USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1949 > Part 9
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111
There were one Spanish War and World War I Veteran, five World War I, and four World War II Veterans interred during 1949, as follows:
Spanish War and World War I
Foster E. Merrill, Lot No. 651, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died Nov. 7, 1949, buried Nov. 12, 1949.
World War I
John F. Maguire, Lot No. 634, Forest Glen Cemetery, died Jan. 23, 1949, buried Jan. 26, 1949.
Frederic Winn, Lot No. 466, Forest Glen Cemetery, died Feb. 5, 1949, buried Feb. 8, 1949.
Charles N. Harrison, Lot No. 916, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died May 9, 1949, buried May 11, 1949.
Roland N. Beauchamp, Grave No. 127, Vet. Plot, Forest Glen Cem- etery, died Sept. 19, 1949, buried Sept. 22, 1949.
Herbert H. Garey, Lot No. 464, Forest Glen Cemetery, died Sept. 27, 1949, buried Oct. 1, 1949.
World War II
Richard C. Austin, Lot No. 1123, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died Sept. 22, 1944 (Holland), buried Jan. 8, 1949.
John B. Shaffer, Grave No. 25, Vet. Plot, Forest Glen Cemetery, died May 12, 1949, buried May 16, 1949.
Joseph W. Brown, Lot No. 1058, Laurel Hill Cemetery, died June 28, 1949, buried July 1, 1949.
Parker C. Kimball, Grave No. 10, Vet. Plot, Forest Glen Cemetery, died Mar. 16, 1942 (New Caledonia), buried Aug. 27, 1949.
Yours very truly, HARRY D. TURNER,
Custodian of Soldiers' and Sailors' Graves
112
Annual Report
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
For the Year Ended December 31, 1949
IN MEMORIAM
For many years
JOHN MAGUIRE
was a friend to both the teachers and the students of Reading High School. Quiet, genial, and efficient, he was respected by all who knew him. His death on January 23, 1949 grieved all of us.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
School Committee
Alexander P. Glover, 158 Prescott Street
Term expires 1952
Gladys F. Milton, 281 Summer Avenue
"
1952
Robert E. Turner, 84 Cross Street
1951
*John L. Griffin, 22 Bond Street
"
1951
Gould B. Ruggles, 224 High Street
"
1950
Melvin S. Crosby, 50 Middlesex Avenue
1950
*Appointed to fill unexpired term of Merle W. Wescott, D.M.D., resigned
School Committee Office
Joshua Eaton School
365 Summer Avenue
REading 2-0180 - 2-2384
Open Daily Monday through Friday 8:30 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. During School Vacations 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m.
Superintendent of Schools
Arthur B. Lord, Jr. 39 Pine Ridge Road
Secretary to the Superintendent
Mae A. Tanner
58 Prescott Street
Clerks in School Committee Office
Irene E. Reichardt
Alice L. Chiasson
90 Vine Street 385 Summer Avenue
School Physician
Dr. Albert E. Morris
24 Sanborn Street
School Nurse
Margaret B. Clewley, R.N.
131 Pleasant St., Woburn
Supervisor of Maintenance
Hugh S. Macfarlane
10 First St., Melrose
Attendance Officer
Robert A. Grundy
25 Lewis Street
115
SCHOOL SECRETARIES AND CLERKS
Senior High School Myrtle W. Tilton
Jean S. Underhill
Joshua Eaton School
Dorothy L. Wardrope
Junior High School
Maude M. Allen
Pearl Street School
Dorothy A. Walsh
Highland School
Clarice D. Hynes
SCHOOL JANITORS AND MATRONS
Senior High School W. Ray Yorks R. Ellen White
Edward F. Harrison
Junior High School
Frederick L. Riessle
Leander Smith
Andrew J. Lomax Agnes G. Hurley
Joshua Eaton School Robert A. Vars
Stuart R. Nichols
Highland School
William J. Broussard Rose Harrington
Simon Castine
Lowell Street School William A. Lloyd
Pearl Street School Edward W. McBrien
Harry M. Berry
All Schools William P. Muise
116
CAFETERIAS
Cafeteria Supervisor Lois M. Connor
Senior High School Mary A. Kingman
Ida H. Johnson
Junior High School Jane Gibson
Eva E. Noble
Flora M. MacPhail
Joshua Eaton School Edith J. French
Obeline Arsenault
Highland School Evelyn M. Davis
Pearl Street School Lois M. Connor
Elsiemae C. Collins
NO SCHOOL SIGNALS
Radio announcement when possible over WNAC, WEEI, WBZ and WLAW between 7:00 and 7:45 a. m. Fire alarm 2-2 repeated three times. Street lights turned on for five minutes at the following times:
7:15 a. m. for Senior High School 7:30 a. m. for Junior High School 7:45 a. m. for Grades 1-6 inclusive
Since the elementary schools have two sessions, the afternoon ses- sion may be discontinued due to inclement weather. When afternoon sessions are discontinued, announcement will be made over the radio, fire alarm and street light system as well as in the individual schools on or before 11:30 a. m.
In most cases the decision as to whether or not children should at- tend school rests with the parent, in view of the fact that parents are in a better position to know whether or not their children may attend school in safety without injuring their health. Because the cost of op- eration of a school building, particularly during the winter months, is about the same whether or not the school is open, it is the policy for the schools to be open every day except under emergency conditions. Consequently, the occasion for "no school" will seldom arise.
117
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1950 - 1951
September 6, 1950
Schools open No sessions:
Columbus Day
October 12, 1950
Teachers' Convention
Thanksgiving recess from
Christmas vacation from
Winter vacation week of
November 3, 1950 Noon Nov. 22 to Nov. 27, 1950 Noon Dec. 22 to Jan. 2, 1951 February 19, 1951 March 23, 1951
No School Good Friday-from 11:30
Spring vacation week of
April 16, 1951
No school Memorial Day
May 30, 1951
School close
June 22, 1951
SCHOOL CLINICS
Dental-Wednesdays and Thursdays at Eaton School, 9:00 to 1:00 p. m. Tuberculosis Prevention-Annually by appointment.
Diphtheria Prevention-Annually by announcement. Registration of children entering school in September is held the pre- vious March. Time announced in local paper.
118
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Reading:
The School Committee herewith submits its report.
This year the School Committee has met various building and edu- cational problems squarely and feels that it has conquered some of them. Other problems are in process of being solved and the Committee hopes to be able to state in next year's report that these have been completed.
One very pressing problem was met when the doors of the Joshua Eaton School were opened. This new school aided materially our overcrowded condition in the elementary grades. However, this school does not solve the problem entirely; it merely eases it for a few years. The School Committee feels that with the retention of the Prospect Street School and the building of a parochial school the elementary school situation is definitely much better than it was last year, but that it still must be watched carefully.
Needless to say, the Committee is very pleased with the reception accorded the Joshua Eaton School both by the citizens of Reading and those of our neighboring towns.
Another problem facing the School Committee, and in fact, all the people of the town, is the replacement of the present Senior High School. Its inadequate facilities make it impossible to house the number of pupils who will be entering it within a year or two. It is now over- crowded and is already presenting many difficulties. With this condi- tion it is impossible to meet the educational needs of the students. As you all know, the administration is trying to do the best it can by using Junior High facilities. This in turn robs the Junior High students of valuable opportunities. Also, as the Junior High School has grown, it soon will be impossible for this arrangement to continue.
If the town determines that a new high school must be built and takes those steps necessary to qualify for aid by June 30, 1951, state aid up to one-third of the cost of the building might be obtained.
The study plan started last year for the integration and coordination of the entire educational system from Grade I through XII has been continued this past year. The beneficial results are beginning to be seen already. As the housing condition of the schools becomes better, a fuller coordination of the various subjects can be introduced, especially in remedial work, physical education, vocational training, and athletic activities.
119
The resignation of Dr. Merle W. Wescott was received and accepted with sincere regret. Mr. John L. Griffin was appointed by the Committee to fill this vacancy.
The School Committee plans, at all times, to keep the people of Reading acquainted with its problems, and hopes that the people will take advantage of the material presented and will help in building a school system of which both may be proud.
The terms of Mr. Melvin S. Crosby and Mr. Gould B. Ruggles expire this year.
Respectfully submitted,
Alexander P. Glover, Chairman
Gladys F. Milton
Gould B. Ruggles
Melvin S. Crosby
Robert E. Turner
John L. Griffin
120
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE - 1950 Receipts not from Tax Levy - Showing Net Cost to Town January 3, 1950
Estimate 1950
GENERAL ACCOUNT
1949
Appropriation Credits $492,812.07
Total Expenditures (Less Transportation)
$444,740.57
Receipts:
State Reimbursement (Estimate)
$ 63,281.71 24,392.20
100,382.00
500.00
Sundry
95.17
87,769.08
$392,430.07
Net Cost to Town
$356,971.49
VOCATIONAL TUITION
$ 3,000.00
Total Expenditure (Estimate) Receipts:
$ 3,065.88
700.00
State Reimbursement
823.39
$ 2,300.00
Net Cost to Town
$ 2,242.49
TRANSPORTATION
$ 14,000.00
Transportation
$ 13,251.08
SCHOOL LUNCHES
$ 50,000.00
Appropriation-Town
$ 50,000.00
$ 60,000.00
10,000.00
W.F.A. Reimbursement
8,510.53
$ 58,510.53
Receipts:
50,000.00
Cash for lunches
$ 39,258.39
10,000.00
W.F.A. Reimbursement
8,510.53
Inventory
2,657.91
$ 50,426.83
$ 60,000.00
Total Cost of Operation
$ 48,084.70
$ 72,382.00 27,500.00
Tuition
SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET - 1949
Appropriations, Transfers & Refunds 1949
Expended 1949
$ 25,985.69
Supt., Clerks and Enf. of Law
$ 24,359.52
13,949.99
Supervisors
13,019.58
20,146.69
Principals
20,146.48
289,134.13
Teachers
284,685.24
33,608.00
Janitors and Matrons
34,635.15
5,081.50
Health
4,997.10
$387,906.00
MAINTENANCE:
General Control
S
700.00
Grouard House-Operation
$ 104.20
450.00
Grouard House-Maintenance
73.29
700.00
Supt's. Office Expense
906.97
280.00
Research and Professional Study
271.96
300.00
Printing
327.75
650.00
Travel Expenses
348.95
800.00
Prin. Office Expense
721.26
1.400.00
Telephone
1,531.03
100.00
Travel Expense, Enf. of Law
100.00
$ 5,380.00
Total General Control
$ 4,709.36
INSTRUCTION:
$ 750.00
Travel Expense of Supervisors
$ 591.71
5,000.00
Textbooks and Supplementary Books
5,290.06
10,850.00
Supplies-Schools
11,286.14
1,000.00
Supplies-Shop
1,012.86
300.00
Supplies-Domestic Science
363.48
2,535.00
Instructional Apparatus
2,067.71
250.00
Express Charges
213.87
$ 20,685.00
Total Instruction
$ 20,825.83
OPERATION OF PLANT:
$ 13,500.00
Fuel
$ 13,483.39
1,200.00
Water and Sewer
1,076.42
3,500.00
Electricity
4,031.82
100.00
Gas
34.17
650.00
Laundry and Summer Cleaning
445.90
200.00
Ash Removal
310.02
125.00
Janitor's Expense
148.49
SALARIES:
$381,843.07
122
250.00 4,500.00
72.66 Janitors' Supplies 3,997.91
$ 24,025.00
Total Operation of Plant
$ 23,600.78
$ 2,810.00
400.00
MAINTENANCE OF PLANT: Grounds Transferred to Transportation
$ 2,410.00
$ 1,754.86
$ 6,366.00
Buildings
7,262.67
757.00
Service System
1,288.27
1,170.00
Plumbing
290.19
605.00
Furniture Repair
367.11
$ 11,308.00
Total Maintenance of Plant AUXILIARY AGENCIES:
$ 10,963.10
$ 600.00
Library
$ 538.32
400.00
Health Expenses
253.05
104.00
Tuition
63.71
300.00
Commencement
370.17
$ 1,404.00
Total Auxiliary Agencies
$ 1,225.25
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
$ 1,160.00
New Grounds and Buildings
$ 540.00
110.00
New Equipment and Furniture
1,015.54
$ 1,270.00 $ 64,472.00
400.00
Transferred to Transportation
$ 64,072.00
$ 62,879.86
$387,906.00
Total Salaries
381,843.07
$451,978.00
Grand Total
$444,740.57
$ 2,000.00
New Beach Wagon
$ 1,827.15
$ 13,000.00 400.00
Transportation
Transferred from Gen'l. Main.
$ 13,400.00 $ 3,000.00
Vocational Tuition
65.88
By Trans. from Finance Committee
$ 3,065.88
$ 3,065.88
$ 1,182.86
Safety Equipment
$
368.24
$ 50,000.00
School Lunches $ 48,084.70
$ 8,510.53
W. F. A. Reimbursement $ 8,510.53
123
Exp. of Supr. of Bldgs. and Grounds
$ 13,251.08
Total Capital Outlay
$ 1,555.54 Total General Maintenance
AGE GRADE TABLE - October 3, 1949
Age
5
6 7 8 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 21 & over Total
Grade 1
98
178
11
287
2
121
154
8
1
284
3
88 137
10
235
4
71 110
17
4
202
"
5
73
100
23
5
201
6
74 105
27
8
1
215
7
53
91
23
8
2
1
178
8
50
81
29
14
2
176
9
1 45
77
35
8
166
"
10
62
100
40
14
1
217
"
11
1 49
107
24
4
185
70
100
16
7
1
194
PG
2
1
1
4
Special Classes
2
2
3
4
1
1
1
14
Totals
98
299 255 216
196
194
189
175
158 178
201
228
140
21
7
2 1
2558
12
MEMBERS OF READING SCHOOL FACULTIES
(Dates indicate year of appointment in Reading)
School Committee Offices
Arthur B. Lord, Jr., A.B., M.Ed. (1948)
Albert E. Morris, M.D. (1947) Robert A. Grundy (1947) Hugh S. Macfarlane (1949)
Superintendent of Schools School Physician
Attendance Officer
Maintenance Supervisor
Supervisors
Philip W. Althoff, B.P.E., M.Ed. (1927)
Dir. of Physical Education Supervisor of Health
Margaret B. Clewley, R.N. (1939)
Florence G. Nichols, B.S.Ed. (1929)
Physical Ed. Supervisor
Arthur E. Willey, Boston Conservatory of Music (1948) Dir. of Music
Senior High School
Rudolf Sussmann, B.S.Ed. (1917) Luke Halpin, B.A., M.A. (1922)
Royal S. Adams, B.S. (1943) Aline L. Archambault, A.B. (1948) Clifford B. Baker, B.S., M.A. (1944)
English
Elizabeth A. Batchelder, B.S.Ed. (1916) Alton C. Bennett, A.B., M.A. (1947) History, Coach Librarian Elsie I. Bishop, B.A., B.L.S. (1943) Robert Bronner, B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed. (1940) History, Guidance, Golf Virginia Cox, A.B., A.M. (1945) English, Sophomore Adviser Math., Coach Joseph A. Crowley, A.B. (1946) Albert F. Drury, Salem Normal (1917) Bookkeeping, Cons. Economics Joseph F. Fitzgerald, A.B., A.M. (1929)
Math., Head of Dept., Jr. Class Adviser Stenography, Typewriting History, Head of Dept. Steno., Type., Head of Dept. Music, History
Physics, Chem., Head of Dept.
English, Head of Dept. Latin, English, Dramatics Art
French
Spanish, History
Biology, Math.
Helen R. Zimmermann, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. (1936)
Biology
Alice H. Franzen, B.S.Ed. (1947) William E. Hanlon, A.B., M.Ed. (1945) Svea W. Kling, B.B.A., M.Ed. (1940) J. Douglas Oliver, A.B. (1948) Frederick J. Pope, B.S., M.Ed. (1922) Mary E. Shay, B.A., M.A. (1943) Arthur L. Spencer, A.B., A.M. (1938) Esther E. Sullivan, B.S.Ed. (1948) Marion B. Wadsworth, A.B., A.M. (1943) Katherine A. White, A.B. (1947) Philip A. Wogan, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Math., Guidance Science, Faculty Mgr.
Math., Guidance English
125
Junior High School
Robert F.Perry, B.S. (1935)
Supervising Principal
Harriet S. Beattie, B.S.Ed. (1937)
Wellington A. Brewster, A.B., M.Ed. (1947)
Stanley E. Butcher, A.B. (1949) John R. Copithorne, B.A. (1946) Ethelyn M. Cowperthwaite, B.S. (1945) Marian D. Day, Bates College (1925) Clementina Frasca, B.S.Ed. (1947) Walter E. Hawkes, B.S. (1933) Hazel W. Hunt, B.A. (1949) Helen R. Knight, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1946) Roderick E. Macdonald, B.S.Ed. (1937) Jean Mahaney, B.S.Ed. (1949) John B. Pacino, B.S., M.Ed. (1945)
Anna M. Reck, B.A. (1928) Dorothy B. Rice, A.B. (1949)
Paul B. Roberts, B.S., Ed.M. (1949)
Neil C. Robinson, B.S., M.Ed. (1936) Violet H. Rockney, B.A. (1947)
English, Music
Helen Sault, Ph.B. (1948)
Grace M. Thomas, B.S.Ed. (1947)
Margaret Tyacke, Boston University (1926)
Phys. Ed. Hygiene Shop
Edward A. Wicas, B.S. (1949) Albert H. Woodward, A.B., M.Ed. (1940)
Social Studies Mathematics
Highland School
Elizabeth Graham, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1941) Edythe M. McQuaide, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1940) Dorothy L. Burgess, Leslie Normal (1926)
Supervising Principal
Asst. Prin., and Grade 6
Grade 3
Catherine M. Chipman, Lowell State T.C. (1944)
Grade 2
Dorothy L. Cronin, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1933) Carolyn C. Grace, North Adams Normal (1919)
Grade 5
Virginia M. Grady, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 4
Olive L. Joney, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1946) Grades 3 and4 Dorothy Leslie, B.A. (1948) Grade 1
Constance B. Loud, B.S.Ed. (1948)
Grade 6
Florence Potter, Plymouth Normal School (1926)
Grade 5
John M. Shaw, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 6
Mary Slattery, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 1
Art Mathematics Social Studies
Science English
Science
English Physical Ed., Hygiene Social Studies
English Shop Home Economics Bus. Training, Social Studies Asst. Coach Mathematics Mathematics Shop Social Studies
English, Latin Home Economics
Frederick C. Wales, B.S.Ed. (1942)
Grade 2
126
Pearl Street School
Arthur D. Simonds, Jr., B.R.E., M.A. (1944) Supervising Principal
Mary W. Moore, B.S.Ed. (1941) Asst. Principal, and Grade 5
Jean F. Bickford, B.S.Ed. (1948)
Grade1 Grade 2
Velma E. Curtin, Perry Kindergarten (1927)
Elizabeth Gilligan, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 5
Pauline S. Gilman, Keene Normal School (1947)
Grade 2
Jessie L. Goddard, Bridgewater State Teachers' College
Grade 2
A. Josephine Guild, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Grade 1
Frances Haskins, Aroostook State T.C. (1943)
Grade 3
Ann M. Howe, Framingham Teachers' College (1947)
Grade 4
Beth G. MacGregor, B.S.Ed. (1943)
Grade 1
James A. Mclaughlin, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1947) Grade 6
Florence R. Popp, Castine Normal School (1949)
Grade 1
Helen D. Stockwell, Salem Normal School (1930)
Grade 4
Marialice Stratton, B.S. (1948)
Grade 3
Myrla P. Wilbur, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1945)
Grade 6
Joshua Eaton School
Carleton F. Rose, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Clara A. Anderson, B.S.Ed. (1944)
Supervising Principal Grades 3 and 4 Grade 3
Gloria S. Brenner, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 1
Mary S. Corby, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 5
Eileen R. Cummings, B.S.Ed. (1945)
Grade 1
Doris S. Forbes, Plymouth Teachers' College (1947)
Grade 5
R. Hilda Gaffney, B.S.Ed. (1941)
Grade 6
Grace L. Gifford, Wheelock Kindergarten (1943)
Grade 1
Jane Gross, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 2
Esther Kempton, B.S.Ed. (1946)
Grade 4
Grade 3
Helena A. Markham, Framingham State T. College (1934) Alberta R. Mathieson, Salem State Teachers' College (1924) Helen B. Morgan, Lowell State Teachers' College (1949) Irene R. Royea, Aroostook Normal School (1928)
Grade 2
Martha E. Ryder, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Special Class
Eleanor M. Skahill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1943) Grade 6
Barbara Hill, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1949)
Remedial Teacher All Elementary Schools
Lowell Street School
Nellie P. Beaton, Hyannis Teachers' College Principal and Grade 4
Ruth Hanford, B.S.Ed. (1949) Grade 2
Jacqueline A. Nickles, B.S.Ed. (1949)
Grade 3
Marion Weagle, B.S.Ed. (1946)
Grade 1
127
Grade 2
Grade 1
Mary Louise Brogan, B.S.Ed. (1949)
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR 1949
To the School Committee of Reading, Massachusetts Mrs. Milton and Gentlemen:
Herewith please find my second annual report as Superintendent of Schools, which is the fifty-seventh in the series of Annual Reports describing the work of the Reading Public Schools. This report will review the programs initiated in 1948, will report on progress during 1949, and will outline plans and recommendations for the coming year.
Staff
As is usually the case, Reading last year lost many fine teachers because of sickness, marriage, moving with husbands to other towns, to accept better positions, or for other cause. In three cases, teachers have left to become instructors in State Teachers Colleges and one case is of a teacher who is on leave of absence to complete study at a State College. Following is the list of teachers who have left:
High School
Esther C. Sullivan
Art Teacher
Junior High School
William A. Rich
James T. Amsler
Asst. Principal and Teacher of Mathematics Shop
Louise B. Jenkins
Social Studies
Doris F. Karst
Edna L. Rohwedder
Social Studies Mathematics
Highland School
Henry J. Barone Asst. Principal and 6th Grade Teacher
Lorraine Pulson
Grade 5, on leave of absence for one year for further study
Pearl Street School
Richard G. Durnin
Marion K. Dynice
Margaret G. Traquair
Harriet Hoffman Fowle
Grade 5 Grade 2 Special Class Grade 2
Lowell Street School
Loraine C. Johnson
Dorothy Kilroy
Grade 3 Grade 2
Prospect Street School
Helen M. Waltermire
Grade 1
128
Reading has been fortunate in securing excellent replacements for the teachers whom we have lost. Because of the growth of the pupil population, we realized early in the year that it would be necessary to employ several extra teachers and as a result it was possible to em- ploy teachers as early as February; consequently, we were able to secure the very best of the candidates before other communities hired them.
New teachers are as follows:
High School Philip Wogan
Biology and Mathematics
Junior High School
Stanley E. Butcher
Social Studies
Hazel W. Hunt
Social Studies Household Arts
Jean Mahaney
Dorothy B. Rice
Mathmetics
Paul B. Roberts
Industrial Arts Social Studies
Joshua Eaton School
Mary L. Brogan
Grade 1
Helen G. Morgan
Grade 1
Jane Gross
Grade 2
Gloria S. Brenner
Grade 3
Mary S. Corby
Grade 5
Martha E. Ryder
Special Class Remedial Teacher
Highland School
John M. Shaw
Grade 6:
Virginia M. Grady
Grade 4
Mary A. Slattery
Grade 1
Lowell Street School
Jacqueline Nickles
Grade 3
Ruth M. Hanford
Grade 2
Pearl Street School
Grade 5
Elizabeth Gilligan Florence R. Popp
Grade 1
Six of the teachers listed above were employed to accommodate an increase in enrollment of 119 pupils in the elementary schools and also to relieve overcrowded elementary classrooms. A very definite factor in making it possible for us to secure excellent teachers is the improved salary schedule which places Reading comparatively well up on the list with other towns and cities in the Commonwealth. Today Reading is in such a position that with careful selection, our teachers
129
Edward A. Wicas
Barbara Hill
should be equal to or better than teachers of almost any other town in the Commonwealth.
SUPERVISION. No small part of good instruction in the classroom is dependent upon constant, skillful supervision, whether through classroom visitation or teachers' meetings. Reading is fortunate in having conscientious principals and supervisors who are primarily re- sponsible for the strong in-service training program which exists in this town.
Cafeteria
The plans and recommendations of 1948 included the improvement of the cafeteria service in the schools, revision of the maintenance pro- gram, and preliminary steps for the integration of instruction through- out all schools in the system. In past years the four school cafeterias operated independently, both as to menu making and purchasing. In September of this year five cafeterias were organized under a cafeteria supervisor, Miss Lois Connor, who prepares menus, purchases for all the cafeterias, and supervises their operation.
Maintenance
For several years the Reading School Committee has recognized the desirability of improving the maintenance program in the schools. Now that the School System has grown to its present size, the work of prop- erly caring for the buildings is considerable. On July 1st, Mr. Hugh Macfarlane, a man with considerable experience in this particular field, was employed to supervise the operation and maintenance of the vari- ous school buildings. The result of this change in organization will lead to a reduction in the cost of specific items and improve the care of a school plant valued at $2,500,000.
Integration
The major part of the progress during the past year has been prop- erly the improvement of the instructional program in Reading. The lack of integration previously existing meant that pupils from the dif- ferent schools moving into other schools in the system arrived with vary- ing backgrounds, which meant a loss in instructional time every time such a move was made. The same situation existed even in a pupil's advancement from grade to grade within a building. Last year, the Superintendent organized a study for the integration of instruction within schools and between schools. In view of the fact that all class- room teachers would be involved directly in carrying out any instruc- tional program, the Superintendent enlisted the support of all teachers in this study for integration. Teachers appointed seven of their number to meet with the Superintendent as a Council for organization and de- velopment of the study. All teachers participated in the major phases
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of the study, the first of which involved an analysis by all teachers of existing practices of the various grade levels in the different schools. Later in the year teachers from the various grade levels met to deter- mine instructional practices and content to which a pupil was exposed in his progress from grade to grade. There were many positive results stemming from these studies. In the first place, teachers throughout the system probably for the first time appreciated the problems of teachers of other grade and subject levels; secondly, teachers saw clearly defined relationships between their particular instruction, and that in other parts of the school system; third, teachers of the same grade levels and subject areas noted differing practices, and were able to coordinate their instruction as a result; fourth, the absurdity of dif- ferent basal texts in the different schools was thrown into sharp relief.
BASAL TEXTS. Plans are now in process of completion for the purchase of standard basal texts as a definite step for the improvement of integration between grades and schools. In view of the fact that the cost of such an undertaking is considerable, the purchase program should be extended over a period of three or four years.
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