USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1940-1949 > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
Welfare
2,903.10
Old Age Assistance
27,693.07
Aid to Dependent Children
1,217.70
Soldiers' Relief
699.00
State Aid
120.00
Old Age Assistance Administration
239.19
Aid to Dependent Children-Administration
19.48
School - 371/2% = $50,783.28
School Department - Town & County Funds
40,982.10
Vocational Training
251.18
School and District Nurse
1,400.00
Transportation of Nurse
300.00
Dental Clinic
700.00
School Physician
150.00
Bond-Old School
2,000.00
Bond-New School
5,000.00
State and County Taxes - 81/2% = $11,297.86
State Tax
5,957.75
County Tax
3,990.11
County Hospital
1,350.00
All Others - 21/2% = $3,454.18
W.P.A. Expense
21.25
Memorial Day
237.38
Town Dump
96.50
Care of Veterans' Graves
251.75
Washington Street Cemetery
144.92
Town Reports
257.50
Libraries (two)
499.41
Interest
1,636.09
Unpaid Bills (Prev. Year)
309.38
Total - 100%
$135,591.32
Respectfully submitted RALPH H. COLEMAN, Chairman A. LESTER SCOTT JAMES A. LIDDELL
Board of Assessors
80
NINETY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
NORWELL SCHOOL DIRECTORY
School Committee
JAMES P. HALL, Chairman
MRS. NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary
HORACE D. GAUDETTE
Tel. Hanover 136 Tel. Norwell 76 Tel. Rockland 443-J
Superintendent of Schools THOMAS E. RUSH Office, Salmond School, Hanover, Mass. Tel. 172 Residence, Broadway, South Hanover, Tel. 97
Supervisors ESTHER SEAVERNS, Music H. RODMAN BOOTH, Art
School Physician RAYMOND G. VINAL, M. D. (on leave) J. D. R. WOODWORTH, M. D. (acting)
School Nurse CATHERINE A. ROE, R. N.
School Dentist WILLIS B. PARSONS, D. M. D. Janitors
RICHARD WHITING
Ridge Hill School
BENJAMIN LAWRENCE
Center Primary School High School
FRANK LIND
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULATIONS
Children who become five years of age on March first may enter school the following September.
No child under seven years of age will be admitted to school for the first time after October first of any year.
A child entering school for the first time is required to present to the teacher a birth certificate and vaccination or exemption from vaccination certificate. Exemption must be renewed every six months.
SIGNALS FOR NO SESSIONS OF SCHOOL
Signal is 2-2-2
The "No School" announcement will be broadcast over WNAC and WEEI between 7 a. m. and 8 a. m.
SCHOOL CALENDER
January 4, 1943
School opens
February 19, 1943
School closes
March 1, 1943
School opens
April 16, 1943
School closes
April 26, 1943
School opens
May 31, 1943 No school
Week of June 21, 1943
School closes
SUMMER VACATION
September 8, 1943
School opens
October 12, 1943 No school
November 11, 1943 No school
November 25 and 26, 1943
No school
81
TOWN OF NORWELL
December 22, 1943
School closes
January 3, 1944
School opens
February 18, 1944
School closes
February 28, 1944
School opens
April 14, 1944
School closes
April 24, 1944
School opens
May 30, 1944
No school
Week of June 21, 1944
School closes
Above calendar is subject to change on occurrence of unforeseen cir- cumstances.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
During the past year, we were faced with unusual problems in the management of the schools, which called for the expenditure of money in excess of the budget. In drilling the well at the Ridge Hill School, $1,317.25 was actually spent against $850 we had allowed in the budget. To insure the school buildings against damage in event of an enemy invasion, War Insurance was taken out at a cost of $166.50. Early in the Spring, govern- ment agencies advised the purchase of coal ahead, to guarantee the heating of the buildings. Center Primary was the only building using coal at the time, for which we purchased a supply sufficient for this year and a portion of 1943 at a cost of $270. Thus a total of a little over $900 was spent in excess of the appropriation. We deeply appreciate the cooperation and understanding accorded us by the Finance Board in handling this situation.
War with its consequent shortage of fuel entered school affairs again just before the close of the year, when the school committee received orders from the O. P. A. to convert oil burning units to coal burning. Although expensive, this was comparitively easy to do at the High School, as there was available partial space for coal bins under the building. A stoker was purchased which we expect will be in operation by the time this report reaches the public. At Ridge Hill, however the conversion to coal was quite another matter. No space was available for even hand firing after the installation of grates, therefore it would be necessary to build a cellar large enough to accommodate bins and a stoker. Because of this and the small enrollment, the Committee decided to temporarily close the Ridge Hill Primary. All pupils are transported to the other two buildings, the first and second grades to Norwell Centre where there is ample room and fuel and the third grade to the High School building where it was united with the third grade transported from Norwell Centre. While this arrangement is not perfect it seems the best solution to the problem. When conditions war- rant Ridge Hill Primary will be reopened.
Transportation of pupils is another problem. Government agencies urge cuts in mileage and fewer stops to conserve rubber and gas and your Committee is giving this matter its utmost consideration. Believing rural communities call for special handling, we are endeavoring to provide for the safety of our pupils and at the same time conserve materials necessary to the war effort. Parents are urged to further cooperate in the matter by having pupils ready on time and at the places designated for the bus to stop.
Although we have had the usual loss of teachers, we are pleased to report that our present staff is probably the strongest we have had in many years. This was made possible by a slight increase in the salary of those we were able to retain together with very careful selection of the new teachers.
Looking toward the future and the better preparation of our boys to meet their responsibilities as joint home makers, it is proposed to add a course in the selection, proper care and use of tools used in the maintenance and simple repair of the home.
82
NINETY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
An opportunity to share with Hanover the services of a teacher for this course has come to us and we feel it will be money well spent.
The physical condition of our pupils is good, which we attribute in part to the excellent work of our health unit, Dr. Vinal, Dr. Parsons and Miss Roe. Leave of absence has been granted to Dr. Vinal, who is serving in the Air Corps, and Dr. J. W. D. Woodworth is carrying on in his absence. You are reminded that it is necessary for a pupil to have a physicians certificate to reenter school following a contagious disease.
We wish to acknowledge the efficient manner in which the Superinten- dent, Teachers, Supervisors and Janitors have performed their duties the past year.
In closing may we express our appreciation of your interest and co- operation. Only with your continued cooperation can we maintain good schools.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES P. HALL, Chairman HORACE D. GAUDETTE NELLIE L. SPARRELL, Secretary
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCES 1942
Total Appropriation
$39,558.88
Dog Tax
506.03
Exceeded Appropriation by
917.20
Total Expenditure
$40,982.11
REIMBURSEMENTS
Part I Mass. School Fund
$2,792.00
Part II Mass. School Fund
4,175.00
Superintendency Union
649.30
High School Grant
500.00
Child Guardianship
683.05
Dog Tax
506.03
9,305.38
Net Cost to Town
$31,676.73
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee
Town of Norwell
It seems likely that experiences during the present war emergency have focused more attention on the public schools than they have ever had before. It seems likely too that more recognition will be given to the basic importance and the needs of these schools as this war progresses and after it is over.
Already the Federal Government has called upon schools for much training for participation in the war effort-through industry, commerce, agriculture, civic activities, as well as preparation for induction. Probably at no time in the past has the Government asked all schools directly for so much. In meeting these requests the schools are showing their abilities to adjust quickly, their alertness to conditions, and their willingness to serve.
Our schools have engaged in drives to collect and conserve paper, rubber, and metals. They have developed and are operating programs for the weekly purchases of war savings stamps. Reports on purchases are sent monthly to the United States Treasury. In response to a request from the Treasury, pupils are being encouraged to empty banks of small coins and
83
TOWN OF NORWELL
to use these coins for buying more savings stamps. Recently the various activities of each school have been grouped and the school registered in the Schools-at-War Program. This program brings under one broad plan the activities formerly carried on independently and spasmodically. It keeps before pupils the slogan "Save, Serve, Conserve."
At the high school, pupils have been trained in first aid, for courier service, for manning observation posts, and so on. These pupils continue to serve faithfully in whatever capacity they are needed. The Victory Corps recently established enables pupils to study and to be identified with one or more of five branches of service-land, sea, air, production, and civic.
Revision of the high school program was made last spring and put into effect at the opening of school in September. This revision made available to pupils more training in mathematics, science, social studies, and aviation. Further insistence by the Government has brought additional revision to provide more physical education. Changes during this school year have been relatively slight due to the revision last spring which anticipated new demands made on our high schools.
The calling into military service of teen-age boys and the need for healthy, well-trained young men and women in all phases of this emergency make it all the more clear that there now exists, as there has for sometime, a great need for modification of the high school program. As pointed out in previous reports of the Superintendent and High School Principal, the pro- gram should include physical education for all pupils, shop work for many, and more training of a non-college preparatory type-training looking toward trade school or apprenticeship, commercial work, production fields, agriculture, homemaking, etc. Only a small percent of our pupils ever go to college. The college preparatory curriculum should remain in the high school; but it shouldn't overshadow, minimize, or crowd out the other cur- ricula which are meant to serve the majority of pupils.
Efforts to improve instruction and the tools of instruction have con- tinued. Revised and improved books for the teaching of reading have been placed in grades two and three; spelling workbooks have been placed in grades one through eight; the Rinehart Functional Handwriting has been adopted, and Mr. W. L. Rinehart has been elected Director of Handwriting in all schools. Through Functional Handwriting renewed emphasis is being placed upon diagnosis, corrective procedures, high standards, development of proper speed in handwriting at each grade level, and the importance of good handwriting at all times and in all subjects.
New report cards have been developed and have been in use for more than a year. This has been done to improve the marking system, make more complete and more easily understood reports to parents, and to emphasize the need for attention to the development of personal habits, work habits, and social habits. The development of character and good citizenship is of primary importance.
Letters used to indicate the progress of a child in each subject are A, S, and F. A indicates the child has done excellent work for a given period in the subject opposite which the A appears; similarly S indicates acceptable work and F indicates failure to meet the requirements of the grade. Plus and minus signs are not used with letters.
At times a child may be doing work which the teacher regards as highly acceptable yet not excellent, or he may be doing work which is barely acceptable and yet not actually failing. It is expected that teachers will give recognition to these facts and inform parents through use of the space pro- vided on the cards under "Remarks."
The space under "Remarks" is provided to permit the teacher to make the report as personal and as revealing as possible in order that parents may be kept informed as to their own children's progress in school subjects, in
84
NINETY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
development of personality, and in the acquiring and improving of important habits. For the parents of some children, the information contained in the teacher's comments under "Remarks" is more important than any other the card may give. If no comments are made by the teacher, parents may assume the children for whom these cards are made out are making normal progress in so far as the school can ascertain.
A space for parents' comments is provided also. This, it is hoped, parents will use to send to teachers helpful information, requests for ap- pointments, or questions which the card might not have answered com- pletely. Most can be done for children when there exists complete under- standing and full cooperation between parents and teachers.
During the year there have been six changes in the teaching staff. Names of new members may be found in another part of this report. Present conditions make the finding of good teachers difficult. Many are going into military service or into commercial or industrial positions. The increased cost of living is making it difficult for teachers to continue in their chosen profession and at the same time maintain a proper standard of living. The increases in salaries allowed teachers in Norwell have helped, but the percent of raise is equal now to about half the rise in cost of living. Salaries paid teachers stand in contrast to salaries and wages in other fields. It is not always necessary to have teachers' salaries increase as rapidly as do those of industrial workers in order to keep teachers in their profession. It is necessary and desirable to pay teachers salaries which will enable them to maintain standards of living compatible with the positions which they hold.
Suggestions and recommendations contained in previous reports might be repeated here appropriately. Some progress has been made toward the realization of desirable goals but much remains to be done. The challenge being presented to the public schools by the needs of boys and girls for guidance, training, and experience and by the needs of society and govern- ment for well-trained, healthy, vigorous citizens is very large. It can be met through the support of fair-minded and progressive adults.
For further information about activities in the schools, I refer you, respectfully, to reports submitted by my co-workers.
I wish to thank all members of the School Department for their loyalty and cooperation. I am appreciative of the School Committee's continued confidence and support.
Respectfully yours,
THOMAS E. RUSH, Superintendent
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mr. Thomas E. Rush Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report of the activities of Norwell High and Grammar School.
Since the advent of the present emergency, many changes have taken place in the schools. Under wartime conditions, education has an indis- pensible part to play. Schools must help to teach the individuals the issues at stake, to train them for their parts in the total war effort and to guide them into conscious personal relationship to the struggle.
In training for the practical and vital part our students will take in
85
TOWN OF NORWELL
the war effort, we have revised our curricula to allow our young people as wide a selection of opportunities as our facilities and staff permit. We have followed the suggestions of the United States Department of Education in changing the content of many of our courses and our school is enrolled in the High School Victory Corps. This is basically an educational plan to promote instruction and training for useful pursuits and services critically needed in the victory effort. The program is not unmindful of the cultural values of education. English and the social studies are recognized as abso- lutely essential even though greater stress is placed upon training in mathematics and the sciences.
The program of the High School Victory Corps has as a definite object the following:
1. The training and guiding of youth in critical services and occupations.
2. Citizenship training for American life.
3. Citizenship fitness and health training.
4. Competence in science and mathematics.
5. Pre-flight training in aeronautics.
6. Preparation for essential community services and occupations, in civilian life, including business, homemaking, and the professions.
In Norwell High School we are following the suggestions of the High School Victory Corps Program. We have introduced new courses in Aero- nautics, Meteorology, and Navigation as well as changing the content of many of our established courses so that additional training is possible in the more practical aspects of the many fields of science and mathematics.
Special interest has been shown in the courses in aeronautics. The older students are learning the theory of flight, the different parts of a plane, their purposes and construction, navigation and meteorology, as well as advanced aviation mathematics. The younger students are learning avia- tion through the building of model airplanes. These are of two types, flying models and solid models. Both of these types are exact replicas of the fight- ing and commercial planes of all nations. Many of these are used for identification purposes, and we hope eventually to have a library of the different types. These courses will assist students in gaining admission to and will facilitate the completion of either the Army or the Navy aviation cadet training program.
Following the plan inaugurated last year, all of our girl graduates will have completed a course in Home Nursing; the boys will have com- pleted their course in First Aid. This work is being carried on by our very efficient health department and is considered as an essential part of our school program. The physical and dental examinations; the teaching of proper nutrition; safety education; first aid and knowledge of personal, community, industrial and military hygiene form the basis for our health program. Our purpose is to have the greatest possible number of graduating pupils physically fit to carry on as members of the armed forces or as efficient workers. It is with pride that we point to the outstanding records of the alumni who are in the armed services and in essential industries.
Many of our high school students are working after school hours, on Saturdays, and during the vacation periods. Some are in agriculture, others in mechanics. They are filling varied positions. These same students form a large percentage of our high school enrollment and are taking an active part in the civilian defense program. Some are messengers and assistants to air raid wardens. Others are stretcher bearers and still others are man- ning the Report Center.
The girls are having extra training in the commercial subjects and in household arts. As a result our graduates will be prepared to enter the clerical field and will have a knowledge of the approved methods of sewing, cooking, and numerous other household and domestic duties.
86
NINETY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
It is indeed unfortunate that we have no shop-training facilities, as these are even more necessary now than heretofore. A primary knowledge of machines and materials develops muscular skill and coordination, pro- vides practical skills for everyday life, and a concept of the fundamental principles of construction and operation for the students deciding to con- tinue on in industry.
Our inter-scholastic athletic program during the past year was ex- tremely successful. Not only was it satisfactory from the point of view of victories achieved but also because of the fine spirit displayed by both players and spectators and because of the large number of students taking part. This was especially true of basketball for both boys' teams and girls' teams won over three-fourths of their games with record-breaking crowds in attendance. Over seventy pupils played on the different teams and the victories were achieved through teamwork and fine spirit. Our boys' base- ball team and girls' field hockey squad did not have such outstanding records but played well and enjoyed very close contests. The baseball and field hockey seasons were shortened somewhat due to the fact that trans- portation facilities were inadequate. This same difficulty may drastically curtail or even eliminate all inter-school athletic contests in the future. However, we still shall be able to continue our intra-mural program and have games and contests of various sorts between groups of our own students.
The extra-curricular activities of the school were many and varied, the climax being the exhibition for the Parent-Teacher Association. At that time a demonstration was given of the numerous activities carried on in the auditorium of the school. The singing by the Girls' Glee Club, Boys' Glee Club, and the grades was enjoyed by all. Wrestling, badminton, volley ball, military drill and basketball were all parts of the program. Following this program, the work of the pupils was on display in the class rooms and the parents had an opportunity to become better acquainted with the teachers.
The inter-class play contest was won by the senior class which pre- sented "The Prettiest Girl in Town." All the plays were well done. The acting was exceptionally good.
Socials and dances were held throughout the year. The Junior Prom, Senior Dance, and Harvest Dance were all well attended. The graduation exercises and the pageant "Freedom Forever" were well suited to the occa- sion and to world conditions. They served as a fitting climax to the close of the school year.
In closing my report, I wish to express my appreciation to you, to the members of the school committee and to the faculty for the loyal support and cooperation extended to me.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD J. ROGEAN, Principal
ART DEPARTMENT
Mr. Thomas E. Rush Superintendent of Schools
Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is my report for the Art Department of the Norwell Schools for 1942.
In my 1941 report, I noted the increase in enrollment that charac- terized our course in Drafting. That increase was due directly to the
87
TOWN OF NORWELL
renewed interest in and demand for people trained in the Graphic Arts. Since we have been at War, an intense interest in Mechanical Drafting has been noted in schools everywhere. In Norwell we have met this demand in two ways. Firstly, we have opened our Mechanical Drawing courses to the entire four years of high school, formerly given to Juniors and Seniors. Secondly, we have added to the curriculum a course in Blueprint Reading. In my plans for 1943, I hope to intensify this program by adding still another course in Map Making and Reading. I would bring to your atten- tion that many boys, home on furlough or through letters to their parents, have stated that they deeply regret not having availed themselves of the opportunity of taking our Mechanical Drawing course in high school. Others speak or write gratefully that they did take the course and of its tremendous help in getting them started in some branch of Army or Navy life. In this connection, I quote from a recent professional art magazine "American Artist"-"It takes 30 tons of blueprints made from plans finished with drawing inks to build a battleship." McGraw Hill Publishing Company has rightly stated "The hand that rules the paper rocks the world." May God forbid that our minds ever become so perverted that we see Beauty in the machines of war! But may we humbly thank Him that our minds may design and our hands draw and then produce the weapons necessary to preserve civilization.
At the Junior High School level a course in Model Building has been added for the boys of the eighth grade. Model airplanes and models of the terrain in various parts of the world where our men battle have been studied and constructed.
Beginning at the fourth grade level and through all the higher grades posters have been made to stimulate the sale of War Stamps and to intensi- fy the Scrap Drives.
Last spring the Plymouth County Teacher Association offered a prize of $25 for the design of a seal. This contest was open to the students of all the high schools in Plymouth County. It is with pleasure that I tell you that George Bernard of the Norwell High School won this award.
Beside the intensified curriculum that I have already noted, we have carried on our regular work. The poster making and other graphic aid for various school and community organizations, always a part of our work, has been done.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.