USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1962 > Part 23
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Continuing Education is expanding in all communities. It can be ex- pected to increase drastically in the future due to vast technological changes in industry. The Office of Education, in a letter to 1962 High School gradu- ates, stated that every graduate in 1962 would probably have to be trained for at least three different types of jobs in his normal work life. If we ac- cept this statement at its face value, the future is challenging for Continuing Education to say the least.
PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
The high quality of guidance services at Arlington High School is the result of much study and hard work by an informed staff. The problem that now faces the Guidance Department is one of maintaining and extending this expected quality with an ever-increasing school population.
247
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
The Class of 1962 will probably be the last of the small graduating classes, with a total of 443 graduating. This was also the last class graduat- ing after only three years in the high school. Many of these students, par- ticularly those in the Academically Talented Program, were accepted to the college of their choice on early decision. As evidence of continued excel- lence as shown by our graduating classes, the Class of 1962 sent 61.9% of its members to full-time study in advanced education. The figure for the Class of 1961 was 60.8%. Other comparative figures are as follows:
1962
1961
Employed
31.6%
31.8%
Armed Services
3.2%
5.8%
Miscellaneous
3.3%
1.6%
Our effort to interest students in teaching, nursing, and technical fields is continuing. Many show an interest in elementary teaching but compara- tively few show interest in teaching at those levels above Grade VI. The problem of the technician is now aggravated by the fact that because of numerous applicants, many two and three year technical schools have raised their requirements, thus making it difficult for the non-academic but skilled pupil to gain admission to these schools. The shortage of nurses may be alleviated in some small manner by those of our students who are preparing for this career. The Guidance Department helps them in their decision by encouraging volunteer work at such hospitals as Symmes, Mount Auburn, and Bedford VA, and by volunteer summer assignments through the coopera- tion of the United Community Services.
Fourteen organizations contributed to the scholarship and financial aid for the Class of 1962. From this amount, one student obtained $5000, through the Betty Crocker Award; three students totaled $6000. from the NROTC. The total scholarships won by the Class of 1962 exclusive of the Thompson Fund and other local scholarships amounted to $34,455. which is renewable upon successful academic college work. Seventeen colleges and universities contributed to scholarships and financial aid of our pupils. Twelve of these colleges and universities made their contributions renewable provided that our graduates maintained satisfactory standards.
Besides the above, one student was accepted to the U.S. Military Acad- emy and two to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The Job Placement Bureau within the High School Guidance Department, by maintaining good relationship with the many employers in the Greater Boston area, has been able to place a number of terminal students every year. Of the Class of 1962, one hundred forty members or 31.6% are em- ployed. Of these, 81% were placed by the Guidance Department.
Each year a study is made of those students in the high school who are working part-time. The most recent study was completed on November 30, 1961. At that time, 452 students were working part-time for an average of 17.5 hours per week. Out of a school population of 2,204, 20.5% of the pupils were engaged in part-time work. The total salary of this group per week was $8,151.07.
The present Senior Class, to be graduated in June, 1963, is the first to have full advantage of four years at the high school. We feel that they have benefited from having continued high school guidance for four full years. They are also the first to have members in four full years of the Academi- cally Talented Program at the high school. The mean score of those taking the May, 1962, College Board Scholastic Aptitude Examinations in this class was at least 100 points above the National Mean Score in the appropriate tests, showing the effect of those in the Academically Talented Program and
248
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
those in the four year regular contiguous college preparation program. It is interesting to note at this early date that students have already been ac- cepted to the Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Bryn Mawr, Smith, Wellesley, Radcliffe and several other colleges on an early admission policy.
This past year the Psychological Counseling Department added one more social worker to its staff. The total staff now is comprised of two full-time psychologists, two full-time social workers, one part-time psychologist, and a psychiatric consultant. The Simmons College Social Work Unit, which was established in the Arlington Public Schools last year under a five year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, now includes three gradu- ate students and a faculty member who serves as their supervisor. In addi- tion, Boston University has placed one doctoral student from their new School Psychologist Program in our Department for in-service training in individual intelligence and projective testing, play therapy, and counseling.
During the past year the Department worked with 258 children. About 200 of these were referred by the elementary schools and the rest by the secondary schools. The predominant number of referrals dealt with were learning problems due to a lack of motivation, aggressive or withdrawn be- havior, and inability to get along with other pupils. A smaller number of pupils who were referred had problems of reading difficulties, school phobia, mental retardation, and psychosomatic disorders.
In the majority of situations, not only the child but also his teacher and parents were seen in order to better diagnose the problems involved. In addition to utilizing our staff facilities to the utmost, the Department tries to make use of social agencies available in the Greater Boston area.
The staff of the Psychological Counseling Department has engaged in a limited amount of research at the local level on the treatment of a few dis- turbed pupils. Instead of segregating these youngsters in special classes for the emotionally disturbed, as has been recommended by Public Law 750, the Department has tried to work intensively with these pupils, their parents, and teachers and has been able to integrate most of these problem pupils in the regular school classes. This research has received favorable comment nationally by the American Orthopsychiatric Association.
The Psychological Counseling Department sees as its major goal the restoration of the learning capacity of children whose intellectual abilities have been blocked by emotional difficulties. This can only be achieved when there is the fullest cooperation between the home and the school.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
No report would be complete unless some mention were made of prob- lems and plans for the future. The good school system does not happen; it is the result of much planning and hard work by a dedicated staff. Maintain- ing a high standard of education is not easy because even to keep the status quo requires change due to the rapidly changing curriculum content. Yet, the task before us is clear. We must maintain the high level of education we now enjoy and strive to strengthen those areas that need improvement.
Our public school enrollments are continuing to climb upward at an alarming rate. Since school opened in September, 1962, there has been an increase of 235 pupils. Latest figures indicate that the present school popu- lation as of October 26, 1962 is 8369 or an increase of about 500 pupils from a year ago, September 1, 1961.
Over two hundred of the new pupils are at the Senior High School level. This tends to stretch the already crowded accommodations at the high school.
249
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Space is at a premium and will continue to become even more scarce until it is alleviated by the proposed addition. It will be nigh impossible to house the present high school enrollment beyond 1964, without resorting to stag- gered classes or a two platoon system. It has already become necessary, in order to conserve space, to cut down on curricular offerings. Any fur- ther retrenchment in this manner will only result in a lowering of standards, a thought that many find both incomprehensible and repugnant.
In order to better plan for the future, the School Department is cur- rently conducting a pre-school census. It is being aided in this task by volunteer workers from the various PTA groups in the Town. The final results and subsequent analysis will not be available for sometime. Pre- liminary reports indicate, however, that the leveling off of the public school enrollment in Arlington is some years away. In fact, enrollment appears to be increasing generally throughout the Town and at a higher rate than had been anticipated.
The Stratton School, which opened in February, is now operating at close to capacity. In this school, expected losses to private schools did not occur, and the in-migration was unusually large. The Dallin School is another area of pupil growth that is being closely observed by the School Department. A rather significant upward trend has been observed in the Crosby, the Cutter, the Locke, and the Peirce Schools also. These schools are located in neigh- borhoods that are considered to be areas of little potential growth, but nevertheless, there has been substantial increases of pupils noted. The most plausible explanation appears to be that as older families sell their homes they are being replaced by younger parents with much larger fami- lies. Whatever the answer or answers may be, the fact remains that our public school enrollment is climbing rapidly. The School Department feels sufficiently concerned that it suggests that our long-range building plans need reassessment.
An increasing school population brings with it concommitant problems. A large professional staff is one inevitable result. This will unfortunately occur when the competition for good teachers is especially keen with the result that it will be costly. The instructional costs may possibly be some- what lessened by a judicious use of teaching machines, programmed instruc- tion, etc. The School Department is currently exploring the possible use of some of the teaching aids as a means of effectively teaching larger groups of pupils. It must be borne in mind, however, that machines are not a sub- stitute for good teaching. They are merely a complement to it.
Earlier in this report mention was made of the fact that within the next several years a considerable number of teachers will be leaving the system through retirement. Arlington has been fortunate, in the past, in being able to recruit and to retain a fine teaching staff. This has enabled us to main- tain a high level of pupil achievement. If we wish to continue to operate at this level we must be able to attract good teachers who can provide the nec- essary curriculum continuity essential to success. It is, therefore, neces- sary that the Community recognize and assume its obligation to provide the wherewithal to obtain adequate replacements. Unfortunately, this is occur- ring at a time when the costs of services are high so it will not be easy. Our climbing school population, with its need for additional pupil space, teachers, materials, and supplies makes the problem even more difficult, but none the less imperative. Responsible school authorities tell us that relief is not in sight either. It is estimated by school finance authorities that school budgets will double between 1960 and 1970. If we, in Arlington, are to continue to grow qualitatively as well as quantitatively, we must be prepared to bear the cost. Ex-President Eisenhower made this clear when he said that the most expensive education was one that was second best. Though the cost may seem high to some it should be borne in mind that "One cannot educate today's children for tomorrow's world using yesterday's tools".
250
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
CONCLUSION
The Superintendent wishes to express his appreciation and thanks to the men and women who comprise the Arlington School Committee, who have a challenging task, a pleasant one. It is indeed a pleasure to work with a group so genuinely interested in education.
To the members of the professional staff and especially to the Assistant Superintendent, may I convey my appreciation for their service and support. To the clerical staff and to the custodial staff, without whose fine services we could not operate, I express my sincere appreciation.
The entire School staff is most pleased with the gracious assistance offered us whenever we have called upon the Town Manager, the Superin- tendent of Public Works, the Fire Chief, the Chief of Police, the Supervisor of Maintenance, the Supervisor of Custodians, and heads of other Town De- partments, all of whom have been most cooperative.
To all, I offer my appreciation and gratitude.
Respectfully submitted,
Bert A. Roens Superintendent of Schools
251
REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD
Report of the Planning Board
January 5, 1963
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Monahan:
In accordance with Section 49 of Chapter 40 and Section 71 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, the Planning Board submits its report for the year ending December 31, 1962.
There were two changes in the personnel of the Board this year. Thomas J. Kenna, Jr. resigned May 21, 1962 after seven years of service and David G. Ashton resigned July 15, 1962, having served two years. Their unex- pired terms were filled by the appointment of David A. Leone and Richard L. Mullin.
In November, 1962 the Board completed work on the Comprehensive Plan for Arlington on which the Board had been working for two years with its consultants, the Planning Services Group of Cambridge. This project was financed in part through an Urban Planning Assistance Grant from the U. S. Housing and Home Finance Agency under the provisions of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954. In preparing this plan the Board has had the assistance of the Selectmen, the Town Manager, heads of town departments, members of various town boards, and many interested citizens.
The general objective of the plan is to provide guidance for all the town's residents and officials in taking advantage of local resources to make Arl- ington a better place to live. The individual proposals dealing with land use, traffic circulation, and community facilities stem from the Board's interpretation of two primary objectives for the town as a whole:
a. To maintain and strengthen Arlington's already firm position as a desirable residential community in Greater Boston.
b. To strengthen the tax base of the town in order to minimize the future impact of the rising cost of municipal government.
Some of the specific recommendations may well be modified during the con- tinual reappraisal and updating of the Comprehensive Plan by the Planning Board but the general objective will undoubtedly remain constant.
The Comprehensive Plan Report will be distributed early in January, 1963 to town officials and town meeting members and will be available at the Arlington library. It will be possible to purchase copies for a nominal fee at the Town Clerk's office. The Planning Board invites all citizens to carefully review this report as an aid in making those vital decisions that will determine the future of our town.
In December, 1962 the Board received an Urban Planning Assistance Grant of $9,330 from the U. S. Housing and Home Finance Agency. This represents two-thirds of the cost of two additional planning programs. The first is a Public Improvements Program to provide schedules of costs and priorities to carry out the Comprehensive Plan. The second is a detailed study of the problems of Arlington Center. The completion of these pro- grams will take about six months.
252
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
July 1, 1963 would appear, therefore, to be the logical time to appoint a full-time professional planner if the potential benefits of these planning programs are not to be lost. To acquaint the residents of the town with the purpose and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan, to implement its recom- mendations, to keep up to date the valuable inventory of existing land uses, and to furnish detailed studies of special local planning problems needed to assist operating departments, is a full-time job. Arlington has made a considerable investment in this federally-aided project and the Board is recommending that a permanent staff be established without further delay to carry on a continuing planning program.
During the year the Board held nineteen meetings and participated in joint meetings with the Board of Selectmen and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Fifteen public hearings were held for revisions in the Zoning By-Law and changes in the Zoning Map. These included the creation of a new zoning district, C-1, recommended by the Board to encourage apartment house construction in certain areas of the town. In this district the height limi- tation for apartment buildings has been increased from 60 ft. to 75 ft. This change was accompanied by regulations to tighten protective controls in all apartment districts concerning parking and open space, and to provide landscaping and recreation areas. These revisions were approved by the unanimous vote of the Town Meeting.
The Board's recommendations regarding changes in the Zoning Map were upheld by the Town Meeting with two exceptions. In one of these cases an appeal from the decision of the Town Meeting has been taken by a resi- dent to the Land Court.
In April the Board was host to the Planning Boards of Region 5B of the Massachusetts Federation of Planning Boards at a meeting held in Robbins Library.
Members of the Board and its consultants met with engineers of the Department of Public Works in July to discuss the reconstruction of Route 2 and to recommend connections to local streets to improve internal traffic circulation in Arlington.
The Board extends its appreciation to you and members of town boards and departments for the assistance and cooperation received throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Murdena A. Campbell, Chairman George M. Herlihy, Secretary John A. Cataldo Richard Leo Mullin David A. Leone
253
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Report of the Public Welfare Department
February 13, 1963
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Arlington, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor of submitting the report of the Medical Inspector of the Department of Public Welfare for the year ending December 31, 1962.
House Calls
Clinic Calls
Total
Old Age Assistance
207
135
342
Medical Assistance to the Aged
185
70
255
Aid to Dependent Children
12
88
100
Disability Assistance
23
35
58
General Relief
14
88
102
Veterans Services
12
38
50
453
454
907
Respectfully submitted,
Edward W. Feeley, M.D. Medical Inspector Department of Public Welfare
January 18, 1963
Mr. Edward C. Monahan
Town Manager Town Hall
Arlington, Massachusetts
Re: Report of the Public Welfare Department
Dear Mr. Monahan:
In accordance with the custom of the Department of Public Welfare, the Town of Arlington presents its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1962.
Case Load Per Month
Month
O.A.A.
M.A.A.
A.D.C.
D.A.
G.R.
January
333
132
28
41
18
February
333
134
31
38
14
March
328
145
33
38
14
April
326
147
34
39
13
May
326
148
36
40
14
June
324
146
34
40
19
254
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
July
315
153
32
40
20
August
310
159
32
41
18
September
309
157
35
37
19
October
306
168
36
40
18
November
301
166
35
40
12
December
304
153
36
38
8
Total
Case Load
3,815
1,808
402
472
181
Cases Closed transferred to A.D.C. - 20 D.A. - 2
Vet. Ben. 1
Left State - 1 Employed - 5 Withdrawn - 2
Sufficient Res. - 3
Emergency Medical 2
Total
36
WELFARE AID was granted to 36 cases including 298 persons.
Settlement Status - Welfare Aid
Arlington 21
State
6
Other Municipalities 9
Undetermined
0
36
WELFARE AID
Total Expenditures $14,067.50
Net Cost to Town $11,932.50
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE (Not including Medical Aid Assistance)
Total Expenditures $318,687.68
Less: Reimbursements and Grants:
Federal Grants.
$197,817.43
65,453.21
State .
Other Cities and Towns
12,701.14
275,971.78
Net Cost to Town
42,715.90
Case Load Summary
Cases - January 1, 1962 333
Cases Closed
84
Cases - December 31, 1962
300
SETTLEMENT STATUS
Arlington 187
State (unsettled) 61
Other Cities and Towns
56
304
255
REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE DEPARTMENT
REASONS FOR DISCONTINUANCES
Death . 20
Transferred to M.A.A. 42
Transferred to other cities and towns 15
Excess Resources
6
Withdrawn. 1
84
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO AGED
Total Expenditures . $323,735.58
Less: Reimbursements and Grants:
Federal Grants $159,095.94
State .
106,717.25
Other Cities and Towns.
None 265,813.19
Net Cost to Town
57,922.39
Average case load per month 151 Total of 78 cases were closed during the year
Died
61
Tr. to O.A.A. 8
Returned Home 3
Tr. to other cities and towns 1
Committed
3
Excess Resources 1
1
Ineligible
78
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Total Expenditures
$68,397.17
Less Reimbursements and Grants
Federal Grants $31,342.05
State 21,795.56
Individuals
None 53,137.61
Net Cost to Town
$15,259.56
36 Families were aided under this category of assistance including 132 per- sons, of these 98 were children.
A.D.C. cases closed
Family reunitied 3 Employed . 11
Transferred to G.R.
1
Total
15
256
ARLINGTON TOWN REPORT
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Total Expenditures
$66,416.01
Less Reimbursements and Grants
Federal Grants
$20,797.50
20,797.50
$45,618.51
Town Appropriation
40,000.00
Deficit 5,618.51
Disability Assistance was Granted to 40 persons.
D.A. Cases Closed
Transferred to other Cities and Towns 3
Transferred to O.A.A.
3
Transferred to M.A.A.
1
Excess resources
2 Died
3
Total 12
The closing days of 1962 saw several personnel changes with the re- tirement of Mr. John F. Travers, who served the town for more than 24 years. His last position was Social Work Supervisor. Also in the month of October, Mr. George V. Morse, who had been Director of the Department for more than 13 years was compelled by poor health to retire. Early in February, Mrs. Ethel L. Gray, Social Case Work Supervisor, an employee of the department for over 25 years, and Acting Director during the latter months of 1962, will also retire. To these three persons, who have so faith- fully and capably served the Town of Arlington and its citizens, we bid good health and happiness in their well-earned retirement.
The new Director of Public Assistance is Mr. John F. M. Keane, for- merly Director of Public Assistance in Saugus.
Yours very truly,
John F. M. Keane, Director Public Welfare Department
257
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES
Annual Report of the Department of Youth Services
January 11, 1963
Mr. Edward C. Monahan Town Manager Town Hall Arlington 74, Mass.
Dear Mr. Monahan:
In compliance with your written request dated December 28, 1962, I am herewith submitting the first Annual Report for the Department of Youth Services.
The Department maintains one (1) office on the third floor of the Robbins House. Present staffing is limited to one (1) part-time Clerk Stenographer and the Director, whose services were made available through the United Community Services of Boston on a part-time basis only during the April 18, 1962 through December 31, 1962 period.
The Department was established on April 18, 1962 with an appropriation of $3,500. for the remainder of the 1962 year. As of December 31, 1962, $1,041.96 has been expended for office supplies, office expenses, furniture and to pay the salary of a part-time Clerk Stenographer, leaving a balance of $2,458.04 as of December 31, 1962. The fact that these office expenses have been kept to an absolute minimum is due in part to the additional cleri- cal and telephone services provided by the United Community Services dur- ing that period.
It has and continues to be the intent of this Department to explore and to apply for grant funds (public and private) to carry on a demonstration project whose broad scope will be the mobilization and coordination of all existing youth services, the detection of pre-delinquent behavior in youngsters, the offering of case and group work services to the hard-to-reach youngsters and their families, and other special projects designed to abate the rise of delinquency and to promote a wholesome youth population for the Town.
Towards this end, contacts have been established with a number of Fed- eral granting agencies. In June 1962, the Director of the Department and a member of its Board of Directors went to Washington, D. C. to discuss our proposal with a number of key personnel in the following agencies:
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