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 1955-1959 > Part 17
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It was necessary to continue double sessions for grades 1, 2, 5 and 6 up to the summer vacation period. With the September opening of the new Spring Street School, the double sessions were eliminated and occupation of the old front and rear Center School buildings was discontinued.
A new salary schedule with higher maximum levels was adopted effective as of September 1956. Competition for qualified teachers continues keen, with attractive salary schedules set-up by the larger towns and cities in the surrounding area making it in- creasingly difficult for small municipalities to hold to desired standards for a teaching staff. It becomes necessary to periodically adjust the salary schedule holding the level at least to the median of those in effect in towns comparable to West Bridgewater. For- tunately, we have been able to attract desirable instructors because of this program and because of the selection ability of our school administrators. At the present time, we believe our teaching staff is of high standing both in background and teaching ability.
Policies covering voluntary accident insurance for pupils and insurance for football players were renewed under the same con- ditions and cost which prevailed in the preceding year.
Specifications for transportation of school children were ap- proved to cover a three year contract period. Bids were received on this basis, with the awarding of contracts going to the only bidders, two local operators who have been the successful bidders in preceding years.
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Approval of a Sunset Avenue school district was voted to be determined as follows:
North: North Elm Street to the Brockton line including all side streets.
South: North Elm Street to Prospect Street and all side streets.
East: From North Elm down Copeland Street to #230.
West: From North Elm down Crescent Street to #217.
The committee approved a program to renovate classrooms at the Sunset Avenue School with one room to be completely modernized this year. This work was underway during the summer vacation period and was completed in time for the opening of school in September. Many favorable comments have been re- ceived on the renovation. It is hoped that the program can be con- tinued at the rate of one room a year until the four rooms are completed.
The Spring Street School formally occupied in September has been a welcome addition to the system. Its most modern and functional facilities allow for perfect organization and instruction of classes. As always, with new facilities, some changes or revisions become evident with use. Minor changes included installation of additional water heating equipment to produce an adequate supply of hot water at required temperature in the kitchen and installation of venetian blinds in rooms where, at periods of the day, sunlight glare interfered with class operations. A major change recommended is the enclosing of the passageway to the all-purpose building for safety and comfort of pupils in passing during severe and inclement weather.
Permission was granted for high school pupils to make up courses at the Brockton Summer School. To receive credit under this arrangement pupils must complete the summer school studies with acceptable grades.
Following publication of the official school enrollment taken as of October 1, 1956, the committee gave consideration to the probable school housing needs of the future. In this study, the most efficient use of both the High School and Spring Street build-
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ings was contemplated in addition to the use of the Center School buildings after these latter two buildings are modernized. Re-con- ditioning of these buildings is to follow the plan now underway at the Sunset Avenue School with the addition of new heating systems and toilet facilities.
Under such a program, the rear Center building could be available in September 1958 when two extra classrooms will be needed and a special class desired for retarded children. The fourth room there can be used to relieve overcrowding in the junior-senior high school program. Full use of this building will continue through 1959 and until September 1960. Then it may become necessary to reopen the front Center building to make another room available and to use the second room in 1961. It is estimated that with both the Center buildings open school housing needs will be sufficient until 1962. However, if future pupil enroll- ment increases beyond the present trend, it is possible that new housing will need to be available before this date. An estimate received on cost of modernizing the Center School buildings, indicates that the work can be done at approximately one-third the cost per room of new construction.
The committee instructed Mr. Merrill to acquaint the School Building Survey Committee with the result of this study to be weighed on its merit in the committee's survey of future housing needs.
Employment of a band leader (part time) was initiated this year upon vote of the committee. You may note what has been accomplished in band and orchestral work in his first annual report.
The Committee voted to employ a dental hygienist on a part time basis. Her report on the operations of the School Dental Clinic from September through December is interesting.
The School Committee is grateful for the cooperation shown throughout the year by the teaching staff, secretaries, custodians, the Parent-Teacher Associations and the various other town organ- izations.
The town people, as a whole, can be commended for their interest in school affairs and activities. This interest was demon-
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strated during the past year by the cooperation given to the com- mittee organized for the purpose of purchasing uniforms for the band.
We commend the pupils and faculty for fine deportment and care of school property evidenced throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY RICHARDSON ERLAND THAYER THOMAS KEMP CHARLES ENSHER GEORGE NOONAN JOHN ELDRIDGE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the West Bridgewater School Committee:
I am pleased to submit herewith my seventh annual report as Superintendent of Schools:
Education is a line of defense against infiltration of unpatri- otic groups. There must be educational growth from childhood to adulthood. Making friends and learning to live together is a world problem still unsolved to a degree. "We in the American family are like the fingers on a hand, different in size and strength but drawn together we can be a powerful instrument in the world."
Personnel:
There have been several faculty changes during the past year. Two additional teachers were appointed to the junior-senior high school faculty, and one in the elementary schools. The following new teachers were employed:
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High
TEACHER
John Bruce, M.A.
Lawrence Cashin, A.B.
Anne Dutton, M. Ed.
Frank Dunn, Jr., M. Ed.
Wendell Gallup
Thomas Graffte, M. Ed.
Lena Iacovo, B.S.
O. N. Millett, Jr., M. Ed.
Jean Parker (part-time) B.S.
John Tivnan, B.S.
Archibald Toothaker, B.S.
YEARS OF
PREPARATION EXPERIENCE
University of New Hampshire 3
Stonehill College 2
Springfield College 7
Bridgewater Teachers 21/2
Eastern Nazarene College 0
Boston University 10
Bridgewater Teachers 2
Colby Col., B'water Teachers 8
Framingham Teachers 2
George Washington University 0
Suffolk University 1
Elementary
Bernice Ditchett, B.S.
Katharine Pope
Priscilla Walters, B.S.
Bridgewater Teachers 7
Salem Teachers 15
Bridgewater Teachers 0
Special Teachers
Richard Belcher, B.S.
Bridgewater Teachers 5
Principal Spring Street
School and supervising principal all elementary grades
Frances Hill, Music super- visor, vocal
Boston University
Walter Lewis, B.M., Music Conservatory of Music
supervisor, instrumental
Blanche Flint, Dental hygienist
The following teachers resigned: Thomas Adams, Victor Bis- sonnette, Evelyn Broadbent, Lawrence Cornell, Helen Galt, Leo Gleason, Phyllis Jordan, Joao Lage in the high school: and Cath- erine Dobrien, and Gilbert Gardiner in the elementary. Mrs. Marjorie Hayward, music supervisor also resigned.
Organization:
Grades one and two at the Sunset Avenue School and Grades five and six at the front and rear Center Schools continued on double sessions through last June. When schools reopened in
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September and the new Spring Street School was occupied double sessions were no longer necessary. The front and rear Center Schools were closed and all elementary grades were organized as follows:
Sunset Avenue School
TEACHER
GRADE TEACHER GRADE
Priscilla Walters
1 Bernice Ditchett 3
Velma Johnston
2 Margaret Boynton, Principal 4
Spring Street School
Gladys Freeman
1 Grace Folsom 3
Geneva Garvey
1 Thelma Cook 4
Alice Howard
1 Emma Taylor 4
Marie Sullivan
2 Katharine Pope 4
Myrtle Ryan
2 Gertrude Estabrook 5
Mary Nelson
3 Anne O'Keefe 5
Ethel Marr
3 Marguerite Shurtleff 5
High School
Doris Berkowitz
5 Robert Forest 6
Mary Doyle
6 Ruth Kimball 6
Spring Street School:
Life in general and education in particular is a constant pro- cess of adjustment. Some adjustments to new situations are pleas- urable. This was the case in September when nearly 375 children were privileged to enter the new Spring Street School for the first time.
Comparison of the present full day school session for children in all grades with the previous half day sessions for grades one, two, five and six, reflects the interest and demand of the citizens in the town, that their children receive full and adequate instruc- tion.
The new school is of campus type construction containing two units of classrooms with seven rooms in each unit, and a third unit contains the administration offices, the health room, the dental room, kitchen and cafeteria, which also serves as an all-purpose room with a stage at one end. The foyer in each classroom unit contains ample storage cabinets for supplies. Each classroom has an additional cabinet for books and suppnes. The three units are
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heated separately by forced hot air. Attractive blond movable furniture, purchased from the Brunswicke Balke Company, adds charm to each classroom. Pleasant surroundings contribute to en- thusiasm for work and learning. We are pleased and proud of our new Spring Street School.
Enrollment:
A steady increase in school enrollment can be anticipated. October 1, 1956, 1023 pupils were attending our schools. The enrollment as of January 1, 1957, is 1031. Additional classrooms will be necessary in the near future.
The Kiplinger Washington Letter just released informs us that by 1965 the enrollment of high school pupils in the country will increase fifty per cent and the increase in the elementary schools will be thirty per cent. Today there are 1,200,000 teachers in the country. By 1965 1,800,000 teachers will be needed. This is an increase of 600,000 teachers in this short period of time. New teachers will be needed to replace those who will leave the teaching profession and because of school growth.
Other Items:
A meeting of citizens representing various town organizations was held in February for the purpose of organizing a committee to sponsor raising money for the purpose of purchasing new band uniforms. Through the persistent efforts of this committee, chair- manned by Mr. William Turner, a sufficient sum of money was raised to outfit the school band. We are very grateful for the coop- eration received by the several organizations and individuals.
610 school children up to fifteen years of age were immunized against poliomyilitis, at the clinic by the school physician, Dr. Joseph Calitri and his assistant and 120 others were inoculated by their family physician.
The annual Plymouth County Teachers' Convention was held in Brockton on October 19.
The annual South Shore Superintendents' Association meet- ing to which school committee members are invited was held on Wednesday, May 16, at the South Junior High School in Brockton. Four committee members and the Superintendent attended.
:
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un PUBLIC LIBRARY
I met with the school survey committee three times for the purpose of advising the committee of our present and future school housing needs.
I attended the 82nd annual convention of the American Association of School Administrators held in Atlantic City Feb- ruary 19 through the 23rd. The general theme of the convention was "Education, a Key to Lasting Peace."
An important meeting of the Massachusetts School Superin- tendent was held in Worcester on March 14. State and federal legislation as it affects education was discussed.
Several other conventions and meetings were attended by me during the year.
Maintenance:
Maintenance of school buildings has been confined mainly to the high school and the Sunset Avenue School. The work, in so far as possible, was done by the janitors under the direction of Mr. Arvid Hagglund, head custodian. Contractors and tradesmen were employed to do special maintenance work. The following major improvements were made:
High School:
1. Outside doors and trim were repainted.
2. All lavatories were painted.
3. Boys' and girls' lockers, dressing and shower rooms were repainted.
Sunset Avenue:
1. Asphalt tile floor was laid in one classroom.
2. New window shades were installed in one classroom.
3. One classroom was completely repainted.
4. Fluorescent lights were installed in one classroom.
5. New movable furniture was purchased for one classroom.
6. A thirty gallon glass lined electric hot water heater was installed.
7. The chimney was repointed.
8. Asphalt shingles and tar and gravel were applied to the sloping and flat roof respectively.
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May I take this opportunity to thank you for your fine cooper- ation and support.
Respectfully submitted,
BERT L. MERRILL Superintendent of Schools
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I submit herewith my sixth annual report as principal of the WVest Bridgewater High School.
During the year 1956, the various departments within the school operated in a satisfactory manner. The faculty responded well to the needs of the students. It was willing to help overcome the problems which confronted the student body both in and out of the classroom.
In a very recent survey made within the State of Massachu- setts, it was revealed that our program of studies and our operating schedule was functioning as the median school for the State. We provide the students with all the courses necessary for entrance to any college or university in the country and the basic skills for entrance to the various trade areas and "on-the-job" training programs. We are approved as a Class "A" secondary school by the Massachusetts State Department of Education.
Further indication of our standards is evidenced by the fact that our college students do well when they are in competition with graduates of other schools in the college classroom and also on the College Entrance Examinations.
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During the fall of 1956, the National Merit Scholarship Exam- ination was administered to the top five per cent of each high school senior class. The instruction given to our best student equipped him to do better than 82 per cent of all the high school students in the country in the verbal phase of the examination and better than 94 per cent in mathematics. This fact alone completely justifies our insistence upon well trained youth and it is a tribute to the work of the teachers in their efforts to educate our youth in the face of the competition from the entertainment world.
On the whole, the attitude of our students is very good. We have tried to instill in the students the need for a good education and it seems that we have reached most of them. As you know, it is much easier to teach pupils who want to learn and have estab- lished goals for themselves.
Our library is an important part of our educational program. The use of the library by the pupils has far exceeded the previous years. Of course, the primary need of the library is for research and reading materials but due to the lack of classroom space we have had to use the library as a study hall. This naturally limits the library in its proper function. However, I am well pleased with the library facilities and I want to thank Mr. William Henry Moss who is doing such a fine job as the librarian.
On the whole, our attendance records continue to be very good and we have had good home and school relations. We do, however, have a few cases of truancy but they are very much in the minority.
Our guidance department is now operating in a most effi- cient manner. The students profit greatly from the services rendered by Mr. Roger G. Viens, our Director of Guidance. He has done an excellent job and has always been very cooperative.
WVe do have a need for a larger intramural program which would reach all the pupils that do not participate in interscholastic competition. This number is considerably larger than the total number of boys and girls who are on our athletic teams. However, due to a lack of facilities and instructors, we have not a well devel- oped intramural program.
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Our athletic teams have been very successful. This is, no doubt, due to the fine coaching which the pupils receive.
More important, however, than victories is the training given to the athletes on good sportsmanship and fair play. Our boys and girls have well demonstrated those qualities which make for better citizens of the future.
However, we definitely are in need of more coaches so that we can better train our youth in grades 7, 8, and 9. Our Junior high school program and our freshmen teams do not have an adequate number of coaches to do the job that has to be done. Our ninth grade boys should not have to practice with the varsity squads. This is especially true in football. Most boys of this age cannot compete with others who are three or four years older.
Our driver training program continued to be very popular with the students. We must restrict this program to the pupils who are or will be sixteen years of age at the completion of the course.
The school lunch program operated very successfully during the year. Similar lunches are now being served in all schools of the town. The fact that we fed over 800 pupils in a student body whose average daily attendance is less than 1000 clearly demonstrates the popularity of the program.
During the year 1956, we served 88,042 hot lunches and 57,888 bottles of milk.
Perhaps the most notable new development of the year was the acquisition of uniforms for the band. To the Band Uniform Committee, we are indeed greatly indebted. The student body and faculty are very proud of our band as it marches along.
I want to thank Mr. Walter B. Lewis, our bandmaster, for all the extra time and effort he put into his work. He certainly has done a remarkable job.
The junior-senior high school enrollment continues to climb at a rate of 30 to 40 pupils per year. This fact points to the need for an additional classroom each year. At the present time, only three regular classrooms are in use as elementary rooms. A report of the School Survey Committee will further explain school enrollments and classroom needs.
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In conclusion, I wish to thank all those who have in any way assisted me with my responsibilities. I want to thank the teachers, the lunchroom workers, and custodians who have cooperated so well during the school year. I want to thank Mrs. Gladys Keith, who has done a wonderful job as clerk in my office. Her assis- tance has been truly magnificent. In particular, I wish to thank the West Bridgewater Boosters Club which has been very cooperative at all times. Without their assistance some of my work would be virtually impossible. I can always point with pride to our Boosters Club when I hear of such clubs in other communities. To all of them I am very grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER J. SPERANDIO Principal
SPRING STREET SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I submit herewith my first annual report as Principal of the Spring Street School.
The building was opened to classes on Wednesday, Septem- ber 5, 1956. The total enrollment has varied between 370 and 375.
Because the grass is newly seeded and the sod not completely established, it was deemed advisable to delay using the playground area surrounding the school until at least the spring of 1957. Conse- quently, the area behind the high school gymnasium has been utilized for recess and lunch period activities. Separate recesses are held for pupils in "B" and "C" sections.
Sixty-five per cent of the pupils are enrolled in the School
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Accident Insurance Plan. It is hoped that the percentage will be higher in the future.
Two shifts are necessary in the lunchroom, with pupils in "B" section eating at 12:00 and those in "C" section eating from 12:30 to 1:00. A very high percentage of hot lunches is served each day. The lunchroom staff is exceptionally able and cooperative.
The pupils and teachers have adjusted easily and rapidly to the new building and enjoy the greater freedom of operation afforded by its modern design. The all-purpose room has been utilized for assemblies and music classes. A Thanksgiving program was enjoyed, with pupils of the fifth and sixth grades from the high school as guests. The Christmas program, with all classes partici- pating, was an outstanding success.
Christmas pictures were painted on the large window surfaces with washable paint and provided colorful decoration which were pupil-conceived and executed.
The school is open during an evening after each marking period so that the parents may discuss their childrens' problems with the teacher. Appointments are made for consultations so that they may be conducted in privacy.
The health program under the supervision of the school nurse, Mrs. Hewitt, and the dental program, directed by the dental hygienist, Mrs. Flint, have been very successful.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Merrill, and the teachers and super- visors for the assistance and cooperation given me. I also wish to thank the Building Committee and the School Committee for a fine school plant and the excellent materials with which to work.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD A. BELCHER
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Commencement Exercises WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1956 High School Gymnasium West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 14, at eight o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Robert E. Guarino
Vice President
Judith E. Nelson
Secretary
G. Kenneth Ross, Jr.
Treasurer David W. Alden
Colors: Green and White
Motto: Nihil Sine Numine (Nothing Without Divine Guidance)
AWARDS
Science - The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company G. Edward Noonan, Jr.
Good Citizenship - Daughters of the American Revolution Judith Nelson
The Balfour Award - Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement Janet Lendh and Judith Nelson
The Reader's Digest Award - Highest Ranking Student Judith Nelson
The Faculty Award in Athletics George Perry
The Parent-Teachers' Association Scholarship Barbara Reynolds
The Class of 1955 Scholarship Peter Reed
St. Ann's Parish Scholarship G. Edward Noonan, Jr.
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Marilyn Gifford
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West Bridgewater Teachers' Association Scholarship Judith Pierce
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarship David Alden
West Bridgewater Grange Scholarship Robert Guarino
West Bridgewater Mothers' Club Scholarship Margaret Phillips
PROGRAM
Processional - "Grand March - Orchestra "Aida"
Invocation - Reverend Francis S. Shea
Music - "I'll Walk With God" - Choir
Address - "Americanism" - Lt. Col. Daniel James
Soprano Solo - "Think Love of Me" - Bernice Andrews
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel
Robert Guarino, President, Class of 1956
Acceptance for the school Forrest A. Broman, President, Class of 1957
Presentation of Awards Peter J. Sperandio, Principal, High School
Presentation of Diplomas Harry E. Richardson, Chairman, School Committee
Alma Mater - Words and Music by Robert Coelho, Class of 1956 - Senior Class
Benediction - Reverend Roland G. Whitney
Recessional - Orchestra - Memories
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GRADUATES
David W. Alden
William Edward Allen, Jr.
Charlotte P. Anderson
Bernice Theresa Andrews
Jean A. Badger
Edith Dora Bailey
Esther Gertrude Baker
Julie Belle Bassett
Lorraine Amelia Bordeaux
Marshall L. Broman Malcolm Carlson
G. Edward Noonan, Jr. Philip R. Ohman George L. Perry
Donald Walter Child
Judith Orella Peterson
Margaret Dorothy Phillips
Judith Anne Pierce
Robert A. Coelho
Mary Jane Daley
Lorena Anne Douglas
Richard Roger Forest
Arnold A. Gallagher
James P. Reynolds
Marilyn Alberta Gifford
Carol Jean Riddell Thomas R. Roulstone
Raymond H. Gorman, Jr.
Nancy Harriet Greene
G. Kenneth Ross, Jr.
Leon Thomas Semeter, Jr.
Maxine Ethel Seyfert
Robert J. Sullivan
Paul C. Tsika
Arlene LaVerne Vinton
Stephen Lee Young
GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
This is my second report of the activities of the Guidance Office. As was reported last year, this office concerns itself with
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