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 9
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All outside doors were repainted.
The remaining section of the driveway extending from the rear of the high school to the Spring Street School was black- topped.
Painting of the steel bleachers was completed.
SPRING STREET SCHOOL
Enclosure of the passageway between A and C blocks at the
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Spring Street School adds greatly to the comfort of pupils, espec- ially in cold and stormy weather.
Several classrooms were repainted. All exit doors and several metal frame-work sections were repainted.
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL
The refinishing of the whole interior of the Sunset Avenue School is now complete. This includes laying of linoleum on all wooden floors, erection of new window shades, the installation of fluorescent lights and the painting of all classrooms, corridors and lavatories.
I wish to express again my appreciation to the School Com- mittee for the fine cooperation and support I have received in the administration of the schools, and for its sincere and devoted service.
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 tenth annual report as principal of the West Bridgewater High School.
During the year 1960, the various school departments oper- ated satisfactorily. The faculty responded well to the needs of the students and it was willing to assist them with their problems.
Our program of studies is under constant study so that we may continue to offer the best courses to meet the needs of our students. During the past year, we added a required course in
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World Geography for pupils in grade nine and also a course in Problems of Democracy for the Seniors. These courses should prove to be very valuable in understanding the various areas of the world and the social and economic problems confronting them.
The West Bridgewater High School continues to enjoy an approved rating as a Class "A" Secondary School by the State De- partment of Education and is accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Further indication of the high level of achievement of our students is evidenced by their performances in schools of higher learning. Many of our pupils have gone directly into the labor market from high school and have done very well in their adjust- ment to working conditions.
The faculty takes great pride in the general attitude of our pupils. They are well-behaved and respectful. The physical con- dition of our building is further proof of the good feeling which prevails.
With the increase in the school enrollment in grades 7-12, it has become necessary to hold classes in the library, music room, and the student activity room. The cafeteria is used as a study room except during lunch time. At the present time, every avail- able room is in use. This condition will not be relieved until the new addition becomes a reality.
The use of our school library increases with each passing year. The number of volumes on our shelves has increased substantially so that, not only are more books available to the students, but there is also a greater range in the areas of interest. These facts lead to greater use of our library facilities as a research, study and reading center. However, the use of the library has been curtailed by the fact that it has been necessary to use it as a classroom. When the new school library is added to the present building, it may be nec- essary to acquire the services of a librarian so that the students may use the library all through the day.
On the whole, our attendance records continue to be good. There always seems to be a few pupils who are absent more than may be necessary but these are in the great minority.
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There is a need for a more extensive athletic program which would make it possible for pupils who do not participate in our regular inter-scholastic athletic program to enjoy competitive sports. The addition of track, field events and intramurals would greatly enhance our present offerings.
However, our athletic teams continue to enjoy success. This is, no doubt, due to the fine coaching which they receive.
Our driver training program continues to have a greater demand than can be accommodated. For the first time, we divided our pupils into two groups but there will not be time available to give all the pupils the driving time necessary to meet the minimum requirements. Therefore, we shall allow the older pupils to com- plete their courses first and the others will complete their driving requirements in the fall.
Each year this problem becomes more acute. It seems that this activity may have to be restricted to seniors.
The school lunch program continues to operate without a town subsidy. The number of lunches served this year has in- creased greatly over previous years which attests to the continued popularity of the program.
In conclusion, I wish to thank all those who have assisted me with my responsibilities. I want to thank the teachers, the lunch- room workers, and the custodians who have cooperated so well during the year. I wish to thank the Boosters Club for their con- tinued assistance with our athletic program. They will probably never fully realize how much their efforts are appreciated. I want to thank Mrs. Gladys Keith who continues to be of tremendous help with the duties of my office. I wish to thank you, Mr. Merrill, for all your kindness, counsel and assistance throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER J. SPERANDIO
Principal
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Commencement Exercises WEST BRIDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1960 West Bridgewater, Massachusetts June 16, at six thirty o'clock
CLASS OFFICERS
President
Barbara L. Anderson
Secretary Ann L. Swanson
Treasurer Walter H. Emerson, Jr.
Colors: Blue and White
Motto: "Act well your part, there all the honor lies."
AWARDS
The Faculty Award in Athletics
Bruce Soderholm
Boosters Athletic Award
Walter Emerson
Good Citizenship - Daughters of the American Revolution Barbara Anderson
The Balfour Award - Scholarship, Loyalty and Achievement Barbara Anderson
Science - The Bausch and Lomb Optical Company Walter Emerson
The Class of 1959 Scholarship Marianne McGrath
The Parent-Teachers Association Scholarships Joanne Semeter Anne Kundzicz
St. Ann's Parish Scholarship Sheila Sinkevich
West Bridgewater Teachers Association Scholarships Donald Metcalf Marjorie Caswell
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West Bridgewater Grange Scholarship Doreen Carlson
The William J. Howard and Anna Clifford Howard Scholarship Walter Emerson
West Bridgewater Mothers Club Scholarship Sheila Curley
West Bridgewater Police Association Scholarship Nancy Seablom Linda Okerstrom
Honor Society Scholarship Walter Emerson Sheila Curley
Music Scholarship
Ann Swanson
PROGRAM
Processional - "Triumphant"
Band
Herfurth
Invocation - Reverend Raymond J. Devettere
Music - "I'll Walk With God"
Choir
Brodszky
Address - "Freedom of Choice"
Dr. Gilbert C. Garland
Northeastern University
Presentation of Class Gift and Gavel
Barbara L. Anderson
President, Class of 1960
Acceptance for the School Kenneth A. Turner
President, Class of 1961
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 Robert C. Wilson
Recessional - "Pomp and Circumstance"
Band
Elgar
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GRADUATES
Barbara Louise Anderson
Beatrice Helena Badger
Wayne Arnold Bishop
William Richard Brown, Jr.
Doreen Virginia Carlson Marjorie Merrill Caswell
Raymond Randolph Chace
Susan Frazier Cobbett
Carol Louise Cyr
Sheila Ann Curley
Diane Margaret Demers
William Mixer Doane, Jr.
John Lawrence Dufault, Jr.
Walter Hallett Emerson, Jr.
Clive Harold Ensher
John Trafton Foye
Carol Elaine Gaffney
Carol Ruth Hammarstrom
Wilfred Gillespie Howard
Gordon Francis Johnson
Carolyn Keith
Anne Priscilla Kundzicz
Martha Jane Large
Carolyn Esther Lyons
Barbara Ann MacFadden
Catherine Elizabeth Marble
Marianne Barbara McGrath
Angus Anthony McLeod Donald Wilson Metcalf Ronald Edmed Metcalf Carolyn M. Mullins Laurel Anna Nelson Linda Mildred Nickerson Sally Roy Ohlson Linda Elaine Okerstrom
Charles Anthony Pagani Lois Ann Penpraese Gail Ann Pettengill
Carole Jean Seablom
Nancy Jean Seablom
Joanne Mary Semeter Ronald Shirosky Sheila Ann Sinkevich
Robert Daniel Slater
Bruce Camerson Soderholm, Jr.
Sandra Jean Spadea
Duncan Harold Sprague Marie Julie Steptoe Theresa Helena Stulpin Ann Louise Swanson
Karen Lee Swartz
Jeffery Donald VanDyke
William Herbert Vinton, Jr.
SPRING STREET SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is my fifth annual report as Principal of the Spring Street School.
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Metropolitan Achievement Tests were given in Grades two and five, covering the areas of Reading, Language and Arithmetic. Our mean was well above the grade level based on national norms. These tests are used for individual diagnostic purposes, as well as an over-all measurement of class achievement.
Tests of Mental Maturity were also administered to Grades two and five to determine each child's potential.
Committees of teachers and supervisors have continued work on development, evaluation and revision of minimum es- sentials in all subjects.
Examination of Spelling materials from all published sources is under way to determine if new developments recently intro- duced offer significant improvements over methods now in use.
The system of Arithmetic introduced three years ago has measurably increased achievement in this field throughout the grades. Courses taken by several teachers in new concepts of teaching Arithmetic have made the subject more interesting, more easily understood and have evolved a more lasting grasp of fundamental processes.
Integrated Science texts were introduced in grades 1 through 4 and a portable Science Cabinet and Kit was purchased to aid in exhibitions of simple experiments commensurate with the grade level of the pupils participating. Through these aids, we hope to more thoroughly teach the basics of the scientific process of exam- ination and the experimental method of inquiry. Under consider- ation is an integration of Science throughout the entire school system.
Educational Television from WGBH-TV, Channel 2 has been considerably expanded in the past year. In September, Con- versational French for grade four began its second year and Con- versational French for grade five was commenced. This more advanced course is designed to lead into a third year of the lan- guage for grade six next year. A Science program for grades one and two, Music for grade two and Literature for grade three have been offered. Natural Science is presented for grade five and Physi- cal Science for grade six.
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Each class has continued to accumulate individual room li- braries to increase pupils' skills and interest in reading and the language arts.
Registration for incoming first grade pupils for September, 1960 was held on Friday, May 20, 1960. There were 96 registra- tions.
Educational field trips for grades four, five and six were con- tinued as were local visits by several primary grades. Room visita- tions for parents again proved successful.
There were major improvements in the physical plant during the year. Most important was the enclosing of the passageway between A and C Blocks. For the first time the school is a single entity, allowing pupils and staff to move between classrooms and cafeteria, office, health, remedial and dental spaces without don- ning outdoor garments. The stage curtain in the cafeteria-audi- torium is a valuable addition since it performs the two-fold purpose of aiding in the production of program and serves to black out a large group of windows for audio-visual use.
The Spring Street P.T.A. continued its active support and assistance by providing room mothers, room parties on holidays and the sixth grade trip to Cinerama. Several excellent programs were featured at meetings during the year.
May I thank all who had a part in making 1960 a year of decisive progress consistent with our national need and aims.
Respectfully submitted, RICHARD A. BELCHER Principal
SUNSET AVENUE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Bert L. Merrill
Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is my report as Principal of the Sunset Avenue School.
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During the year 1960 pupils and teachers enjoyed working in our newly painted building. Work was made more pleasurable by our colorful surroundings.
An increase in the enrollment over last year has enlarged our hot lunch program so the old "kitchen" has become part of our cafeteria.
Pupils of grade 4 enjoyed a trip to Plymouth Plantation as part of their social study class. They visited the library during National Book Week. They also participated in the Conversational French program on television.
The Sunset Avenue Parent-Teacher Association has worked hard to cooperate with the teachers. As a result of their efforts, the children were taken to Franklin Park for an outing that was both enjoyable and educational. Parties at Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day were financed by the Parent-Teacher Association. Both parents and teachers have used the meetings to better under- stand each others problems.
The teachers at Sunset Avenue School wish to thank all who have assisted in making 1960 a very satisfying and successful year.
Respectfully submitted, MARGARET R. BOYNTON Principal
GUIDANCE DIRECTOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The following is my second annual report since my appoint- ment as Guidance Director at West Bridgewater High School.
The program as it is currently operating embraces the follow- ing functions:
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Counseling
This is divided into three categories, educational, vocational, and social. The most of the counseling done is educational since this has to do with assisting pupils in choosing courses for the following year and advising pupils on proper procedures to follow in gaining admittance to schools of higher education.
Testing
The program has not been altered during the past year and a variety of tests are being administered or arranged for in grades 8, 10, 11 and 12.
Recording
A great deal of time is devoted to keeping complete records and the importance of this function cannot be over emphasized.
As of the date of submission of this report, each member of the Senior and Junior Class has been interviewed and notations have been made in order to facilitate a logical follow up at a later date.
My present plan is to interview each pupil in grades 8 through 12 in order to bring records up to date and to acquaint each of them with the services and facilities of the Guidance Department.
Referral
Agencies and organizations interested in the welfare of young people have been most helpful in offering their services to this department. Dr. Vardak, a psychologist from the Judge Stone Clinic, has been particularly helpful and is available to parents who wish to consult with him.
Conclusion
During the present school year meetings have taken place which have included representatives from the faculty and the administration of both the elementary and the high schools. Thc reason for these meetings is to bring about a closer relationship between the two divisions in working toward an improved succes- sion of the curriculum and a smoother adjustment process for pupils entering the seventh grades.
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I wish to extend my gratitude and thanks to all those who have assisted me in my efforts to make the guidance program increasingly effective.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK F. DUNN, JR. Guidance Director
ART SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Perhaps this would be a good time to restate the philosophy which we have taken as a guide for the art program in the West Bridgewater School System and to show what progress we have made toward achieving the goals we have set for ourselves.
The basic philosophy for art education in West Bridgewater can be summarized thus: "We should provide for every child the opportunity for experiencing the creative process through the use of as varied tools and materials as possible, under proper guidance and in a suitable environment. We should further encourage the development of appreciation for and understanding of superior quality."
In a world becoming increasingly de-humanized, the value of the above is self-evident. Not only should a good art program give a child confidence in his own ability to think and plan, to manip- ulate various tools and materials and to produce original and esthetically good work, but it should help the child to develop a clear and reasonable appreciation for the good artistic products of his culture. One has but to look around to see the all-pervading influence of design and color upon our society; not only in the fine arts or advertising, but in all industrial production, and even in the food we eat. In our society it is as much the duty of the schools
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to provide the kind of training which will foster intelligent and tasteful production and consumption as it is to teach reading and writing. This year and the next few will show changes in the program and we are confident, improvements. Our most serious problem, at the moment, is the lack of time and space necessary to give all the children what we think is really adequate training in art and its appreciation.
Two important innovations are already in effect, however, which have been helpful and should prove to be more so. New courses have been added to the high school curriculum: "The Cultural History of Western Civilization" and a special, full time course for boys and girls who are seriously considering art as a career. In the latter, it is possible for students to prepare themselves for admittance to a professional school.
In the elementary school, we welcome the addition of Mrs. Doris Prince to our staff. Her background and experience in art and art education should be of great benefit to the students in the elementary classes. Mrs. Prince's work will also free the art supervisor for more work in the ever expanding classes of the Junior-Senior High School.
In the near future, we expect to have new facilities which will remove restrictions placed upon us by the present lack of class- room and storage space in the High School. The new room should make possible, not only an opportunity for more students to take advantage of the art program, but it will also give us a more efficient and logically structured course of studies.
The past year has brought about the start of a new craft, ceramics, which we are sure will prove worthwhile and popular. We now have a kiln, a potter's wheel, some clay, a few glazes, etc. This ancient art is basic in most schools and will give an intro- duction to an excellent hobby or profession. Ceramics is very satisfying work and we are happy to be able to offer it here.
As is the case every year, we have been busy with many things other than regularly scheduled class work: posters for various events, Town Report Cover Contest, a competition for the design of a school seal which was won with a beautiful entry by Miss Linda Boyd, murals, decorations, signs, projects in other subjects,
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illustrations, field trips to ncarby museums and many other prob- lems and projects.
One of the most interesting plans for the future is a ceramic tile mural to be executed by the children of the Spring Street School. With the help of Mr. Belcher and the teachers there, this project is already in the planning stage and research is being done to discover the most suitable materials. The mural promises to be very beautiful and a permanent momento from its young creators.
May I say thanks to you for your good will and encourage- ment and that of the principals and teachers with whom I am so pleasantly associated. My thanks, too, to the students who freely and cheerfully gave of their time and talents for the improvement of their town and school.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM RATHBUN
Art Supervisor
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Bert L. Merrill Superintendent of Schools West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
It is a pleasure for me to submit herewith my fifth annual report of the activities of the music department in the schools of West Bridgewater.
The year 1960 saw a notable number of improvements in the music department. Students in the instrumental program have graduated to higher levels of technical proficiency and under- standing, the high school choir swelled its ranks to become a larger and more effective organization, music history was added
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to the eighth grade vocal class curriculum, and the seventh grade glee club, under the direction of Mrs. Hill, was initiated.
The instrumental program was set up in this manner:
A. Tonette instruction
1. Given to all third graders.
B. Beginners' Band instruction
1. Given fourth, fifth and sixth graders.
C. Elementary Band
1. Members from fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.
D. High School Band
1. Members from grades seven through twelve.
E. Swing Band
1. Grades eight through twelve.
Junior high school music has been divided into seventh grade elementary music theory and eighth grade music history classes. Both groups had vocal work, interspersed with their main subject.
High school music was all elective. There were three choices; regular band, swing band and/or choir. Students could elect all three if interested and their personal schedule allowed.
The music department performed for various groups and functions throughout the year:
1. Raynham Parent-Teachers Association
a. Choir and Swing Band
2. Spring Street School Concert
a. Elementary and Swing band
3. Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Concert
a. Richard Kline - (representing high school band)
4. South Eastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association Concert - Silver Lake High School
a. Richard Kline - (representing high school band)
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b. Susan North - (representing high school choir)
c. Jane Souza - (representing high school choir)
d. Timothy Mather - (representing high school choir)
5. Spring Concert - High School
a. High School Band
b. Swing Band
c. Elementary Band
d. High School Choir
6. Baccalaureate Services
a. Senior choir members
7. Graduation
a. High School Band
b. High School Choir
8. Football Games
a. High School Band and Majorettes
9. Football Rallies
a. High School Band and Majorettes
b. Swing Band
10. Annual Parades - Memorial and Veterans' Day
a. High School Band and Majorettes
11. High School Assembly Programs
a. High School Band
In closing, I wish to thank you for your continued interest in the music department. I also want to express my appreciation to the School Committee, all principals and teachers, for their assistance and understanding. I am proud of the music organiza- tions and the public performances which they present. However, I realize that a large part of my success comes from a very loyal and devoted teaching staff.
Sincerely, WALTER B. LEWIS Director of Music
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SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
Mr. Bert L. Merrill
Superintendent of Schools
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Merrill:
The Vocal music program has progressed in the schools since last January. In the first three grades, patterns have been estab- lished for the pupils to learn, make on the flannelgraph, and sing or play on the bells. Teachers of each grade report that growth in the ability to read music results.
This fall, choirs were formed in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades composed of outstanding musical pupils. At Christmas the annual presentation included these, with a group of first graders added.
Children love to sing. Participation in a group of this kind teaches them a great deal. Their pride in accomplishment of even the simplest songs well done shows their interest, and brings them appreciation and satisfaction.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCES R. HILL Supervisor of Vocal 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.
In the past twelve months, thousands of articles about the "pros and cons" of a testing program in the public schools have
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appcared in many of our leading publications. Since a full testing program can be expensive and time consuming and since my time during September and October is spent almost entirely in administering, scoring and interpreting tests, I think it quite in order to explain West Bridgewater's testing program.
Every second and fifth grade pupil is given a test of Mental Maturity, also termed an I.Q. test. The results of this test will show a student's native ability to succeed in school work. I wish to em- phasize here that this is, at best, an ESTIMATE of his ability.
Every second and third grade child is given a diagnostic read- ing test. The score of this test, coupled with the score of the I. Q. Test is the quickest and most accurate screening process to deter- mine the pupils who will benefit most by remedial help in reading.
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