USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1941-1945 > Part 6
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2.00
$1,067.77
Elementary School Transportation
Mrs. Mildred H. Brooks, contract
$414.00
Leon A. Jewell, contract
138.00
Town of Ludlow
57.18
George W. Motyka, contract
1,560.00
Bernard L. Rochford, contract
230.00
Nicholas J. Samble, contract
740.00
$3,139.18
High and Trade School Transportation
Town of Ludlow
$28.59
George W. Motyka, contract
4,793.00
Mrs. Elsie M. Samble, contract
300.00
Springfield Street Railway Co., tickets
328.00
Harry E. Temple, contract
7.00
$5,456.59
High School Tuition
Town of Ludlow
$109.02
Town of Palmer
697.50
City of Springfield
14,026.77
$14,833.29
Elementary School Tuition
Town of Ludlow
$146.34
Trade School Tuition
City of Springfield $8,069.25
98
Miscellaneous Auxiliary Expenses
Emily Cormier, lettering certificates, ribbon $10.60
M. S. French, program covers 1.50
Martin Diploma Co., covers for diplomas 10.26
Mrs. Agnes I. Simmington, materials for graduation 13.00
Springfield Cold Storage Co., storing commodities .60
$35.96
New Equipment
Beckley-Cardy Co., two tables $32.56
Burroughs Adding Machine Co.,
4/9 cost of adding machine 57.60
Carlisle Hardware Co., power jigsaw
17.75
Jerry Donohue, transporting tables
.75
108.66
Total expenditures for school support $58,971.46
Americanization Class
Irving C. Clark, film rental
$1.75
Mrs. Esther Goggin, teacher
108.00
Mrs. Lucy B. Kerr, teacher
144.00
The Stratford Co., books
24.00
$277.75
Improvement to Pines School Grounds
American Tar Co., Rotar
$84.29
Walter Clark, truck
10.50
Construction Service Corp., grits
2.60
Raymond Evans, labor
4.00
John Kowalczyk, labor
1.00
Jacob Misiewicz, labor
6.00
William North, labor
2.50
Fred Phelps, superintendent
3.40
John Piscor, truck
10.50
Frank Rettotto, labor
4.00
Peter Yama, labor
2.00
$133.79
99
Summer Playground Project
Johnson's Bookstore, paints, balls, crayons, etc. $35.49
H. J. Rhodes, salary, materials pur- chased
249.34
$284.83
Appropriations Needed for 1942
General Expenses
School Committee
$150.00
Superintendent's Salary
1,555.55
Other Expenses of Superintendence
1,059.98
Expenses of Instruction
Salaries of Supervisors and Teachers
16,570.00
Text books
800.00
Supplies
1,200.00
Expenses of Operation
Janitors
2,150.00
Fuel
1,350.00
Miscellaneous
750.00
Maintenance
Repairs and Replacements
1,000.00
Auxiliary Agencies
Health
1,150.00
Transportation
8,832.00
Tuition
24,573.50
Miscellaneous
708.97
Total for support of schools, transportation, and trade school tuition
$61,850.00
Americanization Class $325.00
100
Estimate of Credits on Account of Education for 1942
General School Fund Law, Part I
$2,370.00
Superintendent's Salary
859.26
Vocational Education
5,339.56
State Wards
200.00
Americanization Class
140.00
Total
Respectfully submitted, $8,908.82
H. W. CUTLER, Chairman, MRS. MARY S. MERRICK, HORACE J. RICE.
101
Report of Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of Wilbraham:
In submitting my first report as superintendent of schools, I wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the valuable assistance given me by my predecessor, Mr. Burr F. Jones who, before assuming the superintendency of the schools of Plymouth, Massachusetts, gave most generously of his time and professional counsel. It is a distinct honor to be chosen to succeed such an outstanding educator as Mr. Jones, and it is my sincere desire to prove to you that you have chosen wisely in electing me to be his successor.
I desire to express my wholehearted endorsement of Miss Emily O. Cormier as secretary to the superintendent. She is filling the position faithfully, efficiently. and conscientiously and her work is an outstanding contribution to the well organ- ized functioning of our school system.
Mr. Frederic A. Wheeler, your superintendent of schools for eighteen years, is a real comfort and source of inspiration to your new superintendent. His kindly advice, given only when sought, is valuable and heartily appreciated.
Changes in Teaching Personnel
Mrs. Mildred P. Daniels was granted a year's leave of absence. Mrs. Marguerite G. Brady of Wilbraham was elected to serve in her place. She has been attending Springfield College and she expects to continue her work there as time permits. Her recommendations are of the highest calibre and her success as teacher of grades four, three, and part of grade two is note- worthy. Her room is the only one in the union which comprises more than two grades. We were fortunate in having the services of Miss Mary Steele as a helper in this room for most of the fall term. She received no compensation for her services which which were very much worthwhile.
After many years of faithful service, Mrs. Minnie M. Sanderson resigned in June as teacher of grades one and two at North Wilbraham. To fill this vacancy Miss Patricia E. Mitchell of Springfield was engaged. She received her degree
102
of Bachelor of Science in Education at the State Teachers' College in Westfield in June. Her record there was an enviable one and her success as a lower grade teacher seems assured.
To fill Mrs. Ethel Iverson's place as supervisor of music, Mrs. Cecilia C. Seymour of Westfield was elected. She re- ceived her advanced education at Skidmore College and West- field Teachers' College and has had considerable music super- vision in Wallingford, Connecticut, and West Springfield. We are fortunate to have her on our staff of supervisors.
Elementary Schools and the War
In these trying times everyone is conscious of the fact that it is well nigh impossible for even the youngest child in grade one not to be affected in some degree because of our country's war activities. It would seem that our first duty at this time, as always, is to give our pupils the best possible education. If we are to do this our time will be well and fully occupied. More than ever stress must be placed on the advantages which are ours. Comparisons between our lot and that of the child in many other countries should help increase a devout love of the United States. The meaning of Democracy must be clari- fied in terms which our youngsters can comprehend.
Much attention has been given to the best methods for handling our pupils in the event of air raid alerts and warnings. It is inadvisable to list here the present procedures as these may have to be changed and improved from time to time.
Repairs and Improvements
As usual, repairs and improvements have been caried out in all three school buildings. Several major items should receive special mention. At The Pines school a heat blower has been installed in the north end of the large corridor and is proving to be justified. A second layer of tar surfacing has been ap- plied to roadway around the building . At Springfield Street the old type windows in the middle-grade room have been replaced with the new Austral windows.
Enrolment
The enrolment of pupils in the elementary schools of Wil- braham as of December 23, 1941, was 299. This is an increase
103
of six over the corresponding date in 1940. Since 1937 there has been a small, yet steady, increase. The decline in high school enrolment which began several years ago is continuing and now we have a total of 164 attending various high schools and trade school.
Visual Education
While visual education embraces many techniques other than the motion picture, it is pretty well established that the careful use of the sound motion picture contributes greatly to a child's education. The study of many printed pages without illustrations and diagrams will not result in as clear a comprehension as will the viewing of a carefully prepared film. Many films are now accompanied by teacher guides which are helpful in preparing a class for an educational program. Wilbraham is fortunate in having excellent motion picture equipment which is used regularly in all schools. The selec- tions of films for this year's showing have been made with the younger pupils in mind. The subjects follow: A Trip to the Zoo, Along the New England Coast, George Frederick Handel, Luray Caverns, The Return of the Buffalo, Walter Damrosch, Coffee, The Tree of Life, The Perfect Tribute, Paris Symphony Orchestra playing "The Flying Dutchman" overture, Wild Animals, Washington, The Servant of the People, The River, Know Your Money. There is a large library of films at the School of Education of Boston University which has been care- fully planned for the use of the schools. It may be well to consider seriously their plan of distribution for another year.
Textbooks
It may be of interest to parents to know something of the various texts used.
The basal reading system is known as the Elson-Gray Reading Program. This program includes abundant basic reading materials and the materials for the integration of read- ing and learning in various curricular fields at the primary level. In the basic readers there is a close adjustment to the needs of beginners, a great amount of reading context at the primary level with provisions for learning to read by reading and gradation adapted to the natural growth patterns of children. Much emphasis is placed on the enrichment mean-
104
ings and on the developing of the habit of thinking while read- ing. The story content is highly appealing to children.
Number Stories and Study Arithmetics by Knight and Stude- baker offer an integrated program designed to develop under- standing of arithmetic meanings as well as proficiency in arith- metic skills. The content is geared to the interests and abilities of the child at each grade level. Each step in the program is built with the whole eight grade range in view and with emphasis on the life values of arithmetic learning.
Our basic studies in science program is an integrated program designed to give children a growing understanding of the world in which they live. The books are notable for control of reading and concept difficulties, unit-problem organization and emphasis on scientific thinking.
Achievement Tests
The annual achievement testing was done again as in past years in April and the results in most grades indicated achieve- ment equal to or above the test norms. The results for the Wilhameadow Union are as follows:
1940
1941
Grade
Average
Average
Norm
3
3.8
3.5
3.8
4
5.2
5.3
4.8
5
6.0
6.0
5.8
6
6.9
6.9
6.8
7
7.9
8.3
7.8
8
8.7
8.7
8.8
In explanation of this table, attention is called to the fact that 8.7, for instance, means the seventh month of school in the eighth grade: 5.2 means the second month of school in the fifth grade and so on. Since these tests were given in April, the norm of achievement for any grade is indicated by the decimal .8. It will be noted that in all grades except the third and the eighth, the 1941 average was above the test norm. In the third grade the average lacked three months and the eighth grade only one month.
105
Honor Pupils in High and Trade Schools
Wilbraham is proud of the high rating obtained by so many of its secondary school pupils. There has been little change in the per cent of honor pupils attending high and trade schools.
Total
Year
Pupils
Honor Pupils
Per cent
1936
177
39
22
1937
178
50
28
1938
193
76
39
1939
191
73
38
1940
174
77
44
1941
164
69
42
Following the custom established two years ago, two pupils were awarded special commendation certificates at the local graduation exercises for having been on the honor rolls for several successive years.
Americanization
The trend throughout the state is in the direction of les- sened enrolment in Americanization classes and Wilbraham has proved no exception to this trend. Attending our classes at the Pines School this year are 35 men and women. The at- tendance is excellent and these people are very grateful to the town for this opportunity to meet two evenings each week for twenty weeks. Since the closing of these classes last year, six individuals have received their final citizenship papers. In the citizenship class all but one or two have taken out their first papers. Two in this year's class have their final papers. They are interested enough in the work to return this year. Mrs. Kerr and Mrs. Goggin are again teaching these classes, much to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Summer Playground
The summer playground project voted at the last town meeting was a very great success at the Springfield Street school. However, at the other two schools the interest was not marked, and for that reason a large part of the instructor's time was put in at Springfield Street. We were fortunate in having Mr. H. J. Rhodes, a graduate of Springfield College, in charge of the playground. He did an excellent piece of work and was ably assisted by Mrs. Rhodes, without whose aid
106
there could not have been proper supervision at all times, as there were as many as fifty children on hand at many of the sessions. Special thanks should be extended to Mrs. Carroll J. Enemark who generously contributed the use of her swimming pool, and to the Academy authorities for permitting Mr. Rhodes to direct some athletic activities on the Academy grounds.
I want to express a word of commendation to the teachers and all others connected with our schools for the fine spirit of cooperation and loyalty which is characteristic of a real school system. The Parent-Teacher Associations are making their meetings profitable and demonstrating that their efforts to bring the parent and the teacher nearer each other in dis- cussing their mutual problems is worthwhile.
Your careful attention is directed to the reports of our super- visors, also to the report of our school nurse. We are very proud of the work being done in our special subjects which are under the direction of highly trained experts. Miss Polson is continuing her very efficient work in her field.
In the few short months of my work here I have come to the conclusion that there is real friendliness among the teachers, parents, and pupils, and that it is a real pleasure to be working in such an atmosphere.
Anyone interested in our schools is cordially invited to visit them at any time. It is suggested that more of these visits occur in the morning when more of the basic work is likely to be seen.
Your superintendent of schools will be glad to talk with parents regarding school and their children and suggests that in these instances an appointment be made to suit the convenience of the individual.
In closing, I want to express my appreciation to the school committee for their kindly cooperation and keen insight with regard to school problems. It is a real pleasure to work for and with them.
"If ever there was a cause, if ever there can be a cause, worthy to be upheld by all of toil or sacrifice that the human hand or heart can endure, it is the cause of Ed- ucation."-Horace Mann in the Common School Journal, 1842.
Respectfully submitted, EDMUND R. SAWYER.
107
Report of the Supervisor of Art
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
"Where there is no vision the people perish"-a quotation from the Bible as true now as it was then.
In so many homes today all over the land people are trying® so hard and against great odds to preserve that vision for their children.
The churches, of course, are doing their part and we in the schools are trying to do ours. We, who have been through one or more depressions, know there will be more. We know our children are going to have many problems to face and life will not be easy.
We are not trying to make artists of our children, but we are trying in the art classes to help them to lead a fuller life through appreciation and accomplishment. Boredom and in- efficiency will have no place in the years ahead. Children who learn to appreciate the beauty around them and who can create beauty will never be bored or inefficient. They will be happy.
Our course in Art teaches appreciation of nature, picture appreciation, color study, design-both decorative and struc- tural, representation, and handwork. We vary the course as much as possible and work with various media. The Art classes are called upon for many things in school and out: for operettas-scenery, costumes, and posters: for graduation- program covers, corsage bouquets, scenery; posters. favors, invitations, and gifts for the Junior Red Cross.
I feel that the children of Wilbraham are doing some very creditable work. They are enthusiastic and capable, and we have a corps of teachers who are well-equipped and cooperative.
In closing I want to thank all who have helped to make our year so happy and successful.
Respectfully submitted,
HELEN B. TOWER.
108
Report of Handwriting Supervisor
To Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit the following report on the hand- writing program in the Wilbraham schools, grade 1 to 8, for the school year of 1940-41.
A comparison of handwriting scores at the end of the first test period, September, 1938, with the test scores of June, 1941, shows the improvement attained.
We administered our first formal handwriting test in your schools in September, 1938. We found that 11.9 per cent of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a grade of "A" (Excellent). In June of 1941 we found that 91.0 per cent of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a score of "A" (Excellent).
A set of formal test papers was diagnosed and a report was sent to the teacher each month. Approximately 2900 formal tests were diagnosed for your pupils during the school year.
Adequate instructional materials were provided by the supervisor. These included monthly outlines for the teachers, pupil folder outlines, room charts, pupil certificates, term record paper, diagnostic charts, motivation seals, monthly and term envelopes, etc.
In general, I have found the results to be excellent. I wish to express my appreciation for the fine cooperation we have received.
W. L. RINEHART.
Report of the Supervisor of Music
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
During the past four months of school a real start has been made toward realizing the objectives of public school music, namely to further develop a love for singing and for good music through artistic interpretation, good tone, skill in music read- ing, and intelligent, appreciative listening.
Each teacher is supplied with a monthly music bulletin outlining the work to be covered and the particular points to
109
be observed during a given month. Always the main objectives are kept in mind. Based upon the results of the Providence Inventory Test in Music given in May, 1941, review work is planned to strengthen the weak points. New theory is pre- sented as it appears in the daily music lesson.
Christmas was observed in the North Wilbraham and Springfield Street schools with operettas. In connection with the latter a rhythm band was organized. It is planned to continue this training and extend it to the other schools looking toward a time when instrumental work may be started on a more advanced scale. The schools not having operettas ob- served Christmas with a Candlelight Service with all grades contributing to the carol singing.
The children have been listening to the broadcasts of the Damrosch Music Appreciation Hour and have kept student notebooks in connection with each program heard. Music Appreciation Bulletin Boards have been started in some classes and discussions of the orchestra and its instruments have been carried on. A parallel course using phonograph records would be of considerable help in making the children more intelligent listeners and thus increasing their enjoyment of the programs. Such a course, presented by the supervisor on alternate weeks, would give the children an opportunity to ask questions and receive help in comprehending what they are hearing. Actual participation in all music activities is greatly to be desired rather than a passive attention to what is being presented. Every child should be given this chance.
The teachers and pupils have shown real interest and a spirit of cooperation in the work carried on during the past four months.
Respectfully submitted,
CECILIA C. SEYMOUR.
110
Report of the School Physician
To the School Committee, Superintendent, and Parents of Wilbraham:
I wish to make the following report of work accomplished during 1941 :
Physical examinations 312
Vaccinations (small pox) 36
Immunizations (diphtheria) 27
Examinations for contagious disease
22
Special calls at schools
7
I wish to thank all for the splendid cooperation given me.
ARTHUR L. DAMON, M.D.
Report of the School Nurse
To Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, Superintendent of Schools:
As school nurse for the town of Wilbraham I have assisted Dr. Damon, school physician, and Dr. Dinneen, school dentist, with the examination of 299 children. Defects, such as en- larged and diseased tonsils, poor posture, nutrition, general appearance, pronated or slight to greater degree of flat feet, defective hearts and teeth, have been noted, and notices sent to the homes if the parents were not in attendance at these examinations.
I have also assisted in the vaccination of thirty-six children. Very few of our children have exemption from vaccination.
The children of Wilbraham are pretty well immunized against diphtheria, twenty-seven having received diphtheria immunization treatment during the year. There was no Schick testing done last spring due to a recommendation from the State Department that the percentage of positives was low enough to warrant its discontinuance. However, your school committee has decided, after consulting with Dr. Damon, to have this work done. Dr. Damon feels that if the immuniza-
.
111
tion is done, the work should be completed, and all pupils who have been immunized during the past two years will be Schick tested next spring.
Seven children who spent twenty-eight days at Camp Federick Edwards made a total gain of nineteen pounds, each child gaining from three-fourths to three and three-fourths pounds.
Many children have been excluded because of colds, tem- peratures, rash, impetigo, scabies, and pediculosis following inspections by the doctor or nurse.
Other work that has been done: (1) Retesting of eyes of such children referred by the teachers; (2) Sending notices; (3) Making home visits; (4) Making appointments with oculists, opticians, and doctors; (5) Taking children home when nec- essary, and to oculist for examination; (6) Weighing of all children.
The Springfield Street school has an enviable dental record. All children who did not receive a Dental Certificate at the time of examination, with one exception, have had their work done by their own dentists or at the dental clinic. I wish we could accomplish this record in the other schools.
There is almost one hundred per cent immunization against diphtheria in the Springfield Street school.
At this time, if ever, we should strive to put our bodies in good physical condition by correcting defects, getting simple, balanced meals, and, above all, plenty of sleep to be able to stand the stress and strain. I am always glad to talk with parents about getting corrections made. A child who is ab- sorbing poisons from diseased tonsils or abscessed teeth cannot do good work. This is likewise true if the vision is only fifty per cent, or the child has a muscle imbalance, or uses only one eye. These defects can almost always be corrected.
I wish to thank all who have been of assistance this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
SIGNE L. POLSON, R. N.
112
School Calendar 1941-1942
First Term: Wednesday, September 3, to Tuesday, December 23 Second Term : Monday, January 5, to Friday, February 20 Third Term: Monday, March 2, to Friday, April 24 Fourth Term : Monday, May 4, to Friday, June 19
The schools are closed on Monday, September 15, Children's Day at the Eastern States Exposition; Friday, October 31, annual meeting of the Hampden County Teachers' Association; Wednesday noon, November 19, to Friday, November 21, inclusive, Thanksgiving recess; on Friday, April 3, Good Friday; and on all legal holidays.
TABLE I
Data Bearing Upon School Membership for the Period 1926-41
(As of December in each year)
Year
Births Recorded
1st grade
grade
8th Elementary Schools
High and Trade Schools
1926
57
120
43
466
85
1927
51
112
30
460
107
1928
27
97
48
440
122
1929
24
93
25
429
131
1930
19
74
41
449
128
1931
25
68
50
458
151
1932
29
71
59
460
153
1933
21
61
46
439
158
1934
37
50
54
413
163
1935
32
54
47
370
183
1936
27
37
47
324
177
1937
29
50
44
313
178
1938
43
37
33
278
193
1939
51
40
44
279
191
1940
45
43
32
285
174
1941
55
40
42
299
162
113
TABLE II
Children in the School Census and their Distribution October 1, 1941
5 to 7 years
7 to 16
Total
Boys
33
196
229
Girls
44
200
244
Total
77
396
473
Distribution :
In public school
62
319
381
In Trade school
0
7
7
In private school
9
66
75
Not enrolled in any school
6
4
10
Total
77
396
473
Total on October 1, 1940
82
392
474
TABLE III
Number of Pupils in Elementary Schools by Grades, Five-Year Period 1936-1941
(As of December in each year)
Grade I II
VII VIII Special Total
1936
37
33
35
36
IV V 39
38
47
51 39
47
9 324
1937 50
31
26
38
28
32
33
52
33
278
1939 40
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