USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1948 > Part 2
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The Prose and Poetry series of literature books was purchased during the summer for Grades VI, VII, and VIII, so that now we feel that literature, as well as language, completes the series from the early grades through Grade VIII. We plan to emphasize science to a greater extent in Grades III, IV, and V, and, with the purchase of new science books for those grades, we feel that our elementary curriculum will be well round- ed, and that the pupils' experience will be enriched in all fields.
Two new maps were purchased, the first since the war, and in order that the pupils may be well informed in current events, class newspapers have been contin- ued for all civics classes.
It is the policy of the administration to furnish the children of Westhampton with the newest and best
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textbooks in the basic subjects. The moving-picture machine is being used to good advantage. We now have a radio-phonograph, and a fair library of refer- ence books. We are fortunate to be supplied with these important tools of learning.
During the past year the entire inside of the build- ing was painted and repaired. The three classrooms, corridors, and toilet rooms were all painted in attrac- tive "eye-rest" colors; a new ceiling was installed in the corridor; and all floors were sanded, sealed, and waxed. We feel that this new method of floor treat- ment not only makes the whole interior of the build- ing more attractive, but results in a more sanitary and cleaner way of maintaining the building.
The new Chapter 70, known as the School Aid Bill, which was passed in 1948, will refund to the Town of Westhampton an estimated $6,033 during 1949. This amount of the school budget will not have to be raised by taxation, and a consequent lowering of the tax - on account of schools - will result. This new State Aid bill, which raised state aid for public education from $5,000,000 to $15,000,000, is the first forward step the State of Massachusetts has taken in this direction in thirty years. The 1949 program of the Council for Public Schools comprises the sponsoring of another bill, now before the General Court, which, if passed, will increase state aid to $40,000,000. The Council is made up of the Massachusetts Association of School Commit- tees, the Massachusetts Teachers Federation, and the Massachusetts Superintendents Association.
Our past year has been a satisfactory one. The quality of the graduation program and the Christmas play shows the type of effort the teachers have put into their work.
Standardized tests, given in May and during the year, show the progress of both teachers and pupils.
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Westhampton is fortunate to have a faculty of teachers who work so diligently for the pupils under their direc- tion.
May I at this time thank the members of the School Committee and teachers for their support dur- ing the past year. It is a matter of pride to report one- hundred-per-cent cooperation of all members of the school personnel in all matters pertaining to the de- partment.
We wish to thank the members of other town de- partments for their valued assistance. We appreciate the untiring efforts of our janitors in keeping the build- ing clean and warm, and also the help of the bus driv- ers who transport the pupils. We appreciate the as- sistance of the Library Association in helping the chil- dren with their problems. The Church, the 4-H work- ers, and all clubs and civic groups whose efforts have enriched the educational program, we thank, as well as the parents and other individuals who lend support to the school. It is by the cooperation of all that edu- cation in a democracy proceeds.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. DEXTER,
Superintendent of Schools
Attendance figures for the school year ending June, 1948 :
Whole No. Average Enrolled Membership
Average Attendance
Gordon P. Rowe, 6, 7, 8
26
24.31
22.73
Eleanor Putnam, 3, 4, 5
21
20.98
19.69
Rachel Bridgman, 1, 2
13
11.39
10.37
60
56.68
52.79
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REPORT OF THE
Principal
To the citizens of Westhampton :
The annual report of the principal of the West- hampton Center School is hereby submitted for your consideration : The importance of a sound education for every child has become a necessity in the age in which we live. As citizens of a democracy which has become the greatest power in the world today, we must have a broad knowledge and background to meet out responsibility. Our duty as teachers is to guide the de- velopment of the child, that he may contribute to his democratic society and reap its rewards.
As a compaartive newcomer to Westhampton, I have remarked the striking individuality of its citizens. Recognition of individual differences is a trend in mod- ern education. Westhampton is a successful demo- cratic community because each individual has some- thing different to offer. We have sought to know each pupil, his joys and sorrows, his problems and difficul- ties, his desires and interests. Our pupils have vary- ing abilities, and our pupils cannot be cast into a com- mon mold. We believe each has something to con- tribute, and it is our duty to foster the growth of such potentials.
We are using a basic text book series in language and arithmetic in order that the pupils may master the essentials of reading, writing, and arithmetic in a more systematic and efficient manner for we recognize that we all have obligations in today's society that require
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these rudiments. These subjects are not taught for their own sake, but for the use that may be made of them.
The environment in which a child learns has a powerful influence on his attitudes. The painting and repairing which was recently done has greatly im- proved the interior of our building. We are working at the present time to make a similar improvement to the outside and grounds of the building.
The school has taken part in various community affairs in the past year. Our pupils took part in the Memorial Day Exercises at the cemetery, and Decem- ber 17th we staged a Christmas operetta. It is our hope that even more coordination of school and com- munity will take place in the ensuing year. The school should become the pride of the town because of its hope for the future.
Respectfully submitted,
GORDON P. ROWE,
Principal
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REPORT OF THE
School Nurse
To Mr. William A. Dexter, Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my annual report of the health program at Westhampton Center School.
In January of 1948 the children were weighed and measured. There was one reported case of measles. Otherwise the winter and spring semesters went along without any serious outbreak of communicable di- seases.
Dr. H. Felsen started the Diphtheria Clinic in April with two booster doses given to school children and the series of three injections for pre-school chil- dren given to fourteen.
Judith Delisle and Norman Cotnoir attended Camp Hodgkins during July and August.
In October Dr. H. Felsen did the physical examina- tions at school. All defects were reported to parents. The children were told in advance of Dr. Felsen's visit so that parents might feel free to come.
The Massachusetts Vision Test was done in No- vember, and the parents of all children failing or par- tially failing the test were notified.
Dr. Abel Ross examined the children for needed dental attention, and slips were sent to parents. Those wishing to have Dr. Ross do the work signed and re- turned the slips. This year the Mothers' Club has sup- plied transportation for the pupils to Dr. Ross's office
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in Northampton. It was decided the work could be done more efficiently in his office, and so it is being conducted in this manner for a trial this year.
In December several cases of mumps and chicken- pox were reported. At Dr. Felsen's suggestions par- ents of children exposed were asked to keep them home all of the second week after the first day of ex- posure. This was to keep down exposure of both di- seases.
I particularly would like to thank the parents and teachers who cooperated so well in making this school health program successful.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH S. HOVER
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REPORT OF THE Physical Education Program
To William A. Dexter, Superintendent of Schools :
Again this past school year, I have supervised the Physical Education program for the Westhampton Cen- ter School. The fact that the teachers and pupils carry on this work from day to day makes the program even more worth while.
Education today sets forth a principle that chil- dren should learn "keen leadership and intelligent fel- lowship," and even the youngest children get the chance to be good leaders and followers in their vari- ous games and physical education activities. In addi- tion, the program has tried to stress good posture, good sportsmanship, and fair play, all of which should help the children to adjust themselves better to the complex needs of our modern society.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers and other members of the School Department for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA H. GRAHAM
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REPORT OF THE
Supervisor of Music
During the year 1948 I have taught in each class- room of the Westhampton Center School twice a month. In addition to the regular teaching schedule I have helped in preparing extra programs at Christmas, Memorial Day, and at Graduation time.
This year our music work has been furthered by the purchase of song books for the upper grades and the continued use of the radio-phonograph bought last year by the school committee.
May I express my thanks to the regular teachers for their help and cooperation during the school year.
ESTHER STRONG CLAPP
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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation Expended in 1948
$16,800.00
16,689.33
$110.67
Expenditures
Administration
William A. Dexter, Salary
$301.86
Car Maintenance and Expense 129.21
Mrs. Hickey, Census 10.00
Expenses of School Committee 7.50
Postage and Miscellaneous
2.44
451.01
Teachers' Salaries
Gordon P. Rowe
2,300.00
Eleanor Putnam
1,900.00
Rachel Bridgman
1,900.00
Esther Clapp, Music
158.00
Edna Graham,
Physical Education
133.00
W. L. Rinehart, Penmanship
135.00
Marion Mascho, Substitute
16.00
6,542.00
Books
127.58
Supplies
176.42
Janitors' Salaries
Frank Blakesley
240.00
George Burt
180.00
Ethel Blakesley
6.00
Myron Clapp
5.00
431.00
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Fuel Operating Expenses
361.72
183.63
Repairs and Replacements
1,116.36
Health
Dr. Herman Felsen
150.00
Ruth S. Hover, Nurse
100.00
Medical Supplies
10.18
260.18
Transportation
Elementary :
Richard Warren
1,464.50
Walter Witherell
865.00
High and Vocational :
Walter Witherell
2,244.00
4,573.50
Tuition
High School :
City of Northampton
1,921.44
Town of Easthampton
135.00
Vocational :
Smith's School
313.26
2,369.70
Outlay
58.50
Miscellaneous
37.73
Total Expense for Schools for 1948
$16,689.33
Receipts
Funds received in 1948 toward school expenses :
Mass. School Fund, Part 1, Chapter 70 $673.75
Mass. School Fund, Part 2, Chapter 70 2,631.50
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Superintendent's Salary & Travel. 136.64 High School Tuition 2,203.56
High and Elementary Trans. 4,348.20
& Proportion of State Tax 219.89
City of Northampton, Elementary Tuition 150.00
Vocational Tuition 467.55
Vocational Transportation
571.10
$11,402.19
Net Cost of Maintaining Schools
5,287.14
Net Cost per Pupil for 1948 $76.62
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ESTIMATE OF THE BUDGET FOR 1949
Administration
Expended in 1948 $451.01
Proposed Budget 1949 500.00
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
6,542.00
7,200.00
Books
127.58
200.00
Supplies
176.42
200.00
Maintenance
Janitors' Salaries
431.00
400.00
Fuel
361.72
300.00
Operating Expense
183.63
125.00
Repairs & Replacements
1,116.36
500.00
General
Health
260.18
300.00
Trans : High & Voc.
2,244.00
2,300.00
Elementary
2,329.50
2,600.00
Tuition : High
2,056.44
2,900.00
Vocational
313.26
600.00
Miscellaneous
37.73
50.00
Outlay
58.50
50.00
$16,689.33
$18,225.00
Total budget for 1949
$18,225.00
Estimated amount to be received from State Aid
6,033.00
Amount to be raised by Westhampton
$12,192.00
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REPORT OF THE
Well Child Conference
The Well Child Conference was held at West- hamp, Wednesday, June 23, 1948, at the Church Par- lors. It was conducted by Dr. Herman Felsen, exam- ining physician, Dr. Abel Ross, dentist, Miss Florence Gates, nutritionist, courtesy of the Hampshire County Extension Service, Mrs. Barbara Judd, registrar, and Mrs. Ruth Hover, Nurse. The volunteer staff from the Westhampton Mothers' Club were : Mrs. Howard Loud and Mrs. John Putnam.
There were 38 children examined as compared to 22 in 1947. New cases-18, Vaccinated-6. Physical defects found : Posture-1, Ear, Nose Glands-3, Ton- sils-6, Skin-5, Genitalia-2, Malformations-2. Nu- tritional defects found : Increase milk-1, Cereals-3, Too much sweets-1, More vegetable-3. Dental de- fects found : Dental caries-4, Malformations-2.
I wish to thank the Westhampton Mothers' Club who helped in many ways to make this conference so successful and Dr. Abel Ross who volunteered his serv- ices for the day.
Respectfully submitted,
RUTH S. HOVER, R.N.
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Articles in the Town Warrant
TOWN MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1949 Ten A.M. - Prompt
Article 1. To choose a moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. £ To choose a Town Clerk.
Article 3. To hear and act on all reports presented at said meeting.
Article 4A. To see if the Town will vote to elect its Board of Selectmen for a three year period.
B. If so voted, at this meeting one member shall be elected for three years, one for two years and one for one year. Thereafter one shall be elected annually to serve for three years.
Article 5. To choose all necessary officers to serve the ensuing year.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to leave the care of the highways in charge of the Selectmen.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to authorize its Board of Selectmen to appoint one of its members to act as Superintendent of Streets, and fix the salary to comply with Section 4A Chapter 41, General Laws.
Article 8. To vote in compliance with Section 108, Chapter 41, General Laws, which requires that salaries of elected officers be fixed by vote of the Town.
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Article 9. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges the ensuing year.
Article 10. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 11. To take action in regard to the collec- tion of taxes.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to author- ize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Se- lectmen, to borrow money from time to time in antici- pation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1949, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated avail- able funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 highways, Chapter 90 highways, or take any action in relation thereto.
(Other articles may appear in the posted warrant)
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