USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Hamilton > Town of Hamilton Annual Report 1953 > Part 8
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Outstanding December 31, 1953, per list,
2,661 45
Cash balance December 31, 1953
8 00
Refunds,
$25,991 11
$25,991 11
136
Services
Outstanding January 1, 1953, Commitments,
2,276 39
Refunds,
14 00
$2,679 15
Payments to treasurer,
$2,413 85
Abatements,
1 00
Outstanding December 31, 1953, per list,
264 30
$2,679 15
CEMETERY DEPARTMENT Accounts Receivable
Outstanding January 1, 1953,
$139 25
Commitments,
489 00
Abatements rescinded,
9 00
$637 25
Payments to treasurer,
$455 00
Abatements,
33 75
Outstanding December 31, 1953, per list,
148 50
$637 25
Miscellaneous Receipts
Receipts 1953 :
Perpetual care bequests,
$250 00
Sale of lots and graves,
200 00
Care of lots and graves,
63 00
Interments,
368 00
$881 00
Payments to treasurer 1953,
$881 00
DR. JUSTIN ALLEN LIBRARY FUND
Savings
Deposits
Total
On hand January 1, 1953,
$611 37
$611 37
On hand December 31, 1953,
$629 84
$629 84
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
1953
Income, $18 47 Added to savings deposits, $18 47
$388 76
137
H. AUGUSTA DODGE LIBRARY FUND
Savings
Deposits
Total
On hand January 1, 1953,
$1,228 85
$1,228 85
On hand December 31, 1953,
$1,265 98
$1,265 98
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Income,
1953 $37 13 Added to savings deposits, $37 13
MAXWELL NORMAN FUND
Savings Deposits
Total
On hand January 1, 1953,
$529 71
$529 71
On hand December 31, 1953,
$545 70
$545 70
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
1953
Income
$15 99 Added to savings deposits, $15 99
CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE FUNDS
Savings Deposits Total
On hand January 1, 1953,
$25,903 53
$25,903 53
On hand December 31, 1953,
$26,520 31 $26,520 31
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
1953
Withdrawn from savings
deposits,
$475 00
Added to savings deposits,
$1,091 78
Income,
841 78
Transferred to town. 475 00
Bequests,
250 00
$1,566 78
$1,566 78
CEMETERY SALE OF LOTS AND GRAVES FUND
Cash in General Savings
Treasury Deposits Total
On hand January 1, 1953,
$200 00 $11,070 54 $11,270 54
On hand December 31, 1953
$400 00
$10,892 70 $11,292 70
138
RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
1953
Withdrawn from savings deposits,
$500 00
Income,
322 16
Sale of lots and graves,
200 00
Cash in general treasury January 1, 1953,
200 00
Added to savings deposits, $322 16 Transferred to town, 500 00
Cash in general treasury December 31, 1953, 400 00
$1,222 16
$1,222 16
139
TOWN OF HAMILTON Balance Sheet-December 31, 1953 GENERAL ACCOUNTS ASSETS
Cash :
General,
$177,204 12
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Levy of 1953 :
Personal Property,
$828 45
Real Estate,
10,393 91
11,222 36
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise : Levy of 1953, 4,273 63
Special Assessments :
Moth-Levy of 1953,
45 30
Tax Titles,
548 78
Departmental :
Aid to Dependent Children-State,
$680 43
Old Age Assistance-Cities and Towns,
362 85
Veterans' Services,
35 50
Cemetery,
148 50
1,227 28
Water :
Rates,
$2,669 45
Services,
264 30
2,933 75
Aid to Highways : State, County,
$4,824 24
578 15
5,402 39
Underestimate 1953 : State Parks and Reservations Assessment,
188 65
$203,046 26
140
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Trust Fund Income :
Library,
$8 59
Cemetery Perpetual Care,
597 95
$606 54
Recoveries :
Old Age Assistance,
1,836 45
Federal Grants :
Disability Assistance :
$107 05
Administration, Assistance,
2,472 65
Aid to Dependent Children :
Administration, Aid,
2,435 36
Old Age Assistance :
2,916 21
Administration, Assistance,
16,743 59
Revolving Funds :
School Lunch, School Athletics,
$2,303 98
297 58
2,601 56
Appropriation Balances :
Revenue :
General, Water-Fluoridization,
1,100 00
Non-Revenue (Loan Balances) :
School Construction 1952,
307 05
11,489 68
Overestimates 1953 :
County : Tax,
$438 40
Tuberculosis Hospital Assessment, 254 92
693 32
239 19
24,914 05
$10,082 63
141
Sale of Real Estate Fund, Sale of Cemetery Lots and Graves Fund, Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus,
1,225 00
400 00
6,312 68
Overlays Reserved for Abatements :
Levy of 1953,
1,278 82
Revenue Reserved Until Collected :
Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise,
$4,273 63
Special Assessment,
45 30
Tax Title,
548 78
Departmental,
1,227 28
Water,
2,933 75
Aid to Highway,
5,402 39
14,431 13
Surplus Revenue :
General,
137,257 03
203,046 26
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded or Fixed Debt :
Inside Debt Limit :
General,
Outside Debt Limit :
General,
$473,000.00
Public Service Enterprise
123,000 00
596,000 00
$832,000 00
Serial Loans :
Inside Debt Limit: General :
School,
$236,000 00
Outside Debt Limit:
General : School, $473,000 00
Public Service Enterprise : Water, 123,000 00
596,000 00
$832,000 00
$236,000 00
142
TRUST AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
Trust and Investment Funds:
Cash and Securities : In Custody of Treasurer,
$39,854 53
$39,854 53
In Custody of Treasurer :
Dr. Justin Allen Library Fund,
$629 84
H. Augusta Dodge Library Fund,
1,265 98
Maxwell Norman Fund,
545 70
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds,
26,520 31
Cemetery Sale of Lots and Graves Fund,
10,892 70
$39,854 53
REPORT
of the HAMILTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
1953
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REPORTS OF : PAGE
School Committee Letter of Transmittal 3
Superintendent 4
Principal of the High School 11
Principal of the Elementary School 14
School Physician 16
School Nurse 17
Cafeteria Manager
19
Faculty Manager of Athletics 20
APPENDICES :
1. Hamilton Public Schools' Financial Statement of 1953 and Budget of 1954 21
2. Local and State Reimbursements for 1953 23
3. Special Financial Reports :
a. Athletics 24
b. Cafeteria
24
4. School Census 25
5. Membership Chart 25
6. Table of Projected Enrollment 26
7. Hamilton Public Schools' Directory 27
8. Commencement Exercises 29
9. School Calendar 31
10. Miscellaneous Regulations :
a. Age of Admittance 31
b. Vaccination 31
c. No-school Signal 31
REPORT OF THE HAMILTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Hamilton:
The School Committee herewith accepts the following report of the Superintendent of Schools and refers the townspeople to it as the School Department report of accomplishments during 1953 and aims for the future.
We should like to call particular attention to that part of the report which deals with school housing needs. The department is again faced with a serious situation in this respect. The new school is already too small due to the continued rapid growth of the town. It is imperative that there be additional classroom space in the fall of 1955. Since there are obviously several alternatives to be considered and since it is not the province of the School Committee alone to arbitrarily decide which is the best solution, we are asking the town to approve appointment of a special committee to in- clude the School Committee and Superintendent, to study all the possibili- ties and to report at an early date on their recommendations.
The committee wishes to compliment the Superintendent for his ex- cellent administration during the year. The town is exceedingly fortun- ate to have him. We also wish to commend the entire staff for its fine work during 1953.
The Committee is also grateful for the cheerful cooperation extended to us by the Park and Highway Departments, the Selectmen, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Parent-Teacher Association and numerous other town officials and private citizens who have made generous contributions in one way or another to the school system.
The School Committee is ever vigilant towards maintaining the best possible school system for Hamilton, within the bounds of good economics for the town. To that end we shall remain forever devoted.
Respectfully submitted,
MORLEY L. PIPER, Chairman. GRACE B. LAMSON ALLAN MACCURRACH
3
1
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SC
To the School Committee of Hamilton:
It is a pleasure to submit my second annual report. the series of superintendent's annual reports for the Tow
School Plant
We have completed a full year in the new elementar enlarged and renovated high school. Each building ha tions of it and each has contributed to a better education pupils. The Building Committee has worked tirelessly complete and check the satisfactory operation of the operational difficulties have been satisfactorily met and pleasant years of occupancy in this fine plant.
The Building Committee most graciously suggested School Committee would like to name the new school. mittee. while fully appreciating the honor so accorded Building Committee was the proper group to select name. Naming the school in accordance with their wish recognition of the major contribution they have made Hamilton.
Certain necessary equipment has been added to the teria so that all cooking for this building is now done This step eliminated the necessity for transporting co buildings and it has provided a better hot lunch prog school.
In the 1952 report it was pointed out that Hamilto increasing more rapidly than was expected and that the number of children seeking admission to our schools was ity of our school plant. During the summer of 1953 i that a record enrollment would materialize in Septen Committee in planning for the greater numbers. appr plan for the kindergarten and the creation of an additio tion. Four sections of the two- session kindergarten are school building in order to provide space for four sectio two sections each of Grades II through VI in the new el
We feel that our current housing problem has been worked out on a mutually satisfactory basis for this school year. We are working now on solutions to the new problems which will face us in September 1954.
Based upon present enrollment, and assuming that the number of children entering kindergarten remains somewhere near its present level, it is obvious that our need for additional elementary classrooms is now im- mediate. The new school which was designed to house all kindergarten through six grade pupils in fourteen classrooms will be four rooms too small in September 1954. twelve rooms too small in September 1958.
The high school building seems to be large enough to provide for an expanding secondary school population for the forseeable future. The present temporarily small senior high school classes combined with the three extra rooms provided by the new construction make it possible to house the kindergarten and some elementary school overflow for a very short time. As the present large elementary and junior high school classes move up in grade level the high school building can be used only for grades seven through twelve. The table of projected enrollment on page 26 will clearly indicate the magnitude of our probable space needs in the imme- diate future.
The School Committee, after studying the enrollment statistics, felt that it was highly desirable to ask that an article be placed in the warrant for Town Meeting requesting the appointment of a Building Needs Com- mittee. This committee can study all the factors involved in our present and future housing needs and present possible solutions to the town for consideration.
The Staff
Our staff continues to grow in size as our enrollment increases. This year three new teachers were added to our staff along with our normal replacement of teachers leaving our service for other activities. In Sep- tember 1953. we welcomed the following new people to our staff: Miss Edith Ross. Kindergarten, Miss Doris Blood and Miss Katherine Mitchell, Grade I, Mrs. Ward J. Jones, Grade IV, Mr. Forest Troop, Grade V. Mrs. Thomas Scanlon. Grade VI. Miss Joan Webster and Mr. Donald Mack, high school, and Mr. Rupert Lillie, Art Supervisor.
We are pleased to report that our staff continues to grow in competency through programs of self-improvement and group improvement. The Pro- fessional Improvement Committee has approved teachers' plans for further study and educational travel whenever it was apparent that such study or travel would make a contribution to the teacher's effectiveness in the class- room. Monthly staff meetings under the direction of the principals serve to direct the efforts of all to a consideration of the problems and issues inci- dent to the continued improvement of the services to our children.
In September 1954, it will be necessary to add three more teachers to provide for extra sections of Grade II and Grade VIII.
Our pupils continue to benefit from the dedicated services of Dr. Daniel Rogers. school physician, Dr. John King, director of the dental clinic, and Miss Florence Stobbart, school nurse. Increased numbers of pupils make
6
ever greater demands on the time of our personnel. We feel that every pupil in our schools is the beneficiary, directly or indirectly, of the expert physical care which is provided as an integral part of our total school pro- gram. There must be no curtailment of these vital health services and we recommend that a careful study be made in the year ahead to discover ways and means of providing more time in which to care for more and more pupils.
Last year we expressed some concern over the work load of the school building custodians. Our men have done an excellent job in cleaning and maintaining our buildings and they have met willingly the many extra de- mands on their time. Experience has clearly demonstrated the necessity for a fourth custodian to adequately service the school plant which repre- sents such a substantial investment by the town.
Curriculum
In September the policy concerning basic course requirements in the secondary level was modified as was proposed in last year's report. In so far as is possible, four-year plans are made so that each pupil entering the ninth grade knows with some degree of certainty those subjects which he must take in order to meet his known educational-vocational objective. Within the framework of the basic required or core program each pupil is permitted free choice from the program of studies in order to complete his individual program.
Point credit in those courses which require no outside preparation has been reduced. Our credit allotments in all courses are now in line with accepted practice in the majority of secondary schools. This change also makes it necessary for every pupil to plan a program which will include minimum essentials in English, mathematics, science and social studies if he is to qualify for a diploma.
The Towa Tests of Educational Development were administered to every pupil in grades nine through twelve. This battery of objective tests measures each student's achievement in the basic areas of English, mathe- matics, science, and social studies. Each must demonstrate his knowledge through his reaction to life like sitnations. The results of these tests are usable in many ways. Each pupil prepares a profile of his own achievement showing his areas of strength and weakness. From these results it is pos- sible for him to plan effectively for the future with emphasis being placed on his needs.
Each pupil may compare his achievement to the average for his class, to the average for all the pupils in New England in his grade, and to the average for all the pupils in the nation for his grade. Such comparisons are sometimes helpful in terms of individual guidance. By the use of group averages it is possible for the teaching staff to observe the relative effectiveness of our program in comparison with other schools in New Eng- land and in the nation. Such comparisons must be made with great care and with due regard to all the qualifying considerations present in a given situation. Interpreted from this point of view, it becomes possible to use these test results as the basis for curriculum study, for individual course improvement, and as a stimulus to improve teaching methods.
As these tests are administered in succeeding years the results become increasingly valuable as they begin to show the degree of individual pupil growth from year to year as well as the effectiveness of an improved curri- culum as a tool for this growth.
At the elementary grade level our concern has been with the child who seems to be making less than normal progress within his age and grade group. We know that many children seemingly reach temporary plateaus In achievement; that for some, difficulties in reading become a road block which hinders normal progress. It is very difficult for the regular class- room teacher to single out and work individually with a child who may need a short period of concentrated effort on his particular difficulty. Such help must be given, however, if the child is to resume his normal progress.
We have been fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. William Mc- Cann, a trained special class and remedial teacher, who works with our boys and girls who need special help. Every teacher in grades one through six studies his own group continually to observe pupil progress. If a sitna- tion is noted in which an individual child needs help the classroom teacher takes the proper steps to overcome the seeming difficulty within the frame- work of his own class procedure. If the child needs individual work be- yond the scope of that which can be offered by his regular teacher who also has responsibility for the whole class, then our special teacher can be called upon for help in meeting the needs. The child is given special attention until his difficulty is cleared up and he is again on the road of normal progress.
Obviously, this special service does not solve all our known difficulties. It is significant, however, that both pupils and teachers have expressed their appreciation for this extra service and all have commented on how valuable it has been to have the individual helped at the time when he needs it most. We feel that an extension of this service is imperative. It is almost impossible to measure the invaluable contribution that is being made in making it possible for many pupils to adjust satisfactorily to the school environment, to continue to progress without the frustrations of seeming failure as an ever present possibility.
The staff and administration of our schools pledge continued study of our total curriculum ; with a better understanding of the changing needs of all our pupils it becomes entirely possible to implement our program of studies so that these needs can be met.
Activities
Reports which are included herewith indicate the many activities in which pupils of all ages participate. Our athletic and social program is an integral part of the curriculum and each activity makes a definite con- tribution to the process of growing up. Teacher-coaches and sponsors de- serve special commendation for their devoted efforts in behalf of our boys and girls.
Interscholastic and intramural athletics combined with required phys- ical education classes for all provides a well rounded program. We are working to build a sound social activity plan which will be of interest and value to all the pupils. Assemblies, plays, parties, and dances need to be
8
held with greater frequency if the maximum growth in social education is to result.
The boys and girls in our schools responded magnificently to a new plan for Hallowe'en. Assembly programs in each school developed enthusi- astic response to the idea of abandoning the traditional "Trick or Treat" in favor of a clothing collection for needy people throughout the world. The Save The Children Federation cooperated with us and all clothing collected was sent to them at their expense for redistribution to children and adults in blighted parts of this and other countries. The overwhelming generosity of the townspeople and the willing efforts of our boys and girls made the drive an outstanding success. The Federation estimated that we would collect not over 25 bags of clothing ; we were pleased to ship 83 bags weighing 1245 pounds as our contribution ! Many people have expressed approval of the change in motive from the selfishness of "Trick or Treat" to the generosity of helping others. It is our hope that this plan may become a traditional part of our Hallowe'en celebration.
The Hamilton Parent-Teacher Association has had excellent support from parents and teachers. Programs are planned in an attempt to be mutually helpful to both groups and the talents of all are drawn upon to present stimulating topics for consideration. The staff is grateful for the loyal support of parents and friends and for their willingness to work for the continued improvement of the schools.
School Lunch Program
Mention is made in the principals' reports concerning our cafeterias. A special word of commendation is due the women who work so hard to make our hot lunch program a success. Participation in the program is increasing; approximately two-thirds of our pupils take advantage of a nutritious and balanced meal at a total cost of twenty-five cents including milk and dessert. Our cafeterias operate without cost to the town. The receipts from the sale of lunch tickets together with a public school subsidy under the Federal School Lunch Program make it possible to meet all ex- penses of operation. Any income beyond the break-even point is put back into the program through more and better meals for the pupils. We now employ two full-time and two part-time workers under the direction of Miss Boswell the cafeteria supervisor.
Costs of Public Schools
Every citizen is increasingly aware of the rising costs of municipal services. Even though the cost of the public schools represents a sizeable part of the total municipal budget it is gratifying that this investment is being made willingly in behalf of the children in our town. The goal of the School Committee and of the total staff is to provide the best schools possible within the framework of a reasonable expenditure of public funds. We all want good schools and good schools cost money. We are dedicated to the task of using wisely those funds which are provided for the support of good schools in Hamilton. The school dollar for 1953 was spent as follows :
9
7 cents
General Control-Superintendent and Administration
Experienced teachers. principals, and supervisors Textbooks and supplies Art. music and audio-visual aids
69 cents
Remedial Teaching
Guidance and testing
13 cents
Custodians Light, heat, water Cleaning and repair materials Maintenance (repairs, replacements)
8 cents
Transportation of school children
School Physician and nurse Libraries and graduation
3 cents
1
New equipment, athletics, vocational education and Adult education
It cost $232.70 per pupil to provide for the boys and girls in our schools during the school year 1952-1953. This compares with an average per pupil cost of $245.94 for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
It is obvious that our budget for 1954 will be larger than that for 1953 since our services must be expanded to provide for more children in our schools. The major increases will be reflected in the need for additional teachers and additional materials and supplies.
Certain essential repairs have been delayed at the request of the School Building Committee because they wished to include them in their plans for the high school renovation if there were funds available at the conclusion of prior committments. Since it seems impossible for the Building Com- mittee to complete them, we have provided for them in the proposed school budget.
Several items of new equipment were provided for in our original budget plans but the School Building Committee very generously agreed to ask for additional funds in order to provide them for us. By doing this, the Building Committee will effect a saving to the town in the amount of State Aid it will be able to claim on these items. We are most appreciative of the Committee's efforts in our behalf.
Conclusion
As I look back upon the year just completed it is heartwarming to re- member the loyal support and cooperation of the School Building Com- mittee, the Parent-Teacher Association, the staff and student body, and the townspeople, as each has shared so generously in the success of our schools.
I am most grateful for the ever-willing assistance of Mrs. Alfred Edmondson, school secretary, who this year has completed twenty-five years of outstandingly fine service to the schools of Hamilton.
10
I deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the members of our School Committee as they have worked so understandingly on the complex problems of our schools. Their policy decisions are made on the basis of achieving the greatest good for every child in our schools and because of this we can face the future confidently, secure in our belief that the public schools will continue to work to meet the needs of all the children of Hamilton.
Respectfully submitted, DOUGLAS A. CHANDLER, Superintendent.
11
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
DEAR SIR :
I am pleased to submit my third annual report as Principal of Hamil- ton High School.
This past school year has been a rewarding one at Hamilton High due to the expansion of school facilities resulting in more nearly ideal working conditions; due to the addition of one extra faculty member thus allowing more class division ; and also due to an increase in pupil-interest in both regular and extra-curricular activities.
The annex classroom which was unfinished at the time of Dedication last November has been equipped with heating-ventilator units and new green chalkboards so that now it is constantly available for any kind of class use. This helps to solve a problem of housing two seventh grades for the first time. Our new cafeteria has adequate seating-room but due to limited cooking and serving facilities the platoon system is a "must". Con- stantly increasing enrollment warns us that a third lunch period will be required next year. Probably the best recommendation for this problem is lengthening the school session by about 15 minutes. The cafeteria also serves as a projection room since the new gymnasium is not yet equipped with dark curtains for daylight movies. Vocal music rehearsals are fre- quently held in the cafeteria now that an additional upright piano has been loaned to the school by John Walke. This year Miss Austen has started vocal music for grades seven and eight which had been omitted for several years because of lack of an instructor. The Senior Glee Club also enjoys an extra rehearsal period this year.
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