USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1955-1960 > Part 10
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Morris Kelman, M.D., McDonald Rd., N. Wilmington Telephone: OLiver 8-4531
School Nurse Mrs. Ora Maclaren, R.N., 1928 Main St., Tewksbury Telephone ULysses 1-2198
Mrs. Jean Mann, R.N., 6 Munroe Circle, Tewksbury Telephone ULysses 1-2559
147
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Many changes have taken place since December 10, 1740 when Stephen Osgood was appointed to serve as school master. Tewks- bury's school year was three months long and no money was appro- priated for schools. In 1774 a change occurred which is continuing to this day. Money was raised for schools in the several squadrons or divisions of the Town.
Schools were built in the seven districts. In number 1 the school was situated at South and Hill Streets; No. 2 at the Centre near the gateway to the cemetery; No. 3 the North District near North and Andover Streets; No. 4 at the Northwest District an old red school- house near Stafford Street; No. 5 at the West District where the Charles French house stands; No. 6 at the East District another red schoolhouse on East Street; No. 7 at Wamesit opposite the Blaisdel house. Tewksbury High School was held in the upper part of the renovated Spaulding School. The first high school class graduated in 1891.
Gradually the schools became consolidated into the Foster, Shawsheen and Ella Flemings Schools. This consolidation gradually gave way to expansion about 18 years ago with the construction of the present high school for 250 students. In 1948 an addition was added for 140 pupils. The new North and Shawsheen Schools fol- lowed with the closing of the Ella Flemings and the Foster Schools. Now both of the latter have been reopened and a new school will be ready this fall on Shawsheen Street. Further space is needed especially in the High School.
The School Committee voted unanimously yet reluctantly to put our schools in double session because of the lack of sufficient classroom space. As soon as space is available this inconvenient and unsatisfactory arrangement will be discontinued.
During the past year public use of school facilities has become a reality. Many youth groups and adult groups have conducted athletic and educational affairs; the police conducted a school and the Parent Teachers Association and other civic groups have con- ducted meetings and gatherings.
Mentally retarded children are now being trained under a special program instituted this year. At the moment the schools are caring for the educable children in this field. Plans are now in effect and suitable candidates are being sought to train the trainable group at their homes. This program is reimbursed to a high degree by the State.
Our football team appeared in bright new uniforms this season. The new uniform is cleaned at a much lower cost and assures a
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clean uniform for the team players each game. With the extension of our athletic program to the junior high and intermediate levels it was necessary to properly equip these children to prevent injury and assure the maximum efficiency in the program. Much new equipment was purchased and the terrific swell in enrollment will cause a necessary expansion of this budget for athletics. Better public patronage of the games would cause revenue and aid in financing the program as well as promoting a greater sense of morale for the children.
A heavy repair program was effected at the stadium this sum- mer. The plank seats in the baseball bleachers were repaired, re- placed, and repainted as required. Our chain link fence was also . repainted and repaired. There remains to be completed a resurfacing of much of the concrete work in the football bleachers.
The driveways at the Foster School were rewidened and re- surfaced in the fall to enable the school busses to pull into the school yard rather than stop in the street. Additional grading and resurfacing was done at the Shawsheen School to eliminate the low spots which caused such difficulty during wet weather. There re- mains to be done as a part of the repair and preventative program work on the roofs at North Street and Shawsheen Schools, plumb- ing and heating renovation in these schools, painting at Ella Flem- ings and the High Schools. A major undertaking is the installation of town water in the Foster and old Shawsheen Schools so that adequate stand pipes and hoses may be installed for use in fighting fire.
The open drainage ditch at the North Street School is a con- tinuing problem particularly during high water in the springtime. The Committee has looked into the cost of piping this drainage area and back-filling to eliminate the hazard.
With the completing of the involved paper work of billing and acceptance for the North Street and new Shawsheen Schools the first payments on the principal of the loan have been received from the State. The Town may now expect to receive these payments regu- larly to help retire the bonds.
Activation of the Ella Flemings School was completed with comparatively little expense to the Town through the use of the custodians and maintenance personnel. Town water was installed at the school due to orders of the State.
A new system of central purchasing was instituted to insure a better controlled and more economical operation of the system.
In an effort to acquire federal reimbursement available under laws governing students whose parents work on federal reserva- tions, the Committee conducted a survey. Tewksbury fell just short
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of meeting the requirements. A formal vote has been taken by the Committee to make another survey to gain assistance in mainten- ance and construction of our schools.
Many advances have been made in our educational program during the past year. We have been recognized as one of the school systems with a high academic standing. In the future we shall reap the benefits of studies which have been begun by our new Superintendent, Dr. Everett Thistle, with the view of overhauling our curriculum. This will mean reexamination and correction of deficiencies which are now in our system. As a result of the con- tinuing reexamination of our curriculum the elementary report cards were modified this year to present a clearer picture of pupil progress to the parents.
It is hoped that the parents will continue to cooperate with the school in helping children to accept their responsibilities for correct behavior and continuing scholastic effort. Children feel the con- tinuing pressure to do that which is right when the home and the school are working together.
Our Tewksbury School Band made many public appearances bringing credit to the community. New hats were purchased and other parts of the uniform rented on a very economical arrange- ment. All who participated, both parents and school personnel, deserve a great deal of credit for the rapid improvement in the quality and in the appearance of the band.
The school personnel together with that of the Board of Health gave the initial Salk polio vaccine inoculations just prior to the close of school in June. It was not possible to give additional shots be- cause of the advent of the polio season. The additional shots will be administered when the vaccine has been approved and released for use.
Home teaching for children who are physically disabled is made possible through the Department of Education. As soon as parents know that a child will be absent from school for a considerable period of time, they should apply to the Superintendent for the forms which must be completed by the parent and physician and submitted to the Department. As soon as approval has been granted a home teacher will be secured.
During the course of the year the School Committee conducted dinners for the school personnel. This procedure was designed to promote a better understanding between all branches of our serv- ice. It gave administration a chance to hear the problems as they are seen by the personnel who come face to face with them every day. This is an innovation in the area which is now being copied by other communities.
On the less pleasant side was the fire at the Foster School. Du ??
150
to the sturdy construction and good workmanship put into this building the fire was necessarily limited in the scope of its damage. The Tewksbury Fire personnel and all the teachers and students are to be congratulated for their presence of mind and obedience to orders and procedures. Fire drills are stressed continually in our system.
The Committee found it necessary during the recent football season to put the public on notice as to the rules and regulations in effect at all athletic events in Tewksbury. Unsportsmanlike con- duct on the part of spectators in the past has jeopardized the games being played by the students. The school authorities and the Tewksbury Police will countenance no action which is not deemed ยท in the best interests of the Tewksbury Public Schools.
The final act officially received by this Board was dissolution of the Tewksbury-Middleton School Union. This ended many con- centrated hours of work on the part of the Committee. This means that Tewksbury is now in a position to handle its own problems in its own way without the incumbrance of another town's considera- tions. It is a step in the right direction towards the solution of Tewksbury's school problems.
The School Committee recommends that the following budget be adopted:
General Expense
Superintendent's Salary
$ 8,000.00
Superintendent's Expense
550.00
Out of State Travel
100.00
Clerical Services
10,433.33
Office Expenses
425.00
Attendance Officer
300.00
Census Enumerator
600.00
School Committee Expense
300.00
Expense of Instruction
Salaries
Supervisors' Salaries
29,358.33
Principal, High
5,300.00
Principals, Elementary
15,266.67
Teachers, High
67,955.64
Teachers, Elementary
216,189.46
Substitutes, High
1,000.00
Substitutes, Elementary
4,000.00
Home Tutoring
3,000.00
Texts, High
4,700.00
Texts, Elementary
15,500.00
Stationery, Supplies, High
4,500.00
Stationery, Supplies, Elementary
15,000.00
151
Operating Expenses
Janitors, High
7,138.66
Janitors, Elementary
26,808.31
Fuel, High
3,000.00
Fuel, Elementary
12,000.00
Miscellaneous, High
5,800.00
Miscellaneous, Elementary
12,500.00
Capital Outlay
New Equipment
8,500.00
Permanent Improvement
3,500.00
Maintenance of Plant
Repairs, High
2,500.00
Repairs, Elementary
4,000.00
Auxiliary Agencies
School Physicians
1,000.00
School Nurses
6,100.00
Health, Other Expenses
1,300.00
Athletics and Band
5,200.00
Library
600.00
Elementary Physical Education
1,600.00
Transportation
High
30,000.00
Elementary
39,000.00
School Lunch
4,000.00
$577,025.40
ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENTS 1956
Chapter 70 School Aid
$111,240.27
Chapter 71 Transportation
34,500.00
Chapter 71 Ungraded classes
6,901.00
Tuition State wards
5,000.00
Vocational Household Arts
1,400.00
$159,041.27
Net Estimated School Budget
$417,984.13
The net school budget divided by the enrollment January 3 yields a per pupil cost of $178.01. Use of the expected September enrollment yields $149.28 or a probable average per pupil cost for 1956 of $163.70.
JOHN P. MURPHY, JR. Chairman
152
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
This is an interim report for the period from April through December 1955. There was no administrative head of the Tewks- bury Schools from Mr. Rivard's resignation in the middle of Febru- ary until my election as Acting Superintendent near the end of April. The period of my responsibility included the activities per- tinent to concluding the 1954-55 school year and the essential plan- ning and preparation for the present school year.
The evidence of our biggest problem is all around us. The un- precedented growth of the school population has of necessity af- fected all activities. The enrollment in 1955 is more than double that of 1952. The enrollment in grades 1-6 on October 1, 1955 was 1617. This exceeds by nearly 200 the total enrollment for all grades as of October 1, 1953 and is less than 200 under the total for all grades on October 1, 1954. The average rate of growth in the period 1952-1955 has been 22 per cent of the enrollment on the previous October 1. On this basis, with no end of the building boom in sight the probable enrollments for the next four years are shown below.
Year
Probable Enrollment
Pupil Increase
1956
2824
509
1957
3445
621
1958
4203
758
1959
5128
925
To date the bulk of the increase in enrollment has been con- centrated in grades 1-6. This growth is now evident in grades 7 and 8 and is about to affect the present four year high school. The school housing problem is such as to make imperative the provision of increased elementary and secondary school facilities.
How is this growth affecting the schools? The fact of the class- room shortage is evident to the parents of elementary school chil- dren. It was necessary for the nearly 2000 children in grades 1-8 to go on a half-day schedule. Despite the efforts of the teachers these children are not receiving the education which would be possible" during a full day. The transportation problem has been greatly in- creased. Two busses were added and increased mileage is being driven. The nine busses travel forty-eight routes. The scheduling requires weeks of work.
A further evidence of the effect of the increased enrollment is in the budget. The additional teachers, custodians, busses, books, paper, fuel, and other expenses all have required additional expen-
153
ditures. When we consider that Tewksbury had the lowest expen- diture per pupil of any town in its population class, it would seem that the budget has not kept pace with the growth in population. The expenditures for schools traditionally comprise the largest portion of the Town budget and are the most important tax dollars spent.
The schools have continued their growth through the past year. In addition to providing basic textbooks for a growing number of pupils, new acquisitions of reference and library books have been made at all grade levels. The testing and guidance programs have been expanded along with continued emphasis on all phases of safety instruction.
Due to the late starting date because of polio all faculty mem- bers participated in the Education Conference at Westford in lieu of attending the Middlesex County Teachers Convention. The West- ford conference provided for small group discussion of problems at both elementary and secondary levels following addresses pertinent to the problems. The results of the conference were most worth- while and we should look with favor on a similar conference another year.
Mr. Fred Burnaby our Remedial Reading Director resigned to accept a similar position in Marblehead. Since we were not able to find a suitable replacement, a different approach to remedial work in reading was necessary. The program as it has evolved this year has one teacher for each shift in the North Street and Shawsheen Schools for two days each week. We are endeavoring to provide extra help before the reading disabilities become too great and to help pupils who will have trouble in the content subjects because of poorly developed reading habits. We might well look to the future toward a full-time helping teacher in each school who could give aid in all subject areas to those with difficulties and to those who have been absent.
The past year has posed many problems and difficulties some of which still beset us. We are moving along the road, however, that leads through better schools to a better community. Our progress will go on only as we have a continued sharing of responsibility and effort by faculty, parents and public. Let us hope that the future will bring the same cooperation as has the past.
EVERETT G. THISTLE Acting Superintendent.
154
AGE - GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Gr./Age | 5 | 6 |7 | 8 |9 |10 |11 |12 | 13 |14 | 15 |16|17|18|19|Total
1
135|204| 11| 1| 1|
352
2
114|184| 26|
1|
325
3
91|179
17|
2|
-
289
4
12|103 |127
16
2|
1
261
5
45|101
22
3
171
6
36
72
49|
6
4
167
7
55|
94|
21
9
1
180
8
54
69|
14
8|
145
9
1 | 17
61
26|13| 3|
121
10
23|
52|24|11 |1|
111
11
-
1
24|28| 5| 3| 2
63
12
| 3|27|26| 4|
60
Ungraded
6|
4| 5| 2| 2|
4|
4| 1 |
5| 2| 1
35
Total
|135|318|304|313|196|157|153|206|117|113|116|70|46|30| 6|2280
SCHOOL-GRADE DISTRIBUTION
Grade
1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10 |11|12|ug|Total
Shawsheen
|172|157|143|137| 71 |31
12 723
North St.
|180|168|146|124|100|
78
796
Foster
58|180|145
7| 390
Ella Flemings
16 16
Total
352|325 289|261|171|167|180|145|
35 1925
High
|121|111|63|60|
| 355
Grand Total
-
-
352|325|289|261|171|167|180|145|121|111|63|60|35|2280
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 Mrs. William Dewing of the School Committee. When one makes application for a certificate (or "working card"), he must apply in person and bring birth certificate and report of last grade attended.
Age of Admission to School
All children born previous to April 1, 1951 are eligible to attend school in the coming fall term. No entrance tests for children under the age requirement will be given.
155
REPORT OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
I have the honor to announce that the school was recently elected to membership in the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Until this election, the school has been accredited by the Massachusetts State Department of Education only. Now the school has been accredited by the top accrediting agency in New England. For many years, I am proud to relate, the school has been awarded a Class A rating. That classification means that the school may certificate to a State Teachers' College or to the Massachusetts School of Art any graduates in subjects in which they have attained an A or B average. Now the school may certifi- cate its students to any college or university in New England.
In determining the present rating, the Association has con- sidered of prime importance the efficiency of instruction, and gen- eral intellectual and moral tone of the school. Other fundamental considerations are the condition of the school building and its sur- roundings, the teaching personnel, and the school's requirements for graduation. The building and its equipment, and the number and character of classrooms and laboratories are also important factors.
Curriculum
It is a well-established fact that in educating adolescents, the curriculum is a means to pupil growth, not an end in itself. In setting up and making necessary changes in this year's Program of Studies, this basic principle was given due consideration. The Guidance Director, various groups of teachers, and I have worked diligently in establishing a curriculum which we feel fits the needs of our different students. Homogeneous grouping, additional sub- jects, and text book revisions have proven very effective. Aware of the increasing problems of providing for individual differences, this experimentation and research continues yearly. All members of the faculty are most cooperative in this venture.
Housing
The present building and the addition were constructed to pro- vide accommodations for 350 pupils. We are operating with a figure in excess of that number at the present time.
The school enrollment of October 1 was 355. However, new students who have entered since October 1 have brought our pres- ent enrollment up to 362. Sixty-five students are to graduate in June of 1956 and approximately 145 ninth graders are expected next September. Presently, every one of our class rooms is used every period of the day every day of the week. The library is used as a
156
classroom three times a day, and special music and band classes are now being held in the cafeteria. With an anticipated enrollment of over 400 next September, our only solution will be larger classes and the probability of holding more classes in the library, some in the cafeteria, and others in the gymnasium.
Graduation
On June 10, 1955, 60 students received diplomas from Mr. John P. Murphy, Jr., Chairman of the School Committee. The two stu- dents having the highest marks in the class had parts in the program. They were Miss Carol Sherwood, the class Valedictorian, and Miss Kathryn Sands, the class Salutatorian. Awards were made as follows:
The Larrabee Scholarship Medals, Carol Sherwood and Robert Barron; the Tewksbury Teachers' Association Scholarship, Carol Sherwood; the Parent Teachers' Association Nurses Scholarship, Barbara Karner; the P.T.A. Teacher-Training Scholarship, Kathryn Sands; the D.A.R. Citizenship Certificate, Barbara O'Connell; the Balfour Award for Loyalty, Scholarship and Achievement, Carol Sherwood; the P.T.A. Citizenship Medal, Josephine Basile; The P.T.A. Basketball Medals, Patricia Lawlor and John Kelly; and the Melvin Rogers Athletic Medals, (Football) Thomas Aspell and (Baseball) Robert Barron.
Guidance
To give the most possible guidance to every student, Mr. Joseph Bastable, our Guidance Director, follows a set schedule of group and individual conferences. Although much emphasis is placed on members of the senior class, every student receives guidance infor- mation of some type during the course of the school year.
For years, the Boston University Vocational Battery of Tests has been administered to members of our junior classes. However, in view of the increased testing demands, the university can no longer offer this service. Consequently, the school has set up its own testing program. This consists of a complete battery of tests, including achievement tests in the 3 R's and a scholastic aptitude or I.Q. test. Furthermore, an occupational interest test is given which is an invaluable aid to the guidance director in counseling all students as- to their vocational choice and selection of a school or college.
Faculty
When the school opened in September, five new teachers joined the faculty. Three were replacements and the other two were added to alleviate the large classes in the commercial and social studies departments. Of special note and interest is the fact that three
157
members of the faculty were granted Master of Education Degrees during the year. There are now seven members or one third of the faculty who have attained this coveted distinction in the educational field.
Acknowledgments
May I repeat again this year the special acknowledgments due the Tewksbury Parent-Teachers' Association for the two scholar- ships awarded at our graduation exercises; the Chief of Police and members of his force for the continued fine cooperation; the Fire Chief and his men for the many courtesies rendered; Mr. Melvin Rogers and Dr. Herbert Larrabee for their interests in our students; the members of the Boosters Club; the contemplated scholarships now under consideration by the Tewksbury Towne Players and the Shawsheen Parent-Teachers' Asociation; and all others who have contributed in any manner to the welfare of the high school.
The school is grateful and appreciative of the cooperation and the efforts displayed by all.
Special Events
During National Education Week, Open House was observed Wednesday, November 9, between the hours of 7 and 9. Appropriate guided tours and conferences with the different teachers afforded the guests an instructive and interesting evening. All members of the faculty shared the responsibility of being successful hosts.
On April 29 the combined chorus and band presented the annual concert in the gymnasium. Carol Sherwood, Madeline Buchanan, Robert Barlow, Judy Hewitt, and Judy Palmer were outstanding. Numbers by the mixed chorus, the band, the baton twirlers, a rhythm band composed of elementary school pupils, and solos by the students named above were contributory factors in producing a most successful concert. This activity was under the direction of Mr. Clifford Symonds, our band director, and Mr. Joseph Camara, our choral director.
This year's annual play "Growing Pains," presented in the early spring by members of the Dramatics Club, proved to be equally suc- cessful. The cast of Ray Sutherland, Christian Prince, Robert Silk, Joan Smith, Claudia Blanchette, Mary Ann Shea, and others, gave a performance which was a credit to all concerned. This play was supervised and directed by our dramatics teacher, Miss Rita Sullivan.
Other activities and achievements of our extra-curricula pro- gram are as follows:
Publication of an excellent Yearbook, "The Scroll," under the supervision of Mrs. Jennie Basile.
158
Improvement of the school magazine, "Hi-Lights," under the direction of Mrs. Mary Stevens.
Adoption of a corridor patrol.
Student council projects.
Science and Dramatics Club Activities.
Winning of the D.A.V. Memorial Trophy by virtue of a football win over our traditional rival Wilmington High School on Veterans Day.
Pre-Driving classes under Mr. Oliver. In this connection we should be considering the actual "Behind the Wheel" driving such as is offered by many high schools in the state. At the present time, only the theory of driving and the motor vehicle laws are taught.
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