USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1948 > Part 21
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One-Session Trial Plan :
In December the School Committee voted to take a survey of the interest in conducting a one-session program in the junior high and elementary schools. This action was taken
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
following many requests from the parents' groups in various sections of the Town. The vote of the parents in favor of a trial plan was tremendous, and consequently a school program on a one-session basis was adopted effective from January 3rd to April 1st. Parents were informed that no lunch facilities were available, and that lunches prepared at home would be eaten in the classrooms under the supervision of the teachers. School milk would be available at a nominal fee. There was concern on the part of many that the long continuous session would be a hardship for primary children. On the other hand, pupils would be subject to the hazards of the streets twice each day rather than four times. At the time of this writing the plan has been in effect for two weeks and is working smoothly. It appears acceptable to many parents and to nearly all of the youngsters. The question of the efficiency of the plan in terms of academic results is yet to be proved.
Report of the High School Principal :
The program of studies has been published in a small book- let attempting to describe in some detail the opportunities of- fered by the school and thus aid the parents and pupils in making wise choices. The subject requirements in some of the curricula have been modified to allow the Guidance Depart- ment to arrange programs to fit individual needs.
Classes in pre-flight aeronautics and in blue print reading were not formed this year because enrollment was insufficient. The classes were started during the war years as part of a pre-induction training program. Some of the blueprint read- ing work has been added to the requirements in mechanical drawing in which home study is now required.
For the second year band rehearsals have been scheduled as a regular class in school time. Many pupils take advantage of this opportunity to continue their musical training.
A beginning has been made in an effort to coordinate the academic work of the junior and senior high schools in the different departments under the supervision of the High School Department Heads.
The old building is greatly in need of renovation which would include repairs to floors, walls, and ceilings. Improved lighting is needed in many rooms in both buildings.
Although the Committee on Advanced Programming and Budgeting has included the finishing of the Lowe Auditorium in its future plans, may I state that it cannot now be heated sufficiently to allow it to be used during the winter months
349
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
for anything but active games. This restricts our assembly and boys' physical education programs.
May I suggest that a study be made of the possibility of converting the Lowe Auditorium into a gymnasium by placing another floor at the level of the present balcony and using the space between the floors for locker and shower rooms for both school and community activities. The school plant then could be completed by building a third wing as a com- munity center to include an adequate auditorium and other facilities carefully planned for both school and community use.
The additional bleachers at the Warren A. Peirce Field are much appreciated. I understand that a building must be built at the field to provide sanitary facilities to comply with State Law. When such a building is built it should include locker rooms, showers, and dressing facilities for the athletic squads that use the field. This would allow two rooms which are now used as locker and shower rooms to be converted into classrooms.
One could be converted as soon as the fieldhouse facilities are ready; the other when the high school gymnasium is com- pleted. The additional room would provide space so that the present machine shop could be enlarged to install additional necessary machines.
Fencing the entire play area at the field has greatly in- creased the attempts to use the school lawn as a playground. This present demand for play area, and the housing develop- ment just across Summer Street, suggest again the need for acquiring and developing the land between the field and Mill street for additional playground area.
Report of Director of Vocational Education :
The year 1948 proved to be a very challenging one to the faculty of the Vocational High School because of the desire on the part of parents and pupils for vocational courses and because of the industrial and technical advances in the various areas in our present curriculum. We have added television to the work in the Radio Department and during 1948 two seniors constructed a television set which has been used ex- tensively by the school and exhibited throughout Massachu- setts. Distribution of Army and Navy surplus radio and radar equipment by the Massachusetts Department of Educa- tion was a great factor in the enlargement of our television work.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Expansion in our automotive room is almost complete and more space in our machine room is essential to make room for the equipment which the State Department of Education has for us.
State Department standards require thirty clock hours per week, fifty per cent to be spent in the shops, the remainder in related and academic work. The Vocational High School is fast attaining the educational prestige which it should have in Arlington. In a free society such as ours there are only functional differences between manual and mental labor and educational opportunities for all of our youth should be equal.
Manual Arts in Arlington differs from Vocational Educa- tion inasmuch as it does not emphasis the specialized skills of a single trade ; but rather, provides exploratory experiences in several types of industrial skills. As a result of Manual Arts experiences, 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) develop an interesting and wholesome hobby, (4) choose and purchase industrial products more wisely, and (5) understand the work done by men who serve society through the application of manual skills.
Report of the Guidance Director :
As in the function of any phase of the education of our pupils, we must constantly examine, re-examine, evaluate and validate our techniques. Since the ultimate goal of the Guid- ance Department is to help each individual pupil make a proper social, educational and vocational adjustment, it has been found that one of the most satisfactory tools for making such evaluations is to conduct follow-up surveys of pupils after they leave school. Our annual one year and six year follow-up of high school graduates, as reported in the Christian Science Monitor of November 20, 1948, has drawn nation- wide attention resulting in numerous inquiries from as far as California.
The one hundred per cent survey of the Class of 1948, which was conducted and tabulated by Miss Mary Barry of this Department, indicated that approximately 41% went into full- time employment, 52% are continuing their formal education, 5% enlisted in the armed services and 2% are not employed because of marriage, illness, or personal reasons. These figures are very similar to the results of the Survey of the Class of 1947 conducted last year. It is significant to note that ap- proximately 44% of the class each year had terminated its
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
formal education with high school graduation and it raises the question of whether these pupils are sufficiently prepared to assume the role of educated and well-informed citizens in our community. It is reassuring to note that 80% of the gradu- ates of the Class of 1947 followed through on their post- graduation plans as they had determined them prior to their graduation, with the assistance of the counselors. The ma- jority of those who did change plans were eighteen year old boys who decided to take advantage of the twelve month en- listment, which went into effect during the past summer.
Of significance in the six year follow up, which was also con- ducted by Miss Barry, is the fact that more than half the girls had married within the six year period and given up their pre- vious employment. Both boys and girls, despite the inter- vention of the war, tended to follow through on the careers they planned in high school. Those who were content to drift and who refused to make plans, or take their future seriously while in school, were still drifting and were unsettled. The survey resulted in a number of those boys and girls re- turning to the counselors for help with their employment and educational problems.
The check-up with employers of graduates placed on full- time employment through the efforts of the Guidance Depart- ment was again carried out and again responses revealed that Arlington graduates trained for stenographic and clerical work, ranked high in comparison with other high school and business school graduates. During the year 1948 the Department made 446 full-time and part-time job placements. Of the graduates of the Class of 1948 who sought employment, 59.9% were placed by the Guidance Department.
During the past year at the invitation of a commercial publishing company, the Director as a co-author helped to prepare a manuscript on "Counseling the Individual Student." It is expected that this text will be published in June, 1949, and it will contain a description of the many progressive edu- cational techniques which are practiced in the Arlington School Department.
During the forthcoming year, the Guidance Department is planning to strengthen its job try-out program so that more pupils who are terminating their formal education with high school, may have an opportunity to experience different types of occupations before seeking full-time employment after graduation.
This Department also is planning to maintain a close fol- low-up of pupils who drop out of school prior to graduation
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
in order to help them make a satisfactory vocational adjust- ment.
Junior High Schools :
For the past few years, considerable emphasis has been placed on the development of ninth grade athletic teams made up of representatives from each of the junior high schools. These teams played against similarly composed teams of other schools and gained valuable experience which was useful when these players became members of the high school varsity teams. While this plan resulted in excellent training for a limited number, it became apparent that not enough boys were interested in joining these unified squads to warrant spend- ing the necessary time in training them.
It has been decided, therefore, to expand the opportunities for participating in athletic sports by developing several teams in basketball, football and baseball in each school and arranging games between the teams of each school and also be- tween the teams of the three schools, thus encouraging a large number of boys to participate. A start is being made at this time by organizing the basketball teams. The girls' basketball and hockey teams are already organized on this basis.
Gymnasium facilities are inadequate in Junior High School Center and Junior High School West. Plans are now under way which may result in an improvement of the situation.
Report of the Supervisor of Elementary Education :
This report will deal with one particular phase only-that of the in-service professional improvement of our elementary school teachers. Needless to say, there are many means of professional improvement and alert teachers recognize the importance of continuous study to keep abreast of recent trends and standards in education.
Since the revision of the salary schedule which requires that teachers earn at least six approved credits during each five year period in order to advance on the salary schedule, several of our teachers have qualified for that advance and others are working toward that end. There has been an effort made to cooperate with teachers in this in-service training by con- ducting, in Arlington, educational institutes and by offering approved courses which grant under-graduate and graduate credit at State Teachers Colleges and Universities.
In October through the cooperation of a well-known art firm an Art Workshop was carried on with hours from four
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
to six o'clock in the afternoon and from seven to ten o'clock in the evening for three consecutive days. Teachers were al- lowed one credit on the salary scale for participating in this concentrated program and were also richly rewarded by the help which they received for the improvement of their art background.
In January an "Institute for Elementary Teachers" was planned with the able assistance of Miss Alice Beal of the State Department of Education. The theme of the meeting was "Objectives of Education Basic to the Curriculum Guide." ("The Curriculum Guide for Primary Teachers" is a program developed by the State Department of Education as a sug- gested broad framework upon which the work of the primary grades is based.) It is a great pleasure to point to the active response of these teachers and to that of our neighbors from Belmont, Lexington and Winchester. All agreed that it was a day long to be remembered from the standpoint of educa- tional benefits derived from the all day meeting.
Several teachers, all of the elementary school principals and the supervisor attended the summer institute at Lesley Col- lege which was directed by the State Department of Education. The three days were filled with interesting and enjoyable ed- ucational activities. We are indeed fortunate to be within easy reach of so many cultural and educational opportunities.
A forward-looking step was taken by the School Committee on becoming a charter member of the New England School Development Council. This membership, among other ad- vantages, gives certain teachers the privilege of participating in special studies which are being carried on. A kindergarten teacher and the supervisor are taking part in the Study of Kindergartens. Working with representatives from all of New England is very stimulating and gives an opportunity to evaluate by comparisons the standing of our own school system.
At the present time, seventy of our elementary school teach- ers and principals are attending an outstanding course in science which is being given in Arlington by Dr. John G. Read of Boston University. The course, which deals with modern methods and materials used in the teaching of elementary science, is built around the tentative course of study which has been under preparation for two years by our efficient and willing Science Committee. Dr. Read, in addition to his lec- ture program, has performed many simple and interesting ex- periments which can be used with elementary school pupils on different age levels and has conducted demonstration les-
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
sons with groups of children. Also, he has evaluated the science course of study with the members of the class in the light of his investigation and experience. For two sessions of the class outside demonstrators were provided in order that he might be free to meet with the science committee as a consult- ant in preparing the final draft of the course. There is a dis- tinct advantage in having courses given in Arlington as they can be adapted to our particular needs.
Probably no means of in-service professional improvement offers greater rewards than that of curriculum building. The members of the different subject committees gain much val- uable knowledge through their research and thoughtful study. The committees, of which I reported last year, are still busily and cheerfully at work. It is hoped that courses, which will parallel each subject, may be offered in Arlington in the near future and that the services of an expert in each field may be secured who will clarify our efforts as has been done in the scope of science.
Report of the Home Economics Department
The Senior High School Lunchroom continues to operate under the National School Lunch Program. The main objec- tive of this program is to improve the health of the student through more nutritious school lunches at lower cost. This is made possible by assisting schools to operate and expand the school lunch program so that they may provide food which meets from one-third to one-half of the student's daily protein requirement.
Protein is the basic material of all body tissue. It is essen- tial to growth, health, and life itself. From twelve years of age to maturity, the protein needs of boys are higher than that of girls, and both are above the needs of a grown man. In building up the physical health and fitness of the student we build up the health of the community, and the nation.
A typical type A lunch which we serve contains the follow- ing food :
One-half a pint of whole milk
Two ounces of fresh or processed meat or substitute Six ounces or three-fourths of a cup of raw, cooked, or canned vegelables
One portion of bread, rolls, or muffins
Two teaspoonfuls of butter or fortified margarine.
We took advantage of the non-food assistance offered by the program to add to our equipment a new Globe Slicing Machine.
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
It is our desire to employ as many time and labor-saving de- vices as are consistent with the operation of a modern high school lunchroom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, may I express to the School Committee, to all fellow workers in the department and to other town offi- cials, my appreciation for your kind help and support.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) CLIFFORD R. HALL, Superintendent of Schools.
IV ENROLLMENT BY GRADES, DECEMBER 1944-1945-1946-1947-1948
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
High School:
Post Graduates
2
5
21
19
17
Seniors
363
420
465
431
441
Juniors
531
491
485
494
473
Sophomores
626
616
623
558
503
Industrial Class
10
20
22
23
25
Vocational Classes
ยท
. . .
Total High School
1,532
1,552
1,616
1,588
1,545
Junior High:
479
499
471
442
394
Grade 8
526
494
455
401
309
496
460
416
439
419
Total Junior High
1,501
1,453
1,342
1,282
1,122
Junior High Industrial Arts
74
69
71
50
54
Elementary :
Grade 6
423
434
437
423
407
Grade 5
482
465
431
422
421
Grade 4
462
453
443
445
432
Grade 3
471
451
445
459
426
Grade 2
456
466
456
437
511
484
472
455
538
624
Kindergarten
401
396
526
624
602
Special Class
23
29
28
16
14
Total Elementary
3,202
3,166
3,221
3,364
3,437
TOTAL OF ALL GRADES
6,309
6,240
6,250
6,284
6,158
356
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
63
86
Grade 9
Grade 7
Grade 1
357
TREE WARDEN, MOTH AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
Report of Tree Warden and Superintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Departments
The Honorable Board of Selectmen Arlington, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my annual report as Tree Warden and Su- perintendent of the Moth and Town House Grounds Depart- ments for the year ending December 31, 1948.
TREE WARDEN .DEPARTMENT
In the Spring of the year, one hundred (100) Norway Maple trees were planted in various sections of the Town to replace trees that had died, or were removed for other reasons.
An extensive program of trimming and raising up trees was carried out this year, some of it due to requests from prop- erty owners needing more light and air in their homes and others that trees were overhanging roofs and doing damage. Another reason for it was because of the high construction of moving vans and delivery trucks which would mutilate trees beyond repair if not given clearance. Consideration also was given to the Fire Department trucks that have to answer calls on streets where limbs were hanging low, and also to give clearance for our lighting system so that proper illumination could be received from lights.
Hearings were held for the removal of 11 trees of which 10 were granted and I denied after objections were received at the Public Hearing.
Trees were also trimmed and removed for the Cemetery, Park and School Department for various reasons. This work being done at the request of the respective Boards and De- partment Heads.
A total of 39 trees were removed this year ranging from 6 in. to 58 in. in diameter on account of either being dead, dangerous or ordered out by the Joint Board, or because of Public Hearings.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
GYPSY AND BROWN TAIL MOTH DEPARTMENTS
The regular winter work of the Department such as treat- ing Gypsy Moth egg clusters and cutting off and burning of Brown Tail Moth Nests had to be eliminated this year be- cause of the heavy accumulation of snow that prevented traveling around on foot for inspection. Most of the time generally allotted to this work was taken up in snow removal around the Town Hall and adjacent property.
The regular spraying schedule was carried out as usual with an extra spraying being given to Elm trees to combat the Scolytus Beetle which is the carrier of the Dutch Elm Disease.
The Japanese Beetle continues to be one of our major prob- lems as it is in every community surrounding us, and we are making a concentrated effort to control them.
We had very few reports on Tent Caterpillar this year, but on the other hand we had a very heavy infestation of Fall Webworm which extended our spraying program much longer than usual.
For the first time in approximately six years we had an outbreak of Oriental Moths that attacked practically all of our Norway Maple trees in East Arlington but due to timely spraying, we were able to keep them under control.
The Elm Leaf Beetle was again prevalent this year, but because of the fact that we were able to get out in the early morning hours to spray streets that are heavily congested with traffic we had a minimum of defoliation.
This Department also did quite a bit of Poison Ivy spraying on roadside and in different sections where it was detected.
Progress in our spraying program was cut down consider- ably this year due to the advent of Parking Meters on our main thoroughfares. Automobiles are now being parked on side streets where there are no restrictions and directly under trees which requires considerable time in moving said cars.
Private property spraying was done this year when re- quested by the property owner who, in turn, made a remittance to the Town for the cost of the work.
This year as has been the custom in the past, all property under the jurisdiction of the Park, School and Cemetery de- partments were sprayed by this Department. Menotomy Rocks Park were sprayed by aeroplane by a private concern with a substantial saving to the Town and with excellent re- sults.
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TREE WARDEN, MOTH AND TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
A Town-wide survey was made this past year by the Mas- sachusetts Department of Agriculture for the detection of Dutch Elm Disease. According to a report from that De- partment, no symptoms were found.
The motor equipment of this department was used by the Public Works Department for the removal of snow during many of the snow storms throughout the winter.
TOWN HOUSE GROUNDS
The grounds surrounding the Town Hall and Robbins House are also cared for by the personnel of the Tree Warden and Moth Department. This work consists of general care of the lawn and the trimming and pruning of all trees and shrub- bery. Because of the heavy accumulation of snow from one storm after another during the winter, much more time was spent on snow removal than usual. The heavy snow was also responsible for the breaking of a great deal of the ornamental shrubbery on the Grounds which will have to be replaced.
A watchman was again employed this year to patrol the grounds from May until November from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. on week-days and all day Saturday and Sunday as well as holidays.
The base of the fountains on the front platform of the Hall was planted with flowers again this year as usual and many favorable comments were received about them.
The grounds were patrolled on Patriots day and Hallow'en night by the men of the Department to keep order as well as protection of the shrubbery, etc.
In conclusion, I wish to gratefully acknowledge the co- operation given me by the Board of Selectmen and its staff, the personnel of this Department and all other Departments of the Town.
Respectfully yours, GEORGE M. DOLAN,
Tree Warden and Superintendent of Moth and Town House Grounds.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
LIST OF JURORS
Revised and approved by the Board of Selectmen, January 10, 1949, in accordance with Section 4, Chapter 234 of the General Laws.
Name
Occupation Residence
Abbott, Earl ..
Welder
.19A Lafayette Street
Adams, Ernest E.
Salesman 15 Mt. Vernon Street
Ainsworth, Harry
Foreman. 141 Westminster Avenue
Alberts, Clement P.
Printer 97 Summer Street
Alexander, John C.
Office Manager 68 Trowbridge Street
Allen, Carl F
Accountant 57 Moulton Road
Allen, Carl R.
Salesman. .14 Amherst Street
Allen, George P.
Accountant 22 Crescent Hill Avenue
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