USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1953 > Part 9
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Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE F. FOGG
Inspector of Wires.
96
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
Town of Reading, Massachusetts
for the year ending
December 31, 1953
RETIRED
Marian Dillingham Day Appointed September 1925 Teacher of General Science in Junior High Agnes G. Hurley Appointed September 1927 Matron at the Junior High School Mary A. Kingman Appointed September 1927 Cafeteria Manager at the Senior High School
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Philip R. White, Chairman, 189 Summer Avenue
Newell H. Morton, 198 Woburn Street
Gladys F. Milton, 281 Summer Avenue
Alexander P. Glover, 56 Lowell Street
1955
John L. Griffin, 22 Bond Street
1954
Robert E. Turner, 78 Middlesex Avenue
1954
School Committee Office
Joshua Eaton School 365 Summer Avenue RE 2-0180 and RE 2-2384 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
26 Mineral Street
Clerks in School Committee Office
Margaret A. McMullen
Irene E. Reichardt
56 Intervale Terrace 90 Vine Street
School Physician
Er Chang Ping, M.D. 127 Hopkins Street
Supervisor of Maintenance
Robert A. Vars
26 Beacon Street
Attendance Officer 25 Lewis Street or 74 Haven Street
Robert A. Grundy
Term expires 1956 1956
", 1955
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Reading:
The School Committee herewith submits its annual report.
Since the Board of Selectmen has requested an outline of the School Committee's duties we shall begin our report with as complete an ex- planation as space will permit.
The general duties are as follows:
1. To legislate and establish general policies relating to the scope of educational offerings to be maintained throughout the school sys- tem; such as courses of study to be offered, instructional procedures used, creation of positions necessary to carry on services it expects the school to render, determination of school year, etc.
2. To adopt plans and determine the extent of expenditures for the maintenance of school personnel (administrative, teaching, clerical, janitorial) of school buildings and properties, and to adopt a financial budget for this work.
3. To decide upon buildings to be provided.
4. To employ a professional school executive and to evaluate and appraise his services.
5. To secure state legislation for local needs and to submit to the voters for their decision such matters as, by law, require their approval.
6. To report to the public concerning the conditions of the schools, their progress and their needs.
The rest of this report will come under the sixth duty of the School Committee.
Since the Reading school system has in the past four years been coordinated in the fields of Arithmetic, Social Studies, Science and Read- ing so that all the elementary grades are now using the same graduated text books, the School Committee felt this year the school libraries should be enlarged. These additional books supplement the use of the regular textbooks and offer an enriched program of study for the children who are able to work at a higher rate of speed.
The music program this year expanded greatly. This is true especially in the elementary schools where fine bands and orchestras are attracting more pupils.
With the opening of the new senior high school in September, there will be a broadening of the curriculum. The School Committee has recognized this fact and already has made plans to include Driver Training and wider opportunities for shop training. Also this year the Committee realizes that the school system can no longer be without a specially trained guidance director. The larger school population and the many changes in the social, economic and vocational world make this a necessity if Reading is to have a competent school system.
The large enrollment in the Reading schools today and the greater number of pupils still entering cause the School Committee a great deal of concern. In order to meet this increase, it is going to be necessary to make drastic changes. For the year 1954-1955 the new senior high school will have to house the ninth grade pupils. This will be done to make room in the Junior High School for some elementary pupils of grade 6.
99
It is necessary, therefore, that additional elementary classrooms should be provided very soon to relieve the elementary pupil problem, for the senior and junior high schools cannot accommodate these pupils indefinitely.
It is also time to begin thinking of building an addition to the Junior High School. The School Committee wishes the townspeople to realize how critical the housing problem is and to be planning for its future.
With all this building in sight, the School Committee recommends that a School Planning and Building Committee be established. The School Committee feels that with all its other duties it would be ad- visable to relieve it of these problems and that such a committee should be created.
The School Committee has had a survey made of the athletic field for the new senior high school, as it was authorized to do at the last Town Meeting.
It will be necessary for the Town to appropriate money for this athletic field, a parking area, and for completing purchase of the equip- ment for the building.
The Town appropriated $2,400,000 for the new Senior High School. The general contract was let to A. Cefalo & Sons, Inc., for $1,997.000. Since then, change orders amounting to $142,276 have been made. Of this amount $123,289 was for ledge removal. The balance was primarily for procuring critical materials which were not available at the time the contract was let. There is also an extra order for testing, of $2,000. The total is $2,141,276. We do not know of any other additional changes in order to complete the building. The contract for grading has not been let. The above figures do not include the architects' fee, which will be 63/4 % of the cost of the building, equipment and grading.
This year the School Committee feels that Reading enjoys a better place in the competitive field of teachers' salaries than it did last year, so, therefore, is contemplating no change in the salary schedule.
The School Committee was asked to submit that part of the tax dollar which is spent on the educational system.
Year Net School Expenditures Net Town Expenditures Per Cent
1951 $450,927.81 $1,190,628.81 37.8
1952 494,544.45
1,262,775.82 39.1
1953 544,512.67
1,438,398.50 37.8
A more detailed report of the school system of Reading is given in the report of the Superintendent of Schools. The School Committee wishes to call your attention to this report for fuller information.
The entire School Committee wishes to extend its heartiest thanks to the townspeople who have shown constructive interest in the school system.
The terms of Mr. Robert E. Turner and Mr. John L. Griffin expire this year.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP R. WHITE Chairman
ROBERT E. TURNER
GLADYS F. MILTON JOHN L. GRIFFIN
ALEXANDER P. GLOVER
NEWELL H. MORTON
100
PART OF FRONT OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL FROM PROPOSED ROAD
LOOKING ACROSS BIRCH MEADOW TOWARD THE BACK OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL
900
ANK
SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUDGET - 1953
Appropriations, Transfers & Refunds 1953
Expended 1953
SALARIES:
$ 28,792.90
Supt., Clerks and Enf. of Law
$ 28,282.81
13,712.59
Supervisors
13,980.51
25,370.66
Principals
24,604.22
402,071.57
Teachers
402,478.98
53,761.38
Janitors and Matrons
51,808.47
7,683.49
Health
7,964.92
$531,392.59
$529,119.91
MAINTENANCE:
$ 1,000.00
Supt. Office Expense
$ 1,022.83
300.00
Research and Professional Study
287.20
800.00
Printing
361.42
500.00
Travel Expenses
466.41
600.00
Prin. Office Expenses
705.38
2,500.00
Telephone
2,572.99
150.00
Travel Expense - Enf. of Law
156.00
$ 5,850.00
Total General Control
....
$ 5,563.23
INSTRUCTION:
$ 600.00
Travel Expense of Supervisors
$ 689.41
8,110.00
Textbooks and Supplementary Books
7,149.68
11,750.00
Supplies - School
31.27
Refunds
11,781.27
11,267.48
1,500.00
Supplies -- Shop
1,522.13
450.00
Supplies - Domestic Science
450.43
975.00
Film
601.20
Physical Ed Equipment
841.80
1,290.00
Tests
1,006.81
5,726.98
Instructional Apparatus
5,205.04
600.00
Express Charges
294.66
$ 32,033.25
Total Instruction
$ 29,028.64
101
1,000.00
OPERATION OF PLANT:
$ 16,000.00
Fuel
$ 13,014.24
1,900.00
Water and Sewer
1,654.74
6,500.00
Electricity
5,627.44
100.00
Gas
76.05
400.00
Laundry and Summer Cleaning
442.50
300.00
Ash Removal
336.29
350.00
Exp. of Supr. of Bldgs. and Grounds
594.63
6,000.00
Janitors Supplies
7,617.95
$31,550.00
Total Operation of Plant $ 29,363.84
MAINTENANCE OF PLANT:
$ 2,207.00
Grounds
$ 2,123.27
16,560.00
Buildings
18,463.76
745.00
Service System
460.74
8,775.00
Plumbing and Heating
9,836.39
270.00
Furniture Repair
152.09
$ 28,557.60
Total Maintenance of Plant
$ 31,036.25
AUXILIARY AGENCIES:
$ 2,500.00
Library
$ 2,063.52
600.00
Health Expenses
355.09
400.00
Commencement
318.92
$ 3,500.00
Total Auxiliary Agencies
$ 2,737.53
CAPITAL OUTLAY:
$
7,718.05
New Equipment and Furniture
$ 7,732.46
1,500.00
Fire Escape - Prospect Street School 1,163.90
$ 9,218.05
Total Capital Outlay
$ 8,896.36
$110,677.63
31.27
Total General Maintenance Refunds
$110,708.90 $531,392.59
Total Salaries
$106,625.85 $529,119.91
$642,101.49
Grand Total
$635,745.76
20,000.00
Transportation
18,959.75
3,000.00
Vocational Tuition
2,968.97
4,200.00
Athletic Account
4,200.00
3,800.00
Cafeteria Account
3,800.00
1,500.00
Junior High Repairs
467.00
Highland School Repairs
102
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE - 1954 Receipts not from Tax Levy - Showing Net Cost to Town January 2, 1954
Estimate 1954 Appropriation Credits
GENERAL ACCOUNT
1953
$692,641.93
Total Expenditures (less transportation)
$635,745.76
$ 93,311.70
State Reimbursement (estimate)
$ 88,611.71
28,000.00
Tuition
27,246.20
2,500.00
Tuition - other
2,774.51
124,811.70
1,000.00
Sundry
601.49
119,233.91
$567,830.23
Net Cost to Town
$516,511.85
VOCATIONAL TUITION
$ 3,000.00
Total Expenditures
$ 2,968.97
Receipts:
1,300.00
State Reimbursement
1,330.20
$ 1,700.00
Net Cost to Town
$ 1,638.77
TRANSPORTATION
$ 25,000.00
Total Expenditures
$ 18,959.75
Receipts:
600.00
State Reimbursement
597.70
Net Cost to Town
$ 18,362.05
22.
$ 24,400.00
Receipts:
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Reading, Massachusetts Mrs. Milton and Gentlemen:
Herewith please find my sixth report as Superintendent of Schools, which is the 61st in the series of Annual Reports describing the work of the Reading Public Schools.
STAFF
Reading has lost many fine teachers during 1953:
High School
James M. Aldrich
Aline L. Archambault
Victor J. Archambault
Elsie I. Bishop
Marion B. Wadsworth
Chemistry and Science English Physical Education Librarian French
Junior High School
Marian D. Day
Science
Barbara McCarthy
Home Economics
Marjorie T. Pacino
Martin L. Robie
Mathematics, Permanent Substitute Social Studies
Joshua Eaton School
Jane Gross Carey
Grade 2
Bernard Huntley
Grade 6
Jacqueline Nickles
Grade 5
Gloria Rosenthal
Grade 3
Nancy Sweet
Grade 4
Highland School
Marlys D. Arnold
Grade 1
Arthur W. Lalime Olive L. Joney
Grade 5
Pearl Street School
Carol P. Berry
Grade 3
Elizabeth P. Cavanaugh
Grade 6
Margaret S. Jacobus
Grades 2 and 3
Beth MacGregor
Grade 1
Thelma McDonnell
Grade 2
Lowell Street School
Ruth H. LeBrun
Grade 2
Maintenance Department
Agnes G. Hurley
Mary A. Kingman
Junior High School, Matron High School, Manager
We have been fortunate in securing well qualified teachers to fill vacancies and new positions created because of increased enrollment.
104
Grade 6
The hiring of teachers was easier this year because of the increase in the salary schedule voted by you of the School Committee. Reading returned to its competitive position by the increases voted to teachers. Teachers hired to fill vacancies are as follows:
High School
Clarissa B. Abbott Rose E. Chiesa Ernestine Macdonald H. Neil Soule
English French Librarian Science
Junior High School
Gilbert F. Bulley
Elisabeth A. Dagdigian
Thomas J. Ganley
Social Studies English Mathematics
F. Shirley Hughes
Household Arts - Clothing
William T. McGrail
Social Studies
James T. Murphy
Science
Joshua Eaton School
Viola H. Guarino
Grade 1
Helen B. Morgan
Grade 1
Patricia Reiman
Grade 5
Ileen N. Sadowski
Grade 4
Highland School
Jean W. Bennett
Grade 5, Permanent Substitute
Grade 6
Carl E. Burri Ann Cullen Thelma M. Garnett
Grade 3
Grade 1
Pearl Street School
Philip F. Luosey
Supervising Principal
Luanna E. Devenis
Grade 3
Margaret S. Jacobus
Grade 2
Dennis F. Murphy
Grade 6
Dorothy R. Payzant
Grade 1
Lowell Street School
Dorothy L. Conron
Grade 2
Prospect Street School Nellie P. Greene
Grade 6, Permanent Substitute
The school system welcomed the return from two years' service in the Air Corps in Japan of Mr. Philip Althoff, Director of Physical Edu- cation.
Today, we hear much about the shortage of elementary school teachers, but our experience has been that there are many well quali- fied elementary school teachers (except in the late summer) who want to teach in Reading.
Contrarywise, while there have been too many teachers who wanted to work on the secondary school level in the past, today a shortage is
105
developing because of increased enrollment at that level. Of no little concern to us is the shortage of science teachers, who are in great demand in industry. As our large enrollment of elementary school pupils moves into high school, the teacher supply will be even more critical.
Reading is fortunate in having teachers who are well trained and prepared, who also are, for the most part, dedicated to working for boys and girls and who give of themselves as people who have not taught can scarcely appreciate. It is because of this and because of their en- thusiasm for their work that our boys and girls learn more than is typical of pupils throughout the country. Teachers' morale could be higher, but it is not at the low ebb of one year ago.
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOLS
Elementary
During the past year the work of the elementary schools has im- proved; the program for integration has been carried forward. Stand- ardized texts are in use in reading, arithmetic, social studies, and science and school libraries have been much expanded this year. As a result of the schools closing at noon bi-monthly teachers have been able to work together in analyzing the schools' program and teaching techniques. The time, also, has been used for individual parent con- ferences, to the child's advantage.
An analysis of standardized test results indicates that the aver- age pupil in Reading is from one month to over a year advanced in every subject in every grade in the elementary schools. While it is true that the better intelligence of our pupils would indicate better than average achievement, this alone does not account for their superiority; the materials of instruction and our fine teachers are also in some measure responsible.
The use of visual aids, which proved so effective in the military service, field trips to places of historic interest, and museums and in- dustrial plants broaden the child's horizon. Organized recreation, plays, dances and orchestras may be considered by some to be totally un- related to education and the traditional hard core of learning, but exact- ing studies comparing the product of the traditional school with that of modern instruction clearly indicate that the use of these devices and activities produce a better educated individual. Our schools are or- ganized to provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals as well as to provide for the activities mentioned above.
Junior High School
Much of what has been said of the elementary schools also ap- plies to the Junior High School. Tests in spelling, arithmetic, algebra and science in Grades 7, 8 and 9, and tests in all subjects in Grade 8 indicate that the average boy or girl has achieved more than is typical for pupils in the nation. All pupils engage in some student activity, from membership on the student council to use and care of projectors. We lose many teachers from the Junior High School. Today we have 13
106
who have been here three years or less. It is necessary, therefore, to maintain a regular program for inservice training of teachers to be sure that the school's program is properly coordinated.
This year the Junior High School teachers have used two days per month when schools close early to revise the course of study in Eng- lish grammar and usage, to revise tests in mathematics and social studies, to develop a new teaching guide in household arts, and to revise the program of studies in science. A new course of study is being completed in industrial arts, the program in music has been strength- ened. As in the past, a very strong sports and intramural program for both boys and girls is maintained.
High School
Reading High School continues to do fine work in preparing our youth for college. All members of the class who planned to go to college passed the entrance requirements this year. At the end of the first marking period all Freshmen were doing well in college.
Heads of departments working with the Principal and me have been reviewing the curriculum in anticipation of entering the new building, where we shall have room to broaden the High School's cur- riculum and bring the school's offerings into line with programs pro- vided in other good schools. We continue to lose too many pupils be- fore graduation for "lack of interest". The new program may reduce the number of "drop-outs". Teachers have worked conscientiously under rather trying conditions and look forward to doing even better work in the new school.
The English Department, theArt Department and the students were pleased this year to have the High School Yearbook place second in national competition. Last year the Yearbook won first place.
Health
With limited personnel the Reading schools provide a better pro- gram in Health than is required by State standards. Because the School Nurse had a far too high case load, she was provided part time assistance. We maintain a strong program through the clinics, gen- eral physical examinations, sight and hearing testing, and through the Pupil Adjustment Clinic. Dr. Ping, School Physician, has been very successful in working with several children this year who needed professional help in adjusting to acceptable standards.
Music
Music continues to improve in the Reading schools, largely as a result of the intensified efforts of the Director of Music and his assist- ant. Beside the strong basic program in the classroom, there is an or- chestra in each of the large elementary schools and at Junior High School. There are fine choral groups at both Junior and Senior High Schools, and a steadily improving band. The success of music in Read- ing is indicated by the fact that pupils of the Lowell Street School were invited to demonstrate flutophone playing at Boston University, the Junior High School Glee Clubs broadcast over WCOP, and the High School Chorus broadcast over the same station. The band was invited to participate in other towns.
107
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
We, in the schools, are grateful for the help and support of the parents. While it seems only natural that parents would be interested, in Reading the number of parents who work through the PTA and the frequent evidence of their desire to help to improve the schools' work is as unusual as it is heartening.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on present enrollment in the schools and using typical en- tering first grade classes with little recognition of possible growth of the Town, the following facts need serious study for their implications. In September 1954 all elementary school classrooms will be in use. Three classes of sixth grade pupils must go to the Junior High School building. The ninth grade will be transferred to the new High School.
In the very near future, probably by 1956, one third of the eighth grade pupils must be transferred to the new High School and all sixth grade pupils transferred to the Junior High School.
By 1960 there is good reason to believe the Town should provide 23 additional classrooms for elementary school use (or 31 if we abandon the Lowell and Prospect Street Schools), and 14 classrooms should be added to the Junior High School. The addition of these rooms should make it possible for us to return to the present system of organization: Elementary grades, 1-6; Junior High School, grades 7-9; Senior High, grades 10-12.
It should be apparent from the above that there will be a tremend- ous problem of dislocation during this period, undesirable from the pupils' point of view and awkward for administration.
We should also plan for the development of an athletic field at the new High School.
In our concern about providing adequate housing we should not overlook the fact that good education is provided by well trained teach- ers and the Town must maintain an attractive salary schedule if it is going to maintain present high standards.
Enclosed herewith are pictures of the new school and pictures of some of the school activities.
May I thank the Board for their support of a good educational pro- gram and for their assistance to the staff and me.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR B. LORD, JR.
Superintendent of Schools
108
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS OBSERVED AT HIGHLAND SCHOOL
T
NOMINOO
LLEVA
*
107
AMERICAI
WE
RIDE ON TRAINS
COA CAF
FIRST GRADE EXPRESS
PASSENGER CAR
194
29 4
FIRST GRADE CHILDREN IN MISS SALVA'S ROOM, HIGHLAND SCHOOL LEARN ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS AGE-GRADE TABLE - October 1, 1953
Age
6
7
8 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Total
Grade 1
239
6
338
" 2
123
184
8
1
316
"
3
57 163
23
243
"
4
73
151
18
2
244
"
5
1 77
156
16
250
" 6
107
140
15
2
1
1
266
"
7
83
150
18
4
1
1
257
" 8
70
109
25
4
208
"
9
74 104
21
6
205
10
75 132
38
3 .
3
251
" 11
54 113
23
5
195
12
56
88
25
6
1
176
PG
1
1
2
Totals
93
362 247 245 252 281 241
235 203
209 213 214
114
34
7
1
2951
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
Grade 1
25
36
61
"
2
27 39
66
"
3
10 44
3
57
4
11
30
1
1
43
"
5
15
30
45
16
22
2
2
42
25
63
49
55
48
47
23
2
2
Total Parochial
314
Grand
Total
118
425
296 300
300 328 264 237 205 209 213 214
114 34 7 1
3265
"
6
"
5 93
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1954 - 1955
School Open
September 8, 1954
No Sessions:
Columbus Day Teachers' Convention Armistice Day Good Friday Memorial Day
October 12, 1954 October 29, 1954 November 11, 1954
April 8, 1955 May 30, 1955
Thanksgiving Recess:
Close on November 24, 1954 (noontime) Open on November 29th
Christmas Vacation:
Close on December 23, 1954 (noontime) Open on January 3rd
Winter Vacation:
Close on February 18, 1955 Open on February 28th
Spring Vacation:
Close on April 15, 1955 Open on April 25th
Schools Close
June 22, 1955
SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Effective September 1, 1954, a child, to be eligible for admission to Grade 1 in the Reading Public Schools, must be five years ten months of age as of September 1 of the entering year.
To enter school, each child is required to present a birth certificate and a certificate of vaccination, or in the case of unsuccessful vaccina- tion, a statement from the doctor certifying that three attempts to vac- cinate have been made, all of which have proved to be unsuccessful.
Registration of children entering school in September is held in the different schools some time during May. Announcement of exact time is made through The Reading Chronicle.
SCHOOL CLINICS
Dental Clinic: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Eaton School - 9:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m. Immunization Clinic: Annually by appointment.
110
MEMBERS OF READING SCHOOL FACULTIES
(Dates indicate year of appointment in Reading)
School Committee Office
Arthur B. Lord, Jr., A.B., M.Ed. (1948)
Er Chang Ping, M.D. (1952)
Superintendent of Schools School Physician
Supervisors
Philip W. Althoff, B.P.E., M.Ed. (1927) Director of Physical Education Margaret B. Clewley, R.N. (1939) Supervisor of Health
Roderick MacDonald, B.S.Ed. (1937) Director of Industrial Arts Florence G. Nichols, B.S.Ed. (1929) Supervisor of Physical Education J. Douglas Oliver, A.B., M. Mus. Ed. (1948) Director of Music
Geraldine F. Roy, B.S., M. Ed. (1950) Supervisor of Art
Senior High School
Rudolf Sussmann, B.S.Ed. (1917) Luke Halpin, B.S., M.A. (1922)
Supervising Principal Asst. Prin., Math., Guidance
Head of Dept., Tests and Measurements
Clarissa B. Abbott, B.S.Ed. (1953)
English
Victor J. Archambault, A.B. (1951)
Clifford W. Baker, B.S., A.M. (1944)
Elizabeth A. Batchelder, B.S.Ed. (1916)
Alton C. Bennett, A.B., M.A. (1947)
History, Faculty Manager History, Guidance
Robert Bronner, B.S.Ed., M.S.Ed. (1940) Rose E. Chiesa, A.B. (1953)
French English
Virginia M. Cox, A.B., A.M. (1945)
Joseph A. Crowley, A.B., M.Ed. (1946)
Jane R. Cutcliffe, B.S.Ed., M.Ed. (1952)
Alberta F. Drury, Salem Normal (1917) Bookkeeping, Consumer Ed.
Joseph F. Fitzgerald, A.B., A.M. (1929) Alice H. Franzen, B.S.E. (1947)
Math., Head of Dept. Sten., Type., Jr. Class Adv.
William E. Hanlon, A.B., M.Ed. (1945) Svea W. Kling, B.B.A., M.Ed. (1940) Ernestine Macdonald, A.B. (1953)
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