USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1942-1946 > Part 29
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June 1945
CAMERON SCHOOL
Jean Marie Blowey
Toby Katherine Krasiuk
Anna Louise Butko
Leo Francis Lahme
Josephine Patricia Connell
Jane Harriet Lassonde
Eileen Costello
Jean Gabrial LeFebre
John Francis Crickett
Barbara Ann McKniff
Mary Irene Kavanagh
George Henry Ricard
Daniel Kelly
Barbara Kathleen Young
WM. E. FROST SCHOOL
John Antonelli, Jr.
Rachel Michelson
Robert Daniel Budge
Elwin Warren Nixon
Joanne Patricia Costello
Barbara June Phillips
Roy Elbert Flagg
Frederick Franklin Selfridge -
Barbara Ann Fletcher
Lawrence Ingalls Shea
Leon Joseph Gagnon, Jr.
John Francis Sullivan, Jr.
Barbara Marion Gilman
Donald Thomas Wark
Doris Elizabeth Jones
Joanne Wright
Joan Elizabeth Young
SARGENT SCHOOL
Barbara Jane Brown
Florence Mary Milot
Edward Connolly
Gloria Moreno
Rita Loretta Cote
Rita Josephine Nadolny
Theresa Marie Desrosiers
Robert Daniel Nickles
Ernest Gagnon Joanne Beatrice Hadley
Frank Perkins Beverly Randall
Robert Arthur Holmes
Broncha Jaroma
Norman Brian St. Onge
Shirley Lorraine Johnson
Robert Wall Regina Wood
Cecile Marie Milot
Nancy Rose Paduano
Ronald Michael Woznac
106
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF WESTFORD ACADEMY
For the Year Ending December 31, 1945
January 1, 1946
Mr. Chester V. Sweatt Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts Dear Sir:
I am pleased, herewith to submit the annual report as Principal of Westford Academy.
At last the end of the war has come and we may return to our peace time pursuits. These have been times that have tried our souls, but perhaps the suffering through which we, as a nation, have passed had a refining influence on our lives. Thus, we may be better prepared to live in this new era of peace.
In this new era, youth will play an important role. The youth of our nation deserves most of the credit for winning the war and in years to come will be our leaders. Therefore, one cannot over- emphasize the need of trained leaders. These should be developed in all youth activities and especially in our schools. Our young people have made valuable war time contributions and now through their Student Council, will receive the same training in the responsibilities of self-government as they receive in the subjects of the established Academic curriculum. We, therefore, look with favor upon the efforts of the school staff to make the school a place where boys and girls can experience democracy and learn its practical ways of life. Enrollment
The Academy had an enrollment on October 1, 1945 of 162 pupils, distributed as follows:
Class
Boys
Girls
Total
1946
11
19
30
1947
11
27
38
1948
14
32
46
1949
22
26
48
-
Total
58
104
162
Note: Each pupil is required to have 15 credits to be a Sopho- more, 35 credits to be a Junior, 60 credits to be a Senior, and 80 credits to graduate.
107
Scholarship
The scholarship level has been improving and its improvement is one of our most important aims. We are attempting to stimulate better scholastic achievement on the part of our students by helping them to improve their study habits and by helping pupils individually.
Habits of Study
Failures and habits of study in the individual student are closely related. Poor study habits often result in much waste of time and energy on the part of the pupil, and are responsible in some degree for his failure to achieve success. This year informal meet- ings of the Freshmen were held for the purpose of instructing them in correct study habit procedures. In addition, individual conferences with pupils of all classes have been arranged to plan their study time in school and at home. It is important that parents as well as teachers help pupils follow a study plan, for only by maintaining a rigid study schedule can a pupil acquire abiding habits of correct study.
Individual Teaching
To facilitate make-up work in the afternoon for those pupils absent on account of illness, or for other good reasons, behind in their studies and justified in asking help of the teachers, a schedule of make-up sessions was adopted. This affords an excellent oppor- tunity for pupil-teacher conferences and also an opportunty to re- move misunderstandings of all sorts which may have arisen in con- nection with regular classroom work. While pupils are expected to do make-up work during these sessions, this does not exclude the well-intentioned pupil from making up back work, or from ob- taining extra help by appointment with the teachers.
Curriculum
A secondary school program must be provided in which the curriculum content and the method of instruction are differentiated and developed to meet the capacity and needs of all types of youth. The introduction of courses such as Smith-Hughes Agriculture and Home Economics would increase the opportunity of these students to experience successful accomplishment, while at the same time, affect a modernization of our curriculum in accord with current trends in this phase of secondary education. This is impossible now due to the lack of available space in our present building.
108
Library
The school continues to work in close association with Miss Mae Day, librarian of the J. V. Fletcher Library. At three week intervals throughout the school year, Miss Day brings the "library" to the school and sets up shop in one end of the Assembly Hall. Here pupils are allowed to come to select books, either for reference in connection with regular classroom work, or for outside reading reports. The fine service which Miss Day is rendering the pupils and the school is to be commended.
Press Club
Mrs. Robinson and Miss Caram are advisers for the Press Club, organized as the Clarion Associates. This active group publishes a weekly newspaper, "The Clarionette", and a quarterly magazine, "The Clarion", the final issue being the "Year Book".
Handicraft Club
The Handicraft Club was first formed in October, 1944 with Miss Dutton as adviser. The club began its work this past fall with as much enthusiasm and with the addition of a few boys. Again the girls decided to do Red Cross work, making articles for the service men, such as: wash cloths, men's handkerchiefs, and stuffed animals of many types to be used in children's hospitals. The boys shellacked lap boards for wounded service men and made paper dis- posal bags for use in Lowell hospitals.
Agriculture Club
The Agriculture Club, under the direction of Mr. Erickson, 4H Extension Leader of Middlesex County, was created for the benefit of those who are interested in farming. The program of this club con- sists of talks by Mr. Erickson illustrated with motion pictures. The topics of poultry and soil conservation have been discussed thus far. The remainder of the program will be devoted to live stock, vege- table gardening, and orcharding.
Glee Club
The Academy Glee Club, Mr. Lowell, adviser, has doubled in size over last year's organization; it now consists of some 60 female voices. Of this group, 36 voices have been chosen to represent the Academy at various local, musical functions. An attempt is also being made to sponsor a double octet of female voices which will participate with the regular Glee Club in a proposed Spring Concert.
109
History Club
The History Club with Mr. Pulsifer as adviser, is open to all pupils who are interested in becoming better acquainted with the people of the United States and the other countries of the world. The program includes speakers qualified to speak about the various regions of the United States or foreign countries, motion pictures of appropriate subjects, discussion groups, research into local his- tory, listening to radio programs, and, when feasible, trips to nearby sites.
Dramatic Club
The Dramatic Club serves several purposes. It is under the direction of Mrs. Rochefort, adviser. The Club trains pupils in stage deportment, thereby giving them some poise and ease before the public. Dramatic work reaches more than the few who are selected to act. It gives work which involves responsibility and initiatitve to those concerned with the business of production, stage manners, business and publicity managers.
This year we had our customary Freshman Initiation Party.
A skit in English followed by a Spanish version, the proceeds of which were sent to the Lovell General Hospital at Fort Devens to help buy Christmas presents for patients.
Mathematics Club
In December, 1945, a Mathematics Club was organized at West- ford Academy with Miss Fremeau as adviser. The purpose of this club is to provide special instruction in the use of the slide rule, mathematical tables, and other devices so necessary in the study of higher mathematics.
Athletics
Girls' Basketball
Miss Fremeau is coach of the girls' basketball team of Westford Academy which participated in the eastern division of the Wachusett League during the 1944-45 season. Throughout the playing season the girls practiced fair play and good sportsmanship, and were rewarded with a fine record of ten wins against five losses. At the end of the league period, our team took part in the first girls' basketball tournament sponsored by Littleton High School, and went through to the semi-finals only to be eliminated by a superior East Jaffrey team.
110
Boys' Athletics
Mr. Jewett is coaching athletics for the boys this year.
The Academy Baseball Team enjoyed an undefeated season, winning 11 straight games.
Football, which was organized last year has been continued. A schedule of six games was arranged and played. Due to the draft- ing for the Armed Services, there was a lack of practice material, so a Midget team was organized. This was composed of the larger boys from the three grammar schools and the smaller boys from the Academy. This team played a schedule of four games with other Midget teams from nearby private schools. The hope that, by start- ing football for the upper grammar school boys, we will develop a nucleus, trained in fundamentals, to be developed later in the Academy.
At the end of the football season, the Westford-Parent Associa- tion sponsored a Football Banquet for the teams and cheerleaders The Town Hall was filled to capacity-the dinner was excellent, speakers were good, and dancing was enjoyed afterwards.
Student Council
Mr. Cook is adviser to the Student Council which is composed of representatives of the student body. It acts as administrator for all clubs, apportioning the funds, approving the bills, and plan- ing the yearly program of activities. In addition, they discuss and help to solve any problem arising in the student body. Here, the students actually participate in policy making.
The Westford New Year's Ball was sponsored by the American Legion this year. The pupils appreciate the cooperation and interest shown by local organizations in their activities.
In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks and appre- ciation to the School Board, to the Superintendent, to the teachers, to the pupils, and to the parents and citizens for their kindly co- operation and enthusiastic support.
Respectfully submitted,
ALBERT C. COOK,
Principal, Westford Academy.
111
WESTFORD ACADEMY
Westford Academy Graduates June 1945
Edith Mae Anderson
Barbara Rose Harrigan
Helen Belida
Walter Kiver
Clement Raymond Bellemore
Frances Louise Lord
Shirlene Mary Canton
Eleanor Louise MacQuarrie
Shirley Agnes Canton
Barbara Jean; Palmer
Winifred Ann Connell
Ann Elizabeth Remis
Vivian Marie Cote
Frederick Schill, Jr.
Albert Hayden Duncan
Walter Sechovich
Glenna Feeney
Marion Estella Selfridge
Pauline Edna Ferguson
Hazel Mae Smith
Lucy Adams Flagg
Marjorie Anne Smith
Jean Shirley Gibson
Thaddeus Stanley Wilk
Philip Everett Graham
Mary Agnes Wood
Barbara Marie Haley
Alfred Charles Wyman
Class Motto To Thine Own Self Be True
Class Colors
Red and White
Class Marshall Philip Everett Graham
Class Flower American Beauty
Winners of Prizes (Given by Trustees)
Awarded at Graduation Exercises
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in English: Five Dollars-Pauline Edna Ferguson
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Mathematics and Science: Five Dollars-Lucy Adams Flagg
Member of Senior Class for Excellence in Secretarial Science: Five Dollars-Helen Belida
Member of Senior Class, the most worthy representative of Westford Academy: Five Dollars-Pauline Edna Ferguson
112
Awarded at Class Day Exercises Member of Class of 1946, the most worthy representative of Westford Academy:
Five Dollars-John Waugh
Member of Class of 1947, the most worthy representative of Westford Academy:
Five Dollars-James Studdiford
Member of Class of 1948, the most worthy representative of Westford Academy:
Five Dollars-Doris MacArthur
113
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Members of the School Committee:
The following is my report as School Physician for the year ending December 31, 1945.
The usual physical examinations were made on all of the children attending the public schools of Westford. A separate physical exam- ination was made to recheck all the cases in which major physical defects were found, in order that the parents of the children could be notified as to what procedure would be needed for them to see that the children would get the needed medical or surgical care when major defects were found.
A special examination was made on the pupils of the Academy who were to play football and basketball, in order that they could carry Liability Insurance and to find out if they were in the right physical condition to enter into these sports.
A large number of pupils were treated at the Abbot Worsted Hospital for minor surgical and medical conditions. These cases came to me as emergency cases referred to me by the principals of the different schools.
Cooperation by the Board of Health Nurse, teachers and parents of the children was splendid as it has been in the past.
Respectfully submitted,
DR. DWIGHT W. COWLES.
114
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
January 2, 1946
Mr. Chester V. Sweatt Superintendent of Schools Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Following is the report of the School Nurse from January 1, to December 31, 1945:
Schools visited 287
First aid and dressings 33
Children examined for minor ailments 181
Children recommended for exclusion because of
pediculosis and skin infections .... 9 Vaccinations checked.
Weighed and measured all school children.
Assisted school physician with physical examinations of school children in Spring and Fall of 1945.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY A. HEALY, R. N.
115
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF HANDWRITING
January 2, 1946
Mr. Chester V. Sweatt, Supt. Westford Public Schools Westford, Mass.
My dear Mr. Sweatt:
I am pleased to submit the following report on the Handwriting program in the Westford schools for the school year 1944-45.
In the initial Handwriting tests administered in September, 1940, 20% of your elementary school pupils received a grade of "A" (Excellent); 8% received a grade of "B". In the June 1945 tests, 84.4% were graded "A" (Excellent); 10.9% were .graded "B" (Good) ; and 4.6% were graded less than "B". Handwriting Certificates were awarded to 88% of the eighth grade and 84% of the High School graduates. These scores indicate that excellent progress has been made and I wish to compliment the pupils and teachers for their achievement.
During the school year we graded approximately 4750 formal and 14250 informal samples of Handwriting for the elementary school children, and 1200 formal and 2800 informal handwriting samples for the High School pupils.
We furnished the following supplies during the year :- monthly outlines for the teachers, pupil folder outlines, room motivation cer- ticates, monthly and term envelopes, term testing paper, individual handwriting certificates for the eighth and high school pupils who qualified, diagnostic charts and seals, etc.
In general, I am pleased with the results obtained and wish to take this opportunity to thank you and the teachers for the fine cooperation I have received.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART.
116
SCHOOL CALENDAR
General Teachers' Meeting Sept. 4
Schools open
Sept. 5.
Schools close
Dec. 21
73 days
Schools open
Jan. 2
Schools close
Feb. 15
33 days
Schools open
Feb. 25
Schools close
Apr. 12
35 days
Schools open
Apr. 22
Schools close
June 14
39 days
Total 180 days
DAYS OMITTED:
Columbus Day-October 12
Teachers' Convention-October 26
Armistice Day-November 12 Thanksgiving Recess-November 22 & 23
Christmas Holidays-December 21 to January 2
Vacation Period-February 15 to February 25
Vacation Period-April 12 to April 22 Memorial Day-May 30
GRADUATIONS:
Elementary-June 17 Academy-June 18
117
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
OF THE
Town of Westford
TOWN OF
WESTFORD
INCORP
1729.
RPORATED
23
SEP
For the Year Ending December 31, 1945
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE J. V. FLETCHER LIBRARY
January 1, 1946
The trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library respecfully submit their annual report for 1945, including the report of the librarian and the list of books added in 1945.
It is with appreciation that the trustees once again acknowledge a bequest from a member of the Burbeck family,- a legacy of one thousand dollars under the will of Frederick A. Burbeck for the purchase of books for the J. V. Fletcher Library.
June 1946 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the building presented to the town by J. V. Fletcher. As the years go by there is increased need for repairs such as the refinishing of floors, weather stripping windows, renewing the plumbing and work on the stone steps.
To carry on these repairs and the necessary work of the library and its branches the trustees ask for the following appropriation, viz:
1. The sum of three thousand ($3000) dollars.
2. The receipts from the dog licenses in 1945.
WILLIAM C. ROUDENBUSH, Chairman
WILLIAM R. TAYLOR, ALICE M. HOWARD, Secretary.
120
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE LIBRARY FOR 1945
Salaries and wages:
Librarian
$ 812.46
Janitor
362.50
Assistants
211.20
$ 1,386.16
Books and periodicals
Books
881.17
Periodicals
138.00
Binding
20.89
$ 1,040.06
Fuel
194.96
Electricity
144.85
Buildings:
Water
$ 16.00
Repairs
46.30
Janitor's supplies
2.75
65.05
Other expenses:
Telephone
22.56
Transportation of books
30.00
Stationery and postage
3.49
Miscellaneous
10.72
$
66.77
$ 2,897.85
Income
Town appropriation
$ 2,400.00
Receipts from dog licenses
403.58
Interest from funds
121.46
Receipts from fines
$
2,925.04
$ 69.31
-
121
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN
January 1, 1946
To the Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library:
For the twenty-eighth time the librarian presents her annual report, during the fiftieth year in which the present building has been in use. The work has been carried on much as usual-loaning books, looking up reference questions for the school children and others, buying new books and making them ready for circulation, mounting pictures, taking books to the high school once in three weeks and sending others to the schools and deposit stations, etc.
There has been a gain of 644 books over the number borrowed last year, of which 205 are adult non-fiction. The history section, including war books, leads with 617, followed by travel with 512, biography with 438 and useful arts (cooking, agriculture, medicine, aviation) with 321. The two days with the smallest circulation were the very snowy days of November 29 with 25 books and December 6 with 33.
No library activity is more important than selecting books for individuals who are interested in particular subjects. One reader has been especially helped by the group of financial books on per- sonal economics and the wise investment of money. Another ex- pressed appreciation for those on art and home decoration, while a third has made use of those relating to his business of carding and spinning at the mill. College students and teachers who have been taking courses have also been provided with books from our collection or borrowed through the Division of Public Libraries in Boston.
On April 27 several classes from Westford Academy were held in the library as their furnace was being repaired.
The exhibits in the Frost Museum case were of articles and pictures of Holland; foreign coins loaned by George Fletcher, Harry Best, Renny Drew, Frederick Burne, Miss Winnek and Miss Day; and now the wedding garments that are worn only once by the bride and groom of Japan loaned by Miss Winnek with Japanese bride and groom dolls belonging to the librarian.
122
On May 18 the librarian was asked to show the Dutch tiles, dolls and other articles to the fourth grade in Forge Village as they had been studying that country. On November 16 she showed her dolls to the fifth grade in Graniteville in connection with their hobby project.
Again the librarian is grateful to those who have provided flowers for the library: the Misses Atwood, Miss Bunce, Arthur L. Hope, Mrs. Alice Lambert, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Staples, and Miss Marion F. Winnek.
On December 19 the motor for the stoker gave out but a new one was installed the next day.
The circulation of magazines increased over that of last year. All except current numbers may be borrowed for one week and the list for the coming year is as follows:
WEEKLIES
Geographic News Bulletin
Illustrated London News
Saturday Evening Post
Life
New York Times Book Review
News Week
Turner's Public Spirit (Westford Wardsman)
MONTHLIES
A. L. A. Booklist
Harper's Monthly
American
Hobbies
American Cookery
House Beautiful
American Girl
Hygeia
American Home
Instructor
Antiques
Jack and Jill-
Asia
Junior Natural History
Ladies' Home Journal
Better Homes and Gardens
National Geographic
Book Review Digest
Natural History
Boys' Life
Nature
Child Life
Open Road
Cosmopolitan
Outdoor Life
Country Gentleman Etude
Parents' Magazine
Popular Mechanics
Flying and Popular Aviation
Popular Science Monthly
Good Housekeeping
Grade Teacher
Reader's Digest
123
Atlantic Monthly
Publishers' Weekly
Time
Reader's, Guide to Periodical Literature School Arts Sky
Travel Wilson Bulletin Woman's Home Companion Yankee
BI-MONTHLY
Horn Book
Popular Homecraft
SEMI-MONTHLY Library Journal QUARTERLIES
Old Time New England
Subscription Books Bulletin
PERIODICALS GIVEN, 1945
Army Life Automotive War Production
The A V Bell Telephone Quarterly Books, N. Y. Herald Tribune Christian Register
Christian Science Monitor Christian Science Sentinel
DuPont Magazine
ยท Education For Victory Everybody's Poultry Magazine Journal of Calendar Reform Middlesex County Bulletin
Netherland News
New England News Letter New Hampshire Troubadour New Yorker
News from Belgium
News of China
Our Dumb Animals Plane Talk
Pemex Travel Club Bulletin Polish Review
From the War Department From Automotive Council for War Production From the Publishers
From American Tel. & Tel. Co.
From The Old Corner Book Store From Unitarian Alliance of West- ford
From Miss Mary E. Burbeck
From Miss Mary E. Burbeck
From DuPont de Nemours Co.
From U. S. Office of Education
From Roy L. Keizer
From World Calendar Association
From Middlesex County Exten- sion Service From Netherland Information Bureau
From New England Council
From State of New Hampshire
From Miss Marion F. Winnek
From Belgium Information Center
From United China Relief
From the Publishers
From Consolidated Vultee Air Craft Corp. From Petroloes Mexicanos
From Polish Review Pub. Co.
124
Ships
Steel Facts
Tax Talk
Today's Home Travelers Standard
Woman's Day
From Shipbuilders Council of America From American Iron & Steel In- stitute From Mass. Federation of Tax- payers' Association From the Gas Co. From Travelers Insurance Co. From Miss Mabel M. Prescott
NAMES OF DONORS, 1945
Buckshorn, Fisher-5 volumes.
Cameron, Mrs. Julian A .- stereoscope and 3 boxes of pictures.
Chrysler corporation-one volume.
Fisher, John-6 volumes.
Fisher, Miss Ruth-4 vol. photographs of England.
Ingalls, Mrs. Harry M .- 48 stereographs.
Keizer, Mrs. Addie L .- one volume, cactus magazine, vase.
Kelly, Miss Marian K .- 10 volumes.
Lowery, Mrs. Samuel-one volume.
O'Connell, William-5 volumes.
Pan American Coffee Bureau-one volume.
Prescott, Miss Clara F .- 3 daguerreotypes of father and brother.
Robbins, Roland Wells-2 pamphlets (Story of the minute man) Sargent, Miss Mary H .- 80 volumes.
South Bend Lathe Works-one volume.
Tuttle, Miss Ruth-one volume.
Westinghouse Air Brake Co .- one volume.
Whitcomb, Mrs. Leroy H .- 12 volumes.
CIRCULATION
Total circlulation of bound volumes 14,606
Volumes lent at Library
12,382
Volumes lent at Graniteville
1,329
Volumes lent at Forge Village
652
Volumes lent at Nabnasset 243
Circulation in children's department
6,152
Volumes lent thru the schools
1,794
Periodicals lent
3,126
Pamphlets and clippings lent
308
Pictures lent
940
Jig-saw puzzles lent
33
Number of days open
152
125
Largest monthly circulation of bound volumes, October 1,284 Smallest monthly circulation, June 878
Largest daily circulation, October 4 147
Smallest daily circulation, November 29 25
ACCESSIONS
Volumes added by purchase 481
Volumes added by gift 74
Total number added
555
Number of volumes discarded
65
Number of volumes in Library
18,751
AMOUNT OF FUNDS
Legacy of Stephen S. Stone
$1,000.00
Legacy of Augustus K. Fletcher 1,000.00
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