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 39
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Last year, we added approximately eight new teachers to our high school faculty which is equal to 27 percent of our total staff. The prospects for next year appear to indicate a greater turn- over. If this situation continues, it will seriously affect the efficiency of the total school program. The most important seg- ment of any educational system is its teaching personnel and I certainly hope to be able to increase the stability of our staff.
Our library facilities are operating on an acceptable level. The students are making good use of the library but I would recommend that it remain open until four o'clock each school day so that students could take better advantage of the facilities and also to provide a place for athletes who are waiting for late practice sessions to study.
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Our athletic program has been quite successful insofar as our victories are concerned. However, I should like to see a greater student participation. There are boys and girls who would partici- pate if the problem of transportation could be resolved for them. Therefore, I would recommend a late bus for transportation of the athletes and also students who wish to stay for extra help in the afternoon.
The Art Department is operating very well and we are pleased with the facilities which make it possible to provide so much more for the students.
The Music Department has operated with some difficulty. Mr. Walter Lewis, our music supervisor, has an excellent band in the elementary grades. However, when these pupils reach the high school, they are apparently more interested in other areas and this results in the loss of experienced players. We hope to be able to increase the holding power of the band.
The School Lunch Program has been operating very success- fully. During the 1961-62 school year we served 129,778 hot lunches. In the school year 1962-63, we served only 123,957 lunches which resulted in a financial loss for the year. This loss was absorbed by the lunch program.
However, with the steady increase in food costs and services and a fixed cost per lunch, it has become increasingly more diffi- cult to meet all of our obligations in this program. I do not feel that we can continue to operate without additional income and I find it difficult to justify an increase in the pupil cost per lunch.
Our enrollment continues to increase each year and we have been operating with less space as the elementary pupils continue to encroach upon the high school facilities. We have just about reached the limit to which we can operate without seriously affect- ing our teaching efficiency.
A more detailed report on this matter will be given by the School Needs Committee.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all those who have helped to share my responsibilities. The loyalty of the teachers is greatly appreciated. The cooperation of the teachers, guidance, staff,
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lunch workers and custodial staff certainly ease the burden of this office and to all of them, I am very grateful. In particular, I wish to thank Mrs. Richard Keith, my secretary, for her loyalty and devotion to duty which resulted in the alleviation of the office details.
Mr. Thomas Peters, our assistant principal, has also con- tributed greatly to the relief of the work of my office. I am grate- ful for his assistance and dedication to duty.
Respectfully yours, PETER J. SPERANDIO, High School Principal
Commencement Exercises
CLASS OF 1963 WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 13, at six-thirty o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President Ronald H. Perry
Vice President
John Randall Huston
Secretary Carol Ann Beals
Treasurer James Michael Cheyunski
Colors: Red & White
Motto: To Thine Own Self Be True
AWARDS
The Faculty Award in Athletics James Michael Cheyunski
Boosters Athletic Award Robert Lovell
Good Citizenship - Daughters of the American Revolution Ann Elizabeth Rohnstrom
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The Balfour Award - Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement David Albert Ticchi
Science - The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Christopher Read
The Class of 1962 Scholarships Ettore Andrew Mortarelli Celeste Ann Surrette
St. Ann's Parish Scholarship David Albert Ticchi
West Bridgewater Teachers Association Scholarships Eleanor Irene Cook James Sigurd Harding Nancy Ann Gallagher
Adolphus Eldridge Grange Scholarship Joseph William Norris
West Bridgewater Grange No. 403 Scholarship Carol Ann Beals
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Jeanne Roberta Dalton
West Bridgewater Mothers Club Scholarship Ronald H. Perry
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarships Meryl Jean Snell Robert Bradford Lovell
National Honor Society Scholarship Gretchen Lee Cross
W.B.H.S. Music Scholarship Ann Elizabeth Rohnstrom Christopher Read Gretchen Lee Cross
Gladys Hagglund Memorial Scholarship Carol Ann Maloney
Howard High Alumni Scholarships Barbara Jean Newman Ann Elizabeth Rohnstrom
10]
PROGRAM
Processional "Triumphant" Band Herfurth
Invocation
Reverend R. Nelson Cheney
Music: "Climb Every Mountain" Choir Rogers and Hammerstein
Welcome Speech
Christopher Read
Graduation Essay
Barbara J. Newman
Music: "I'll Walk With God"
Brodszky
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel
Ronald H. Perry
President, Class of 1963
Acceptance for the School
Douglas Leighton
President, Class of 1964
Presentation of Awards
Mr. Donald A. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools
Presentation of Scholarships
Mr. Peter J. Sperandio
Principal, High School
Presentation of Diplomas
Mr. Scovel M. Carlson
Chairman, School Committee
Alma Mater Senior Class Robert A. Coelho
Benediction Monsignor Francis S. Shea
Recessional
"Pomp and Circumstance"
Band
Elgar
CLASS OF 1963
John S. Alden Marjorie Ann Austin
Carol Ann Beals
Lorraine Maybelle Bernier Janice Elaine Bishop
Gary William Carlson Carolyn Mae Cassidy James Michael Cheyunski Kathleen Mary Cobbett Gretchen Lee Cross Eleanor Irene Cook
Jeanne Roberta Dalton Brooks Marshall Farrar, II Charles Melvin Fisher
Leonard Anthony Fratangelo
John A. Freiman Nancy Ann Gallagher Charles William Hall James Sigurd Harding
Carolyn Jean Hayward John Randall Huston Meredith Anne Jensen
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Diane Lee Johnson Arthur Stephen Kelley Glenys Veona Lawson Richard Linehan
Robert Bradford Lovell Thomas Leonard Patrick LyonsDavid Walter Sawyer Richard A. Shaffer
Carol Ann Maloney
Karen Cecilia McCann
Karl L. Slater
Meryl Jean Snell
Celeste Ann Surette
Robert Carl Newman
Sandra Ann Tardie
David Albert Ticchi
Alicia Craig Willis
Harlow E. Woodward
ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Mass.
Dear Mr. Fisher:
It is a pleasure to submit my second annual report as Ele- mentary Supervisor.
Continual growth in the elementary grades made changes necessary in our classroom organization. A larger than expected enrollment in grade one required the establishment of another first grade. In order to provide physical space, the old library in the high school was utilized and the fourth grade from Sunset Avenue School moved to the High School Building. We now have a total of 27 Elementary Classrooms distributed as follows: 4 at Sunset Avenue School, 9 in the High School Building, and 14 at Spring Street School.
The parents-teacher conferences established this past year as a regular part of our program have been of great value to both
Joseph William Norris
Betty Jean Pennington
Ronald H. Perry
Darryl Constance Phelan
Linda Ann Pratt Janice Marie Radley Christopher Read Marilyn V. Reid Ann Elizabeth Rohnstrom
Ettore Andrew Mortarelli Barbara Jean Newman
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teachers and parents. Our teachers met personally with the par- ent (s) of 94.5 per cent of our children in Grades I through VI and the Special Class. The final result of this cooperative effort has been of significance to the educational program as a whole, and of particular assistance with many individual problems.
Considerable improvement in the administration of our reading program has been made. A greater variety of materials, properly graded, and definitely programmed are available at all levels. For additional detail on this program, your attention is invited to the report of the Reading Supervisor. Miss Nelson's untiring efforts during the summer are very much appreciated.
An evaluation of our curriculum in the areas of arithmetic, science, language arts, and social studies is now under way. All teachers in grades one through six are participating in this study. An outline will be submitted in each of the four areas prior to the end of the school year. It is my desire that this evaluation be a continuing rather than a periodic project.
A lecture-demonstration course in teaching elementary science in grades one through six is also under way. Through these sessions we are supplementing the preparation of our elementary teachers in teaching basic science. The tremendous progress in the science field in the past decade has made this necessary.
Many of our educational television programs have undergone revision and been brought up to date. New programs have also been included. These remain a valuable supplement to our work in science, phonics, literature, social studies and French. Work- shops in French for teachers of grades one to six have been held with the representative from Heath-DeRouchment Corporation. We are grateful for the help received from Miss Janice Rylander of the high school faculty in this subject.
The Sunset Avenue and Spring Street Parent-Teacher Groups were helpful in assisting with the annual school census. We appre- ciate the cooperation of these groups in providing physical and financial assistance for our school program. The furnishing of room mothers to aid our classroom teachers and the work of interpreting the school for the community continue as strong accomplishments of the organizations.
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I wish to express my thanks to you, and all associated with our schools, for the assistance we have received during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
OLIVER N. MILLETT, Elementary Supervisor
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.
Prior to the opening of school in September, the guidance office was open for two days and for two evenings for the con- venience of students and parents.
Since the opening of school, standardized tests have been administered to grades 8, 10 and 11. Each pupil in grades 12, 11 and 7 has been interviewed and daily, children from the other grades are being scheduled.
During the past year the following programs were under- taken:
1. Mental health clinics were held once monthly under the direction of a representative of the Judge Stone Clinic. These meetings included other faculty members.
2. A volunteer group of students was organized to assist the regular employees of the Brockton V.A. Hospital in the care of aged veterans. This group acquitted themselves in such a manner as to bring high praise from V.A. officials. The program is continuing this year.
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3. Mrs. Donald MacMullen has been devoting one day each week to assist in completing the clerical work connected with the Guidance Department. Her efficient and consci- entious efforts have been of great value.
4. A Future Teachers Club has been organized under the di- rection of Mrs. E. Olivia Lawson. The members have had guest lecturers and panels from prominent teacher education institutions and are planning field trips to a number of colleges.
5. A Future Nurses Club has been organized under the di- rection of Mrs. E. Myrtle Howard, the school nurse. The girls have planned a program which is designed to interest young people in the nursing profession.
6. A panel, consisting of last year's graduates, who are now attending institutions of higher education, was invited to speak to members of the junior and senior classes who intend to continue their education. It is felt that these graduates have much to offer reviewing their experiences and advising our youngsters.
7. Through the cooperation of the personnel at the Town Library, information pertinent to education and to advising young people is to be made available to parents and other interested adults.
Other programs and services which have been instituted in past years have been continued.
The Guidance Department welcomes our graduates or any member of this community to contact us in the event that we can be of any assistance in the attempt to solve any problem or to overcome any difficulty which we are qualified to consider. We will be especially happy to recommend candidates for positions in area industries or other commercial enterprises.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK F. DUNN, Director E. OLIVIA LAWSON, Counsellor
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ELEMENTARY ART INSTRUCTOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
The art program encourages thoughtful individual expres- sion, motivated by varied media and stimulated by diverse sub- ject matter. The childs' own concept of an art problem has to be considered worthy in order to incite within him a freedom in his own expression. Adult concepts of these same art problems when imposed upon the child only tend to minimize the satisfaction for him in his own abilities to express himself. The child needs proper guidance in his process of growth in expression, at his own level of understanding, in accordance with his acquiring of new skills and new knowledges, to have a genuineness in his achievement of it.
I truly appreciate the assistance and cooperation given me by every classroom teacher. Without it my schedule would be impossible to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
DORIS PRINCE Art Instructor, Elementary Schools
HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Mr. Donald A. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
The increase in the number of students participating in the music program has been very rewarding this year. The enrollment of beginning band students, grades four through six, was seventy. This is double the number we had last year. Thus a greater
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amount of attention has been centered on the instrumental pro- gram, and, at the moment, we are fortunate in having the music department facilities and students centrally located at the high school.
We now have four band groups; the high school band-grades seven through twelve, the junior band-grades four through six, and the beginners' band comprised of two groups, the fourth grade ensemble and the combination fifth and sixth grade en- semble.
In the tonette section of the program we have undertaken one experimental first grade tonette class. This group has exhibited and maintained a certain degree of digital and musical pro- ficiency which in my estimation is deserving of serious thought for future inclusion in the instrumental program. We are still maintaining the third grade tonette program.
The vocal section of the music program has remained intact in the high school and elementary divisions. The junior high glee clubs were not retained this year because of scheduling problems. However, singing time has been made available in general music classes.
It was very gratifying to have more youngsters participating in our musical programs during the past year. These experiences will result in providing more meaning in their future lives. We are very hopeful that this trend will continue as a factor in the com- munity's cultural growth.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER B. LEWIS
ELEMENTARY MUSIC
Mr. Donald A. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
The vocal music program in the Elementary Schools in West Bridgewater has, this year had very few changes.
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The music program carried out by the classroom teachers under my direction follows a balanced course of study to assure that each student will be in contact with all phases of music.
Music time in the Elementary School is devoted to:
1. The pleasure of singing and enjoying music with a group;
2. Suitable listening experiences to acquaint the students with all types of music;
3. The study of music theory to improve comprehension and thus increase the enjoyment of music;
4. Rhythmic activities such as the rhythm band in grades one and two and the use of square dancing in grades three and four;
5. Study of the Instruments of the Orchestra, great composers and their works.
Performances by the Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus were held three times in the past year. They were for the benefit of the entire Elementary School System. The programs presented were; a Christmas play with chorus, a Memorial Day program and a pro- gram of music featuring the Fifth and Sixth Grade Chorus and Junior Band. All three programs were received well by the pupil audience. Music Programs such as these stimulate student interest in music activities.
The addition of three record players and one portable organ has greatly helped the elementary music program. There is now a portable organ available in each wing of the Spring Street School and also one for use in the elementary wing of the High School.
In closing I would like to thank all the elementary teachers for their interest and participation in the music program.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT ORLANDO
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REMEDIAL READING SUPERVISOR
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
The following is the report of the Elementary Reading Super- visor.
With the annual Fall check-up of available books and sup- plies, it became apparent that the basal reading system was going to have to be replaced as the textbooks were literally wearing out. With the exception of the basal readers and the reading labora- tories there was no other defined reading curriculum, so Mr. Millett and I organized a definite reading program for each grade-one through six. We listed the available books by grade into three different categories:
1. Basal and co-basal
2. Supplementary
3. Enrichment
This program was then printed, placed in notebook covers and distributed to every classroom. Now each teacher not only knows the books available at his/her grade level but also the books used in the grades below and above. Along with this we have issued a "Child's Individual Reading Progress Record." On this the teacher will list the text books read by each child in his/her room. There is also a place on this chart for his individual SRA Reading Level. This is to be kept in the child's permanent record folder and should be a great help to the subsequent teachers. I am very pleased with the enthusiasm that the teachers and students have shown for this program.
Because of town expansion and new school building, many classrooms have been moved several times and in the process of moving sets of books have been dispersed in various places. The last week of school all reading books, with the exception of the basal readers, were collected. These I have counted and catalogued
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and placed in the remedial reading room. We used the shelves taken from the old High School Library when it was made into a sixth grade classroom. We now have all sets together and avail- able for use whenever any teacher needs them.
Since the basal reading part of our program needs replenish- ing, Mr. Millett and I have examined the basic reading books of the leading publishers and have finally selected two series. We have two "pilot study" groups in grade one using these series. With the help of the teachers we are evaluating each and in the spring we will decide which will be best to recommend for re- placement.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Millett, and the teachers for all your help and suggestions in making this a successful and fruitful year.
Respectfully submitted, MARY E. NELSON Elementary Reading Supervisor
SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Donald A. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
It is a pleasure for me to submit my sixth annual report as School Nurse of the West Bridgewater Public Schools.
Children cared for by nurse 802
Children given first aid 417
Home visits 24
Parent-Nurse conferences 214
Teacher-Nurse conferences
244
Physical appraisals by school physician in Grades I, IV, VII, and X 402
Students in sports examined 187
Audiometer tests given 1274
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Retests 187
Failures 44
Immunization clinics for Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus were held at the Spring Street Elementary School on March 7th, April 4th, and May 2nd .
Total inoculations 168
Sabin Oral Polio vaccine was administered to all school pupils who had not participated in the 1962 program.
January 23
Type I 746
March 13
Type II 1100
May 21
Type III 812
I served as a resource person in the Elementary Workshop and community groups.
Case conferences held throughout the year with the school psychologist have been most rewarding.
During the year, I was privileged to work on a steering com- mittee with local and state personnel to set up a manual of policies and procedures for School Health Services.
May I express my thanks to parents, school and community for their support in meeting the health needs of all our school children.
Respectfully submitted, E. MYRTLE HOWARD, R.N.
DENTAL HYGIENIST
Mr. Donald A. Fisher Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Fisher:
I hereby submit the annual report of the West Bridgewater School Dental Clinic.
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Dental examinations were given to all pupils in grades one through five, and also the Special Class. Dental notices were sent home to 640 parents, notifying them of the results of the examin- ation. 369 pupils were found to have dental defects. It was also noted that a large number of pupils were in need of orthodontic treatment. This is not done in the school clinic.
Prophylaxis or dental cleaning is advised at least once a year. This removes stains from the teeth, which not only improves one's appearance but makes detection of cavities easier. Prophylaxis also removes tartar deposits which are a source of irritation to the gums. A total of 453 pupils availed themselves of the opportunity to have their teeth cleaned, at no charge to the parent.
Sodium fluoride treatments were offered to pupils in grades two and five, at no charge to the parent. This treatment is the application of sodium fluoride to the teeth in a series of four simple, painless applications. Approved by the United States Public Health Service and the American Dental Association, it reduces dental decay 40%. Sodium fluoride treatments have been given to 162 pupils.
In cooperation with the school dental clinic, the West Bridgewater Lions Club employs a dentist who is in the clinic one morning a week to care for routine and emergency dental defects. Appointments with the children requesting dental care are made by the Dental Hygienist. Last year 102 children received treat- ment in the clinic.
Pupils coming to the clinic for cleaning are given individual instruction on proper toothbrushing methods and mouth care. I hope that in the near future there will be some form of classroom instruction in dental health, as there is a definite need for better dental health habits.
I wish to thank all of the school personnel for their fine cooperation and help.
Respectfully submitted,
ELEANOR L. SOULE, D.H.
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THE UNION COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of West Bridgewater:
The annual meeting convened at the West Bridgewater High School on April 25, 1963 at 8:00 P.M. with Mr. Edward Cameron, and Mrs. Olga Markowski of Raynham; Mr. Thomas Kemp, Mr. Scovel Carlson, and Mr. Leon Beaulieu of West Bridgewater and Mr. Donald A. Fisher, Superintendent of Schools, present.
Mrs. Olga Markowski was elected Chairman and Mr. Leon Beaulieu, Secretary for the ensuing year.
Mrs. Myron Mather was re-elected secretary of the Union for the ensuing year. Travel expense and salary of Mr. Donald A. Fisher for the ensuing year were determined.
Respectfully submitted,
Raynham-West Bridgewater Superintendency Union #45 MRS. OLGA MARKOWSKI, Chairman LEON H. BEAULIEU, Secretary EDWARD CAMERON SCOVEL CARLSON THOMAS KEMP
DIRECTORY OF TEACHERS
Teacher
School Grade or Subject
Peter J. Sperandio, Ed.M.
High
Principal
Preparation St. Anselm, Harvard Bridgewater State
Harold Bent, B.S.
High
Science
Mrs. William Boelke, M.S.
High
Household Arts
University of Wisconsin
Mrs. Robert Boucher, B.S.
High
History
Boston University Bridgewater State
Michael Brown, B.S.
High
English
Robert Chapman, Ed.M.
High
Chemistry
University of Vermont
Miss Elizabeth Davis, A.B.
High
English
Bates College
Armand Gendreau, A.B.
High
Social Studies
Stonehill College
Miss Carolyn Gravelin, B.S.
High
Girls' Physical Ed.
B.U. Sargent College
Patrick Guercio, Ed.M.
Elem.
Special Class
Bridgewater State
Gerard E. Hurley, B.S.
High
Industrial Arts
Fitchburg State
Mrs. John Kent, B.S.
High
Math
Bridgewater State
Mrs. Donald Lawson, A.B.
High
Guidance Counsellor
Upsala College
Mr. Thomas Long, A.B.
High
Social Studies
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