USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1952 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
31
bring the proposed plan to the attention of the 35 towns who would benefit from this service and to the State Legislature which must increase its 1953-1954 budget of the Division of Library Extension if the services of the Regional Library Center are to include the 14 libraries in 12 towns previously served by the Marshall Field Grant.
Respectfully submitted, MRS. HELEN T. WATTS, secretary Representing Trustee
32
REPORT OF THE School Committee
The School Committe has read and approved the reports of the superintendent, principal, school nurse and special supervisors.
These reports have called attention to several im- portant developments during the year 1952, as they have affected or will affect the Westhampton School system. The information presented in the following reports has been thoroughly discussed in the twelve school committee meetings held during the past year. We urge the voters to read the reports and acquaint themselves with the facts as presented.
ELLIS T. HOVER HOWARD F. LOUD ESTELLE W. FRARY
School Committee
33
REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee and Citizens of the Town of Westhampton :
I hereby present this, my eighth report of the public schools of Westhampton. This is the sixty-second in the series.
The 1952-1953 (October 1, 1952) enrollment was, as follows :
Grade 1
14 pupils
Grade 2
8 pupils
Grade 3
11 pupils
Grade 4
10 pupils
Grade 5
10 pupils
Grade 6
5 pupils
Grade 7
8 pupils
Grade 8
3 pupils
Special
1 pupil
TOTAL
70 pupils
Twenty-four pupils are attending Northampton High School; 2 are enrolled at Smith School; 1 pupil is in attendance at Williston ; and 8 are in parochial schools. The total enrollment in public schools is 96 pupils, and there are 9 in attendance in private and parochial schools, making a total of 105 in all elementary and secondary schools. As our total enrollment was 90 a year ago, our 1952 figure shows an increase of 15 pupils
School opened in September with 100% of the fac- ulty back on the job. The recommendation made in the superintendent's report of a year ago, to employ an art supervisor, was accepted by the school committee,
34
and Mrs. Hazel Salls of Northampton, was added to the faculty in February of 1952. Mrs Salls is exceptionally well qualified as an art supervisor. She was on the fac- ulty of Framingham Teachers College before returning to Hampshire County. In the short time she has been on the faculty there has been a noticeable improvement in art in Center School, and the exhibits that are ob- served from time to time on classroom bulletin boards show that hidden talent in art has been brought to light. Mrs. Salls' report on her work for the past year should be read, as it explains in more detail the art pro- gram in Center School.
The children of Center School continue to do well academically, as shown by standardized test results which are obtained in May of each year. Reports from Northampton High School show that our children hold their own with children from much larger schools, and we know that our pupils participate in many of the "extras" that high school has to offer.
No major changes have been made in the curriculum during the past year. We feel that alterations that have been made in the past have now become good practice in our school, and these are being continued. Our teachers and pupils work hard at teaching and learning, and participate in many of the additional activities which make going to school a happy experi- ence.
The most noticable change that took place in our school during the past year was a physical change. The recommended alteration to the floors which was sug- gested in the report of a year ago, materialized. The old and badly worn floors in all rooms and corridors were covered with felt, plyscore, and a layer of asphalt tileflooring. The tile was selected in colors harmoniz- ing with the walls of the classrooms and hallways in such a way that our school building is now most modern in color design. In an effort to reinforce the flooring in
35
the front hallway, and to prevent cold drafts from en- tering the classrooms nearest the front door, the entire front entrance and hallway were redesigned, and a part of the front porch, which was useless and cold, be- came a valuable inside hall. This small alteration has done much to make the school warmer, and the ap- pearance and usefulness of the front corridor have been improved greatly. Each room and the hallways were given a new coat of paint, as the one given in 1948 had begun to show the effects of wear. New teachers's desks and venetian blinds for the front rooms com- pleted the renovation. The venetian blinds serve a function in our classrooms beyond keeping out the sun and improving the appearance of the building. With them the teacher is able to direct the light up to the ceiling, and then to the dark walls and corners of the classroom, or directly to the parts of the room that heretofore have had to remain dark or be illuminated by artificial light.
During the past summer Mr. Stanley Bartlett joined the staff of the school as custodian. Mr. Bartlett has made himself a very valuable member of the school personnel. His former presence on the school com- mittee has made him alert to the problems of the school plant. Now that the building has been put into A-1 shape, Mr. Bartlett is doing his best to keep it so.
The hot soup program continues to be very much ap- preciated by the school administration. It is a pleasure to observe the zeal with which the children eat their soup, which supplements their own lunches. It makes one wish that the noon lunch might be enlarged to include a little something more than soup-a hot dish, perhaps.
The reports of the school principal, school nurse, art, and physical education supervisors will tell of the progress of the children in these fields. We feel that in our school in the country our children have many of
36
the same opportunities to partake of offerings that are available in large schools. Much praise should be given to the school nurse, the doctor, and the mothers who contribute their time to the Well Child Conference and the health problems of the children. Through the ef- forts of the music and art supervisors, the pupils are receiving training in the arts, and through the efforts of Mr. Watts of the Hampshire Center, and the parents who give so generously of their time in sponsoring 4-H projects, those boys and girls who would not otherwise discover their special abilities to excel in handwork, are receiving training. All this: reading, writing and arithmetic, experience in club activities, music classes, art lessons, reporting for the school newspaper, raising 4-H animals, and working on projects, and other worth- while activities make our children of the Westhampton Center School well-rounded individuals.
As superintendent I feel that this year has been another year of progress. The children have continued to exhibit the feeling that school is very important business, and everything counts. I have been pleased with the continued spirit of fair play and goodwill toward teachers and fellow pupils. The children take pride in their school-home. The standards of achieve- ment in things academic and social have been raised by the pupils themselves. Their graduation program was one of dignity, and their public performances have been worthy of praise. These are the criteria of a good school.
No school can proceed on its own. A school is as good as the people of any community wish it to be. The voice and nervous system of a people is the P.T.A. of a school. Our P.T.A. should be commended for the interest it has shown in carrying on the hot lunch pro- gram for the pupils. The cooperation between the mem- bers of the P.T.A., the school committee, and faculty during the past year is much appreciated. We are
37
grateful to the staff of the Hampshire Center, to the library association, to the clubs and groups of parents who have helped supplement the school program. To the town departments who keep the roads in condition for our buses to travel, and to the bus drivers, we offer our thanks. To all individuals who have in one way or another made our school a better one during the past year, we offer our gratitude and appreciation. May I, as your superintendent, request your continued interest and support of public education in Westhampton, so that your children and their children may have the sharpest tools possible with which to live, work, and prosper in the democracy which is theirs.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM A. DEXTER Superintendent of Schools
38
REPORT OF THE School Principal
To Mr. William Dexter, Supt. of Schools, School Com- mittee, and to the Townspeople of Westhampton, Mass.
It is indeed a pleasure to submit my fourth annual report of the scope of activities at the Westhampton Center School during the past year.
During the year of 1952 there has been an increased emphasis on the "good life" in the elementary and junior high divisions of the Westhampton Center School. Good living in our school is a condition char- acterized by the teachers and children working and living together in an atmosphere which is satisfying and under conditions that make possible the achieve- ment of the purpose for which this school was estab- lished. In setting an objective for the year 1952 a re- definition of the purpose for which the school exists was made. It was found that:
The basic function of the Westhampton Cen- ter School has been and is to provide for the total emotional, social, physical and intellec- tual growth and development of the whole child.
Since the opening of school in September, it has in- deed been a stimulating experience to work with the children in a physical environment conducive to good learning. The "good life" in the elementary school demands a physical environment that tends to make children happy. To make this possible an old building, whose years of usefulness were believed to be num- bered, was taken and transformed into an interesting and attractive school home. There is every indication
39
that a "heap o' livin' " in our schoolhouse is now taking place. Our pupils point with pride to this remarkable transformation. Once again, we should note that No discipline or truancy problems were reported during the past year and that our children love their school.
It may be safely stated that only recently has the psychological impact of the environment upon the child been given any real consideration. Our school admin- istration has been quick to realize this change in think- ing. For many years the feeling has been that it is sufficient to get the child under cover, protect him from the elements, and provide him with heat, light, some fresh air, sanitary facilities, teachers, and furniture as well as supplies. As mentioned before the "whole" child goes to school and in explanation this includes the many facets in the complex individual that make up the social emotional, physical, and mental faculties. The child learns as a total functioning organism and upon the preceding base our school program is built. After the provision of the physical environment, in- structional materials, good teachers the child responds accordingly and usually with excellent results.
To meet the above needs the following characteris- tics of good living have become an intangible part of our school.
1. A program of activities for children has been de- veloped in relation to the achievement and purposes of the school. Activities are so planned as to develop stu- dent needs, abilities, and interest.
2. The worth of each individual child is appreciated and each idividual is provided with opportunities for growth and self-direction.
3. The school staff evaluates educational activities in terms of purposes and long-term worth rather than on "spur of the moment" decisions.
40
4. The citizens of the community of Westhampton understand, appreciate, contribute, and are interested in the activities of their school. This observation re- flects that townspeople are most cooperative and un- derstanding.
APPRECIATION
It is impossible to close this report without emphasiz- ing the devotion to duty of the special supervisors, 4-H Leaders, and regular teaching staff of the Westhamp- ton Center School. During the past year, we were for- tunate in having a corps of hard working, loyal, and professionally equipped teachers. Their interest was shown daily in their efforts to learn more of the capaci- ties and abilities of their pupils. The work of the year was carried out with zest and enthusiasm and the children of this community have been eager and quick to realize and reap the benefits.
I also wish to express appreciation for your co- operation and understanding of our school problems. Sincere gratitude is extended to the townspeople and Committee for their interest, cooperation, trust, and confidence in the work and progress of the school dur- ing the past four most memorable and significant years.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK K. FEDOR, Principal
Westhampton Center School
41
REPORT OF THE Physical Education Supervisor
To Mr. William Dexter, Supt. of Schools:
The following report is submitted for the physical education program at the Westhampton Center School for the year of 1952.
This year I have visited Center School twice each month teaching exercises to help correct posture de- fects as well as supervising games for recreation and good sportsmanship. I feel that the children have im- proved their posture as well as many of their play at- titudes. Their cooperative spirit has been excellent, and in addition, many of the children have begun to display good leadership ability.
Safety has been stressed on the play ground and in the school room. At all times in their games, as well as having fun, the children should think of the safety of their team mates and of themselves.
From the standpoint of safety, it would still be de- sireable to have the play area beside the school build- ing cleared of rocks and holes.
At this time I do want to express my appreciation to the teachers and to all others who have helped make this program a success.
Respectfully submitted, EDNA H. GRAHAM
Supervisor of Physical Education
42
REPORT OF THE School Nurse
To William A. Dexter, Supt, of Schools :
I herewith submit my annual report of the health program at Westhampton Center School for the year ending December 31, 1952.
In January there were many cases of measles and also a few cases of whooping cough. Measles cases con- tinued into March. This was not local as there were many cases in surrounding communities. February the vision test was given, and all students present were weighed and measured.
There was no one eligible who was interested in at- tending Camp Hodgkins during the summer months.
In September the students were examined by Dr. Felsen. The parents were notified of defects whenever necessary. Dr. Ross examined for dental caries. In October the vision test and hearing tests were given.
There were a few cases of conjunctivitis noted in December. It is important that all children with com- municable diseases be kept out of school.
I would like to thank the parents and teachers for their cooperation in meeting health problems and also express appreciation to Mr. Stanley Bartlett who is do- ing such a fine job in keeping the school clean.
Respectfully submitted, RUTH S. HOVER
School Nurse
41
REPORT OF THE Supervisor of Music
During 1952 your supervisor of music has visited the Westhampton Center School at least once a week throughout the school year. This year the emphasis has been on background for reading music, with board work and notebook in grades 3-8.
Our spring production "April Showers" took place April 25th with the able assistance of Marilyn Fuller. This was a school project with grades 6, 7 and 8, since they planned the program, selected the music and wrote the script themselves. The Memorial Day and Graduation programs were kept simple to cut down time used for rehearsals. Our Christmas program was an operetta based on the Dickens' "Christmas Carol". Our girls and boys worked very hard on this production and with the help of all the teachers, and Mrs. Fuller, results were quite satisfactory. The Children's Choir sang five times this year in the church. All these pub- lic performances help develop confidence and poise in each child, and bring out qualities of leadership in those children showing that characteristic.
We have exchanged the large piano in the grade 3, 4 and 5 room for a small upright which is better for that crowded room.
Our most pressing need is for a three-speed record player for the school with a small library of recordings for study. We hope that a good instrument can be obtained soon. Our present machine cannot be moved from room to room without its getting out of repair. It is in working order now and in Miss Bridgman's room where we should have a record player all the time.
44
May I express my thanks to all the teachers and to Mrs. Fuller for their help and cooperation. As always Mr. Fedor has entered upon each musical project with inspiration and enthusiasm for which he deserves a special thanks.
Respectfully submitted, ESTHER S. CLAPP
45
REPORT OF THE Art Supervisor
In the short time that I have had the privilege of working with the children of the Center School I have endeavored to make the art program as broad and varied as possible with the media available. All the grades have had work in design, construction, and rep- resentation, and at the same time we have attempted to integrate the drawing with academic subjects when- ever possible.
There has been a considerable manifestation of talent among the pupils, and I have tried to direct it along the lines of creative work for I feel that original- ity makes for creative thinking.
In June I hope to exhibit the work done by all the pupils in the school.
I wish at this time to thank the superintendent, the school committee members, and the teachers for their cooperation in making the art program possible.
Respectfully submitted, HAZEL R. SALLS
Art Supervisor
46
FINANCIAL STATEMENT Expenditure Administration
Appropriation
Expended in 1952
$26,887.50 25,921.09
Balance
$966.41
William A. Dexter, Salary
$380.96
William A. Dexter, Expenses
184.35
Christine Hickey, Census
15.00
Bertha Voigt, Secretary
55.00
Miscellaneous
56.80
$692.11
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
Frederick Fedor
$3,193.28
Phyliss Gawle
2,480.00
Rachel Bridgman
2,306.64
Esther Clapp, Music
200.00
Edna Graham, Physical Ed.
100.00
Hazel Salls, Art
135.00
Hazel Salls, Travel
25.00
Rinehard Handwriting System
200.00
Homer Culver, substitute
14.00
Mrs. Percy Fuller, substitute
10.00
Books
Supplies
$576.03
Maintenance
Janitors' Salaries
Alice Clapp
$263.50
Stanley Bartlett
399.96
$663.46
Fuel
$377.75
Operating Expenses
$409.04
Repairs & Replacements
$3,119.85
47
$8,663.92 $309.96
General
Health
Dr. Herman Felsen
$100.00
Ruth S. Hover, R. N.
187.50
Medical supplies
3.53
$291.03
Transportation
Elementary : W. Witherell
$3,417.00
High & Voc : W. Witherell
2,730.00
$6,147.00
Tuition
High School
City of Northampton
$4,018.68
Vocational
Smith's School
449.25
Holyoke Trade School
103.16
$4,571.09
Contingent
$10.00
Outlay
$89.85
Total Expenses for Schools for Year 1952
$25,921.09
Receipts
Funds received in 1952 toward school expenses :
Mass. School Fund, Chap. 70 $6,886.01
Mass. School Fund, Chap. 71, Trans.
5,243.70
Supt's. Salary and Travel
282.44
City of Northampton, Tuition
300.00
Vocational Trans., Refund
334.27
Vocational Tuition, Refund
488.03
$13,534.45
Net Cost of Maintaining Schools for 1952
$12,386.64
Net Cost per Pupil
$129.03
. 48
Attendance Figures for the School Year Ending June, 1952
Whole No. Enrolled
Average Memebrship
Average Attendance
Frederick Fedor, 6, 7, 8
19
19.97
19.19
Phyliss Gawle, 3, 4, 5
23
23.65
22.22
Rachel Bridgman, 1, 2
15
16.68
15.06
57
60.30
56.47
1953 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET
Administration
Budget 1952 $700.00
Spent 1952 $692.11
Budget 1953 $775.00
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries
9,040.00
8,663.92
10,000.00
Books
250.00
309.96
250.00
Supplies
500.00
576.03
500.00
Maintenance
Janitors' Salaries
450.00
663.46
800.00
Fuel
450.00
377.45
475.00
Operating Expenses
300.00
409.04
350.00
Repairs & Replace-
ments
2,000.00
3,119.85
875.00
General
Health
350.00
291.33
350.00
Trans : High & Voc.
2,760.00
2,730.00
2,760.00
Elementary
3,337.50
3,417.00
3,662.00
Tuition : High
5,000.00
4,018.68
4,960.00
Vocational
1,000.00
552.41
460.00
Contingent
250.00
10.00
1,000.00
Outlay
500.00
89.85
250.00
$26,887.50
$25,921.09
$27,467.00
49
REPORT OF THE Well Child Conference
The Well Child Conference was held in the West- hampton Town Hall on Wednesday, June 18, 1952.
The Staff was as follows :
Dr. H. Felsen
Dr. A Ross
Miss Florence Gates
Mrs. Betty Perkins
Mrs. Ruth Hover
Physician Dentist Nutrionist Registrar Nurse
There were 30 children examined of which 13 were new cases; 3 were vaccinated.
The Mothers' Club which annually volunteers to help with this conference served the luncheon in the church parlors under the co-chairmanship of Mrs. Ruth Blow and Mrs. Dorothy Loud.
The club also voted to contribute payment for Dr. Ross's services at the conference this year. There were 27 examined and 10 were found not to have caries leaving 17 in need of dental attention.
The Diphtheria Clinic was held May 16, 1952. Five booster doses were given. One case given triple antigen in three doses.
RUTH S. HOVER
50
REPORT OF THE Center Cemetery
Continued efforts to improve the general appearance of the cemetery were carried out by straightening stones, filling in sunken graves, regrading of lots, seed- ing and pruning.
One major project was started and that was the filling in of a low spot toward the back of the cemetery. This regrading job had to be halted for this year be- cause of a lack of funds. This area contains most of the remaining available lots.
Town Appropriation
$300.00
Expenditures for 1952
Loam and Fill
$86.82
Labor
180.25
Two Road Signs
28.58
Power Mower parts, service, and oil 4.35
$300.00
On July 1 a new arrangement for the care of the cemetery was introduced by including the cemetery work among the duties of the town and church build- ing maintenance man. This new system has worked out very satisfactorily ; in fact more time has been spent in keeping the cemetery trimmed and tidy than was possible on the hourly wage plan.
Also under this arrangement it was possible to pur- chase a new power mower for the joint use of the ceme- tery and town common.
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY BARTLETT Caretaker
51
REPORT OF THE Fire Department
I here by present the fourth annual report of the Westhampton Fire Department. The department ans- wered six (6) fire calls and three (3) services calls. Of these, two were for chimney fires, two for brush fires, one a dwelling and one a vehicle. Two chimneys were cleaned. The Fire Department volunteers were also called to aid in the search for a lost hunter. A total of nine hours and or 118 man hours was spent at fires. Part of the drill time was devoted to cutting logs and drawing them to the mill.
The following number of permits was issued : fire permits, 72 ; fuel oil, 16 ; range oil, 6 ; L. P. gas, 2 ; blast- ing permit, 1.
Thirteen soda-acid fire extinguishers were serviced and re-charged this year. Six new members have joined the volunteer fire group, making a total of twenty mem- bers. The new members are Percy Fuller, Edwin Hayes, Joseph Sarafin, Walter Witherell, Harold Wood and Robert Young.
The new portable pump proved its usefulness at the Harter fire and its efficiency was noted by all. A dona- tion of $50.00 was given to the department by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Harter. This money was used toward the purchase of two gas mask which the law requires. The pumper was thoroughly overhauled in the spring by members of the group.
The department has been fortunate in having only one casualty since its establishment. Walter Witherell sustained a knee injury when the hose broke, and he required medical attention. All volunteer firemen are covered by insurance.
52
I would like to thank the building committee mem- bers for their help in planning the fire station; Richard Tracy for the entire amount of lumber for the build- ing, and John and Frank Hathaway for the many hours of labor they gave. I would also like to thank all those who volunteer to aid the regular firemen at fires. With their assistance it is possible to keep fire damage at a minimum.
JAMES HICKEY
Fire Chief
53
1
REPORT OF THE Inspector of Buildings
Building Permits Issued in 1952
#42 D. L. Judd-Garage
#43 Clifford Fisher-Additional living quarters
#44 Roscoe and Winifred Hurd-Dwelling
#45A John C. and Marion C. Hathaway-Pit Silo
#45 Lawrence E. Ledoux-Home
#46 Harold Lacombe-Dwelling
#47
Paul Cantin, Jr .- Summer camp
#48 Edward R. Balise-Tool Storage
#49 Ernest A. Delisle-Storage Building
#50 Ellis T. Hover-Garage
#51 Emile J. Deroiun-Garage
#52 Barton B. Allen-Addition to house
#53 Ernest A. Delisle-Storage
#54 Harry W. Gladwin-Building to process sand and gravel
#55 Evelyn J. Cernak-Garage and wood shed
54
Articles of the Town Warrant
TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1953 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 4 To choose all necessary officers to serve the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to leave the care of the highways in charge of the Selectmen.
Article 6. 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.
Article 7. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges the ensuing year.
Article 8. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select- men, to borrow money from time to time in anticipa- tion of the revenue of the financial year beginning Jan- uary 1, 1953, and to issue a note or notes therefor, pay- able within one year, and to renew any note or notes as
55
may be given for a period less than one year in ac- cordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 10. 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, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will raise and ap- propriate $1,000.00 to cover the 1953 note on the Town Hall and $240.00 for the interest on the same.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for Fire Chief and Forest Warden or take any other action thereon.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $175.00 for Gypsy Moth.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $100.00 for Dutch Elm Disease.
(Other articles may appear in the posted warrant.)
56
INDEX
-
Town Clerk 3
Treasurer 6
Trust Funds
9
Selectmen
12
Recapitulation
22
Budget Recommendations 23
Jury List
24
Assesors
26
Memorial Library
29
School Committee
33
Superintendent of Schools
34
School Principal
39
Physical Education Supervisor
42
School Nurse
43
Supervisor of Music
44
Art Supervisor
46
School Financial 47
Well Child Conference
50
Center Cemetery 51
Fire Department 52
Inspector of Buildings 54
Warrant
55
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.