USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1952-1956 > Part 28
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To the School Committee and Citizens of Eastham:
I submit, herewith, my first in the series of annual re- ports of school superintendents for this town.
Union No. 16
The need for additional art supervision was met with the employment of Mr. Vernon Smith of Orleans. Mr. Smith's schedule does not bring him to Eastham, but his work in the other towns of the union makes it possible for Mr. C. Leo Ferris to schedule more time for an adequate art program in Eastham.
In September Mr. Samuel Griffiths came into our union to supervise the instrumental music program. Mr. Griffiths' many years of experience in school music work have earned him a fine standing on and beyond the Cape. I feel that we are fortunate to have his services.
Mr. Tileston's schedule has been stretched as enroll- ments have grown and new classrooms were added. It ap- pears that the time has come to expand our vocal music supervision. Budgetary provision has been made, and it is hoped that in the fall of 1956 there will be assistance in in this department.
The additional clerical help provided at the superin- tendent's office is completely justified in my opinion.
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The nature study classes conducted bi-weekly in the sixth-grade classes are new to me. I endorse them heartily. We have so much evidence of nature around us on the Cape we will do well to provide for the pupils the oppor- tunity to become better acquainted with it.
The new salary scales adopted by the towns of the union have attracted wide attention. Through them we have some assurance of selectivity in securing new personnel. Of long-range value is the effect of encouraging capable young people to consider a teaching career. The in-service training provisions are of current value.
School Facilities
The attractive and functional addition to the school building should serve the needs of pupils in grades 1-6 for several years. The many towns that have experienced school building programs owe a debt of gratitude to the citizens who have served on building committees, devoting time and conscience to assure that tax dollars were used judiciously.
The attendance of 7th and 8th grade pupils at Orleans is still by provisional arrangement. The Orleans School Committee has extended permission for this arrangement for the 1956 - 57 school year, subject to the permission of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education. Application for this latter approval has been made. Eventually a more permanent arrangement must be made for these pupils. The feasibility of regionalizing the towns of Wellfleet, Eastham and Orleans is being studied, and there may be value in Eastham joining with several of the nearby towns in taking a long-range look at the future educational picture of this section of Cape Cod. Whatever steps are taken in the next few years are likely to have a long-term effect.
Financial
In accordance with the custom the following table is included to compare school operating costs over the past five years.
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1951 .
1952
1953
1954
1955
Total Cost
Schools
$38,665.98
$42,275.90
$48,402.26
$58,249.85
$67,189.66
Reimburse-
ment
10,838.97
10,592.64
12,322.08
15,226.38
15,542.50
Net Cost
to Town
27,827.01
31,683.26
36,080.18
43,023.47
51,647.16
Valuation
of Town
3,095,060.00
3,316,310.00
3,573,190.00 3,831,280.00
4,142,825.00
Tax for
Schools
9.00
9.55
10.09
11.23
12.47
No. of Pupils,
Oct. 1
153
165
182
191
201
Gross Cost
per pupil
252.72
256.21
265.94
304.97
334.27
Net Cost per
pupil
181.87
192.87
198.24
225.25
256.95
A glance at this table will show the increase in the total cost for operating schools. This is to be expected with rising cost of materials, increased enrollments and addi- tional teachers. In spite of this, increases in valuation and reimbursements have kept the increase in tax schools to $3.47 since 1951.
Repair and Improvement
The major repair expenditure during the year was for painting the outside of the building. Minor plumbing and heating repairs were required. It is hoped that one class- room a year in the main building may be redecorated and equipped with new lighting. This, with Mr. Weber's out- standing service, will assure the maintenance of an excel- lent school plant.
The former assembly room in the basement now affords space for storage, and an excellent school library and art room could be developed there over a period of time.
Personnel
In September Miss Jean Milne, of Shelburne Falls, joined the staff as teacher of the third grade. Miss Milne
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trained at Perry Kindergarten Normal School and Tufts University. Mrs. Rita Winship accepted a full-time posi- tion at Yarmouth, and Mrs. Ethel Reed returned to teach physical education on Wednesdays. The services of Mrs. Jean Putnam were obtained for school nursing duties.
Conclusion
I wish to express my pleasure to be living on the Cape again and my appreciation for the welcome and co- operation I have received from school personnel and towns- people of Eastham.
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REPORT OF THE EASTHAM SCHOOL Otto E. Nickerson, Principal
Another fine year of progress has been accomplished in our little school. It certainly is to the town's credit to re- port that for the first time in history we have six separate grades carefully and methodically supervised by six con- scientious teachers. Miss Jean Milne of Shelburne Falls is the latest newcomer to our staff and is in charge of Grade Three.
Mr. Samuel Griffiths of Hyannis and former supervisor of the Barnstable Schools has cleverly assumed the respon- sibility of instrumental supervisor. Come in and see the new classes he has organized, particularly that of begin- ning violinists.
Mrs. Jean Putnam is again visiting us in her excellent capacity as school nurse. With her and Dr. Whitright in attendance we feel that we are most fortunate in the health department.
Our new general purpose room is proving its value in our re-activating of our monthly assembly programs. The Sixth Grade creditably presented "And the Stars Heard" as their contribution for American Education Week. Mrs. Handel's Fourth Grade delighted a fine attendance with her wonderful Thanksgiving program.
Mrs. Ethel Reed, whom you are so proud to again welcome to our faculty, finds the new room the answer to a long awaited prayer. Drop in there at any time on Wed- nesdays and you will quickly understand what this modern room means to us all.
The playground, though not yet well equipped and without protection for the little folks from the cruel north winds, is going to be almost ideal for our children. I know of no other small school which has the space and location that is ours. The First and Second Grades with their brand new rooms and play areas are indeed happy.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Harriett Chace
It is a pleasure to submit my second annual report as elementary supervisor in the schools of Union No. 16. In my last year's report, I explained how I aimed to fit my work into the educational system. In this second report I hope to show how I am trying to carry out these aims.
The testing program was carried out with very satis- factory results. Group intelligence testing was done at the first, third and sixth grade levels in April and in Septem- ber. The reults of these tests showed a range of intelligence quotients in the building from 82 to 144. This indicates that there are no seriously retarded children in the school and a goodly number of gifted ones.
Achievement tests were given in May with the follow- ing ranges in grade levels :
Grade One from 1.4 to 3.6
Grade Two
from 2.7 to 5.2
Grade Three from 2.8 to 6.5
Grade Four from 4.4 to 8.2
Grade Five
from 3.9 to 9.6
Grade Six
from 4.5 to 10.4
The need for providing for individual differences is of great importance according to the above facts. There is no need for special classes for retarded children, but neces-
122
sity for careful grouping within a classroom and a need for enrichment of program for the superior child. It is desirable to utilize the alertness and eagerness of a child for the development of hobbies and interests which will serve to enrich his life in later as well as in present years. Objective criticism and a sense of responsibilty can be developed be- cause of the natural desire to learn and the eager interest of the elementary child. Our excellent programs in nature study, physical education, art and music, as well as pro- grams of dramatic nature done so ably in our beautiful new auditorium are providing for much enrichment. I would like to suggest the possibilities of adding equipment and facilities for a combined school library and project room in the unused space in the school basement. I find the East- ham children much interested in developing such graphic arts as map projects and in making collections to illustrate their work.
In working with the teachers, I have found them con- stantly trying to improve their work to better meet the needs of the students. They worked with me on simplifying the arithmetic outline of study, invited me into their rooms, welcomed suggestions, and were appreciative of any help given on selection of books and materials. They are now working on ways to improve phonic teaching in the school. Recently we heard Dr. Anna Cordts of Rutgers University, a leading authority on phonics, discuss methods and materials. On January 11 the state elementary supervisor will discuss the state program in phonics with us. Another in-service training help will be a course I am startng January 5 under University Extension. This course will be on the development of social studies skills.
Parent, and teacher cooperation was shown when a group of six parents worked with the teachers, principal, and myself to produce the type of report card that the people of Eastham wanted. We think the results show what
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can be done through public relations between parents and teachers. I have also had several pleasant conferences with parents.
Self-improvement is part of an educator's job. Thus, in addition to reading, studying and writing on educa- tional matters, I have attended three conferences to gather materials for teachers and to keep abreast of education in the nation and world. One of these conferences was held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy and was an attempt by industry and education to find mutual aims in the sciene field. The second was held by the National Coun- cil for the Social Studies and presented materials, concepts and methods for history, geography and related subjects. The third was held at Bridgewater on the subject of school health.
In closing, I should like to thank the school committee for their confidence in reappointing me and to express ap- preciation for the cooperation and courtesy of parents, teachers, and the principal of the Eastham School. It has been a most pleasant year.
REPORT OF ART SUPERVISOR C. Leo Farris
As educators, we are finally emerging from the quite senseless feeling that art teaching must somehow be vin- dicated for being placed on the school curriculum. Art needs no vindication, unless we live in a mechanical world where everything is evaluated in terms of cash value. Art
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is the one force which exists purely for the pleasure it brings and because it is an instrument for developing finer individuals from the basic raw materials. Too, it has a vital role as the means for emotional outlet, whether that art form be painting, music or dancing. And, from a factual viewpoint it is one of the few courses which contains the seeds of its own propagation. Each student who enjoys his class in design will find himself enjoying those lessons all over again when he sees a graceful building, an appealing landscape or a home that has been laid out and furnished in what we call "good taste" which is only another phrase for "valid design."
Along with my teaching duties here I also have the privilege of serving on the executive board of the Massachu- setts Arts Education Association. A "Contemporary Tech- nique Program Analysis" is under way at present. Dem- onstrations of various media and reproduction methods take place at the meetings which are held four times during the school year. Participation is the next step as teachers pass on information gained to their students. Evaluation is made from questionnaires sent to teachers and the pub- lished results are made available to all schools. Eastham along with every other city and town in Massachusetts benefit from these meetings.
In January 1955, Mr. Vernon Smith joined me in guid- ing the creative urge of Union No. 16 youngsters. Although he does not appear in Eastham his assistance in the other towns has enabled me to spend a full day, rather than a half day in your town.
Every Friday has been spent with Grades 1 through 6. Mr. Nickerson and his fine group of teachers help with and carry on the lessons I bring. It is a pleasure to see the results from drawing, coloring, painting, cutting and past- ing. Good results are in evidence in both flat and three dimensional work.
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Students of Junior High and High School receive their training at Orleans High School. Art Appreciation and further development of student skills take place here each Thursday.
I sincerely hope that I may continue to have successful results from my teaching. This will be possible with the same type of assistance and cooperation I have received from school personnel in the past.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Samuel Griffiths
At the beginning of the 1955 - 56 school year, enroll- ment in classes for instrumental music instruction tripled in the elementary grades. In addition to the customary work in rhythm, interpretive music and pre-instrumental train- ing, the following enrollment totals are shown by group and town :
Totals
Strings
Woodwind
Brass
Percussion
Harwich
36
23
7
6
Chatham
42
20
11
11
Eastham
23
12
3
8
Orleans
32
22
7
2
1
133
77
28
27
1
Plus programs of pre-instrumental work in 23 classrooms. For the last ten or fifteen years an increasing imbalance
126
has been evident in the instrumental music education courses in most public schools of our nation-a shortage of string players resulting in the gradual disappearance of the school orchestra, without which no school music pro- gram is complete.
During this time, Union No. 16 was most fortunate in having the services of one of the finest music educators in the entire East, who, upon his retirement a few years ago, left our schools in a most favorable position in instrumental music activities. Due in large part to this fact, our present instrumental faculty was attracted to this community, and will build, in time, on this foundation one of the best in- strumental music education programs in New England, thus bringing to our students advantages to be had in few other schools today.
In closing, the writer wishes to thank all members of our administrative and teaching staffs, and many parents and friends for their outstanding interest and cooperation in this work.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC Webster Whitney Tileston
As I approach the completion of a decade of Vocal Music Supervision, here in Union No. 16, I cannot but feel a mild sense of inner joy and satisfaction to see the heights to which vocal music has risen.
We have exceptionally fine grade teachers, who definite- ly appreciate the worth of music and carry out my musical
127
aspirations to the letter-promoting a love for the subject from the first grade through, so that by the time the little ones have grown and reached High School, my choruses are filled to the maximum, most particularly with students who realize that their lives are being greatly enriched by participation in music. This, plus the fact that the Adminis- trators, the School Board who vote financial support of the Music Department, and the Parent-Teacher groups who back up the many musical programs and assemblies, are so co-operative and understanding make teaching and living here on Cape Cod a distinct source of happiness.
I proceed on the belief that YOUR child is musical- because ALL children are naturally musical; a baby will rock to the rhythm of music-and can be taught to sing on pitch in most cases, by the time he is a year old. How- ever, somewhere between babyhood and pre-adolescence, many children become inhibited musically; their musical ability remains undeveloped, their natural love for music is pushed into the background.
In most of these cases, the child did not receive the right kind of musical experience in his early years. Either music was kept out of his life at home almost entirely, or else it was presented in such a formal, rigid way that it caused him to freeze up and reject it.
When music is brought to a child properly in our school system, it becomes one of the best and most joyous experiences in his life. It is his basis for creative play and a tool for learning. It becomes an avenue to closer contact with his parents. A healthy and happy early experience with music can enrich your child's entire life, and above all, music is meant to be FUN.
I have had and do have a number of general objectives in mind for each class, from first grade through High School, modulated and progressing accordingly and in the
128
role of supervisor and guide, I try to direct the activities of the class so that both the general objectives, important in the development for continuity of musical growth and the more specific class-planned objectives and activities, im- portant in self-evaluation and immediate motivation, are compatible.
For the grades, I list the following as my objectives :
1. Helping each child find some musical activity in which he can participate with satisfaction and some degree of mastery.
2. Building a listening repertoire that is both immediately satisfactory and of lasting musical significance.
3. Building a repertoire of songs the class can sing with musical enjoyment.
4. Developing musical learnings, including reading skills and familiarity with the materials of music-making such as instruments of the orchestra or band, voice types, technical information and through singing, rhythmic and listening activities.
5. Correlating music with other areas of school activity, and with the child's out-of-school world.
I realize more and more that pupils bring to the class- room the whole gamut of human emotions, including joy, hate, anger, enthusiasm, resentment, love, shame and humili- ation. The fact that music is an art which is chiefly emotional in appeal, puts into my hands and hands of other music teachers, a great power for influencing the behaviour of the pupils.
It is a fact that more High School students will be consumers rather than performers of music. A very small per cent of the total student body will earn its living as
129
professional musicians; a larger per cent will engage in amateur music-making. The greatest per cent will derive most of its musical pleasure from listening to and partici- pating in music. There is a tend in present-day music educa- tion toward recognizing this fact and gearing it to the teaching of school music.
I therefore am looking forward to the day when each town of our Union will afford a full-time Music Supervisor, who in that role can better do justice to the wealth of talent that lies dormant. Due to so little time being available to the supervisor, in the present set-up, in which as you know, I try to see every grade, of every town, every week, it is impossible to accomplish all that could be done with more time.
One of my biggest obligations and pleasures this past year, more than ever before, has been to assist the various grade teachers (in each town) who are responsible for special programs embodying music for assemblies or for the special days and holidays; or in the High Schools, to take complete charge of the music portion of the special pro- grams, and in every case, the results have been most grati- fying and rewarding.
These affairs and more specifically our Union Festival and Cape and Islands Massed Festival, (enriched now by our many new school pianos throughout the Union), have helped to sell the music program to the community and to become a significant part of the Public Relations Program of the school. (Indidentally, this coming February, Har- wich will be the center for the Union Festival, and the month of March will have a memorable date for the Massed Cape and Islands Festival, of Band, Orchestra and Chorus, with Chatham as the Host town.)
And now, in conclusion, may I state that I believe whereas music may be and should be used in conjunction
130
with every subject in the curriculum, it is potentially a unifying subject. In this role, therefore, rather than losing its identity and significance, music is assuming a new authority and is making more sense to the pupil as it be- comes part of the fabric of everyday life.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Jean Putnam, R.N.
It is always a pleasure to work with such a co-opera- tive and friendly staff as we have here in Eastham. This year we have our new clinic and all the necessary equip- ment, which is a great asset in having a successful health program.
Mrs. Edith Adler, R.N., served as school nurse during most of the past school year. The dental clinic was held with Dr. Dickson as the school dentist.
Dr. Whitright, the school doctor, completed the physi- cal examinations last year and made any necessary reports to the parents.
The pre-school clinic was held last spring and physical examinations and health records were obtained at that time.
The Massachusetts Vision Test has been given this fall and any failures will be re-checked and reported to the parents.
131
The usual audiometer test, dental clinic, physical examinations and booster shots will be given during the remainder of the school year.
REPORT OF THE PYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Ethel T. Reed
It has been so much more gratifying to carry on a Physical Education program in the present attractive and new gymnasium-auditorium at the Eastham School than in the former basement room which we used when I taught here three years ago. Your children would pray for sun- shine so we could have our program out-of-doors and now they pray for rain or snow so that they may have an opportunity to use the gymnasium. The people of East- ham, the School Committee and the Building Committee are to be congratulated on a job well done !
I sincerely trust that the program I am giving the children, which includes a wide variety of Physical Edu- cation activities such as : marching, exercises for posture, rhythms and fundamentals of all types of dancing, stunts and tumbling, games and relays, individuals and dual sports and team sports, will meet with the approval of the paernts and taxpapers and will be beneficial to the proper physical, mental, moral and social development of the children.
In accord with the Report of the Joint Committee on Athletic Competition for Children of Elementary and Junior High School Age as compiled for the American
132
Association for Health, Physical Education and Recrea- tion, I highly recommend informal intramural competi- tion for such children. Play days, sport days and occa- sional invitation games between nearby schools or neigh- borhood groups which stress competition for fun are recommended for the greatest means of safety and health for our children.
The fine cooperation of the School Committee, Super- intendent of Schools, Mr. Sydney Pierce; Principal, Mr. Otto Nickerson, and his teachers, and our very diligent Custodian, "Nate" Weber, combined with the interest and enthusiasm of the children would inspire any truly dedi- cated teacher to do his or her best work.
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ENROLLMENT BY GRADES
October 1, 1955
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
8
12
20
2
11
12
23
3
10
12
22
4
8
6
14
5
5
8
13
6
14
6
20
56
56
112
TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
BY GRADES
1945 - 1955
Grade
1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955
1
6
16
3
15
17
15
12
19
22
23
20
2
3
7
17
6
17
19
16
12
16
21
23
3
4
4
8
16
7
20
19
17
11
17
22
4
7
7
5
11
15
10
15
18
19
12
14
5
10
9
6
8
11
16
8
16
23
19
13
6
6
8
11
7
11
13
20
8
20
22
20
7
5
7
8
10
7
11
13
21
8
8
5
9
14
12
8
11
13
49
63
67
87
97
112
114
124
111
114
112
134
EASTHAM PUPILS ATTENDING ORLEANS HIGH SCHOOL School Year 1955 - 56
Period September 7, 1955 to December 31, 1955
Adamson, Althea
Fife, Jonathan
Anderson, Howard
Fife, Timothy
Anderson, Lois
Fillion, Agnes
Anderson, Wayne
Fillion, Joan
Arnold, Peter
French, Allen
Beardwood, Sondra
Fulcher, Everett
Becker, Carol
Fulcher, Herbert
Blomme, Sandra
Fulcher, Jerauld
Borgarello, Jill
Gould, Barbara
Brackett, Jay
Gould, Dana
Bridgwood, Fred
Handel, George
Brown, Roy
Harper, Lillian
Carey, Agnes
Higgins, Jane
Carey, Fred
Higgins, Susan
Carey, Richard
Hoffman, Brenda
Carpenter, Virginia
Hoffman, Richard
Carron, Brendan
Johnson, Judith
Carron, Wayne
Johnston, Elisabeth
Collins, Pamela
Joseph, Wayne
Crosby, Pamela
Knowles, Anne
Delaney, Donald
Knowles, James
Deschamps, John
Lee, Dana Lee, Gerald
Doughty, Sandra
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