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 1960-1963 > Part 30
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Similar studies are planned for all subject areas in the near future. A careful emphasis on continuing a strong coordination between the offerings of the elementary and secondary grades as recommended by the local teachers association is an integral part of this project.
We are also making plans to implement our elementary grade T.V. work, especially in the areas of French and Science. To get maximum benefit from this participation it will be necessary to
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provide some special assistance to our classroom teachers who have not had training in these two relatively new undertakings.
The teachers in grades IV, V and VI are attending a course to become better informed on Modern Mathematics. This is an extension of the material offered last year to the junior-senior high school teachers and it will make possible the best start in the study of Mathematics for all our children. When material and texts are available we look forward to extending at least por- tions of this new concept of instruction, to all pupils in grades I through XII.
I would be remiss not to remind all persons interested in our schools of the tremendous foundation given to our program by a nucleus of well-trained, experienced, devoted teachers. Without their guidance and stability our fast growing system would have far greater difficulty in presenting a sound and satisfactory pro- gram. We must make every reasonable effort to hold these desir- able men and women here in West Bridgewater.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION
We staff members are very grateful to the School Committee, the School Building Committee and the townspeople who have, by their joint efforts, made available the fine new space in the high school. These new areas, the equivalent of 17 new classrooms, have greatly improved our offerings and, devoid of frills, have provided art, library, commercial, language laboratory and shop facilities the equal of any in Eastern Massachusetts.
ATHLETIC PROGRAM
We have, I believe, an adequate program in the so-called major sports with football, basketball and baseball for the boys, field hockey, basketball and softball for the girls. However, with the addition of the new track and extended field area we will ex- pand our program to include track in the spring and cross-country in the fall starting in 1963. These two additional sports will pro- vide an opportunity for more boys to participate and to keep in shape the year round.
The assistance given to our athletic program by the West Bridgewater Boosters Club is greatly appreciated and we look for- ward to continuing this fine relationship.
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STATE AID TO EDUCATION
Aware of the great increases in public school budgets through- out the Commonwealth, eight statewide associations closely con- cerned with the public schools have submitted a new program, based on a revised state aid formula, to help the local real estate property tax payer. The associations include the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts Congress of Parents and Teachers and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. This proposal has been filed with the Legislature as H 1781.
H 1781 would commit the state to share in every dollar spent for school operating costs, on a percentage basis, with a sliding scale according to ability and need. The state would pay an av- erage share of 40 per cent of the total school operating costs which approximates the national average for state support with a mini- mum of 15% and a maximum of 75%. The amount paid by the Commonwealth would depend upon the Community's ability as well as its willingness to support education.
In order to pay for this increased aid to education it will be necessary to establish some new form of tax revenue. Should it become effective it could mean an increase of $197,000. over the present approximately $80,000. authorized for reimbursement ac- cording to the 1962 school reports by the State Department of Education for this Town. The present State aid formula, based on 1945 valuations and not including all pertinent factors, is badly outdated and causes communities such as ours to suffer unneces- sarily. Total cost of this state aid is estimated at $121,000,000. as compared to the present $48,000,000.
I urge all citizens to carefully study the progress of this pro- posal as it is considered in the Legislature. It could be a great help to the Town in its efforts to provide an adequate education for all entitled.
SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS STUDY COMMITTEE
This group, endorsed by the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, and made possible by a vote at the recent Special Town Meeting should be very helpful in keeping school planning up to date with the continued growth of the Town.
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REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
The School Committee has sponsored an article for the Annual Town Meeting which would provide a committee of three to rep- resent West Bridgewater in the consideration of establishing a Regional Vocational School. Neighboring communities are provid- ing similar representation. Keeping in mind the inadequacy of Brockton's present facilities and the increasing demand for trained, skilled tradesmen and technical workers it is important to the future welfare of the area that we give careful thought to this proposal.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
This year we have initiated a formal program of conferences between parents and teachers to allow maximum interchange of ideas and observations. These will supplement but not eliminate our present policy of pupil progress reporting. I am sure our parents will not fail to recognize the possible advantages to the children which can come as outgrowths of this pooling of interest.
In closing I thank the School Committee for its guidance, interest and support.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD A. FISHER
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Donald A. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
I herewith submit my twelfth annual report as principal of the West Bridgewater High School.
Thirteen classrooms were added to the high school building this fall. The new construction has greatly relieved a crowded situation. This permitted the establishment of a language lab-
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oratory, a complete modern art department, and an enlarged household arts department, the creation of a metal shop, a new library, increased dining room capacity and sorely needed storage areas.
These facilities encourage improvement in the program of studies. However, more important than facilities in the learning process is the establishment and maintenance of an experienced faculty. It was regrettable that approximately one third of the teaching staff left during the past year.
During the 1961-62 academic year, curricular experimenta- tion in the Problems of Democracy classes was instituted. Due to the nature of the program, evaluative criteria is such that con- clusive evidence could not be ascertained in one year. Therefore, the program will continue for another year.
A modern mathematics program was initiated in the junior high school with great success. This program will be extended through grade nine when our teachers have completed their in- service training courses.
A need exists for an appraisal of our English offerings which should include creative writing, the institution of a developmental reading program for all pupils, and an enrichment program for all college bound students if we are to maintain our success with college admissions.
A reorganization and expansion of our Guidance Department is necessary if the pupils are to realize the full benefits of the program. There are many and varied demands on this depart- ment which cannot be adequately provided for at present.
A study of our athletic program which will include cross country and track teams reveals a need to provide transportation in the late afternoon for our athletes. This bus could also accom- modate pupils who wish to remain after school for additional help in their studies or to participate in various extracurricular school activities.
According to a recent survey by the Massachusetts School Lunch Program authorities, our lunch program is operating very favorably. The pupils are provided with nutritious lunches which exceed the minimum standards as established by the United
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States Department of Agriculture and the expenditures continue very closely aligned with the recommended ratios. Furthermore, the program is still one of the few in the state which is still oper- ating without a town subsidy.
During the past year, the school band has been handicapped by a lack of musically inclined pupils and we have not had suf- ficient interest to organize a color guard. There is, however, a rather large number of elementary school pupils who have demon- strated interest in music and who should favorably augment our present unit in the near future.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all those who helped to alle- viate the burdens and responsibilities of my office.
Respectfully submitted, PETER J. SPERANDIO
Commencement Exercises
CLASS OF 1962 WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 14, at six-thirty o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President Lewis Norman Estabrooks
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Susan Buker Sandra Ann Krugger Pamela Ann Potter
Colors: Green and White
Motto: Upon the first step, all the rest depends.
AWARDS
The Faculty Award in Athletics Richard Bruce Ohlson Boosters Athletic Award Lewis Norman Estabrooks
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Good Citizenship - Daughters of the American Revolution Paula Frances Alexander
The Balfour Award - Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement Lewis Norman Estabrooks
Science - The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Lewis Norman Estabrooks
The Class of 1961 Scholarships Lewis Norman Estabrooks Pamela Ann Potter
The Parent-Teachers Association Scholarships Sally Buker Susan Buker
St. Ann's Parish Scholarship Sandra Ann Krugger
West Bridgewater Teachers Association Scholarship Judith Morrow Carlson Eleanor Jeanne Reed Catherine Elizabeth Sullivan
Adolphus Eldridge Grange Scholarship Robert Fuller Anderson
West Bridgewater Grange No. 403 Scholarship Sandra Lee Stuart
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Paula Frances Alexander
West Bridgewater Mothers Club Scholarship June Catherine Howard
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarships Sandra Louise Beals Sharon Martha Seablom
National Honor Society Scholarship Carolyn Frances Pettengill West Bridgewater High School Music Scholarship Susan Evelyn North
Gladys Hagglund Memorial Scholarship Nancy Mae Okerstrom Howard High Alumni Scholarships Marjorie Anne Clark Carolyn Frances Pettengill
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PROGRAM
Processional "Triumphant" Band Herfurth
Invocation
Reverend Raymond J. Devettere
Music: "Climb Every Mountain" Choir
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Welcome Speech Lewis N. Estabrooks
Graduation Essay Paula F. Alexander
Music: "I'll Walk With God"
Brodszky
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel President, Class of 1962
Lewis N. Estabrooks
Acceptance for the School Ronald H. Perry
President, Class of 1963
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 Henry S. Harding
Recessional "Pomp and Circumstance" Band Elgar
CLASS OF 1962
Paula Frances Alexander Sandra Ann Krugger
Harold Howard Anderson
Ronald Allan Livie
James Gustav Anderson
MaryAnn J. Martelli
Robert Fuller Anderson Timothy Cobb Mather
Sandra Barker
Anthony Arthur Barros
Janet Louise Metcalf Stephen Gley Mosher
Sandra Louise Beals
John Gilbert Nelson
Vera Ellen Benson
Susan Evelyn North
Katherine May Berry
Richard Bruce Ohlson
Sally Buker Susan Buker
Nancy Mae Okerstrom Matthew James Owens, Jr. David Charles Perry Dorothy May Perry
Judith Morrow Carlson
Peter Nathan Chase
Lında Mae Chaves
Sandra Marie Perry
Ronald Alan Coelho
Carolyn Frances Pettengill
Christine Ethel Cook
Pamela Ann Potter
Marjorie Anne Clark
Jennifer Anne Preece
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Gloria Jean Eaton Audrey Ann Emerson Janice Lorine Erbeck Lewis Norman Estabrooks Martha Jane Graffte Todd Layton Grundberg Veronica Florence Harris Jane Ellen Hayward Charles Douglas Hill June Catherine Howard Paul Henry Howard Eleanor Martha Hirst Robert Michael Johnson Barbara Lee Kipper
Eleanor Jeanne Reed Alfred Ellis Rohnstrom Robert Edward Ross Sallyanne Russo Sandra Jean Ryan Sharon Martha Seablom
Elizabeth Mary Stonehouse
Donald Merle Stuart, Jr. Sandra Lee Stuart Catherine Elizabeth Sullivan
John James Turner, Jr. Michael Alan VanDyke
Joyce Diana Wilbur
ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
Following is my first annual report as Elementary Supervisor.
The elementary schools opened on September 6, 1962 with many changes in organization. New first, second and fourth grade classes made it necessary to establish all our fifth and six grades at the high school building. Our elementary organization now is 4 classrooms at the Sunset Avenue School, 14 classrooms at the Spring Street School, and 8 classrooms at the High School build- ing. This includes, in addition to the three new classes at Spring Street, an additional 6th grade.
In addition to the registration of new students held in May, it was deemed advisable to hold a second registration prior to the opening of the regular schedule. This second registration was held on Monday, August 27th. The success of this August registration
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in alleviating many of the problems of the opening day certainly warrants the continuation of the policy.
New playground equipment, purchased in the spring from funds earned by the sale of photographs, was installed during the summer and fall. This additional equipment makes our recess play periods more effective and more enjoyable for the pupils.
With the cooperation of the principal and athletic staff at the high school we have been able to institute a definite physical edu- cation program in those grades. A committee of teachers are pres- ently working with the elementary supervisor to develop a flexible program which can be administered by the teachers in grades one through four.
Advantage has been taken of the many science, music, litera- ture and language courses available to us via educational tele- vision. Lesson plans prepared for use with the programs are used to integrate the information into the regular school program in these subjects. The fact that the traveling coordinator for the French program is no longer available means that we must do something locally to maintain the excellence of this program.
We have been able to add many books to our classroom libra- ries. This is in addition to the splendid cooperation from the West Bridgewater Public Library in making children's books available. Added to our regular reading program the availability of these facilities gives each child a wide variety of reading material.
Your attention is invited to the report of the reading super- visor for an evaluation of these methods and materials which have been added to our basic reading program.
The teacher workshop organized the day prior to the open- ing of school has proved to be of value to the new teachers as well as a refresher for those who have been with us in previous years. I hope that these conferences between the teachers and supervi- sors, bus drivers, and others connected with the school program will continue.
The establishment of a program of parent-teacher conferences proved to be of great value to parents and teachers alike. It is my hope that this program will be continued and expanded in
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the future. There is no substitute for the parent and the teacher planning together for the success of the child.
I should also like to express my appreciation to the Sunset Avenue and Spring Street Parent-Teachers Association for their assistance in taking a complete census of our school and pre- school children. The fine cooperative spirit of these two groups have been of considerable help during the year.
It is a pleasure to be associated with a system in which every- one is cooperating in continually improving the educational oppor- tunities for its children.
I would like to thank you, and all those associated directly and indirectly with our school program, for the excellent help and cooperation in making our schools an outstanding credit to the community.
Respectfully submitted, OLIVER N. MILLETT
GUIDANCE DIRECTOR AND COUNSELLOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
The following is a report of the year's activities in the Guid- ance Department of the junior-senior high school:
Guidance activities either being planned, in operation, or con- cluded are as follows:
1. Testing programs in grades 8-10-11 and 12.
2. A workshop on mental health, held on a monthly basis with the assistance of a representative from the Judge Stone Clinic.
3. Organization of a volunteer group to assist professional personnel at the Brockton Veterans' Administration Hospital.
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4. A survey of interest areas in reference to the proposed Regional Vocational High School.
5. A follow-up program of previous graduates.
6. Personal interviews with each pupil in grades 7 through 12.
Of the sixty-four graduates of the Class of 1962, the majority are now attending institutions of advanced education in accord- ance with the following breakdowns:
Four-year colleges or universities 22
Community colleges or prep schools 6
Nursing training 1
Licensed practical nurse training 1
Medical laboratory technician training
2
Art school
1
Secretarial training
7
Barber school
2
Post-graduate course
4
The remainder are either employed, married, or in the Armed Forces.
This year renovations are planned within the area formerly used as a student activity room and the Civil Defense room. This change will afford a much larger area for the display of educational and informational material, the location of files and references, and more cheerful, and isolated facilities for counselling interviews and individual testing.
A serious need continues to exist for clerical help in handling routine matters. These duties consume a great deal of time which might be used to increase the efficiency and value of the program.
The following trends have been noted with gratification :
The number of graduates, who take advantage of the oppor- tunity for post-graduate study, are increasing yearly.
There has been a decided increase in the number of pupils taking tests of a national nature on a volunteer basis.
Merchants and other businessmen have employed an ever- growing number of students for part-time work.
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A considerable number of those returning from duty with the Armed Forces and older graduates have been utilizing the services of the Guidance Department.
We are grateful for the assistance and cooperation of all those who have helped to develop a successful guidance program.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK F. DUNN, Director E. OLIVIA LAWSON, Counsellor
HIGH SCHOOL ART DEPARTMENT
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
This year we have a new art department. Our new quarters are complete except for a few pieces of equipment which have not yet arrived such as: air brush, a damp closet, some hand tools, a few easels and a larger kiln.
At the present time we can offer instruction in:
Drawing (pencil, pen and ink, pastels) Painting (water color, oil and tempera)
Graphic Arts (blockprinting, etching, stencil, silk screen) Sculpture (clay, wood and ceramic)
Ceramics (all techniques )
Art History Crafts
For ten years we have been moving toward the goal of a com- plete art workshop. Now that this has been achieved we will look forward to maintaining and improving our resources for giving the best technical and creative opportunities to the children of West Bridgewater. It is good to have a feeling of well being because of things accomplished but it would be unwise to be satisfied with
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things as they are. We still have improvements to make and goals to arrive at. I will mention two.
The fine arts should be a significant part of every persons' education. At present we are able to provide some art experiences to every child through the eighth grade. Beyond this level we have classes for those who are gifted or especially interested. This is good but not good enough. The high school student is at a developmental stage which requires a different kind of art experi- ence and more of our adolescents should have the opportunity for aesthetic growth and creative experience. The administrative difficulties involved are considerable and are appreciated. Let us hope that new solutions will present themselves through cooperate effort.
The second area of weakness involves what is commonly called, "Art Appreciation." This is a rather nebulous term which means many things to many people. A better term might be, "Art Understanding." A general interpretation might include, a knowl- edge of our cultural heritage as represented in the visual arts; an- other might be a knowledge of the elements and principles of design and expression.
The best way to study these subjects is through actually view- ing and studying works of art. Since many of the world's greatest aesthetic monuments are inaccessible to us as direct experiences we must rely on other means. The second best way is to have avail- able good reproductions, such as prints or photographic slides.
We now have a small collection of such material which falls short of adequacy if we are considering a greater distribution of our services to the people of West Bridgewater. A print and slide library should be started, based on a course of study which will be designed to provide, "Art Understanding" to most, or all of the high school students.
I personally want to thank the school committee and the ad- ministration for their kindness to me during my recent illness. A special thanks to Mrs. Prince and Mr. Orr who graciously did extra work to continue the classes.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM RATHBUN
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ELEMENTARY ART INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
It is the intent of the art programming to plan lessons that will benefit all of the children, that their experiences in the art problems and mediums will give primary importance to their de- velopment of expression, insights, concepts, appreciation and out- looks. The individual is considered paramount. Since each child has his own tendencies, differences, and gifts, the art program has to acknowledge these facts in order to develop the child to his utmost abilities and awareness. The pupil is encouraged to exert individualism by employing his own expression.
The art program also includes experience for all children in group problems. The solutions required in planning a bulletin board, a mural, decorating the school for an occasion, are ways to enhance the sharing of ideas, the debating of ideas, which is our democratic way of life.
I wish to thank all of the teachers in the elementary grades for their kindly and considerate support of the program.
Respectfully submitted,
DORIS PRINCE
HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
1962 saw the fulfillment of an anticipated expansion and an improved development of the entire West Bridgewater music pro-
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gram. The number of instrumental students was increased by approximately one hundred per cent over the previous year, two bands, instead of the usual one, represented the school system in the two town parades, and the vocal department experienced a marked development of quality and appreciation.
The music program in junior high is a continuation of the basic program initiated in the previous year, i.e., theory and appre- ciation on the seventh grade level and music history in the eighth grade. A constant modification is applied to these classes for their improvement and interest appeal. This year we instituted tonal and rhythmic dictation records to help develop more sensitivity to and understanding of musical sounds, whether vocal or orchestral.
The high school choir has improved in quality of both sound and literature in the past year, but there is still a need for more time to aid these young people to maintain and increase their musical ability and spirit. Their performances this past year were enjoyable and well received.
The third grade tonette program has been exceedingly suc- cessful this past year both by providing a basic impetus to the instrumental program and laying a more firm foundation for the regular vocal program.
Our Beginners' band program this past September numbered forty-two new students, an increase of one hundred per cent over the previous September. The balance of instrumentation was ex- ceptional for a beginning group and the drop-out rate has been low.
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