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 46
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Elem.
Grade 3
North Adams Teachers College
Mary Nelson, B.S. in ed.
Elem.
Grade 3
Bridgewater Teachers College
Myrtle Ryan
Elem.
Grade 3
Eastern State Normal
Edith Smith
Elem.
Remedial
Bridgewater Teachers College
Emma Taylor
Elem.
Grade 4
Bridgewater Teachers College
Marguerite Shurtleff, Principal
Elem.
Grade 5
Keene Normal School
Gertrude Estabrook, B.S.
Elem.
Grade 5
Bridgewater Teachers College
Robert Forest, B.S.
Elem.
Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers College
Anne O'Keefe
Elem.
Grade 5
Bridgewater Teachers College
Harold Dunn, Principal, B.S. in ed.
Elem.
Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers College
Ruth Kimball
Elem.
Grade 6
Bridgewater Teachers College
Elizabeth Nelson, Principal
Elem.
Grade 1
Bridgewater Teachers College
Gladys Freeman
Elem.
Grade 1
Bridgewater Teachers College Bridgewater Teachers College
Geneva Garvey, B.S
Elem.
Grade 1
Alice Howard
Elem.
Grade 1
Keene Normal School
Margaret Boynton, B.S.ed.
Elem.
Grade 2
North Adams State Teachers College
Catherine Dobrien, B.S.
Elem.
Grade 2
Bridgewater Teachers College
Velma Johnston
Elem.
Grade 2
Keene Normal School
Marie Sullivan, B.S.ed.
Elem.
Grade 2
Bridgewater Teachers College
School
Subject or Grade
Preparation
Boston College N. E. Conservatory of Music, Boston University Castinc Normal School Tufts College
95
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
The members of the School Committee for the year 1954 re- mained the same as the previous year with the re-election of Mr. George E. Noonan and Mr. Harry Richardson. Mr. Erland Thayer was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year and Thomas Kemp and Harry Richardson were re-elected with the chairman to serve on the West Bridgewater-Raynham Union Committee at the re- organization meeting held in March. Mr. Bert Merrill, the Super- intendent of West Bridgewater schools was re-elected secretary.
The October 1954 school census showed a pupil enrollment of 992 or an increase of 58 pupils over that of 1953. Grades one through six inclusive reached a total of 612 pupils, and grades 7 through 12 a total of 380 pupils. This large school enrollment was more than the available school rooms could adequately handle, therefore it was with reluctance that your committee was forced to adopt a double session plan for grades one and two. The lack of available classrooms will necessitate the continuation of the double session plan until the new elementary building is completed. This double session plan will be rotated, as near as possible, so that it will not affect the same grades. It is impossible for this committee to tell, at this time, the date that the new elementary school will be available for occupancy.
Each month it is becoming increasingly evident that the func- tional type design of our senior-junior high school building benefits not only the students but the townspeople as well. There are very few evenings during the week that either the cafeteria, gymnasium or auditorium is not being used or rented for some social purpose by a town organization. It is hoped that the new athletic field will be available next year. A new contract has been awarded and re- seeding and leveling has already been started.
A rotating schedule of repainting and minor repairs has been inaugurated, whereby our able corps of janitors will completely re- paint all the school rooms over a few years' period. This work is done during the summer months when there are no classes. It has been increasingly evident that the Centre Schools must be kept in repair for the next few years.
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Three new Scholarship awards were accepted by the commit- tee namely; The West Bridgewater Grange Scholarship, The West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarship and the Readers Digest Award. These are available to members of the senior class who meet the requirements of the donors. It was felt advisable to have the senior graduation the last function of the senior class, there- fore the date was changed so that it was held after the senior recep- tion instead of before as in prior years.
To meet the uptrend in teachers' salaries and the competitive situation in towns, due to the teacher shortage, a new salary sched- ule was adopted to become effective in September, 1955. It is the intent of your committee to maintain, or better, the median of salary schedules for comparable towns.
The transportation costs were increased this year because of the detours caused by the installation of the new expressway and the extra mileage travelled on the additional pick ups of double session pupils. Effective after the Thanksgiving recess all pupils in grades one through six residing over one mile from the school they attended were transported. Pupils in grades seven through twelve who resided one and one-half miles were transported as previously. The State law requires that pupils residing over two miles be accorded transportation facilities.
Your committee has received a high level of cooperation from Mr. Merrill and Mr. Sperandio. We commend the fine efforts of our teaching staff and extend our many thanks to the janitorial, cafeteria and office staff for a job well done.
Respectfully submitted,
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ERLAND W. THAYER THOMAS F. KEMP HARRY RICHARDSON CHARLES ENSHER JOHN C. ELDRIDGE GEORGE E. NOONAN
98
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the West Bridgewater School Committee:
It is with pleasure that I submit to you my fifth annual report as Superintendent of Schools of West Bridgewater.
FACULTY CHANGES
There have been many changes in the teaching personnel dur- ing the past year. We have been fortunate in securing well-quali- fied teachers to fill these positions. Three additional teachers were added to the faculty because of the increased enrollment. Three more teachers will be employed next September. One teacher will teach home economics and science and the other will teach social subjects in the high school. A third grade teacher will be needed in the elementary school.
The following new teachers were employed:
HIGH SCHOOL:
TEACHER
PREPARATION
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 5
Helen Ahern, B.S.
Regis College
Roland Cormier, M.A.
Boston University 10
Floyd Folsom
Gorham Normal 31
Leo Gleason, B.S.
Boston University
None
Helen Galt, B.S.
Beaver College
None
Richard Irwin, M.A.
University of Maine
5
Miriam Kochakian, B.A.
University of Maine
5
Phyllis Jordan, Ed.M.
Boston University 10
Barbara Litman, B.S.
Boston University
None
Luice Moncey, M.A.
Emerson College 1
Bertha Wheeler
Salem Teachers College 9
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Jennie Diegoli, B.A.
Simmons College None
Gertrude Estabrook, B.S.
Bridgewater Teachers College 2
Robert Forest, B.S.
Bridgewater Teachers College None
Gilbert Gardner, B.A.
Tufts College 4
Alice Howard
Keene Normal 10
Velma Johnson
Keene Normal 6
Ruth Kimball
Bridgewater Teachers College 8
Myrtle Ryan
Castine Normal 10
99
The following teachers resigned:
HIGH SCHOOL:
Thomas Armstrong
Janice Butram Anthony Cipriano
Veronica Culolias
Frances McKernan Stuart Tower
Roger Viens
James Wright
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Lenore Blumberg Jennie Diegoli Ellen Leavitt
Mildred Metcalf
George Monk
CURRICULUM
HIGH SCHOOL:
The Industrial Arts Department was enlarged. Printing is now being offered for the first time. New equipment purchased includes a Chandler-Price Printing Press, paper cutter, cabinets and work benches. The printing type used to form galleys is set by hand. Posters, tickets, programs and menus have been printed by the pupils in the class. Other subjects taught in this depart- ment include woodworking, mechanical drawing and electricity. Basic radio repair work will be taught beginning next September.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Formal teaching of subject matter begins in the fourth grade. The subjects taught are reading, language, spelling, penmanship, arithmetic, geography, history, science and art.
Since our children are living in a scientific age and must adapt themselves daily to rapid scientific changes, greater emphasis is being placed on the formal teaching of science in the classroom. The State Department of Education has compiled a book entitled "Curriculum Guide For Intermediate Grade Teachers" which con- tains information and subjects which are used by teachers in pre- paring daily lesson plans.
We continue to emphasize the importance of reading and study skills. The gradual transition from manuscript writing to cursive writing takes place in grade three. Correlation between reading and writing has thus become more simplified in the pri- mary grades through the use of manuscript writing. A "Curricu-
100
lum Guide for Primary Grade Teachers" compiled by the State Department of Education is used in grades one through three.
INCREASED ENROLLMENT
It became necessary to organize grades one and two on the double session plan. Beginning in September the four first and four second grades attended the Sunset Avenue School. Half of the children attended the morning session from 8:15 to 11:45, and the other children attended the afternoon session from 12:00 to 3:30. Beginning January 31, 1955, the order will be reversed for the remainder of the present school year.
In addition to the four classrooms which are needed now, three more will be required when school opens in September 1955. Double sessions will continue for the first and second grades at the Sunset Avenue School. Double sessions will become necessary in grades five and six also until the new elementary school is com- pleted and ready for occupancy.
With the opening of the new elementary school the plan is to transfer the pupils from the front and rear Center Schools to the new building and close these schools temporarily. However, in September 1956 it will become necessary to re-open the two-room front Center School and by September 1957 it seems probable that the four-room rear Center School will be re-occupied. Both schools will be needed indefinitely. Extensive repairs and improvements will be required in both buildings to make them suitable for school use.
MAJOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
The 1954 school budget provided for painting the exterior of the front and rear Center Schools, and for fluorescent lights in two classrooms. This work was deferred until it could be determined whether or not the Town would vote a new elementary school.
The area between the high school and the rear Center School was graded and seeded.
Considerable damage was done to the elementary buildings by the two hurricanes.
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL:
A section of the roof needs re-shingling. The skylight needs to be replaced.
101
FRONT CENTER SCHOOL:
A section of the roof needs to be re-shingled, the chimney needs re-pointing, all roof flashings need to be repaired and some sections need to be replaced.
REAR CENTER SCHOOL:
Some slate shingles need to be replaced. The chimney needs to be re-pointed, roof flashings need to be repaired and some sec- tions need to be replaced.
An estimate of the cost has been made and an amount has been included in the 1955 school budget to make the above repairs.
Due to dampness in the sewage disposal tank, which caused short circuits in the motors and constant replacement of parts, it became necessary to construct a cinder block building in which the equipment was re-located.
CONVENTIONS AND CONFERENCES
The Plymouth County Teachers Association Convention was held in Plymouth last year. The meeting was attended by all prin- cipals and teachers and the program was interesting and inspiring.
A Pre-school Conference was held at the high school June 9, 1954, and many parents attended the meeting in the auditorium. The Superintendent of Schools spoke concerning the purpose of the conference and introduced the school nurse, Mrs. Lillian Hewitt, and the guidance director, Mr. James Kissell, who spoke briefly. A motion picture entitled "Skippy and the three R's" showing a child's experiences on the first day of school was enjoyed by all. Booklets entitled "School Days," containing school information helpful to parents were distributed.
I wish, at this time, to thank the school committee, principals, teachers and all who have cooperated and worked for the better- ment of our schools.
Respectfully submitted,
BERT L. MERRILL Superintendent of Schools
102
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I submit herewith my annual report as principal of the West Bridgewater High School.
During the year 1954, the various programs in the school operated in a manner which was quite satisfactory. The program of studies together with our teaching efficiency is such as to main- tain our Class "A" rating as an approved secondary school by the Massachusetts State Department of Education. In colleges and other schools of higher learning, our graduates continue to do very well in competition with those of other high schools.
Further indication of our high standards is evidenced by the experiences of pupil transfers to and from other high schools.
We shall be able to maintain our efficiency only insofar as we are able to keep the teachers who have done such a fine job for the pupils. During the past year, we had ten new teachers added to our staff of twenty-one high school instructors. We were very fortunate indeed to get the replacements which we have. As time goes on, the teacher replacement problem becomes more difficult as the number of teachers needed each year is increasing at a far greater rate than the number of available qualified teachers.
A course in Advanced General Mathematics was offered this year to seniors. This course includes the basic arithmetic skills to- gether with some algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
We are offering for the the first time, as an elective, a course in mechanical drawing to those students in the college preparatory course. These students have long felt a need to develop the skills offered in this course especially those going on to engineering.
The general shop program has been expanded to include print- ing. We have already made available to various school depart- ments printed matter which will, in time, save more than enough
103
to offset the cost of the equipment. We also plan to include in the shop program a unit in home electricity.
The school library has grown to become a vital part of our school system. All books, both fiction and non-fiction, are very carefully catalogued so that they can be located with ease. The Dewey Decimal system is used throughout. The use of the library by the students is far greater than last year. At this writing, over one hundred books are borrowed from the library each week. In this regard, I want to thank Mr. William Henry Moss, who, in addition to his regular teaching duties, volunteered to set up the library and has done a very fine job with it ever since.
The attitude of students both in the classroom and in our ath- letic program is excellent. The pupil-teacher relationships through- out the school are good. The athletic officials who come to West Bridgewater report that our students are always very respectful and good sportsmanship is always demonstrated by them.
I do not mean to imply that we have no problems. On the contrary, we do. However, in comparison to other schools, our juvenile problems are at a minimum and with good home-school relations, we can keep it that way.
Our attendance records again reflect the attitude of the parents and our pupils. It is very good. There are times when more than one class has 100% attendance. On one occasion, during the month of December, our present junior class had perfect attendance for three successive days.
Our extracurricular activities have continued to help enrich the school program.
Our athletic program has continued to justify its existence by helping to develop our students to become better members of society. It is true that our records of games played have left some- thing to be desired. All school sports programs seem to have their periods of success in the scoring columns. I feel that we will have a brighter future ahead only if we can continue to provide the boys and girls with qualified instructors. At present, we do not have enough coaches to properly supervise our athletic program.
The driver training program is progressing quite well. Due to the fact that the pupils who obtain their licenses through the
104
school program make it possible to get a 15% rebate on their in- surance premiums, the number of pupils enrolling has had to be limited to the upper classes. Next year the rebate is reported to be 30%. This will require further limitations on the number who may enroll or an expansion of the program since all pupils are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours in classroom instruction and a minimum of 12 hours of actual driving experience.
The school lunch program has been operating in a satisfactory way. We have one of the largest pupil-participating programs in the state. As a result, the program has always been able to operate independently of any financial aid from the town. The profits are used to add more new equipment to the cafeteria and kitchen facil- ities in all the schools in West Bridgewater.
During the school year 1953-54 we served 84,845 complete hot lunches, Type A, and 23,160 bottles of milk, Type C, lunches. There were 4,920 lunches served to teachers. The sum of these fig- ures, 112,925, is the total number of lunches sold in the cafeteria.
The lunch program has been able to serve free 4,001 complete "A" lunches during the school year to pupils who are in need. This number also includes those pupils who work in the lunchroom.
The school enrollment continues to climb rapidly. In June, 1955, we expect to graduate 38. The incoming 7th grade class will number 101. This represents an increase of 63 pupils which will necessitate two more classrooms. I expect that in the very near future, the enrollment in the junior-senior high school will require the use of the entire building. The report of the survey committee will help to further explain the expected school population.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all those who have in any way helped to assist me with my responsibilities. In particular, I want to mention the teachers who have done an excellent job. The lunch workers have always been very conscientious about their work. The custodians have been very cooperative at all times. Mrs. Annette Chadwick, who acted as my secretary, has been of great assistance. The West Bridgewater Boosters Club has continued, as in the past, to be a fine, willing, and cooperative group which has relieved me of duties which would be virtually impossible for me to carry out alone. To all of them, I am very grateful. I extend
105
to them my sincere thanks for all that they have done for the town, the students and for me.
Respectfully submitted, PETER J. SPERANDIO Principal, West Bridgewater High School
Commencement Exercises WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1954 High School Auditorium West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 17, at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President Marilyn Howe
Vice President
Kenneth Lendh
Secretary Jane Smith
Treasurer Nancy Warme
Motto: "The Lips of Knowledge are Precious Jewels" Colors: Blue and White
PROGRAM
Processional-Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
Orchestra
Invocation-Reverend Francis S. Shea
Music-Anchors Away David Saperton
Piano duet: June Carlson and Carole Poole
Address-"Reach for the Stars" Dr. Eugene Dinsmore Dolloff Clergyman, author, traveller, lecturer
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel Marilyn Howe President, Class of 1954
106
Acceptance for the School Robert Young President, Class of 1955
Presentation of Awards
Music-National Medley Orchestra
Herfurth
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Erland W. Thayer Chairman, School Committee
Class Song Nancy Warme, Cynthia North Class of 1954
Benediction-Reverend Ronald G. Whitney
Recessional-Pomp and Circumstance Orchestra
Elgar
AWARDS Science-The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company June Christine Carlson
Good Citizenship-Daughters of the American Revolution June Christine Carlson
The Balfour Award-Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achievement Kenneth Warren Lendh
The Reader's Digest Award-Highest Ranking Student June Christine Carlson
The Class of 1953 Scholarship Marilyn Howe
The Parent Teachers Association Scholarship Janice Alice Benoit
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship June Christine Carlson
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St. Ann's Parish Scholarship Carol Ann Hambly
West Bridgewater Teachers' Association Scholarship Cynthia Elizabeth North
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarship Samuel Read, Jr.
West Bridgewater Grange Scholarship June Christine Carlson
GRADUATES
Phoebe Ames
Marilyn Howe*
Janice Alice Benoit
Bertil Alfrid Benson
Doris Marie Burque
Robert F. Moore
June Christine Carlson*
Leo A. Moreira
Robert Anthony Cochran
Cynthia Elizabeth North
Adrienne M. Ensher
Carole Jean Poole
Samuel Read, Jr.
Constance Roberta Firing Donald Ray Gummow Carol Ann Hambly* Richard Edward Haskins Marion Jean Helgeson David P. Howard
Jane Nancy Smith
Ronald Arthur Swanson Nancy Barbara Warme Eleanor Marie Willis
*Honor Students
Kenneth Warren Lendh* Malcolm Allan MacLean
108
GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
This is my third annual report since the establishment of an organized guidance program in the schools of West Bridgewater. Most of the guidance services are planned primarily for the aver- age pupil because the great majority of the student body usually falls within the normal range, in both intelligence and adjustment. When the individual counseling program was instituted, it was necessary to request pupils to come in for a conference. Now a vast number take the initiative and come in to talk over various problems. It is equally gratifying to have the faculty recognize the value and need for guidance service and use them by making timely referrals.
Orientation assemblies were conducted for the seventh grade classes to help them adjust to new situations and to acquaint them with the organization, facilities, personnel and guidance services. Regulations and standards of school etiquette in the classroom, cafeteria, corridors and at school functions were discussed. It was explained that the rules were designed to help them, to improve the efficiency of the school and to make it pleasant for a large group to live and to work harmoniously. A personal information blank was completed by each pupil as background data for a more detailed analysis, and to help the faculty get acquainted with the new pupils.
The sophomore class was checked on potential learning speed to determine whether or not pupils were working up to their abil- ities. Individual conferences were held to point out their strong points and weaknesses.
The junior class was given a battery of aptitude tests by rep- resentatives of Boston University. When the results became avail- able, they were interpreted on an individual basis to the selection of an occupational field.
109
All seniors who were planning to go to work after graduation were given an extensive battery of aptitude tests. These tests gave the counsellor an estimate of the pupil's learning ability for begin- ning jobs, mechanical aptitude, clerical aptitude, visual percep- tion, finger dexterity, coordination and vocabulary. Results were interpreted on an individual basis to point out to a pupil his best qualifications for certain jobs.
Pupils planning to continue their educational training were given scholastic aptitude tests. Results were used to inform a pupil of his ability to complete advanced training. This group received assistance in processing applications for schools. Arrangements were made for them to take the College Board Entrance Examina- tions. Letters of recommendations were written to the admission officers relative to scholarship aid and part time work while at- tending school.
One of the problems facing many boys in their senior year is the draft. An Armed Forces orientation program was arranged to supply pupils with accurate, up-to-date information on the ad- vantages and disadvantages of enlisting or being drafted so that an intelligent decision could be reached. Local representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines came to speak to the senior class.
Juniors and seniors of the college preparatory course partic- ipated in a College Conference Day at Thayer Academy. The purpose of the conference was to give our pupils an opportunity to obtain first hand information about scholarships, admission re- quirements and other essential data from the various college rep- resentatives. Pupils considered this annual conference a valuable experience in determining the wisdom of their choices for future college training.
Pupils in the business course took proficiency tests in com- mercial skills at the end of the school year to determine their prep- aration for entry jobs in business. Our students compared favor- ably with the minimum requirements demanded by business con- cerns. Since all good companies require that applicants take typ- ing, shorthand, and transcription tests, this was considered a valu- able experience for our pupils.
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