USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1931-1940 > Part 67
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REGISTRATION OF VETERANS' GRAVES
Project No. 665-14-3-370.
This project was to survey, list and draw plans of graves of the veterans of all wars in the cemeteries of the Town. A complete set of parchment plans, giving names of veterans and location of graves is on file at the Town Hall. A card index of each individual veteran with service record was also completed.
NATIONAL YOUTH ADMINISTRATION
From January 1, 1940 to July 1, 1940 the N. Y. A. was very active and much good work was accomplished. The boys under the different department heads brought the Old Street Numbering Project up to date, a fire department statistical survey, including all oil permits granted, records of past fires, a modern fire alarm chart for each station and
68
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
painting of fire alarm boxes, two coats, throughout the Town. The ball diamond at Suntaug Park was improved. In addition to this, assistance was given the Board of Assessors in compiling several sets of indexes of property by clerical assistants. On July 1, 1940 the boys were transferred to a city project.
Respectfully submitted,
WESLEY W. MUNROE,
Sponsor's Agent-Referral Agent for WPA
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL SITE COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
The committee appointed to select a site for a High School was unable to report at a special Town Meeting not later than May 15, 1940 on account of the sickness of Mr. Harold P. Peabody, a member of the committee.
The committee as originally appointed by the Moderator consisted of Harold P. Peabody and Everett S. Webster from Precinct 1, and Russell Hamlin and John E. Thornton from Precinct 2. This committee met and chose Carl H. Russell as the fifth member. Mr. Webster was elected Chairman and Mr. Russell was elected Secretary. Mrs. Norma C. McKillop was appointed by the committee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Peabody. Mr. Thornton resigned on December 26, 1940 owing to the pressure of business engagements.
The committee has given careful consideration to the several sites which have been suggested and, after having inspected the premises, it was the unanimous opinion of the members that the Walter H. Perry property on Main Street is the ideal location for a High School in the Town of Lynnfield.
The factors from which the committee arrived at this conclusion follow:
1. The condition of the grounds is such that there would be practically no expense for grading, etc.
2. The cost of the entire parcel, including buildings, is con- sidered reasonable.
3. The land, approximately five acres, is ample for the con- struction of a school to meet present needs, with plenty of room for expansion to take care of both junior and senior high school requirements for many years to come.
4. The land borders on the present playground upon which several thousands of dollars have been spent by the Works Progress Administration and from the appropriations made by the Town for use with Government and Relief Projects.
69
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL SITE COMMITTEE
A fine stadium has been developed containing a baseball field, tennis courts and ample room for a football field. A tarred gravel road has been built along the east side of the pro- posed site leading from Main Street directly to the playground.
5. We are of the opinion that transportation would only have to be furnished to the pupils from Precinct 2 if this location is chosen.
The Richard A. Thomas property, known as Thomas Orchards op- posite Pillings Pond, on Summer Street, was the second choice of the committee. This property could be developed for High School purposes, but like the other sites inspected, the original cost and the cost of con- structing adequate stadium facilities is considered to be out of all proportion to the questionable value of having a school located at or near the geographical center of the municipality.
The committee are of the unanimous opinion that immediate steps should be taken to secure the Walter H. Perry property before it has been developed for other purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
EVERETT S. WEBSTER, Chairman RUSSELL HAMLIN NORMA C. McKILLOP CARL H. RUSSELL, Secretary
ANNUAL REPORT of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE and SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD MASSACHUSETTS
Year Ending December 31, 1940
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1940
Mrs. Norma McKillop, Chairman Edward S. Averell Walter DeWilde
Term expires 1942 Term expires 1941 Term expires 1941
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS John D. Whittier, Wenham, Massachusetts Residence Telephone - Hamilton 224-W Office Telephone - Topsfield 171 Office Hours - First Tuesday of Month South School - 10 to 12 M. Center School - 2 to 4 P. M.
71
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Regular and special meetings have been held throughout the year. On July 12, 1940 the secretary called the meeting of the school committee members. A change in the school committee has taken place this past year, through the great loss of the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Harold P. Peabody, by death. Mr. Peabody had served as Chairman for ten years.
Mr. W. W. DeWilde was appointed as the third member of the Committee. Mr. Harry Higgins was selected as custodian of the Center School to fill the vacancy caused by the passing on of Mr. Luther Hastings, who had been custodian for many years.
The second grade room in the Center School and front entrance of the building (outside exteriors and ceilings) have been insulated, which has proved very satisfactory.
We have had a four inch water main carried from the street to the inside of the basement wall in the new building of the Center School. Rooms and halls have been painted and necessary repairs made in both schools.
Owing to the increase of pupils we have purchased desks and chairs. The need is very great for the finishing of the boys and girls' toilets in the Center School.
The committee find, that to keep the high standard established, another teacher should be added to the teaching staff at the Center School.
With the increase of the population of families from nearby cities and towns the committee has received several requests that the chil- dren be permitted to remain in the schools from which they came for the remainder of the year. To save complications the committee have abided by the ruling of April 12, 1939, in all cases-that all pupils must attend the Wakefield High School-which is the official high school of Lynnfield. The only exception being the pupils who were attending Lynn Junior and Senior High Schools at the date ruling was passed- they being allowed to continue until graduated.
(Signed) NORMA C. McKILLOP, Chairman, Secretary EDWARD S. AVERELL WILLIAM W. DeWILDE, School Committee
72
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Appropriation
$48,500.00
Refund to the Town
8.28
Expenditures
Returned to Town
47,971.49 $ 536.79
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Salary of secretary, telephone, postage
136.90
Superintendent
999.96
Clerk, travel, postage
492.04
Supervisors
586.50
Teachers-substitutes, salaries
14,852.10
Text Books-stationery, supplies
964.42
Janitors-salaries
2,295.00
Fuel
1,251.87
Miscellaneous operating (light, water, etc.)
631.14
Repairs
947.06
Health
466.75
Transportation
Elementary
$1,854.00
High
5,202.00
7,056.00
Tuition (High)
14,984.05
Vocational
Tuition
692.29
Transportation
394.21
1,086.50
Miscellaneous
72.02
New Equipment
502.67
Insurance
404.53
Union No. 46
154.60
Memorial Park Upkeep
87.38
$47,971.49
REBATES
The following rebates to the Town Treasurer have been made by the State because of certain school expenditures:
School Superintendent's Salary $ 500.91
Tuition of Children 614.32
$48,508.28
HAROLD P. PEABODY Died June 30, 1940 - Age 62 years, 6 months, 20 days. Member of School Committee 1931 to 1940 Chairman most of time. Served on many Town Committees.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Transportation High School
5,220.00
Aid to Industrial Schools
370.83
Vocational Education Employment trained teachers (Part I, Chapter 70)
2,240.00
$ 9,448.82
(Signed) NORMA C. McKILLOP, Chairman and Secretary EDWARD S. AVERELL WILLIAM W. DeWILDE
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1941
January 2
Schools open
February 21
Schools close
March 3
Schools open
April 25
Schools close
May 5
Schools open
May 30
Holiday
June 19
June 20
Schools close Graduation
Summer Vacation
September 8
Schools open
October 12
Holiday
November 11
Holiday
November 26
Schools close at noon
December 1
Schools open
December 19
Schools close
1942
January 5
Schools open
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Members of the School Committee,
Madam and Gentlemen: I herewith submit my eighteenth annual report for your
consideration.
During the past year the Town of Lynnfield suffered a distinct loss in the death of Mr. Harold P. Peabody, Chairman of the School Committee, who had served as a member and chairman of the committee
502.76
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TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
since March 1931. Mr. Peabody was instrumental in bringing about several important changes and improvements to the system. Among these were: Increased enrollment in Trade Schools, combination of the upper grades of the two schools resulting in departmental teaching, thorough renovation of the two school buildings, an addition to the Center School, the addition of industrial arts courses for junior high pupils, development of a playground at the Center, increased interest among the citizens in building of a central school to care for the educa- tional needs of approximately two hundred junior-senior high school pupils.
Mr. Peabody gave his time to the performance of his duties most unsparingly. The school progress made during his term of office is a memorial of which there can be none better.
We were fortunate to have Mr. William W. DeWilde appointed to fill the unexpired term on the committee, where he, too, has an opportunity with other members to continue the old policies of the committee as well as to expand the school program as occasion demands.
The school system also suffered a loss in the death of Mr. Luther Hastings, who in performing his services over a period of years, as custodian at the Center School had endeared himself to those with whom he daily came in contact.
The committee was most fortunate to secure the services of Mr. Harry Higgins, after giving consideration to the applications of several local men. Mr. Higgins is proving to be a most satisfactory custodian.
ENROLLMENT JANUARY 1, 1941
Center School
195
South School
103
Lynn Sight Saving Class
2
High School
Wakefield
106
Lynn English
7
Trade Schools
Somerville
2
Boston Trade for Girls
1
Essex County Agricultural
2
Total
418
There are seventeen more elementary pupils and seven more high and trade school pupils were enrolled on January 1, 1940.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
PER PUPIL EXPENDITURE FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT IN MASSACHUSETTS AND LYNNFIELD FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1939-1940 (Group IV Towns not maintaining a high school) State Lynnfield Per Cent Dollars of total per pupil Expenditure Dollars
Per Cent of total Expenditure
General Control
7.24
5.1
1,695.07
3.9
Salaries
51.34
36.3
14,240.75
33.
Textbook-Supplies
3.81
2.7
967.22
2.2
Operation
11.50
8.1
3,614.41
8.4
Repairs
3.27
2.4
806.55
1.8
Libraries
.07
-
Health
2.08
1.5
483.51
1.1
Transportation
27.42
19.4
6,474.00
15.1
Tuition
33.75
23.9
14,246.71
34.
Miscellaneous
.80
.6
240.70
.5
Total
141.28
100.00
42,768.92
100.0
The above comparison of expenditures discloses the fact that under "Operation" and "Tuition" we have exceeded the per cent of total expenditure for the State whereas there is a variance in other items as compared with the per cent for the State of one tenth to four and three tenths per cent in favor of the town of Lynnfield.
TEACHERS
Miss Elizabeth Clark resigned as of April 1940 to accept a similar position in Stoneham. The position was filled by employing a sub- stitute teacher for the balance of the school year, at which time Miss Ruth Southwick was transferred to the position which she filled until the close of school in December when she accepted a position in Salem. This position is now filled by a substitute until Miss Mary Collinson, who has been elected, can be released from her present position at Provincetown.
Miss Beth Hayward, who had filled the position as principal at the South School for five years, resigned at the close of school in June to be married. Miss Hazel Lambert, a graduate of Lowell Teachers' College with six years of teaching experience, was elected to fill the position vacated by Miss Hayward.
To fill the position at the Center School, caused by the transfer of Miss Southwick to grade two, Miss Margaret Thompson, a graduate of Boston University, was elected.
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TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
It is not anticipated that there will be further changes in the teaching staff during this school year.
PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS
It has been our good fortune to have our teachers participate in two Beverly Teachers Institutes during the year. These two full day meetings were devoted to Conferences on elementary and high school subjects during the morning, followed by a general session for all teachers in the afternoon. Some of the most outstanding educators of New England addressed the teachers on these two days.
Principal Roger Woodbury of the Center School attended the Elementary Principals' Conference at Amherst.
Dr. W. H. Burton of the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University spent one day visiting the schools, following which he addressed the teachers of the Superintendency Union.
Four Reading Demonstrations by specialists in reading were given the elementary teachers.
One Conference devoted to Junior Red Cross has been held.
One Conference of Physical Training Instructors and Coaches has been addressed by Mr. Daniel J. Kelley, State Supervisor of Physical Education.
Miss Martina McDonald, State Supervisor of Music, held one Confer- ence for the teachers of the first four grades.
Teachers have also improved themselves professionally through courses, lectures and travel.
BASAL READING SYSTEM
The teachers of the first four grades gave much time attending lectures and demonstrations in reading and examining several basal systems that they might recommend the system most suited to our needs and to the type of children in our schools. At the close of the school year in June it was the unanimous desire of teachers that the Alice and Jerry System be adopted for use at the opening of school in September. At a teachers' meeting held early this month to discuss the subject of reading, all reported they were exceptionally well pleased with results obtained and expressed a desire to visit other schools where the same system is in operation.
Plans are now being made to invite parents to the first grade class- rooms to see the system taught and learn from the teacher where the parent may best fit into the program of teaching the child to read. We are coming to believe that if the parent is desirous of assisting the child in his reading the same procedure should be followed as is taught at school that the child may not become confused by a different presentation.
77
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL SAVINGS
The Lynn Institution for Savings withdrew its service to the schools at the close of schools in June. Efforts have been made to secure the services of another savings institution to carry on work in the schools, but as yet without results. My efforts in this matter will be continued hoping that some savings plan may be worked out for the benefit of the school children.
CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS
South School
It has been possible to work out a very satisfactory division of work by allocating only grade one of twenty-three pupils to Mrs. Munroe. Grades two and three of twenty-nine pupils are now in one room with Miss Rand as teacher. Miss Tilton has grades four and six of twenty-nine pupils while Miss Lambert has grade five of twenty-two pupils.
Classroom instruction for grades two through six has been assigned to teachers according to their interests and preparation for teaching the several subjects. The teaching load for all teachers in the building is now about even.
It is estimated that about twenty-five more pupils could be accom- modated at this building if a reasonable number could be placed in each grade.
Center School
Grade one, of twenty-five pupils and grade two of twenty-eight pupils are each assigned a classroom.
To accommodate pupils of grades three, four and five and divide the work between two teachers grade three and a small number of grade four has been assigned to Miss Andersen while the balance of grade four and all of grade five has been assigned to Miss Thompson. This necessitates doubling teaching hours for grade four because of insufficient room.
To accommodate grades six, seven and eight a part of grade seven has been seated in the classroom with grade six while the balance of grade seven is seated with grade eight. Although this plan is not satisfactory it is the best possible with the number of classrooms avail- able. My estimate is that not over twenty additional pupils can be accommodated in the present six classrooms at the Center School.
To care for the present enrollment with the division of grades as necessitated, an additional teacher should be provided that pupils may not be handicapped in their school progress.
It seems a most opportune time to call to your attention the neces- sity of providing additional classrooms for the elementary pupils. The erection of a high school building to house grades seven and eight and
78
TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
the high school pupils attending school elsewhere would release two classrooms at the Center School to care for the future growth in the first six grades.
The erection of a building for the junior-senior high school pupils should take place before another addition is made to the Center School Building.
COUNTY INDEPENDENT INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
The school superintendents of the county have formulated a tenta- tive bill to be presented to the State Legislature now in session. If said bill passes steps will then be taken to have the following question placed on the official ballot at the next state election of County Com- missioners of Essex County :- "Shall the County of Essex establish and maintain a County Independent Industrial School or schools for the Education of its youth as now defined and provided for in Chapter 74, General Laws, as amended?" Said Independent Industrial School would cost $250,000 and said cost would be met by issuing bonds for a term not exceeding twenty years. Each town and city would meet its obliga- tion on these bonds as is done on other county assessments.
Under the "George Deen Act" such a school is eligible to receive sufficient funds to defray all the salaries of teachers during its first two years of operation, 75% the third year, 50% the fourth year, and 25% the fifth year.
Such a school would fulfill a need for all cities and towns not main- taining such a school. It would also maintain courses to supplement those now conducted in a few of the high schools of the county.
The voters of Lynnfield are urged to give serious consideration to the enactment of legislation making it possible to provide training in the trades to the youth of the county. At the present time we are re- quiring many to pursue an academic training who prefer to be trained for industries. By pursuing such a plan we are wasting money and the valuable time of youth.
Provisions of trade school facilities for the youth of the county would be one of the greatest educational advances made in this county in many years.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Our schools are maintained for the express purpose of fitting youth to take his place in society-to earn a living, maintain a home, assume personal and civic responsibilities and to find enjoyment in leisure time.
Our prescribed work is very definitely outlined in so far as the tool subjects are concerned and we expect to fulfill the requirements.
79
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In addition to this we are endeavoring to guide the thought and activi- ties of the pupils outside of school. This is done through our athletic program, programs for the observance of special events, instrumental music instruction, hobby shows, playground activities, athletic contests, children's symphonies, educational trips, operettas, moving pictures, art exhibits, school library and graduation programs.
Through such a varied assortment of activities the imprint of the school should be left on every child. Parents should endeavor to pro- mote with the child those interests which have been aroused in school.
DENTAL CLINIC
.Efforts have been made to secure the services of a suitable dentist to conduct a .Dental Clinic. Dentists who do have the time to devote to such a clinic do not have portable equipment and they refuse to undertake the work with the few pieces of rather antiquated equipment we are able to secure for use. Until it is possible to secure adequate equip- ment with which to do the work, parents are requested to assume full responsibility for the dental care of their children.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Since approximately one-third of the children find it necessary to bring their lunches to school and are provided with only a cup of hot soup or cocoa, it is recommended that steps be taken to set up a hot lunch program as a W. P. A. Project. This project requires a very small financial outlay on the part of the town. Provision of these hot lunches to the children would, I believe, be much appreciated and would be of much value from a health standpoint.
CONCLUSION
The financial and moral support of the taxpayers is doubtless ap- preciated by every boy and girl who is provided the advantages of a public school education. Occasionally, taxpayers feel that the opportuni- ties offered have not been fully appreciated. Yet we point with pride to the successes of those who have availed themselves of every op- portunity offered and thereby have become successful in business as well as in their chosen profession and in the life of the community.
Your superintendent appreciates the financial support accorded the schools by the taxpayers, the splendid cooperation of the school com- mittee in operating the schools, and the untiring efforts of the teaching staff in maintaining a high standard of work in the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
J. D. WHITTIER,
Superintendent of Schools
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TOWN OF LYNNFIELD
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools,
Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my sixteenth annual report as School Nurse in the Town of Lynnfield.
Total enrollment, 289.
Result of Physical Examination by Dr. Ralph N. Brown, M. D., School Physician.
Defects
Tonsils 14
Posture 59
Heart
3
Moderately enlarged glands 26
Moderately enlarged tonsils 41
Result of eye and ear examination
Defective vision 15
Defective hearing 3
Corrections
Tonsils 12
Improved 31
Under treatment 2
Corrected by glasses 8
Result of mastoid 1
The Dental work for the past year and up to the present writing has been taken care of privately. When one compares the total enroll- ment with the number of pupils having received dental care one can plainly see some sort of a dental clinic is greatly needed.
Number having dental certificates
56
Number having some dental work but not completed
28
Summaries of Essex Sanatorium Clinic:
Number having Von Pirquet test School 211 Pre-school 5
Number having X-ray of chest 8
Number teachers having X-ray of chest 5
Number adults having X-ray in town besides teachers 11
Reports of adults' X-ray findings were sent to all individuals. Reports of X-rayed pupils were sent to their parents. I am very pleased to announce all the teachers X-rayed had negative reports.
Number home calls 117
Number first-aid dressings 127
Number immunized against diphtheria 30
Number classroom inspections 61
Number consultations with parents, teachers, pupils, doctors,
clinic and other health agents 872
81
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Number of communicable or contagious diseases reported of the school population as follows:
Chicken Pox
7 Measles 4
Scarlet Fever
1 Whooping Cough 28
Mumps
3
Miscellaneous illnesses:
Ivy
7 Fractures 3
Impetigo
4 Appendectomy 1
Dogwood
5 Chorea
1
Pediculosis
3
The general health of our schools has been very good as the above report shows. However, I feel the need of stressing this fact, that only by excluding all children or teachers showing any sign of illness, even though it may seem to be only a common cold, can we keep from having serious epidemics.
In closing I wish to thank all members of the school faculty, parents, pupils, school physician and all other health authorities for their kind and considerate help and cooperation.
Only by the continuation of such cooperative help can we hope to maintain a high standard of health.
Respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE L. STOBBART, R. N.,
School Nurse
NO SCHOOL SIGNAL
In case of no school for the day in grades or high school, announce- ment will be made by Station WNAC between seven and eight o'clock.
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