The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-12-04
Commercial Studies Proposed for CHS.
 Shorthand, TypIng Deem Essential 10 Collegiate Preparation; Lack of Facilities Blocking Plan

A proposal for adding shorthand and typing courses to the Crosby curriculum was renewed at a meet ing of the Board of Education last night, but indications were present facilities would prevent it's adoption.
 Commissioner Perry Graicerstein stated that such courses would not only be helpful to the high school students but are almost necessary for those who plan to go to college. Dr. John G. Gilmartin agreed with the commissioner, but pointed out that there was no available room at Crosby, and also pointed to the shortage of equipment.
 Dr. Gilmartin stated he has al- ways favored the proposal and in- dicated efforts would be made to adopt 1t as soon as possible.
 Commercial Courses
 A question was raised as to the possibility of allowing seniors at Crosby to go to Wilby for the spe- cial commercial courses, but no action was taken. It was pointed out some may wish to take evening courses in typing and shorthand.
 Reporting on various school ac- tivities, Dr. Gilmartin said a testing program has been undertaken in high schools and grammar schools. He said that 1900 high school fresh men have been tested in English, that $50 grammar school children, from grades one to eight have been given I. Q. tests, and that 1,750 from grades three to eight have been given reading tests.
 He said also that 54 pupils have been selected from each high school for tests to determine whether they have enrolled in the proper school. The tests in the latter category cover commercial, vocation, and achieve ment fields.
 The school superintendent re- ported that reading center will be conducted here under the guidance of the country's two outstanding reading specialists. He pointed out that the state is spending $4O00 for the reading program, and that Wa terbury is one of several cities selected for 1t.
 Dr. Gilmartin also reported that local kindergarten teachers will at tend a demonstration at New Bri- tain and Danbury State Teachers colleges. He also gave 8 report on 8 recent New England principals convention in Boston.
 Help Needed!
 The board gave approval to re- quest of Postmaster Charles A. Ba- bin to excuse about 300 high school boys for work at the post office Dec. i7-21, during the Christmas rush. Several commissioners questioned whether or not unemployed persons or discharged veterans could take the special jobs this year, but it was pointed out students in other cities were being excused for the jobs.
 Dr. Gilmartin pointed out that only students in good scholastic standing and who had permission of their parents would be excused. He stated that some of them would not start work until about noon or later and would be able to attend early classes.
 In Disagreement
 Commissioner Harold Parkinson took issue with an appropriation made by the Board of Finance in the education departments budget for appointment of an auditor and accountant for the department. He said the education board made no request for such an appointment but did ask for funds for appointment of a clerk at the same pay, $3,000 per year.
 It was pointed out that the bud get had been approved, and that the board, if it desires, can ask for a transfer in appropriations later. It also was suggested that the auditor could be assigned also to perform duties which a clerk would per