USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1947 > Part 20
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Mrs. Montague writes that :- "Probably one of our most im- portant contacts with boys and girls is the Story Hour, which brings listeners from the four corners of the town. It is a partic- ularly good means for children feeling they are a part of our in- stitution, knowing that it is an invitation to all those who care to come.
Appreciation is felt for the persons who participated in bring- ing exhibits for our Junior Library case. The display of Easter eggs, which is a delight to everyone, plus the various exhibits of
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Palestinian and Syrian life, sea shells, seaweed, old children's books, the Christmas creche, helped to make our room an attrac- tive one.
Because we strive to have our children feel that the library is the richest source of information, a combination victrola and radio would be an outstanding addition to open up new cultural fields to stimulate a curiosity and an urge to develop their tastes in worthwhile books on these subjects."
An assistant with a special interest in children's work would materially increase this phase of library work.
The staff have attended professional meetings. Mrs. Montague is completing her second year as President of the Charles River Club.
The various art exhibits which have been sponsored monthly by the Art Committee of the Woman's Club and the school exhibit have been a source of pleasure and interest to the library patrons.
A GIFT UNUSUAL
The Arlington Heights Study Club has again done the helpful and unusual thing for the Dallin Branch. By the efforts of their members, a group of books written by authors who have or are living in Arlington Heights have been collected. These books will be a cherished record of the writings of Arlington authors. When the books are catalogued and prepared, there will be a formal pre- sentation. To Mr. Paul Frazer of the Menotomy Print, who de- signed and printed the book plates for the collection, there is appreciation.
Thanks have been given to those friends of the library who have donated beautiful and useful books, maps and flowers, but in print we wish again to acknowledge their generosity.
Our local papers have been most cooperative in bringing the Library to the attention of the public.
OUR NEEDS
The Library, in order to keep up with the times, must make use of all aids for education, visual and auditory devices.
Books and the printed page will always be the principal tool of the library, but they are to be supplemented by records, radio and films. Our library could well start a record collection. The radio and record player would be a great adjunct to the Junior Library.
As suggested in last year's report, a move should be made to acquire land for a Branch Library at the eastern end of the town. A committee could be appointed.
If the year 1947 has been a success, the credit is due to those of the staff who are responsible for its service and also to those
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
much behind the scenes, who have made that service quick and accurate and to all those whose interest, loyalty and pride in the Robbins Library have done so much to uphold its good name in one of the years when lack of trained help has been a decided handicap.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Board of Trustees for their understanding of the problems involved in the administra- tion of the Library and their support in all matters pertaining to the Library.
Respectfully submitted,
LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD, Librarian.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS
Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 1947:
Name of Library: Robbins Library
Town: Arlington. State: Massachusetts.
Name of Librarian: Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford.
Date of founding. 1835
Population Served 43,517
Assessed Valuation of Town. $57,619,550
Terms of use-Free for lending, Free for reference
Agencies
Central Library .
1
Branches 2 .
In Library Building
1
In School Building
1 Others:
School (Class-room) 27
School Library Deposit 3
Fire Stations 3
Symmes Hospital 1
Church .
1
Total 45
Number days open during year (Central Library)
304
Hours open each week for lending (Central Library) 66
Hours open each week for reading
(Central Library) 66
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
Library closed Saturdays during July and August Hours open each week. 55
INCREASE
Number of volumes beginning of year . 75,015
Number of volumes added during the year by pur- chase
4,680
Number of volumes added by gift. 90
Number of volumes added by binding, etc .. 17
Number of volumes lost and returned.
14
Number of volumes lost and withdrawn. Total number at end of year. 78,381
1,435
Number of volumes of fiction lent for home use. . .
132,769
Number of volumes of non-fiction lent for home use. . 92,523
Total number of volumes lent for home use. 225,392 (Books issued for 7 days and 4 weeks with no renewals.)
REGISTRATION
Number of registered borrowers December 31, 1947. . 18,431
Number of borrowers registered during 1947 1,802
Registration period, years ... 3
Number of periodicals and newspapers received: Titles
284
Copies
293
Number of staff, library service (Including part-time)
12
Number of staff, Janitor service (Including part-time) Full-time
2
Part-time
1
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation .by Town, 1946.
$50,336.00
Personal services
$32,966.00
Expenses 17,370.00
Expenditures:
Salaries-Librarians
26,027.68
Janitors
4,159.96
Total $30,187.64
Expenses
Books
$7,843.11
Periodicals
768.07
Bindery
1,810.20
3
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Building and Grounds.
1,981.82
Fuel
1,683.08
Light
1,061.06
Telephone
242.95
Other Expenses
1,678.98
Total
$17,069.27
Town Appropriation Spent
47,256.91
Balance from Town Appropriation:
Salaries
$2,778.36
Expense
300.73
Total
3,079.09
Trust Fund Balance:
January 1, 1948.
$11,029.37
Income during 1947
2,279.81
Total
$13,309.18
Expended during 1947:
Building
$120.00
All Others 14.02
Total 134.02
Balance December 31, 1947
$13,175.16
Capital Outlay Appropriation. Balance Dec. 31/46. 14,036.55
Expended during 1947:
Door
$2,500.00
Building repairs on roof . 4,250.00
Cleaning device 260.00
Total
7,010.00
Balance December 31, 1947
7,026.55
Total Amount spent for Personal Services 1947 Special Bonus $3,929.99
Town Appropriation 30,187.64
Total
34,117.63
Returned to the town received from fines, etc.
$2,856.75
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REPORT OF LIBRARIAN
REPORT OF THE CURATOR OF THE ROBBINS PRINT COLLECTION FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the Trustees for the Robbins Print Fund:
In 1947 the work of cataloguing and research went quietly for- ward with little interruption to the regular routine. There were the usual requests for assistance from persons interested in locat- ing and finding out about portraits, mostly of obscure subjects; and, as has been customary for several years, two small exhibitions of portraits were hung in the Library art gallery during the sum- mer and fall. In the light of the increasing number of inquiries, from divers and often unexpected sources, the curator feels con- vinced that the Robbins Collection is becoming more widely known every year and that it ought to be further propagandized as a fertile field for research.
Due to the dearth of good contemporary portrait prints at prices within our scope, there have been few purchases. Only the follow- ing prints have been added to the collection in 1947:
Drypoints by Walter Tittle:
Robert Henri, American artist
Abraham Lincoln
George Bernard Shaw
E. A. Robinson, American poet
KATHRYN M. ACHUFF, Curator.
ROBBINS ART FUND EXPENDITURES, 1947
Salaries
$1,000.00
Prints
52.00
All others
15.20
Total
$1,067.20
332
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT of the
TOWN OF ARLINGTON
For the Year 1947
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Joseph J. Bevins. . Chairman
Therese N. Turner Secretary
Term Expires March, 1948
John H. Allison. 34 Webcowet Road
James W. Kidder 215 Crosby Street
Katharine W. Lacey 30 Jason Street
Term Expires March, 1949
Clement J. Beaudet. 2 Walnut Terrace
Joseph J. Bevins. 127 Scituate Street
Therese N. Turner . 130 Jason Street
Term Expires March, 1950
Francis J. Higgins. 86 Marathon Street
John P. Morine. 12 Frost Street
M. Norcross Stratton 11 Trowbridge Street
Regular Meeting Third Tuesday of each month, except July and August
333
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the Citizens of Arlington:
Two new members were elected to the School Committee at the annual town election. Mr. Francis J. Higgins was elected to the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Michael A. Fredo, who had served the town efficiently and faithfully as a member of the Committee for nine years. Mr. John H. Allison was elected to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Harold A. Cahalin.
In the January 1948 issue of the Coronet magazine Drew Pear- son makes several pledges for 1948. As a taxpayer he states, "I will vote for higher taxes for better schools and better paid teachers, because there is no surer way of building democracy among our youth."
Nineteen hundred forty-seven will be remembered as the year that school expenditures amounted to a million dollars. Increases in the cost of supplies and materials, limiting janitors to forty- eight hours a week without allowing them any overtime, and salary increases were causes for the large budget. A substantial increase in the budget was caused by the adoption of the "equal pay referendum" by the town at the March election. As a matter of record, the following figures are included:
Number voting "Yes" 2,564
Number voting "No" 2,287
Number of blanks cast . 2,105
Total number of registered voters. . 23,084
Many meetings were required before a single salary schedule for all teachers, based on preparation and experience, was adopted. It was thought that the amount of State aid to schools would be increased, but the legislature failed to pass any bills to relieve the burden from the real estate owner.
For further information regarding the operation of your school department, we respectfully refer you to the report of the Superin- tendent of Schools.
We regret to record the passing of three teachers who died in service during 1947:
Mary V. Donnelly, who began service in Arlington in 1930. At the time of her death in April, 1947, she was a teacher at the Cutter School.
Beryl K. Sullivan, who began service in Arlington in 1931. At the time of her death in March, 1947, she was a teacher at the Junior High School West.
Charlotte Woods, who began service in Arlington in 1931. At
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
the time of her death in October, 1947, she was a teacher at the Junior High School Center and in the elementary schools.
Many of the townspeople can attest to the influence for good of these splendid teachers and the sorrow occasioned by their passing.
We pay tribute to three of our teachers who retired in 1947:
Mabel C. Pond with twenty-nine years of service to the Arlington schools, and at the time of her retirement in November was a teacher of grade four at the Russell School.
Ida C. Hunt with twenty-eight years of service to the Arlington schools, and at the time of her retirement in June was a teacher of the first grade at the Cutter School.
Vivian H. Taber with twenty-eight years of service to the Arling- ton schools, and at the time of her retirement in June was an English teacher at the Senior High School.
The committee expresses its gratitude to all of them for their long period of faithful service, for their loyalty and for their valu- able contributions to the educational system of Arlington. They have made a distinct contribution to the system and a lasting im- pression on many of our citizens who were their pupils.
Bernard McArdle, custodian in our schools since 1928, retired during the year, and William A. Finley, truck driver since 1930, also retired in July, 1947.
William C. Donovan returned from service to his duties at the Junior High Industrial Arts School.
Still on military leave are: John A. Geary, Claire Johnston, Gerard Kemp and Carl Witherell.
On leave of absence are: Richard Faldetta, Charles J. Sheehan, and Mary A. Keefe. Helen E. Nash was on leave of absence until September, 1947.
We express our appreciation to the school officials, teachers, and employees for their loyal support. We thank the Town officials, members of boards and departments, and the citizens of the Town for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) JOSEPH J. BEVINS, Chairman.
335
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1947
To the School Committee of Arlington,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my privilege to submit for your consideration the following report of the schools for the year 1947. I am including in my report excerpts from the annual reports submitted to me by various prin- cipals and supervisors.
State Aid to Schools:
The year 1948 will see a tremendous State-wide campaign for increased State aid to schools, and should mark the turning of the tide in respect to public understanding and support of public educa- tion. The present State aid program is inadequate and obsolete in view of the fact that the public school system has outgrown the local real estate tax capacity. Despite the work of educational groups to make our State representatives aware of this situation, the legis- lature of 1947 took no constructive action. New factors in the State aid campaign in 1948 will be the increased pressure upon local communities because of still higher tax rates and also the formation of an organization combining four educational groups in the Com- monwealth. This organization, known as the Massachusetts Asso- ciation for Adequate State Financing of Public Schools, was orig- inated by the Massachusetts Teachers Federation, the Massachu- setts Parent-Teacher Association, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts School Superintendents' Association, and the League of Women Voters. In an election year it appears doubtful that any new taxes, especially a sales tax, will be voted by the Legislature. However, it is certain that school people in general will continue to work for an equitable tax program that will bring some measure of relief to real estate and increased State aid for public education.
A New Salary Schedule:
In January, 1947, the School Committee, after much serious study and consideration, adopted a new basic salary schedule for all teachers of the system. This adjustment of salaries was made to meet the competition prevailing in comparable communities. The School Committee was strongly supported in its action by the various Parent-Teacher organizations and other groups within the Town. It was essential that a new salary schedule be adopted in order that we might continue to procure experienced and highly qualified teachers for our schools.
336
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
At the Annual Town election the equal pay referendum was placed on the ballot as required by state law. This referendum was approved by the voters, and its specifications were carried out by the School Committee, effective at the time of the approval by the town, March 1, 1947. Arlington, therefore, now has a single salary preparation level schedule in common with most communities. Twenty-four new teachers were appointed in 1947, and it is doubt- ful if any one of them would have accepted a position here under the old salary level.
The New England School Development Council:
A cooperative organization of school systems known as the New England School Development Council has been founded. Its pur- pose is to improve the quality of public school education through research, exchange of information on improved educational prac- tices, provision for group studies by member systems of various educational problems common to the New England area, and the substantial advancement of a program of public relations. Mem- bership now includes nearly a hundred communities throughout New England, and is still increasing. Arlington has been a member since the inception of the Council, and has profited greatly from this participation.
Public Relations:
Experiments in public relations prove that there has been no question of adequate moral and financial support from the public when the people understand what the schools are really doing for the community, and how their money is supporting effective educa- tion of their children. A spirit of cooperation between parents and schools is essential; and is reciprocal in its benefits, for the aim of both is the same-the growth of children in their entire personality to the ultimate of their individual possibilities. This coperation has its beginning in an effective understanding between the individual parent and the teacher of the individual child, for all parents owe it to themselves and to their children to know their children's teachers personally. Our school system will become what the people wish it to be, for its development is a cooperative process in which both our educators and citizens must participate. This can be the only basis for permanent improvement.
Arlington is indeed fortunate in having a large Parent-Teacher membership to provide for cooperation and unity between the schools and the citizenry. So that this valuable relationship may be further supplemented, a committee on public relationship-made up of principals and teachers-has been at work for several months and much has been accomplished. One real achievement has been the preparation of the first draft of a booklet concerning Arlington
337
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
schools which will be of informative value to every parent in Arlington, as well as to various educational groups within the Commonwealth.
Through mutual cooperation and understanding we can empha- size the fulfillment of the child's interests, needs and capacities, and provide an adequate foundation for the future.
Report of the High School Principal:
In the 1946 report attention was called to the fact that, in spite of an abnormally high degree of competition, practically all of the graduates who tried to enter an institution of higher learning were accepted; and also that a very high percentage of the class who sought employment were successful. Placement of the graduates in the year 1947 has been even more gratifying. A larger percent- age of the graduates are employed, and there has been a twelve per cent increase in the number admitted to institutions of higher learning. The annual report of the Director of Guidance, which includes facts and figures concerning the placement of the grad- uates in 1947, is both interesting and enlightening.
Starting last September, the school day in the High School was lengthened so that each recitation period is now forty-five minutes long and each recess is twenty-one minutes long. A seventh period was added and runs until two-thirty in the afternoon. The teachers use this period for pupil make-up work, pupil special help, confer- ences with parents, and discipline.
Early last fall all of the teachers and pupils were given the oppor- tunity of being x-rayed for tuberculosis by the State Department of Health. All but a few were x-rayed, and not a single case of active tuberculosis was discovered.
As recommended in 1946, there is still need for the appointment of a teacher to head the audio-visual work in the high school. It is believed that a male teacher should be appointed and that his teaching program should be reduced so that he would have more time for the audio-visual program.
Increased seating at the football field is another need that must be met, particularly if Arlington High School is to continue to play with teams that draw large crowds.
At the present time a committee of teachers is working with the Director of Guidance and with the Principal in revising the pro- gram of studies so that it will include more information concerning the subjects that are offered. This new program of studies will then be of greater help in guiding the pupils in the choice of their high school subjects.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Director of Vocational Education:
One of the most important factors contributing to the develop- ment of our Vocational School has been the cooperation of voca- tional guidance and general education. The best vocational train- ing involves a combination of the mental and the manual. Increas- ingly we have seen that these two aspects of the educational pro- gram are supplemental to each other and support each other. Thus, Vocational Education in Arlington not only furnishes training bearing on the performance of an individual in an occupation, but also furnishes training in his general education through science and mathematics related to his chosen field, and through social studies and English.
It is necessary that pupils taking these courses be carefully selected. Through the help of the Guidance Department, a series of mechanical aptitude tests were given to determine which pupils could profit by a three-year vocational course. The result of these tests, plus a further study of the shop background of the pupils, gave us the desired information to guide intelligently a selected group. Their aptitudes, abilities and ambitions must be considered in the choice of an industrial career. The school feels sure that the practical training and theoretical work, together, will prove valu- able to boys who desire industrial training.
The regular high school diploma is granted to pupils who com- plete satisfactorily the usual requirements of sixty points, includ- ing three years of English. In addition, they are awarded certif- icates authorized and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education stating the type of work and the time spent on each unit of skilled training. State Department standards require at least thirty clock hours a week, fifty per cent to be spent in the shops, the remainder in related work and in academic work. To meet these requirements it is necessary that Vocational School pupils adopt a work program which starts fifteen minutes earlier than the regular high school program and which ends approximately one hour later. The pupils are more than meeting the expectations of the faculty and are intensely interested in their work.
Last summer the Massachusetts Department of Education fur- nished the school with a milling machine, which has been found exceptionally valuable. Since that time other small equipment has been received from the State Department and more is expected.
Now in its second year, with an increased enrolment that has been both natural and steady, and with the prospects of receiving more equipment from the State Department, the Vocational High School faces an immediate need for increased floor space. It is hoped that this need will be met in the coming year.
Manual Arts in Arlington develops a sound educational founda- tion in our pupils through a course content based on common
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
knowledge of industry and experience with tools and materials of all major industries which furnish products to our community.
Manual Arts lays the foundation for an understanding of the problems involved in industrial production, and, at the same time, extends the pupil's ability to become a competent judge of the quality of industrial products. Manual Arts education does not emphasize the specialized skills of a single trade; but rather, pro- vides exploratory experiences in several types of industrial skills.
As a result of Manual Arts exepriences, the pupil should be able to: (1) choose an occupation more judiciously, (2) form an opinion of his own ability and interest in constructive activities, (3) de- velop an interesting and wholesome hobby, (4) choose and pur- chase industrial products more wisely, (5) understand better the work done by men who serve society through the application of manual skills.
Report of the Director of Guidance :
The following innovations have been established within the Department during this year.
A cumulative record system has been instituted in all schools from kindergarten through senior high school which enables uni- form guidance records to be kept on every single pupil from the time he enters school until the time he graduates. In this manner a pupil's progress may be studied as he proceeds through the grades, and adjustments may be made when necessary with a thorough knowledge and background of the pupil involved. Henceforth, the pupil entering junior high and senior high for the first time need no longer be a stranger to the administration, guidance personnel, and teachers in these schools. On the contrary, a complete develop- mental history accompanies each pupil as he proceeds from ele- mentary to junior to senior high school. With some understanding of a pupil's previous background and progress, the guidance func- tion becomes much more effective and meaningful.
Within the ninth grade of the three junior high schools, a uni- form guidance class has been organized emphasizing the study of the major fields of occupations with a view of having each pupil make a personal choice of a suitable career area. Along with this study of occupations, an intensive testing program is conducted in these classes in order to help each pupil discover and examine his own abilities and interests. On the basis of these test results, the student is also able to make appropriate choice of high school curricula.
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