USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1946-1950 > Part 4
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8059
Circulation
Borrowers
North Wilbraham
9214
521
Stony Hill
253
22
School Deposits
1058
Total
10,525
543
During the year of 1946 the work of the Library has pro- ceeded with less interruption than for several years past. Fewer repairs to the building have been found necessary.
It was confindently expected that the work of installing fluorescent lights, which had been postponed for two years because priorities could not be obtained, would be completed before 1947. Money was allocated for that purpose but once more we were disappointed. It was found that rather extensive wiring would be necessary in order to prevent a fire hazard. Due to the usual shortage of labor and materials the work is not yet accomplished. However, the contract is let and we have promise of its early completion during this year.
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The Trustees gratefully acknowledge several valuable gifts received by the Library during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, H. W. CUTLER, Chairman HOWE S. NEWELL ALICE PLIMPTON Trustees
Milk Inspector
Licenses given to sell milk 53
1
Free licenses given to sell milk Licenses given to sell margarine
4
License fees turned over to Town Treasurer Dairies were inspected as necessary.
$28.50
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES M. PICKENS Milk Inspector
Planning Board
During the year, the Planning Board held eleven (11) regular meetings and fourteen (14) special meetings.
A public hearing was held on the proposed zoning laws at the Grange Hall on May 6, 1946.
A special town meeting was held at Fisk Hall on May 23, 1946, at which time the townspeople voted 222 affirmative and 37 negative to accept the zoning by-law as presented.
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This By-Law has since been recognized as one of the out- standing zoning by-laws in the State of Massachusetts.
The resignation of Charles Merrick was accepted on June 14, 1946. At a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board, Mr. Ralph S. Stedman was appointed on June 17, 1946 to serve the unexpired term of office created by the resignation of Mr. Merrick.
The Planning Board has approved two (2) sub-division plans submitted to it during the year. It appears there will be considerable activity on sub-divisions during the coming year, and as a result it will consequently be necessary to ask the town to appropriate a sum of money to cover the cost of legal ads, public hearings, etc., which expense is borne by the appli- cant, but is paid directly to the Town treasury, although the expenditures must be made from the Planning Board appro- priation.
The Planning Board feels that there is an immediate urgency to start work on a Master Plan for the Town of Wilbra- ham this year.
The Master Plan is a map which shows such pertinent features as Proposed and Existing Public Ways, Public Places, Playgrounds, Parks, Sites for Public Buildings, Sewers, Water Systems, Public Utilities, and all other features deemed neces- sary by our various town departments. The value of this Master Plan or map is that all data will be available to all de- partments of our town, and will show at a glance the present facilities and proposed developments planned for future growth of our town.
DUDLEY BLISS
OREN K. GILBERT
RUSSELL HARRINGTON
WILLIAM F. ROACH
RALPH S. STEDMAN
Planning Board
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Playground Commissioners
The recreational activities of the town of Wilbraham for the year 1946 were very successful. The three recreation committees headed by Joseph J. Mueller, Wilbraham Center, John Polaczak, The Pines, and Charlie Backus and Cyrus Woods, North End, have done a very fine job in their re- spective precincts.
These are some of the more important activities which have taken place in each section.
The major part of the appropriation for recreational im- provement and purposes for 1946 was spent in The Pines sec- tion in the leveling and seeding of the two and one-half acres of land which was acquired by the town near the Pines School. This land will be ready for extensive use next year.
In the North End section, the swimming activities sur- passed those of previous years and we wish to express again our appreciation for the fine job Mr. William Riddle did as life- guard at the beach. He will be sorely missed in future swim- ming activities. there.
The generosity and co-operation of the Collins Manu- facturing Athletic Association in the recreational activities at North Wilbraham are also very much appreciated. It was through their efforts that Grassy Hollow was kept in playing condition throughout the season. The Association sponsored movies each Friday night for the enjoyment of everyone, and it is understood that Mr. Bast and his Association have already ordered full playground equipment for Grassy Hollow, as well as for the Collins Athletic field which has been fully developed. We take this opportunity to thank Mr. Bast and the Collins Athletic Association for the fine work they have done and are doing in furthering the aims of the recreational program.
Wilbraham Center recreation activities were centered largely upon improvement of the baseball field, which Mr. Harold Porter has kept in excellent condition. Wilbraham Academy furnished the clay for new base paths on the dia- mond, which gave Mohawk Field a professional touch. Mr. Shultz and Mr. Ryder's trucks were used, and we take this opportunity to show Wilbraham Center's appreciation. The Fourth of July Field Day Activities, of which Mr. Baker was chairman, with its varied sports, was a high spot of the season. Mr. Stephens has again consented to the use of the Wilbraham Academy Gymnasium for Basketball this winter, for which we are grateful.
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The past year has ben a successful one, with many major improvements and developments, and extensive plans are being made for making the playgrounds and playing fields throughout the town available to more youngsters and in enlarging upon their facilities. The various committee heads. and contributors to the program in the past may well feel they have contributed a valuable part in making the recreational program of Wilbraham a very worthwhile project.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH Q. JACK
RALPH S. STEDMAN
LOUIS E. KEYES
Playground Commissioners
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Scales and weights tested and sealed
72
Liquid measures
17
Kerosene pumps
3
Gasoline pumps
36
Packaged commodities reweighed and checked 98
-of which 73 were found correct - 8 underweight and 17 overweight.
Respectfully submitted,
ADELBERT J. BROOKS
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
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Last August 25 our superintendent of schools, Edmund R. Sawyer, passed away suddenly at his summer home. Mr. Sawyer was highly respected and greatly admired by all with whom he came in contact. He was a conscientious worker, endeavoring at all times to do all he could for those children who came under his charge. While superintendent of our union he associated himself with many organizations, American Legion, Grange, East Longmeadow Lions' Club, and Masonic Lodge. His friendly attitude toward all was greatly appre- ciated. In behalf of the citizens of the town of Wilbraham, we take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for all that Mr. Sawyer did for our schools and our community during the five years he was in our midst. His loss will be felt for many years to come.
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At this time we wish to thank Mr. Frederic A. Wheeler for all he has done for us toward the smooth running of our schools from September 1, 1946, to the time our new superin- tendent, Mr. Harold A. Truell, North Brookfield, Massachu- setts, assumed his duties. The members of the school com- mittee realize the extra burden placed on Mr. Wheeler and marvel at his courage and stamina evidenced during this time. We wish him continued health and happiness.
Respectfully submitted,
H. W. CUTLER
MRS. ESTHER S. PRESTON CARL F. ALSING Members of the School Committee
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REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Wilbraham:
My first annual report as superintendent of schools in the town of Wilbraham is submitted herewith.
Change in Teaching Staff
During the past year it was necessary to secure only one teacher for our schools. Mrs. Adele C. DuBray resigned as teacher of grade five at North Wilbraham. Mrs. DuBray was an exceptionally fine teacher nad the committee accepted her resignation with regret. To fill this vacancy the committee elected Mrs. Margaret Lawson of Springfield. Mrs. Lawson graduated from State Teachers College at Trenton, New Jersey, with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education, and also attended New York University. She taught for four years in New Jersey and did considerable substitute teaching in Spring- field during the last school year.
Enrolment
At present there is a total enrolment in our three schools of 291 pupils, a slight increase over last year's enrolment. According to the report of the superintendent of schools for 1945, "In September, 1949, the number of children entering our first grade will reach a total of 80." At present there are 49 in grade 1. This means that there will be an urgent need for extra room space in the very immediate future.
Repairs and Improvements
During 1946 repairs and improvements were made at all three buildings.
The heating systems in both the North Wilbraham and Springfield Street schools are in dire need of repairs or replace- ment. Competent engineers have advised the school committee that these furnaces should be replaced. The budget estimate makes provision for this replacement.
Honor Pupils in High and Trade Schools
Wilbraham may rightly be proud of the high rating ob- tained by so many of its secondary school pupils. This year shows a gain in the number of pupils listed on the honor rolls of the high and trade schools they attend.
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Total Pupils
Honor Pupils
Per Cent
1941
164
69
42
1942
152
66
43
1943
127
70
55
1944
129
59
46
1945
135
48
36
1946
126
57
45
Following the custom established several years ago, four pupils were awarded special commendation certificates at the local graduation exercises for having been on the honor rolls for three successive years.
Conclusion
The brevity of this report will be evident, as it has been possible for me to be with you for only a short time. However, may we say that we have found your schools in very good con- dition. The teachers and children seem very happy in their work. We have gathered that there is considerable interest shown by the citizens of Wilbraham in the continued improve- ment of their schools, and it is our sincere desire to endeavor to meet these expectations. We can not help but feel that this may be accomplished from the splendid cooperation and hos- pitality which has been accorded me during my brief time here by the pupils, teachers, and members of the school committee.
I trust that the following reports will be carefully read by you, as they merit your attention.
"All who have meditated on the art of govern- ing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth."
-Aristotle
Respectfully submitted, HAROLD A. TRUELL Superintendent of Schools
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE PINES SCHOOL
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit my third annual report as prin- cipal of The Pines School.
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When school opened in September our enrolment was 135 pupils, an increase of about 15 over that of last year. The greatest increase was in the primary room where there were 36 pupils. Grade 8 had a slight increase, grade 7 was about the same as last year, while grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 were somewhat larger in numbers.
During the summer the interior of our building received a fresh coat of paint. The ceilings are ivory and the walls are two tints of green. The rooms are very attractive, and many favorable comments have been made in regard to them. We all appreciate the fine appearance of our building.
A new fence has been erected on the southern boundary of the school grounds. It improves the appearance of our building and grounds. The old fence was very unsightly.
Early in the year two acres of land adjoining the school grounds were purchased by the town. That land, as well as some of the original playground, has been carefully graded and seeded. At present the pupils are not allowed to play there, but in another year it will be a splendid place to play. We are hoping, when that time comes, to have some much needed playground equipment for the use of the pupils.
On February nineteenth the pupils of the seventh grade rendered an outstanding assembly program. This program featured four "Beauties," Beauty in Nature, Beauty in Song, Beauty in Poetry, and Beauty in Religion.
Slides were shown one day in an art class, and as the children viewed the pictures, they jotted down any songs, poems, or selections that came to their minds. The program was made up of the pupils' suggestions. A few of the numbers given were: "America the Beautiful," "Psalm 121," song en- titled "Lift Thine Eyes," poem, "The Village Blacksmith" and poem, "The House by the Side of the Road."
When the program was given, each selection was beauti- fully illustrated by a picture thrown on the screen. The pic- tures shown, with the exception of four, were scenes of the surrounding country in Wilbraham and Hampden. This pro- gram was in charge of Mrs. Chouffet and Mrs. Tower, our art supervisor.
On Tuesday, June 18, the annual graduation exercises. were held in the hall at the school. Twenty-two pupils made up the graduating class, the smallest number for several years. The theme of the program was "Some Great Americans." All of
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the musical numbers were composed by Americans. Poems by American poets were recited by the graduates. Essays featur- ing the lives of great Americans were written and recited by other pupils. Some of the subjects chosen were: Abraham Lincoln, a statesman and president, Dwight Eisenhower, a . general, Thomas Edison, an inventor, Mary Lyon, a pioneer in education for women, and Clara Barton, a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Miss Phyllis Smith, our music supervisor, and Mrs. Chouffet had the music in charge. Miss Smith directed and Mrs. Liane Fontaine accompanied on the piano.
The graduation program cover was decorated with a cut of the front view of The Pines school. Mrs. Tower made the drawing for this cut. From this same drawing a smaller cut, which is used on our school stationery and on the book plates, has been made.
During the past school year there has been much interest in the reading of state certificate books on the part of the pupils. Any pupil who read forty or more books from the state list was presented with a book for an award. The pupils who read were required to make book reports to their home room teachers. These reports were either oral or written.
Mrs. Fontaine, who teaches grades three and four, reports that six of her pupils read forty or more books. One of her boys, Nicholas Bordoni, read exactly one hundred books. Lawrence Ricci reported on sixty-one, and Robert Gosende read sixty. Dorothy and Doris Collins and Theresa Bordoni also received an award.
Mrs. Lavoie, teacher of grades five and six, had seven pupils who received an award. Evelyn Galcziowski read ninety books, and Myrna Wood read eighty-five. Others in this room who passed the forty mark were Larry Bordoni, Anne Fru- tuoza, Gilbert Jasmin, Ann Yamer, and Fanny Groll.
Several years ago the study of United States History was discontinued in our eighth grade, the reason given being that our pupils in the ninth grade in Springfield repeated what they had had in eight grade. Since some of our graduates have gone directly to the Springfield Trade School, they have had no opportunity to study United States history. This year it is being taught again. The textbook chosen by Miss Kochanek, our social studies teacher, and Mr. Sawyer, our former superin- tendent, is entitled "The Story of American Democracy." The authors are Mabel Casner and Ralph Gabriel. One of our pupils was heard to remark, "This book is surely up to date. It even tells about the atomic bomb."
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The teachers of our school have enrolled one hundred per cent in the National Education Association for the fourth consecutive year, showing their interest in, and supporting, their national professional organization. All the teachers are also members of the Massachusetts Teachers' Federation and the Wilhameadow Teachers' Club.
Last August we were shocked and grieved to hear of the sudden death of our superintendent, Mr. Sawyer. We shall never forget his geniality, his cooperation, and his helpfulness.
It was very fortunate for us all that Mr. Wheeler, our retired superintendent, so willingly took up Mr. Sawyer's work and carried on. We all feel grateful to him and thank him many times.
I wish to thank Mr. Truell, the school committee, super- visors, parents, and teachers for their splendid cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION E. KELLEY Principal, The Pines School
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF THE SPRINGFIELD STREET SCHOOL
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
Just before the opening of school this past fall our hearts were deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two of our loyal school friends, Mrs. Mary S. Merrick, who had served on our school committee for many years, and Mr. Edmund R. Sawyer, superintendent of schools since 1941. Although Mrs. Merrick was no longer a member of our school committee, her interest in our schools had never wavered. We feel that the passing of these two friends is a distinct loss to our community and we miss them greatly.
Our school at Springfield Street is made up of grades 1, 2, and 3. These are very important grades in the school life of an individual. The relationship which exists between a little child and his school must be ideal if the child is to develop normally. This desired relationship can only come about when perfect cooperation exists between home and school.
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Schooling has indeed become complex and involved since the days of the three "R's." We teachers are not interested solely in the teaching of them, important as they are. Many other subjects receive our attention. One we stress particularly is citizenship. We want a child to love his work, his teachers, and his schoolmates. We need, therefore, to instruct him in proper behavior outside the classroom as well as in, to teach him how to get along with others, how to share and take turns and to accept responsibilities, and be a contributor to his group. Only a teacher in the full sense of the word can give this type of leadership which is so much needed in our rapidly changing world.
I feel sure we teachers are meeting the challenge of the day in a large measure. Just this past week one of my little third grade girls made a statement which warmed my heart. She said, "Mrs. Green, I love to come to school. I wish I could come every Saturday. I'd even like to come on Christmas." This sincere statement coming from the heart of a little child made me feel that our school is succeeding in creating this ideal relationship which is our aim.
We teachers at Springfield Street school are looking forward to working with you and we pledge our best efforts so that only good may come to the pupils entrusted to our care.
Respectfully submitted,
MILLICENT G. GREEN Principal, Springfield Street School
Report of the PRINCIPAL OF NORTH WILBRAHAM SCHOOL
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
May I, in submitting this third annual report, first pay tribute to Mr. Sawyer, whose passing took from our schools a real leader and a true friend of both teachers and pupils. His ever kindly words of encouragement and help made work with him a pleasure.
His reorganization of the schools to place a single grade in each classroom has proved its value as an educational step forward.
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To be good school citizens so that we may become good town, national and world citizens has been our aim in each of these grades. Our emphasis has been placed on the ability to think clearly, to work honestly, to play fairly, to get along with others, and to respect authority.
For the sixth consecutive year this school has been enrolled in the American Junior Red Cross and has contributed material and funds to all its calls.
Once a week one class, accompanied by its teacher, spends a period at the Town Library. The teachers have been appointed special officers with the right to direct traffic in order that the pupils may be safeguarded in crossing the state highway.
During American Education Week we carried on our reg- ular daily schedule of classes and had parents visiting us each school day of the week. Our lack of an assembly room is evident when many parents come during Education Week or for the Christmas program.
The North Wilbraham Parent-Teacher Association and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Nelson gave the school a most enjoyable day at Twin Chimneys for the annual picnic in June.
In September Mrs. Margaret V. Lawson, a graduate of State Teachers' College, Trenton, New Jersey, took Mrs. Adele DuBray's place as teacher of grade five.
I sincerely appreciate the help and cooperation of Mrs. DuBray, the present staff of teachers, the supervisors, and the Parent-Teacher Association.
Respectfully submitted, MARY G. LOGAN
Principal, North Wilbraham School
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF ART
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
Each year we seem to be busier than the preceding year. The children seem to be gaining in appreciation and skills.
The regular work goes on, decorating the classrooms, the halls, helping in school activities, posters, and scenery.
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Our new feature this year has been the short printing lessons at the beginning of the art period in grades above the first, the object being twofold-to improve the printing and to implant some beautiful and worthwhile thoughts at the same time. Quotations have been varied to suit the various grades and have been taken from well-known poets, from old proverbs, verses from the Bible, and so-called Memory-Gems of other days. Much interest has been shown by the children and some of the parents. Some teachers have had the children memorize these selections. These papers are kept from day to day and marked periodically.
In the upper classes the children worked out their family trees.
As in the past, the children in all of the schools have done many things for the Junior Red Cross. This past year, in addition, we made over two hundred stuffed toys to be dis- tributed in the children's wards in the various hospitals.
We are trying to give the children more hand work. The boys have been much interested in miniature furniture, both antique and modern. That is something they could make without much equipment or space to work.
The girls have been taught knitting and are learning var- ious stitches. Before the end of the year they will have some sewing and crocheting.
I feel that the Kodachrome slides have done much to teach appreciation of beauty. One boy said after seeing slides of local scenes, "You don't realize how beautiful things are until you see them."
We all need beauty in our lives and we, as teacher, and you, as parents, are craftsmen, working with the most priceless material in the world. Together we should do well.
We have some fine teachers in our schools and I wish to thank them and the school committee for their cooperation.
May we all make this next year a better one and a more beautiful one and keep in mind this little thought by Alice Booth Day.
Who scorns The simple things Knows not where beauty lies; A tiny roadside pool may hold A star.
Sincerely, HELEN B. TOWER Supervisor of Art
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF HANDWRITING
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, 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 year of 1945-1946.
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, 1946, 76.1% of the pupils scored "A" (Excellent); 17.7% made "B" (Good); and 6.2% were graded below "B". Handwriting certificates were awarded to 96% of your graduates. This indicates excellent improve- ment and achievement.
During the past year approximately 2,750 formal and 8,200 informal papers were graded.
We furnished the following materials for your teachers and pupils: monthly teachers' outlines, pupil outline folders, room motivation certificates, individual handwriting certificates for the eighth grade pupils who qualified, handedness tests, monthly and term envelopes, and seals.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our apprecia- tion of the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times.
We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART
Supervisor of Handwriting
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
To Mr. Harold A. Truell, Superintendent of Schools:
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