Town of Tewksbury annual report 1950-1954, Part 35

Author: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Publication date: 1950
Publisher: Tewksbury (Mass.)
Number of Pages: 786


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1950-1954 > Part 35


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School Physician


800.00


Health


3,133.00


Athletics


2,000.00


Library


600.00


Elementary Physical Education


1,000.00


Transportation


High


16,000.00


Elementary


24,000.00


School Lunch


5,000.00


Total


$289,385.00


Estimated Reimbursement to the Town for 1954


Chapter 70


$ 66,400.26


Transportation


21,921.37


State Wards


3,454.00


City of Boston Wards


200.00


Vocational Household Arts


2,387.23


94,362.86


Net Estimated School Budget for 1954 $195,022.14


This amount represents a net per pupil cost of $138.26


This past year (1953) the school budget's net per pupil cost was estimated to be $144.89. To date, with about 5% of the reimbursement still to be received, it is safe to estimate that the actual net per pupil cost will be about $145.71. The 1954 school year's per pupil cost estimate of $138.26 will average about $6.45 less per pupil than that of the 1953 school year. The principal reasons are: (1) estimated reimbursement will be greater, and (2) the large increase in pupil enrollment has lowered the individual cost.


Respectfully submitted, RALPH S. BATTLES


Chairman.


130


REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS


To the Tewksbury School Committee:


I herewith submit my third annual report as Superintendent of the Tewksbury Public Schools.


This past year has been a year of progress towards worthwhile educational goals. A cumulative record system, a report card for grades 1-8 and a remedial reading system have been introduced. A spelling series has been adopted for grades 1-8 as well as a science series for grades 7 and 8. General Chemistry and General Biology have been added to the High School Curriculum with General Phys- ics scheduled for the coming school year.


Safety Education has been demonstrated by means of lectures, motion pictures, and strip films. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and our own local Police Department have been of great service to us in this respect.


Many strip films pertaining to subject-matter material have been made available to teachers to supplement and develop a modern pro- gram of visual aids. The purchase of a strip film projector and screens for each of the two new schools, by the School Building Committee, should prove invaluable in developing this program. The Parent-Teacher Association has presented us with a three-speed rec- ord player which is to be used in our music appreciation course. Several others are needed in our Audio-Visual program.


The elementary physical education program is constantly in- creasing in scope. In working out a program, a number of definite objectives are kept in view; namely, an understanding and develop- ment of good clean sportsmanship, leadership, cooperation, physical fitness, worthy use of leisure time, improvement and maintenance of good posture and appreciation of health. The summer program was well received and supported.


The school enrollment continues to increase. It was necessary to re-open the 4 first floor classrooms in the Foster School last Oc- tober. Next September, even with the remaining 4 classrooms in service, an additional 4-6 classrooms will still be required. The following table denotes the trend:


Year


Number of Pupils


1949


863


1950


983


1951


1055


1952


1164


1953


(Oct. 1, 1953)


1425


1953 (Dec. 31, 1953)


1470


131


This heavy increase in school population, which is about 66 per cent increase over the last five years, largely is due to the current building boom. It is now apparent that this trend will increase sharply before it levels off.


A table of projected school enrollment for the next five years, based upon ten-year percentages of survival, is as follows:


Year


Estimated Number of Pupils


1954


1531


1955


1625


1956


1724


1957


1848


1958


2017


This table is only an estimate and tends to be conservative. However, it is a warning to look to the future. It is now apparent that a total of eight first grades will be necessary next September. Using this as an index 64 classrooms would be needed in 1962 to house the first 8 grades. Immediate thought must also be given to the High School building. The heavy elementary enrollment will cause a serious situation within two years. Already our Gym, House- hold Arts and Industrial Arts quarters are too small and outdated, the study hall inadequate and the commercial department limited. It would be wise for all of us to remember that High School repre- sents, for most of our pupils, the last four years of their formal education. We cannot allow them to suffer because proper school support was denied them. Schools can only be improved through positive action.


The rapid growth of our school population is likewise reflected in the School Lunch Program. We are now feeding about 1150 stu- dents daily, at a cost of 20 cents per meal. A breakdown of the number of meals for this past year is as follows:


Type of Lunch High School North St. Sch. Shawsheen Sch.


Complete lunch


38,702


59,157


41,918


Milk only


3,888


9,163


8,720


A total of $12,976.91 was received from the Massachusetts School Lunch Program during this same period.


Changes in school personnel during the year were as follows: Resigned:


Rosella Schatz, Teacher - High School Lorraine Nastek, Teacher - North Street School Miriam Smith, Teacher - North Street School Charles Taylor, Teacher - North Street School Helene Stewart, Teacher - North Street School Dorothy Higgins, Teacher - Shawsheen School George Pappas, Teacher - Shawsheen School Florence Savas, Music Teacher - All Schools


132


Died:


Helen Hollis, Teacher - North Street School


On Leave of Absence: Rita Sullivan, Teacher - High School


Appointed:


Emily Doucette, Teacher - High School Andrew Melnicki, Teacher - High School Helen Cogswell, Teacher - North Street School Marie Lapniewski, Teacher - North Street School Caroline Fiedler, Teacher - North Street School Charlotte Johnson, Teacher - North Street School, Ellen Kennerly, Teacher - North Street School Ann Scandura, Teacher - North Street School Thea Dantos, Teacher - Shawsheen School Barbara Hill, Teacher - Shawsheen School Mary Rock, Teacher - Shawsheen School Catherine Collins, Teacher - Foster School Henry Mroz, Teacher - Foster School Edgar Beal, Music - All Schools


Fred C. Burnaby-Remedial Reading - Elementary Schools


In closing I again stress that the Tewksbury Public School system is rapidly moving from a "small" to a "larger" school system. While many of our citizens are conscious of this growth, they do not fully recognize the factors involved which ultimately reflect in an increased school budget. For example, during the past two years, 19 additional teachers have been hired and at least 8 more will be re- quired this coming September. This factor alone accounts for many thousands of dollars, not to mention the extra textbooks, supplies, equipment and transportation needed to take care of the constantly increasing school population.


I call your attention to the reports of our Supervisors, which should provide our citizens with a better knowledge of some of the work carried on in cur public schools, as well as the charts and tables which are appended to this report.


I express my deep and heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff, the School Committee and the citizens of the Town of Tewksbury for their loyal support and cooperation.


Respectfully submitted,


THOMAS L. RIVARD Superintendent of Schools


133


AGE -GRADE DISTRIBUTION OCTOBER 1, 1953


Grade Age


5 | 6 |7 |8 | 9 |10 |11|12


13


14


15


16 |17 |18 |T't'l


I


93|118|


3| 2| 3


219


II


84


85


12


2


183


III


34


74


10


3


121


IV


1


36


73


17


1


1| 1|


130


V


46


76


18


5


145


VI


43


54


8


10


1


116


VII


19|


49


20


6


1


95


VIII


34


45


19|


14|


1


113


IX


2


22


52


11


7


1


95


X


25


36|


22


4|


1


88


XI


13


37


12


3


65


XII


14


25


9


48


Sp. Class


4


1


2


7


Total


93|202|123|124|134|139|


92| 99|98|107


76


83


42


13|1425


SCHOOL - GRADE DISTRIBUTION


I II III IV V VI VII VIIIIX X XIXII SC Ttles


Shawsheen


113| 92| 58| 68| 69


400


Foster


45


95


140


North St.


106| 91|


63


62


76| 71


469


Total


219|183|121|130|145|116|


95


High


|113]


95


88|


65


48|


7| 416


Grand Total


219|183|121|130|145|116


95|113


95


88


65


48


7|1425


Educational and Employment Certificates


Every person from 14-16 years of age must have an employment certificate or permit, and those between 16-21 years of age must have an educational certificate before starting work. These certifi- cates and permits may be obtained from the offices of the Superin- tendent of Schools, the High School Principal, and the Secretary of the School Committee. When one makes application for a certificate (or "working card"), he must apply in person and bring birth certi- ficate and report of last grade attended.


Age of Admission to School


All children born previous to April 1, 1949 are eligible to attend school in the coming fall term. No entrance tests for children under the age requirement will be given.


134


REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL


To the Superintendent of Schools:


It is my privilege to submit my seventh annual report as Prin- cipal of Tewksbury High School.


When the doors opened on September 9th, a record of 418 stu- dents registered to pursue the various curricula offered at the school.


A breakdown of the courses pursued by the four upper classes follows:


Class


College


Comm.


Gen. Nurses' Tr. Home Ec. Man. Tr. Ttls.


Senior


15


14


13


2


2


0


46


Junior


17


14


20


8


0


4


63


Soph.


20


29


18


4


5


8


84


Fresh.


25


26


16


12


4


12


95


-


-


Totals


77


83


67


26


11


24


288


The difference between this figure and the record enrollment is the 118 eighth graders who actually replace the 39 lost by graduation in June and the 12 who comprise the Special Class under the direc- tion of Mrs. O'Rourke. With little change in present enrollments of Grades 7 through 11, an unprecedented figure of 453 is anticipated for the opening of school next fall. As all available classroom space is utilized by the present number, the inadequacy of present facil- ties for next year's group is apparent. The four-year high school enrollment alone should approximate 385 students.


I am pleased to report a very fine quality of students and excel- lent morale. My class advisors have been most instrumental in assisting and familiarizing pupils under their control with our rather extensive program, the school's philosophy, and the opportunities which are available at the school.


On June 13, 1953, 39 students received diplomas from Mr. Ralph S. Battles, chairman of the School Committee. The two highest ranking students had parts in the program. They were Elizabeth Cole, the class valedictorian, and James Allen, the student receiving the second highest marks in the class. Miss Freida Brownstein, our accomplished pianist, entertained with the ever popular rendition of "Malaguena" by Segovia. The awards made were: Melvin Rogers Athletic Medals to Albert Bancroft and Frank Kehce; The Tewksbury Parent-Teacher Association Nurse's Training Scholarship, Dorothy Blue; Parent-Teacher Association Scholarship, Elizabeth Dixon; Parent-Teacher Association Basketball Medals, Bessie Pappas and John Foss; Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizenship Cer- tificates, Donna Haines; and the Balfour Award for Achievement, Loyalty, and Scholarship, Elizabeth Cole. A special award of a gold pin for a prize winning essay on Aviation was awarded to Lester Martin.


135


The class gift to the school was a sum of $200 to be spent on a worthwhile school project. The guest speaker was Dr. Franklin Hawkes, Director of Fair Educational Practices, Massachusetts De- partment of Education. His topic was "Station S. D. I."


Faculty Changes


During the summer, Miss Rosella Schatz, of Marshfield, resigned to accept the position of Home Economics teacher at the new Lexing- ton High School in Lexington, Massachusetts. We were most fortu- nate in securing the services of her predecessor, Mrs. Emily Doucette, to fill this vacancy. Due to the large number of eighth grade students, Mr. Andrew Melnicki, a graduate of Worcester Teachers' College, who resides in Methuen, was added to the faculty. His presence has made it possible to divide the 8th graders into three groups of ap- proximately 37 pupils each. Mrs. Margaret Brown, a substitute teacher, has assumed the responsibilities of teaching English in the three upper grades, replacing Miss Rita Sullivan who has been granted a year's leave of absence.


Miscellaneous


It is felt that the new law regarding school buses should be brought to the attention of all readers. The crux of this law is that all motor vehicles when approaching a school bus which has stopped to take on or discharge passengers, and while the blinker lights are flashing, are now required to stop immediately before passing, no matter in which direction the motor vehicles may be moving.


Class "A" Rating - The School has once again received the coveted Class A rating. Mr. A. Russell Mack, Supervisor of Sec- ondary Education in the State, made his annual inspection tour during the spring term; this is the 18th year the school has been the recipient of this award.


An annual report of drop-outs, or early school leavers, is an additional report the State Department of Education has requested. It's interesting to note that 232 of the 255 high schools in the State reported that only 5% of high school students in the State dropped out of school during the 1952-1953 school year. The report further stated that there were more boy leavers than girl leavers and the grade at which the school leaving was most frequent was Grade 10. From January to December only 2% of the students left our high school. This is indicative of transfers to other schools, and is not placed in the category of dropouts.


During recent years, approximately 7% of our graduates have entered the Armed Services. For the information and guidance of interested students and parents, the following excerpts are quoted. "When a full time high school student, who has not reached the age of twenty and who qualifies for a statutory deferment, he should immediately go to the principal of his high school and request him to send a letter to his local selective service board, setting forth the


136


following information: (1) the registrant is a full-time student at the high school; (2) he is making satisfactory grades; and (3) the date he is expected to receive his high school diploma."


A fire drill in October produced a record evacuation of the build- ing. The time of 52 seconds in clearing the full complement of stu- dents was accomplished, under the observation of Fire Chief Obdens. This particular drill was part of our observance of National Fire Prevention Week. As a general practice, these drills usually consume 60 to 70 seconds.


At the recommendation of Mr. Rivard, General Biology and General Chemistry courses were added to our rather comprehensive curriculum. The addition of these two courses has made it possible to extend our Science Department by offering additional science courses to a greater number of our students. This is one. of many curriculum revisions contemplated.


Sports


In view of a new football rule adopted by the Massachusetts Secondary School Principals' Association, the authorized opening practice date for football seasons is now September 1st with the first game being played not prior to September 22nd. Inasmuch as our football schedules must end on Armistice Day, it will be diffi- cult to arrange more than a seven game schedule.


Our various squads continue playing a fine brand of athletics with the exception of our girls' basketball team which once again was composed of championship calibre. Playing a 16 game schedule, our girls met defeat but once. After winning the Lowell Suburban Championship (for the third consecutive year), they once again proved to be the class of the Littleton High School Girls' Basketball Tournament. Two more permanent trophies and one temporary tro- phy have been added to our fast growing display.


Athletic Eligibility


The fact that all students representing a high school athletic team in the State are governed by certain eligibility rules is evi- dently unknown to many parents. They should be acquainted with the rule which states specifically that a student must be passing not less than 15 hours of prepared work to represent his school in athletics. Prepared work refers to a course like English, Algebra, or United States History, which meets five times a week and requires outside preparation. Typing, Mechanical Drawing, and Home Economics, do not fall into this category. To be eligible, a student must be passing in at least three prepared courses at the end of a marking period. To be eligible for a fall sport, the student must have satisfactorily completed three prepared courses or its equivalent during the pre- ceding year's work.


Guidance


Our guidance program continues at a satisfactory pace. Speakers on the subjects of Banking, Choosing Careers, the various Armed


137


Forces, Reserve Activities, Television, Health, Safety, Fire Preven- tion, Home Economics, Radio, Nursing, and Teaching, have spoken to different groups during the course of the year, familiarizing stu- dents with the different vocations.


Supplementing the above, visitations have been made to neigh- boring hospitals, industries, and different colleges and universities in the Boston area. These exploratory measures are instrumental in aiding students in choosing careers at the close of their high school days.


Activities


Last spring the Dramatic Club, under the direction of Miss Rita Sullivan, presented a one act play. Members of the cast were Elizabeth Cole, Nancy Stevenson, Gloria Goodwin, Rebecca Olafson, Constance Vistola, Evelyn Kent, and Marion Jasilewicz. This was followed by a Fashion Show, in which the members of the Voca- tional Household Arts Class modeled clothing made as part of their projects, under the guidance of their instructor, Miss Rosella Schatz.


The Annual Concert, held April 10th, was under the direction of Miss Florence Savas and Mr. Julius Woessner.


This activity, in the form of a Pops Concert, found our different choruses and members of the school band presenting an outstanding musicale.


Insurance


With the adoption of the group insurance plan in the system, it is gratifying to report that 83% of the High School student body is now covered by some form of insurance. Whereas only athletes were required to be insured previously, now a much larger percentage of students is covered enroute to and from school, as well as while in attendance.


Conclusion


In closing this report, I again confirm my feelings of deepest appreciation for the privilege of serving as your principal. The co- operation and help which I have received could not be improved upon. It has been all and more than I could desire. I am especially in- debted to my superintendent, Mr. Thomas L. Rivard, for his capable leadership, sage advice, and careful direction; to my faculty mem- bers for their untiring efforts and achievements; to Police Chief Sullivan and the members of his force, who so efficiently and cap- ably assisted in handling our many extra-curricula activities; Fire Chief Obdens for his willing cooperation; the Parent-Teachers As- sociation, and all others whose unfailing efforts reflect in the outstanding accomplishments of the school year.


Respectfully submitted,


LAWRENCE R. MCGOWAN Principal


138


REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS INSTRUCTOR


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Tewksbury:


The Vocational Household Arts course at the High School in- cludes a two year course in homemaking that incorporates food selection, preparation and preservation, nutrition and menu planning, child care, good grooming, personal and family relationships, interior decoration, clothing construction, selection and care; fabric study; and home management. Under the vocational program all" students are required to complete home projects in association with class work.


There is, in addition to the two year course in homemaking, an advanced course for those desiring to further their skills.


The eighth grade is, offered an introductory course in cooking and serving.


For upper classmen, Consumer Education may be elected. It is interesting to note the increasing popularity among boys as well as girls.


In all courses films correlated to work studied are included, also exhibits, speakers, and field trips.


Through State aid we have been able to acquire added equipment which provided for a more attractive and efficient Home Economics room.


After completing the courses in Vocation Teachers' Training at Fitchburg next summer, I shall endeavor to promote further the Household Arts Department.


I wish to express to the School Committee, to the Superintendent, and to the Headmaster, the Town of Tewksbury, and the State Su- pervisor of Vocational Education, my deep appreciation for their interest and effort in helping me carry out my duties.


Respectfully submitted, EMILY L. DOUCETTE


Household Arts Instructor


139


REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR


This year the Art Program has a full five days each week.


At the High School there is a special art class of about twenty pupils. Materials include water color paint, tempera paint, Sketch (oil crayon), cut paper, pen and ink, crayon, and pencil. More in- tensive training in color theory, lettering, design, figure drawing, etc., can be given in this class than in the younger grades, as it is an elective.


Each eighth grade has one art period a week. These classes work mostly in crayon, with some Sketcho, pencil and water color.


It is impossible to visit each of the elementary grades in the school system once a week. The Shawsheen School classes are alter- nated. However, these classes are longer than at the other schools.


The Foster School is visited once a week, each class having a 40 minute Art period. The classes at the North Street School are visited weekly. These elementary classes take advantage of all available materials - crayon, water color paints, tempera paints, cut paper, and clayola.


The full week program is a great help in the Art Education of the children. Although there are more classes to visit, the Art pro- gram carries on more smoothly and completely because the Art Supervisor is available more often to teachers wanting help on a class project.


This year we have been fortunate in having an Art Workshop from Binney & Smith, introduced by Mr. Rivard. A very helpful con- sultant from this company showed the teachers many techniques and ideas which could be used in the classrooms. Many of the teachers have taken advantage of these new ideas, with the result that the children and teachers have had many new Art experiences.


Without the help, ideas and enthusiasm of the teachers, no Art program could be successful. It is pleasant to work with teachers as cooperative as the teachers in Tewksbury.


Respectfully submitted, ROBERTA THRESHER Art Supervisor


140


REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR


To the Superintendent of Schools of the Town of Tewksbury:


The following information on music in the Public Schools will reveal the general aim of music throughout the Tewksbury School system.


Music in the lives of children must become something of which they are a part; something natural and something with which they grow up. A child will find much more entertainment singing a story than he will telling it because he can sing it with a great deal more feeling. Therefore, singing is one of the best approaches to emotional depth and expression.


To make music a regular part of a child's life, it must be in the daily schedule of his school activities where he can sing songs within his capacity and understanding.


Music notation can be introduced along with the singing in the early grades so that by the end of the fourth year the pupil's back- ground and knowledge of the subject will be good enough to meet most requirements in the elementary schools.


One of the aims from the beginning has been to prepare the child for a necessary part of community life by training him so that he can perform in any music organization he may wish.


After some time had been given to the plan of a new instru- mental program in the schools, observation was made of nearby towns and cities with outstanding bands and orchestras. The same plan they have used to build top music organizations is now in effect in this system. Some time may be required before definite results can be seen but satisfaction will come and the whole project surely will be worthwhile.


In regard to both the vocal and instrumental program in this system, a schedule is now in effect with every aim receiving full consideration and there is no reason to assume that success and accomplishments will not be enjoyed by all.


Respectfully submitted, EDGAR BEAL


Music Supervisor


141


REPORT OF REMEDIAL READING SUPERVISOR


To the Superintendent of Schools, Town of Tewksbury:


As the person in charge of Remedial Reading and Testing, I am pleased to submit my report covering the first three months of this program.


To the person who has never had any trouble with reading or whose children have not had trouble, the fact that a child should have trouble with reading is difficult to believe. The fact remains that many children in all school systems, public or private, do have trouble. Unless something is done to help them, we the people of the United States of America are cheated out of the services of another very able person, a possible scientist, engineer, teacher, or community leader. All this because he or she had trouble reading and soon gave up trying. One gets very tired of hitting one's head up against a stone wall as it must seem to the able child who is having trouble reading.




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