USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1962 > Part 2
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LIBRARIAN'S REPORT - 1962
One hundred and seventy six books were added to the Memorial Library during the year 1962 - eighty-one adult books and ninety-five juvenile books. Gifts were received from Daniel Bridgman, Miss Mary Beitzel, Rita Balise, and bonus books from the Book Club. Magazines and discarded books were taken to the Northampton State Hospital and books were taken to Sunny Corners School, New Brunswick by Morris Frary.
The Bookmobile from the Regional Library in Greenfield visits the library and the Center School. The following books were borrowed for distribution:
Adult Fiction 415
Adult Non-Fiction 241
Juvenile Fiction
578
Juvenile Non-Fiction 259
The circulation for the library for the past year has been:
Adult Fiction
558
Juvenile Fiction
1908
Non-Fiction
660
Magazines 554
Fans from the Miss Ida Howard collection were display- ed during National Library Week in April.
On May 31 the library trustees and the librarian gave a tea at the home of Mrs. Mascho to the pupils at the Center School who qualified for certificates in the State Reading program. There were 27 qualified readers who read a total of 292 books. Mrs. Marianna Rowe, Children's Librarian at the Greenfield Regional Library told stories to the group.
Four story hours were held during the summer for the young children, with a total of 84 attending. Miss Mary Beitzel, representing the Audubon Society, Mrs. Rowe, Miss Carol Witherell and Mrs. Mascho told the stories.
The Western Regional Public Library Sysetm officially opened on December 1. The headquarters are at the Spring-
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field Library but Forbes Library in Northampton has been designated to have particular responsibility for inter-library loans. The ultimate purpose of the Western Regional Public Library System is to provide in partnership with the local public library a more comprehensive program of library serv- ice for people.
The trustees voted to apply for State Aid for Free Public Libraries and $500.00 was given the library this year. To be eligible to accept this money the library must be opened a minimum of ten hours per week. In compliance with this demand the library in now opened Wednesdays from 2-5 o'clock and 7-9 o'clock, Fridays from 3:30 - 5:30 and 7-9 o'clock. and Sunday mornings from 10:30 - 11:00 o'clock and 12:00 to 12:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted, MARION MASCHO Librarian
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Again this year we have been fortunate in that our department has had to make very few fire runs. We have had a very few brush and forest fires this past year. This I think can be attributed in part to the fact that the people of West- hampton have been dilligent in watching their fires when burning leaves, brush, etc. Also I would like to take this op- portunity to thank you for calling to get fire permits before burning. This is asked of you for several reasons. When the fire towers are in operation they can spot the smoke from a small fire and pinpoint it, if we know you are burning there is no problem, but if we do not, the department has to in- vestigate, thereby making an unnecessary run. If a fire should get away from you we know just where to go if we get a call.
Permits issued :
131 Outdoor fire permits were issued
12 Power burner and oil storage permits
4 Oil storage permits
9 Liquid petroleum (gas) storage permits
1 Explosive permit
New members joining the fire department were: Robert LaSalle George Reuter
The Fire Department made seven runs this year:
1 Serious House Fire
2 Minor Brush Fires
1 Chimney & Fireplace Fire
1 To a local shop for an overheated tar heating unit
1 Tractor Fire
1 To an accident where gasoline produced dangerous conditions
The hose replacement program is proceeding nicely.
All equipment is in excellent condition and is checked weekly by some of our firemen.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS H. LOUD Fire Chief and Forest Warden
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REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS
There were 26 permits issued for this year:
4 House Permits
4 Garage Permits
2 Poultry House and Barn Permits
6 Additions and Repairs Permits
1 Removal Permit
1 Trailer Permit
1 Club House Permit
1 Business Addition Permit
1 Dog Kennel Permit
1 School Addition Permit
2 Storage Shed Permits
2 Home Renovation Permits
Estimated Total $148,500.
Respectfully submitted, LEROY M. MILLER Building Inspector
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Westhampton School Committee at its opening meet- ing was happy to welcome Mr. Stanley Greenberg as its new member. Mr. Harold Wood was elected chairman and Mrs. Margaret Hayes was elected secretary.
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Westhampton Center School. Anyone wishing to discuss school matters with the Committee is welcome.
It is with deep regret that the School Committee reports the retirement of Miss Rachel Bridgman in June of 1962. The Committee would like to express its appreciation to Miss Bridgman for her many years devoted to teaching at the Center School and for the excellent job she did in furthering the education of so many Westhampton children.
The Committee was faced with the problem of replacing the entire teaching staff. Through the efforts of Mr. Redding- ton we were able to secure a full staff by the opening of this fall term. Mr. William J. Sullivan was appointed as 5th and 6th grade teacher and as school principal. The other new teachers are:
Mrs. Mary Breguet - grades 3 & 4 Mrs. Ellen W. Anderson - grades 1 & 2 Mrs. Margaret S. Kroll - reading - grades 1 & 2 Mrs. Holt - special instruction
The School Committee voted to appoint Dr. Theodore Selkirk of Northampton as school physician to replace Dr. (. Keith Wilbur who resigned at the end of the school year.
The Committee attended the annual meeting of School Union #51 held in April at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg. At this meeting Mr. Harold Wood was elected secretary of the Union.
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Bus contracts were awarded on a three year basis as follows:
South Route (elementary) - Walter R. Witherell
North Route (elementary) - Hampshire Trans. Corp. Williamsburg Route - Frank Hathaway
The Northampton High and Smith School Route was a- warded for one year to Hampshire Transportation Corpora- tion.
The fuel contract was awarded to Pepin Fuel Co. of Northampton.
Mr. Stanley Greenberg was appointed to represent the Westhampton School Committee on the Hampshire Regional School District Committee.
The Committee is pleased with the action taken by the town at the special town meeting in voting for a free standing addition to the present school and renovation of the existing building. We are looking forward to occupying these new facilities by September. The two new classrooms in the ad- dition will make it possible to separate the first and second grades.
The sum of $2,200.00 was placed in the 1962 budget in anticipation of replacing the worn-out furnace. During 1962 the town voted to build an addition to the present school. The School Building Committee, after consultation with heating engineers, determined that a single large heating unit, design- ed to care for the addition and the present structure would be most economical and efficient. The School Committee a- greed with this conclusion and voted to use the $2,200.00 to- wards the installation of one large heating plant.
To provide for the increased enrollment in September and to replace worn-out equipment where needed, the Com- mittee purchased the following items of furniture:
35 new units (desk and chair)
29 chairs (to supply reading tables in grades 1-4)
1 metal teacher's desk and chair (for the additional classroom)
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To provide for audio-visual instruction, two new record players were purchased and necessary repairs were made to the projector.
In order to carry out the milk program started in Sep- tember, a used refrigerator was purchased and installed in the school.
Word has been received from the Department or Educa- tion that due to insufficient appropriation by the legislature, the reimbursement due to the town of Westhampton for trans- portation of pupils will necessarily be withheld until a defic- iency appropriation is passed.
The Westhampton School Committee wishes to thank our Superintendent, Principal, Teachers and Staff, and all others who have helped to make this a good school year.
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD B. WOOD, Chairman MARGARET HAYES, Secretary STANLEY GREENBERG School Committee
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Westhampton:
I am pleased to submit my fourth annual report as your Superintendent of Schools.
The School Committee is organized as follows:
Chairman - Mr. Harold B. Wood Secretary - Mrs. Margaret Hayes Member - Mr. Stanley Greenberg
The most satisfying event of the past year was the de- cision by the voters of Westhampton to construct additional school facilities. This additional classroom space comes at a time when it is most needed.
In looking ahead to September 1963, we anticipate an- other large first grade entering class of approximately 22 children. With the present 20 first graders, we would have a combined first and second grade enrollment of 42 pupils. As has been pointed out in previous reports, the primary grades require more time for directions and explanation, more time for individual help than do other grade levels.
The present arrangement of employing a part-time teach- er to assist in the Reading program for grades one and two has been most helpful. We feel that this is the best way of taking care of our first and second grade enrollment of 30 pupils with the present limited facilities.
It is not a satisfactory solution for the anticapated en- rollment of 42 pupils. It would endanger the high standards of education which are being maintained and make it impossible to develop fully the potential of each child in these most im- portant beginning years of school life. To insure that proper instruction will be given to these children, the School Com- mittee plans to separate grades one and two for the school year of 1963-64 and employ a full-time teacher for each of these grades.
One of the most important tasks of this past year was the replacement of the entire school faculty. Miss Rachel
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Bridgman retired after many years of faithful service to the children of Westhampton. Mrs. Rochelle Wynne resigned to accompany her husband to his military assignment. Mr. Wil- liam Roberts resigned to reenter the business field and Mrs. Dorothy Andrews resigned to accept a teaching position in her home town of Southampton.
We were most fortunate in being able to obtain the fol- lowing experienced teachers to fill these vacancies.
Principal-Mr. William J. Sullivan Grades 5 & 6
Mrs. Mary Breguet Grades 3 & 4
Mrs. Ellen W. Anderson Grades 1 & 2
Mrs. Margaret S. Kroll Reading 1 & 2
Supervisors in specialized fields:
Mrs. Marion Reuter Art Supervisor Mrs. Elizabeth Torrey Music Supervisor
Other staff members are as follows:
Dr. Theodore K. Selkirk School Physician Dr. Abel Ross School Dentist Mrs. Eleanor Scott School Nurse
Distribution of pupils as of October 1, 1962 is as follows:
Center School Grade 1 - 18
Grade 2 -11 Grade 3 - 16 Grade 4 -13
Grade 5 -11
Grade 6- 7
76
Williamsburg
Junior High School 15
Senior High School 27
Northampton High School 6
Smith's School 2
50
Total school population
126
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The State Legislature has created a new minimum salary for Massachusetts teachers of $4,500.00. This law is to be effective as of January 1, 1963. Salary adjustments were made to comply with this law and to allow us to remain in a com- petitive position for securing the best possible teaching service for our school.
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the School Committee has rescinded the salary schedule and future salary increases will be based solely on merit. I feel this will accomplish two things. It will allow some flexibility in recruiting teachers of experience and proven ability and will enable the School Committee to make variations in sal- aries if, in their judgment, it is in the best interest of the school system.
The conclusion of a large majority of the presidents of of state superintendents' groups is that the number one ed- ucational problem in most states is the lack of adequate fin- ancial support for the public schools. State aid for public schools in Massachusetts should be at least doubled. At the present time, our state provides less than 20% of the total revenue available, whereas the average percentage for all states is approximately 40. The Massachusetts Educational Conference Board is sponsoring and promoting a new formula for increased state support of public schools embodied in a petition filed for action by the 1963 legislature, designated as House Bill 1781. The bill also contains a 2% limited sales tax in order to provide an answer to the old and difficult question, "Where will you get the money?" The Conference Board felt that it would suggest not only a formula, but also a means of raising the funds. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation, which will hold a public hearing later. Every citizen who is interested in improving the quality of education and in gaining relief for the already over- burdened property tax payer should study this bill carefully and, if it is felt to be an equitable solution to our problem of financing public schools in Massachusetts, should support it vigorously.
Among important changes in the schools in the past five years, was development of a new emphasis on subject matter,
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particularly in science and mathematics, but also on the fun- damentals of reading writing, and arithmetic. What lies ahead for the next five years? Generally, more of the same sort of progress - - additional foreign languages, continued stress on science and math; more emphasis on teaching about American democracy; curriculum content organized into fairly broad fields based on a "problems of living" approach; grouping; more subjects moved to lower grades; accelerated use of TV, films. filmstrips, tape recorders, overhead projectors and mechanical equipment for improving the rate and compre- hension of reading.
There may be implications for teacher education in this projection. It raises the question of increasing the period of training to allow for more intensive subject-matter prepara- tion in depth. The attention given to methods over the past quarter of a century has brought important gains in the effec- tiveness of schooling; the consideration now being given to the diciplines promises further improvement.
In concluding this report, I wish to express my thanks to the various organizations and individual citizens who have contributed to the improvement of our educational problem.
My sincere appreciation to our teaching staff, School Nurse and custodian for the fine spirit of cooperation they have shown in every endeavor.
The Westhampton School Committee has worked ju- diciously at its task of forming school policy and has given understanding, courtesy and support to the Superintendent of Schools in the execution of these policies.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS P. REDDINGTON Superintendent of Schools
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PRINCIPAL'S REPORT - 1962
This year the school term started with an all new staff at Center School. Our inital objective was to establish a pattern of orderliness and good discipline. With the encour- agement of the parents and the cooperation of the children, this was accomplished. Once a businesslike atmosphere was established, the important work -- the instruction of the Chil- dren -- proceeded smoothly.
Our curriculum was improved by the purchase of new books and other aids to instruction. The fifth and sixth grades received new science books, new spelling books, a new series of language workbooks and eight sets of Continental Press sten- cils covering a variety of subjects. We have also applied for films from the State Regional Library to supplement instruc- tion in geography and social studies. The third and fourth grades received new music books, Continental Press stencils and eight new chairs. The first and second grades received new language arts books and Continental Press stencils.
Early in the school year, a milk program was initated. This has proved to be very popular with the children, about 80% of them receiving milk every day. Mrs. Frank Montague kindly volunteered to take care of the considerable bookkeep- ing, money collecting and paperwork which the milk program involved.
On November 13th and 14th, parent-teacher conferences were held. A very high percentage of the parents came for these conferences. Parents and teachers both agreed that the conferences were well worthwhile.
The State Board of Education has published a recom- mendation that the school day in elementary schools should provide five full hours of classroom instruction. The Center School now complies fully with this recommendation. This was accomplished by adjusting recess time and lunch period, adding a half hour to instruction time, and bringing the school instruction time to slightly more than five full hours. For the first time, also, the school year will be 180 school days in length.
With a total enrollment of 81 pupils, the school has been bulging at the seams. We were very much encouraged when we saw work start on the new addition. This will be a sig- nificant step in the direction of providing a constantly im- proving education for the children. We expect to have about twenty-two new pupils next year, with a total school enroll- ment of about ninety-seven.
The staff at Center School wishes to thank the parents for their great interest and cooperation. We look forward to the completion of a successful school year.
Respectfully submitted. WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN Principal
REPORT OF THE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
By votes in 1962 town meetings in Chesterfield, Cum- ington, Goshen, Plainfield, Westhampton and Williamsburg, a Regional School District was established. At its inital or- ganizational meeting, Richard Warren of Williamsburg was elected chairman and Mrs. Anna B. Curtis of Chesterfield, secretary. Meetings were set for the second Wednesday of every month and all meetings are open to the public. A com- mittee from Southampton asked that consideration be given to the possible admission of that town to the Regional School District. Members of the committee felt that the admission of Southampton to the District would be of great benefit to the present six towns, both scholastically and financially. Accord- ingly, the committee voted the necessary additions to the Regional agreement to permit the admission of Southampton, if it so votes and it is accepted by the present six members in town meetings. The committee has also had one meeting with members of the School Building Assistance Commission to obtain advice on the many and varied aspects of planning for such a school.
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At the outset, the committee felt that an agreement on educational philosophy was the starting point in planning for for such a school. Mr. Francis Reddington, Superintendent of the Williamsburg Schools, Mr. Anthony Muscente, Super- intendent of School Union #25 and Mr. Earl Tonet of the Williamsburg High School faculty were asked to serve as ad- visers in the planning of the curriculum. The committee feels that it is far wiser to build a school around a curriculum geared to the needs of all school children than to plan arbi- trarily a building and then try to fit the curriculum to it. We have had many meetings on proposed courses and will decide soon on a definite curriculum: number of rooms, gym space, size of library, staff, etc.
A contest for the name of the proposed school was held among all the school children in the six towns. The name will be selected shortly.
Operating and capital costs budgets for 1963 have been adopted and sent to the appropriate town officials in the six towns. Each member town's share is apportioned on the basis of enrollment in grades 7 - 12 of pupils residing in each town and receiving education at such town's expense on October 1, 1962.
OPERATING BUDGET
Chesterfield
12.06%
$361.80
Cummington
14.76%
442.80
Goshen
8.73%
261.90
Plainfield
3.95%
118.50
Westhampton
10.81%
324.30
Williamsburg
49.69%
1,490.70
100.00%
$3,000.00
The operating budget figure of $3,000.00 is broken down as follows:
A. Office
1. Operating and Maintenance $600.00
(Telephone, Supplies, Postage)
2. Clerical 300.00
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B. Personnel
1. Treasurer 200.00
2. Secretary (Committee) 300.00
C. Travel and Expense
1. Committee and Treasurer 500.00
D. Other Expenses
1. Dues and Fees
25.00
2. Bonds (Treasurer) 25.00
3. Miscellaneous (Printing, Seal, etc.)
150.00
4. Contingencies 400.00
5. Counsel Fees 500.00
$3.000.00
CAPITAL BUDGET
Chesterfield
12.06%
$3,509.46
Cummington
14.76%
4,295.16
Goshen
8.73%
2,540.43
Plainfield
3.95%
1,149.45
Westhampton
10.81%
3,145.71
Williamsburg
49.69%
14,459.79
100.00%
$29,100.00
The capital budget figure of $29,100.00 is broken down as follows:
1. Architect's planning fees and expense and engineering fees.
$20,000.00
2. Preliminary borings
1,500.00
3. Tests, chemical & mechanical percolation 100.00
4. Topographical survey
2,500.00
5. Educational consultants' fees
3,000.00
6. Land (option)
1,500.00
7. Advertising 500.00
$29,100.00
All of the above items with the exception of 5 and 6 in the amount of $4,500.00 are 100% reimbursable by the State if the Regional District School is carried to completion.
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CONCLUSION
The Regional School District Committee submits its first report with a real sensibility of its responsibilities, a deep awareness of the local taxpayer's problems and a real under- standing of the educational needs of the school children in the region.
The more we study the problems, the more convinced we are that a regional Junior-Senior High School offers the best answer to all these questions. It is only through a larger school, a broader curriculum, based on a broader tax base that our children, of all levels, can compete successfully with students from other areas. This is not primarily a program designed to aid college-bound students. Its one and only aim is to give each student, commercial, terminal or college-bound, the best secondary education we can buy: the most efficient education a tax dollar can buy: and the kind of education that each school child needs - and deserves.
Respectfully submitted,
Chesterfield
Cummington
Henry Chapin
Wyndon Morey
Anna B. Curtis
Stanley Svoboda
Goshen Stephen Eldred Harry Pegg
Plainfield Westhampton
Williamsburg
Marguerite Balduzzo James H. Miller
Elizabeth G. Copley Stanley Greenberg
George Childs Martin Dunphy Norman Graves Richard Warren
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REPORT OF THE WESTHAMPTON SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
At a special town meeting held on May 18, 1962, the town of Westhampton voted to construct a free standing addition to the Westhampton Center School and to renovate the existing building. Construction of the new addition is now in progress. This report is intended to highlight the committee's activities to date.
May 18, 1962
At a special town meeting it was voted to raise and ap- propriate $55,000.00 to acquire land, and to construst and equip an addition to the Westhampton Center School. A fur- ther $5.000.00 was voted to repair and remodel the existing school.
Five members of a school building committee were elec- ted to carry out this project: Roscoe Hurd, William Fiske, Rodney Sirois, Charles Burt and Stanley Greenberg.
May 22, 1962
The Davis Engineering Co. of Northampton was engaged to make a survey of land adjacent to the Westhampton Center School to be purchased from the Clapp family and to draw up plans and make soil tests for a leach field system.
May 23, 1962
Mr. Doubleday of the Mass. Dept. of Public Health made a preliminary survey of site of proposed leach field system.
May 29. 1962
Building committee organized with R. Sirois as chairman and S. Greenberg as secretary. Weekly Wednesday meetings to be held and special meetings as necessary.
June 6, 1962
The committee decided to construct the school addition using the plans and specifications to be drawn up by Clarence Delisle without charge and with the assistance of other specialists.
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July 6, 1962
After repeated saturation and percolation tests of the soil beginning on May 23, the Amherst office of the Mass. Dept. of Public Health accepts site of proposed leach field system.
August 14, 1962
Boston office of Mass. Dept. of Public Safety approves plans of the school addition drawn up by Clarence Delisle.
August 15, 1962
Amherst office of Mass. Dept. of Public Health accepts plans of leach field system developed by the Davis Engineer- ing Co.
Five acres of land adjoining the school purchased from the Clapp family for the sum of $1,200.00.
August 22, 1962
Brush piles on leach field site burned by members of the committee and town volunteers.
Attorney L. Whitney of Easthampton engaged by the committee to advise on contracts and legal matters.
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