USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1951 > Part 22
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293
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Vocational School:
The Vocational School is continuing its work of preparing pupils for profitable employment. Because more students and parents are realizing the advantage of taking this type of training, our enrollment has increased over 25 per cent. Through the cooperation of the Pupil Personnel Services we are getting students that are capable of becoming skilled mechanics. The placement of our graduates for 1951 is 100 per cent and, except for those in the armed forces, is in the trade for which they have received training.
We have taken thirty-five new students in the Automobile Depart- ment and have engaged a new teacher. This department is now equipped to do any type of automotive work that is common to the trade. A teacher of radio related work has been secured and we are better able to prepare the students in the radio department for employment in the electronic field. Our equipment in the radio department has also been improved and increased. The machine shop has been expanded to twice its original size. A milling machine, which is in excellent con- dition, has been procured from the State Department as surplus property. With the additional space we are planning to purchase two additional bench lathes. A motion picture has been taken of the various shops in action. This picture has been shown at several educational meetings and has helped to stimulate the thinking of the people along vocational lines. Three new rooms have been taken over in the High School, and English and social studies are being taught in one room while the others are used for instruction in related work.
The evening school enrollment has been high as we have had 65 adults enrolled in the automobile department. This enrollment has made it necessary to run three classes. There are two classes in auto repair work, and a special class in engine work, giving instruction in theory. A radio class is running two evenings a week with a good enrollment, and the machine shop is also running evening classes.
Adult Education in the Arlington Schools:
We closed our 1950-51 program on April 3 of this year. Compilation of enrollment and attendance records up to that time show that we had 634 persons in our classes maintaining an 80 per cent attendance record. At the Exhibition on April 3, marking the closing of the 1950-51 program, we exhibited work done in Sewing, Rug Hooking, Leather Craft, Slip Covers and Draperies, Furniture Refinishing, Cookery, Up- holstery and Tray Painting. More than 2000 person visited this Exhibi- tion between the hours of 7 and 10 P.M. Besides the courses mentioned above, we also offered courses in Starting and Operating a Small Business, Typewriting, and Public Speaking.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
On September 26, 27 and 28 of this year we registered for our 1951- 52 program. The following courses were advertised:
No. Enrolled
Sewing
176
Tailoring
40
Upholstery
39
Slip Covers & Draperies
41
Rug Hooking
66
Furniture Refinishing
54
Tray Painting
60
Leather Craft
22
Cookery
35
Starting & Operating a Small Business
8
Home Mechanics
7
Typewriting
82
Silver Jewelry
12
Textile Painting
18
Ceramics
18
Total
638
Over 90 per cent of the class capacity for the courses mentioned above were registered on the first night of registration. It is estimated that at least 800 persons came to the High School hoping to enroll in one or more courses on the first registration night. Indeed, there were so many applicants for certain offerings that we had, and still have, a waiting list of over 60 persons for Upholstery, 35 persons for Tray Painting, 30 persons for Sewing, 40 persons for Furniture Re- finishing, etc. To accommodate those on waiting lists, we started an extra course in Typewriting and Tray Painting and we are going to open a new course in Uphostery in January, 1952. There seems to be no doubt whatsoever that the demand for educational opportunities for adults is an ever increasing one. Our average attendance from October to December of this year is the best yet.
Classes are held in the evening at the High School, Junior High Industrial Arts and Junior High School East, except for one afternoon class in Rug Hooking. The courses are classified as Practical Art Classes with the exception of Typewriting. Arlington can expect reimbursement up to 50% for expenses incurred according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth and some Federal funds as described in the George-Barden Act. It is interesting to note that considering reimbursements the program of Adult Education in Arling- ton is costing about $5.00 per pupil.
It should be mentioned also that courses in Auto, Machine and Radio Shops in the Trade Extension department, under the direction of Mr. Harry Patterson, Principal of the Vocational High School, have proved very popular. The enrollment in these courses, which are held in the High School shops, has taxed our facilities.
In this year, as in the past, we have provided educational oppor- tunities for our foreign born population. We are offering two courses, one in Beginner's English in which we have 25 persons enrolled, and one in Citizenship in which there are 12 persons enrolled. At present
295
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
we have 10 nationalities represented in these two classes which meet at the High School twice each week from 7 to 94P.M. This office re- ceives notification at regular intervals of all new foreign born arrivals in Arlington from the Department of Immigration and Naturalization. Immediately upon receipt of such notices, we send a printed notice and invitation to our classes in Beginner's English and Citizenship. Thus we endeavor to extend these opportunities to all of our non-citizen popula- tion in an effort to encourage them in becoming citizens of the United States and loyal, civic-minded members of our community.
From the Report of the Principal of the High School:
The need for adequate facilities for physical education for both girls and boys is well known. The problem of what to do with the un- finished Lowe Auditorium persists. Eventually the Town will be ready to meet these needs. I would like to suggest that steps be taken to obtain a master plan for completing the High School plant. A survey to determine the probable educational needs of the High School in the future should first be made. A study of how such needs could be met by adapting the facilities of the present buildings and by adding space should follow. Expert help should be employed to assist with or to complete this project.
The redecorating that has been going on for three years is greatly appreciated and I hope that it will be continued this year. I believe that the improved appearance of the buildings has been an important factor in improving the general morale of the pupils and increasing pride in the school. Fluorescent lights improve the lighting where they have been installed. We hope that eventually we may have them in all rooms. The partial surfacing of the parking area helps and we hope that it may be extended.
Each year the department heads, the Guidance Department, and the administrative staff meet to consider improvements in what we teach, either by adding or deleting entire courses or by changing the subject matter of existing courses. This year we offered the three additional language courses. We are currently considering a unified, practical course in science for non-college pupils to replace the non- college biology, chemistry and physics. We are planning an experiment in ninth-grade French for next year. We are considering changes in the content of several courses to more nearly meet the needs of pupils who are in the general course.
There are a number of needs which we clearly recognize, but which we cannot meet satisfactorily under existing conditions. To list a few: remedial reading on many ability levels; corrective work in physical education for girls and facilities to expand the work we have begun with the boys; broader opportunties in handwork for boys who cannot meet the standards of the Vocational School; and a better program for the pupils who are passed along from the Junior High Industrial Arts School without ability to do high school subjects.
Until a year ago the athletic program was supported almost en- tirely by gate receipts, except for coaching salaries. The law which went into effect in October, 1950, provided that all receipts be de-
296
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
posited with the Town Treasurer, all payments be authorized by the School Committee, and permitted the Town to appropriate money for the athletic program. The cost of the athletic program for 1951 was estimated at about twelve thousand dollars. We had about three thousand on hand and the Town Meeting appropriated nine thousand. If we had carried on the program without this appropriation we would now be several thousand dollars in debt as receipts from football this year were not as large as in the past. Comparison with other towns has convinced me that our athletic budget is conservative. Receipts in other towns also have decreased this year. Without the supplementing Town ap- propriation, We would not be able to carry on an adequate athletic program next year.
The current defense program indicates that eventually most of our boys will serve in the Armed Forces. The content of many courses is influenced by what we think will be needed for such service. The Guidance counsellors and others urge pupils to be prepared in work which is especially adapted to the needs of the services such as mathe- matics, science, English, and physical fitness. We recommend a stay- in-school policy and encourage all youth to remain in school until graduation. This is in accordance with a program proposed by the Committee on the Relation of Secondary Education to National Security.
In addition we are unifying work in our American history and problems of democracy classes this year to provide a teaching unit treating with the individual's place in the defense program and pre- senting as definitely as possible the factors of the world situation as they will affect our pupils within the next few years. We hope also to have some assemblies for the older boys to give them first-hand information about their responsibilities under the Draft Law, what they may an- ticipate upon entering the service, and the opportunities open to them under the defense program.
Two decades ago the relations of a large school with the parents and community were much more limited than today. We have greatly expanded our contacts with the community which we serve and with the parents of our pupils. I would like to list some of the things which are being done in a quiet, unpretentious way which we feel are of great benefit to our pupils. We have invited speakers from industry to visit classes to relate our teaching to their needs. A member of the Police Department spent a day with the problems of democracy classes discussing his work. He also presented an assembly program about safe driving. A group of our pupils is active in a United Nations program under the sponsorship of the head of the social studies department. Some made a trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. We are holding series of assemblies at which business and professional people meet with our pupils to advise them about opportunities for careers and employment. We have a definite program of placement for our graduates and for placing pupils in part-time work while in school.
We hold Open House four times a year to give parents special ob- portunity to meet the teachers. Consultations are encouraged at all times. The Guidance Department reports increasing numbers of parents each year who consult the counsellors. A current estimate is
297
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
that they have personal contact with over fifty per cent of the parents of our pupils. A special message about school affairs is sent home with each report card. I hope to increase the progress we have made in re- lating the school life to the parents and community.
School Cafeterias:
Our three school cafeterias continue to operate under the National School Lunch Program. The daily meal served to the students con- sists of meat, fish or substitute, two vegetables, bread, dessert, and one-half pint of milk. This is a very substantial meal and is sold for twenty-five cents. In order to finance it, we receive assistance from two sources. First, we receive from the Federal Government a subsidy of nine cents for each hot meal served, and two cents for each half- pint of milk sold apart from the complete meal. An additional form of assistance from the Federal Government is a monthly allotment of commodities. Our second source of assistance is from a Town appropria- tion. Until 1950 we had not found it necessary to ask for an appropria- tion for school lunchrooms, but these past two years have brought steady increases in the cost of food and labor operation. In addition, the Federal Government has been gradually withdrawing assistance by eliminating some of the important commodities we had formerly received. The Federal Government sets the requirements for the type and quantity of food to be served and the price to be paid by the student. In order to fulfill these requirements and give our students the opportunity of having a hot, nourishing meal for twenty-five cents, we have to ask for a larger Town appropriation in 1952.
The Music Program:
The music objective in our schools is to arouse, stimulate and increase the enjoyment of children in participating in musical activities through the medium of the voice, rhythmic responses and intelligent listening. A noteworthy development in the music department is the use of the audio visual aids. Filmstrips, movies and records are used to develop auditory discrimination. These aids help to increase a child's musical repertory and the recognition of similarities and differences in the music world. It also encourages music reading and research, and offers a criteria to the quality of listening. Of particular importance is the continued support of the school administrators along with our P.T.A. Fine Arts Council in a cooperative effort to achieve a more satisfactory solution to the problem of improving the music background through the Fine Arts Programs held during the year.
In May five of our musical organizations, composed of 225 students, participated in the Massachusetts State Music Festival in Marblehead. The High School orchestra received an Honor I (Superior) rating in Class A. The High School girls' glee club received an Honor II (Excel- lent) rating in Class A. The combined Junior High School orchestras received an Honor I (Superior) rating in Class D. The combined Ele- mentary School band received an Honor I (Superior) rating in Class E. The High School band received an Honor II (Excellent) rating in Class A. On May 25 the elementary instrumental classes gave their Eighth Annual Spring Concert at the High School. Approximately 300 song flute pupils, 150 pupils studying band instruments, 50 string students and 9 pupils from the piano classes took part in this concert.
298
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
For Services Rendered:
During this past year, the Arlington Schools lost the valuable services of Miss Mary A. Keefe, a loyal and devoted employee. As secretary and head clerk in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, Miss Keefe served six superintendents from 1914 until her passing in June, 1951. Her work, the product of diligent, persistent de- votion to duty, was of exemplary quality. In achieving these high standards and because of her numerous responsibilities, Miss Keefe worked many long hours beyond those required. Despite ill health and frequent hospitalization in the past several years, she neverthe- less persisitently attempted to maintain those standards of efficiency and quality which characterized her work in the past. Miss Keefe's loyalty, devotion to duty, and wise counsel has indeed contributed to the efficient functioning of the schools of Arlington.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, may I express to the School Committee, to all fellow workers in the department and to other officials, my appreciation for your kind help and support.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD R. HALL Superintendent of Schools
299
LIBRARY
TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS
Annual Report of the Trustees of the Robbins Library for the Year 1951
Trustees
*WILSON D. CLARK, JR., Chairman-Expires 1952 ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT, Chairman-expires 1953 FRANCIS KEEFE, Secretary-expires 1953 MARK W. BRADFORD-expires 1952 LLEWELLYN B. PARSONS expires 1954 MRS. E. WARREN HEAPS, JR.,-expires 1954 ** JOHN B. FOX-expires 1952
Librarian *** MRS. LUCINDA F. SPOFFORD MISS JUDITH E. STROMDAHL
Staff
RUTH SAMPSON-Assistant Librarian MARY J. MURDOCK-Reference Librarian ELIZABETH J. PHELAN-Children's Librarian JOAN H. BUTLER-Head of Circulation HARRIET L. TAYLOR-in charge of Cataloguing *RUTH FULLER-Branch Librarian-Dallin HELEN E. WHITEMAN-Branch Librarian-Dallin *SUZANNE MOLLOY-in charge of East Branch EVELYN COLCORD-in charge of East Branch SIGNE HYNSON-Young People's Librarian RITA ZAKARIAN-Music Librarian JOAN ABBOTT *ARPINE L. BAGHDOYAN MURIEL G. CHANDLER ANNE DeCAMP *SHIRLEY HESSION MARILYN E. KENNEY *MARIANNA ROWE DOLORES T. VARELLO ELIZABETH EPSTEIN
300
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Part Time Assistants
MARGARET M. BOWSER ANTOINETTE BRASK AUDREY HOEG SHIRLEY MUIR EVA M. SMITH HAZEL M. THURBER
Custodians GEORGE A. CAPES-Senior Custodian *: HERBERT FREEMAN EDWARD CATERINO NORMAND J. PARADIS
*Resigned * * Appointed to fill unexpired term
Retired
Deceased
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
The culture of the community is built around its schools and libra- ries. The individual citizen looks to his library as the place where he can find the books or periodicals he wants for leisure reading. The student looks to his library for his supplemental and reference read- ing. Other citizens look to their library as a repository of information helpful in their vocation or avocation. Still others look to their libra- ry for music in the printed or record form.
The Robbins Library this past year has added a cultural value to the community in the form of a record library. The Librarian's re- port will show how enthusiastically this department has been received by the townspeople. It has been most pleasing to the Trustees.
The Trustees set the policy of the Robbins Library. This policy is carried out by the Staff under the direction of the Librarian. On Feb- ruary 9, 1951, Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford retired as Librarian after twenty-three years of service, marked by continual progress over the years. In her place the Trustees appointed Miss Judith E. Stromdahl, Librarian of the Weston Public Library from 1946 to 1951 and former Supervisor of Work with Children in the Lynn Public Library. After a year in which to observe Miss Stromdah's work, the Trustees feel they have chosen well. Other changes in personnel are covered in the Librarian's report.
For some years the Board has been concerned with the crowded condition in the Main Library. For advice, the Trustees retained the services of Mr. Joseph Wheeler, for many years Librarian of the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, and co-author of the authoritative book "The American Public Library Building". Mr. Wheeler's survey con-
301
TRUSTEES OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY
tained a fund of valuable and constructive suggestions for long term planning. A few of Mr. Wheeler's suggestions have already been put into effect and others will become effective as funds are available.
The two most noticeable improvements to the physical plant (not in Mr. Wheeler's survey) are the addition of beautiful bronze doors to the Children's Library and the establishment of a parking area in front of the main building. This latter work was done by the Public Works Department.
At the March Town Meeting, upon recommendation by a committee on a Branch Library in East Arlington, it was voted to acquire title to three stores located on Massachusetts Avenue at the corner of Cleve- land Street. The Trustees will present to the 1952 Town Meeting a plan to convert these three stores (the middle one of which is now used as a Branch Library) into a larger and more adequate unit.
In October, after nine years of service to the Town as Trustee, six years as Chairman, Mr. Wilson D. Clark, Jr., resigned. The services of Mr. Clark, a man of sound judgement, integrity and good humor, are a distinct loss to the Library. In his place, the remaining Trustees in joint meeting with the Selectmen, appointed Mr. John B. Fox, Assist- ant Dean of Harvard School of Business Administration, to fill the unexpired term.
The Trustees always welcome constructive criticism from their fel- low townspeople.
Trustees of the Robbins Library ROSCOE O. ELLIOTT, Chairman.
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Report of the Librarian for the Year 1951
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ROBBINS LIBRARY FOR 1951 IS HEREWITH PRESENTED :
During 1951, the libraries all over the state of Massachusetts ob- served the 100th Anniversary of the first permissive Public Library Serv- ice Law ever to be enacted-a law which gave Massachusetts' cities and towns the right to expend public funds for the establishment and sup- port of Public Libraries. During these past one hundred years, the progress of the American Public Library has been gratifying and sig- nificant and today the Public Library is recognized as an integral part of the life of the community. It has an important function to per- form. "It is the educational influence that has the entire population of the community, regardless of age, as its adherents. It must be ready to help maintain and interpret democracy".
During the past century, the idea of libraries has changed. No longer is the library a dark, forbidding building filled with books, a quiet retreat among the books of the past. No longer is the librarian merely a custodian of books guarding the book collection from loss or damage, or a genteel old lady whose only qualification for the position of librarian being her love of reading or her need of a ladylike position to support herself.
Today, libraries are housed in modern buildings, and are equipped to serve young and old of all races and all creeds-all who wish to study and to borrow books to help them in their daily work, in their plans, in their thinking and in their lives. Its books, periodicals, and other sources of information are constantly being replenished by ad- ditions that reflect the progress and needs of the times. And today, the public is served by trained librarians well qualified to serve its needs, capable assistants with college and library school training.
The need for good library service in Arlington is evident. The United States' census figures show that Arlington is a town with a population of better than average intelligence, at least as measured by the number of years of schooling. The most recent figures on this sub- ject show that 22 percent of the whole population have been through college or high school. With a population of this type, the demands made on the library resources are great indeed.
In this day of radio, television and other competing interests do the people of Arlington use their Library? According to the records for 1951, they do! Following is a brief resumé of the year's work.
CIRCULATION
During 1951, the people of Arlington borrowed 267,997 volumes (not including records), a gain of 5,640 over 1950. Of this number 177,796 books were borrowed by adults and 90,201 by children. Every depart- ment, with the exception of the adult department at the Main Library
303
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
showed an increase. The loss in circulation at the Main Desk began to show during 1950 and was heaviest during the early part of 1951. This loss decreased in proportion as the months passed by until in November a gain in circulation was again evident. It is hoped this trend will continue.
Many reasons could contribute to this loss in circulation, but the most probable one is the coming of television to a larger number of homes in Arlington. But, just as in the early days of radio, when the novelty wears off, and the people become used to this exciting medium of communication, they will choose their programs with more selectivity and watch only their favorite programs and once again find time for some of their former activities. Just as television can work against reading, so can it stimulate and introduce people to books. An example of this is the experience of the book publishers, Doubleday and Compa- ny, who received in one day 11,000 one dollar bills as a result of the televizing of Dón Gnagy's book HOW TO DRAW, which the Robbins Library has in its collection.
Following is a breakdown in the circulation figures :-
Circulation total
267,977
Adult
177,796
Juvenile
90,201
267,977
Circulation total 1950
262,357
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