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 57
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Our athletic program is quite successful in terms of the num- ber of victories. However, of much greater importance is the fine sportsmanship which is continually demonstrated by all of our boys and girls. This is certainly a tribute to our coaching staff.
At this writing, a change will take place in our school which certainly will affect all of us. As you know, Mr. Wm. Henry Moss has tendered his resignation as Head of the English Department. The knowledge and the training which he gave his students have always demonstrated in the numerous colleges which they attended that they were exceptionally well versed in the fundamentals of English and in many other areas which made their college work easier.
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Mr. Moss has been a wonderful friend and a truly fine assist- ant. I know that he will be greatly missed. It will be almost im- possible to find another teacher with the devotion to duty, the desire to help students, and the wonderful background of knowl- edge which he possesses. Mr. Moss will certainly be appreciated by all who had him as a teacher and I feel that it has been a privilege and an inspiration to work with someone so dedicated.
The duties of my secretary keep increasing each year with the larger enrollments. The number of candidates for schools of higher learning also places an additional burden on her since transcripts and other reports must be forwarded to each school to which every student applies. In spite of this additional work, Mrs. Gladys Keith faithfully carries on. To her, I am indeed grateful for all her assistance.
To the Boosters Club, I can only say "Thank you," for the assistance which they so generously give. The many sports events at which they give their help certainly could not be carried on as efficiently. The interest which they take in our boys and girls will long be appreciated I am sure.
To Mrs. Marzelli, Mrs. Teixeria, the custodians and all others who help me in any way, I can only say I am grateful and I do appreciate all the assistance.
In closing, I want to thank you, Mr. Merrill, for all the pa- tience and encouragement you gave me. As the years go by, I can certainly see how your advice has worked out for the best. I want you to know that I do appreciate all that you have done for me.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER J. SPERANDIO, Principal
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Commencement Exercises WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1959 West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 11, at six forty-five o'clock CLASS OFFICERS
President Carl E. Anderson
Vice-President
Herbert C. Chase, Jr.
Secretary Geraldine L. Lawler
Treasurer Catherine J. Slapik
Colors: Gold and White
Motto: "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers"
AWARDS
The Faculty Award in Athletics Ronald B. Newman
Boosters Athletic Award Herbert C. Chase, Jr.
Good Citizenship - Daughters of the American Revolution Gail L. Ensher
The Balfour Award - Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement Herbert C. Chase, Jr. Gail L. Ensher
Science - The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Arthur E. Clark
The Class of 1958 Scholarship Carl E. Anderson
The Parent-Teachers Association Scholarships Joy W. Fidler Herbert C. Chase, Jr.
St. Ann's Parish Scholarship Richard C. Alger
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West Bridgewater Teachers Association Scholarships Elizabeth C. Hall Arthur E. Clark
West Bridgewater Grange Scholarship Arthur E. Clark
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Gail L. Ensher
West Bridgewater Mothers Club Scholarship Isabelle M. North
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarship Herbert C. Chase, Jr.
Honor Society Scholarship Carl E. Anderson
PROGRAM
Processional - "Triumphant"
Band
Herfurth
Invocation - Reverend Henry Harding
Music - "I'll Walk with God"
Choir
Brodszky
Address - "A Goodly Heritage"
Dr. Dana M. Cotton
Harvard University
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel
Carl E. Anderson
President, Class of 1959
Acceptance for the School
Barbara L. Anderson
President, Class of 1960
Presentation of Awards
Mr. Peter J. Sperandio
Principal, High School
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Thomas F. Kemp
Chairman, School Committee
Alma Mater Senior Class Robert A. Coelho
Benediction - Reverend Joseph M. Carney
Recessional - "Pomp and Circumstance"
Band
Elgar
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GRADUATES
Richard Crosby Alger Carl Everett Anderson Richard Arnold Anderson George Henry Bassett, Jr. Betty Anna Benson Roy Edward Blundell Joan Marie Boyd Annette Marie Braga
David Maurice Brazil
Doris Ingrid Broman Paul Edward Carlson Herbert Charles Chase, Jr. Joyce Marie Chaves Arthur Everett Clark
John Robert Crowley, Jr. Edward Charles DeMolles Gail Laurene Ensher David Philip Erbeck Joy Windsor Fidler Richard James Fox Irene Rita Freiman Elizabeth Churchill Hall
Michael Harding Mark Joseph Hollien, Jr.
Ellen Pauline Howard
Richard Earle Jensen Barbara Ruth Kemp Francis W. LaBrache, Jr. Geraldine Louise Lawler Deborah Manchester Margaret Ann Murphy Ronald Bruce Newman Susan Rae Nickerson Isabelle Marian North Joyce Marie Parenteau Rosemary Helen Perry Theodore Williams Perry Margaret Louise Short Frances Barbara Skelton Catherine J. Slapik Donna May Smith Michael Arnold Smith Sherrol Ann Snell Joseph R. Spadea, Jr. Richard Emerson Swan Virginia Hope Tibbetts William Ernest Turner, Jr. Raymond Anthony Veader Bruce Wayne Veronesi Norma Alice Warme
SPRING STREET SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is my fourth annual report as Principal of the Spring Street School.
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1959 saw the Elementary classes utilizing the program of WGBH Educational Television in many and varied areas. The Spring Street Parent-Teachers Association, through a concerted effort, purchased three 21 inch television sets for the school. Wheeled stands, high enough to raise the sets to proper viewing height and tilted to avoid reflections were designed by Mr. Floyd Folsom and built by the High School Shop Classes under his super- vision. From January through May, Grades five and six watched a Science program, Grade four, Social Studies, Grade three, Litera- ture and Grade two, Music. Beginning in September, a much more comprehensive series of programs was offered. Grade six is studying Physical Science, Grade five, Natural Science, Grade three, Literature, Grade two, Art and Grade one, Music. Most emphasis has been placed on the Grade four offering of Conversational French. A great deal of interest is being shown by pupils and teachers. Present programs are being taped and will be re-run, giving a complete three year coverage for the introduction of a Modern Foreign Language on the conversational level.
Educational television is new and thus warrants more space for delineation. Other more familiar areas of instruction continue to be the mainstay of the curriculum. An integrated Science text for Grades one through six has been selected by a committee of teachers and supervisors and will be gradually introduced into the program. Work is progressing in the development of Minimum Essentials in Science. The next area of concentrated study will be spelling.
Consistent with good education practices, we who live in an area rich in historical background and industrial development are fortunate to be able to visit many of the places about which we study. The following field trips were taken in 1959:
Grade 4 Plymouth Plantation and Mayflower II
Grade 5 Lexington, Concord and Boston
Grade 6 Boston Globe
Achievement tests were again given in Grades two and five and Grade two was given a Mental Maturity test. These measuring in- struments allow us to evaluate our efforts with the pupils and know where greater emphasis is needed.
Parent visitations with teachers has continued to provide the best means of communication for the solving of individual problems.
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Venetian blinds were added to two more rooms so that audio- visual aids might be fully utilized.
Grade one registration was held on Friday, May 22nd, 1959. Parents were given an introduction to the school and the faculty. Teaching, Administrative, Health and Dental problems were pointed out.
The Spring Street Parent-Teachers Association, in addition to the aforementioned purchase of television sets has continued to be of vital assistance to the School. Room mothers helped on holidays, trips and at the Christmas and Valentines Day parties sponsored by the P.T.A. and Grade six was sent on the annual trip to Boston to see Cinerama. All officers and members are to be congratulated.
I wish to thank all those who have helped to make 1959 a very progressive year.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD A. BELCHER,
Principal
GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
This is my first report since my appointment as Guidance Counsellor and includes only that period of time between Sept- tember and December 1959.
No major change in the guidance program was contemplated for the 1959-1960 school year, hence, the established procedure is being carried out.
Members of the eighth grade have taken the California Test of Mental Maturity and are in the process of taking three achieve- ment tests in reading, mathematics and language. Later in the year they shall take the Kuder Preference Test which is a measure of vocational interest. These tests shall be used, in advising them
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concerning their choice of a program of studies for grades 9 through 12.
In other years, the Sequential Test of Educational progress and the School and College Ability Test were administered to the junior class. A change was effected this year, and the tests were given to both the junior and the sophomore classes. From this time forward it is planned to give this test to the sophomores since it will afford an additional year in which to utilize the test results for guidance purposes.
The preliminary Scholarship Qualification Test was made avail- able for the first time this year and was taken by 33 members of the junior class. This test is designed especially to assist in the guidance of college-bound juniors. It is expected that this test will substi- tute completely for the junior year use of the College Entrance Ex- amination Board Scholarship Aptitude Test. This is advantageous since the former is a two hour test while the latter is a three hour test.
The senior class college preparatory group has made arrange- ments to take the College Entrance Examination and other mem- bers of the class have been given a battery of aptitude tests admin- istered by the Massachusetts Department of Employment Security.
In addition to the above, a test of mechanical aptitude shall be given to grade 9 boys taking the practical arts course, a test of cleri- cal aptitude to the general business training class and the National Merit Scholarship Test to all those who wish to compete.
All the members of the senior class have been interviewed con- cerning their post-school plans and it is gratifying to observe that practically the entire group evidenced plans to seek additional edu- cational training after graduation. The junior class is having consul- tations at the present time and the policy of individual interviews shall be carried out through the other grades just as far as time possible shall permit.
In conclusion, I wish to state that I am grateful for the assist- ance and cooperation I have received from you, Mr. Merrill, Mr. Sperandio and the entire school staff.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK DUNN, Guidance Counsellor
154 ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is my seventh annual report of the Art Department.
Two very important additions have been made this year which, it is thought, will greatly improve the art program. The first of these is the installation of a ceramic kiln which allows us to offer pottery making to our regular instruction. Already a few students have been able to make some very good pieces and it is hoped that, as our facilities improve, more pupils will avail themselves of this exciting and rewarding craft. The purchase of a potters wheel and a damp box will provide fairly complete equipment.
The second innovation is a course called, "The Cultural His- tory of Western Civilization." It comprises a history of Western Culture from the Paleolithic Age to the present with special con- sideration for the Intellectual, Philosophical and Aesthetic contri- butions of the various tribes, empires and nations which produced the contemporary culture of modern Europe and America.
The facilities of the Art Department are especially suitable for the presentation of this course because of the availability of appro- priate subject matter, instructional aids and other equipment. The proximity of Cambridge and Boston, with their vast treasures of art and culutre, makes available a supplementary source of study which will be used to best advantage through field trips. This year, eighteen seniors have chosen to participate in the course and there is the hope that the future will show that it has great value for them and others to follow.
This year there are 45 students enrolled in the general art courses of the High School. These students can take part only one period a week at the present. It would be good if more time could somehow be made available, so that those who are really interested in art would have more opportunity for instruction and creative work.
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Art is a required subject for all the children in the seventh and eighth grades. With this age group the emphasis is on creative growth, and toward this end, as many mediums and techniques as possible are introduced so that each student will have full oppor- tunity for exploration of both the tools and materials of art and of his own creative powers.
In the elementary schools, commendation must be given to the teachers who have worked so hard and so well to instruct the children in the basic elements of art. It is in the elementary school that the enthusiasm for creative work and the appreciation for aesthetic quality has its foundation. It is here that a high quality of instruction is imperative. Through workshops and periodic con- sultation, the art supervisor and the elementary teachers have arrived at a rapport which is producing good results.
My thanks to you and to the principals of the various schools for your enthusiastic support of the art program.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM RATHBUN, Art Supervisor
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following are the present musical organizations and classes within the West Bridgewater Public School System:
1. High School Band
2. High School Choir
3. High School Swing Band
4. Seventh and eighth grade vocal classes
5. Elementary Band
6. Elementary Beginners' Band
7. Elementary Tonette Classes
8. Elementary Vocal Classes
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The high school band has been the most active musical organi- zation this year. The band performed at the annual Spring Concert in April, the Memorial Day parade in May, the graduation exercises in June, the football games from September through November, the annual Teachers' Convention in October, the Veterans' Day parade in November, two football rallies and seven high school assemblies. Some members of the band were selected to participate in the annual South Eastern Massachusetts District Concert in Mansfield last January, the Southeastern Massachusetts Band- masters' Association Concert in Sharon last March, and the pit Orchestra which played for our Junior High Operetta last May.
The largest of our musical organizations, the high school choir, has shown a marked improvement in both the quality and spirit of its music. The members of the choir performed at the Spring Concert in April, the Graduation exercises in June, the Teachers Convention in October and climaxed with the annual impromptu concert at Christmas time for the students.
The Swing Band is comprised of some of the better musicians of the regular band. They gave their first performance at the Teachers' Convention in October and were well received. This group can not be commended too highly for their spirit and cooperation.
The first Operetta was presented by the Junior High students last May. The acting, dancing, and singing by these students was superb. Anyone who missed this performance missed a wonderful treat.
Vocal classes in the junior high section have slowly stabilized into two distinct courses of study; the eighth grade, studying music history and appreciation, and the seventh grade, studying basic music theory and voice production.
From the ranks of our fifth and sixth grade students who have graduated from the beginners band, we have formed an elementary band. This group played for the spring concert in April and will present a program for the elementary school in January 1960. This organization stimulates and encourages these neophyte musicians and is found to serve its purpose effectively.
Each year we offer free class instruction to all fourth, fifth, and
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sixth grade beginning band students. This group is called the Be- ginners' Band. As soon as these students meet certain musical requirements they are automatically transferred to the Elementary Band. This year we have instruction classes for beginners in tone production, finger technique, rhythm and basic marching two periods every week.
All children of the third grades have the opportunity for pre- instrumental training through the use of the tonette. We have been using this small instrument in the third grades for four consec- utive years and have found them to be of immense value in the foundation of the entire musical program.
The elementary vocal program, which was determined in April of 1957, is being continued by our Elementary Vocal Supervisor, Mrs. Frances Hill.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER B. LEWIS, Director of Music
MUSIC SUPERVISOR GRADES I to VI
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The first three grades have been taking part in much rhythm work; marching, running, skipping and galloping in time to music, singing games, and songs. Melody Bells have been added to the Music Corners of the first grades, xylophones to the second grades, for experience in playing as well as singing.
Folk dancing has begun in the fourth grades, also singing rounds as an approach to two-part singing, and note-reading. Tone- bells have been added to the Music Corner and they have been used with great interest and enthusiasm.
In the fifth grades there has been a great deal of work done on note reading, rounds, and two-part singing. Chromatic Bells have
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been introduced, and pupils are playing them in each room. The sixth grades have done fine work on review of note reading with the result of three-part singing. Tone bells are an addition to classroom music, each room alternating a week at a time. A sixth grade choir has been organized, and presented its first performance at the fine Christmas Carol Program presented by all six grades in Christmas Week at Spring Street School.
Sunset Avenue children follow the same pattern. In the Spe- cial Class, children have been learning to recognize instruments by sight and sound.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. WARREN W. HILL, Supervisor of Elementary Music
REMEDIAL READING TEACHER
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Following is the report of the Remedial Reading Program. Since the reading groups arranged according to reading grade levels rather than age grade levels, proved so successful in the fall, the same format was used from January to the first of May. At that time over 85% of the cases recommended, were reading successfully at their own grade levels.
After a conference with Mr. Belcher and the first grade teach- ers, we decided to spend the last six weeks of the school year work- ing with pupils from Grade One. This was a departure from the usual procedure but we felt it would be a worthwhile experiment for the following reasons:
1. Every child when he enters first grade is an "unknown quantity" and because of different background and home environment, progresses at different speeds.
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2. While each first grader does learn to work independently to a small degree, he is expected, as a second grader to do a great deal of work by himself. Many a youngster has diffi- culty "spanning this bridge," and a little preparation for it might make the difference between his being successful or failing in Grade Two.
3. Since no two teachers evaluate any one child in the same way and a first grade teacher's judgment must of necessity be almost entirely subjective, it was felt another opinion would be valuable.
The children were selected for these groups by their own teachers. These children were already assured of promotion. The class work was arranged to give them extra drill. It was divided into 3 parts.
1. Building a sight vocabulary. For this I used Dolch's word list of 220 words most commonly found in reading. These words make up 50% to 70% of all regular reading matter.
2. Phonics. Initial, end, and middle consonants and the long and short sounds of the vowels.
3. Comprehension. Reading silently for information.
Sunset Avenue School was not included in this program at this time because of the smaller enrollment. However, I did go once a week and took over each class for half an hour using The Science Research Associates Elementary Reading Laboratory. These work sheets would show the classroom teacher the weaknesses and strength of her class.
When school reopened in September, it was gratifying to find that, after the diagnostic reading tests administered to the second grades, only 3 of the children who had had extra help the previous spring needed remedial help.
This year because of the increased enrollment, Sunset Avenue School must be included in the daily schedule.
The response in the high school this year again was so great that it was necessary to divide it into two groups. Grades 7 and 8 in one and 9 through 12 in the other. These students give up vol- untarily part of their study time. Here, as in previous years, the stress will be first on comprehension and second on speed.
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The results of the last two years of the reading program are now showing their worth. There are no remedial cases in Grades 5 or 6, and only a few in Grade 4. Without the continued coopera- tion of the classroom teachers this would not have been possible.
Two new metal bookcases were purchased for the Remedial Reading room this fall along with fifty library books which are already being well read. These books were carefully selected - having a high interest and low vocabulary count. For a child having difficulty in reading something of this nature is very important. No child will voluntarily read a book over which he has to struggle for every other word. Motivation, or the desire to read, is the first hurdle for any remedial reading program if it is to be successful.
I would like at this time to thank all the teachers who have so ably helped me to make this past year successful.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY E. NELSON, Remedial Teacher
SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Bert L. Merrill
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Nurse of the West Bridgewater Schools.
Children given first aid 264
Sick children attended 856
Home visits 30
Other visits and consultation with parents 146
Physical appraisals by the School Physician Grades I, IV, VII and X 510
Immunization clinics for Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus were held at the Spring Street Elementary School on March 19th, April 16th and May 14th.
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Total inoculations
125
Audiometer Tests given
1016
Failures 10
All accepted as correct referrals.
1157
Massachusetts Vision Tests given Failures 30
All accepted as correct referrals.
Heights and Weights were done at Spring Street, Sunset Ave- nue and Junior-Senior High Schools.
Communicable Diseases: A few cases of scarletina; measles, chicken pox and mumps were more prevalent, but did not become epidemic.
In our health program we are working toward Physical Fitness, Mental Fitness, Social and Emotional Fitness. More and more the social service duties of the school grow as it interests itself in the whole child and the child's total well-being. I hope to continue to confer with pupils and their parents regarding health problems and, upon request, confer with School Personnel regarding their own health problems.
Respectfully submitted, E. MYRTLE HOWARD, School Nurse
SCHOOL DENTAL HYGIENIST
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
I hereby submit my third annual report of the West Bridge- water School Dental Clinic.
Dental examinations were given to 501 pupils in grades 1 - 5. Dental notices were sent home to the parents, notifying them of the result of the examinations. 279 pupils were found to have dental defects. Although the number of children with defects re-
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