USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Eastham > Town of Eastham Annual Report 1957-1961 > Part 6
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The first class has an enrollment of 42 pupils-28 from Orleans and 14 from Eastham. A morning and an afternoon session are scheduled, and pupils assigned according to age. The younger pupils attend in the morning the first half year, and in the afternoon the second half year, when it is assumed that they would have less need for naps. Trans- portation is arranged individually by parents.
In accordance with the custom the following table is included to compare school operating costs over the past five years.
FINANCE
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
Schools
$48,402.26
$58,249.85
$67,189.66
$78,322.82
$87,113.11
Total Cost of
Reimburse-
ments
12,322.08
15,226.38
15,542.50
17,504.69
18,991.86
Net Cost
to Town
36,080.18
43,023.47
51,647.16
60,818.13
68,121.25
Valuation of
Town
3,573,190.00 3,831,280.00
4,142,825.00 4,384,495.00 4,766,415.00
Tax for
Schools
10.09
11.23
12.47
13.87
14.29
No. of Pupils October 1
182
191
201
203
196
Gross Cost
Per Pupil
265.94
304.97
334.27
385.82
444.54
Net Cost per Pupil
198.24
225.25
256.95
299.60
347.55
130
The total operational costs rose 11% for 1957; reim- bursements increased 81/2% ; net cost rose 12% ; and enroll- ment decreased about 31/2%. These factors together reflected a rise of 16% in net cost per pupil. However, state figures for the 1956 - 57 school year show that among the 351 towns and cities of the Commonwealth only 29 had a lower school tax rate than Eastham, and 2/3 of the 184 towns with popu- lations under 5,000 spent more of their tax dollar on schools than we did.
IMPACT OF FEDERALLY EMPLOYED PARENTS
During 1957 there was a sufficient number of children of federally employed parents residing in Eastham to make the town eligible for ferderal reimbursement for the impact upon school costs. The town received $1,714.46, which, in accordance with law, is in a special account. The School Committee has deducted $1,500 from the sum requested for school operation in 1958, in consideration of this account.
Due to a decrease in the number of pupils now in this classification, it is thought that Eastham will not be eligible for reimbursement of this kind in 1958.
SCHOOL PLANT
Redecorating in the original building has continued during the year. One room was repainted, two rooms had new ceilings installed, and flourescent lighting was installed in one room. One more new ceiling, new lighting in two rooms, and painting in three rooms will complete this pro- gram. This whole school building attracts enthusiastic com- ment from visitors for its comfort, adequacy, appearance, and condition of maintenance. It is a real pleasure to have the offices of the new Union #55 located here.
In a time when the public schools are receiving increas- ing attention and citizens are urged to examine their schools and decide whether they are doing an adequate job, a brief
131
survey of the measurements of intelligence and achieve- ment among our pupils is sure to be of interest.
The average child at our school has a mental age that runs slightly higher than his chronological age. He achieves at a level nearly one year above the level for his grade, as established by the norms of the tests used to measure his achievement.
Tests results are to be regarded with caution always, but I believe it is fair to interpret the above information as an indication that the pupils of our school are making very reasonable accomplishment and that it is in keeping with their abilities.
We are aware that there is always room for improve- ment, that the times call for more and better education, and as we go forward we shall be encouraged by your continued faith and support for an endeavor that is working.
Respectfully submitted, SYDNEY G. PIERCE
132
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT Eastham-1957
Many changes in the personnel of our little school have occurred this past year. Grade Three was unfortunate in that Mrs. Davidson had to leave in mid-year, and Miss Moore's accident kept her from taking this class until late February. Miss Jepson resigned during the summer, but Miss Alice Joseph, with several years experience, has most capably taken over Grade Two, as has Mrs. Alice Guarino with Grade Three.
Our supervisory department has also undergone quite a change because of the splitting of our school union. Mr. Bolton decided to stay with us, and we are truly grateful to him for this. Mr. James has replaced Mr. Griffiths with our instrumental music, and Mr. Zarba now has the vocal music formerly supervised by Mr. Tileston. Mrs. Wright is our new elementary supervisor and is carrying forward the testing program begun by Dr. Chace.
Two projects so often suggested are now something more than just ideals. The first is our school nurse-town nurse combination, which in the excellent hands of Mrs. Dunphy, is accomplishing real results. The second is a kindergarten, though now combined with Orleans, is prov- ing its worth to our community.
Our school rooms are not over-crowded as is true in so many towns. Probably one reason for this is that many of our town children attend St. Joan of Arc.
Our playground with its new swings, slide, the little league baseball diamond (with its fine backstop), and other equipment makes it a truly usable place throughout the en- tire year. The auditorium is also something more than a school physical education room. Here meet adult groups for
133
evening activities, young men from the Wellfleet camp cer- tain afternoons, and the basketball groups every Saturday morning-another very worthwhile community project.
The teachers wish to publicly thank Mr. Bolton for the fine art workshop which he conducted for them, as well as teachers from other towns, last winter and spring. We also consider it flattering to have as our temporary guests Supt. Pierce and his assistant, Miss Hamilton.
OTTO E. NICKERSON
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SUPERVISOR
It is with pleasure that I submit my first annual report as elementary supervisor for Union #55 and to show how I am planning to carry out the responsibilities of this position.
As much of the work of the elementary supervisor is concerned with guidance, a careful study of the testing program is being made with the purpose of making better use of test results. A systematic testing program is being carried out with mental abilities tests being continued on the first, third and sixth grade levels and achievement tests planned to be administered in the spring. Individual Stan- ford-Binet Intelligence Tests are being given where the need is felt for further examination. Diagnostic reading tests have been added to the program to aid the school in helping individual reading problems. As it is our aim to provide for the optimal growth of each child within his ability to learn, the testing program helps us in measuring progress in relation to ability.
One of the greatest challenges to the school is the case where there is a wide discrepancy between ability and
134
achievement. The school feels the importance of sharing with the parents the responsibility of fostering healthy atti- tudes, habits, emotions and interests toward learning, and is constantly striving to provide an environment that creates a desire to learn and the drive to do one's best. It is only when the school and the home work closely together, with mutual understandings of what each is trying to do to con- tribute to the growth of the child, that we can hope to ac- complish our aim.
A thorough investigation to determine the needs for a Special Class (ungraded) for Union #55 is being made. As this study is just getting under way at this reporting, it is too early to make a definite prediction. However, should the investigation prove a necessity for such a class, every effort will be made to put it into effect by September 1958.
On December 6 an all-day Science Workshop was held at the Orleans Elementary School for the teachers of Union #55. The teachers had an opportunity to observe class demonstrations in the teaching of Science in the elementary school and to listen to a talk on the Philosophy and Techniques of Science. The afternoon was profitably spent by the teachers working with the tools of science in creating experiments to be worked out in the classrooms. We find the elementary school child is very interested in science and by his very nature curious. We believe that every effort should be made by the schools to keep this curosity alive and to foster its growth by providing our children with the habits and techniques of problem solving.
The children of the 4th, 5th and 6th grades enjoyed a demonstration of the solar battery given by Mr. Mont- gomery of the N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., as part of their free educational services to the schools. Arrangements are being made for more of the telephone company's fine programs as an excellent addition to the science program.
The addition of a kindergarten has been a valuable asset to the elementary school program. The opportunity to become accustomed to the school day gradually by half-
135
day sessions in the kindergarten provides for one less ad- justment of the many to be made by first grade children. The experiences of being with a peer group, of sharing, taking turns, listening, following directions and opportuni- ties for self-expression all provide the child with a readi- ness for the learning experiences to take place in the first grade. Orleans can be proud of the program being carried out in the kindergarten under the able direction of Mrs. Pearl Ellis.
I am spending a great deal of time in reading educa- tional publications in an effort to keep well informed with new ideas, methods and materials that are constantly ap- pearing on the scene. We are ever seeking the worthwhile that may be used to improve our school curriculum.
Some of the ways in which I hope to be of help during the coming year are as follows:
(a) by evaluating the methods, materials and subject- matter and by helping Mr. Nickerson and the teachers to find ways in which we can make improvement.
(b) by being available to the teacher, parents and pupils for conferences and to help in any way I can in solving problems as they arise.
(c) by being of help to the teachers with any educa- tional projects when this service is requested by them.
(d) by becoming acquainted with all types of materials and resource matter so that I can help the teachers find these materials more readily.
(e) by providing opportunities for in-service work- ships, conferences and meetings to work on areas within the curriculum that need revision or strengthening.
In closing I would like to thank Mr. Nickerson and the teachers of Eastham for their friendly cooperation and to express my appreciation to the members of the Eastham School Committee for their confidence in electing me to this position.
BARBARA WRIGHT
136
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
As the newly elected Art Supervisor of Union 55, and the former Supervisor of Art in Union 16, I would like to express my appreciation to those responsible for giving me the opportunity of working with the children in our schools.
Since the regionalization of Orleans, Eastham and Well- fleet, the basic objectives of the art department, outlined in the 1956 Annual Town Report, have not changed. However, the program in the three elementary schools and the two high schools has been coordinated and intensified. This means that in each school and at every level the material put forth is in relation to the corresponding level in the other schools throughout Union 55. Conseqently, as the student progresses toward the high school level he finds that he has had a foundation in a multiplicity of art areas. By following a practice of broad fields of art experience the individual is able to reach into the field of activity which interests him the most.
Art, in Union 55, is now a required subject from the first grade through grade eight. These eight years of art experience instills in the child an appreciative attitude to- ward the world of beauty. In addition, the individual is able to express his ideas and release his emotions through the many and varied art mediums at some time in the future.
At this point and certainly in this time of scientific emphasis ,let us not neglect this broad and general area of education in the quest for technological specialization. We do not want our children to become automatons in a future mechanical civilization. While we recognize the need for in- tensified scientific interest, we also need to strike a balance
137
with an intercoloration of the fine arts. The fine arts or art, as one will, is not painting, poetry, or music, but a pro- cess of thinking in which a creation is the result. Our chil- dren must be able to create and appreciate beauty in all the aspects of their lives whether in a world of apprehensive war or in a world of fluctuating peace. In any case, we will strive to maintain this balance of the philosophic and scientific aspects of education as a whole as well as in our major field of interest, art.
EDWARD E. BOLTON
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
I herewith submit my first report as Supervisor of In- strumental Music in the Elementary School of Eastham.
At the time of writing it must be understood that only three months of school have passed since being elected to the position of Supervisor of Instrumental Music. The first few weeks of this time was spent in making a detailed study of the existing conditions in regard to the following :
1. Ability of the student already playing an instrument.
2. Facilities available for teaching.
3. Music library.
4. Instrument library.
Uppermost concentration was given to the students not only as a whole but also individually to ascertain their needs to further develop their skills in applied music. After having given each pupil an interview and audition (which consisted of an ear test, a sight reading test, and a test of technical skills) I then had a point of beginning.
138
The results of the student survey showed a need of more knowledge of the fundamentals of music and theory and also more instruction in reading the music of the print- ed page. Without the latter, which is a fundamental skill, any marked progress at all, in my opinion, is unthinkable. The anticipated solution lies in going over previous materials and methods (through private and group lessons where limited time allows) to be certain that each pupil will have a thorough knowledge of the above mentioned skills to prepare him to work out even the most complex prob- lems of musicianship. An orchestra of quality rather than quantity has been organized. This alone creates an inspira- tion to its members and also creates a mark to "shoot for" for those pupils who are not advanced enough to be an asset to this group.
Both the music and instrument libraries have been given much thought to make certain that the quality of the litera- ture will become a step towards the performance of music which has stood the test of time. This alone necessitates an expanded library. It also necessitates the purchase by the school of some of the less popular and more expensive instruments to insure that the opportunity exists for all those who have the desire to play an instrument. Through these two items, namely an adequate music library and by balanced instrumental groups, the student will become ex- posed to the "complete orchestral sound"; without which the students' perspective of not only the literature per- formed but also the color of the musical sound, if limited, can in some cases be the object of contempt.
In conclusion I wish to express by most sincere appre- ciation for the cooperation received from the Superin- tendent of School, the Supervisor of Elementary Education, the Principal of the School and his teaching staff, parents and pupils.
FRANK B. JAMES
139
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
I hereby submit my first annual report as Supervisor of Vocal Music.
The vocal music department is presently undergoing a curriculum revision and reorganization. The reasons for the changes (some not yet made), follow :
The general objectives of public school music educa- tors are acknowledged to be the same. It is the "how to", however, which varies with the individual music educator and in essence determines to what degree these goals are realized. Therefore, one "change factor" will be the new music supervisor.
Also necessitating changes are the needs of the newly formed Union and the anticipated Regional High School. With three elementary schools as "feeders" for the High School it is desirable to have similar programs in all three towns to provide the children with a homogeneous back- ground of music experiences. It should be observed that at present there is a pot-pourri of music texts in use in the elementary grades, creating circumstances in the vocal music program hardly conducive to the foregoing. There- fore, the first step in establishing a cumulative program is to introduce a complete series of music books to be used as a basic text, the same series in each of the three elemen- tary schools. The texts now in use may be used as supple- mentary texts. The material needs of all three towns, at the Elementary and Junior High levels particularly, have been found to be considerable. Steps to remedy this situation are being taken within the bounds imposed by the financial needs of the looming Regional High School. Inventories of all available materials have been made and will be sup- plemented with what is felt to be immediately needed. Care that materials are not duplicated at the Junior and Senior- High School levels is being taken so that when these materials are merged into the Regional High School music
140
library there will be an excellent variety of the best litera- ture and recordings available to the students.
A few words concerning the proposed vocal music pro- gram. The student can hardly be expected to express him- self adequately through music without a well organized, cumulative sequence of musical experiences that will give him the achievement and confidence he needs for self- expression.
In order to promote the well-rounded musical develop- ment of pupils, the music course will cover the following areas, continuously, through all the grades :
Medolic Experiences (Singing)
Rhythm and Meter
Harmonic Experience
Music Reading (preparatory in primary grades; introduc-
tion to at intermediate level)
Listening
Creative Experience
Correlation of Music with other Subjects
Instrumental Relationships (Elementary - Junior High)
In addition to the existing vocal music organization in Orleans, an intermediate grades chorus will be formed in the immediate future. Considerations for the probable formation of other organizations in all three towns are being made.
It should be remembered that these organizations do not exist for the purpose of student exploitation but rather to bring the student the types of musical experiences which he can enjoy and through which he will grow and develop in his own way toward a deeper love and understanding of music.
In conclusion, an expression of my sincerest apprecia- tion to the Superintendent of Schools, the Principals of Schools, the Elementary and Instrumental Supervisors, the faculties and students for their kind cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH A. ZARBA
141
NURSE'S ANNUAL REPORT December 1957
It is with pleasure that I submit my second annual report. The school health program was operated with the help and cooperation of the teaching staff, Doctors, and parents, which I greatly appreciated.
Massachusetts audimeter test
2 referrals
Massachusetts vision test
5 referrals
Physical examinations by Dr. Whitright
6 referrals 2
Attending orthopedic clinic
Fluoride treatment completed
84
Dental treatment by Dr. Dickson
52 (226 fillings)
Minor injuries and illness treated
153
Salk vaccine clinic
85
Kindergarten clinic
17
Pre-school clinic 12
Diphtheria, Tetanus booster shots
26
All children weighed and measured
102 March, Sept.
Lecture and film
5th, and 6th grade girls
16
Respectfully submitted,
A. MAY DUNPHY, R.N.
142
ENROLLMENT BY GRADES
October 1, 1957
Grade
Boys
Girls
Total
1
5
7
12
2
13
6
19
3
7
9
16
4
10
10
20
5
11
9
20
6
6
6
12
52
47
99
TABULAR STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
BY GRADES-1947 - 1957
Grade
1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957
1
3
15
17
15
12
19
22
24
20
19
12
2
17
6
17
19
16
12
16
21
23
18
19
3
8
16
7
20
19
17
11
17
22
20
16
4
5
11
15
10
15
18
19
12
14
23
20
5
6
8
11
16
8
16
23
19
13
15
20
6
11
7
11
13
20
8
20
22
20
14
12
7
8
10
7
11
13
21
8
9
14
12
8
11
13
67
87
97
112
114
124
111
114
112
109
99
143
EASTHAM PUPILS ATTENDING ORLEANS
HIGH SCHOOL
School year-1957 - 1958 Period September 9, 1957 to December 31, 1957
Grade 7
Blomme, Ronald Gill, Roger
Sanderson, Arthur
Nickerson, Joyce
Smith, Sherwood
Nickerson, Karen
Westergaard, Ellen
Grade 8
Anderson, Leonard
Shakliks, John
Babbitt, David
Delaney, Dorothy
Drown, Wesley
Doughty, Sandra
Fegan, James
Hollis, Claire
Fulcher, Charles
Seaman, Karen
Fulcher, Duane
Ullman, Sarah
Johnson, Frederick
Vandermay, Linda
Lee, John
Weber, Sybil
Mullins, Michael
Anderson, Wayne
Carey, Agnes
Carron, Wayne
Knowles, Anne
Delaney, Donald
Moore, Donna
Joseph, Wayne
Pearson, Helen
Monzon, Brian
Reed, Mary
Nickerson, Bradford
Turner, Priscilla
Nickerson, Richard
Rogers, Sally
Schofield, Gene
Whiting, Jeanne
Grade 10
Emond, Carlton
Caurant, Jeanette
Fife, Jonathan
Collins, Pamela
Fife, Timothy
Drown, Sally
Fulcher, Everett
Eldredge, Janette
Hoffman, Richard
Harper, Lillian Hoffman, Brenda
Nickerson, James
Martin, Penelope
Pinkos, David Schofield, Jay Blomme, Sandra
Ulles, Anna Mae
Ullman, Edith Allison
Weber, Barbara
Turner, Frederick
Whiting, Charles
Hatch, Paula
Hoffman, Connie
MacPherson, Bruce
Grade 9
144
Lee, Gerald MacNeill, Richard Whitright, William
Grade 11
Dumont, Cecelia Doughty, Verle
Grade 12
Anderson, Howard Brackett, Samuel
White, David
Adamson, Althea
Carey, Fred
Anderson, Lois
Deschamps, John '
Clancy, Mary Lou
Fulcher, Jerauld
Johnson, Judith
Handel, George
Mayo, Jean
Hatch, Freeman
Shakliks, Anastasia
Knowles, James
Whiting, Jeanne
Miner, Donald
EASTHAM PUPILS ATTENDING ORLEANS KINDERGARTEN
School Year 1957 - 1958
Period September 9, 1957 - December 31, 1957
Baker, Harriet
Hicks, Bruce
Brown Peter
Hilferty, Robert
Chandler, Cindy Lou
Hogg, Mark
Dohrn, Peter
Mead, David
Doughty, Thomas
Nickerson, Audrey
Erickson, Betsy
Putnam, Jay
Fulcher, Stephen
Vandermay, Judith
SCHOOL CENSUS
October 1, 1957
Boys
Girls
Five years or over and under seven
23
22
Seven years or over and under sixteen
89
82
112
104
145
DISTRIBUTION OF ABOVE MINORS
In Public Day School Membership:
Five years or over and under seven 30
Seven years of over and under sixteen 145
In Private School Membership:
Five years or over and under seven 11
Seven years or over and under sixteen 23
Not Enrolled In Any Day School :
Five years or over and under seven
4
Seven years or over and under sixteen 0
In State & County Institutions & Special Schools for Defectives and Delinquents :
Five years or over and under seven 0
Seven years or over and under sixteen 3
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Orleans School-1957 - 58
September 6, 1957, Friday-
Meeting of all Teachers and Supervisors, 9:30 A.M., at the Eastham School.
September 9, 1957-All Schools open.
September 9, 1957 - December 20, 1957
71 days
January 2, 1958 - February 14, 1958 32
February 24, 1958 - April 12, 1958 34
April 21, 1958 - June 20, 1958 44
181 days
146
DAYS WHEN SCHOOLS ARE NOT IN SESSION
October 16, 1957, Wednesday-Barnstable County Teachers' Meeting.
November 11, 1957, Monday-Veterans' Day.
November 28 & 29, 1957, Thursday and Friday-Thanks- giving Recess.
December 20, 1957, Friday to January 2, 1958, Thursday- Christmas Vacation and New Year's Day.
February 14, 1958 to February 24, 1958-Mid-Winter Vacation.
April 4, 1958-Good Friday.
April 12, 1958 - April 21, 1958-Spring Vacation.
May 30, 1958, Friday-Memorial Day. Graduation Date Closing Dates
Elementary School-Friday, June 13, 1958.
High School-Friday, June 20, 1958. Fall 1958
September 5, 1958, Friday-9:30 A.M., Meeting of Teachers and Supervisors.
September 8, 1958, Monday-All school re-open.
October 13, 1958, Monday-Columbus Day (Oct. 12).
October (one day), 1958-Barnstable County Teachers Meeting.
November 11, 1958, Tuesday-Veterans' Day.
November 27 and 28, 1958-Thanksgiving Recess (Thurs- day and Friday).
December 23, 1958, Tuesday-Christmas Vacation.
147
148
CORPS OF TEACHERS, DECEMBER 1957
Name
Position
Preparation
Degree
Service began in Eastham
Experience Prior to September
Home Address
Otto E. Nickerson
Principal and
Hyannis Normal
1924
38 Yrs.
Orleans, R.F.D.
Esther K. Handel
Teacher, Gr. 4
Boston Teachers College
9/7/43
20 Yrs.
No. Eastham
Vesta Gould
Teacher, Gr. 5
Hyannis Normal
9/8/43
22 Yrs.
Orleans, R.F.D. Orleans, R.F.D.
Della Macomber
Teacher, Gr. 5
Bridgewater Teachers Col.
9/9/46
31 Yrs.
Alice Joseph
Teacher, Gr. 2
Bridgewater Teachers College
B.S.
9/9/57
10 Yrs.
Wellfleet
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