USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1955 > Part 17
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4. Increments paid to teachers and other personnel toward their maximum salaries.
5. Increases in the cost of maintenance and operation of school buildings, including salaries of custodians and maintenance workers which are determined and expended under the con- trol of the Town Manager.
It is not generally known that each year the Town of Arlington receives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a refund for school costs which does not appear in the school budget but which helps to reduce the overall tax rate. This year $279,754. is being refunded to the Town of Arlington. This is equivalent to about $3.75 on the tax rate. This refund is made in part for school expenditures, which are State-aided, and for an annual reimbursement made to commu- nities based upon a formula which includes pupil population as one factor.
Good schools cannot be maintained without spending money. It is the policy of the School Committee to make certain that full value is obtained for the money expended under its control. The operation and maintenance of buildings are under the control of the Town Manager, although the expenditures are included in the school. budget and in the published school tax rate. The School Committee. also feels that the majority of taxpayers in Arlington do not look upon school expenses as tax, but as an investment for the future of Arlington children.
As an experiment, open School Committee meetings were held in the High School Auditorium in October and December. Both were sparsely attended.
The Committee desires to note in its annual report the retirement of three of its personnel who have served long and faithfully in the schools of Arlington:
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
Miss Ethel G. Higgins began teaching in Arlington in 1917 and was principal of the Hardy School from 1926 to the date of her retire- ment in June 1955. She has been an efficient member of our adminis- trative staff and her services to two generations of Arlington children can never be forgotten.
Mrs. Alice K. Brown was a teacher in the Junior High Industrial Arts School and began her service in 1928. Her work, has always re- ceived the commendation of those who have been associated with special education.
Miss Vesta Spinney, instructor in the Art Department of our schools, began service at the Junior High Center in 1929. Her many years of devoted service are most deeply appreciated.
The school system was saddened by the sudden death on October 21 of Michael Wall, senior custodian at the Junior High Industrial Arts building. A very conscientious worker, his valuable service was known to the former students of the Junior High Center, the Indus- trial Arts School and to those attending the Adult Education Program in that building.
We should at this time recognize the excellent contributions ren- dered to the schools of Arlington by Mr. Joseph J. Bevins who retired from the Committee in March 1955. He had been a member of the Committee from 1931 to 1934 and from 1937 up to the present year. The absence of his active leadership and of his thorough knowledge of school affairs is most deeply regretted by his colleagues on the Committee.
The Committee appreciates the cooperation and assistance given by the whole staff of the Arlington Public Schools who have so con- scientiously helped to carry out our responsibilities to the children in our schools.
We thank the Town Manager and other Town Officials for their active cooperation in all school matters in which they were involved.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed ) CARL F. ALLEN
Chairman
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE YEAR 1955
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 1955. I am including in my report excerpts from the annual reports submitted to me by various princi- pals, supervisors and committees.
OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
A major innovation being tried out this year in our elementary schools is the releasing of pupils in the first six grades on Wednesday afternoons so that an intensive in-service training program could be inaugurated. The function of in-service training is the improvement of the quality of performance of the school staff. The ultimate goal is the uplift of the school program, but the immediate goal is the advancement of teachers' performance. Behind in-service training is the recognition of the fact that even the best teachers are persons who have the right, and should have the opportunity, to continue their professional development.
In addition to this in-service training program, School Committee Regulations require that all teachers, supervisors and principals obtain six credits, outside of school time, in course work, or related activities, every five years in order to receive their salary increments. The present in-service training program does NOT provide for any credit toward salary increment. Elementary teachers must still take their courses on their own time.
Because teacher-parent conferences have been found to be ex- tremely valuable and important for reasons which are quite obvious, and because it had been inconvenient for a great many parents to schedule conferences in the late afternoon, it was decided that five out of the thirty-nine Wednesday afternoons be devoted to parent. conferences.
One major project planned on Wednesday afternoons for this. school year is a revision of the courses of study in major subjects: from grades one through six. All elementary teachers in the system,. by grades, are participating in this task. Discussion and exchange. of teaching techniques among teachers is one of the important prac -- tical by-products of these meetings. Other meetings will be conducted: by our several Arlington supervisors, who will present new and im- proved methods in the teaching of their particular subjects.
The conducting of an in-service training program during school time is a tried and proven method of improving the quality of instruc- tion, which has been used in practically all leading communities in the United States. The time lost by pupils is compensated for by the improvement of the instruction, with the result that the child actually gains much more in the end.
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Although practically every other instrument used in today's world has undergone radical advancement, the use of the traditional pen point and pen holder has remained a school standard. This year, the administration investigated the possibilities of new types of writing instruments. The Locke, Cutter and Parmenter Schools examined several types of automatic pens and finally selected an inexpensive ball point pen as an experiment for use in grades five and six.
The most important result of this change is noted in the writing process. Our penmanship course of study initiates the use of pen and white paper in grade four and continues into grades 5 and 6. Naturally, the best stimulus to good penmanship is for the pupil to see good results. The ball point pen eliminates smudging, scratching and the pen catching on the paper. It allows the pupil to concentrate on correct letter formation. In actual work, the pupil's attention can be focused on his work rather than dipping, cleaning his pen or blot- ting his paper. Our teachers feel that the selection of this type of writing equipment has been a distinct step toward better penmanship results.
One of the elementary schools is experimenting with the value of a spelling series which places greater emphasis than most spellers do, upon handwriting needs, as related to spelling. The primary grade workbooks used in this experiment feature full-size writing samples in place of the more common printed lists. The spelling books use the handwriting system adopted by the Arlington Public Schools starting with manuscript writing in grade one and adding cursive writing in the latter part of grade two. Since much of the difficulty in spelling results from failure to transfer printed symbols correctly in writing words, one of the major aims of the spelling series is to reduce common spelling errors caused by common handwriting errors.
The renovated Crosby School was re-opened in September. Six rooms on each of the two floors and four basement rooms were re- stored for classroom use. The Oxford Street Wing formerly containing four rooms, was converted into an auditorium with a kitchen unit. The installation of a public address system and oil-burning burners added to the modernization of the school building. During the current year, because of the reduction in the number of classrooms, the audi- torium is being utilized for three classes. The completion of the school on North Union Street will eliminate the present classroom shortage at the Crosby School.
The addition to the Parmenter School was occupied in September. This addition added a kindergarten room, four classrooms, a teachers' room, Principal's office and a storage room to the building. These rooms released the multi-purpose room for its intended use, the Prin- cipal's former office became a first-aid room. Indoor physical education facilities consist of the multi-purpose room and one-half of the audi- torium. These two rooms are in constant use from early morning until late afternoon. With the fixed furniture in one classroom being re- moved, a library and science room will complete the interior school arrangement. The acquisition of the additional land for playground use cannot be used until it is surfaced, graded and fenced. The present playground area is most inadequate.
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No addition is planned for the Peirce School at the present time. Any overcrowding in the classrooms can be met by change of school boundary lines. Children living on streets bordering on Massachusetts Avenue can be transferred to the Locke School after the completion of the Dallin School. This arrangement will leave room in the Peirce School for pupils from the new housing development between the Bishop and Peirce School boundary lines.
Because of the lack of classroom space, certain grades at the Locke and Brackett Schools are overcrowded. However, the Dallin School will relieve this situation in September, 1956. The renovations for the first floor at Locke School should be completed as soon as possible. The School also needs new clock and inter-communication systems. Both of the present systems have been in use for over half a century. The inter-comunication system has been out-of-order for twelve years and cannot be repaired.
THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
In both junior high schools much energy and time was spent in planning for the housing of pupils. September found the Junior High School East crowded so that classes are scheduled in the lunchroom and in the auditorium. At the Junior High West the lunchroom is used for audio-visual education and a small remedial classroom is utilized for clothing classes. Improvement in instruction of major subjects has been insured by the introduction of up-to-date textbooks, particularly in Algebra, French and Science. Department Heads are making regular visits to the teachers of their respective subjects in the junior highs and are assisting them in various problems which arise from time to time.
The junior high guidance work is improving steadily. More time is being given to individual counselling. Mr. Roens, Mr. Downs and Mr. Patterson visited both junior high schools in the spring and explained to the parents and students the Senior High School Pro- gram. Near the close of the school year a series of Orientation Days were planned and carried out. The sixth grade of each Elementary School visited the particular junior high school that they were to attend. There the pupils were taken on a tour, the school program described and a lunch was served. Principals and teachers of grade seven report worthwhile results.
At the Junior High West the 7th grade program has been re- organized. The purpose is to make more gradual the transition from elementary school to junior high school. The same teacher is teach- ing English, Social Studies, Group Guidance and Supervised Study. This has given our present seventh graders more stability and more personal guidance. This plan enables teachers to become better acquainted with the individual needs of pupils. Plans to help meet these needs are formulated through the Guidance Program. At the Junior High East also several seventh grade teachers are teaching the same pupils more than one subject.
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THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
It is important, at this time, to emphasize the pending need in the High School of additional rooms in anticipation of a normal high school growth expected by 1957. During the year a suggested plan was submitted to the School Committee by which the problem of increased school population at the High School level could be solved. This plan includes additional rooms, an auditorium seating at least 1500, a gymnasium that would seat over 900, a larger cafeteria that would accommodate over 800, an administrative wing and additional rooms that would bring the total number to 102 for the present building and proposed additions. The new plant would be able to accommodate approximately 2200, including the Vocational School. The projected enrollment figures show that 1625 pupils including the Vocational School are expected by 1959. These are conservative figures and do not take into consideration the number of pupils expected if a 4-year high school is established as has been suggested in the future plans. In that case, 2075 would be the projected enrollment figure for 1959.
This year a new course was added to our curriculum in the Science Department. A course in Physical Science was added, which enables the General Course students to establish interest in the field of Science which they may follow-up with existing courses in Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The Social Studies Department has a course in Current Affairs, which is planned for young people who are terminating their formal education with high school graduation. Work is about to be completed on a special Nursing curriculum which will enable girls who wish to follow nursing to be prepared on a carefully selected 3-year course on the secondary level. It is felt that the graduates from this curriculum would be better prepared to continue their studies in the many nursing schools of this vicinity. The Bookkeeping III course that was offered to accounting students and discontinued a year ago was resumed in the Accounting curriculum.
This year the High School, through the efforts of the Student Council, raised sufficient funds in the Town to invite a foreign student to attend Arlington High School as a full-fledged student. This pro- gram under the auspices of the American Field Service has opened new avenues for the student body towards international interests. A young lady from Turkey was selected by the Student Council to attend Arlington High School this year. It is planned to continue this program.
Attention should be called to the splendid work done in the Music Department, particularly by the Girls' Glee Club. They not only gave excellent assembly programs at Arlington, but also at Natick High School. There they gave a fine performance and left an excellent impression. The interchange of extra-curricular activities such as music and debating programs with other schools, is highly beneficial and popular with the students. The Debating Club is new this year and plans interscholastic debates.
A word of commendation should be expressed for the splendid growth of our Library. The formation of a Library Corps and Book Reviewers Club, under the direction of the Librarian and through the kind assistance of the Robbins Library staff, has made the school very conscious of its Library.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Our athletic teams have had their share of victories and have left with their opponents at all times a good impression as to sportsman- ship which is reflected in the fact that Arlington is a desired opponent in all scholastic circles.
It has been the desire of the Principal to encourage student respon- sibility. With few exceptions all of the assemblies are conducted by a student leader. This policy will be enlarged gradually to bring out more vividly the importance of leadership and responsibility. Plans are contemplated in the future for an even broader expansion of the high school curriculum and wider opportunities for our secondary school pupils to enjoy an educational experience that will be valuable to them in the future.
VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Arlington Vocational High School graduated 26 boys in June 1955, 25 of whom went to work at the trade for which they had received training, one entering the Navy where his training will help him to get a higher rating. Ten of these boys were employed when seniors in our part-time cooperative course, working on the job for a week and staying in school on the alternate week for their class work. This year we have a graduating class of 41 and 9 of them are at present employed in industrial shops in Greater Boston on the alter- nate week. In the part-time cooperative course we have been very careful to place them in shops where they will receive the training necessary for successful work at their trade. The related work is allied closely with the work which they are doing in these shops.
We received from the Massachusetts Department of Vocational Education as Surplus Property, a Kempsmith Milling Machine which has been set up in the Machine Shop. Two spindle drill presses were moved from the Machine Shop to the Junior High West General Shop. The Automobile Department recently received two 1955 Plymouth engines from the Knox Brothers Motor Company. These engines will be mounted on stationary stands and used for experimental work by the boys in the Auto Shop. We were presented with the newest type of automatic transmission and two power steering units by the Chrys- ler Corporation. New testing equipment was also received in the Auto Shop so that we are able to train the boys in the use of the very latest equipment. Great use has been made of the Audio-Visual Aids in the classrooms. During the year 130 reels of 16 MM Sound Film have been shown as well as a great many 35 MM Slide Films. The Manual Arts Department is progressing toward a good General Shop in each of the junior high schools where the instructors can aid in recommending boys who are able to profit from the training in the Vocational High School.
Vocational Evening School has carried on as usual with an increase in the Electronics Department to which another class has been added. All the men' attending evening classes must be employed in the trade for which they are receiving their instruction. Fire-fighter Training, which is carried on by men in the Arlington Fire Department, is cleared through the Vocational High School and the classes are con- ducted in the same manner as our Trade Extension Evening Classes.
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PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
The Guidance program in the secondary schools has continued with the same activities as have been emphasized in the annual reports during the past years. As in the previous years, the intensive individual counseling program has been followed. An interesting addition to our regular program this year has been an extensive testing study through- out the entire system.
At the request of the Educational Testing Service, the high school guidance department is participating in a Youth Growth Study. This program is planned to measure the effect of growth in characteristics measured by the verbal and mathematical tests of the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test. The study is so designed that it will also be possible to determine the extent to which a student's second testing is affected by a prior administration of a different form of the same test. In September a random half of our college prepara- tory seniors were tested and in November the entire twelfth grade college preparatory students were tested. The report of each stu- dent's performance will be sent to the Guidance Department so that a measure of their growth on Scholastic Aptitude will be
known to the ( Counselors for guidance purposes. The adminis- tration is gratified that Arlington High School was chosen to par- ticipate in this study, and it feels that Arlington is making a valu- able contribution as a participant in the project which is being carried out in selected public and private schools throughout the United States.
Another experimental project we are participating in, at the re- quest of the Educational Testing Service, is the High School Guidance Study. This project, in the form of a battery of tests may be a real benefit to our students. All sophomores in the regular high school and the vocational high school were tested in the following phases - interest, general reasoning, visualization, true knowledge and infor- mation, memory, speed, etc. The report of these experimental test scores will be sent to the counselors who then should be better able to advise these students.
In the elementary schools, we are participating in a testing project to establish norms for the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The principal advantage in taking part in this nation-wide testing program is that it will give us a spot-check of how Arlington children in grades one through six compare with other pupils throughout the country in reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, capitalization, punctu- ation, language usage, map reading, reading graphs and tables, knowledge and use of reference materials, arithmetical concepts and arithmetic problem solving. If there are any particular weaknesses in our elementary school curriculum, these should appear when the results and comparisons are made available to us.
This fall, the high school guidance department participated in National Merit Scholarship Program so that our high school seniors may share in the opportunities of these large scholarships. Our high- ranking local students will be aiming at some 200 four-year college scholarships that can carry up to full tuition and living expenses, depending upon the financial need of each winner. The National Merit Scholarship Organization is a non-profit, independent group whose program is dedicated to the discovery and the development of able
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
youth throughout the country and to the support of our colleges and universities.
A job-placement bureau within the high school guidance depart- ment is provided throughout the twelve months of the year for pupils and graduates. During 1955, 573 pupils and graduates were placed on full-time and part-time jobs. The demand for office workers has far exceeded the number of girls and boys who are available for placement. This year only 55% of the requests made by employers could be filled. There are a large number of calls for boys and girls who are available for part-time office employment during their senior year, with definite full-time employment in the same companies after graduation. Employers are aware of the shortage of office help and are trying to cover their needs by this method. At the present time, not even all of these openings can be filled. It may be of interest to note that about 31% of our high school pupils have part-time jobs after school. The average earnings of these 360 pupils is about $14.50 per week.
The speech correction program, now in its second year, has proved to be most successful. It is concerned with pupils who have difficulty in communicating, or who are subject to ridicule because of the way they talk, or who shun oral work through fear of ridicule. Classroom teachers refer such cases, whose speech might hinder school progress and personality development, to Pupil Personnel Services for special help by the Speech Consultant. Twice weekly visits are made to each elementary school and the high school. Clinical sessions are held according to age and type of defect. Anxieties and tensions sometimes the cause and often the result of speech problems and requiring therapeutic techniques, necessitate working singly with cer- tain cases and occasionally in small homogenous groups.
The present staff in our Department of Pupil 'Personnel Services is not adequate to care for the number of pupil adjustment cases in our elementary schools. It is hoped that recent legislation by the Massachusetts General Court, whereby the salary of an elementary school adjustment counselor may be reimbursed to the Town at a maximum of $4500.00, will enable us to increase our staff by such a worker. Although the School Committee has provided for the appoint- ment of an elementary school adjustment counselor in the 1956 bud- get, the difficulty comes in finding 'an adequately trained person who will accept such an appointment.
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