USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1952-1956 > Part 25
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ARTICLE 39. To see if the Town will vote that the present Water Committee investigate the advisability of taking the Westford Water Company by eminent domain and report its findings and recommenda- tions to the Town at a special meeting to be called for that purpose; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 40. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select- men to arrange with the Westford Water Company for hydrants at regular hydrant rental of Forty-Five ($45.00) Dollars per year per hy- drant as follows:
2 on Myrtle Avenue in Nabnasset.
1 on Pine Ridge Road in Graniteville.
1 on Crescent Street in Forge Village;
or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 41. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen 'to install five street lights on Forrest Road on Poles num- bered 54-50-45-42 and 38; lights to start at east end of Forrest Road at Oak Hill Road intersection and proceed westerly on Forrest Road in pole multiples of four or less to the Groton Road; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 42. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install two street lights on Dunstable Road, one on pole 20/55 and one on pole 20/58 on Tenney Road; or act in relation theretc
ARTICLE 43. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light on pole #7 on Coolidge Avenue, Nabnasset; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 44. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install three street lights on Carlisle Road on poles numbered 83, 87 and 91; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 45. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light on off West Prescott Street across from the Franco-American Club; or act in relation thereto.
119
ARTICLE 46. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to install one street light on Tenney Road on pole #4; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 47. To see if the Town will vote to adopt a set of zoning by-laws as set forth in the final report and recommendations of the Zoning Committee appointed under Article 45 of the warrant for the annual town meeting held March 6, 1954, said final report and recom- mendations being on file in the office of the Town Clerk; or act in re- lation thereto.
ARTICLE 47a. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate the sum of Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Zoning Committee; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 48. To see if the Town will vote to accept Sections 42, 43 and 44 of Chapter 48 of the General Laws, Tercentenary Edition; or act in relation thereto. (said Sections provide as follows) :
Sec. 42. Fire Departments in Certain Towns .- Towns accepting the provisions of this and the two following sections or which have accepted corresponding provisions of earlier laws may establish a fire department to be under the control of an officer to be known as the chief of the fire department. The chief shall be appointed by the selectmen, and shall re- ceive such salary as the selectmen may from time to time determine, not exceeding in the aggregate the amount annually appropriated therefor. He may be removed for cause by the selectmen at any time after a hear- ing. He shall have charge of extinguishing fires in the town and the protection of life and property in case of fire. He shall purchase subject to the approval of the selectmen and keep in repair all property and ap- paratus used for and by the fire department. He shall have and exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties conferred or imposed by statute upon engineers in towns except as herein provided, and shall ap- point a deputy chief and such officers and firemen as he may think neces- sary, and may remove the same at any time for cause and after a hearing. He shall have full and absolute authority in the administration of the department, shall make all rules and regulations for its operation, shall report to the selectmen from time to time as they may require, and shall annually report to the town the condition of the department with his rec- ommendations thereon; he shall fix the compensation of the permanent and call members of the fire department subject to the approval of the selectmen. In the expenditure of money the chief shall be subject to such further limitations as the town may from time to time prescribe. (1920, 591, Sec. 27).
Sec. 43. Chief to Act as Forest Warden .- The chief of the fire de- partment shall act as forest warden in all such towns, and shall have au-
120
thority to appoint deputy wardens and fix their compensation subject to the approval of the selectmen. (1920, 591, Sec. 28).
Sec. 44. Effect of Two preceding Sections on Firemen under Civil Service. The two preceding sections shall not affect the tenure of office nor apply to the removal of permanent and call members of fire depart- ments in towns which have accepted chapter thirty-one or corresponding provisions of earlier laws. Said sections shall not apply to cities. (1920, 591, Sec. 29).
ARTICLE 49. To see if the Town will vote to accept Broadway from Main Street to the northerly end of the 1908 Middlesex County layout. as laid out by the Selectmen as shown by their report and plan filed in the Office of the Town Clerk; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 50. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve Hundred ($1200.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a generator, and the further sum of Three Hun- dred Sixty-five ($365.00) Dollars, or some other sum, for the purpose of purchasing a teletype machine, both said generator and said teletype machine to be used for Civil Defense, and the further sum of Five Hun- dred ($500.00) Dollars for the purpose of Civil Defense, said generator and teletype machine to be purchased under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 51. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing a new or used truck for use by the Moth and Tree Departments, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the two old trucks now used by said Departments and apply the sums received therefor against the purchase price of said new or used truck; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 52. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of purchasing for use by the Moth and Tree Departments a new blower, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the spray rig on one of the old trucks now used by said Departments and apply the sum received therefor against the purchase price of the new blower; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 53. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate from available funds a certain sum to be deducted by the Assessors under the provisions of Section 23 of Chapter 59 of the General Laws, as amended, from the amount required to be assessed by them; or act in relation thereto.
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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 meet- ing.
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-eighth day of January in the year of our Lord, 1955.
EDWARD F. HARRINGTON ELROY A. FIELD JAMES L. HEALY
Selectmen of Westford
122
Annual Report OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF WESTFORD
F
WEST
2
729. €
ED
SE
For the Year Ending December 31 1954
ORGANIZATION-SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Frederick W. Gatenby
Term Expires 1955
Gwendolyn M. Walker, Secretary
Term Expires 1955
John Urbaniak Term Expires 1956
Alice Whitcomb, Secretary pro tem Term Expires 1956
Clifford J. Courchaine, Chairman
Term Expires 1957
Edward N. Lamson
Term Expires 1957
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Peter F. Perry
Office-Westford Academy Telephone MY2-6561 Office Hours: 8:30 A. M. - 4:30 P. M.
CLERK Mrs. Constance L. Malloy
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
Cameron School MY2-6542 Sargent School MY2-6553
Wm. E. Frost School MY2-6230 Westford Academy MY2-6771
Nabnasset School MY 2-6233
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN Dwight W. Cowles, M. D., Westford, Mass. Tel. MY2-6521
SCHOOL NURSE : Dorothy Healy, R. N., Westford, Mass. Tel. Office MY2-8431, Town Hall
124
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Westford:
The School Committee feels that the year 1954 has been a successful year and that considerable progress has been made in the face of increased difficulties.
Despite the handicap imposed by holding three classes in the Town Hall, American Legion Hall and the Cameron School basement, the morale of both teachers and pupils has remained high and we feel that satis- factory progress has been made by these pupils in spite of the incon- veniences.
The rise in cost of operating our schools for the year 1954 reflects both the advance in enrollment which is 20 per cent more than it was in 1950 and the increase necessary in salaries and all supplies used. Your committee felt that our salary schedule must be improved to compete with the surrounding towns and the nation-wide situation where the supply of trained teachers does not meet the demands of the rapidly growing enrollment in our schools. In conjunction with the Westford Teachers Association a study was made and the Board voted a new schedule which was put into operation in September of this year. We hope that we may retain our teachers for a longer period because of this schedule.
The Committee has continued its policy of maintaining the school buildings in good condition. The four rooms on the second floor of Cam- eron School were painted in pastel colors and the Frost School was given one coat of exterior paint. Minor repairs were done in all of the other buildings. Next summer it is planned to complete the painting of the first floor at Cameron School and give the Sargent School one coat of exterior paint.
The Committee is asking for the amount of $198,681.00 to operate the schools in Westford for the school year 1955. Under the provisions of the State Law, plus the usual reimbursement for transportation, State Wards, Americanization Classes and out of town tuition, the town will receive approximately $48,184.13. This will bring the net cost to the town down to $150,496.87.
Respectfully submitted,
CLIFFORD J. COURCHAINE
Chairman
125
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Westford School Committee:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my seventh annual report as Superintendent of the Westford Schools. Incorporated herein are brief reports from the High School Principal, the school nurse and doctor, and the music and pen- manship supervisors.
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
Mrs. Dorothy M. Doucette, who was teaching grade five at Cameron School as a permanent substitute for the year, was engaged as our do- mestic science teacher in the high school. Mrs. Doucette is a graduate of Framingham Teachers College and has done graduate work at Sim- mons. She comes to us with 12 years of experience in the Canton and Quincy High Schools. Miss Lois Shea, a graduate of Lowell Teachers College in 1951 and with three years experience in Hull, was elected to fill this position. Mr. Richard Fitzgerald resigned to accept a position in another town at a larger salary. Mr. Harold Hershfield resigned to accept a principalship in another town. Both positions were left vacant as these men were scheduled to teach in the new high school. At the Academy Miss Theodora Lolos, commercial teacher, resigned to be mar- ried and Miss Mary Miskell, a graduate of Salem Teachers College with one year's experience in Townsend was elected to this position. Mr. John Riley resigned as English teacher to work for the Foreign Service in Italy, and Mrs. Madeleine Spaulding was elected as a permanent substi- tute to finish the year. Miss Shirley Martin resigned as music super- visor to teach at Cameron School, and Miss Auguste Broadmeyer, a grad- uate of Boston University, School of Music, was elected to this position. Several new teachers were elected to fill positions created by increased enrollments in grades two and three, and for new positions in the new Academy. As the Academy did not open in September as planned, these teachers have been placed in other buildings and are teaching full time.
Following is the report of Mr. John A. Rennie, principal of the Acad- emy:
Mr. Peter F. Perry, Superintendent
Westford Public Schools
Westford, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Perry:
I will attempt to summarize the activities of the past year at West- ford Academy with as little reference as possible to the many problems
126
that have beset us, inasmuch as these problems which stem directly from the lack of adequate physical facilities will be alleviated with the opening of the new high school building.
A follow-up report of the class of 1954 compiled on December 31, 1954 shows that of the twenty-nine graduates, eleven are continuing their education in schools and colleges. One graduate is the recipient of a full tuition, four year scholarship, another a part tuition scholarship. A summary of the present status of the graduating class follows:
Number of graduates
29
Number attending schools and colleges Liberal Arts 1
11
Teachers' College
2
Engineering 1
Agriculture 1
Nursing
1
Electronics
1
Junior College
1
Comptometer
2
Preparatory School
1
Number in Air Force and Navy
4
Number employed 10
Industry 5
Clerical 5
Number married
4
Total
29
Last year I reported to you the extension of our mathematics cur- riculum. Although it is too early to attempt an evaluation of the pro- gram, we feel certain that we are providing the fundamental require- ments for all the students regardless of their occupational objectives. Realizing that mathematical functions and methods are only the tools for quantative thinking, we have taken steps this year, both in selection of teaching materials and teaching procedure, to emphasize the prob- lem solving aspect of mathematics.
Mechanical drawing classes have been started this year with the en- rollment of forty students. No course has received such enthusiastic reception. Under the capable direction of Mr. Norman Methot, the In- dustrial Arts instructor for the new high school, this course is fulfilling a much needed role in the training of those students who will be enter- ing the mechanical and artisan trades and those who are continuing their education in the engineering field. The exploratory value of this course should not be overlooked. A number of boys have spoken to me of their interest in choosing an occupation related to this work, as the result of
127
their introduction to it in the classroom. I am certain that similar values will be derived from the Industrial Arts courses available in the new building.
The guidance program for members of the senior class has been ex- tended by a service provided by the United States Employment Security Office. Mr. Gordon DeWolfe from the Lowell office conducts an individ- ual conference with each member of the senior class. Following these conferences, a battery of general aptitude tests is administered to those members who are likely to be in the employment market after graduation. When the results of these tests have been obtained, Mr. DeWolfe again confers with each member concerning the occupational areas in which the student shows potential success.
I wish to thank the School Committee, The Trustees of Westford Academy, and yourself for the cooperation and assistance that has been given me.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. RENNIE Principal
OUR NEW ACADEMY
The School Building Committee and I were disappointed that the new building was not ready for use in September as originally planned. Since, for various reasons, it was not ready to enter after the Christmas holidays, it seems that the logical thing to do is to wait until the building is completely finished and the grounds landscaped and seeded, before it is formally opened.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
It has been the policy of the school board to keep the text books in good condition and up-to-date. This year it was felt that no new com- plete edition was necessary, so books were purchased to take care of the increased enrollment and to supply supplementary reading books in all the schools.
Physical examinations, vision and hearing tests were given to all the children in grades 1-3-5-7-9-11. Flourine treatment was given to the children in grades 2-5-8, and diabetic tests were offered to the children in grades 8-9.
BUILDINGS
The improvements planned for Cameron School were completed this past summer, and consisted of painting the four rooms on the second floor in pastel colors. Next summer we hope to paint the first floor rooms. The Frost School had one coat of exterior paint; and if we continue our long range policy of painting one school each year, then Sargent School should be painted next summer. Along with these major projects, minor repairs were made in all of the buildings. The sanitary and health in- spector from the Nashoba Health Center again mentioned the fact that the lighting in all of the schools was inadequate. We hoped that we might improve this condition with funds from our regular budget; but
128
as the amount allowed for repairs in our regular budget is not adequate for such a major item as this, it is recommended that either the budget be increased or an amount be put in a special article for this purpose.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
A health course, sponsored by the Massachusetts State Teachers College at Fitchburg and given by Dr. Kenneth I. E. Macleod, director of the Nashoba Health Center, was attended by seven of our teachers. Fifteen other teachers were taking courses at Colleges and Universities of their choice. Two principals attended the Elementary Principals Con- ference at the University of Massachusetts, and in November all teachers attended a work shop in Acton, sponsored by the State Department of Education. This was the first conference which included the high school teachers, and proved highly successful.
DRIVER EDUCATION
For the fifth consecutive year we have the auto driver education and training program in the high school. A dual-control car is being used. The purpose of this program is to train young people in the proper driving of an automobile, and is under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Robes. Approximately twenty-five pupils successfully completed the course this year and received their licenses.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Westford Teachers Association through their Scholarship Fund, has for the sixth year presented one hundred dollars to a senior girl of the class of 1954, now studying at Lowell Teachers College. Several other students received scholarships from other sources which will be covered in the principal's report.
GIFTS
The trustees of Westford Academy again have financed the testing program at the Academy under the direction of Mr. Rennie. We are also grateful to them for their generous prizes offered at the graduation exercises in June.
The Parent-Teachers Associations are progressive organizations with programs planned to help both parents and children. Their many activities have resulted in good playground equipment and fine educa- tional features. "
At Christmas time it has been a tradition for the Abbot Worsted Company and the C. G. Sargents Sons Corporation to provide gifts to the school children, and surely reflects the true spirit of giving.
Again I say a very sincere "thank you" to all who have worked so closely and harmoniously with me this year-School Committee, Building Committee, principals, teachers, secretary, custodians and parents. To- gether we look forward to a year of continued progress.
Respectfully submitted,
PETER F. PERRY Superintendent of Schools
129
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
GRADE 7
Subject
Periods
English 7
5
Mathematics 7
5
Social Studies
5
Science 7
5
Industrial Arts 7 (Boys)
2
Homemaking 7 (Girls)
2
Physical Education
2
Music
2
Art
2
GRADE 8
English 8
5
Mathematics 8
5
Social Studies 8
5
Science 8
5
Industrial Arts 8 (Boys)
2
Homemaking 8 (Girls)
2
Physical Education
2
Music
2
Art
2
:
GRADE 9
Required Subjects
Periods
Credits
English I
5
5
Civics
5
5
Math I
5
5
or
Algebra I
5
5
Group Guidance
2
1
Physical Education
2
1
Electives
General Science
5
5
Junior Business Training
5
5
Industrial Arts I
4
4
Mechanical Drawing I
2
1
Homemaking I
4
4
Music
2
1
Art
2
1
130
GRADE 10
Required Subjects
Periods
Credits
English II
5
5
World History
5
5
Physical Education
2
1
Electives
Plane Geometry
5
5
Math II
5
5
French I
5
5
Bookkeeping I
5
5
Typing I
5
212
Industrial Arts II
4
4
Mechanical Drawing II
2
1
Homemaking II
4
4
Driver Education
Music
2
1
Art
2
1
Biology
GRADE 11
Required Subjects
Periods
Credits
English III
5
5
U. S. History
5
5
Physical Education
2
1
Electives
Algebra II
5
5
French II
5
5
Chemistry
6
5
Applied Chemistry
5
5
Stenography I
5
5
Bookkeeping II
5
5
Typewriting II
5
2 1/2
Psychology and Occupations
5
5
Industrial Arts III
4
4
Homemaking III
4
4
Driver Education
Music
2
1
Art
2
1
GRADE 12
Required Subjects
Periods
Credits
English IV
5
5
Problems of Democracy
5
5
Physical Education
2
1
131
Electives
Trigonometry (1/2 year).
5
2 1/2
Solid Geometry (1/2 year)
5
21/2
French III
5
5
Physics
6
5
Senior Science
5
5
Stenography II
5
5
Office Practice
5
21/2
Business Law
5
5
Consumer Education
5
5
Industrial Arts IV
4
4
Homemaking IV
4
4
Driver Education
Music
2
1
Art
2
1
EXPENDITURES OF THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT YEAR 1954
SCHOOLS
Teachers' Salaries
Academy
$ 36,747.96
Elementary
70,356.35 $107,104.31
Textbooks
Academy
1,575.59
Elementary
1,375.42
2,951 .. 01
Supplies
Academy
1,518.91
Elementary
2,783.40
4,302.31
Other Expense of Instruction
Academy
558.36
Elementary
501.74 .
1,060.10
Janitors' Salaries
Academy
3,030.04
Elementary
9,210.04
12,240.08
Fuel
Academy
1,155.32
Elementary
2,895.88
4,051.20
Miscellaneous Operation
Academy
Water
183.51
Lights
348.86
Janitors' Supplies
201.21,
Telephone
141.56
.
132
Elementary
Water
144.45
Lights
785.42
Janitors' Supplies
1,035.11
Telephone
305.52
3,145.64
Repairs
Academy
337.31
Elementary
3,579.05
3,916.36
Furniture and Fixtures
Academy
610.75
Elementary
610.75
Health
Academy
251.57
Elementary
319.78
571.35
Transportation
Academy
9,329.99
Elementary
9,299.61
18,629.60
Tuition
Academy
283.05
Elementary
496.00
779.05
Other Expense
Academy
358.71
Elementary
138.92
: 497.63
Emergency
402.94
402.94
General Control
Superintendent's Salary
5,199.92
Superintendent's Expenses
173.55
Clerk's Salary
1,620.00
School Census
100.00
Office Expenses and Telephone
279.29
7,372.76
Total
$167,640.31
Receipts :
Reimbursement for Americanization Class
131.25
Reimbursement for School Aid and State Income
34,445.21
Reimbursement for State Wards
907.14
Reimbursement for Transportation
10,159.45
$ 45,643.05
45,643.05
Net Cost to the Town
$121,997.26
:
133
CORPS OF TEACHERS-1954-1955
Teachers
Subject or Grade
Date of Appointment
WESTFORD ACADEMY
John A. Rennie, A.B., M.A., Principal April 1952
(Wesleyan University, Boston University)
Elizabeth A. Boudreau, B.S. (Boston University)
Physical Education
Sept. 1954
Rita M. Crowley, A.B. English
Sept. 1954
(Simmons) Doris Evenson, A.B.
English, French, Problems of Democracy Sept. 1952
(Mt. Holyoke College)
Mildred Fahey, B.S.E. Commercial
Sept. 1953
(Salem Teachers College)
Eileen K. Fletcher, A.B.
Social Studies Sept. 1948
(Tuft's College)
Theodore Lapierre, B.Ed., M.Ed. Biology, Chemistry Sept. 1952
(Plymouth Teachers College, U. of New Hampshire)
Warren N. Lapworth, A.B. (Coach) Physical Education Sept. 1950
(Columbia University)
Normand Methot, B.S.Ed. Industrial Arts Sept. 1954
(Fitchburg Teachers College)
Mary Miskell, B.S. Commercial
Sept. 1954
(Salem Teachers College)
English
Dec. 1954
Madeline Spaulding, A.B. (Boston University) Kenneth H. Robes, B.S.
.Mathematics, Gen. Science
Jan. 1947
(Dartmouth College)
CAMERON SCHOOL
Alice M. Murphy, Principal (Lowell Teachers College) Grade 1
Sept. 1949
Marion Guerin, B.S.Ed. (Lowell Teachers College) 2 "
Sept. 1953
Ellen Finnegan B.S.Ed. (Lowell Teachers College)
"
3A
Sept. 1953
Eleanor Gomes ,B.S.Ed. (Lowell Teachers College) "
3B
Sept. 1954
Shirley L. Martin, B. Music (Boston University)
4
Sept. 1954
Lois Shea, B.S.E. (Bridgewater State Teachers College) "
Sept. 1954
Helen Michalides, B.S.Ed. (Lowell Teachers College)
6
Sept. 1951
Mary Quinn, A.B. (Regis College)
Sept. 1952
Harold Smith, B.S.Ed. (Fitchburg Teachers College)
:
8
Sept. 1952
WM. E. FROST SCHOOL
Rita H. Miller, B.S.Ed., Principal (Lowell Teachers College) "
6
Sept. 1952
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