USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1961 > Part 2
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At the opening of school in September, the same situation prevailed. Again we looked for a classroom outside the school. Although we found several possibilities no satisfactory ar- rangements could be made. First and second grades were put together with Miss Bridgman as teacher. Mrs. Patricia Norris volunteered a few hours a day for a few weeks to assist Miss Bridgman. Her assistance was very greatly ap- preciated by Miss Bridgman and the School Committee. This arrangement seemed so beneficial, Mrs. Andrews was hired to assist Miss Bridgman. At this time, this arrangement seems to be giving partial relief to the situation. Miss Bridg- man takes reading groups to the kitchen of the school and and so is able to give a little individual help to her students.
The School Committee wishes to express appreciation to Francis Loud for building the tables for the use of the first grade pupils at the Town Hall. The tables were built for the cost of materials only.
The problem of our Junior and Senior High School tuition students is an ever increasing one. Mr. Barry of the North- ampton School Department has notified us that no Freshmen will be accepted for the 1962-63 school year. However, Will- iamsburg is still willing to accept our students, but their willingness depends upon a building program to enlarge their High. School.
To meet the ever increasing cost of education, tuition costs have gone up in the Junior High, Senior High and at Smith's Agricultural School. We can look for another sub- stantial increase in tuition in the near future.
The roof over the kitchen and toilets was resurfaced with an aluminum paint. Copper flashing was installed be- tween this roof and the main roof to prevent water from back- ing up and leaking through the kitchen ceiling. The ceiling in the third and fourth grade room was repaired and painted. Several tile in the kitchen ceiling were replaced. A tack board has been installed above the blackboard in Miss Bridg- man's room. Sections of the fence near the school building were repaired. Mr. Ward Miller inspected the furnace and found it to be in poor condition, but not dangerous to operate.
The school was inspected by the State Inspector and found to be satisfactory. We have received a Certificate of Inspection from him.
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Plans are now being made for the installation of a new furnace during the summer vacation of 1962. The present burner will be used in the unit.
A problem which now confronts us is a water supply shortage. The School Committee, at this time, has no solution to this problem but it is under investigation and study.
The Westhampton School Committee wishes to express its appreciation to our Superintendent, Principal, Teachers and Staff and all others who have helped to improve scholastic standards during the past year.
HAROLD B. WOOD, Chairman WINIFRED O. HURD, Secretary MARGARET HAYES
School Committee
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Westhampton:
I am pleased to submit herewith my third annual report as your Superintendent of Schools.
The School Committee is organized as follows:
Chairman Mr. Harold B. Wood
Secretary - Mrs. Winifred O. Hurd
Member - Mrs. Margaret Hayes
The Annual meeting of School Union No. 51 was held in April at the Westhampton Congregational Church. Mr. Franklyn Hitchcock of Worthington was elected Chairman, Mr. Wendell Pittsinger of Chesterfield was elected Vice- Chairman, and Mr. Richard Warren of Williamsburg was re- elected as Secretary.
Teachers and parents are partners in the work of provid- ing for the most wholesome development of children. Just as a good school requires a good community so the best teaching in any school requires the understanding and help of parents.
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In former times some teachers regarded parents as unwelcome visitors who often interfered with their work. Today most teachers and other school people realize that parental under- standing and cooperation are essential to an adequate educa- tional program. This being so, the Parent-Teacher Confer- ence has become a part of the Westhampton School System of reporting the child's progress in school to his parents; it is also a means by which the parent and the teacher may help each other to make the child's school experience successful and happy.
The attendance by parents at the conference was excell- ent, as 87% of all parents took advantage of this opportunity. It is most gratifying to see the enthusiasm and interest of parents in all of their children's school activities.
Mrs. Priscilla Phillips, teacher of grades three and four, tendered her resignation at the close of the school year. She regretfully left Westhampton to accept a teaching position nearer her home. Mrs. Rochelle Wynne, a graduate of North Adams State College, was appointed to fill this vacancy.
In December 1961, Mr. Donald Franciosi tendered his resignation as School Principal and teachers of grades five and six. Mr. Franciosi has accepted a position as a demon- stration teacher at the training school of Fitchburg State Col- lege. This is a step forward professionally. Mr. Franciosi is a conscientious, hard-working teacher who did a good job during his three years at Center School. I wish him every success in his new situation. Mr. William H. S. Roberts, a graduate of Williston Academy and the University of Cali- fornia, has been appointed as Principal and teacher of grades five and six.
Standardized tests, given to our pupils in all school sub- jects show that they are continuing to make satisfactory pro- gress, according to their abilities, on their various grade levels. Our pupils are fortunate to have the services of teachers who are making every effort to maintain a high standard of edu- cational achievement.
Our present staff is as follows:
Mr. William Roberts Grades 5 6-Principal
Mrs. Rochelle Wynne Grades 3 4
Miss Rachel Bridgman Grades 1 2
Mrs. Dorothy Andrews Assistant Teacher
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Supervisors in Specialized Fields:
Mrs. Marion Reuter
Art
Mrs. Elizabeth Torrey
Music
Other staff members are as follows:
Dr. Keith Wilbur
School Physician
Dr. Abel Ross
School Dentist
Mrs. Eleanor Scott
School Nurse
Distribution of pupils as of October 1, 1961 is listed below :
Grade 1 12
Williamsburg Jr. High 22
Grade 2 18
Williamsburg High 21
Grade 3 15
Northampton High 11
Grade 4 12
Smith's School 2
Grade 5
9
Grade 6 5
71
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Total School Population 127
It was decided, early in the year, that some arrangement would have to be made to improve the educational opportun- ities for Grades One and Two.
The enrollment in these grades is thirty pupils, 12 in grade one and 18 in grade two. At first thought, thirty pupils may not seem to be an excessive teaching load and under cer- tain circumstances it is not. However, our situation has two grades in one room; it is a first and second grade level; and these grades are occupying a room which is much too small for their numbers and grade level.
There is no question but that two grades in one room are more demanding of a teacher's time than is a single grade. There are more reading groups, there is a greater variety and range of subject matter to be taught. Grades One and Two, especially Grade One, require more time for directions and ex- planation, more time for individual help than any other grade level. The size of the classroom is not adequate for this grade level. Additional room is needed for a reading center, for indoor games and rhythmic exercises, for dramatization, for the big-boned activity needed by primary pupils.
Under these conditions, no teacher can accomplish the complete educational program our children need and deserve.
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Because of these circumstance, Mrs. Dorothy K. Andrews of Southampton, an experienced primary teacher, was ap- pointed to assist in grades one and two. Now one teacher can devote the entire morning to the reading program, the most important subject at this grade level, while the second teacher works in other subject areas.
This procedures has very definitely improved the educa- tional opportunities for grades one and two. It is, however, a stop-gap temporary arrangement. The citizens of West- hampton must give serious consideration to a permanent solu- tion of the school housing problem. All evidence indicates an increasing school population for the forseeable future.
In concluding this report, I wish to express my thanks to the various organizations and individual citizens who contrib- uted to the progress of the Westhampton School. My sincere appreciation to our teaching staff for their splendid cooper- ation throughout the year. The understanding and support of the Westhampton School Committee has made this a most pleasant year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS P. REDDINGTON Superintendent of Schools
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT - 1961
I hereby submit my final report as a teaching principal in the Town of Westhampton.
June saw eleven students receive certificates for success- fully completing the prescribed course of study at Center School. It is gratifying to notice that those students who are willing to undertake their studies with sincere interest are doing well at Williamsburg. Education begins in the home. If more parents would emphasize the need and importance of an education in today's society many students, who have the ability but lack incentive, would benefit from this home influ- ence and find new goals through education. There in no greater influence than interested parents concerned over their child's progress in school.
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September brought an increase in the total school popula- tion with an enrollment of seventy-one pupils. Next Septem- ber the estimated enrollment will be eighty or more. A sub- stantial increase for the size of Westhampton's Elementary School. With three small rooms and six full grades the per- pexing question remains; Where to put the students to allow for the best environment suited to the learning situation?
American Education Week, held the first week of Novem- ber, brought forty-seven percent of all parents to the school to spend a day in the classroom. The Parent-Teacher confer- ences which followed two weeks later, brought a very com- mendable eighty-seven percent of all parents to the school to discuss the progress of their children. Instituted last year, the conferences proved very helpful to parents and teachers.
There are fifty-six thrifty pupils taking advantage of the banking system made available. The School insurance program covers fifty-eight of the students.
There are new books, equipment and supplies being used at the school. New Webster dictionaries and spelling books are in use in grades five and six. A portable chalkboard and a new globe in grades three and four. Many new reading aids in grades one and two. The "Scott-Foresman" basic reading series, used as the fundamental reading program, is being supplemented in all grades by the "Betts" series pub- lished by the American Book Company. This allows the ad- vanced reader to further his progress either independently or with the teacher.
I now find myself in the position of writing my final principal's report for the Town of Westhampton. In doing so, I wish to thank all those responsible for making my three years at Westhampton a very rewarding and memorable ex- perience. I thank you, the citizens of Westhampton, for your cooperation and interest in your school. May it be the finest school you can offer your generations to come.
Yours respectfully,
DONALD F. FRANCIOSI Principal
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REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Superintendent of Schools Westhampton, Mass.
Dear Mr. Reddington :
I submit my report as Supervisor of Music in the West- hampton Center School.
The pupils have had a good year in music. Part of their work has been preparation and participation in programs for Memorial Day, Graduation and Christmas.
The Primary grades show great enthusiam for their work in song, memory and rhythm, Because of the large number of pupils in this room, we are unable to do very much in com- bination song and dance.
The Intermediate grades did songs, rhythm and building of theory note books.
In closing, I wish to thank you, the School Committee, teachers, parents and pupils for their support during 1961.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH TORREY Supervisor of Music
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
The school physician, Dr. C. Keith Wilbur, did the annual physical examinations in September. Many of the children had minor colds but there were no complications found. Five children were found to have defects which required treatment and the parents were contacted. All the students were weigh- ed and measured during September.
In the fall the Puretone Audiometer was used to test hear- ing. This machine is loaned to us from the Western Mass- achusetts Public Health Center in Amherst. Five children had hearing losses out of seventy-one tested. This is slightly above the average for the state. The Massachusetts Vision Test was used for eye testing and the number of failures, three, was about average. The tests this year were done at the school as it was not considered wise, from the standpoint of safety, to transport children to the town hall by private car. Conditions for testing at school are far from ideal, but is the best that can be done with the existing space there. Each child is tested individually for both hearing and vision under the present state approved methods, so it is not possible to test the entire class in the classroom as was the practice some years ago.
Dr. Abel Ross examined the children's teeth in October. He found seven with dental conditions which needed immed- iate attention and the parents were notified. Thirty-three others had cavities or needed extractions and notification was made in the annual health report on each child which was sent home in November.
I have found teachers, parents, and the School Committee to be always cooperative in health problems and I wish to thank them.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR SCOTT. R. N. School Nurse
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REPORT OF THE WELL CHILD CONFERENCE
The Well Child Conference was held at the Church on May 17th.
A total of 29 pre-school children were examined by Dr. Wilbur of which 7 were new cases. Due to a sudden accident, Dr. Ross was unable to attend to do dental exams. Mrs. Irene Delisle volunteered her help as registrar and to do weighing and measuring which was greatly appreciated.
REPORT OF DIPHTHERIA CLINIC
The annual Diphtheria Clinic was held on March 15th at the Westhampton Church.
Dr. C. Keith Wilbur - Physician. Mrs. Eleanor Scott - Nurse.
Vaccinations - 3 Diphtheria P. T. Boosters - 24 Polio - 18
REPORT OF THE POLIO CLINIC
In June we were informed that a fifth polio shot had been decmed advisable by the State Public Health authorities. A clinic was held on June 7th at the Town Hall.
The staff included :
Dr. C. Keith Wilbur - Physician. Mrs. Margaret Hayes - Nurse Mrs. Eleanor Scott - Nurse Mrs. Alice Clapp - Registrar Mrs. Irene Delisle - Registrar
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A total of 122 doses of Polio Vaccine were given. I extend my thanks to a fine staff of volunteers: Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Clapp and Mrs. Delisle.
Another clinic was held at Dr. Wilbur's office on Saturday, June 10th with 14 Polio shots given.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR R. SCOTT, R. N.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Art classes at the Westhampton Center School are held every two weeks with one hour instruction given to each class- room.
The annual Art exhibit was held during the last two weeks of May. The older students helped to plan and put up the exhibit. Each pupil exhibited at least one of their projects, they had completed during the school year.
The first and second grades have been using crayons and doing work with construction paper and scissors. The third and fourth and fifth and sixth grades are using watercolors, crayons and combinations of different mediums.
The Art work of the pupils will be exhibited again during the last two weeks in May. I hope parents and people interested in the Art program will visit the school during this time.
I wish to thank the School Committee and Teachers for their interest, support and the Art supplies, which make the Art program possible.
Respectfully submitted, MARION S. REUTER Art Supervisor
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT
EXPENDITURES Administration
Francis P. Reddington, Salary
$1,031.28
Francis P. Reddington, Travel
105.00
Ruth S. Hover, Census
15.00
Jeanette M. O'Neill, Secretary
575.00
School Committee Expenses
69.25
$1.795.53
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries :
Donald Franciosi
$4,813.44
Rachel Bridgman
4,600.08
Priscilla Phillips
2,733.44
Rochelle Wynne
1,333.36
Dorothy Andrews
1,160.00
Marion Reuter, Art
255.00
Elizabeth Torrey, Music
329.00
Marion Mascho, Substitute
96.00
Helen Tilley, Special
268.80
Patricia Norris, Substitute & Special
256.50
Diane Geigis, Substitute
12.00
Nancy Kelley, Substitute
20.00
Dorothy Murphy, Substitute
12.00
William Roberts, Substitute
12.00
Margaret Zoudlick, Substitute
6.00
$15,907.62
Books
398.69
Supplies
498.99
Maintenance
Janitor's Salary
$1,225.00
Fuel
260.45
Operating Expenses
520.94
Repairs and Replacements
621.57
2,627.96
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General
Health:
Eleanor Scott, R. N.
$260.00
Dr. Keith Wilbur
190.00
Dr. Abel Ross
25.00
Supplies
3.33
478.33
Transportation :
W. R. Witherell
Elementary
$4,182.60
High, Vocational & Jr. High
8,544.00
13,172.30
Tuition :
Springfield Public Schools
$ 102.56
Town of Williamsburg
13,441.83
City of Northampton
5,958.44
Smith's School
1,235.20
20,738.03
Contingent
295.12
Total Expenditures for Schools
$55,912.57
RECEIPTS
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 70
$6,886.01
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 71
12,353.90
Superintendent's Salary
466.67
Vocational Tuition and Transportation
1,160.71
$20,867.29
NET COST OF MAINTAINING
SCHOOLS FOR 1961
$35,045.28
SCHOOL CENSUS - OCTOBER 1, 1961
5-7 years
7-16 years
16 years or over
Boys
12
58
7
Girls
15
52
7
27
110
14
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WESTHAMPTON SCHOOL DEPT. BUDGET - 1962
Budget 1961
Expended 1961
Budget 1962
Administration
$1,650.00
$1,795.53
$1,710.00
Instruction
Teachers Salaries
17,739.00
15,907.62
16,860.00
Books
400.00
398.69
400.00
Supplies
350.00
498.99
450.00
Maintenance
Janitor Salary
1,200.00
1,225.00
1,225.00
Fuel
500.00
260.45
500.00
Operating Expense
425.00
520.94
425.00
Repairs
300.00
621.57
2,300.00
General
Health
450.00
478.33
460.00
Trans. High & Voc.
8,316.00
8,515.50
7,700.00
Trans. Elem.
4,590.00
4,628.30
4,539.00
Special Trans.
75.00
28.50
75.00
Tuition
20,767.60
20,738.03
23,490.00
Outlay
250.00
295.12
100.00
('ontingent
100.00
100.00
$57.112.60
$55,912.57
$60,334.00
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REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN WESTHAMPTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
130 books were added to the Memorial Library during the year 1961, 77 adult and 54 juvenile. Gift books were received from Daniel Bridgman, Charles P. Clark, Lois Hover, Sidney Neal, and Stanley Greenberg, and bonus books from the Book Club.
The library subscribes to 14 magazines and several mag- azines are given to the library.
The Bookmobile from the Regional Library in Green- field visits the library and the Center School. The following books were borrowed for distribution.
Adult Fiction 528
Adult Non-Fiction 301
Juvenile Fiction 691 Juvenile Non-Fiction 392
The circulation for the library the past year has been
Adult Fiction 613
Juvenile Fiction 505
Non-Fiction 1,867
Magazines 580
Eighteen people have qualified in the Adventures in Reading and have read 301 books.
National Library Week was observed by holding an Art Exhibit at the library from April 14 - April 23. Nine local artists exhibited their paintings and over 100 visited the lib- rary to see the exhibit. April 21, Professor Howard Boardman of Williston read a play at the library. Twenty seven people attended.
May 25 thirty-two pupils in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Center School attended a tea at the home of Mrs. Mascho in recognition of books read for State Certificates. Thirty-three pupils read 324 books. Mrs. Marianna Rowe, Children's Librarian at the Greenfield Regional Library told stories to the group. Refreshments were served by the trustees of the Library and the librarian.
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Four Story Hours for the young children were held during the summer with a total of 71 attending. The story tellers were Mrs. Robert Norris, Mrs. Ernest Geigis, Miss Mary Beitzel, and Mrs. Marianna Rowe.
November 16, Mrs. William Miller, Mrs. James Hickey, and Mrs. Herbert Mascho visited the rooms at the Center School and reviewed the new books that were added to the library for Children's Book Week.
November 24, the film, "The Day the Books Went Blank" was shown at the library. Seven people attended.
A questionaire to see how the library can better serve the community was left at each home in the town. Sixteen replies have been received.
Respectfully submitted, MARION M. MASCHO Librarian
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
There were 15 permits issued for this year.
3 House Permits
2 Garage Permits
2 Poultry house and Barn Permits
6 Additions and Repairs Permits
2 Removal Permits
Estimated total $21,610.00
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD LACOMB Building Inspector
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Again it is a pleasure to begin the Annual Report of the Fire Dept. by calling the townspeople's attention to the fact that there were no fires for the year 1961. We were fortunate in that the weather was a great help in controlling ignition of Forest and Brush fires. Also that the people were obser- vant of Fire Prevention.
136 Outdoor Fire Permits
9 Power Burner and Oil Storage Permits
5 Oil Storage Permits
8 Liquid Petroleum (gas Storage Permits
The hose replacement program is progressing well and is of course being financed out of the Department yearly Budget.
I believe some explanation is due the townspeople on the two-way Mobil Radio for which a sum of money was ap- propriated at the last Town Meeting. As was explained at the Town Meeting the Civilian Defense would undoubtedly pay one-half the cost. All necessary papers were forwarded to the State Agency but no official word has been received. Through contact with the Agency I have received unofficial word that all is well, but without their official O. K. we can not expect their half of the cost. By not using this it seems as though we would be throwing away quite a large sum of money.
Although the Reuter fire should not appear in this year's report I would like, while it is still fresh in everyone's mind to mention the value of up to date modern equipment With- out this and the prompt action by the firemen I am sure every- one can see how disasterous this fire could have been.
Again I would like to thank the firemen who have given much time and effort to drills and chores which have to be done.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS H. LOUD Fire Chief and Forest Fire Warden
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REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee met three times during the year to transact necessary business.
At our first meeting we organized with Philip Ciapp elected chairman and Philip Norris clerk. It was voted to authorize the Selectmen to transfer $300.00 from the Reserve Fund to have a survey of the highway made from the inter- section of South Road and Cemetery Road to the Center. It was voted to give the Selectmen authority to negotiate for more land around the Road Machinery Building.
In January we met with the School Committee and the Selectmen to go over their proposed budgets for 1962. The School Committee, with all members present, and Superin- tendent Reddington explained the school budget and it was approved The Selectmen's budget was explained and after discussion was approved except for Clerical Hire, Vacation Pay, and Police Chief. At this meeting it was learned that Mr. Fred Burr had resigned.
At our last meeting held in February, special articles to appear in the warrant were brought before the board. A special article for the Library was voted approval, also an Adult Education article.
The board voted not to approve the article of $10,000.00 for the Stabilization Fund. It was voted approval of the article asking for $1,000.00 for improving the curve in the road at the Pine Island Lake dam. No action was taken on the Chapter 58, Section 7A through 7D, article.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
PHILLIP NORRIS, Clerk
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ARTICLES OF THE TOWN WARRANT
TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 5, 1962 Ten A. M. - Prompt
Article 1. To hear and act on all reports presented at said meeting.
Article 2. To elect by ballot necessary officers to serve the ensuing year.
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to leave the care of the highways in charge of the Selectmen.
Article 4. 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 5. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges the ensuing year.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to bor- row money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1962, 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 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 and Chapter 90 Highways, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $1,000.00 to cover the 1962 note on the Town Hall and $60.00 for the interest on the same.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote one week va- cation with pay (forty-eight hours) to permanent employees.
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Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 11 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $100.00 for Insect Pest Control.
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $177.31 for Dutch Elm Disease.
Other articles may appear in posted warrant.
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INDEX
PAGE
Assessors, Report of the Board 24
Budget Recommendations for 1962 22
Center Cemetery, Report of the 26
Finance Committee, Report of the 44
Fire Department, Report of the 43
Inspector of Buildings, Report of the 42
Jurors Drawn in 1962 23
Jury Box, Names in the
23
Principal's Report - 1961 32
Recapitulation
21
Selectmen, Report of the
10
School Department:
School Committee, Report of the 27
Superintendent of Schools, Report of the 29
Jurors Drawn in 1961 23
Music Supervisor, Report of the 34
School Nurse, Report of the 35
Art Supervisor, Report of the 37
School Financial Statement
38
School Department Budget 40
Town Clerk, Report of the 3
Town Treasurer, Report of the 5
Warrant, Articles of the Town 45
Well Child Clinic, Report of the 36 .......
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