USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1947-1951 > Part 31
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ARTICLE 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway maintenance; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Thirty-One and 25-100 ($431.25) Dollars, or some other sum, for the Highway Machinery Fund, and to transfer a certain sum of money from said Machinery Fund to the Highway Equipment Account; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of reconstructing North Street, contingent upon the State and County contributing towards the cost of said reconstruction; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing for use by the Forest Fire Department a new chassis and transferring to said new chassis the body and pump now on the present Forestry truck, said chassis to be purchased and said body and pump to be transferred from the old truck to the new chassis all under the supervision of the Forest Warden. and that said new Forestry truck be stationed in the Westford Fire House; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing one thousand feet, or some other quantity, of new two and one-half inch fire hose, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing 1000 feet, or some other quantity, of hose to be used by the Forest Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Forest Warden; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing and installing a new boiler in the Westford Fire House; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing two new sirens to be placed on the Fire Houses in Graniteville and Forge Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Six Thousand ($6,000) Dol- lars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a new truck for the Highway Department, said purchase to be made under the super- vision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a new automobile for the Police Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 16. In the event of an affirmative vote under Article 15, to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to trans- fer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the automobile now used by the Police Department and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of the new automobile; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select- men on behalf of the Town to settle claims for damages against the Town, and to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of paying such settlements; or act in relation thereto. -
ARTICLE 18. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve Hundred ($1200) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of making certain improvements to the Sargent School; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Eight Thousand ($8,000) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of Civil Defense; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Hundred ($400) Dollars, or some other sum, for Band Concerts during the current year; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of painting traffic lines and signals on the public ways in said Town, said sum to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Select- men; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of repairing certain public sidewalks; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred ($700) Dollars, or some other sum, for the care of the Whitney Playground; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will elect a committee, consisting of three or more persons, to be known as the Whitney Playground Com- mittee; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Hundred ($500) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pur- pose of continuing the survey and maps of the Town under the supervision of the Board of Assessors; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of painting the lower Town Hall; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to accept Jonas Road as laid out by the Selectmen as shown by the report and plan duly filed in the office of the Town Clerk; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 28. To see if the Town will vote to accept an extension of Story Street as laid out by the Selectmen as shown by the report and plan duly filed in the office of the Town Clerk; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seventeen Hundred Eighty-Eight ($1788) Dollars for the purpose of paying to the Treasurer of the Middlesex County Retirement System the amounts allocated to the Town of Westford by the County Commissioners in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, as amended; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 30. To see if the Town will vote to accept a gift made to it during the year 1950 by the Solomon Hyams Fund, Inc .; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 31. To see if the Town will vote to enter into a contract with the Westford Water Company for two additional hydrants, one on Story Street and one on Pleasant Street; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 32. To see if the Town will vote to enter into a contract with the Westford Water Company for 9 additional hydrants to be located as follows: 1 on Nabnasset Road, 1 Grove Street, 2 Edwards Avenue, 1 Byrne Avenue, 1 Gassett Road, 1 Lake Shore Drive and 2 on Oak Hill Road; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred ($300) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of providing suitable quarters in the Nabnasset Section of said Westford for the Nabnassett American Legion Post No. 347 and the Auxiliary of said Post; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 34. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install five additional street lights on Plain Road; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 35. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install three street lights on Hillside Avenue; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 36. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light on Beaver Brook Road on pole #EL.W.28 opposite the residence of Archie Fish in Forge Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 37. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one additional street light on Pleasant Street at or near the junction of Abbot Street and Pleasant Street; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 38. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install three street lights on Hartford Road, Westford, Massachusetts; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 39. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the School Planning Committee appointed or continued in office under Article 1; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 40. To see if the Town will vote to accept the offer of Elmer Smith to make a gift upon certain conditions to the Town of a parcel of land situated in the Section of Westford known as Brookside at the corner of Oak Hill Road and Grove Street, containing 11,800 square feet, more or less, and being Lots 382, 384 and 385 shown on Plan of Nabnasset Lake Shores, Section C; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 41. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the athletic program in the West- ford Schools; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 42. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed Five Hundred ($500) Dollars for the pur- pose of stocking ponds and other inland waters, located within the Town limits, with fish and of liberating game within said limits under the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 5 (41) of the General Laws; and that said sum be expended under the supervision of a committee of three persons appointed by the Moderator, two members of which committee shall be members of a sporting club; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 43. To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following By-Laws:
.
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EARTH REMOVAL BY-LAW
Section 1. The removal of soil, loam, sand, or gravel from any ยท parcel of land not in public use in the Town of Westford, except as here- inafter provided, shall be allowed only after a written permit therefor is obtained from the Board of Selectmen after a public hearing of which due notice is given.
Section 2. No permit shall be required for the continuous operation on any parcel of a sand or gravel pit in operation at the time this by-law is adopted, provided such operation is not thereafter discontinued for more than one year; and no permit shall be required for the removal of soil, loam, sand, or gravel from any parcel of land when incidental to and in connection with the construction of a building on the parcel.
Section 3. In issuing a permit under this by-law, the Board of Selectmen may impose such conditions not specifically provided for herein as it may deem necessary for the adequate protection of the neighbor- hood and the Town. Any conditions imposed by the Board shall be at- tached to and made a part of the permit. The Board may, in its discre- tion, require a bond, certified check, or other security for compliance with said conditions or as evidence of good faith as to the completion of any proposed construction. The Board may, after a public hearing on proof of violation of any condition, revoke any permits so issued. No permit shall be issued under the provisions of this by-law for a period of more than three years.
Section 4. Sand and gravel may be removed from any parcel of land, except within 300 feet of a Street or way, and the Board shall issue a permit therefor provided, however, that the Board shall impose such reasonable conditions as to the disposition of top soil and the re-estab- lishment of ground levels and grades as it may deem necessary.
Section 5. Soil or loam may be removed from any parcel of land within such parcel determined by the Board to be unsuited to agricul- tural use, and the Board may issue a permit for such removal; pro- vided, however, that the Board shall in making such decision, obtain the recommendations of the appropriate Soil District Supervisor and the County Extension Director or Agent, or their successors, and their recom- mendations shall be made a part of the records of the Board. In issuing a permit, the Board may impose reasonable conditions as to the re-estab- lishment of ground levels and grades.
Section 6. Notwithstanding the provisions of the above, the Board may issue a permit for the removal of soil or loam from any parcel of land in the Town where such removal is necessarily incidental to and in connection with the construction of a road or other facility involving a permanent change in the use of the land. The Board shall issue no such
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permit unless it is reasonably satisfied that the construction will be com- pleted and evidence thereof shall be made part of the records of the Board.
Section 7. Soil, loam, sand, or gravel may be removed from any parcel of land within such parcel lying within 300 feet of any street or way, provided a permit therefor has been issued by the Board after satisfactory evidence that such removal will not be seriously detri- mental or injurious to the neighborhood; provided further that the Board shall impose reasonable conditions as to the method of removal, the re-establishment of ground levels and grades and the planting of the area to suitable cover, as it may deem necessary. Removal of soil or loam under authority of this section shall be further subject to the pro- visions of Section III.
Section 8. Whoever violates the provisions of any of these By-laws shall be subject to a fine of not exceeding Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for each offense.
or act in relation thereto.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up true and attested copies thereof at the Town Hall and at each Post Office in said Westford, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of holding the first meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this twenty-first day of February, in the year of our Lord, 1951.
CYRIL A. BLANEY EDWARD F. HARRINGTON THOMAS W. GOWER Selectmen of Westford
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Westford
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Annual Report
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE TOWN OF WESTFORD
WES
NCORP
29.
ATED
SEP
For the Year Ending December 31, 1950
ORGANIZATION-SCHOOL COMMITTEE
H. Arnold Wilder Term Expires 1951
Clifford J. Courchaine
Term Expires 1951
Edgar S. Peterson Term Expires 1952
Frederick W. Gatenby, Chairman Term Expires 1952
Robert J. Heman, Jr. Term Expires 1953
F. Stanley Smith, Secretary
Term Expires 1953
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Peter F. Perry
Office - Westford Academy Telephone 561
Office hours: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
CLERK Mrs. Constance Malloy
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Cameron School 542 Sargent School 553
Wm. E. Frost School 230 Westford Academy 771 Nabnassett School 233
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Dwight W. Cowles, M.D., Westford, Mass.
Tel. 521
SCHOOL NURSE Dorothy Healy, R.N., Westford, Mass. Tel. Office 391, Town Hall
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Westford:
The Superintendent's report has been read and accepted by the School Committee.
It seems hardly necessary for the Committee to reiterate the work done in the schools, as the superintendent's report which is endorsed by the Committee will cover this phase. However, we would like to say that we are impressed by the spirit of harmony that has prevailed among all connected with the schools. The teachers have been loyal and have rendered faithful, efficient service. It has always been our policy to further the best interests of the schools. Everything con- sidered it has been a pleasant and profitable year but it is not the part of wisdom to be satisfied, for such a condition would stand in the way of progress. Only by striving after better things can improvement be expected.
The public schools of our nation are receiving greater attention than they have in the past. It is the purpose of the public school to help in preparing the children for the duties of life and citizenship and to this end may it not justly expect the loyalty and support of the entire community ?
The Committee is asking for the amount of $143,939.00 to operate the schools in Westford for the year 1951, and the sum of $3,500 for Vocational tuition and transportation.
Under the 'provision of the State Law, plus the usual reimburse- ment for transportation, out-of-town tuition, and State Wards, the Town will receive $42,528.30 which will bring the net cost down to $101,410.70.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK W. GATENBY Chairman
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Westford School Committee:
Gentlemen:
Complying with custom it is my privilege and pleasure to present my third annual report of public school education for the past year in Westford.
Included in this report are the usual statistical data and the re- ports of the Academy Principal, Supervisor of Music and Art, Pen- manship, School Nurse and School Physician.
Three of the most important matters that confront American schools today are: (1) additional pupil accommodations, (2) a much greater supply of well qualified teachers, especially in the primary and ele- mentary grades, and (3) adequate finances. In our Westford schools we are confronted with these same three factors and the situation is a serious one.
For several years there have been committees at work studying our need for a building program. Unfortunately, the citizens have not deemed our problem serious enough to do anything about it, except to hear reports of committees and then appoint new ones. Last Septem- ber, because of the crowded condition at Frost school, it was necessary to transport the Fifth Grade pupils to the Cameron school at Forge Village. This I believe, awakened our citizens to the fact that crowded conditions are already with us and not something that might happen in the future. At the present time, there are two committees studying our housing problem. It is the desire of the School Board and myself that some definite action be taken at the next Town Meeting. Our school population has increased this year and all indications point to a further increase next year.
Our second problem is that of securing enough well qualified teach- ers, especially in the primary and elementary grades. Experience has shown us that young men and women who graduate from Liberal Arts Colleges do not usually make successful teachers in the primary grades. You may ask, "What can we do about that?" The answer is to keep in touch with your representative and inform him of your desire to see that the Teachers Colleges are kept opened and expanded. This is definitely necessary at this time and merits your careful consideration.
The matter of adequate finances to run our schools as they should be is the third problem. As burdensome as this is, we must face the fact that we cannot shirk our duty. We must see to it that there are sufficient funds provided.
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Westford has been and still is a training center for young teachers who stay only a year or two for experience and then go to other towns and cities for a substantial increase in salary. The teachers don't suf- fer - but your children do! Graduating students of Teachers Colleges are already accepting positions for the next school year at salaries ranging from $2,400 to $2,600.
Following is the report of the Academy Principal:
Mr. Peter F. Perry
Superintendent of Schools
Westford, Massachusetts
In this, my first report to the citizens of Westford, I would like to comment briefly on the educational program at Westford Academy.
ENROLLMENT
As of December 1, 1950, the Academy enrollment stood at 169, or an increase of 9 students over this time last year. With larger classes in our lower grades it is probable that this trend will continue.
We have attempted through personal persuasion and through the curriculum to encourage those students who are contemplating leaving school to stay longer. I urge parents to join us in this effort for it is apparent that democratic ideals are safer in the hands of an enlightened citizenry.
Boys
Girls
Total
Post Graduates
1
0
1
Seniors
9
21
30
Juniors
22
20
42
Sophomores
22
21
43
Freshmen
29
24
53
Totals
83
86
169
CURRICULUM
In the operation of our curriculum we have pledged ourselves to the fullest utilization of all available facilities. In the matter of new courses our ambition for our students is limited only by the nature of the school plant itself.
Half-year courses in consumer education and economic geography are being continued and classes in remedial reading will be available soon for those who have indicated this deficiency through our testing program. We have also continued Driver Training classes because we believe these possess great social utility.
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Plans have been made to enlarge our biology course so that field trips may be included during the good weather. However, regardless of the course, emphasis is always on the student in the class, rather than on content material.
CLUBS
Under our new schedule it is possible for us to provide a 33-minute club-activity period on Thursday and Friday mornings. Participation is entirely voluntary, but we encourage the student to join at least one club believing that they not only contribute to his greater enrichment. but stimulate interest in school affairs as well. .
Club
Number of Pupils
Newspaper
17
Photography
24
Dramatic
28
Handicraft
12
Faculty Sponsor Miss Kelly Mr. Robes Miss Dohanian Mrs. Fletcher
Student Council
12
Live Wire
10
Girls' Glee Club
30
Boys' Glee Club
20
Driver Training
30
Typing
8
Miss Finn Mr. Robes Miss Bennett Miss Bennett Mr. Rennie Miss Finn
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Assemblies are held twice monthly and are planned so that they are both instructive and interesting. All national holidays are observed and appropriate patriotic and religious services are included in the program.
Athletics comprise a very large part of extra-curricular activities. Our three major sports, football, basketball, and baseball all undertake ambitious schedules. This year the Wachusetts League was divided into two divisions, eastern and western. For this reason we have been forced to play some games outside the league. So far, these arrangements have proven satisfactory and we have not been forced to appreciably curtail our schedules.
Intramural sports, played at noon recess' or after school, round out our athletic program and provide those students who do not make the Academy teams, with some competitive athletics.
Each class is permitted one social activity (usually a dance) under the guidance of their class advisor. In addition, the Student Council accepts the sponsorship of other events that are deemed advisable by its faculty advisor. All dances are adequately chaperoned and trans- portation to and from the dance is provided by our school buses.
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GUIDANCE
Miss Mary Finn, assisted by other faculty members, continues to head our guidance program. The testing program, instituted last year, makes our guidance more meaningful and provides us with invaluable data on the interests, potentialities and capabilities of our students.
CONCLUSION
We at the Academy believe that public secondary education must be truly democratic. We recognize the paradox of training for par- ticipation in the democratic life through autocratic administrative and classroom practices. The democratic thread must run through the entire cloth of institutional operation. It must show respect for the person- ality of every student and develop means whereby highly diverse inborn capacities attain their highest possible expression.
We believe our greatest obligation to be the preservation and im- provement of the democratic way of life. Progressive achievement of this ideal means the inculcation of those qualities essential to a society of free governing men and women. These qualities include an under- standing and appreciation of democracy and democratic institutions; the development of characteristics that have democratic significance such as individual capability and intelligent acceptance of social responsibility, open-mindedness, understanding, and cooperation in the promotion of the common good; and the use of teaching methods through which the democratic goals may be attained.
In conclusion, we at the Academy hold before us this important concept: We teach students-not school subjects. We are much more interested in finding out a student's level of interest, his abilities and achievements, and then meeting him on that level. Instead of trying to fit a student into a specific slot or niche, we would rather fit a program to the student.
Respectfully,
CHARLES E. CARROLL
PERSONNEL
We have again experienced considerable turn-over in our teaching force. Mr. K. Merton Bozoian, Principal of the Wm. E. Frost School for nearly nine years, resigned in September to go to East Hampton, Conn. Mr. Bozoian's outstanding work and active interest in the boys and girls of Westford will be long remembered. Mr. William B. Gove was elected to fill the vacancy.
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