USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1958 > Part 23
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JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
During this year a procedure was studied and plans formulated whereby ability-grouping would be done by individual subjects rather than by divisions. In major subjects there would be three divisions (academically-talented, normal and remedial) and each pupil would be assigned on the basis of his past performance and potential ability. Attempts will be made to program subjects so that pupils could be transferred during the year from the normal to the talented, or from the normal to the remedial class or vice-versa. It will be the duty of the counselors, under the supervision of the principals, to study and effect assignments and changes when necessary.
The field of social studies has been examined very carefully this year and some important changes have been made. It had been found that where geography and history had been integrated in any given year the area of geography seemed to suffer. It was therefore decided that geography would be the course content in social studies for grade seven and United States History would be the entire course content for grade eight.
In the past, intensive aptitude and achievement testing had been done with all ninth grade pupils. Beginning with the present school year, this same type of testing will be done with the eighth grade pupils and should be of considerable assistance in course se- lection for grade nine. The tests administered to the eighth grade pupils are similar in scope to those administered in the past to the ninth grade pupils. It is also intended that in the spring of 1959 meetings of parents of eighth grade pupils in each of the junior
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
highs will be held and the tests will be explained, while each par- ent present will have a copy of the test results of his child. This would be the same procedure that had been used previously with the parents of ninth grade pupils.
The action of the School Committee in requiring certain dress regulations for boys, including neckties and doing away with "duck- tail" haircuts, cowboy boots and pegged trousers, has resulted in a considerable change in behavior and attitude among certain types of pupils which is being favorably commented upon repeatedly by teachers, principals and parents.
l'he Junior High Industrial Arts has expanded its visual aids program considerably this year with resultant enrichment in sci- ence, social studies, community relationships and current events. In addition, a book loan arrangement with Robbins Library has been most effective in motivating these pupils to read and to be- come more interested in books. The overall academic program over the past year has been strengthened considerably and is being re- flected in the achievement of the pupils.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
International events in the political and scientific fields have projected the American public high school into the national spot- light as an academic system that is not meeting the challenge of the times. We are cognizant of the criticisms and are evaluating constantly our high school program in terms of sound recommenda- tions which are being made by educational leaders. The Conant Study of the American high schools is of considerable interest to us and when the final report is published during the coming year, we shall attempt to implement as many of the recommendations as possible.
It is hoped that the building renovation and addition program will be completed in time for the admission next September of four classes; the ninth grade making its first appearance in the high school since the adoption of the junior high school system nearly forty years ago. The new plant will present excellent oppor- tunities for greater expansion of work in all fields. New facilities as well as more numerous teaching areas in art, music, home econom- ics, shop and physical education will give outlets for those who elect these subjects. It will be necessary in the near future to modernize the chemistry laboratory and plans for that area will pre- sent a combined laboratory and classroom. The Vocational School will have a new shop area as well as related work classrooms in a central location, thereby creating a more unified and efficient school.
In order to keep the subject offerings in the high school as flexible as possible a procedure has been devised whereby curricula designations as such will be eliminated from the program of studies and from the list of high school subjects each pupil's program will be tailored to meet his individual needs. This proposal will operate in the following manner: Each year a counselor will meet with each pupil and on the basis of the pupil's past performance, apti-
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
tude and achievement test scores, and the pupil's interest, a pro- gram of subjects for that year will be proposed. This list will be taken home by the pupil for parental approval. If parents have any questions about the program they will be encouraged to meet with the counselor and adjustments will be made in accordance with the now existing regulations and pre-requisites for admission to certain courses. For example; a pupil studying stenography who has an interest and aptitude in algebra and higher mathematics will be able to elect these subjects along with the major business subjects. In the same way, a pupil who has a flare for foreign languages, but is poor in other college preparatory subjects, will be able to elect the foreign languages along with non-college prepar- atory subjects. The counselors will encourage the pupils to take as difficult subjects as they are capable of handling. However, within the existing regulations and pre-requisites, the parents' wishes in course selection will be met. Wherever feasible, in both junior and senior high schools, there will be three levels of instruction in ma- jor subjects; for academically-talented, for average and for remedial pupils with possibilities of inter-change of pupils within these groups at any time. For example; it may be found that a pupil in an average English division seems capable of moving faster than the class is progressing, so he might be shifted to the academically- talented class. Or, a pupil in the academically-talented class who could not keep up with the class might be shifted to the average group. It is expected that with the elimination of the designation "general course", which has a definite stigma, pupils would be prone to take subjects in this area without the violent objections which they and their parents now present.
The Thompson Scholarship Fund which approximates about. $11,000. is most valuable in providing financial aid to those who are going on to higher education and who are forced to meet higher and higher tuition costs. This year 69 students received financial aid which helped defray a part of their tuition fees. We are most grateful to the Arlington Women's Club and to the Arlington Parent-Teacher Council who have provided scholarships totaling almost $1,000. In addition, scholarships to the amount of $38,500. were awarded to members of the graduating class from Harvard, Colgate, Simmons, University of Pennsylvania, Wheaton of Massa- chusetts, Wheaton of Illinois, Northeastern and others.
The fifteenth annual survey of the Guidance Department indi- cates that nearly 57% of last year's graduating class at Arlington High School has gone on for further full-time education. This is significant in view of the national average which is about 20%. About one-third of the class is in four year, degree-granting insti- tutions with the remainder in business schools, junior colleges, nursing schools, technical schools, etc. Nearly 37% of the class is employed; about 5% is in the Armed Forces; and 1% is ill or at home. As would be expected under present economic conditions and tuition costs, a large proportion of this class is attending colleges in the Greater Boston area with 21 at Northeastern, 16 at Boston University, 9 at Tufts, 9 at Boston College, 7 at Boston State Teach- ers' College, 5 each at Framingham Teachers', Massachusetts School of Art and Simmons, 4 at Harvard and 1 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Other well-known colleges which have enrolled members of the class of 1958 are Bates, Brown, University of Maine,
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University of Massachusetts. Babson, Bowdoin, Colgate, Connecticut, Dartmouth, Stanford, Trinity, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wellesley, Wheaton of Illinois, Wheaton of Massachusetts and Worcester Technology. It is most gratifying to us to report that in view of the present teacher shortage throughout the nation, 25 members of this class are attending Teachers' colleges with about 10 more attending schools of education in other colleges.
It is interesting to note that of those who took college prepara- tory courses, over 92% of the class has gone on to further study, and of those who took business preparation courses, nearly 71% of the class is employed in office work, with another 24% attending business schools or colleges.
The ability of those who take college preparation work in order to enter the college of their own choosing, as well as the success in meeting the demands of college work, is a testimony of the fine work done by the faculty, as well as a tribute to the policy of our insisting upon high standards. It is pertinent, at this point, to emphasize the excellent guidance work which has played a key part in the direction of the educational paths of these students from their experience in grades, through junior high level and finally to the senior high school. The splendid liaison between the high school guidance counselors and the college admissions officers facilitated the admissions of hundereds of graduates from our High School to colleges of their first choice. This is likewise true of those who have entered the business world directly from High School. It is most gratifying to have representatives from many large business houses visit the high school annually in search of capable young people to enter the mercantile world. Arlington graduates have established fine reputations as a result of the busi- ness training courses offered and the standard of instruction given.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
This year, in addition to the survey of the graduating class al- ready reported a general study of the college record of our gradu- ates from 1953 through 1957 was undertaken. Although complete data has not yet been received, it can be reported that at least 10% of these pupils have been included on the Dean's or President's honor lists. 12% were granted college scholarships because of their high academic standing; 5% were listed as class officers, or officers of college organizations and 4% graduated magna cum laude or were elected to Phi Beta Kappa, or its equivalent. The colleges rep- resented in the above summary included Amherst, Bates, Boston College, Bowdoin, Brown, Framingham State Teachers' College, Harvard, University of Illinois, Massachusetts Institute of Techno- logy, University of Michigan, Mout Holyoke, Northeastern, Simmons, Smith, Tufts, Wheaton and Williams. Although the Arlington Public Schools do not attempt to take credit for the notable performance of these graduates, nevertheless we feel that it may be safe to assume that our educational program was not remiss in preparing these pupils for college.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
It is of interest to note that about 28% of our high school pop- ulation is employed gainfully in part-time jobs. These pupils aver- age about 18 hours a week and their total weekly earnings rep- resent about $7,300. Among the graduates of the class of 1958, 81 of the 90 girls who went into full-time employment were placed by the Guidance Department. Part-time employment was provided for 303 pupils by the Guidance Department.
From time to time, guidance classes from Tufts University, Harvard Graduate School of Education and Northeastern University have visited the Guidance Office at the High School in order to observe the actual operation of a guidance department and to re -: .ceive instruction from the Director of Guidance and the counseling staff.
Under the supervision of the Department of Pupil Personnel Services, and as has been reported in the Annual Report of the previous year, an academically-talented class of 6th grade pupils was initiated in the Crosby School and one for 9th grade pupils was begun at the High School. Although these classes had been underway for three months at the time this report was being pre' pared, it is our feeling that this experiment will prove to be very successful in terms of motivation and academic achievement of these pupils. As has been explained elsewhere in this report, beginning next September academically-talented pupils in our secondary schools will be grouped by subjects rather than by divisions as exist with our present 9th grade.
The 6th grade academically-talented class is following an en- richment program in which the basic subject matter, as outlined in the courses of study for grade 6 is taught, but enriched by a more intensive analysis of underlying concepts and more intensive study in correlated areas. The growth of individual potentiality of any of these pupils which may appear in any field of intellectual en- deavor is promoted. Enrichment is particularly provided in areas including language arts in which talents in creative writing and in oral expression are stimulated and developed; conversational French and science, in which elementary experiments are being conducted above and beyond what is normally found in the usual 6th grade class.
Observing demonstrations by speech correctionists, listening to reports from leaders in the field, and comparing notes with coun- terparts from all over the nation at the American Speech and Hearing Association Convention recently; our speech consultant was convinced that the program in the Arlington Public Schools. compares favorably with what is offered in other large school systems around the country. Since each pupil with a speech difficul- ty, referred by teachers, is included in scheduling our speech classes, the total case load is many times more than one therapist ordinarily considers reasonable. In our 1959 Budget we shall re- quest additional assistance for our speech therapist.
A great deal of our time and energy is expended with indivi- dual pupils who are disturbed, unstable, or fail to make a satis- factory adjustment in school. When referred to us by parents or teachers the adjustment counselors usually undertake:
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1. Diagnostic study of the individual child by means of:
a. An evaluation of his current functioning according to the teacher's description.
b. Evaluation of previous school functioning from kinder- garten to the present.
c. Appraisal for readiness for learning and of motivational factors which is based on observation and conversation with the child.
d. Appraisal of the child's difficulty in the areas of intelli- gence testing and projective techniques.
e. Understanding of environmental factors with the help of parental interviews and occasionally of home visits.
f. Consultation with other school personnel such as the Reading Consultant, the Speech Therapist, the Attendance Officer, or the Nurse, to obtain additional information of diagnostic significance.
2. Use of findings:
a. Interpretation of findings to teachers, principals and parents.
b. Consultation and planning with the family to try to alleviate the difficulty.
c. When indicated, counseling of the child so he will gain a better understanding of his difficulties by means of in- formal talks and play interviews.
d. Referral of the child and his family for counseling and mental health treatment and the fullest possible use of outside recreational facilities, scout groups and church groups, boys' clubs, etc.
e. Follow-up service in situations where immediate help cannot be achieved in spite of the above mentioned steps. The counseling staff retains a continuing interest in the child and the family.
With the growing acceptance in our community of the various services of the Department of Pupil Personnel Services, the staff finds it increasingly difficult to fulfill promptly all the requests for help. This increased demand is an agreeable, but pressing, problem and there is hope that we shall be able soon to expand our staff.
The balanced approach which the Department of Pupil Person- nel Services has developed of both casework and clinical psychology has been found useful, as it represents a many-faceted orientation to the diversified problems of children. Casework techniques have. been found most helpful in situations where manipulation of en- vironment and the helping relationship with the family are of prime importance. In other situations individual intelligence test- ing and personality appraising by projective techniques have been found necessary for diagnostic purposes and for future planning .. Frequently a combined approach has proved most effective.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The Department of Pupil Personnel Services has been aug- mented by the part-time assistance of a psychiatrist who consults with the staff on more complex situations. He is also helpful as a consultant to the overall guidance staff in detailed discussions aimed at increasing the awareness of the interaction between academic and emotional factors. This has been a most necessary addition to our program and we have lagged behind several of our neighboring communities in obtaining this service.
SAFETY PROGRAM
This year the National Safety Council, which closely examines the school safety program in each community, reported to us that, "your town is commended for its safety education program in the public schools". We require an accurate and detailed report of every accident that takes place on school property. These reports are carefully examined to determine if any pattern exists that necessitates corrective measures, and if so, immediate action is taken. Seasonal safety literature is sent to every school for em- phasis by teachers in the classroom. Without the active cooperation of the various Town Departments our safety program could not function. Our accident rate of .0036% is testimony of the efficiency of our police-school safety program.
ADULT EDUCATION
Interest in the adult education program seems to continue and this year there was a total enrollment of 1300 students. There is a total of 58 different classes and an instructional staff of 44 teach- ers. The average attendance in these classes is about 82%. The Americanization classes included
students from Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Austria, Armenia, Hungary, the Scandinavian countries, Holland, Latin America, Canada, Puerto Rico and Japan. There is no question that the adult education program we are presenting meets a definite need in the community.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, may I express to the School Committee, to all my fellow workers in the Arlington Public Schools and to other Officials my appreciation for your kind help and support.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) Clifford R. Hall
Superintendent of Schools
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Annual Report of the Department of Public Works.
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
I herewith submit the Annual Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ending December 31, 1958.
Under the provisions of Chapter 718 of the Acts of 1956 as amended by Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1957, a portion of North Union Street and the entire length of Beacon Street and Park Street was reconstructed by the Department of Public Works. A portion of Pond Lane, Decatur Street and the entire length of Lewis Avenue was reconstructed by private contract. It is anticipated that this program will continue in 1959 taking advantage of this Act where- by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays the entire cost.
In conjunction with Article 44 - "Maintenance of Public Sidewalks" of the Warrant of 1958, we were able to reconstruct concrete and bituminous concrete sidewalks on accepted Public Streets which had become deteriorated or damaged since their ori- ginal installation. This program should be continued until all of our permanent sidewalks are in safe condition.
The new sidewalk and edgestone program for 1958 was once again completed within the year of money appropriated.
During 1958 the Department constructed Quinn Road, Reser- voir Road, and Nourse Street. Crawford Street, Gorham Street, Washington Street, Brattle Terrace, Sunset Road, West Street, Joyce Road, Ivy Circle and Appleton Place were constructed by private contract.
Storm Drains were installed in Thomas Street and Brattle Place to the B & M Railroad Tracks. An 8" and 36" Storm Drain was relocated at the Senior High School. A 60" Storm Drain was installed at the Senior High School all in conjunction with new addition.
On July 11, 1958, we were subjected to a flash flood during which we received one and one-half (11/2 ) inches of rainfall in less than twenty-five (25) minutes. This flash flood caused considerable damage to roads and private homes.
Our public roadways and sidewalks were constantly maintained and in conjunction with this, thirty-seven (37) streets received a seal coat treatment which not only prolongs the life of the road, but produces a much smoother riding surface. I believe everyone realizes the wisdom of continuing this program.
The program of keeping our streets clean was continued, and it is my humble opinion that this Town is second to none in the Commonwealth in this respect.
Regular maintenance was performed on our Water System. On our Sewerage System, the entire section from Pleasant Street to.
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the Alewife Brook was cleaned and flushed. With our new "Sewer- oder" this program has been speeded up tremendously. Some mains had not been cleaned previously for seven years. It is reasonable now that we will be able to do the entire Town approximately every three years. Our Storm Drain System was maintained and all Catch Basins were cleaned out at least once and in the hilly sections of the Town they were cleaned twice.
Sewer Mains, Water Mains and Storm Drain Mains with all appurtenances were installed in various locations throughout the Town. On installations by private developers, we provided at their expense inspection of all underground installations. This is most important inasmuch as these mains become the Town's responsi- bility to maintain from date of installation.
Rubbish was collected from all dwellings and certain places of business throughout the Town. This is performed on a weekly basis and once again the volume collected has increased. We are still using the Sanitary Fill method of disposal whereby rubbish is compressed by tractor or other heavy equipment and then covered by cheap fill immediately. The purchase of two new trucks with Gar Wood Pack- er Bodys has enabled us to perform this service most efficiently.
Under the provisions of Article 42 of the Warrant of 1958 "Improvement of Volumes and Pressures-Water System" we con- tinued our program of cleaning Water Mains, replacing and repair- ing hydrants, installing new gates where necessary, and in 1958 constructed five (5) new Calgon Chambers. In connection with this, I am submitting a full report for your approval of progress made in this program from 1955 to 1958 inclusive.
WATER MAINS CLEANED - 1955
Brattle St. from Summer St. to End - 6" main 1,100'
Medford St. from Mass. Ave. to Mystic Valley Pky-6" main 465'
Lowell St. from Park Ave. to Lexington Line-6" main 2,500'
Hospital Rd .- 6" main
885'
6" Main cleaned 4,950'
Medford St. from Mass. Ave. to Mystic Valley Pky-8" main-
1585'
Mystic St. from Summer St. to Falmouth Rd .- 10" main 4,200'
Brattle St. from Mass. Ave. to Summer St .- 10" main 1,800'
10" Main cleaned 6,000'
Mass. Ave. from Park Ave. to Mirak's-12" main
-10,200'
Summer St. from Mill St. to Mystic St .- 12" main
1,500'
Summer St. from Brattle St. to Mill St .- 12" main 2,400'
12" Main cleaned -14,100'
Total Mains cleaned in 1955 -26,635'
Replacing and Repairing of Hydrants - 1955
Replace Hydrants -
Install 11 Gate Boxes -
Install 10" main - Oxford St.
Change services from old 6" main to 10" main - #376-400 Appleton Street
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ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
WATER MAINS CLEANED - 1956
Webster St. from Warren St. to Parkway-6" main 1,555' Norfolk Rd. from Kensington Pk. to Pleasant St .- 6" main- 875' Brantwood Rd. from Jason St. to Kensington Pk .- 6" main- 1,377' Hibbert St. from Arnold St. to 106 Hibbert St .- 6" main 752' Boundary Rd. from Hibbert St. to Sylvia St .- 6" main 165'
Sylvia St. from Boundary Rd. to End-6" main 850'
Tanager St. from Wollaston Ave. to End-6" main 1,350'
Aberdeen Rd. from Tanager to Sutherland Rd .- 6" main 400'
Inverness Rd. from Aberdeen Rd. to End-6" main 450
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