USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1949-1960 > Part 5
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The Well Baby Clinic, a State supported function and sponsored by the Parent-Teachers Association, has increased its activities this past year and it is entirely probable that it could, be worked out on a monthly basis in the future rather than on a bi- monthly basis, if enough interest is shown. We are again fortunate to have Dr. Oliver Bixby, Pediatri- cian, in charge assisted by Mrs. Lucy Lindquist, R.N. During the year of 1949 the total number of children examined was forty-one.
The Preschool Clinic for immunization against Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus and for vaccina- tion was held in the spring and will be repeated in March of this year. Fifteen children were vaccinated for protection against Smallpox, thirty-three inocu- lations were given for Diphtheria and Whooping Cough immunization with fourteen children returning for booster doses for continued protection against these diseases. A total of sixty treatments were given in- cluding six Tetanus Toxoid inoculations.
Report of TREE WARDEN
To The Citizens of The Town of Lynnfield:
At the last annual Town Meeting an Appropriation was made for the care of shade trees. Seven dead trees were removed and four more topped off to be removed later. Trees were trimmed where limbs were found to be dead, dangerous or an obstruction to traf- fic. The department planted 104 shade trees, but due to the drought some will not survive. Many other calls for shade trees were received from abutters, but on account of the high cost the requests could not be met. A small additional appropriation for cutting brush was used on corners and places where the view was obstructed.
The Dutch Elm disease has not yet been found in town but has appeared in Saugus, Lynn, Wakefield and Melrose. I recommend that all persons trimming or removing elm trees should destroy the wood and bark immediately.
The Town received $1900 from the New England Power Company for damages to trees on Lowell
Included in the communicable diseases reported were four cases of Infantile Paralysis, all of which were hospitalized.
Communicable Diseases
Infantile Paralysis
4
Chicken Pox
19
Dog Bite
22
German Measles
12
Mumps
7
Scarlet Fever
8
Whooping Cough
2
Gonorrhea
1
Measles
9
Summary of Report
Complaints
42
School Permits
59
Inspections made
9
Letters written 16
Wells examined 3
Cesspools inspected
2
Respectfully submitted,
George S. Robinson, M.D.H.O.
Street, Lynnfield Center. I hope this sum will be appropriated for a new Turbine Sprayer and Duster.
Respectfully submitted, LYMAN H. TWISS
Tree Warden
28
Report of LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Report of Branch Library for 1949
Number of books loaned 4,427
Number of books purchased 177
Number of magazines loaned 336
Number of magazines subscribed for 10
Received in fines $76.80
Respectfully submitted,
Sylvia A. Maynard, Librarian
.
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF LYNNFIELD:
The Board of Trustees has tried to give the citizens of Lynnfield both good and efficient service throughout the year.
We have endeavored to keep the Li- brary open two days a week, and besides the regular Wednesday openings, we are open again on Saturday afternoons.
We sincerely hope that if you have any suggestions for any particular book you might want you leave the name with the Librarian and we will be pleased to obtain it for you.
KATHERINE HIGGINS RUDOLPH SCHLEUKER MALCOLM C. EATON
29
OUR CHURCHES
LYNNFIELD CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Summer Street
The Rev. Frank M. Sheldon, D.D., pastor.
Parsonage 574 Main Street.
9:30 A.M. Church School, Junior and Senior High.
10:45 A. M. Church Service of Worship.
10:45 A.M. Church School, Nursery, Kindergarten and Primary. 6:00 P.M. Christian Endeavor.
Other meetings by special announcement.
LYNNFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH (Congregational) Salem Street
The Rev. James C. Marshall, pastor.
Parsonage Green Street.
9:15 A. M. Sunday School.
10:45 A. M. Morning Worship.
10:45 A.M. Nursery Class.
7:00 P.M. Youths Fellowship.
OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION Newburyport Turnpike
The Rev. John J. Linnehan, pastor. Rectory Grove Street.
Sunday Masses at 7:30, 8:30, 10:00 and 11:15.
Sunday School following 8:30 Mass.
Bus service from Lynnfield Center for 8:30 Mass.
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Summer Street
Mr. George R. Dawson and Mr. Roger Tiffany, ministers-in- charge.
9:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Prayer and Sermon.
10:45 A. M. Sunday School.
Holy Communion and Sermon Second Sunday of Each Month.
30
MRS. ORA K. RIDLEY Born October 26, 1886 Died November 7, 1949 Served the Lynnfield School Department as principal and teacher Sept. 1, 1921-April 30, 1949.
RECOMPENSE
It was never enough that she taught them well, That they learned all their facts and knew how to spell. Incomplete was her day unless some rich part Of life's beauty or wisdom had reached a heart.
It was never enough that respect was earned; She gave much of herself, and found love returned; And when day's work was ended, she knew how worth-while Were the children who left her their warmth -- in a smile.
PAULINE CHADWELL
31
Report of SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the citizens of the Town of Lynnfield:
The School Committee is again happy to express its appreciation to the townspeople, and especially to the parents, for their cooperation with the Committee during the year. We have welcomed the many help- ful suggestions received, and have attempted to extend the educational facilities of the schools to provide a more complete educational program for the children of the town.
The housing situation still presents the Committee with the perennial problem of finding room for locat- ing school pupils without resorting to the undesirable two-platoon system. With the opening of school in September, 1949, we were faced with the need for twelve classrooms -- only ten being available. Our Superintendent, Mr. John D. Whittier, by contact with the State Department of Public Safety, succeeded in receiving temporary permission to use the large basement room in the Centre School as a classroom, providing specific changes were made. We were still one room short and had hoped that the same permis- sion might be granted to permit use of the old lunch- room asa home economics classroom. When this was refused, we again approached the State Department, and after considerable discussion Mr. Whittier suc- ceeded in having permission granted to divide the same large basement room into two classrooms, -- a large and a small one. Although this arrangement is not completely satisfactory and obviously costs the town money, it once more obviated the need for adopting the two-platoon system of operation with its attendant increases in cost and numberless incon- veniences. However welcome the new elementary building to be built in South Lynnfield, it will assist only in re-arranging the classroom housing problem since the anticipated increase in enrollment will ab- sorb all additional classroom space even though the transfer of the upper grades from the Centre School to the new building has already been arranged. It seems hard to realize, and not easy to perceive the method by which it can be accomplished, but Lynn- field is again faced with the situation of being so far behind in its school building program that a new cen- ter section for the Centre School should be on paper before the new South School is completed. Four of the rooms at the Centre School are now being used by sufferance only, and should the State so decide, a two-platoon system could become an absolute neces- sity. However, the following are present items which are of interest to you as well as to your Committee.
ENROLLMENT
As was indicated in each of the past two years, there has been an increase in enrollment, even be- yond calculated anticipation. Since Mr. Whittier's enrollment figures for September 1950 indicate the need for twenty classrooms - - with only twenty avail- able, including the basement rooms now being used at the Centre School -- any increase in enrollment be- yond this point will present a serious problem.
At the high school level the increase in enrollment was beyond all expectations. Whereas an overall increase of three or four pupils is annually allowed,
the Committee this year anticipated and allowed for seven. The increase was twenty-seven -- a jump from one hundred forty-one to one hundred sixty- eight! An allowance for twenty additional pupils is planned for next year.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
Both the South and Centre Schools are in good re- pair. The South School has been maintained with minor repairs and those necessary to comply with the State Department of Public Safety. No major repairs are deemed necessary at the present time and it is hoped that none such will be required until the new South School is completed. Among major repairs were the need for anasphalt tile floor and a Univent heater in the basement room of the Centre School to meet State requirements. Also, it was necessary to build a partition to divide this room into two rooms. During the last week of the year the oil burner firing the old boiler at the Centre School had to be replaced as an emergency measure. It is of interest to know that the three year insurance policy taken on the new boiler at the Centre School at a cost of less than $400 saved the Town a considerable sum, since a section of this boiler cracked in the early fall and was replaced by the insurance company at a cost of over a thousand dollars -- taken care of entirely by them.
TEACHING STAFF
At this point it is only proper to pay tribute to one of our staff who only recently passed away, having enjoyed but a brief period of her well-earned retire- ment. Ona K. Ridley, for over twenty-six years a teacher and principal in the Lynnfield Schools, died on November 7, 1949. During her long career here, she was the teacher and friend of countless hundreds of Lynnfield children, and will well be remembered for her devotion to her work and her guiding force as a true educator. The Committee and the townspeople recognize a real loss in her passing. .
We welcome to Lynnfield our new principal, Mr. Clarence O. Richardson, and hope for him a success- ful career here.
Our teaching staff has again remained relatively permanent, new teachers having been added to meet specific needs. Although we are still in a relatively low position for salaries in the Commonwealth, we feel that further salary increases should await more stable national and local conditions. The Committee has established, as of September 1949, the system of cumulative sick leave for all teachers -- a for- ward step in teacher personnel relationships.
The Committee regrets the loss of the Centre School Custodian, Mr. Harry W. Higgins, who re- signed at the opening of the school year. The esteem with which he was held by children and parents alike is a tribute to his long period of service with us.
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
The Hot Lunch Program has continued as a desir- able adjunct to the School Department. With the slight increase in cost of the lunches to the pupils, supple- mented by the Federal subsidy, the program has
32
operated at no cost to the Town despite high food prices. Mrs. Ethel Tyacke, our school lunch manager, and her staff are again to be commended on the fine job they have done in handling the thousands of meals necessary to feed our children. As was the expressed hope in our last annual town report, the townspeople granted an increase inthe operating fund for the Hot Lunch Program. Although not as large as requested, this sum served to reduce the occasion for Special Town Meetings being called by the School Depart- ment, a situation to which we have consistently been opposed. Although transfers were necessary from the Hot Lunch Funds Available account, these were re- quested only when Special Town Meetings were imminent for other purposes as well. The School Committee sincerely hopes that the townspeople will see fit to go along with the plan proposed last year of increasing this revolving fund until it reaches the point where only one transfer a year will be necessary -- that being at the Annual Town Meeting.
MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND
Under the direction of Mr. John Caldwell of the Committee the Memorial Playground has been main- tained in excellent condition during the year. It is hoped that in 1950 general repairs may be undertaken to remedy the serious conditions at the tennis courts as well as along the road into the Park. General re- pairs to bleachers and ball field are again planned for the coming season.
FINANCE
The School Committee has succeeded in remain- ing within its established budgetary figures for the 1949 fiscal year. Because of the tremendous jump
in high school enrollment previously indicated, as well as an unusually high and unanticipated need for substitute teachers due to many illnesses, the Com- mittee found it necessary to come before the Town for additional funds to meet this requirement. This was done only since salaries being a specified item could not be paid from "free" funds. At the close of the year the amount turned back by the Committee very nearly equaled the requested amount.
The school budget outlook for 1950 is not too good in that it will show a considerable increase. The need for establishing classes at the new elementary school in South Lynnfield, the increase in operating costs attending the opening of the new building, the additional teachers needed whether or not the building opens as scheduled; these, and many items tend to bring about a general increase. The School Committee, working with the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen, will attempt to keep this figure as low as possible. We sincerely regret that short-sightedness in years gone by has resulted in the present educational- financial picture in Lynnfield, and hope for its future a brighter outlook.
Our town is growing at a rapid rate. More and more children will need more and better education. Let us continue to strive to that goal, remembering that our native son, Horace Mann, the founder of public school education said, "The Common School is the greatest discovery ever made by man."
Respectfully submitted, LYNNFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE Burton W. Barrows, Chairman Orodon S. Hobbs John S. Caldwell
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 51
Lynnfield Boy Scouts Enjoying a Program of Character Building.
33
Report of SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
The School Building Committee for the Elemen- tary School in Precinct II has rendered progress re- ports to the Town on two occasions, the latest dated June 6, 1949. This report will confine itself to ac- tivities since that time.
Detailed plans and specifications for the school were completed by the architects early in July. They were available to bidders on July 15. Bids were re- ceived until August 16, on which date the bids were opened at the Town Hall. In all, fourteen general contractors filed bids.
On August 22, the Committee voted to award the contract to the low bidder, Walter L. Ritchie of Malden. The contract sum, including alternates and changes, was $301,000. The Committee held ground breaking ceremonies on September 10, although work had started on August 31.
The building will be of first-class construction. It will contain ten classrooms, administrative offices, a combination cafeteria-gymnasium with a small
stage. The schedule calls for completion of the struc- ture by July 15, 1950.
The Massachusetts School Building Assistance Commission has notified the Committee that the Town will receive State Aid approximating 28% of the total approved cost of the school. In computing the ap- proved figure, all expenses are included excepting costs of land acquisition, costs of landscaping, and costs of movable equipment. State Aid is payable over a twenty year period. The first payment is promised in time to meet the initial bond retirement payment in 1950.
In the conduct of its business this Committee held thirty-three regular meetings in the year 1949.
Respectfully submitted, School Building Committee, Walter H. Kuestenmacher, Secretary.
Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1949
Burton Barrows
Term Expires 1950
Orodon Hobbs
Term Expires 1951
John Caldwell
Term Expires 1952
Monthly meetings of the School Committee are held at the Center School Building on the third Monday evening
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
John D. Whittier, Wenham, Massachusetts
Residence Telephone -- Hamilton 174-W
Office Telephone -- Topsfield 171
To the School Committee:
I herewith submit my twenty-seventh annual re- port.
In 1928, my sixth annual report dealt with the administration, organization, school costs, and re- imbursements pertaining to our schools. Frequent inquiries on these items prompts me to give much the same information for 1949. That comparisons may be made over this twenty-two year period, fig- ures for 1928 are given in parenthesis.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE LYNNFIELD SCHOOLS.
How many children of school age, i.e., between 5 and 16 years of age?
803 according to census of 1949. (297-1928)
How many Lynnfield pupils enrolled in public and other schools, December 21, 1949?
34
Grades 1-8 Center School South School Total
1
68
24
92
2
59
34
93
3
38
13
51
4
54
22
76
5
54
15
69
6
34
17
51
7
52
52
8
36
36
Total
520
At Lynnfield
520
(244-1928)
At Lynnfield home
1
(0-1928)
At Lynn
1
(0-1928)
At Wakefield
3
(0-1928)
At Parochial-out of town
35
(0-1928)
Total Grades
560
Grades 9-12
At Wakefield High School
166
(75-1928)
At Beverly Trade School
1
(0-1928)
At Essex Co. Agri. School
3
(0-1928)
At Essex Co. Homemaking School
1
(0-1928)
At Parochial High School
4
(0-1928)
Total High
175
Grand Total
735
(319-1928)
What children does the law compel to attend school?
Those between 7 and 16 years of age. Children 14 years of age and over may under certain cir- cumstances be excused from attending school.
ORGANIZATION
What is the present organization of the schools ?
Under the 6-2-4 plan.
Six years in the elementary schools, two years in the junior high school, and tuition and trans- portation is paid for a four year high school course in Wakefield. By vote of the School Committee an extra year's tuition is paid if circumstances war- rant the expenditure.
What is considered the most up-to-date organization of the grades ?
There is a wide difference of opinion as to whether it should be 6-3-3 or 6-2-4 as now or- ganized. The 6-2-4 plan is best for Lynnfield at the present time due to the fact that our high school pupils attend Wakefield High School which is a four year high school.
What grades are maintained at the two schools?
At the South grades 1-6 inclusive.
At the Center grades 1-8 inclusive.
Due to the overcrowded conditions at the Center School, your School Committee has voted to pro- vide for attendance of all seventh and eighth grade pupils of the town at the New South School when ready for occupancy.
Are hot lunches available for pupils ?
Yes, pupils pay $1.00 weekly for a lunch con- sisting of a hot dish, sandwiches, milk, dessert.
About 60 per cent of the pupils purchase a hot lunch. Some earn their lunches. Free lunches are provided as necessity demands.
Are summer playgrounds maintained at town expense?
Yes, at the Center and South with three in- structors at each playground in 1950.
Are precautions taken for the safety of the pupils ?
Yes, safety patrols are in operation at both schools and on the several school buses.
Are there Parent-Teacher Associations?
Yes, at both schools. Both Associations are well organized and plan programs which no parent should miss. These Associations are an asset to the schools.
Are pupils as a group taken on educational tours by teachers in school time?
Yes, and we anticipate extending this education- al service.
SCHOOL COSTS
Who determines the amount of money to be expended for the support of education?
The Superintendent of School and School Com- mittee prepare a school budget which is submitted to the Town Finance Committee for its considera- tion and recommendation to the voters at the annual town meeting.
What appropriations were made for the support of schools in 1949?
At annual town meeting:
1. Article 30
$117,743.27
2. Article 32
1,490.00
3. Article 33 (Lunch) 2,500.00
4. Article 33 (Transfer) (Lunch) 4,945.30
At special town meeting:
Substitutes
750.00
High School Tuition
1,500.00
Transfer (Lunch) May 9 November 14
4,956.00
Total for schools
121,183.27
Total for lunch - Appropriation 2,500.00
Transfer 11,276.30
The following relates to information available for the school year 1948-1949 as published by the State De- partment of Education Part II Annual Report 1948- 1949.
What was the valuation (1948) per pupil net average membership for year ending June 30, 1948 for Lynn- field and State?
Lynnfield $10,765
(10,587-1928)
State $12,019 (10,245-1928)
What was expended from all sources (local taxation and state reimbursement) per pupil in net average membership for all public day schools, year ending December 31, 1948?
Lynnfield $270.46
State $192.88
35
1,375.00
Report of SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
For what are state reimbursements given to Lynn- field?
A. " To promote the equalization of education op- portunity in public schools of the Commonwealth and the equalization of the burden of the cost of schools to the respective towns."
The above is quoted from the Chapter 70 as amended 1948, Chapter 643. Under this item Lynnfield will receive $13,122. 74 as against $2824 received in 1948 before the Chapter was amended.
B. To reimburse to cities and towns for cer- tain expenses incurred for the transportation of pupils.
Above is quoted from Chapter 679 Acts of 1947. Under this item Lynnfield will receive $9,005.46 as against $5837.87 received in 1948.
C. Reimbursement for expenditures in pro- viding Vocational Education. Under this heading Lynnfield received $152.31 as against $300.07 in 1948.
The total reimbursement for Lynnfield was $13,618.64 greater in 1949 than in 1948.
What was net cost for providing educational advan- tages to Lynnfield pupils ?
The net cost was $99,055.07, exclusive of any expense for the hot lunch program.
What is the tuition rate at Wakefield High School?
It is $253.53.
By whom and how is this rate established?
The State Department of Education establishes the rate from the annual report submitted by the Wakefield School Committee to the State Dept. of Education. The rate established by the State Dept. for the present year is $228.53. The difference of $25.00 is added to the established rate making the total tuition charge per pupil $253.53.
Is it customary to make an additional charge of $25.00 above the established rate?
No. Charges made generally range from $5 to $10 per pupil.
What will the additional charge cost Lynnfield in 1950?
Approximately $4300.00.
What do the pupils receive for the above expendi- tures?
Approximately 180 days schooling.
Transportation to and from school.
Suitable housing in ten classrooms. Unsatis- factory housing in seven classrooms. (Completion of new South School will relieve the unsatisfactory condition for a short period of time).
Medical inspection and health supervision. Eye and Ear examinations.
Clinic service as necessary. Immunization against diphtheria. Free textbooks and supplies. Instruction in all state required subjects. Instruction through Visual education.
Instruction in Music, Art, Conservation and Nature Lore, Physical Training, coaching in Ath- letics, Sewing, Manual Training.
Opportunity for training at summer playground. Supervision by safety patrols.
Four years at high school, trade school, agri- cultural school or home making school.
Instruction, supervision and guidance by a trained, experienced and understanding corps of teachers.
In addition, a hot lunch for those who can pay and a free lunch for those who cannot.
The above provision for the education of our youth tends to keep practically every pupil in school to complete the eighth grade. An excep- tionally small number who complete the eighth grade fail to complete high school. The number of pupils who continue beyond high school or its equivalent is doubtless larger than generally found in towns with a population the size of Lynnfield.
APPRECIATION
As stated previously in this report, there are active Parent-Teacher Associations in the town.
We are indebted to them for assistance in provid- ing scholarships to pupils furthering their education beyond high school, playground equipment, refresh- ments for playground field day, books for the school libraries, a 16 millimeter film strip machine, trans- portation of pupils on educational tours and to games, a dinner for football squad and guests, and doubtless many other gifts.
Teachers and pupils appreciate this assistance which aids in providing a well rounded education for the pupils.
FACULTY
Fortunately there have been but two changes and one addition to the teaching force during the year.
Due to failing health, Mrs. Ona K. Ridley resigned the principalship at the Center School as of April 30th. Mrs. Ridley had been connected with the Lynnfield schools since September, 1921, first serving as prin- cipal at the South School, then as a teacher of English in the Junior High and later as principal at the Center School.
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