USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1941-1945 > Part 26
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There have been slight changes made in the ordinances since they were presented in the last annual town report, and in most cases these changes were upon the recommendation of the Town Council and Mr. Donald M. Macaulay, attorney of Springfield, acting as consultant.
Under the provisions of the proposed by-law, all sections of the Town, not previously developed, have been placed in "Residential A-1 Zone", which will give them an opportunity to develop in that class unless at a later date a change is voted, after petition, in a manner prescribed by law. The Planning Board strongly recommends the adoption of the zoning ordi- nances and by-law as presented, which will afford a measure of protection for the Town as a whole. While it is true that individual land owners can restrict and control their own land without zoning, they have no control over adjoining property, and the proposed by-law places such control over adjoining property in the hands of the Town authority; thereby assuring an orderly and uniform development in the various sections of the Town.
If favorable action is taken by the Town meeting in the adoption of this zoning by-law, your Board is planning to devote the coming year to the study of a building code in line with that proposed for the State as a whole, in order that post- war construction may be of uniform quality and meeting all safety standards.
A. I. MACDONALD, Chairman RUSSELL HARRINGTON, Secretary RAYMOND H. BEACH RAY PALMER RALPH S. STEDMAN
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REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Wilbraham:
My fourth annual report as superintendent of schools in the town of Wilbraham is submitted herewith.
Change in the Teaching Staff
Last March Mrs. Clara B. Merrill of Springfield was elected to teach the first and second grades of Springfield Street school. She is a graduate of the Farmington, Maine, Normal School and has taken courses at Boston University. She has been a critic teacher at the Farmington Normal School and has taught in Winchester and Medford, Massachusetts.
Enrollment
While there has been a slight decrease in enrolment this year, indications point to a decidedly larger number of children who will enter our schools in the years immediately ahead. Serious thought should be given to the consideration of a new school building which would house the classes of a real junior high school. A school of this kind must be one which includes all seventh, eighth, and ninth grades with facilities for household and manual arts. It should have an adequate auditorium which could be easily converted into a gymnasium. It is not too soon to acquire the land and have the plans drawn up.
Repairs
Extensive repairs were made during the past year at the Springfield Street school. New ceilings were installed in all classrooms. The corridor ceilings and sidewalls were patched and given one coat of paint and all three classrooms were painted.
At North Wilbraham the ceilings and walls of the toilets and corridor were painted, as were all three of the classrooms.
At The Pines school the dados in one classroom and in the corridor were patched and painted, the outside doors were repainted, and the window stools were scraped and given one coat of paint. The floors of all corridors were sanded, sealed, and waxed.
The customary minor repairs and replacements were made.
Visual Education
The Victor motion picture projector was given a thorough cleaning, inspection, and repairs were made by Visual Educa- tion Service during the summer.
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It is recommended that plans be made to buy an inex- pensive projector for slides and fimstrips which can be pur- chased from time to time. In this manner a library of still films can be started and expanded yearly. These films do not cost very much and can be used year after year to enrich our teaching of art, biography, character education, communica- cation, first aid, geography, health, history, language, literature, music, and reading.
Our motion picture program this year lists the following: This is New England, Americans All, Hand in Hand, (Junior Red Cross film), Secret Weapon, Jungle Giants, Bosco's Easter Egg, Keyboard Concerts, Overture to Oberon, Trees for Tomorrow, Jack and the Beanstalk, Brazil's Fishing School, The Flag Speaks, Sons of the Plains, High Over the Border, New Eng- land Yesterday and Today, South of the Border, Freedom Rides on Rubber.
No School Signal
There is none. Parents are requested not to call teachers, principals, or the superintendent to ask whether there is to be school when there is inclement weather. For the past few years the no school signal has been eliminated. Schools are open each school day regardless of weather conditions. Parents and others responsible for the children are to decide whether or not the weather is sufficiently bad to warrant keeping children at home. Children living near bus stops and near the school buildings may be able to get to school without undue hardship. Those who cannot do this should stay at home. Since there are no attendance contests in our schools, no child will be the object of criticism. Yearly more cities and towns are adopting the no "No School Signal" plan and are finding it to work out very satisfactorily.
Report Cards
Last May a questionnaire regarding report cards was sent to all parents. The returns revealed that slightly more than half of our parents were not interested in any drastic changes. However, a close study of the answers indicates that many more than 50 percent would welcome certain improvements; 60 percent would like to see a second mark in spelling indi- cating how well pupils are spelling in all written work other than the formal spelling lesson; 85 percent want to be in- formed as to possible reasons for unsatisfactory marks. Many parents feel that there should be an increase in the number of points used in the rating of the citizenship qualities. At present there are only two; namely Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory. Many of us are of the opinion that a five point rating scale here is fully as important as that which now obtains in the scholar-
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ship section. Tentative new report card forms have been submitted for the consideration of the members of the school committee and soon there will be meetings of the teachers who will be given the opportunity for discussion.
Honor Pupils in High and Trade Schools
Wilbraham is proud of the high rating obtained by so many of its secondary school pupils. Again this year many of our pupils have been listed on the honor rolls of the high and trade schools they attend.
Total Pupils
Honor Pupils
Per
Cent
1939
191
73
38
1940
174
77
44
1941
164
69
42
1942
152
66
43
1943
127
70
55
1944
129
59
46
Following the custom established several years ago, five pupils were awarded special commendation certificates at the local graduation exercises for having. been on the honor rolls for three successive years.
Achievement Tests
The annual achievement testing was done again as in past years and the results in all grades indicated achievement above the test norms. The results for the Wilhameadow Union are as follows:
Grade
Average
Norm
1
2.1
1.9
2
3.0
2.9
3
4.2
3.9
4
5.2
4.9
5
6.1
5.9
6
7.2
6.9
7
8.2
7.9
8
9.5
8.9
In explanation of this table, attention is called to the fact that 8.9, for instance, means the ninth month of school in the eighth grade; 2.1 means the first month of school in the second grade and so on. Since the tests this year were given in May, the norm of achievement for any grade is indicated by the decimal .9.
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Health
Dr. Lorne A. MacLean was elected school physician, and it is a distinct pleasure to report that we have in Dr. MacLean a physician well versed in public health and alert to the prob- lems of school health. The town is fortunate to have his services.
Professional Organizations
Your superintendent of schools is proud to announce that the entire teaching staff is enrolled in the local, county, state, and national professional education organizations. These are the Wilhameadow Teachers' Association (comprising the towns of Wilbraham, Hampden, and East Longmeadow), the Hamp- den County Teachers' Association, the Massachusetts Teach- ers' Federation, and the National Education Association. Each teacher, by virtue of her membership, receives two monthly magazines, The Massachusetts Teacher and the Journal of the National Education Association. Several teachers are enrolled in courses in education offered by various institutions of higher learning.
Conclusion
Please note that included in this report are individual reports of the school nurse, handwriting, art, and music super- visors, and also, for the first time, reports of the principals. All merit your attention and interest.
My thanks and appreciation are extended to the school committee, pupils, teachers, principals, parents, and all who are cooperating so splendidly to make our schools friendly, efficient, and successful.
"The good education of youth has been esteemed by wise men of all ages as the surest foundation of the happiness both of private families and commonwealths." -Benjamin Franklin Respectfully submitted, EDMUND R. SAWYER
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE PINES SCHOOL
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
When school opened in September, 1942, a sale of War Savings Stamps and Bonds was begun. One day each week was designated as Stamp Day when orders were taken. During the school year beginning September, 1943, and ending June,
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1944, the boys purchased bonds and stamps amounting to $1,350.30, while the girls were credited with $1,414.70. The total for the school year was $2,765. Last September we started the sale again. On Friday, December 15, exactly $1,000 worth of bonds and stamps had been bought by pupils and teachers.
For the past three years the Pines school has been enrolled one hundred per cent in the American Junior Red Cross. The pupils have participated in many of its activities. During the past year favors, place-mats, and decorated napkins have been sent to the veterans at Bedford, Massachusetts. Early in this school year the pupils of Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 filled eight Christmas gift boxes which were sent to children in countries overseas. Wall and tree decorations for Christmas were sent to Westover Field. The pupils have also contributed money for the service fund.
Last spring the boys of our school held an exhibition of model planes. It came about because of the keen interest the boys had in aviation. During the year the boys of the upper grades brought in models that they had made at home. A survey showed that most boys pursued this hobby. It was then decided to hold an exhibit in which all of the pupils could show their planes and compete for prizes.
Over fifty entries were made in last year's exhibition. A committee of boys, chosen to be in charge, displayed the planes attractively. A Condor Glider with a seven foot wing span won the first prize in the "scale" class. The best "solid" model was a beautifully finished Thunderbolt Fighter. Many splendid scrap-books on aviation were shown, and a prize was awarded for the best one. Mrs. Kerr, Mrs. Tower, and Miss Kochanek judged the contest. Because of the success of the Model Plane Exhibit, it probably will be an annual event at The Pines.
On Wednesday, June 21, the annual graduation exercises were held in the hall at the school. Twenty-seven pupils made up the graduating class.
The program featured a choral reading entitled "Meet America" by Donald Curloss Peattie. It was very well given by the graduates under the direction of Mrs. Lucy Kerr. Another program feature was a cantata "Ballad for Ameri- cans." Mrs. Chouffet and Mrs. Seymour, our music super- visor, were in charge of this. Mrs. Fontaine accompanied on the piano. It was rendered beautifully.
Even though the evening was a stormy one, the hall was filled to its capacity with parents and friends of the graduates.
American Education Week was observed at the Pines school. Parents and friends of the pupils were especially in- vited for Wednesday, November 15, although they were wel- come at any time. No special program was given but regular class periods were held. Exhibitions of the pupils' work were
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shown in every classroom. During the week twenty-five visitors came. The Pines is open at any time to visitors, and we urge the parents of our pupils to visit us oftener.
There are several things which we would like to have at our school, but we realize that the war will have to end before they can be obtained. One of these is a new metal fence to replace the present rather unsightly wooden one. More play- ground equipment is also needed. It has been suggested that a cement court, for the use of the girls, would be very fine, as their playground is sandy or muddy much of the school year.
The Pines school is a busy place, but a pleasant and most congenial one in which to work.
Resepctfully submitted, MARION E. KELLEY
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE SPRINGFIELD STREET SCHOOL
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
The teachers at Springfield Street school are aware of the fact that each child must be a contributor to our American Democracy.
The very life of a democracy itself is dependent on certain principles. Our aim, therefore, as teachers, is to strive to inculcate these principles in the hearts and minds of our pupils.
We feel that each pupil must have the finest equipment possible for life. He must have pride in accomplishment; therefore we must give him a thorough foundation in each subject taught in our schools. He must have a strong, healthy body. He must be able to give and take. He must enjoy fair play and be courteous and honest. He must be able to discern and strive for that which is right and good. This is no small order, but our teachers each day in the classroom and on the playground are inculcating all the best qualities of mind and spirit in the minds of our children.
The work of guiding youth is truly wonderful and the town is to be congratulated on the type of teachers who are guiding its children. Both Mrs. Brady and Mrs. Merrill have a remarkable understanding of children and are definitely leading our children to a better way of life.
The success of our work cannot be determined today nor a year from today. It will be determined in years to come when our pupils take over the task of leadership in our democracy.
It is a pleasure to work with our superintendent and each of our supervisors. We thank them sincerely for the help they so generously give us.
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We appreciate deeply the type of cooperation given by the parents of our children and especially that received from the members of our Parent-Teachers Association. Their loyalty to us and to this school certainly deserves commendation.
Certainly, when all are working toward the same end, in such a happy, harmonious way, we will have much to be proud of as we see our children in the future, taking their places in this challenging democracy of ours.
Respectfully submitted, MILLICENT G. GREEN
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE NORTH WILBRAHAM SCHOOL
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
School children everywhere are keen for a part in important war activities. One that they like and can do well is Waste Paper Salvage. In this activity they not only make an impor- tant and greatly needed contribution to the war effort but develop competence as youthful citizens and turn their ener- gies into wholesome, constructive channels.
The pupils in the six grades of the North Wilbraham school have been working on this very urgent salvage job since Sep- tember, 1944. They have become a part of the nation's army of paper salvagers called Paper Troopers and wear the Paper Trooper emblem and chevrons on their sleeves.
They have collected approximately six tons of paper, most of which has been sold to the Collins Manufacturing Company. The money received has been used for Junior Red Cross work, for school activities, and for the purchase of a government bond. The project has become an integrated part of the class- room work in arithmetic through the weighing and recording of each trooper's paper, the totaling of daily amounts for each classroom, and the accounting of funds derived from the sale of paper. It has greatly increased an interest in the production of paper, the processes of preparing waste paper for further use, the war uses of paper, and the importance of conservation and salvage.
The householders of the village have cooperated by signing pledges to save all paper and by having it ready for the troopers on the collection days.
Three outstanding troopers are Glen Hopkins, grade 3; Arthur Babineau, grade 5; and Duncan Miller, grade 4; who have each collected over one half a ton of paper.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY G. LOGAN
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Report of the SUPERVISOR OF ART
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
A child is born-"and the glory of the Lord shone round about them." That light is still shining in children's eyes- not only at Christmas, but all through the year.
We, in the schools, are working with these children. They are the peace materials and the leaders of tomorrow. Some of us who have seen them come into the first grades and march out at graduation cannot help but wonder whether we have done all we could to help them. We want to see our children go out confident and competent.
All departments are necessary. We do not expect to make so-called artists of all children. We wouldn't want to; but they can be artists in any line. There is beauty in any good work well done. Art is like seasoning in life-it is vital for happiness.
We have had a busier year than usual in our schools. Our classes, besides doing their regular work, have been busy help- ing with bond drives, stamp sales, making posters, decorations, invitations, and many items have been made and shipped to the soldiers overseas and to wounded veterans at home. This year nearly 7,500 trees were distributed in our schools.
In one way or another the art classes are tied up with nearly every activity in the schools and that is as it should be.
Much credit for the art work is due the teachers for their patience and cooperation. No one who is not directly connected with the schools can realize what classroom teachers are doing today. Their work is harder than ever before as they work with our children-children with shining eyes.
May we keep the light shining-that light of beauty and hope. The world needs it.
Respectfully submitted, HELEN BARTLETT TOWER
Report of the SUPERVISOR OF HANDWRITING
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit the following report on the opera- tion of the handwriting program in your Wilbraham schools for the school year 1943-44.
In the initial handwriting test administered in September of 1938, 11.9% of the pupils scored "A" (Excellent;) 22.1% made "B" (Good); and 65.8% received grades below "B". In the tests administered in June, 1944, 93% of the pupils scored "A" (Excellent); 3% made "B" (Good); and 3% were graded below "B". This indicates excellent improvement and achievement.
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During the past year approximately 2,530 formal and 7,590 informal papers were graded.
We furnished the following materials for your teachers and pupils :- monthly teacher outlines, pupil outline folders, room motivation certificates, individual handwriting certificates for the eighth grade pupils who qualified, term testing paper, monthly and term envelopes, seals, etc.
I should like to thank you, your teachers, and pupils for the excellent effort and fine cooperation.
Sincerely yours, W. L. RINEHART
Report of the SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
For present indications there is a boom in music educa- tion. Boys and girls of all ages are taking to music. Men and women in business are studying in their leisure time and for their own pleasure. The returning veteran decides that he, too, must make music.
To us in the music profession this is a challenge. Old methods no longer satisfy. Music instruction must be alive. It must have for the pupil a purposeful meaning. It must satisfy his urge for self-expression and create a tolerant love for all good music. The victrola and radio have brought all types of music to every part of the country, and have set up high standards of performance.
Here in Wilbraham we have kept up with the rapid ex- tension of instrumental music study in the public schools of the country by the organization of an instrumental class. Instruction in wind and brass instruments began last April and is in charge of Mr. Al Strohman of Springfield. The class now numbers fifteen members and individual playing ability is developing rapidly. This year groups of instrumental pupils from the Springfield Street and The Pines schools played Christmas carols as part of the Christmas program. The idea underlying this movement is that playing upon an instrument is not merely a personal accomplishment, but is also a social power which affects many persons in addition to the performer.
The spirit and meaning of all holidays and important events become real to the pupils who sing intelligently and with feeling about them. Passive utterance of sound is discouraged, and at all times the objective is singing that is beautiful, sig- nificant, and enjoyable. In May the annual festivals of song were given. The attendance of so many parents at these per- formances is most gratifying and their pleasurable response is a great motivating force for the children.
"Ballad for Americans" - a patriotic cantata - was the principal musical work performed by the graduating class
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at The Pines. A boys' double quartet and chorus did ample justice to the difficult score. Christmas was observed most fittingly by all the schools. Two of the schools presented operettas which stressed the religious side as well as the material angle of Christmas.
Our music program this past year has been made possible through the splendid support of Mr. Sawyer and the school committee, the hard work and initiative of the teachers, and the willingness and interest of the children. For all of these I express my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, CECILIA C. SEYMOUR
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
The work of the physician and the nurse has been as in past years, vaccinating, immunizing, weighing, and making physical examinations.
With the death of Dr. Saunders, Dr. Rohr of East Long- meadow finished the work before the summer vacation. With the opening of the new school year Dr. Maclean took over the work.
The cooperation of the parents is quite gratifying. How- ever, many of them were handicapped this past summer, for some had made arrangements to have tonsil operations and all such work was cancelled in the hospitals because of the pre- valence of infantile paralysis and some scarlet fever in Spring- field. It may be well to try to make arrangements now to have this work done in the spring instead of waiting for summer.
While most of the children have been immunized against diphtheria, there are still some who have not been made im- mune by this treatment. I would recommend that parents avail themselves of this opportunity and sign up for the October clinic or have this work done by their family physician.
Findings at the time of physical examinations would lead Dr. MacLean to recommend a physical education program for better physical development. We distribute posture and feet literature recommending exercises. Parents are urged to help bring about better posture by seeing that the children are more conscious of it.
We should strive for physical fitness, which means that the organs of the body are physically sound and capable of working efficiently. This means the practice of good personal hygiene. It means the kind of abundant and buoyant health that gives one the drive and energy that is necessary for happi- ness under modern conditions of work and living.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the school com- mittee and teachers for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
SIGNÉ L. POLSON, R. N.
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GRADUATION EXERCISES OF THE PINES SCHOOL WILBRAHAM
Wednesday, June 21, 1944, 8:00 p.m.
Processional: "Priest's March" from "Althalia" Mendelssohn Mrs. Liane Fontaine
Invocation
Rev. Joseph W. Merchant Grace Union Church
Chorus: "The Heavens Resound"
Entire Chorus Beethoven
Address of Welcome
Harold Murphy President of Class of 1944
Choral Reading: "Meet America" Donald Culross Peattie Donald Culross Peattie wrote this article for the Office
of War Information to explain America to the peoples of the world. . Translated into the languages of 60 nations, it is being distributed over the globe.
Piano Solo: "Shepherds Hey" Irene Buchanan
Percy Grainger
Cantata: Ballad for Americans
Text by John Latouche, Music by Earl Robinson
Note: The first performance of Ballad for Americans was in 1939. It was so highly received by both studio and radio audiences that the demand for repeat performances was unprecedented.
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