USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1947-1951 > Part 39
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ARTICLE 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of One Thousand (1,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the pupose of reconstruct- ing Graniteville Road, contingent upon the State and County contribut- ing towards the cost of said reconstruction; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 10. To see if the Town will vote to increase the number of Fire Engineers from three to five, and specify of the two new engineer appointments one be made from Nabnassett and one from Parker Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing 500 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 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing five hundred 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.
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ARTICLE 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing two new sirens to be placed at Graniteville and Forge Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing two radios and installing the same on two of the fire trucks, said purchase and installation to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Two Hundred Twenty- Five ($225.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchas- ing a Scott Air Pack; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Four Thousand ($4,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a new fire truck, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 17. To see if the Town will vote in the event that a new fire truck is purchased for the Westford Center Fire House, to transfer the Chevrolet truck which is now at Westford to Nabnasett, and provide suitable housing therefor; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 18. In event of an affirmative vote under Article 16, to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Fire Engineers to transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the Chevrolet now stationed at Westford Center Fire House, and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of a new fire truck; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of making repairs to the interior of the Fire House at Forge Village; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Three Thousand ($3,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of Civil De- fense; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Twelve Hundred ($1200.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of making certain improvements to the Frost School; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of One Thousand (1,000.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the athletic program in the Westford Schools or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Six Hundred Twenty- Five ($625.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of painting and refinishing the lower Town Hall, including the sanding and re- finishing of floors; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Six Hundred ($600.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for Band Concerts during the current year; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of hot-topping the walk or path through the Town Common and the sidewalk bordering the Town Common, said work to be done under the supervision of the Highway Department; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of repairing certain public sidewalks; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Seven Hundred ($700.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the care of the Whitney Playgrounds; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of continuing the survey and maps of the Town under the supervision of the Board of Assessors; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Eighteen Hundred Seventy-Four and 16/100 ($1874.16) 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 Commis- sioners 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 1951 by the Solomon Hyams Fund, Inc .; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 31. To see if the Town will vote to accept a legacy given to it by Mary Atwood, late of Westford, deceased, testate, by her will duly proved and allowed by the Probate Court for Middlesex County; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 32. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of providing suitable quarters in the Nabnassett Section of said Westford for the Nabnassett American Legion Post No. 437 and the Auxiliary of said Post; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 33. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Five Hundred Fifty ($550.00) Dollars to provide quarters for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 6539, Westford, Mass., of which Two Hundred Fifty ($250.00) Dollars be reimbursed to said organization for payment of rent for eight months of 1951 and Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars to provide quarters for the year 1952; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing and planting trees, said purchase and work to be done under the supervision of the Tree Warden; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of One Hundred Seventy-Five ($175.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a new Royal typewriter for the use by the Town Clerk, said puhchase to be made under the supervision of the Town Clerk; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 36. In event of an affirmative vote under Article 35, to see if the Town will authorize the Town Clerk to transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the old typewriter now used by him as Town Clerk and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of the new typewriter; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 37. To see if the Town will vote to require the obtain- ing of bids in connection with the purchase of fuel oil used for heating such town owned buildings as are supported by public funds, such as the Town Hall, schools, library, fire houses, etc, and to limit the right to submit bids to such dealers as are real estate taxpayers of the Town and have an established business or route in Westford; or take any action thereto.
ARTICLE 38. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the School Planning Committee appointed under Article 1 of the warrant for the annual town meeting held March 10, 1951 and continued in office under Article 1 of this warrant; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 39. To see if the Town will take any action relative to the regulation of traffic and the parking of vehicles on the public ways of the Town; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 40. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from available funds, the sum of Three Hundred ($300.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of stocking in conjunction with the Town of Littleton the same pond or other inland waters as are bordered upon by both the Town of Westford and the Town of Littleton 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 41. To see if the Town will vote to accept Hill Street as laid out by the Selectmen as shown by their report and plan duly filed in the office of the Town Clerk; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 42. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light or more on West Street; or act in relation thereto.
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ARTICLE 43. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install three street lights on Hartford Road; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 44. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light on Chamberlain Road north of Main Street, pole No. 11; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 45. To see if the Town will vote to enter into a contract with the Westford Water Company at present hydrant rental for six additional hydrants to be located as follows: 1 on Grove Street, 2 on Edwards Avenue, 1 on Byrne Avenue, 1 on Gassett Road and 1 on Lake Shore Drive; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 46. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate from available funds not in excess of Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars to be deducted by the Assessors under the provisions of Chapter 798 of the Acts of 1951 from the amount required to be assessed by them; or act in relation thereto.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up true and attested copies therof 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 fourteenth day of February in-the year of our Lord, 1952.
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
-
F WEST
SE
For the Year Ending December 31, 1951
ORGANIZATION-SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Frederick W. Gatenby, Chairman Term Expires 1952
Edgar S. Peterson
Term Expires 1952
Robert J. Heman, Jr. Term Expires 1953
F. Stanley Smith, Secretary Term Expires 1953
Clifford J. Courchaine Term Expires 1954
Edward N. Lamson
Term Expires 1954
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Peter F. Perry
Office-Westford Academy Telephone 561
Office hours: 8:30 A. M .- 4:30 P. M.
CLERK Mrs. Constance L. 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.
During the year 1951 we have held fourteen executive meetings of the School Committee, eleven of which were regular and three special. In addition to these meetings at least two of the members have attended an unrecorded number of other meetings and confer- ences on official matters with the School Building Committee, Finance Committee and the Selectmen.
Our primary purpose is to provide a good system of public educa- tion from grade one through twelve. We feel that we are accomplish- ing this purpose and that we are furnishing the type and quality of educational service which the Town and the State demand.
During the past year we have authorized the addition of one teacher to our staff. This was a Remedial Reading teacher who we feel will help improve our educational program. .
The Committee is asking for the amount of $154, 500.00 to operate the schools in Westford for the school year 1952, and the sum of $5,300.00 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 approximately $44,422.32 which is an increase of $1,894.02 over last year's returns. This will bring the net cost to the town down to $110,077.68.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK W. GATENBY, Chairman.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Westford School Committee:
Gentlemen:
It is a privilege and pleasure for me to present my fourth annual report of your schools in Westford. Continuing the practice of past years it includes the reports of the principal of the High School, supervisors, school physician and nurse, and the usual tables and statistical data.
Our American civilization is based on a system of universal free education that stresses the responsibility of our schools to contribute to a happy and useful life for each individual child.
The program of our schools should contribute to an improved daily life for every boy and girl. Children, in order to effectively profit from their education and realize their own abilities, must master the fundamental tools of learning, acquire good health habits, have intel- lectual and aesthetic interests and develop loyalties that will enable them to discharge their civic duties and responsibilities in a demo- cratic civilization. It is the responsibility of the public schools to develop intelligent and informed individuals, who are thoroughly aware of the advantages of our American way of life and are ready to make whatever sacrifices are necessary for its preservation.
Following is the report of Mr. Charles E. Carroll, Principal of Westford Academy:
Mr. Peter F. Perry
Superintendent of Schools
Westford, Massachusetts
In this, my second report to the citizens of Westford, I would like to comment briefly on the progress of secondary education at Westford Academy.
ENROLLMENT
As of October 1, the Academy enrollment stood at 179 or an in- crease of ten over this time last year. With larger classes in our lower grades, we shall have to expect an even larger enrollment dur- ing the next few years.
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We have attempted through personal persuasion and through the curriculum to encourage those students who are contemplating leav- ing 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 Graduate
0
1
1
Seniors
20
20
40
Juniors
18
16
34
Sophomores
29
19
48
Freshmen
21
35
56
-
-
Totals
88
91
179
CURRICULUM
The operation of the curriculum has continued much the same as in past years, because of the physical limitations of the school plant. There has been, however, an effort to improve both course content and methods of presentation in a desire to keep pace with the changing needs of a dynamic society. The basic theme running through the entire program is the translation of the aims, purposes and values of the educational process to the growth and development of democracy. Thus no course may be considered as an end in itself, but must instead contribute to the greater enrichment and interpretation of democratic life. The public school cannot afford to operate in a social vacuum in these times of national stress.
Certain additions to the curriculum made since my last report merit some attention:
Classes in remedial reading are prescribed for those students who have indicated a reading deficiency through our testing program. It is hoped, in the years to come, that the application of remedial reading procedures to the lower grades will reduce appreciably the number of high school students who are retarded in this basic area.
It has been possible, through a series of exploratory trips to the Boston scientific museums, to supplement in some degree our instruc- tion in science. Mr. Rennie has made plans to continue his monthly trips to Boston throughout the school year. It would be a mistake not to avail ourselves of these scientific and cultural institutions, located as they are, only a few miles distant.
The gift of a driver training car to the Academy last Spring enables us to provide behind-the-wheel training for students in our
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Driver Education classes. When it is realized that over ninety per- cent of high school students operate motor vehicles on the public highways within a year after graduation, the social utility of this training becomes apparent.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Too often the less formal aspects of the curriculum are desig- nated "extra-curricular" and as such are considered somewhat apart from the regular school program. The connotation is unfortunate because very often such activities constitute the dynamic socialized aspects of learning. With this in mind, we have developed a well- balanced activity program in the hope that participation therein will contribute to the enrichment of the student body and at the same time stimulate interest in school affairs.
Under our present schedule it is possible for us to provide a . thirty-five minute club-activity period on Thursday and Friday morn- ings. Participation is entirely voluntary, but we encourage the stu- dents to join at least one club.
Our three major sports, football, basketball and baseball, all undertake ambitious schedules. We have made a special effort to schedule games with schools of comparable size and with those who have indicated an outstanding record of good sportsmanship. The emphasis is never on victory alone, but rather on the greater value of sportsmanship and character building.
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 ad- visable by its faculty advisor. All dances are adequately chaperoned and transportation to and from the dance is provided by our school buses.
Assemblies are held twice monthly and are planned so that they are both instructive and interesting. All national holidays are ob- served and appropriate patriotic and religious services are included in the program.
FACULTY ORGANIZATION
We believe that we have affected an improvement in the organ- ization of our faculty this year. While it is true that we have lost valuable teaching experience with the resignations of Miss Finn and Miss Dohanian, their departure has made it possible to reassign
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teaching duties so that the fullest utilization is made of the profes- sional background of faculty members. This should lead to improved training in the subject areas.
CONCLUSION
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 understanding and appreciation of democracy and democratic in- stitutions; the development of characteristics that have democratic significance such as individual capability and intelligent acceptance of social responsibility, open-mindedness, understanding, and cooper- ation 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 submitted,
CHARLES E. CARROLL.
PERSONNEL 1
Resignations
Appointments
HIGH SCHOOL
Miss Mary Finn
Miss Theodora Lolos
Miss Eliz Dohanian
Miss Joanne Hall
CAMERON SCHOOL
Mrs. Marjorie Nixon
Miss Mary Jo Burns
Mrs. Kathleen Harper
Miss Helen Mechalides
Miss Martha Yoshida Miss Mary Moran
Miss Maureen Markham Mr. William Mobilia
SARGENT SCHOOL
Miss Martha Morris
Miss Claire Kelley
Mr. Raymond Dower, Jr. Mr. Lynwood Stodden
FROST SCHOOL
Mrs. Gertrude Madden
Miss Margaret Dadian
Mr. William B. Gove
Mr. August Crane
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Miss Barbara Bennett Miss Eunice Buckley
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From the above list one can readily see the great turn-over we are still having in our teaching staff. 'Eight of the teachers who re- signed went to better positions with much higher salaries. Appar- ently other systems continue to regard Westford as an excellent train- ing ground. We have improved our salary schedule in order to make teaching more attractive and to make an attempt to hold our teach- ers. However, the rising cost of living combined with even larger increases in state and federal taxes still leaves the teaching profes- sion lagging behind.
For several years there has been a demand from our Principals, teachers and parents for a Remedial Reading teacher who could work with our slow readers. This year we were fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. Carol Verven for this position.
Mrs. Constance Malloy was elected to the position of secretary to the superintendent to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Alice Whitcomb.
We are sorry to lose the men and women who left our school system but wish them all happiness and success in their new en- deavors. We also wish to welcome all of our new personnel who are doing such fine work in their new positions.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Our text books remain in good condition because of our long range planning of renewing and bringing up to date one set of books each year. This year we completed our series of history books in grades three through six. We are planning to buy health books this coming year, as many of our grades are without these books at the present time.
BUILDINGS
As was planned in our budget for 1951, the Frost School interior was painted as well as the trim at the Nabnassett School. This year the basements at Nabnassett will be completed. We are also planning to paint the dark varnished wood work in the four upper rooms at Sargent School and the front hall at Cameron School. Along with this planned program there are always many smaller emergency re- pairs which need to be done. These are always taken care of as they arise.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS
During the past year our teachers and Principals spent a great deal of time studying history books. As a result of this study, books were purchased for grades three to six, thus completing our series in Social Studies. We are now accumulating sets of Health books from the various companies. From this study we hope to choose a set for our health work.
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At the beginning of the year a letter was received from the State Department of Education recommending that the teachers take the First Aid Course given by the Red Cross, so that they would be better prepared to render first aid in the event of an emergency. This course was made available to our teachers and twenty-two of them, repre- senting every school in town, took this course.
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