USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Wilbraham > Wilbraham annual report 1951-1955 > Part 16
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The school population, as shown by the school census, continues to grow. In 1948, Wilbraham had enrolled in Grades 1 through 8, 331 students. In 1952, the same grades had 707 students enrolled. Each entering first grade for the coming four years shows an enroll- ment of more than 110 students. If the growth continues, additional rooms beyond the present building program will be necessary within five years.
It is the desire of this committee to maintain high educational standards for your children. The members of the committee wish to thank the townspeople for their constant support in helping the committee achieve its goal. As members of the committee, we wish to express our appreciation to all the school personnel for their cooperation, industry, and loyalty in conducting the school program.
DORRANCE T. GREEN, Chairman LOUISE D. SCHATZ JOHN W. GALE Members of the School Committee
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the School Committee of the Town of Wilbraham:
As Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Wilbraham, I sub- mit the following report:
80
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Name Irving H. Agard
Position
Year Appointed Education and Professional Training
Superintendent
1950
B.A., M.Ed., Lafayette, Fitchburg
Principal
Christine Clark
Secretary
1950
Ac.S., Bay Path
Helen B. Tower
Supervisor of Art
1921
Massachusetts Normal School of Art
Maxine J. Westfall
Supervisor of Music
1951
B.M., New England Conservatory of Music
The Pines School
Marion E. Kelley
Principal, Grade VI
1927
Worcester Teachers'
Helen S. Strauss
Grade V
1930
B.S., Columbia
Marion L. Holland
Grade IV
1922
Springfield Teachers'
Esther Johnson
Grade III
1949
Westfield State Teachers'
Therese Bailey
Grade II
1950
B.S., M.A., Westfield Teachers'
Mary Johnston
Grade I
1950
American International
William Tupper
Custodian
1950
Westfield Teachers'
Memorial School
Ralph N. Carew
Assistant Principal
1950
B.S., University of Massachusetts
Marilyn E. Stone
Junior High
1952
B.A., M.A., Smith, Columbia
Walter E. Bowen
Junior High
1952
B.S., Holy Cross, resigned, January, 1953
Frank Ballas
Junior High
1953
B.S., American International
Barbara J. Walters
Junior High
1950
B.A., Boston University
William Lennon
Junior High
1952
B.S., University of Massachusetts
Lincoln A. Dexter
Grade VI
1952
B.S., University of Rhode Island
A. Louise Bradley
Grade V
1952
B.A., M.A., American International
Virginia Locke
Grade IV
1952
B.A., Boston University
Rebecca Koch
Grade IV
1952
B.S., Springfield College
Marguerite G. Brady
Grade III
1942
Perry Normal
Agnes C. Coote
Grade II
1945
Wesleyan Academy
Persons Employed in the Public Schools (Continued)
Position
Year Appointed Education and Professional Training
Memorial School (Cont.)
Madeline Harrington
Grade I
1952
B.S., M.S., University of Massachusetts
Barbara Maher
Grade I
1952
B.A., Regis
John Polaczak
Custodian
1949
Carl W. Heiden
Custodian
1952
Springfield Street School
Millicent G. Green
Principal, Grade III
1938
North Adams Teachers'
Paula Donohue
Grade II
1952
B.A., American International
Clara B. Merrill
Grade I
1944
Farmington State
Henry Hyde
Custodian
1952
Health
Gwendolyn Buchanan
Nurse
1950
R.N., Mansfield General Hospital
Arthur H. Goodwin
Doctor
1947
M.D., Tufts
Irving P. Dinneen
Dentist
1929
D.M.D., Tufts
Hot Lunch Program
May Jenkins
Manager
1950
Marjorie Bartlett
Cook
1950
Cammella Kerr
Cook
1951
Mildred Cotter
Cook
1950
Elizabeth McIntire
Cook
1952
Beulah Walhberg
Cook
1952
Julia Dougal
Cook
1952
Evelyn Bliss
Cook
1950
Transportation
Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Brooks
1938
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Samble George W. Motyka
1930
1932
Name
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
Changes in school personnel not shown in the preceding table were as follows :
Mrs. Dorothy Minor was appointed as a permanent substitute in Grade II at the Pines School.
Mrs. Mary G. Logan resigned as teacher in Grade VI at Memorial School.
Mrs. Eva Brown was appointed as a permanent substitute in Grade VI at Memorial School.
Miss Josephine Giorgi was appointed as a permanent substitute in the junior high at Memorial School.
Miss Martha Beck resigned as teacher in Grade II at Memorial School.
Mrs. Sylvia Gertel resigned as teacher in Grade II at Memorial School.
Mrs. Stasia K. Lavoie resigned as teacher of Grade V at Memorial School.
Mrs. Florence Butler resigned as a cook in the Hot Lunch Program.
ENROLLMENT
The enrollment of students by grades is shown in the table below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
The Pines
27
27
24
29
32
32
Springfield Street
25
27
30
Memorial
33
36
32
31 32
35
38
58
36
38
33
It should be borne in mind that to achieve the best possible results, the Massachusetts State Department of Education recommends twenty-five pupils to a classroom as a worth-while goal.
Census Report
As shown by the Census Report which follows, the school popula- tion continues to increase. It is important to remember that these figures show those children residing in Wilbraham on October 1, 1952. A comparison with past census figures shows that each year there has been an increase, not only in the pre-school classes, but also in each of the twelve grades attending school. The 1948 census report predicted an entering first grade of 85 students in September, 1953. The 1952 census shows 126. Again, the 1950 census indicated 51 pupils in Grade 7 in 1952 while there are 58 pupils in Grade 7. The continued residential building within the town has added to the school population at a rate most difficult to predict.
CENSUS FIGURES, OCTOBER 1, 1952
September
Grade
of
1
2
3
4
5
6 67
Total 579 637
70 67
58
36 164
1954
125
126
118
90
86
92
657
92
70
58
195
1955
112
125
126 118
90 118 126
86 90
682
86
67 92 86
67 92
245
1957
95
111
112 125
118
687
90
268
7
8
9
Total
1953
126
118
90
86
92
70 229
1956
111
112
125 126
Using the census report above, the following table pictures the future classroom needs for elementary and junior high students in Wilbraham. With no addition to the census enrollment figures for 1955, September of that year will find the town of Wilbraham one classroom short with all present and planned facilities in operation. The following year, three additional rooms will be needed.
83
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
ROOMS NOW IN USE AND NEEDED ACCORDING TO PRESENT FIGURES AND PRE-SCHOOL CENSUS FIGURES, OCTOBER 1, 1952
September of 1
2
3
4
5
8
9
Science Total
Total
1952
4
3
3
3
2
1
1
0*
4
21
1953
5
4
3
3
3
2
1
1
6
26
1954
5
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
8
32
1956
4 4
4 4
5 4
4 5 5
4 5
3
3
2
9
34
1957
3
3
1 1
10
36
* One room short. During the present school year, junior high classes are being held in the cafeteria and gymnasium.
ROOMS AVAILABLE
Memorial School
12
The Pines School
6
Springfield Street School
3
Total
21
Memorial Addition
10
31
It is evident that the school housing problems continue to exist. The School Committee has this problem under study. It is constantly presenting town officials with statistics on the growing school popu- lation.
Pupil Costs
The following comparison of per pupil costs of the Wilbraham schools with tuition rates set by the Springfield School Department supports the contention that it is not only sound educational policy, but good economy to educate our students in town.
Per Pupil Cost Wilbraham $180.00 220.00
Springfield Tuition $220.00
Elementary
Junior High
320.00
High School Trade School
380.00
250.00
In 1952, the Town of Wilbraham paid $20,042.81 as tuition for senior high school students. In 1960, based on the 1952 census fig- ures, the cost of providing a high school education for Wilbraham students by means of tuition payments to Springfield will be approxi- mately $101,840.00 or more than the net cost of schools from local taxation for 1951. These cost figures allow for no tuition increase in Springfield and no increase in the number of students shown in the census figures. As with the elementary planning, the continued growth in the town will increase the student enrollment in the high school grades.
The present Memorial School with the proposed addition will have all the necessary features to offer a balanced high school program, should the town decide to enlarge its facilities in this way. Such a program would be of substantial benefit to the town from an educa- tional viewpoint as well as being sound economy. Future educational survey groups for the Town of Wilbraham may well consider the possibilities of additional elementary classroom building with School Building Assistance Commission aid and the utilization of the Memo- rial building as a six year high school. Under the present laws, it
84
7
30
1955
4
5
5
Grade
Grades 1-9
17 2 2 2 2 2 20 3 23 24 3 25 3 4 6 Total 7 26
2
2
1
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
is probable that any new building in Wilbraham for secondary level use would be without School Building Assistance Commission partici- pation because of the desire of the commonwealth to further the regional school plan. While the regional high school program has much to offer certain communities, it presents the same problems for the Town of Wilbraham as the payment of tuition to the City of Springfield. These problems are namely. lack of control, limited extra curricular activity opportunities, and a large part of the day spent in commuting to school.
No attempt to duplicate the facilities of Springfield Trade High School need be included in the operation of a high school in the Town of Wilbraham. This specialized training is not economically or sat- isfactorily provided for the small number of students now, or in the foreseeable future, seeking such an education. Trade High School facilities in the City of Springfield would still be available to those wishing them.
The Pines School
The Pines School continues to serve as a most satisfactory elemen- tary school. With the completion of the proposed addition, it will contain everything necessary to offer a balanced program. The Hot Lunch Program will be moved from the hall outside the classrooms to the new all purpose room. Physical education, music, visual edu- cation, and assemblies will have the necessary space to achieve the maximum educational value. Hot water for washing in the lavatories, an enlarged health and teachers' room, and adequate storage room will result in as modern and functional a school as can be found anywhere.
In addition to the usual cleaning and repairs this past summer, all stationary desks were refinished and more bulletin boards were installed in Grade I. The painting of the hall was postponed because of the proposed construction.
The safety program has been outstanding at the Pines School. Through a system of student government, the Safety Patrol has be- come a real credit to the school and functions with a degree of effi- ciency that has brought favorable comment from state and national officials.
The Hot Lunch Program has served an average of 135 meals a day at the Pines School. The high percentage of participation testi- fies to the excellence of the food, and the complete satisfaction with the program.
In May, the children presented a program of music featuring the flutophones, under the direction of Miss Westfall, Music Supervisor, and a demonstration of progress made in physical education under the direction of Mr. Burkett of Springfield College.
American Education Week was observed at the Pines School. No special program was presented, but the parents were invited to observe the actual daily program throughout the week.
The Pines Parent-Teacher Association has been very active and helpful to the Pines School and the school system as a whole. Its assistance in the development of the Hot Lunch Program at the Pines School and its deep interest in the welfare of the students has helped greatly in the progress at this school. Its gifts of library books and games were greatly appreciated.
The Springfield Street School
The Springfield Street School was reopened in September as a temporary measure to handle the crowded situation in the elemen- tary grades. With the completion of the Memorial School addition, the Springfield Street School can be returned to a stand-by status
85
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
and will be available for use when required. With the necessary rooms available at The Pines and Memorial Schools, the cost of keeping the Springfield Street School open is prohibitive. The yearly per-pupil cost at the Springfield Street School is approximately $20.00 higher than the cost would be if the same students were housed at Memorial or Pines Schools. The three furnaces, burning better than 30 tons of coal per year, and the necessary close super- vision they require, make this an expensive school to operate. The cost of a modern heating plant with the necessary air exchange equipment to meet state requirements would be a project of con- siderable capital investment and a problem requiring careful evalua- tion of future needs.
In preparation for the September, 1952 opening, the floors were repaired and refinished and new movable furniture was placed in all the rooms. The unsatisfactory water pressure condition was cor- rected and the lavatories and drinking fountains were changed to meet state health requirements.
The Hot Lunch Program was provided at Springfield Street School with an average of 52 pupils' taking part. Here, as at the Pines, the program has been well received and has been most satisfactory. If future use of this school is to be on a full time basis, additional space and continuous hot water should be provided.
American Education Week was observed with invitations to all parents to visit the classrooms and see the daily program in opera- tion.
The Parent-Teacher Association of the Memorial School includes parents of both the Springfield Street School and Memorial School children. The parents' interest and participation in the affairs of this school have been most helpful.
The Memorial School
The Memorial School enrollment in September, 1952 was 402 stu- dents, 40 more students than the recommended capacity. This is despite the fact that three grades were enrolled at the Springfield Street School for the first time since the Memorial School opened. This enrollment, plus the record high of 169 at the Pines School, illustrates more clearly than even the census report, the rapid in- crease in school population since the opening of Memorial School. Because of the overcrowded condition, the science laboratory is being used as a home room in the junior high. Additional classroom space has been obtained by using the cafeteria, auditorium, and stage. Learning conditions have not been as satisfactory as in past years. With classes being held simultaneously in both the auditorium and on the stage, student attention wanders and discipline becomes a problem. The cafeteria does not lend itself well to classroom use and considerable interference with the Hot Lunch Program has re- sulted. Satisfactory maintenance of the building has been difficult because of the overcrowding. With the completion of the additional classrooms, this situation will be corrected.
The Memorial School operates as two units, an elementary school and a junior high school. The junior high school is departmentalized to offer specialized training and prepare the students for the several high schools available to them. The theory and application of self- government is taught and carried out through the student council. The basic rule of deportment is, as in any democratic society, that no individual may conduct himself in any way that will deprive any- one else of his rights or in any way deprive the group of the oppor- tunity of obtaining the best possible education.
The graduation program of the 1952 class follows. Attention is called to the number of Wilbraham students who graduated from Palmer and Springfield high schools with honors.
86
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
PROGRAM
Processional, March from Aida Giuseppe Verdi Invocation
REVEREND DONALD SMITH
Choric Response, O God, Our Help in Ages Past Grade 9 Chorus Croft
Welcome THOMAS LAURINO, Class President
Arr. by Deems Taylor
May Day Carol (English Folk Song) Grade 9 Girls
Essay, An Open Letter to America's Students Article Chosen by RICHARD BEHRENS Article Read by HOMER BOYER
Deep River Negro Spiritual
Grade 9 Boys
Essay, The Little Red School House - Then and Now
EILEEN BROPHY
The Woman in the Shoe Grade 9 Girls' Sextette
Freed and Brown
Essay, We Educate for Freedom - A History of Education THOMAS LAURINO
Land of Hope and Glory Benson and Elgar
Grade 9 Chorus
Presentation of Diplomas to Graduates MR. DORRANCE GREEN, Chairman of School Committee
Piano Concerto in A Minor
Edvard Greig
MISS PATRICIA WESSELLS
Presentation of Awards to High School Honor Students
Presentation of Merrick Awards
Recognition of Services of Mrs. Mary C. Logan MR. DORRANCE GREEN, Chairman of School Committee
Class Song Flag Salute Star Spangled Banner
Benediction
REVEREND DONALD SMITH
Recessional, Jubilee March Frederick Williams
CLASS OFFICERS
Thomas Peter Laurino, President
Barbara Joyce Muir, Vice-President William Charles Tupper, Treasurer Susan Vertene Kuehn, Secretary
Richard Edwin Allyn John Edward Babineau Raymond John Bednarz Richard Arland Behrens David Marshall Bliss Jean Ann Bousquet Homer Carl Boyer Eileen Mary Brophy Dorothy May Cieplik Chester Frank Dobek Kent Davis Folsom Gilbert Stanley Gardell
Arnold Eugene Hansen Martha Jean Heiden
Patricia Louise Hunter Celia Christine Jablonski
Frederick William Nieske
William Terry Nolte Joan Eleanor Pannier Rose Marie Smola Frances Gay VonFlatern Patricia Cute Wessells Robert Harry Whyte Mary Sue Williamson
Arranged by Grade 9 Led by THOMAS LAURINO
87
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.) HIGH SCHOOL HONOR STUDENTS
Shirley Philibotte
Palmer High School
Gayle Moore
Palmer High School
Robert Gardner
Frances Howes
Technical High School Technical High School Technical High School
Josephine Boryczka
Delores Balengo Jessica Doe
Jane Kaczowska
High School of Commerce Classical High School Cathedral High School
MERRICK AWARDS
Flowers
Gail Hunter Sandra Loeb
First Prize Second Prize
Birds
Marjorie Wells First Prize Judy Rice Second Prize
In May, the Memorial School presented a musical program and minstrel show. The proceeds of this program were used to help pay the medical expenses incurred through an accident in a physical education class.
The Memorial School Parent-Teacher Association continued its fine program of cooperation with the school. Among the many fine activities were the ballroom dancing classes and the family night pro- gram. The gift of the auditorium piano filled an urgent need.
The major repair project completed at the Memorial School in 1952 was the exterior painting of the building. The planned playground and parking areas were not constructed because of the proposed addi- tion.
The new school department office was established in the Memorial School with the additional funds provided at the annual town meeting.
Hot Lunch Program
The Hot Lunch Program operates with the preparation kitchen and cafeteria at Memorial School, the serving kitchen and cafeteria hall at The Pines School, and the serving area and classroom eating space at Springfield Street School. All food is prepared at the Memorial School and transported in vacuum containers to the other serving places. Full credit for the 500 daily meals and the success of this program belong to Mrs. Jenkins and her staff. It is impor- tant to note that this program is completely self-supporting, buying all food and paying all employees without drawing on local tax funds. The complete meal, including milk and dessert is provided at $.20 per day. This low price, the lowest in the area, has been main- tained because of the large volume, efficient preparation, and wide use of surplus commodities. Mr. Ralph Carew handles the book- keeping reports and cash account for this program.
The following totals for a ten month period picture the size of this growing program:
Class A Hot lunches, full meal, milk and dessert 73,480
Servings of milk in addition to those in Class A lunches 12,202
United States Department of Agriculture claims received $6,845.58
Cash payments for lunches $15,302.91
Salaries to lunchroom personnel $5,227.50
Payment for Food and supplies $14,412.89
Community Use of Memorial Auditorium
More than twenty-five organizations used the Memorial auditorium in 1952 under the provisions of the Community Program. Because it is the policy not to charge for non-profit, educational, and young
88
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
peoples' activities, this program returns only a small part of its operating fund to the Town of Wilbraham in the form of hall rent. However, the wide use of the hall for community affairs more than justifies the cost. Throughout the winter months, every night is booked and the use averages more than thirty hours a week. With the completion of the Pines School auditorium, additional activity space will be available for the townspeople of Wilbraham.
Visual Education
With the opening of school in September, a weekly visual educa- tion program was added to the school curriculum. A teacher com- mittee arranges to have an outstanding film available each week for showing in each of the three schools. These films are obtained from the various industrial sources and are usually obtained by payment of postage fees. Much of the subject matter being covered in geog- raphy, science, and health is presented on film in color with little or no advertising matter.
Instrumental Program
In September, the school activities were enlarged with the intro- duction of an instrumental program in the music department. Fol- lowing a demonstration of the many instruments, the opportunity to rent one was made available and beginning lessons were started. The enthusiasm with which this program was planned and is being carried out is largely due to the hard work and patience of the music supervisor.
Health Program
In accordance with the new state health regulations, children in the first grades, who were not examined at the pre-school clinic, new children in this school system, and children in the fourth and eighth grades were examined by the school physician, Dr. Arthur Goodwin. Parents of the first and fourth grade children were invited to be present.
Total number of children examined 194
Parents present at examination
69
Notices sent out for physical defects noted 29
There were 633 dental examinations made by the school dentist, Dr. Irving P. Dineen with 333 notices sent home for children need- ing dental care.
Head examinations
732
Notices
27
Weight and height
614
Audiometer tests
641
Notices
4
Visual Acuity tests
927
Notices
87
Children aided by Lions' Club
2
Number of children examined by family eye specialist
39
Number of children fitted with glasses
23
Number of children attending pre-school clinic
37
Number of children vaccinated at pre-school clinic
21
Number of children receiving diphtheria immunization
26
Number of children receiving diphtheria immunization at well-child clinic
19
Number of children receiving diphtheria boosters
118
(The double and triple antigens were used this year)
Number of children having contagious diseases 507
Number of children sent to Child Guidance Clinic
4
Number of children sent to Camp Frederic Edwards
4
Number of children taken home and home calls
144
89
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (Cont.)
The new Massachusetts vision testing equipment and Maico audio- meter were purchased this year and all children were tested in the first two months of the school year. Additional tests are made throughout the year. In the past, with this equipment owned by the three school union towns, some of this testing was not completed until late in the year.
Through the cooperation of the Board of Selectmen and the Town Safety Committee, excellent supervision has been provided at each of the school crossings.
Great credit is due the school custodians for the clean, well-kept buildings. It would be impossible to maintain satisfactory learning facilities were it not for the determination of these men to keep their buildings in the best possible condition. The pride they dem- onstrate in doing the work well, their kindness and thoughtfulness with the children, and their cooperation with the teachers, all makes for an improving school system.
In March, Mrs. Helen A. Reid completed her three year term as a member of the Wilbraham School Committee. While she was on the committee, many of the most difficult school problems the town has had to face were solved. She spent many long hours in the serv- ice of the town, assisting in the planning, building, and equipping of the Memorial School. In the last year of her term, she served as a member of the School Survey Committee, developing the present building projects. Her interest in school problems and her desire to provide the best possible education for the youth of Wilbraham made her decision not to serve again a loss to the town.
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