indicating the children had defective tonsils and two of which were referred to an orthopedic clinic. Three cases of ring worm were found. Five chil- dren had heart conditions probably congenital and known to par- ents. Two are diabetic and under the care of the family doctor. Ten children of school age have physical diseases such as cerebral palsy and inactive polio. Five of these are unable to attend school. One hundred children were given booster diphtheria injections. Fifteen pupils received immunizations. There was a good response
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to the pre-school clinic and twenty of those examined were of school entrance age.
At present the county hospital and tuberculosis league with the help of the local staff are doing free chest X-Rays.
I wish to thank the teaching staff and all others who have con- tributed to make the past year one of accomplishments.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN N. HEWITT School Nurse
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
There have been many changes in the scope of the music de- partment since my report of a year ago. At that time, and contin- uing until June, 1952, the only classes that had music were the first six grades, and a girls' glee club made up of seventh and eighth grade girls.
At the present time there are classes in music through the eighth grade, a boys' and girls' glee club, both consisting of seventh and eighth grade students, a mixed choir, an orchestra, a music ap- preciation class in the high school, and instrumental lessons that are given through the grades and junior high school.
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During the past year, we have completed the new set of music books through one sixth grade, with the accompanying albums of records through the fifth grade. Through a grade school music fund started last year, I was able to purchase an auto-harp for use with these new books, and some extra records. The principal of the Sun- set Avenue school, purchased a new portable record player and a number of records suitable for use in the first four grades. The Principal of the grades in the new school, purchased two portable record players. The Principal of the Centre School, purchased a rhythm band set. All of these I greatly appreciate.
Through the Lion's Club, a Band Fund was started. There is a supporting committee made up of representatives from many organizations in town. They have provided money, instruments, and have helped a great deal in forming a band for the high school.
Having made a beginning, I recognize that some changes are necessary, but these will come about over a period of time. The progress that has been made could only have resulted from the kindness and cooperation I have received from all.
Respectfully submitted, MARJORIE E. HAYWARD Supervisor of Music
ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is a report on the activities of the Art Depart- ment.
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I would first like to express my enthusiasm for an opportunity which I think must be fairly uncommon for art teachers. It is my task to inaugurate, in the Town of West Bridgewater, a program of art study and to see that it is as comprehensive and fruitful as possible. At first there was some hesitation on my part in consider- ing the prospect. A look at the new school, however, was enough to make me travel across the state to accept the position. The art workshop is one of the finest in my experience and so far has not belied its apparent possibilities. Experience and constant evalua- tion will show us how to best utilize its features for the young people of West Bridgewater.
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