USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1951 > Part 6
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It is unfortunate that I have to draw such conclusions in my first annual report. However, it has never been my practice to disguise the facts, and I never intend to follow such a policy.
The condition which we face now as regards the proper housing of pupils in the future years is not the fault of any one person, or any group. Wilmington is growing rapidly, and it is possible that the growth will continue.
Sound planning for our educational future is imperative, but it must also be done wisely, and with a sane view to the financial responsi- bilities involved.
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REPAIRS
Although by vote of the people of Wilmington, the Town Manager has charge of janitors, school maintenance and repairs, these items are very definitely a part of the school budget, and, therefore, must also become the concern of the Superintendent. With the exception of the new High School, all of the school buildings in Wilmington are decidedly in need of various repairs and alterations. This is not a result of past negligence or inadequate interest on the part of any one. Such repairs are common to all school systems, and this is easily understandable when one con- siders the constant and severe use of these buildings over a period of years. That the buildings are in as good condition as they are to-day is evidence enough of repeated care. It is quite clear, however, that all repairs could never be completed in one or two years. It would be finan- cially impossible to try to accomplish such an objective. It is my opinion that a policy of "First things first" must be followed, keeping in mind that some repairs may be a waste of time and money, if any new construction is to be planned in the near future.
Again, since expanded educational practices and sound educational policies rely, to a great extent, upon the manner in which pupils are housed, it seemed absolutely necessary to me to spend practically the entire Summer in working with the Town Manager on various repairs and clean-up work. This is not intended as any reflection on the duties of the Town Manager in this respect. Rather, this is the result of a very definite agreement between the two of us that co-operative effort is the only thing that will produce the desired results.
It might be wise to list the various repairs, etc., that were accom- plished since July 1, 1951.
MAPLE MEADOW SCHOOL
Old coal bin rebuilt Interior of building painted Center of building jacked up New drinking bubbler installed
WEST SCHOOL
Interior repainted and redecorated Floor .cleaned and sealed
MILDRED ROGERS SCHOOL
Roof repaired
New oil burner installed and old radiation removed New drinking bubbler installed New Lettering on front of school
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MILDRED ROGERS PORTABLE
Interior of building painted New drinking fountain installed New Roof Coal bin repaired
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WALKER SCHOOL
Fire escape repaired New doors installed-front entrance New drinking bubbler installed All desks sanded and sealed Light switches in all rooms repaired Ceilings and walls in all classrooms painted Corridors painted Heating system overhualed and motorized valve installed
BUZZELL SCHOOL Teachers' desks sanded Bulkhead rebuilt Screened glass installed in lower
panes of double doors One room painted Ceilings of two rooms done
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
New Fluorescent lighting installed thoughout building Repairs to roof All classrooms on second floor repaired and painted Two new class rooms opened - painted and repaired
CENTER SCHOOL
New roof Two classrooms on lower floor repaired and painted
WHITEFIELD SCHOOL
All desks in rooms sanded and sealed New drinking bubbler installed
It is my opinion, and the opinion of the School Committee, regards 1952, that the following items will have to be taken care of necessity.
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MAPLE MEADOW SCHOOL
General repairs to present heating system (Extensive repairs on this building definitely not recommended)
WEST SCHOOL
Paint doors and outside trim Paint lavatory floors Clean and seal floors Repair or replace blackboards
MILDRED ROGERS SCHOOL
Paint lavatories Paint outside fence Repair roof
Paint stained and damaged ceilings Overhaul present heating system
MILDRED ROGERS PORTABLE SCHOOL
Repair and seal flooring Spray paint exterior
WALKER SCHOOL
Paint outside trim Paint fire escape Repair gutters Replace broken shingles Storage shelves installed Repair and seal floors Repair storm windows
BUZZELL SCHOOL
Repair doors Paint building outside Paint at least two classrooms
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boiler repairs Point exterior of building Install complete new lavatories- for boys
CENTER SCHOOL
Repair flooring Repair all exits completely
WHITEFIELD SCHOOL Outside light - front door Bulkhead repair Paint lavatories Boiler overhauled
All Buildings
In addition to the above, the general cleaning and overhauling done by custodians will consume tremendous time, and quite an outlay of money and equipment.
The work done by the custodians last year has been extraordinary. In my opinion, they are extremely co-operative, hard-working and con- scientous. It is impossible for the average person to understand the many extra hours these men devote to their tasks. I enjoy this opportunity to publicly thank them for what they have done.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The elementary schools of Wilmington are definitely overcrowded and consequently tax the ingenuity and physical well-being of the teachers in that area. I am definitely concerned about the future progress and welfare of the children under the present existing physical conditions. Teachers are constantly improvising to overcome the disadvantages of cramped space, but progress is being made to a great extent.
The testing of all pupils in grades 1 - 8 has been accomplished, and the results have been carefully scrutinized with regard to present weaknesses, and future action.
Two fifth grade remedial reading divisions have been organized in the two spare rooms in the Junior High School under the direction of Miss Boutilier. The progress of these pupils has been remarkable, and 1 ive no doubt but that present plans will accomplish a great deal in the voar future.
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In addition, the fifth and sixth grades of the Buzzell School have been grouped as homogeneously as possible, with an eye to extensive remedial work in reading. The children in these areas must be brought up to the desired grade level, if they are expected to meet the requirement- of future years.
Plans have been made to provide for all remedial cases in grades one to four also. However, inadequate space hinders the work involved. As a matter of fact, if prompt attention is not given to proper housing of pupils, it may be necessary to abandon present plans for most of th remedial work being done.
That such extensive work is necessary is no reflection on th endeavors of previous personnel. In great part, it is the result of over- crowded conditions, and consequent lack of individual attention. There may be other reasons, but they are of no particular consequence in th last analysis. That the School Committee and the formal Superintendent saw the need of this work is indication enough to me that they were aware of the problem and were quick to act by appointing a remedia reading supervisor.
The teachers and principals in grades one to four have had several meetings with reading consultants of various book companies preparatory to adopting a new basal reading system. Once such a system is adopted at the primary level, and carefully followed, there should be a more decided advance on the part of the pupils, and an opportunity of watching their progress more closely. This, coupled with the remedial work now being done, should result in greater achievement. The results will not be in evidence immediately, but should manifest themselves in the next year or two.
Courses of study must be worked on in other areas and at the time of this writing, plans are being made to do just that.
Text books are definitely needed at most grade levels and a wise choice cannot be made in this respect until clear-cut objectives are set up and current problems are understood.
The Rhinehart System of hand writing has been put into force as o January 7, 1952 in grades one to four. It is hoped to expand this program to higher grade levels next year. The slant, or manuscript form of writing will be taught in grades one and two and cursive writing will be taught i grades three and four. A suitable handwriting system is necessary to a reading program. Would-be readers must develop independence of wor
recognition, and one way to accomplish this is by general word con- figuration.
Due to a very undesirable crowded condition of the Maple Meadow School, approximately one-half of the pupils were transferred to the Center School for instruction as of January 2, 1952. This was made possible by a temporary closing of one room at the Center School as an opportunity class for six girls. This was done with the full permission of the State Department of Education, and after desirable provision had been planned for this class in other buildings.
Space does not permit a more detailed report in this area. I sin- cerely hope that the foregoing will give sufficient insight into our general problems and throw more light on what has been done thus far.
HIGH SCHOOL
At present, space is adequate for good instruction and sound edu- cational activity in this building. Ilowever, as I have previously stated, I can make no promises for late '53 and September '54.
Considering the large enrollment of students in the commercial course, and the facilities made available to them in the new construction, 1 found it wise to invest in considerable equipment for these students. The following was purchased for the use of the students: one Remington- Rand Printing Calculator, one I. B. M. Electromatic Typewriter, one Standard Duplicating Machine, and six new standard typewriters of various make to replace those which had been ten or more years in service.
Work on courses of study is decidedly needed and this will be done as soon as present plans for testing have been completely carried out Along this line, new text books will be definitely needed and purchased when the objectives to be met are clearly understood.
I definitely do not approve of the present marking system and, with the approval of the School Committee, plan to change this in the very near future.
The College Course needs definite attention. Such subjects as solid geometry, trigonometry, mechanical drawing, etc., must be incor- porated by September, 1952, if we are to prepare our students adequately for advanced study. With the exception of an additional teacher in September, 1952, I feel that we are competently staffed to cope with this situation.
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At present plans are being made to extend guidance services a this level. The wise planning of the present building provided for such work, and it is quite evident that it is definitely needed. More release time for the Guidance Director is needed, and this may be possible to arrange within the next year. Among other things, a cumulative record of all children as they advance through the years is needed, as well as follow-up records of all of our graduates for at least five years. Such a program will be definite aid to us in evaluating the work being done in the schools.
It is definitely planned to extend the present program of athletics in the High School to grades seven and eight by September, 1952. I think that the consideration given this by the School Committee will be deeply appreciated in years to come. The quick action by the School Committee in respect to proper transportation of athletic teams was a great source of relief to me and to all coaching personnel. To have continued the previou- policy of transportation would have been tantamount to inviting unneces- sary risk and danger.
The new High School diploma, approved by the School Committee, will be awarded the graduates for the first time in June, 1952.
These, and other changes contemplated for the future, will un- doubtedly produce the results we are seeking for the students.
CONCLUSION
Additional information regarding the schools will be found in the annual reports of supervisors and principals.
I feel very certain that definite progress is being made constanti to improve the Wilmington Public Schools.
All teachers in the system seem to me to possess a very profession il attitude and I feel, from what I have observed, that they are most con scientious. Their extreme co-operation has been a real aid in solvin our common problems.
Speaking for myself, and for the teachers, let me assure the Scho" Committee that much credit is due them for what has been accomplishe thus far. The many tedious hours spent by the School Committee educational matters is without compensation in the material sense. I remind the School Committee however, that their support and co-operati
is a priceless factor in reaching our objectives. I am taking this oppor- tunity, therefore, of thanking the School Committee publicly for their extreme interest and unselfish effort in behalf of the children of Wilmington.
I would also thank the P. T. A., the various Mothers' Clubs, other groups and individuals for their effort in behalf of the schools. Their constructive spirit and work is a tremendous aid to our educational growth.
That there are still problems to solve is obvious. There will always be problems, and they must be met with continued objectivity and pro- fessional study. Therein lies the greatest assurance of future success.
PRINCIPAL OF WILMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Mr. George C. Kambour. Upon assuming my new duties, I found the school well organized for the year. Some minor changes were necessary in the program due to changes in personnel. We, the faculty and student body of the Wilmington High School wish Mr. Kambour continued success and happiness in his work in Warren.
Other changes in personnel find Mr. Joseph Donovan at a Military Academy in Maryland. Mr. Cesidio Tessicini has entered private enter- prise. Mrs. Marie Macklin resigned to devote her time to home life. Miss Elizabeth Henchey resigned to assume the responsibilities of married life. Miss Shirley Bedell accepted a position in the Scituate School system.
Mr. Harold E. Driscoll was promoted from the Junior High School to the position of Sub-Master and assistant coach, replacing Mr. Donovan. Mr. Robert F. Barrett, a graduate of Boston College was engaged to teach mathematics, replacing Mr. Tessicini. Miss Christine Mulcahy, a graduate of Salem Teachers' College, has been assigned to the Commercial De- partment, replacing Mrs. Macklin. Miss Mary Daily, a graduate of Regis College, has replaced Miss Henchey as teacher of Latin and French. Miss Helen M. Kelley, a graduate of Regis College has replaced Miss Bedell as Home Economics Teacher and Dietitician. All the new teachers show great promise and initiative in their work. We wish them continued success.
Due to increased enrollment, Mr. Paul Blackjohn, a graduate of Salem Teachers' College, was engaged to start the new school year. Mr. Blackjohn resigned in October to accept a more lucrative position
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with the Veterans' Administration. He was succeeded by Mr. Allen Harris, a graduate of Duke University.
Miss Barbara Lewis, High School Secretary, resigned for matr monial life. She was replaced by Mrs. Eleanor F. Day, the Librariao Mrs. Gertrude Condrey became temporary Librarian until the appointment of Mrs. Helen Gammons. Both Mrs. Day and Mrs. Gammons are carryin out their duties very efficiently and capably.
Mr. John Ritchie, custodian, accepted a position with a janitori supply house in November. His vacancy was filled by Mr. Lester Smit Mr. Smith has accepted his duties with vigor and enthusiasm.
We started the school year with an enrollment of 392, which hay rolled back to 384 at the current writing. September of 1952 will find an approximate increase of 40. This figure will put the available class roo space at a maximum. Another year will force us to make some r- adjustments.
The first annual Career Day was held in November under the rection of Mr. Whittredge, Guidance and Placement Director. A higol developed program covering forty-five different fields of business, trade and professions was offered the students. The speakers, experts in the fields, gave interesting talks, which proved to be of immeasurable valu to each student. The students had previously made a choice of thre fields of interest.
The cafeteria is running smoothly under the direction of Mrs. Bo field. It was necessary to add another worker in October, Mrs. Wilhemin DeLisle was engaged in this capacity. The cafeteria serves an avera of three hundred lunches daily to the pupils within the center area. soup program is offered the pupils of the outlying schools.
In our athletic program, the boys are offered football, basketball ice hockey and baseball. Mr. O'Doherty, Director of Athletics is assist by Mr. Driscoll, and Mr. Beaton of the Junior High School. Basketb. presents a problem in as much as we have no gymnasium. However, wi the co-operation of the Y. M. C. A. in Woburn, we get in a few practic sessions there each week. This year, Wilmington has returned to co petition in the Lowell Suburban Basketball League. All games are play on the visitors' court.
For the girls, there is basketball and softball under the direction Mr. Cushing, assisted by Miss Mulcahy. Field Hockey will be resumen the spring.
In closing, I want to thank the School Committee for their co- operation and understanding: you, Mr. Good, for your counsel and en- couragement; the faculty for their loyalty and devotion to duty; the student body for their excellent spirit. All have helped to make these few months pleasant and enjoyable.
DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
The guidance program was placed under my direction in September 1950. During the school year 1950-1951, the program was confined largely to administering tests to the Freshmen and to operating the High School Placement Service. During this period the present vocational information file was also started. During 1950-1951 the Placement Service made 47 placements (exclusive of baby sitting jobs). Every member of the Class of 1951, who desired it, was given an opportunity to interview for at least one position.
In September 1951, the time allotted to guidance was increased to two periods per day and the program expanded accordingly.
In November 1951, Wilmington High School held its First Annual Career Day, with the entire school day devoted to this program. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Milton John Schlagenhauf, Director of University Admissions, Northeastern University. He was ably backed by a select group of 48 well-known educators and businessmen, who gave freely of their knowledge and experience. It is gratifying to report that many of our visitors commented very favorably on both our excellent physical plant and on the high quality of the students.
In cooperation with the Guidance Department, the Student Council is preparing a student's handbook, to be called the "Blue Beacon". The guide book will contain information of great value to the entire student body and is expected to aid incoming freshmen to make the difficult transition from Junior to Senior high school more easily and successfully.
In addition to the activities already in progress, the Guidance Department plans a more complete testing program to further aid the student in making a more valid self-evaluation and to point the way toward a sounder educational or vocational choice for the years ahead. The basic Boston University Testing Bureau program is still carried on in the high school.
During the past year approximately 500 pamphlets, folders, etc., have been added to the vocational information library. This brings the total available to approximately 700.
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We are constantly striving to increase the practical value of the guidance and placement services to the student by the use of classroom aids, movies, informational meetings and assemblies, field trips and conferences.
With the proposed allocation of additional time to the guidance program next year, increased, services which accrue to the high school students and certain phases of the program will be extended to the seventh and eighth grades.
SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SAFETY
You may recall that last year you were informed of the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual objectives to be gained through a well organized program. Today we can honestly say we are well on the way of reaching our goal and within two years our children will be offerred a program equal to or better than other schools in this area. At the present time every school in the system has some equipment or supplies, and this eventually will give us the end results that we are endeavoring to reach.
Once again the residents of Wilmington had the opportunity of viewing the Annual Field Day, after a lapse of years. Over twelve hundred and fifty children took part in the festivities which are a demon- stration of the work they participate in. Our May Queen, Miss Ann Brans- comb was elected in a democratic manner by the students of the high school. Her court of eight girls, representing the four classes, were also elected by the students. I am sure you will agree with me that our chil- dren are worthy selectors with their votes. It would be unfair of me not to give public recognition of the assistance of Mrs. Corydon Coombs, Mrs. Wallace Barrows Jr., and Mrs. John Tobey for their part in makin the field day a success. If the response of the parents is any indication I am sure that these programs will be presented regularly in the future.
Another step in the right direction has been taken at the high school where our girls are allowed to take physical education on an electiv basis. Their program will consist of games of higher organization whe weather permits, otherwise it will include periods of dance instruction periods of safety education, and periods of safer school living.
I would like to remind you of the importance attached to physical education by the department of education ;- 85% of our colleges now mak
this compulsory according to a recent survey. It does seem unfortunate that our college students have no gym facilities to better prepare them for higher education. Let us hope and pray that we may realize this soon, that our children may enjoy the facilities offered by ninety-nine percent of the high schools in the East. If we are to educate the whole child, then we must also have the equipment to offer him.
As an extra curricular program we now offer our girls in the high school cheerleading instruction, field hockey, basketball, and softball and we are being ably assisted in the coaching duties by Miss Mulcahey of our Commercial Department. The interest taken by the girls is shown by the large numbers active in these programs.
Safety Education
Endeavoring to give our children the best in a balanced program I have completed several courses in Safety Education, Methods in Health Instruction, and Safer School Living, at Boston University during the summer sessions. With the help of Mr. Good we intend to formulate a well organized program of Safety Education in the near future. As of this date we have made some progress along these lines. Firstly, with the purchase of sound equipment and, secondly, with the assistance of our police department and fire department.
Our first use of the sound equipment has been with the police department. Chief of Police Lynch has been very cooperative along these lines and has given us patrolman John Imbimbo as Safety Patrol organizer and, at other times, my co-worker in lectures and demonstrations to our school children.
The Police Department has been covering the more heavily travelled cross roads regularly and has been making spot checks on other dangerous less travelled roads at various times. We have given the children actual crossing of the road instruction assisted by our audio equipment. At various times we follow school patrols to and from school in order that we may instruct them properly on how to conduct themselves to and from school. Most of our time has been spent on primary grade children and hus riders. Another feature has been the surveleince of our skating areas. Here, too, the police and our local press have been very cooperative.
To you Mr. Good, to the members of the School Committee, to the faculty, and to the many parents who have given their wholehearted support to the fullfillment of our childrens needs, I thank you all.
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SCHOOL NURSE
Thirty-two years ago I was privileged to be Wilmington's first publ health nurse. At that time the school population was between seven and eight hundred, and school nursing was but one phase of the total publi health nursing program. This program included pre-natal, infant welfare school and tuberculosis nursing, as well as bedside care.
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