USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1940-1949 > Part 63
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December 21, noon-January 2, 1950 Vacation
January 3, 1950 Schools open
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To the School Committee Town of Norwell
In this, my sixth annual report, I wish to emphasize several trends in education, record the accomplishments of the year, and point out our needs for the future.
In June the General Assembly passed two important bills affecting our towns,-the one making available a greater amount of State Aid to the town and the other setting up aid for building new schools. The first bill is effective in 1949; the second awaits an appropriation for its effectiveness. Since only one half the amount sought for became avail- able in the general school aid bill, the Committee sponsoring it is introducing another bill this year seeking further aid.
Because of this additional State aid, and additional transportation aid, it is anticipated that Norwell will receive almost $8,000.00 more in in 1949 than it did in 1948 on its school receipts. If the total State income tax is less than is expected Norwell may lose as much as $4,000.00 on its share of the income tax that comes directly to the town. The difference would be the town's net gain.
However as it is expected that the total amount of Income tax in Massachusetts will be greater than in other years, Norwell and other small towns, may stand to gain almost the full amount of the school aid mentioned above, with probably no loss to the direct income tax returned to the town. The total amount of estimated receipts on school formulas is $28,712 for 1949. This is more than 31% of our total budget, Thus Norwell has moved into a favorable position under the new laws. Richer towns do not share in this new aid, and may lose rather than gain. This amount that Norwell will receive, although it reverts to the Town Treasury,
119
TOWN OF NORWELL
must be considered school money gained under school aid formulas.
The new general aid law is dependent upon the number of teachers
in the town, and/or the number of children between the ages of seven and sixteen living in the town. The law also makes it mandatory that a report be made of the number of children between the ages of five and seven who reside in the town. Therefore it has become necessary to plan for an annual census. This year the census was taken including those! from birth to age five in order to anticipate the probable numbers who will be entering grade one for the next five years.
The State has also sent out new work certificate forms, which are to be issued to all new applicants after Jauary 1, 1949.
The federal government has continued its aid to our school lunch program, the amount being considerable for the year. In addition surplus commodities are being received and used so that our food program is better than what we would have otherwise. The program has progressed efficiently under the supervision of Miss Allen and her staff at the High School, and under Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Milbery, who have sponsored the soup program in the primary grade buildings.
The Superintendent has been conscious recently of increased compe- tition among the various school supply and text book salesmen. Although prices are up about 10% over last year the indications are that a peak probably has been reached.
The shortage of capable trained teachers has eased in the high school field, but remains extremely acute in the elementary grades. Teachers of grade one are at a premium, with insufficient numbers still entering this department in the teacher training institutions. We have been 'fortunate in calling back into service former teachers to fill these positions in the lower grades.
The salaries being granted to new graduates of our colleges range from $2,000. to $2,600., so that the hiring of these has compelled us to raise the salaries of our experienced teachers previously engaged. Our salaries, always low, have just managed to keep up with the cost of living index, so that teachers must still be considered to be inadequately paid. Bills now before the legislature calling for a minumum salary of $2,400. may be modified for small towns, if they are passed, but the general effect will be felt in our towns.
Norwell has been fortunate in the number of teacher changes this year. Mrs. Cole has returned to grade five after a four years' leave of absence. This made it possible for Mrs. Brandt to take the extra grade, which is a combination of grade three and four children. Mrs. McKenney re- places Mrs. Kiernan, who left to be at home. In November Miss James left to be married, and Mrs. Enid Taylor came to take her place.
Mrs. Brandt's new class has further complicated the high school overcrowding with no relief in sight until the new building is built. Another group coming along in September 1949 will most certainly have to be put in quarters other than the high school.
Mrs. Turner, who has been ill since April 27, has been unable to return this fall. Her place has been filled by Mrs. Lawrence.
The enrollment in Norwell Schools increased another twenty-three children from its all time high of last year, and another increase of approximately twenty-five children can be anticipated for next year.
120
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
The above increase has made it necessary to put on additional relief transportation, as three of the eight bus routes were up to capacity and two were at times over the bus capacity. To even up the primary grade enrollments the bus was rerouted through South and Prospect Streets to take children to the Ridge Hill School. On January 3rd a small number of children living on Main Street and River Street were given supple- mentary transportation to ease the situation. On February 1 the Church Hill children, who have been last to leave the school, will be taken before the South Street-Prospect Street children. Since the bus contracts are renewable this summer for another three year term, a major bus re- routing seems necessary. Such routings will have to be consistent with the change that will come when the new elementary building is ready.
We are particularly fortunate in recent developments which are underway with the curriculum at the high school, and which are adequately covered in Principal Small's report.
The work and interest of the P. T. A. is appreciated. Their payment of the band master's salary for the year is a new project that has given us a start before it could be included as a budget item. Their work on scholarships and library material, and their sponsorship of various activities has proven a valuable supplement to our regular program.
The Town of Norwell should definitely plan for these things:
1. A thorough revision of bus routes for September 1949.
2. Arrangement of the place for an additional room for September, where it will be the most efficient on a temporary basis.
3. Immediate building of the elementary unit as planned.
4. Revision of the curriculum to include manual arts for boys as soon as a room becomes available.
5. A salary schedule for teachers so that future commitments can be forecasted.
A Union Superintendent is in the peculiar situation of having three Masters, in this case the Towns of Hanover, Hanson and Norwell. Each has its needs. which the Superintendent seeks to fill. If the Superintendent is not always available, it is because of the multiplicity of tasks that are always before him. This year the number of official evening meetings, which always follow a full day, numbered over one hundred and twelve in the three towns. The Superintendent tries to be in Norwell each Tuesday, but is there on other days of the week as needs arise. He can usually be reached at other times through his office at the Salmond School, Hanover.
Following are other reports of various phases of our program.
The Superintendent appreciates the cooperation of all those who are working for better schools for our children in Norwell.
Respectfully yours, CLIFTON E. BRADLEY Superintendent
REPORT OF THE NORWELL HIGH AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools Mr. Clifton E. Bradley
.
I hereby submit the Principal's annual report concerned with Norwell Public School, grades three through twelve.
The following courses and subjects were offered to high school pupils in September:
Norwell High School Program of Studies 1948-1949
College Preparatory
IX
X
XI
XII
English
5 English
5 English
5
English
5
Algebra
5
Geometry
5 U.S. His.
5
Prob. of Dem.
5
Gen. Science
5
Biology
*Phys. Ed.
1
*Phys. Ed.
1
Latin I
5
French I
5
French II
5 Review Math
5
*Phys. Ed.
1 *Phys. Ed.
1 Electives
Electives
Electives
Latin II
5 Chemistry
5 Typing (pers)
1 1/2
Civics
5
Electives
Trig. and Solid
5 Trig. and Solid
5
World His.
5 Psychology
5
Psychology
5
3 Chemistry
5
Adv. Foods
3
French III
5
Commercial
IX
X
XI
XII
English
5
English
5 English
5
English
5
Intro. Bus.
5
Bookeep
5
U. S. His.
5
Prob. of Dem.
5
Gen. Math
5
Typing I
2 1/2
Typing II
2 1/2
Shorthand II
5
*Phys. Ed.
1 *Phys. Ed.
1
Shorthand I
5
Typing III
2 1/2
Electives
Electives
* Phys. Ed.
1 *Phys. Ed.
1
Gen. Science
5 Biology
5 Electives
Review Math
5
Civics
French I
Com. Law
5
Com. Law
5
Adv. Foods
3 Adv. Foods
3
Psychology
5
Psychology
5 Adv. Foods
3
5 World His.
French II
5
Electives
5 553
Adv Foods
5
General
XI
XII
5 English
5 English
5
5
U.S. His.
5
Prob. of Dem.
5
1 *Phys. Ed.
1 Review Math
5
5 French II
5 Electives
Algebra I Gen. Math Gen. Science
Bookeep. Biology
5 Trig. and Solid
5 Com. Law
5
5 Trig. and Solid
5
Int. Bus.
French I
5 Psychology
3 Adv. Foods
3 Psychology
5
Chemistry
5 Adv. Foods
3
Notes:
*Meets Twice Weekly ** Meets Three Times Weekly
5 English 5 World His.
X
IX English Civics *Phys. Ed. Electives
1 *Phys. Ed. Electives Geometry
1 *Phys. Ed. Electives
5 Com. Law
5 Typing ** (pers) 1 1/2
Adv. Foods
123
TOWN OF NORWELL
It may be noted that three new subjects were added to the program of studies, namely; review mathematics, required of all seniors who did not elect another subject in the field of mathematics, psychology, offered for the first time as a full-time elective, and advanced foods, an elective for girls in grade ten, eleven, and twelve.
Faculty committees in grades three through eight are currently con- cerned with certain curriculum revisions aimed at better correlation in English, arithmetic, and the social sciences. The purpose of the committee work is to insure proper emphasis on the various parts of subject-matter fields essential to a well-rounded program.
Guidance continues to be an important function of the school. Miss Elizabeth Farrar was appointed Director of Guidance and in her new capacity has established a practical program of instruction to assist pupils in making educational, vocational, and social adjustments.
The school welcomed two new members to its staff in the persons of Mrs. Grace Cole, returning after a leave of absence to teach the pupils of grade five and Mrs. Enid Taylor who replaced Miss Priscilla James in the English department of the high school. The writer feels that our school is that much stronger for the staff additions.
The extra-curricular program now includes three new activities, namely: a hobby club, a dramatic club, and a school band. It is a pleasure to observe that the band, which really started from scratch, has made rapid strides under the direction of bandmaster Harry Iovinelli and hopes to be ready for public performance at an early date.
I cannot emphasize too strongly the need for relief from crowded conditions in the high school building. There are three hundred twenty- five pupils currently housed in the building. The average is forty pupils per classroom designed as such. Some classrooms on the second floor are constructed to accomodate twenty-six pupils. Grade eight has its homeroom in what was once a typewriting room. The room is inadequate in size, in window space, and in ventilation. Non-Science classes must meet in the science laboratory. The present typewriting room serves as a freshman homeroom, as a study room, and as a class-recitation room. The art room has been forced into the commercial room annex on the second floor. The psychology class meets in the teachers' room. Algebra and French II meet among the stoves and sinks of the domestic arts room. The cafeteria doubles as study hall and library. A combined third and fourth grade must meet in one room with one teacher.
Staggering school hours, combining grades, increasing teaching loads, moving certain pupils to other buildings not designed for school purposes, etc. is and would be only "tinkering" with a situation that cries for a complete overhaul job.
The longer the delay in constructing a new elementary school to house grades one through six, the longer inadequacies in plant facilities will hamper the educative process in Norwell.
The school housing situation this year is acute. Next year it will be a near, if not an absolute impossibility to accomodate, even in casual manner, the pupils expected to enroll in September of 1949.
I want to make special mention of the fine and faithful services rerformed by the building custodian, Mr. Frank Lind. If there be a neater, cleaner building in the area, I have not so observed. Mr. Lind is a one-man staff performing functions that two or more individuals would find difficulty in duplicating.
124
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
I wish to thank the School Committee, the Superintendent, the Teachers, and the Citizens of Norwell for their cooperation during the year. It is a pleasure to be associated with so fine a group in this business of educating the youth of Norwell. Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK A. SMALL Principal
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I have the honor to submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Art.
There was a time not so long ago when art education in our schools was considered as something worthwhile for only the select, talented few, and almost complete waste of time for the rest. We have come far since those days when for most pupils art education consisted very largely of manipulation of perspective charts, color wheels, and copying of various objects.
The children of our schools today are, I am happy to say, finding through our newer education a world of color design, and emotional stimulation that is bound to make their lives fuller, richer, and happier.
Art lessons are scheduled for all pupils from the first grade through the eighth year and for the High School there is a large group of students who have elected it from choice. In fact, there are too many in some classes to draw comfortably in the small rooms where we meet this year. I visit each grade once a week except the first and second grades that I alternate every other week. A great deal has been accomplished in paper cutting, lettering, nature work, figure drawing, winter sport posters, color, and free brush work designs. The High School has done a great deal of pastel work, fashion drawing, landscapes painted with water color, creative lessons, and many posters including those for school activities.
At the Parent Teachers meeting last May examples of art were exhibited in every room. The exhibit was well attended by a very enthusiastic audience.
Art education must take its rightful place among the subjects of the curriculum and forget its "special subject" designation which so often classed it among the "fads and frills". General educators are recognizing the necessity of the influences of the arts as a balance wheel in an other- wise intellectual emphasis of the learning process.
In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mr. Bradley, principals, teachers, and pupils for their loyalty and cooperation in making my work sucessful.
Respectfully submitted, MADELEINE S. GULLIVER Art Supervisor
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Bradley:
The following is a report of the activities of the Mus for the year 1948.
There are daily music lessons in the first six grades, wit the music supervisor once a week in grade one and two, and 1 in grades three, four, five and six. The pupils show great entl. do excellent work.
Grades seven and eight meet twice a week in the audit lessons in music appreciation and singing. The Junior High Sc Club sang at their class day exercises in June, and we hope to ha do so again this year.
The Glee Club of the Senior High School sang at the spring m of the Parent-Teacher Association and at the graduation exercise November they sang during intermission at the Inter-Class Plays, and now rehearsing for their broadcast in February over Station WBET Brockton. This year, due to the great number of school activities, the GP Club meets for only thirty minutes a week. Since this does not allo sufficient time for thorough work, we hope that conditions may be such next year that the Glee Club may have more time for rehearsals.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Small, and all the teachers for your fine cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, GERTRUDE M. REYNOLDS Supervisor of Music
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit the following annual report for the year 1948:
The pupils have been given a complete physical examination, with the assistance of the school nurse and the cooperation of the teachers. The general health is excellent. The usual incidence of skin acne and warts was found, and personal hygiene was emphasized.
Notices were sent home to parents where correction of defects was indicated. Parents were urged to consult their personal physicians in several questionable cases,
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
students were found unable to participate in the regular ms.
s diseases for the past year have been kept to a minimum.
ation of the High School building continues to be excellent, ption of the cesspool drainage. It has also been noticed llects by the south-west steps. This is a needless hazard e corrected easily with some gravel fill.
ller schools continue to be health hazards. The custodial idge Hill School has been excellent. The control of lighting r School has been difficult due to faulty shades.
ual statistical report will be submitted by the school nurse.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND G. VINAL, M.D. School Physician
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
The following is a statistical report for 1948:
Number of visits to school 371
(Including visits made with school dentist and phy- sician ) 458
Number of children examined
(Including examinations of pre-school group)
Number of children excluded from school because of
communicable diseases 26
Number of children found with physical defects
79
Number of children having defects corrected 61
Number of ill children taken home 183
Number of visits to homes of school children 237
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE School Nurse
TOWN OF NORWELL
REPORT OF SCHOOL DENTIST
Mr. Clifton E. Bradley Superintendent of Schools Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The dental clinic has functioned in 1948 very sim years. Pre-school clinic was held in June and July. Twenty were treated before entering school in September, W completed cases.
The Following work was done in Grades I to VI. 177 Fillings in Permanent Teeth 118 Fillings in Deciduous Teeth 2 Extractions of Permanent Teeth 33 Extractions of Deciduous Teeth
139 Treatments in Teeth 74 Prophylactic Treatments
69 Completed Cases
We have been using Fluoride treatments for the prevention of de decay in the Norwell Schools for two and one half to three years. Recen much publicity has been given this treatment in press and radio, causin many mothers to inquire if their children were getting Fluoride Treat ments. All children signed up to go to the school dentist have had this preventive treatment.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIS B. PARSONS, D.M.D. School Dentist
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCES-1948
Appropriation
$75,231.00
Receipts:
Massachusetts Part I
4,225.00
Massachusetts Part II
7,246.41
Superintendent-Union
663.50
Transportation Aid
7,559.15
City Boston Wards
812.89
Massachusetts Wards
230.28
$20,737.23
Net Cost to Town
$54,493.77
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
ERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1948
6 7 8 9 10
18 17
36
30
29
24
13
2
18
1
2
1 1 4 7
1 5
1
16
1
1.
13
5
2
12
1
1
12
6 4
2 7
1
12
17
26 28 23 18
19 13 13
14
14 15 14
11
2
227
IEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1948
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16 17
18 Total
6
11
1
18
2
1
7 20
3
31
3
- 1
16
4
22
6 7
7
2
2 9
2 6
3
15
10
3
6
3
12
11
4
8
1
13
12
7
8
15
PG
Total 7 18
27 15
20
22
21
8
19
11 13
18
9
208
435
ENROLLMENT IN THE NORWELL SCHOOLS As of October 1, 1948
Center Primary School
Ridge Hill School 21
Grammar Grades in High School
High School
54
2
32
29
61
3
45
45
4
46
46
5
31
31
6
40
40
7
27
27
8
28
28
9
27
27
10
24
24
11
25
25
12
27
27
Total enrollment of schools
435
5
6 9 3 16 4
11
2 1 1 2
18
8 11
22
11
4
15
8 9
6
1
33
3 7
11 12
13
14 15 16 17
Total
2 9 18 2 1 8 15 4 1 6 12 5 1 8 4
-
1
8 3 5 3 7 3
1
12
3
TEACHING STAFF STATISTICS
Name
Years Exp. Before Sept. 1, 1948
Years Attendance Beyond H. S.
Degree
Patricia Allen
2
Cornell
4
B. S.
D. Arts Grade 7
Irene Barteau
35
Salem
2
Ann Brandt
10
Swarthmore
4
Diploma A. B.
Grade 3-4
Grace Cole
22
Bridgewater
2
Diploma
Grade 5
Felix Dixon
8
Boston University
4
B. S.
Science and Athletics
Madeline Drury
19
R. I. Normal
2
Diploma
Grade 1
Elizabeth Farrar
20
Bridgewater
2
Diploma
Grade 8
Madeleine Gulliver
24
Mass. School Art
4
Art
Priscilla James
1
Tufts
4
A. B.
English
Hazel Johnson
16
Worcester
2 1/2
Diploma
Grade 3
Marion Joyce
21
Tufts
4
A. B.
Languages
Miriam Lincoln
9
Bridgewater
3
Diploma
Grade 2 Math
Laura McKenney
7
Bridgewater
2
Diploma
Grade 1
Gunhild Milbery
13
Bridgewater
2
Diploma
Grade 2
Ella Osborn
36
Boston University
1
Grade 4
Gertrude Reynolds
8
B. U. College of Music
4
B. Music
Music
Frederick Small
11
Boston University
4 $4
B. S.
Prin.
Ethel Sproul
9
Framingham
2
Diploma
Grade 6
Enid Taylor
11
U. of Maine
3
A. B.
English
Lois Turner
26
Bridgewater; B. U
4
Diploma
Comm.
Clifton E. Bradley
23 Colgate U .; B. U .; Brown U .;
R. I. College of Ed.
5 1/2
B. S .; Ed. M.
Supt.
Regina Maguire
5
Emmanuel
4
A. B.
Subject Taught
Education
Boston University
1
130
NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE TAX PAYERS OF NORWELL,-
In this year's budget we have asked for approximately $200 increase in salary for each teacher, retroactive to January 1, 1949. We feel we have a good teaching staff which merits this increase. Unless substantial increases are granted, we may lose some of our teachers to surrounding towns where teachers just graduated from college are paid as much or more than our teachers with experience.
Transportation problems have arisen again this year! Because of increased pupil load we were obliged to change bus routes, with consequent increased mileage and cost. January 1st we contracted for a station wagon to take an added overload on the River St. and Main St. routes for the remainder of the present bus contract, which expires July 1st., 1949. Before the new contracts are awarded, the entire transpor- tation system will be studied with the intention of bettering the situation.
This year it was necessary to spend a large sum of money in the repair of the slate roof on the High School. The Centre Primary building must be shingled if we are to continue its uses and the Ridge Hill building needs to be painted. We have not requested money for this work in the 1949 budget as we are hopeful of the erection of a new Elementary School building by Jan. 1, 1950.
The erection of this building is a "must" and should be ac- complished as soon as possible. The High School building has been un- able to function properly as a High School for the past four years, because of the presence of the lower grades which have been literally crammed into the building.
We are happy to welcome Mrs. Cole back as a teacher after a four year absence. Also sorry to have lost the services of Mrs. Turner for the year due to illness. We trust Mrs. Turner will be able to return in September.
Your attention is called to the new course of Vocational Guidance, introduced last year in the High School by Principal Small, now under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Farrar. Through aptitude tests and conferences of pupil, parents, Mr. Small and Miss Farrar, courses are arranged to better chart the future education of the individual for his life work. Practical experience in clerical work outside the class- room has been arranged for the first time this year. In this practice the pupil has had an opportunity to meet the public in business which gives him confidence.
This winter the schools have been visited by what might be called an epidemic of chicken pox and German measles, which has reduced our attendance. Through the clinics held by the Board of Health, and the services of the physician on the School Committee, inoculation against all communicable diseases, free of charge is available to all young children. Parents taking advantage of this service would help the attend- ance of the future in our schools.
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