USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > Town of Lynnfield, Essex County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, annual report 1961-1970 > Part 79
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Since September a number of in-service credit workshops have been offered to the teachers on the following subject areas: Earth Science, Understanding the Child In School, Audio Visual, First Grade Mathematics Workshop, and a Workshop in Planning School Media Center Activities. It is interesting to note that three of the courses are being taught by our own teachers; Mrs. Ethel Nygren, 6th grade teacher at the Huckleberry Hill School; Mr. Joseph Curran, Junior High School science teacher and Mr. Robert Cox, Visual Aids Coordinator. To date, these workshops have proved to be most worthwhile and strong support, directly and indirectly, has been given to various phases of the curriculum.
During the summer months over twenty teachers and administrators worked a varied number of weeks on cur- riculum improvements. The following areas made up the summer workshops: Elementary Mathematics, Elemen- tary Art, Junior High School Reading, Science and Indus- trial Arts, High School Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Biology, Language and Data Processing, and
Audio Visual Aids for all of the above workshops. It is with great pride that we point to these workshops through- out the school year as the curriculum strengthens because of these devoted teachers to a task "well done" .
Following this report you will read about some of the special areas within our ever expanding curriculum. It is my sincere hope that not only will Lynnfield's curriculum continue to offer the very best in education today to your youngsters, but that we in the educational profession will strive to make this world in which we all live a much better place to educate future generations of young people.
DRIVER EDUCATION
Roy E. Harbour, Coordinator
As predicted in previous reports, it was necessary to work a full time road work program during this last sum- mer. Mr. Huntress was able to take care of our overload thus making it possible to open in September with a mini- mum number of students left without road work.
It appears that we will be registering 225-250 students each school year for some time. Mrs. Ganley can take care of 130-160 during her work hours thus making it necessary to assist her with part time help and a summer road work program.
Dodgetown Family Motors provided us with a car as they have for several years past. They will again provide us with a new car for the first part of this year. We expect to use a dealer on the North Shore for the second part of our program this year. Reason for changing is the proxi- minity of service for the car will be more reasonable by using a North Shore dealer.
The spring term of our present program is now under- way. Plans are being developed for the classroom phase at this time.
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ATHLETICS
Allan R. Perry, Coordinator
There were few changes in the athletic program for 1968. No new sports were introduced, although a junior varsity team was added to the soccer program. Mr. Peter Oakes was named junior varsity soccer coach. The only other coaching changes resulted from the resignations of Mr. Robert Macleod as junior varsity baseball coach and Mr. Daniel Hall as varsity hockey coach. Mr. Harry Jameson, formerly freshman baseball coach was appointed junior varsity baseball coach and Mr. Arthur McManus was made freshman baseball coach. Mr. William Tryder, a student at Salem State College, was named to succeed Mr. Hall.
Because there are no facilities at the High School for baseball, track, tennis or softball, all spring teams must practice at the Junior High. This leads to the overcrowding of the Junior High facilities. In the fall the football and soccer teams practice at theHigh School, butthe fields will require considerable upgrading to serve us in thhe fture. There is no field at the High School which could be used for field hockey, so the team practices at the Junior High.
The number of boys and girls participating in the var- ious sports did not change appreciably in 1968 since most teams have reached a saturation point, which is dictated by the facilities and/or number of coaches available. Between one third and one fourth of the student body at the High School participates in at least one sport.
In 1968 many of the teams lost more games than they won. The only teams to really distinguish themselves were the hockey team, which lost in the quarter finals of the Eastern Massachusetts Hockey Tournament; the girls' bas- ketball team which won eight and lost only one; the golf team which lost in the first round of the State Golf Tourna- ment; and the soccer team which lost in the semi-final round of the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Tournament; and the freshman football team which was undefeated through nine games.
The winning teams and their records are: golf (12-1), girls' basketball (8-1), Varsity hockey ( 13-4), Junior var- sity basketball (9-8), spring track (4-3), junior varsity baseball (10-3), frosh baseball (6-4), frosh football (9-0), junior varsity football (5-2), junior varsity soccer (3-2).
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL READING
Mrs. Frances H. Carpenter. Elementary Reading Consultant
Reading is probably the most important academic skill we learn. In Lynnfield schools it takes top priority. Every effort is made from first grade on to assure success for every child. Individual needs are considered as closely as possi- ble and, through grouping and carefully selected materials, these needs are met. Economy oftime and effort is achieved through techniques such as partner and small group work which allows all pupils to respond often. Programs which offer a great variety of approaches to the teaching of skills keep interest high. Great effort is made to prevent serious reading difficulties by careful diagnosis and corrective teaching in the early primary grades.
A developmental reading course for eighth grade stu- dents was begun this year with an additional teacher added to the staff. Reading at this level is closely integrated with reading needs in all the subject areas so that skills are di- rectly applied. A summer workshop for planning this pro- gram proved very valuable in allowing the careful prepar- ations required. Lynnfield is also able to continue to take advantage of a Title I Elementary and Secondary Educa- tion Act grant which is used for instruction in remedial and developmental reading in grade seven.
Summer school classes in reading were held again with 60 children taking part at the elementary level and 35 pupils at the junior high level. Pupils who have reading weaknesses were encouraged to attend. This often gives the help needed to consolidate skills and prevent a loss during the long vacation period. The summer program stresses reading for enjoyment in small groups in a relaxed situa- tion.
The Public Library staff works in close cooperation with teachers and school librarians in offering special courses in library orientation and skills and give services to both teachers and pupils which are mutually helpful. They offer a very stimulating summer program which encourages large numbers of children to enjoy reading. Continuing plans are carried on through the Library Laison Committee which is made up of library and school personnel.
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AUDIO VISUAL EDUCATION
Robert A. Cox, Coordinator
This past year the Audio Visual Department continued to provide service to the Lynnfield teaching staff, supplying them with films, filmstrips, records, recording tapes and a graphic arts production center.
This summer, as a workshop activity, we met with the other groups and from these meetings came the production of visuals specifically geared to the needs and desires of these groups. Among the types of materials produced were photocopies, transparencies and 8mm films.
The ability to photocopy was introduced for the first time. This now gives us the capability of copying pictures as small as a dime into colored projection slides.
During the past spring, time was spent in planning for the equipment to be used in the two Instructional Marerials Centers at Summer Street and Huckleberry Hill Schools. Federal projects were prepared for partial reimbursement, filed and approved. By early summer all equipment had been ordered for delivery in mid-December. Áll audio vis- ual equipment and materials will be on hand, ready for im- mediate use, when the two additions are completed and oc- cupied.
Our long range plan to provide modified Instructional Materials Centers in each school will have reached the point of two-thirds completion when the additions at Sum- mer Street and Huckleberry Hill Schools are finished. A very small center was established at the Junior High School this fall as a part of the library.
MUSIC
Michael E. Cooney, Jr., Director
The year of 1968 has been a significant one for the Music Department. Not only in the field of educational en- deavour butfor many varied reasons( notthe least of which was Lynnfield's first International Cultural Exchange), the past year has proved a fruitful one in the area of music.
At the junior high level new interest has been sparked by the implementation of a basic humanities program (music and art orientated ) in place of the regularly scheduled gen- eral music in the seventh grade. The material for this course has been built around the audio-visual resources in
the "Music 100 Series" published by the American Book Company. Through the initiation of this course at this par- ticular level we have provided that every twelve year stu- dent of the school system is assured of at least one year of the humanities approach to cultural exposure. It is hoped that this can be expanded to a two or three year course on an elective basis in the near future.
The Junior High performing organizations have also grown, both in size and in musical stature. The band, un- der the baton of Mr. Edward D'Amico, now numbers 85 players, and the chorus 152 voices under the direction of Mrs. Gloria Maifeld. New groups at this level include Junior High Brass Choir and the wood-wind group, both of which have performed in concert during the year. The entire Junior High Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble par- ticipated in an exchange concert with Rochester, New Ham- pshire in June, with a concert in each town.
The Junior High also undertook a monumental musical project in the production of its first full scale musical. " Rough 'n' Ready", by Leyden and Benjamin, consisting of 12 scenes in Two Acts, provided a great challenge not only musically and dramatically, but also in the varied arts of set building, costume and make-up. Altogether this production provided a never-to-be-forgotten experience for the students.
The elementary grades 2-6 are now completely provided with the American Book Company's "Music for Young America". This makes it possible for the first time to orient the elementary grades music curriculum around a single book series. The Elementary Band, now under the direc- tion of Mr. H. Robert Ayasse, has continued its growth through the years to such proportions that it is now neces- sary to have two groups, one, a Beginners Band, from which training the student qualifies for the Elementary Band.
The High School Band and Chorus was greatly honored to take part, this last year, in what must have been Lynn- field's first International Group Cultural Exchange. In April the Band and Orchestra of Wager High School of Cote St. Luc, Montreal, Quebec, visited the U. S. A. for a concert at Lynnfield along with a day in school, a trip to Boston to see the musical "Charlie Brown", and many var- ied historical tours. In May the visit was returned when the Lynnfield students (123 in all) toured to Canada for a three day visit into which was scheduled a full day with three concerts at the Canadian Exposition " Man and His Lynnfield students boarded buses for the ride back to the "States", a gratifying experience and the fulfillment of a wish of many band members whose older brothers and sisters performed with the Lynnfield High School Band at the New York World's Fair in 1965. This last year also saw the reinstitution of the evening Christmas Concert, open to the public, after a lapse of some five years.
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Ten years ago a group of parents met after a concert and formed the Lynnfield Band Boosters Association. In the ensuing years they have provided immeasurable assis- tance to the High School Band and were in no small way responsible for the appearance of the Band at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, New York World's Fair, and the Canadian Exposition. This year, their tenth anniversary, the organization has rededicated itself to the advancement of music but with a much broader scope, in that they will now support all of the musical organiza- tions, instrumental and vocal, at any level. In order to properly label this worthy endeavor, the name of the or- ganization has been changed from Band Boosters to the Lynnfield Pro-Musica Association.
A new faculty member has been added to the department this year in the person of Mr. Carl Lerario. Mr. Lerario, a native of Peekskill, New York, comes to us from Boston University where he is currently pursuing a Master's de- gree in Music Education.
Lynnfield was well represented in District, All State, and New England musical events, with students chosen for each of these groups. A total of thirty-four red and blue ribbons was awarded to our students at the New England Solo and Ensemble Festival for individual and group performance. Seven students were chosen to play in the 1968 season of the Greater Boston Youth Symphony's Junior and Senior Orchestras.
SPEECH THERAPY
Mrs. Susan M. Wallace, Speech Therapist
At the present time there are 101 students enrolled in Speech Therapy classes: 66 males and 35 females. Of the 101 children, 81 are seen twice a week for an half hour each time; 20 children are seen once a week for an half hour. Two-thirds of the children enrolled are in the first three pri- mary grades. The majority of problems fall into the cate- gory of articulatory defects.
The number of children, sex ratios, grade distribution and types of problems coincide with the nationwide aver- ages as published by the American Speech and Hearing Association.
The Kiwanis Pre-School Diagnostic Speech Clinic was well received again this year by the adjoining communities of Lynnfield and Wakefield. A total of 436 preschoolers have been tested during the two year history of the clinic; 242 of these children were found to have speech disorders ranging in degree from mild to severe. A total of 237 hear- ing evaluations were given with 52 problems discovered.
In an analysis of last year's pre-school clinic and this year's firstgrade enrollment it is apparent that the commun- ity of Lynnfield has already reaped some of the benefits of this program. 41% of the children who had been tested last year who entered first grade this year showed improvement: 45% of this same group of children had no problem, leaving only 14% showing no improvement. Although some of the improvement shown was due to maturational factors, much of it can be attributed to increased awareness of speech han- dicaps and how to deal with them on the part of the fami- lies involved.
Oil Painting, one of courses offered in the Adult Education program
SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM
Mrs. Priscilla Burnham, R.N. Coordinator
Lynnfield's School Health Program is under the direction of the school physician, Dr. Charles A. Worthen. The school health staff now numbers three full-time nurses and one part-time nurse. This provides good health service coverage to each level of the student body with one nurse serving at the senior high, one at the junior high, and one covering the four elementary schools. The part-time nurse provides services one day a week assisting the other nurses wherever she is needed. The elementary school nurse also serves as a coordinator for school health programs. With the opening of the new wings at Summer Street and Huckle- berry Hill schools, it is anticipated that the services of the part-time nurse will need to be increased.
The main objective of a school health program is ap- praising each pupil's health and identifying his needs as they relate to his education. This is accomplished through the various screening programs such as vision and hear- ing tests, checking physical growth, physical examinations and doing skin tests for possible tuberculosis reactors. During these programs defects are discovered and made known to parents so that correction and treatment may be
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obtained. It is interesting to note that Lynnfield falls within the same average percentage of failures as other communi- ties within the state. For example, about 3% of the students will fail the hearing test and approximately 8%will fail the vision test. Of these failures, over 70%have received treat- ment this past year.
During this past school year one second grade student with a vision handicap was helped through the use of a magnifying machine, purchased by the School Department several years ago, and large-type textbooks provided by the State Department of Special Education. In September, a Maico auditory trainer or desk hearing-aid was purchased for use by a first grader who has a severe hearing loss. This youngster's eyes now light up as she is able to hear what goes on about her.
School health services are associated with other school programs in the nature of continuing health evaluation. Physical examinations are given by Dr. Worthen to each student participating in a sports program in addition to the regular physical examinations given in grades 1 - 4 - 7 and 10. Each pupil in the fifth grade is given a health check by the school nurse before he boards the bus for the Otter Lake Conservation School in New Hampshire.
l'he school nurses spend many hours each school year acting as resource persons to the classroom teachers. They are often called upon to spend time in the classroom pre- senting material which reinforces the unit being studied. The elementary school nurse teaches a unit in personal hy- giene to all sixth grade girls. Inconjunction with guidance, the nurse at the senior high school has been instrumental in sponsoring field trips to Lynn Hospital for a group of high school girls interested in the nursing field. This fall the Director of Nurses and a senior student from Lynn Hospital came to Lynnfield High to speak to this group. In February, directors of the Nursing Programs at Northeast- ern University will bring information on their programs to our students.
The efficiency of any department within a shcool system depends, in part, upon the availability of needed equipment. The vision testing program was greatly expedited this fall with the addition of another Titmus Vision Tester. This was a gift from the Lynnfield Lion's Club and is the third tester this organization has donated to the school system. Since school opened in September, all 2800 of Lynnfield's students have had their eyes tested, a record this early in the school year which can be attributed t adequate equip- ment.
The school nurses would like to express their thanks to Mrs. Jean Taylor, R.N., Lynnfield's Public Health Nurse, for her assistance in the tuberculosis testing program, and to Mrs. Jeanette Wing, R.N. and Mrs. Marilyn Bommer, R.N., for the volunteer service they have given to the ele- mentary schools.
ANALYSIS OF SCHOOL OPERATIONAL COSTS
Instruction 76.3%
Operation and Maintenance of Plant 12.0%
Other School Services 6.4%
Administration 3.4%
All Other Expenses 1.8%
EXPLANATION
Instruction
Salaries of teachers, principals, specialists, coaches, sub- stitute teachers, and office personnel, as well as text- books, supplies, testing and various instructional mate- ials.
Operation and Maintenance of Plant
Custodial salaries and supplies, fuel, light and power, gas, telephones, and the maintenance and reconditioning of equipment.
Other School Services
Transportation costs, athletics, and salaries of the school doctor, nurses, athletic coordinator, and bus drivers. Administration
The business and educational administration of the schools, including central office expenses and salaries.
All Other Expenses
Capital outlay and tuition costs.
NET COST OF SCHOOLS
Appropriations at Town Meeting
$1,934,452.00
Transfer from Public Law 874 58,311.00
Transfer from Public Law 864
5,701.00
- Titles III and V
Total Available Funds $1,998,464.00
Less - Unexpended Balance
25,063.00
December 31, 1968
Total Expenditures $1,973,401.00
Credits:
Chapter 70 - School Aid
$210,129.50
Chapters 69 and 71 Special Education 17,056.80
Summer Recreation
113.74
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Transportation 48,169.74
Driver Education 4,980.00
School Rental Fees 2,681.31
Summer School Tuition
5,664.00
Miscellaneous
1,455.39
Total Credits
$290,250.48
Net Cost
$1,683,150.52
School Building Reimbursement during 1968:
South School $7,262.26
Junior High 19,570.09
Summer Street 11,340.48
Junior High Addition
26,801.43
Huckleberry Hill
15,252.29
Senior High 59,839.80
Elementary School Additions 85,000.00
Total $225,066.35
Grand Total Reimbursements
School Operations
School Buildings
$290,250.48 225,066.35
Total
$515,316.83
Federal Grants:
National Defense Education Act
Title III - Public Law 85-864 $2,537.00
Title V - Public Law 85-864
666.00
Other
Title I - Public Law 874 22,754.00
Title I - Elementary and Secondary Education Act 7,072.00
Public Law 88-210 - Vocational 979.00
Total Federal Funds Received
$34,008.33
Title II - Elementary and Secondary Education Act
for improvement of library and audio visual resources $4,188.80
( Invoices covering purchases are paid directly by the Bureau of Library Extension )
State Funds
Chapter 506 Acts of 1966 ( METCO Program)
Approval has been received of a grant for $23,200 covering tuition and transportation for 15 junior high school students.
Receipts to December 31, 1968 40% of $23,200 $9,280.00
Payments to December 31, 1968 - Transportation 4,740.00
Balance December 31, 1968 $4,540.00
WIRE INSPECTOR & FIRE ALARM SUPERVISOR
During 1968 a total of 263 wiring permits were issued which involved approximately 500 inspections. As some of these inspections did not comply with the Mass. Elec- trical Code Standards, it meant re-inspecting in some cases. Several inspections were made on homes which had been damaged by fire thus necessitating wire re- placement.
This past year 260 fire alarm boxes were checked and tested. This was the equivalent of 5 boxes per week, and adjustments and repairs were taken care of. Numerous crossarms required replacement due to rotting; this is normal maintenance procedure.
We were fortunate in that we had no current outage until the end of the year caused by a severe ice storm. This storm caused a falling tree branch to break a fire alarm circuit on Pillings Pond Road near Bourque Road. Due to rain, snow, and freeze conditions the line could not be replaced immediately but this was accomplished the following morning. Your inspector stood by during the night at Fire Alarm Headquarters making provisions to actuate the audible signal in the event a box was pulled on this loop; this insured protection to this section of town.
New crossarms have been replaced also on Main Street in order to add an additional circuit. This work will be completed this year.
JAMES U. THOMPSON Inspector of Wires
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LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
Dr. Robert Card Library Trustee
Our first full year in new and expanded facilities has proven to be both challenging and satisfying from many different points of view. Our particular aim this year was to make the Lynnfield Public Library a vital and exciting civic center of knowledge and information, serving every age group and every special-interest group in the community. We Trustees feel that the enthusiastic leader- ship of our professional staff has achieved great progress toward that goal, and the response from library users would seem to verify it.
The enlarged building, and the increased number of hours open, have enabled many more persons to spend more time, whether it be browsing or serious reading and studying, within the several attractive areas of the library. The increased number and quality of the services now offered have enhanced its usefulness.
A record collection has been started, completely fin- anced by gifts. Our present collection of 425 records had a circulation of approximately 4500 during 1968, and has been greatly appreciated by the townspeople. With the aid and cooperation of the Lynnfield Historical Society, we have begun a depository of Lynnfield historical materials which will be available to library users. The Spotlighters have deposited their collection of over 350 play books, and have generously agreed that they cir- culate. The Art Guild continues to enhance the beauty of the Library with their monthly exhibits.
The Lecture Series was particularly successful in 1968, with author John Updike and local artist Philip Perkins speaking before large gatherings. Family Film Nights were begun once a month and show increasing popularity . The Golden Age Club has been entertained with movies and luncheon at the library, and a door-to-door service of book deliveries for these senior citizens has begun.
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