USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1963 > Part 2
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Chapter 90 Construction 4,500.00
Chapter 90 Maintenance 2,000.00
Snow Removal, Sanding & Roadwork
4,500.00
Bridges and Railings
500.00
Road Machinery
2,500.00
Road Machinery & Fire Dept. Bldgs.
500.00
Fire Department
400.00
Fire Chief & Forest Warden
150.00
Town Hall Maintenance
1,000.00
Town Hall Note
1,000.00
Interest on Town Hall Note 20.00
School Addition Note
1,500.00
Interest on School Addition Note
291.61
One Year Note on School Addition plus Interest
3,785.05
Interest, Insurance and Bonds
2,950.00
Library - Dog Fund Plus 400.00
Old Age Assist. & Medical Aid to Aged
7,500.00
General Relief & Disability Assist. 250.00
Aid to Dependent Children 3,000.00
Old Age Administration
208.57
Town Officers
3,800.00
Memorial Day
40.00
Contingent Account
200.00
Cemetery Account
550.00
26
Printing & Supplies
650.00
Postage & Telephone
500.00
Vacation Pay
256.80
Veterans' Relief
100.00
Dump Fund
350.00
Well Child Clinic
100.00
Diphtheria Clinic
75.00
Polio Clinic
100.00
Board of Health
50.00
Dutch Elm Disease
177.31
Clerical Hire
200.00
Insect Pest Control
100.00
Travel Expense
75.00
Reserve Fund
1,000.00
Water Holes
50.00
Tree Removal
100.00
Hampshire County Retirement System
1,592.60
Civilian Defense
100.00
Rabies Vaccine
50.00
Fire Patrol
100.00
Counsel Fees
100.00
$120,372.94
JURORS DRAWN IN 1963
Wallace Mocheski
Grand Jury
Guy Russell Bass
Traverse
David A. LaPrade
Traverse
Charles Ognibene
Traverse
Rodney Sirois
Traverse
George Reuter
Traverse
NAMES IN JURY BOX FOR 1964
George Burt
Mill Hand
Mrs. William B. Miller
Housewife
Donald Putnam
Sheet Metal Foreman
Gilbert Wright
Tool Maker
Robert White Clerk
Alfred Blakesley
Truck Driver
Quentin Brown
Buyer
27
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS - 1963
RAISE AND APPROPRIATE
Schools $ 62,284.00
Highways, Chapter 81
675.00
Highways, Chapter 90, Maintenance
2,000.00
Bridges and Railings
500.00
Town Officers 3,500.00
Old Age Administration
235.00
Board of Health, Well Child Clinic
100.00
Interest, Insurance and Bonds
2,450.00
Town Hall Maintenance
950.00
Printing and Supplies
650.00
Library
400.00
Contingent
200.00
Snow Removal, Sanding & Road Work
4,000.00
Veterans' Relief
1,000.00
Diphtheria Clinic
65.00
Cemetery
550.00
Travel Expense
75.00
Fire Department
400.00
Fire Dept. & Road Machinery Bldgs.
500.00
Postage and Telephone
400.00
Clerical Hire
200.00
Recreation Committee
75.00
Polio Clinic
100.00
Fire Chief & Forest Warden
150.00
Tree Removal
100.00
Vacation Pay
256.80
Town Truck
5,000.00
Westhampton Memorial Library
(Chapter 760, Acts of 1960)
400.00
Water Hole
50.00
Dump Fund
200.00
Veterans' Agent
100.00
Town Hall Note
1,000.00
Town Hall Interest 1963
40.00
Gen. Relief & Disability Assistance
200.00
Fire Patrol
100.00
28
Memorial Day
40.00
Insect Pest Control
100.00
Dutch Elm Disease
177.31
$89,223.11
FROM AVAILABLE FUNDS IN THE TREASURY
Highways, Chapter 81 & Chapter 90 $14,000.00
Ch. 782, Acts of 1962, Ch. 90 Con. 3,000.00
" Chapter 90, Construction 1,500.00
Reserve Fund
1,000.00
Road Machinery Account
2,500.00
Dog Refund
99.75
County Tax - 1963
3,004.66
State Parks - Reservations
279.43
Overlay 1963
1,513.00
State Assessment System
50.00
Counsel Fees 200.00
Deficit Hampshire County Sanitarium
3,502.32
Westhampton Center School Constr. 3,181.57
Auditing Municipal Accounts 1963
199.86
Old Age Assist. & Medical Aid to Aged
8,500.00
Aid to Dependent Children
4,300.00
Hampshire County Retirement System
1,678.50
Civil Defense
100.00
Rabies Vaccine
50.00
Town Truck
4,500.00
Stabilization Fund School Bldg. Add.
21,818.43
$74,977.52 $164,200.63
Total Appropriations 1963
Estimated Receipts & Available Funds 102.486.37
Net Amount Raised on Polls & Property 61,714.26
$164,200.63
Personal Property Valuation
$ 161,252.50
Real Estate Valuation
1,041,798.00
$1,203,050.50
Tax Personal Property
$ 8,223.92
Tax, Real Estate
53,132.34
Tax, Polls
358.00
$61,714.26
29
Tax Rate
$51.00
Motor Vehicle Tax 1962
Motor Vehicle Tax 1963
11,670.14
Exemptions, Real Estate 1962 in 1963
100.00
Exemptions, Real Estate 1963 892.50
Exemptions, Poll Tax 1963 38.00
4.00
Abatements, Personal 1963 400.00
Abatements, Real Estate 1963
25.50
Abatements, 1961 Motor Vehicle
18.15
Abatements, 1962 Motor Vehicle Excise
181.26
Abatements, 1963 Motor Vehicle Excise
500.85
FARM ANIMAL EXCISE
Horses
Cows Bulls & Steers Swine
Sheep Fowl
Mule
15
345
13 10 15 42,267 1
FROM THE TABLE OF AGGREGATES
Dwel-
Year
Horses Cows
Sheep
Cattle
Swine
Fowl lings
1961
16
6
3
2
2
320
284
1962
13
8
8
9
0
380
285
1963
12
14
6
1
2
350
293
Respectfully submitted,
MAHLON K. PARSONS, Chm.
SIDNEY H. COLE
GILBERT I. FLINT
Our town has been honored by the election of Sydney H. Cole as President of the Hampshire, Hampden Assessors' Association. The Association includes a large part of western Massachusetts, and the office of President usually goes to an assessor in a city.
We feel this honor should be recognized in our report.
MAHLON K. PARSONS GILBERT I. FLINT
30
$ 82.05
Abatements, Poll Tax 1962 in 1963
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
During the year 1963, 152 books were added to the Li- brary. 84 were adult books and 68 were juvenile books. Gifts were received from Daniel Bridgman, Sidney Neal, Leon Bishop, Rita Balise, Miss Jessie Phelps, and bonus books from the Book Club. The library subscribes to 14 magazines and receives as gifts one weekly newspaper and several magazines.
Mr. Morris Frary took 121 books to Sunny Corners School in New Brunswick and magazines have been taken to the Northampton State Hospital.
The Bookmobile from the Regional Library in Greenfield visits the library and the Center School. The library and the Center School borrowed the following number of books for circulation :
Adult Fiction 382
Adult Non-Fiction 238
Juvenile Fiction
649
Juvenile Non-Fiction 262
The circulation for the library has been:
Adult Fiction 648
Juvenile Fiction 2519
Non-Fiction 835
Magazines 602
There have been 81 requests from borrowers for books from the Inter-Library Loan at Forbes Library and a total of 135 books have been borrowed. This is a great service to our library.
There were 22 readers in the Adventures in reading and 349 books read from March 1962 - 1963.
In May the pupils of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at the Center School who qualified for reading certificates in the State Reading Program were entertained at a tea at the home of Mrs. Herbert Mascho as guests of the library trustees and the librarian. There were 38 qualified readers and 439 books were read. Mrs. Marianna Rowe Children's Librarian at the Greenfield Regional Library was a guest.
31
Three Story Hours were held during the summer for the children with a total of 106 attending. Miss Carol Witherell, Mrs. Marianna Rowe, and Miss Mary Bcitzel, a representa- tive of the Audubon Society, told the stories.
In December Mrs. Phillips, teacher of the kindergarten, brought her class to the library one morning to acquaint the children with the children's books.
The library is opened Wednesday from 2-5 o'clock and 7-9 o'clock, Fridays from 3:30 - 5:30 o'clock and 7-9 o'clock and Sunday morning from 10:30 - 11:00 o'clock and 12 noon to 12:30 o'clock.
Respectfully submitted, MARION M. MASCHO Librarian
REPORT OF THE CENTER CEMETERY
Work done at the Cemetery consisted of the following:
1. Straightened up or reset about 30 headstones.
2. Replaced 10 posts and straightened entire front fence.
3. Replaced broken fence boards and renailed loose boards on front fence.
4. Painted about 460 ft. of front fence (one side) .
5. Removed large stump in the southwest corner of cem- etery with the help of town road machinery.
6. Grubbed out a rough brushy area at rear fence and seed- ed to grass.
7. Applied 600 lbs. of fertilizer in early May.
8. Spread 2,400 lbs. of ground limestone last November.
9. Used about 8 yards of loam to fill in many small sunken areas.
10. Poured concrete foundations for two monuments.
There were 8 burials in 1963.
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY BARTLETT Caretaker
32
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Westhampton School Committee at its opening meet- ing was pleased to welcome Mr. Philip Norris as its new member. Mr. Stanley Greenberg 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 Cen- ter School, with anyone wishing to discuss school matters with the Committee welcome to attend.
It was with deep regret that the School Committee ac- cepted the resignation of Mrs. Mary Breguet, teacher of grades three and four.
We were pleased to have Mrs. Patricia Dubiel join the staff of the Center School as third and fourth grade teacher and Mrs. Margaret S. Kroll as full time teacher of the second grade.
The Committee attended the annual meeting of School Union #51 in April at the Davenport School in Chesterfield. At this meeting Mr. Stanley Greenberg was elected chairman of the Union. The School Union Committee accepted the invitation of the Westhampton delegation to hold their next meeting in Westhampton.
The long awaited new wing at the Center School was in use for the first time when school opened on September 4 with 93 pupils in attendance, an increase of 12 over last year's number. Although not all construction details were com- pleted, it was possible to hold all classes on the first day. The new driveway area provided off the road school bus loading and unloading.
The school addition was formally dedicated to the chil- dren of the Town in exercises held on Tuesday, October 15, 1963, with Mr. Rodney Sirois, Chairman of the Building Committee presiding.
The School Committee was pleased to note the enthusi- astic response of teaching staff and students to the improved
33
teaching conditions and facilities of the new classrooms and renovated section of the Center School. Our building is now safe, educationally sound, and efficiently maintained. No classroom has an excess of pupils.
An important factor in the quality of education which is less easy to measure is the quality of the administrative and teaching staff. During the past year we were fortunate in having an experienced and hard working staff who helped to make this a good school year.
In addition to dealing with problems of school transpor- tation, increasing enrollments, the school building, and the selection and retention of qualified teachers, the major issue facing our Committee was again the budget. As enrollments, tuition rates, and general operating costs have increased, we have found it necessary to recommend an increased budget for 1964.
In order to complete the grading, seeding, and surfacing of the playground and school yard area and to provide much needed recreational equipment, The School Committee pro- poses an article in the 1964 town warrant providing for two thousand dollars in addition to the regular school budget. The Finance Committee passed a favorable motion on this article.
In conclusion, the Westhampton School Committee wishes to thank our superintendent, principal, teachers and staff, and all others who have cooperated in the growth and de- velopment of the local public school system.
We have read and approved the report of the Superin- tendent of Schools which follows.
Respectfully submitted, STANLEY GREENBERG, Chm. MARGARET HAYES, Secretary PHILIP J. NORRIS
34
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee and Citizens of Westhampton:
I am pleased to submit my fifth annual report as your Superintendent of Schools.
The year 1963 has been one of change for the West- hampton school system. Our school addition has made avail- able needed classroom space. The September enrollment in grades one and two of 41 pupils has made it economically feasible and educationally essential to separate these two grades and employ a full time teacher for each.
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 explanation, more time for individual help than any other 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.
Mrs. Margaret S. Kroll of Northampton, an experienced primary teacher, was appointed as teacher of grade two.
In this short time from September to December, it is al- ready obvious that the educational advantages for grades one and two have been tremendously strengthened.
Today one reads and hears considerable discussion of the changing arithmetic curriculum of the elementary school. Mathematics is becoming increasingly important in today's culture. It is coming to play a significant role in the physical and biological sciences, in all branches of technology, and in industry and business. This increasingly important role of mathematics demands a new kind of arithmetic education which will enable the individual not only to "do arithmetic" but also to understand why he does what he does.
35
Elementary school education has, in the past few years, awakened to the challenge of our expanding technology with a surge of interest in arithmetic and a wave of change. The so-called 'revolution" in mathematics is making inroads into the arithmetic curriculum of the elementary school. To recog- nize the existence of these changes one need only look to: (1) the number of experimental elementary school arithmetic programs written under the sponsorship of various academic, philanthropic. and governmental organizations; (2) the ad- vent of new, improved, and more mathematically sophisticat- ed textbooks; (3) the prevalence throughout the country of teacher in-service re-education programs in arithmetic; and (4) the increased attention given to the content and study of arithmetic by the press.
Out of these recent events have come the changes in arithmetic which are usually referred to as "modern mathe- matics".
A modern arithmetic program does not mean a compli- cated or difficult arithmetic program. It merely means that the approach and to some extent the content are new.
A modern arithmetic program introduces material earlier than was previously thought possible or advisable. Experi- mental programs have provided evidence of what children can be taught at each grade level.
Recent experience in classrooms over the country indi- cates that modern arithmetic is more interesting, more stimu- lating, more meaningful, and more useful than that experi- enced by children in the past.
The introduction of "new" content to the elementary school arithmetic curriculum presents a challenge to our ele- mentary teachers. Some of the "new" mathematic topics which are being considered for inclusion either as enrichment or as part of the regular arithmetic curriculum are unfamiliar to many elementary school teachers. Much of the newer sub- ject matter pertains to topics which, until recently, have not been included in the usual elementary school teacher training courses.
36
Mr. John F. Cody, a mathematics specialist, will offer a fifteen week course in modern mathematics to the elementary teachers of School Union #51. This course will be held at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg and will begin Wednesday, February 5, 1964.
The school program functioned smoothly during the year. Standardized tests, given to our pupils in all subjects, show that they are continuing to make good progress, according to their abilities, on their various grade levels. The Parent-Tea- cher conferences continue to maintain a high percentage of attendance by parents.
Our present staff is as follows:
Principal-Mr. William J. Sullivan
Grades 5 & 6
Mrs. Patricia Dubiel Grades 3 & 4
Mrs. Margaret S. Kroll Grade 2 Mrs. Ellen W. Anderson Grade 1
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
The enrollment figures of our school population are as follows:
Grade
10-1-62
10-1-63
1
18
21
2
11
20
3
16
13
4
13
16
5
11
13
6
7
11
76
94
Williamsburg Junior High
15
14
Williamsburg Senior High
27
31
Smith's School
2
7
37
Easthampton Special Class Northampton High School
-
1
6
1
50
54
76
94
Total School Population 126
148
In closing, I wish to express my appreciation to the vari- ous organizations and individual citizens who contributed to the progress of the youth of Westhampton.
I wish also to commend the School Committee and the teaching staff for the excellent relationship we have enjoyed during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, FRANCIS P. REDDINGTON Superintendent of Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS ARE HELD THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
The new addition to Center School was finished just in time to accommodate a record enrollment of 94 pupils. This is an increase of 16% over last year's enrollment.
For the first time there are separate first and second grades. They now occupy the two re-decorated classrooms in the older section of the school. The third and fourth grades are in one of the new classrooms, the fifth and sixth grades in the other new room.
The school population is divided as follows: First grade - 21 pupils Teacher: Mrs. Ellen Anderson
Second grade - 20 pupils Mrs. Margaret Kroll
Third grade - 13 pupils 29 Mrs. Patricia Dubiel
Fourth grade - 16 pupils
Fifth grade - 12 pupils 24 Mr. William Sullivan
Sixth grade - 12 pupils 38
Those in school who had experienced the cramped con- ditions of last year really enjoy the many improvements made during the past year. The bright, roomy classrooms, the new heating plant, the new toilet facilities, the big all purpose room - these are some of the improvements most ap- preciated.
We still are lacking some things, notably an adequate playground. We need a leveled, adequately-surfaced and ad- equately equipped play area large enough to serve the whole school. At present there is no playground equipment such as swings, slides, and basketball backboards. The fifth and sixth grades still have to use the field across the street as a playground.
In October, Open House was held in the new school. It was very well attended by the interested citizens of West- hampton. In November, parent-teacher conferences were held almost 100% of the parents responding. This is a good in- dication of the high degree of interest that the parents take in everything concerning the education of their children.
We have continued the popular milk program which was started a year ago, with approximately 90% of the children participating in it. This year a hot soup program has been sponsored by the Westhampton PTA. It started early in De- cember under the capable management of Mrs. Frank Mon- tague, who also manages the milk program.
We are now well settled in the new school. With the continued cooperation and help of the parents, School Com- mittee, and Mr. Reddington, we anticipate a successful year.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM J. SULLIVAN Principal
39
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Francis P. Reddington Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I submit the following report on the music program at the Westhampton Center School.
The primary grades continued in correction of voices, rote singing, rhythm, simple note reading and appreciation.
The upper grades did unison, two and three part music. Each pupil continued with a notebook for theory.
In addition to basic work. the pupils gave programs at graduation and Christmas. Music at these performances is the proof of work accomplished.
The additional rooms have been of great benefit in the music program as I am sure they have in so many other di- rections.
I wish to thank you, the School Committee, teachers, pupils and parents for their help and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH TORREY Music Supervisor
40
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Physical examinations were conducted by Dr. Theodore Selkirk, the school physician, during the fall and winter. Ninety-three children were given physicals and most were found to be in very good health.
In October, Dr. Abel Ross did dental exams. Seventy- eight children were seen by him and 50 of these were found to need dental care. Many children needed just small fillings and a few urgently needed extractions of decayed teeth and major fillings to preserve permanent teeth. Parents were no- tified in all cases.
During September and October hearing and vision tests were made on all students. All those who failed the first test were re-checked at a later date. A total of six children failed the final hearing test and three children the vision test. Further examination by a specialist was advised in these cases.
The additional space available at the school this year has been most useful in carrying out our health program. Tests and exams can now be accomplished right at the school with adequate space, light and privacy. The facilities are also use- ful when sickness occurs during school hours.
I wish to thank the teachers, parents, and school officials for their cooperation in all health matters.
Respectfully submitted, ELEANOR R. SCOTT, R.N. School Nurse
41
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
Art Classes at the Westhampton Center School are held every two weeks with one hour Art periods being given to each classroom. The first and second grades have been paint- ing with tempra, fingerpaints and doing crayon work. The third through sixth grades have been doing work with water- colors, crayons, pencil drawings, chalk and scratchboard. All the grades have been doing construction paper cutting pro- jects. All the classes decorated their school windows and classrooms for the Christmas season.
The annual Art Exhibit was held the first week in June. Each student exhibited at least one of the paintings or pro- jects completed during the school year. In the main hallway, for the first time there was a separate exhibit of the best work chosen from each grade. The hallway exhibit made it pos- sible to show more of the art work. The main bulletin board displayed the scratchboard and lettering of the fifth and sixth grades. Around the rest of the hallway were drawings and paintings of the other classes. All the students help plan and arrange their exhibit. I hope parents ond people interested in the Art Program will visit the school during this time this year.
I wish to thank the School Committee and Teachers for their support, interest and Art Supplies. which make the Art Program at the Center School possible.
Respectfully submitted, MARION S. REUTER Art Supervisor
42
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
EXPENDITURES
Administration
Francis P. Reddington, Salary
$ 1,156.32
Francis P. Reddington, Travel 135.00
Marion Montague, Census
15.00
Jeanette M. O'Neill, Secretary
674.88
School Committee Expenses
5.00
$1,986.20
Instruction
Teachers' Salaries :
Ellen W. Anderson
$ 4,733.44
Mary C. Brequet
3,333.44
Patricia Dubiel
1,833.28
Margaret S. Kroll
2,776.61
William J. Sullivan
5,100.08
Elsie S. Holt - Special
1,298.00
Marion Reuter - Art
297.50
Elizabeth Torrey - Music
372.00
Mary Jean Brequet - Substitute
36.00
Suzanne Graves - Substitute
200.00
Marion Mascho - Substitute
24.00
Marion Reuter - Substitute
6.00
Elizabeth Rinehart Substitute
120.00
20,130.35
Books
650.29
Supplies
711.06
Maintenance
Janitor's Salary
1,366.72
Fuel
481.45
Operating Expense
872.54
Repairs and Replacements
132.75
43
General
Health:
Eleanor Scott, R.N.
$ 300.00
Dr. Theodore Selkirk
100.00
Dr. Abel Ross
25.00
Supplies
7.25
432.25
Transportation :
W. R. Witherell
4,490.52
Hampshire Trans. & Service Corp.
2,879.35
Frank Hathaway
4,900.00
12,269.87
Tuition :
City of Northampton
1.750.00
Town of Williamsburg
19,610.00
Town of Easthampton
178.88
Smith's School
2,254.47
23,793.35
Outlay
67.47
Contingent
32.38
Total Expenditures for Schools
$62,926.68
RECEIPTS
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 70 $ 6.886.01
Mass. School Fund, Chapter 69 & 71
552.75
Superintendent's Salary
466.67
Vocational Tuition
462.00
Transportation
20,566.23
28,933.66
NET COST OF MAINTAINING
SCHOOLS FOR 1963
$33,993.02
44
WESTHAMPTON BUDGET
Administration
Budget 1963 $ 2,100.00
Expended 1963 $ 1,986.20
Budget 1964 $ 2,430.00
Instruction :
Teachers' Salaries
20,620.00
20,130.35
23,111.00
Books
650.00
650.29
850.00
Supplies
700.00
711.06
750.00
Maintenance:
Janitor's Salary
1,500.00
1,366.72
1,500.00
Fuel
500.00
481.45
800.00
Operating Expense
450.00
872.54
1,200.00
Repairs
150.00
132.75
250.00
General:
Health
450.00
432.25
450.00
Trans. High & Voc.
7,573.00
7,859.87
7,960.00
Trans. Elem.
4,410.00
4,410.00
4,410.00
Special Trans.
75.00
75.00
Misc.
50.00
32.38
50.00
(High 23,870.00
(Voc. 3,980.00)
(Sp. Cl. 440.00)
Tuition
22,856.00
23,793.35
28,290.00
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