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 47
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In closing, I wish to thank you and Mr. Sperandio for your contributions towards the development of a comprehensive program.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES KISSELL Guidance Director
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 West Bridgewater.
Since reading is the only thing a child can't learn by imita- tion there are several things that must be done to make a child a reader.
1. Curiosity about the printed symbol must be first aroused.
2. The significance of reading must be realized.
3. The ability to see likenesses and differences must be fostered.
4. Memorization of what is seen and heard must be developed.
5. These strange signs are given definite meaning.
6. The mystery is solved and the child learns to read.
All the necessary mechanics are dealt with by the teacher. She, alone, holds the power to help the child acquire these skills. She teaches the child to put meaning into reading by blending first words, then phrases, sentences, paragraphs and finally whole selections into meaningful units. By skillful teaching she enables the child to find enjoyment and satisfaction in reading.
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There is a complet outline for reading in every grade. Ma- terials used are textbooks, workbooks, teacher-made exercises, and audio-visual material. One can readily see why every teacher is a teacher of reading because this skill is used in every subject taught.
When a grave reading problem exists, the remedial teacher must study the psychology of the individual child. She chooses the best methods and activities which must be used to motivate her teaching techniques and procedures. No classroom teacher can employ the many methods required in remedial reading.
Pupils referred to the remedial teacher are given a complete check; hearing, eyesight, and personality as well as mental tests. Then a case study is made of each individual, with the aid of the guidance director.
Once in the remedial room the child works individually or in a small group, depending on the types of problems involved. Teaching plans are based upon the principle of differentiating in- struction to fit individual abilities, and relatively more attention is given phonetics. The individual's interests and motivation are not allowed to determine his rate of progress. The only proper determining factor is his own capacity to learn.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Merrill, Super- intendent of Schools, and all those who have helped make our remedial program such a success. Their cooperation and interest is very much appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
EDITH SMITH
SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The school physician examined pupils in grades one, four,
112
seven and nine, as well as pupils who participated in competitive games.
Many referrals were made by the teacher whose responsibility it is to observe any pupils who become ill in the absence of the school nurse.
About three-fourths of the students are insured against ac- cidents in school or on the way to and from school.
Over eight hundred children were treated for illness and in- jury during the past year. It is hoped that with additional ade- quate facilities provided in the new elementary school it will enable us to handle cases of illness in a more efficient manner.
Following is a summary of examination given pupils during the school year: ninety students were examined to determine their physical fitness to participate in athletic games. Four hundred and thirty-three physical examinations were completed, and of this number notices were sent to parents of fifteen of the children show- ing they had defective throats. Examinations revealed that seven students had heart murmurs. Eighty inoculations were admin- istered to prevent diphtheria. Six hundred eye examinations were completed, and notices were sent to the parents of fifteen children advising them of defects. Forty-eight pre-school children were given physical examinations. Three hundred pupils were given ear tests with the audiometer and four cases of partial deafness were detected.
Two cases of rheumatic fever and one of polio were reported. Ten pupils received treatment at the orthopedic clinic. Two chil- dren who attend school have slight cases of diabetes. Numerous visits were made to homes.
An instructive and informative program was presented by H. P. Hood Company to the children on "How to Keep Healthy." This was enthusiastically received.
Your continued cooperation for a successful health program will be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN M. HEWITT, R.N. School Nurse
113 MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Activities of the music department last year included partici- pation in assemblies, graduation, three evening programs, and the band's participation in football games that were played in West Bridgewater.
One of the evening programs utilized the band, choir, and orchestra. This was for the purpose of adding to the P.T.A. Piano Fund. Two of the evening programs involved most of the children in the first six grades. This proved to be educationally and finan- cially rewarding.
At the present time there are ninety children taking part in the instrumental program. They are either in band, orchestra, or in school instrumental lessons. This phase has shown a decided increase each year.
Once again the Lion's Club has come to our assistance and bought sweaters and trousers for the band.
Last year, for the first time, two of our band members were accepted for membership in the Southeastern School Bandmasters Concert. This year four of our members have been accepted. Also for the first time, four of our choir members will participate in the Massachusetts Music Educators Concert in Symphony Hall.
In June, the members of the Music Appreciation class were able to go to a Boston Pops Concert. This was enjoyed to such a degree that we hope to be able to go again this year.
It was a very busy year and I feel that progress has been made, greatly due to the cooperation and interest of all concerned.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE E. HAYWARD Supervisor of Music
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ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Merrill:
We were not mistaken in believing that a well co-ordinated and productive art program, designed for the benefit of all the students, would soon give evidence of its worth. Already the en- thusiasm and confidence of students coming into the high school is shown by their increased competence in the use of art materials and their greater understanding of the creative process. Art is sometimes regarded as a language, a vivid and universal language. In this regard, if the wider use of art throughout the school is a true indication, we are making progress in the teaching of that language.
Enrollment in the schools has increased greatly since I came here three short years ago and this department, as well as others, is feeling the effect. Because we were forced to abandon art in- struction in the first and second grades due to double sessions, these children are being deprived of art experiences they should have had. A new building will solve this problem at least temporarily, but we are still faced with the prospect of ever increasing classes to be served. We will soon be, if we are not already, required by circumstances to sacrifice a substantial amount of the gains we have made.
As with many of the other classes, the increased enrollment in the seventh and eighth grades made adequate art instruction diffi- cult. Mr. Sperandio has managed to fit them all in this year. I am now able to see each junior high school class one period once a week. The adjustment has cut down the amount of time they once had but it also allows me to give each child more individual attention.
In past reports, I have outlined our aims and objectives and something of our course of instruction. These have remained sub- stantially the same with variations to meet the needs of the day or the improvement of our equipment.
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As you know, the art room has been greatly improved by the installation of new surfaces for our counters. The material used is resistant to all of the paints, thinners, etc., which are employed in the art department and should give us years of service.
Our facilities have been further improved by the addition of more silk screen equipment. This process has not only added to our scope in the graphic arts but has allowed us to improve the quality of the posters, etc., which bring our school before the public eye so strongly.
We now have a large filing cabinet which will enable us to store more efficiently the reference material which we are gathering and which is proving to be more and more useful.
Through the help of Mr. Moss, our librarian, we have acquired some excellent art books which I hope will form a foundation for a larger collection of beautiful and instructive works to be a source of pleasure for the entire school.
In spite of the difficulties involved in a constantly swelling school population with its resultant shortage of time and space, I can honestly report that there has been much gain. We have had, in some instances, to resort to short cuts, and substitute methods, but by and large there has been substantial achievement.
I would not like to close without bringing to your attention the splendid help and cooperation I have received from all the princi- pals, the teachers and the custodians. They have whole heartedly responded to whatever requests have been made and I would like to thank them publicly.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM RATHBUN Supervisor of Art
Report of the West Bridgewater-Raynham School Union No. 52
The West Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendency Union #52 held its annual meeting on April 6, 1954. Present were:
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Mr. Erland Thayer, Mr. Thomas Kemp and Mr. Harry Richard- son of West Bridgewater and Mr. Ralph Moye and Mr. George Bellamy, Jr. of Raynham and Mr. Bert Merrill, Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Thayer was re-elected Chairman and Mr. Bellamy was re-elected Secretary of the joint committee. The Superintendent submitted his annual report with discussion following. The posi- tions of Superintendent, Union Secretary and School Nurse were discussed and determined as to their salaries. Mr. Merrill con- tinues as Superintendent from a previous three year election. Mrs. Lillian Hewitt was re-elected School Nurse and Mrs. Mildred Ball was re-elected Union Secretary for a year's term.
At a special meeting in November, the resignation of Mrs. Ball was accepted with regret. Miss Sylvia McRae was then ap- pointed to the position of Union Secretary.
Miss McRae's resignation was accepted in December and Mrs. Annette Chadwick was appointed Union Secretary. Mrs. Chadwick has had many previous years of experience in school office routine as secretary for the Junior-Senior High School in West Bridgewater.
Respectfully submitted,
WEST BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENCY UNION #52
ERLAND W. THAYER, Chairman THOMAS F. KEMP HARRY RICHARDSON GEORGE F. BELLAMY, JR. RALPH MOYE ALVAH DOLE
THE BOOSTERS' CLUB
During the past year the activities of the Boosters Club have included the usual functions of assisting at all football and basket- ball games, the sponsoring of a Sports Night, and awarding jackets to all seniors receiving a Sports letter. In addition, the club erected
117
a chainlink fence for a softball backstop at the rear of the high school. Also, baskets of fruit were sent to two injured football players during their stay at the hospital.
The second annual Thanksgiving Day Football Game Dance was held and a trophy awarded to the winning team. This trophy is sponsored by the East Bridgewater and West Bridgewater Booster Clubs.
The funds to underwrite the above activities were raised from the football refreshment booth and the Holy Name Vs Boosters basketball game.
Seven new members were added to the club roster during the year 1954.
The Boosters Club again wishes to take this opportunity to thank all who have cooperated in making this program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
THE BOOSTER CLUB GEORGE NOONAN, Chairman JULIAN E. LUCINI, Sec .- Treas.
WESTON ANDRE JAMES KEHOE GEORGE AUSTIN, JR. KARL MYERS CARLETON BROOKS ROBERT MACDONALD LEON BEAULIEU SUMNER OHLSON ARTHUR CHAVES CARL OHLSON, JR. FOREST CHADWICK HARRY POMEROY ADOLPH CHEYUNSKI JOHN GUMMOW GORDON ROSS ELMER SLANEY PETER SPERANDIO WALTER SOUSA
RALPH HOWE JOHN KENT
WARREN TURNER
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EXTENSION SERVICE
The Plymouth County Extension Service is an educational organization serving farm and rural people primarily. Through a series of meetings, demonstrations, visits and mass media, such as newspaper, radio, and television, this County office affects the lives and economy of thousands of people. Many urban people call upon the Extension Service for information on gardening, pest control, and the culture of ornamentals. The County office is located in the Court House, Brockton, Massachusetts, and is a cooperatively financed and supervised agency, representing the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, and the County of Plymouth. Town appropriations are sent directly to the County Treasurer and applied on the County Aid to Agricul- ture budget. Town Directors serve as representatives of the townspeople.
The Agricultural Department provides information and ser- vice of an educational nature in the fields of dairy, poultry, cran- berries, tree and small fruits, market and home gardening, flori- culture, forestry, and general livestock. In addition, assistance is given to many other groups such as the beekeepers and dealers of agricultural supplies and equipment. Close relationship is main- tained with the commodity associations and in correlating the activities of the other agencies such as the Soil Conservation Ser- vice, Agricultural Conservation Program, Farmers' Home Adminis- tration, and the Farm Credit Administration. An Advisory Coun- cil in Agriculture consisting of 50 members and commodity com- mittees of nearly a hundred members, serve to advise the agricul- tural agents in the formulation and conduct of their work.
The Home Demonstration Department is organized on a dif- ferent basis with a Town Chairman responsible for the assistance in the organization and dissemination of information. Twenty-two towns are so organized, and it is here that the most effective home demonstration work is conducted. In the other towns the home dem- onstration agents work in a limited way with the already existing organizations. The general projects of this department are to be found in foods and nutrition, clothing, home management and family economics, house furnishings, consumer education and food marketing, recreation and family life. Twenty-two town represent-
119
atives serve to assist the home demonstration Agents in the super- vision of these projects.
The 4-H Club Department is organized also with the help of many volunteer leaders. About one-half of the towns in Plymouth County have town committees who take the responsibility for finding leaders and helping to enroll 4-H club members. The 4-H boys' projects include dairy, poultry, beef, sheep, swine, horse, garden, conservation, home grounds improvement, woodworking, forestry, and health clubs. The 4-H girls' projects include foods, canning and freezing, clothing, home improvement, child care and crafts clubs. There are 21 towns in which 4-H club work is to be found. Failure of 4-H club work in other towns is caused by lack of local interest and availability of 4-H club leaders. A 4-H Ad- visory Committee of 9 members assist the 4-H club agents in the organization and supervision of this department.
The following board of 9 trustees, appointed by the County Commissioners, administer the Extension Service programs:
Lloyd Hathaway, Abington, Chairman; Gilbert Beaton, Ware- ham, Vice-chairman; Mrs. Harold D. Bent, Brockton (County Commissioner); Mrs. William P. Suzan, Mattapoisett; Paul Leh- tola, Bridgewater; Joseph Teeling, North Middleboro; Robert B. Bowler, Jr., Plymouth; Ralph McIlvana, Plympton; Mrs. Roy Puddington, Hanson.
The Staff of the Extension Service consists of:
JOSEPH T. BROWN, COUNTY AGENT-MANAGER
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
Edgar W. Spear, Associate County Agricultural Agent Dominic A. Marini, Associate County Agricultural Agent
HOME DEMONSTRATION DEPARTMENT
Beatrice I. White, Home Demonstration Agent
Betsey P. Erickson, Assistant Home Demonstration Agent
4-H CLUB DEPARTMENT
Robert B. Ewing, County Club Agent
Nancy T. Mclaughlin, Assistant County Club Agent
February 8, 1955
120
STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS 1954
4-H
Agri. Dept.
Home Dept.
Dept.
Total
Farm or Home Visits
1,460
158
536
2,154
Office Calls
1,740
453
493
2,686
Telephone Calls
5,782
1,255
1,345
8,382
News Stories
239
124
18
381
Radio Talks
109
50
35
194
Television Shows
50
2
3
55
Bulletins Distributed
10,550
8,139
5,606
24,295
Individual Letters
1,687
1,010
2,697
Circular Letters
201
109
310
Copies Mailed
41,185
11,495
52,680
Number of Leaders
205
310
269
784
Meetings of Local Leaders or Committeemen
67
186
46
299
Attendance
836
994
667
2,497
Demonstration Meetings
59
63
64
188
Attendance
1,687
1,641
1,998
5,326
Other Extension Meetings Attendance
121
87
270
478
5,062
1,242
5,426
11,730
Leader Training Meetings
69
69
Attendance
544
544
Club
Number of 4-H Clubs - 123
Number different 4-H club members - 858
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CIVIL DEFENSE
The need for a Civil Defense program in all communities is being stressed by President Eisenhower and his defense officials. State and Federal agencies are trying to convey through the me- dium of radio, television and written articles, the seriousness of our position in the world today. Any future war will not be one of men and guns but of the entire people. Therefore the entire people must be alerted! Although we hope and pray that nothing will happen, we must prepare for an emergency whether it be an attack by an aggressor or a natural disaster. Our town has a direct responsi- bility to care for its own residents and our fellow man.
Recently Governor Herter approved a bill dividing our State into 4 CD areas. These areas are sub-divided into sectors. West Bridgewater is located in sector B, area 2. The sector director, Louis Saba, has his headquarters in the police barracks at the State Farm while the state director, John J. Maginnis and his staff are located in Natick. The local agency will have its headquarters in the Junior-Senior High School which the School Committee has generously offered us.
In our program for this year, we hope to organize an active, well-informed group which can be of great value to the town. At this date we have many townspeople interested in our efforts and we need many more who will volunteer to serve in our various groups. We are going to concentrate first on five departments. They are:
1. Communications Dept. whose duties are to keep us in constant touch with other communities and State and Federal officials.
2. Auxiliary Fire Dept. which will be under Chief Souza's organization.
3. Auxiliary Police Dept. which will perform certain police duties as instructed by Chief Eaton.
4. Welfare Dept. which will be responsible for Feeding, Cloth- ing, Shelter, Financial Aid, and Registration of our own people and evacuees.
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5. Medical Dept. which will care for the sick and injured. A large staff of registered and practical nurses will be necessary to carry out the duties of this very important department.
Beside the need for personnel, we also have a very definite need for supplies and equipment. We need radios and communica- tion equipment, blankets, spare cots, bandages and other medical supplies, emergency feeding rations, and many many more things. This year, with the requested appropriation we will be linked with the State and sector headquarters by radio. This is absolutely necessary if we are going to be successful. Our location in the new school is advantageous because of the adequate auxiliary power supply. In case of public power failure we would still have contact with outside areas.
I sincerely hope that the residents of West Bridgewater will respond to our call and volunteer to assist in our effort to make Civil Defense a potent force in the safeguarding of the lives and property in our thriving community.
GORDON M. LOVELL Director
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
OF
WEST BRIDGEWATER Massachusetts
For the Year Ending December 31 1954
To the Board of Selectmen:
I submit herewith my Annual Report in accordance with Sec- tion 61, Chapter 41, General Laws, for the year ending December 31, 1954, giving a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the Town, and showing the amount of each specific appropriation with statements showing the Town debt and Trust funds.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR E. CHAVES Town Accountant
TOWN OF WEST BRIDGEWATER Balance Sheet for the Year Ending December 31, 1954 General Fund
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Cash
$186,984.79
Unexpended Appropriations: General
Taxes Receivable:
1954:
Water
$ 66,720.92 364.52
Poll
$ 40.00
Federal Grants:
Old Age Assistance-Adm. 829.61
Real Estate
19,567.75
Personal Property
7,903.80
27,511.55
Old Age Assistance-Aid 9,045.45
Aid to Depend. Children-Adm. 782.93
Aid to Depend. Children-Aid
5,205.16
Poll
4.00
Disability Assistance-Adm. 163.78
Personal
4,874.10
4,878.10
Disability Assistance-Aid 3,872.24
19,899.17
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Motor Vehicle Excise:
Special Accounts:
1954
5,833.30
Sale of Real Estate 2,307.00
1953
298.18
6,131.48
Road Machinery Fund 2,027.42
Servicemens' Fund-Town Field 1,785.83
Tax Titles
8,271.84
Fire Loss Reimbursement
750.00
Tax Possessions
1,797.37
Departmental Receivables:
Westdale Improvement Society 174.76
Smith-Hughes-Barden Act 10.00
7,595.33
Health
127.86
Public Welfare
1,257.69
School Hot Lunch Program
6,026.38
Old Age Assistance
1,737.31
School Athletics 889.07
Aid to Dependent Children
194.13
Unclaimed Checks
186.03
Surplus War Bonus Fund 540.32
Highway
50.00
1953:
Veterans' Services Trailer Fees
617.36 1,007.10
4,991.45
Water Receivables:
Rates and Services
2,852.60
Liens
420.20
3,272.80
Library Funds 73.05
219.15
Aid to Highway:
Loans Authorized and Unissued Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus
405,000.00
State Aid to Highways
2,224.74
County Aid to Highways
1,612.39
3,837.13
Reserve for Abatement of Taxes:
1954
8,594.67
1953
4,878.10
13,472.77
State Aid-Hurricane
16,118.50
Underestimates:
Revenue Reserved Until Collected:
Motor Vehicle Excise
6,131.48
Tax Titles
8,271.84
Tax Possessions
1,797.37
Departmental
4,991.45
Water
3,272.80
Highway
3,837.13
28,302.07
Loans Authorized:
School
400,000.00
Surplus Revenue:
Water
5,000.00
405,000.00
General
163,579.74
Water
(412.30) 163,167.44
$719,181.43
$719,181.43
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Plymouth County Tax Assessment
323.92
U. S. Government Series "G" Bonds to be redeemed for use in Elementary School Construction
50,000.00
W. J. and A. C. Howard Scholarship Fund
62.50
Overestimates: State Parks and Reservations Gifts:
3.15
William J. and Anna C. Howard Scholarship Fund 146.10
7,335.43
Other:
DEBT FUND
Net Funded or Fixed Debt
$1,177,000.00
School Loan Water Loan
$1,068,000.00 109,000.00
Total
$1,177,000.00
Total
$1,177,000.00
TRUST AND INVESTMENT FUNDS
Cash and Securities
$ 57,062.88
Stabilization Fund
$ 5,881.42
Rehabilitation Fund*
5,175.91
Library Funds
32,028.83
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
8,902.02
William J. & Anna C. Howard Scholarship Fund
5,074.70
Total
$ 57,062.88
Total
$ 57,062.88
* The General Fund Balance Sheet includes $50,000.00 of Rehabilitation Fund Securities (Series "G" Bonds) voted from this fund at the September 20, 1954 town meeting.
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
SCHOOL
WATER
Date of Maturity
2% Bonds Issued 1950
1.90% Bonds Issued 1952
Total
Date of Maturity
2% Bonds Issued 1948
Total
1955
$ 50,000.00
$ 15,000.00
$ 65,000.00
1955
$ 15,000.00
$ 15,000.00
1956-69
700,000.00
210,000.00
910,000.00
1956-58
45,000.00
45,000.00
1970
48,000.00
15,000.00
63,000.00
1959-62
40,000.00
40,000.00
1971-72
30,000.00
30,000.00
1963
9,000.00
9,000.00
Totals
$798,000.00
$270,000.00
$1,068,000.00
Totals
$109,000.00
$109,000.00
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RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS RECEIPTS
GENERAL REVENUE:
Taxes:
Current Year:
Property
$312,487.42
Poll
2,312.00
Loss of Taxes-State, Cities & Towns
558.52
$315,357.94
Previous Years
Property
29,071.80
Poll
34.00
Tax Title Redemptions
844.92
29,950.72
From the State:
Corporation Tax
13,920.00
Income Tax
56,030.09
69,950.09
LICENSES AND PERMITS:
Liquor
4,106.00
Other
613.00
4,719.00
FINES AND FORFEITS:
Court
120.00
GRANTS AND GIFTS:
From the Federal Government:
Old Age Assistance
26,168.16
Aid to Dependent Children
2,361.90
Dependent Aid
2,194.19
30,724.25
From the State Government:
Vocational Education
2,620.60
High School Transportation
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