USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1939-1941 > Part 20
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JOHN V. DETHIER
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
I herewith submit the report of the Physical Education Department for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Aims of Physical Education
Physical Education is the regulated and supervised practice of muscular exercise under conditions that tend to promote the health of the pupils, insure normal growth and develop motor control. It is for the sake of mental and moral culture and not an end in itself. It is to make the intellect, feelings and will more vigorous, sane, supple and resourceful.
For both boys and girls, the physical education program should be made up of activities involved, for the most part, in play, games, and various athletic sports, out of doors when possible.
These activities are popular and beneficial because they satisfy the instinctive social desires of the pupil and correspond in type to the recre- ational activities in which the pupil should engage when he grows to adult life.
As in all phases of education, each lesson should be the concrete expres- sion of a definite hygienic and educational thought. It should embody the teacher's ideals, standards and special knowledge; it should represent his understanding of the conditions to be met and his best judgment of how the pupils' time and efforts are to be utilized to the fullest advantage.
The Physical Education Program
We have endeavored to carry on our physical education program in accordance with the "Aims of Physical Education". In the first six grades, due regard for the age of the pupil and study of physical needs were stressed. A very thorough check-up on the posture of the pupil is most important at this time.
In the Junior and Senior High Schools, the class work consisted of posture work, gymnastic exercises, marching, team games and apparatus exercise. Posture is, at all times, an object of attention, and if a pupil seems to require it, he is given special exercises outside of school hours.
Athletics
As in our regular classes, we strive to adhere to our policy of "Athletics for All". All pupils are encouraged to participate in the sport they like.
148
Recommendations
1. For the past five years, the Senior High School has sponsored indoor track at the Norwood State Armory at an annual expense to the Town of Norwood of fifty dollars. The State of Massachusetts recently has increased the rental fee for its use. I would recommend the construction of a board track which could be placed on the right side of the baseball field. This track could be made in small sections which could be stored away when not in use.
2. Many pupils of Norwood are very much interested in having a High School hockey team. I would like to recommend the construction of a hockey rink, which it would appear may be set up for relatively small cost at the western end of the rear of the High School properties.
Conclusion
May I take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude to all members of the School Department for their fine cooperation with this department.
H. BENNETT MURRAY
REPORT OF THE HEALTH SUPERVISOR
The annual report of the Health Department is herewith submitted.
Early health education 'activities were directed toward physical health only, whereas at the present time, the scope of health education is an all around development of the child's physical, mental, social and emotional welfare which more adequately prepares him to meet the problems of adult life.
Physical Examinations
The school physicians, Dr. Alfred A. Fenton M. D., and Dr. George R. Allen M. D. have completed the physical examinations of all the children in the system. Parents have been notified of defects found at this time and advised to consult their family physicians for advice concerning corrections indicated. The defects found at the time of examination are as follows:
Defective tonsils and adenoids (enlarged or diseased) 362
Abnormal cardiac conditions
12
Marked postural defects 14
Anemia
1
Obesity.
6
Enlarged glands.
2
Poor nutrition.
3
Abnormal pulmonary conditions.
2
Structural defect of ear
1
149
Many abnormal conditions found at the time of examination may have been noted in previous years. For example, all the children found to have abnormal heart conditions had been checked at an earlier time in their school career and were receiving periodic examinations and treatment from their family physicians.
It is indeed a problem to know when to urge parents to have operations performed for defective tonsils and adenoids. Medical men of ability cannot agree on this subject. We do feel, however, that if a child has had frequent absences from school because of upper respiratory infections, as well as involvement of the eardrum, that the family doctor should be consulted for definite treatment. One hundred and sixteen children had tonsil operations performed in the past year.
The parents have been most cooperative in carrying out the recom- mendations for the correction of physical defects. It is not always easy for them to follow these recommendations immediately because of more urgent needs of the family funds. There are few parents who are not anxious to give their children every opportunity to compete favorably with their classmates even though it often means great sacrifice. If we have not had the cooperation of a parent it is because we have failed in some way to properly explain the situation to him.
Dental Examinations
For the first time within my knowledge each child in our school system has had a dental examination by our school dentist, Dr. Timothy J. Curtin, D. M. D.
It is interesting to note the incidence in dental caries in the different groups. In the elementary school group-grades 1 to 6 inclusive-there were eighty-one percent in need of dental correction, four percent less than found at the time of examination the previous year. In the Junior High School group-grades 7 to 9 inclusive-there were seventy-three percent needing treatment, while the Senior High School group-grades 10 to 12 inclusive-had only sixty-nine percent needing attention. The ninety-three pupils under treatment with their family dentists at the time of the examination would lower the percentage of caries somewhat in the latter two groups.
Parents were notified and urged to consult their family dentist for necessary treatments.
The school dental clinic has broadened its program to include students from the Junior and Senior High School groups who have been unable to employ the services of a private dentist. These boys and girls were at a disadvantage in the past in that they often left High School inadequately prepared physically to compete favorably in the business world. How much better to know the physical handicaps have been removed than to say that John Jones had received his diploma, but had thirteen cavities in his teeth!
150
The program for the elementary school children continues as before in caring first for the children in grades 1 to 3 inclusive whose parents can- not employ a private dentist. The second teeth are making their appear- ance during these stages and it is essential that they be checked early to be sure there are no defects in the enamel which will cause serious caries if neglected. Good dental hygiene habits are established in these formative years-good habits which will carry over into adult life.
The parents and dentists continue to cooperate in carrying out this dental program as may be shown by the fact that ninety-seven percent of the children had completed the necessary dental corrections at the time schools closed in June, 1939.
Mental Examinations
Twenty-six children from the various grades in the elementary and Junior High Schools who had difficulty in their school work were examined by Dr. Margaret Simpson, M. D. She has made recommendations which should help the children to derive the most out of their school work with the least difficulty.
Habit Clinic
The Habit Clinic, held each Friday morning from 10:00 a. m. to 12:00 noon at the Norwood Hospital, is under the able leadership of Dr. Ella Cahill, M. D. Any parent with a problem with which he or she would like help may have an appointment to see Dr. Cahill by calling the hospital or contacting one of the school nurses.
The aim of the clinic is one of prevention, the prevention of malad- justments in later life, which result frequently from minor problems of childhood. The clinic deals only with normal or bright children and not retarded children. Children with physical handicaps which might affect a happy adjustment are referred to the family doctors for correction. Parents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity offered by the clinic to develop a better understanding of the child's need in acquiring a healthy mind and body.
Communicable Disease Control
Although we, in Norwood, have been more fortunate than some of our neighboring townsfolk in the matter of communicable disease, we did have a few cases of scarlet fever, measles, mumps, whooping cough and chicken- pox.
We must continue to be vigilant. "Control of disease depends on knowing that it exists." In this respect parents can be most helpful in reporting to the schools when their youngsters have a communicable disease. It is possible then to check all contacts and exclude any who show initial stages of infection.
151
Diphtheria Immunization Clinic
One hundred and twenty-three children given a series of inoculations with toxoid last year were given Shick tests. Sixty-five of these children had positive reactions necessitating a second series of inoculations. Sev- enty-six new first graders were also given toxoid to build up their immunity to diphtheria.
Chadwick and School Clinics
The objectives of these two clinics are the same: the promotion of health in the school child to prevent tuberculosis by discovering any early signs of the disease and preventing it before serious illness occurs.
Chadwick Clinic held October 1939
Number re-examined
33
Improved 32
Unimproved 1
33
Recommended for Summer camp
5
Discharged from clinic.
Referred to Norwood Board of Health for further follow-up
School Clinic held April 1939
Number tuberculin tested 298
Number reacting to test 34
Number x-rayed. 105
Number examined 21
1
For follow-up and annual check-up 22
Chadwick clinic children re-x-rayed
8
Chadwick clinic children re-examined.
4
Weighing and Measuring
Until someone devises a better and more practical means to interest the child in his growth the monthly weighing and measuring as carried on in the elementary schools will encourage the child to develop a sound knowl- edge of desirable health habits. More stress is made however, on the child's individual growth rather than the old comparisons with so-called average weight scales which were definitely a handicap for the child of the slender type, for no matter how hard he tried, he never seemed to attain his goal and weighing day was one of gloom rather than joy of attainment.
'Audiometer Tests
The audiometer test is given to ascertain the accuracy of the child's hearing. Those with a loss of 9 or more units are referred to the family physician for the necessary treatment. The existence of this loss may indicate a susceptibility to deafness due to some infection which, unless corrected or prevented, may cause more serious loss in later life. As a
Number x-rayed.
2
5
Healed case adult-type tuberculosis
152
result of these tests, three students are having lip reading instructions at the Horace Mann School for the Deaf in Boston. The following table indicates the results of this testing:
School
Number Tested
Number Retested
Number with loss
of 9 or more units in one or both ears
Senior High
692
45
17
Junior High
648
35
17
Balch
270
55
24
Winslow
178
18
5
Shattuck
158
20
4
Callahan
128
16
4
School Eye Clinic
Two hundred and fifteen children were examined at the eye clinic by Dr. Hugo B. C. Riemer, M. D. For ninety of them, glasses were pres- cribed; twenty-nine needed no change in glasses being worn at tinie of examination; eighty-seven had no refractive error needing correction at that time; nine had medical treatment prescribed; three were advised to have operation for correction of existing conditions; two were referred for further consultation and four were sent to their family doctors for physical examinations.
Mid-Morning Lunch
The Woman's Club, through the Norwood Community Chest Fund, makes it possible for some one hundred and forty children to have a daily milk lunch. Many other children who are able to buy their own milk also take advantage of this opportunity to have the mid-morning lunch.
Summer Camp
Those who have so generously supported the Christmas Seal Sale made it possible for four children to go to the Health Camp in Braintree for a period of eight weeks. The physical benefits to the child are great, but so too is the joy derived when he knows he has been accepted.
Conclusion
We would be most ungrateful if we did not make public mention and give hearty thanks for the generous support given us during the past year by our many friends, namely the Senior High School Quest Club, Junior High School Community Club, American Red Cross, Women's Community Committee and those who wish to remain anonynious.
To the members of the School Board, the supervisors, the principals, the teachers, the Superintendent, we of the Health Department express our thanks for the loyal support and helpful advice which makes our work in Norwood schools pleasant and successful.
MARY A. CANNING, R. N.
153
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF AMERICANIZATION
The annual report of the Supervisor of Americanization is herewith submitted.
The graduation exercises of the Americanization classes were held on March 15th at the Junior High School. There were forty-six men and women who received citizenship diplomas and 111 students who received the state certificates. Twenty women were awarded Red Cross certificates after having completed the Home Hygiene Course, which is sponsored annually by the Red Cross. Mrs. Josephine A. Chandler, Chairman of the School Committee, presented the diplomas and certificates.
"The Ceremonial of Re-dedication" was presented by the Americaniza- tion Classes. The purpose of this little play is to draw attention to the rights, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship, and to lead Americans to re-commit and re-dedicate themselves to the maintenance of their free institutions. Emphasis is placed on the "Bill of Rights", which is a very important part of our Constitution today. A Red Cross demonstration was given by the Home Hygiene Class. Mr. John Conway delivered an excellent address entitled, "Citizenship".
A citizenship class was held in April, May and June on Tuesday evenings from seven to nine o'clock at the Junior High School. This class was to aid those applicants who expected to be called for their naturalization examina- tion. Twenty people attended this class.
In cooperation with the Home Department of the Norfolk County Agricultural School, a good program was planned for the fall of 1939 and the spring of 1940. The fall program was based upon the theme, "The Family Today". One meeting was held each month at the Shattuck School under the direction and guidance of Mrs. Ruth Schufelt, County Agent. Meeting topics were as follows:
September-The Family Good Times
October -Family Spending
November-Family Cooperation
December -Family Christmas
For 1940 the general theme is Personal Development. The topics are:
January -Being a Good Hostess
February-Achieving Self-Confidence and Poise
March -Suiting Your Clothes to You
April -Looking Your Best Through Good Grooming
These meetings are now well attended and we are grateful to the county for giving us these fine and interesting lectures.
The annual Home Hygiene Course was given at the Balch School. There was a class enrollment of nineteen women. There have been more than 100 women who have taken this very interesting course.
At present there are 168 adult foreign-born people enrolled in the Ameri-
154
canization classes. Forty-three are enrolled in the day classes for mothers. The nationalities represented are Lithuanian, Russian, Italian, Finnish, French, Irish, Syrian, Canadian, Scotch, Norwegian, Russian Jew and Austrian. There were fifty students who were admitted to United States citizenship from April, 1939 to January, 1940. There were forty-five who received their first papers, of which twenty have been filed. At present thirty-five have filed second papers. The ages of candidates range from fourteen to seventy, the average age being fifty-five years.
There probably has never been a time in the history of this country when American citizenship has assumed greater value and importance. Whether one views the situation from the standpoint of a native or a naturalized citizen, the viewpoint is the same. Those of us who are so furtunate as to have been born in this country and who have profited since birth by the liberality of its institutions may not appreciate as much as do those born in other lands how much we are indebted to the Fathers of our Country, who established this government. The government of the United States is endeavoring to make easy the naturalization of earnest, qualified applicants who comply with its requirements. On the other hand, the government will refuse that privilege to those who cannot measure up to the standards which the Congress of the United States has specified.
The most recent change in the Naturalization law is as follows: Divorced applicants for citizenship may not apply through the citizenship of one another-e.g., a woman is not eligible to apply for citizenship if she is divorced from her citizen husband.
MARGARET E. CURRAN
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF JANITORS, SCHOOLHOUSES AND GROUNDS
I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Janitors, Schoolhouses and Grounds.
W. P.A.
There was very little work done under W.P.A. sponsorship, due to the impossibility of obtaining W.P.A. funds for maintenance projects. Com- pletion of the parking area, walks and drives at the Junior High School was effected as part of a W.P.A. project.
Repairs and Replacements
Herewith are indicated major repairs and replacements. Minor repairs are matters of routine and constant need. It is unnecessary to list all of them.
155
Senior High School
The athletic field at the Senior High School this year had again settled and it was necessary to regrade the baseball diamond.
The painting of the chain-link fence was continued and will be completed next year. Because of its construction, the work proceeds slowly.
Both portable and stationary bleachers were given two coats of paint and now are in first class condition.
The outside woodwork, with the exception of the work done last year, was painted.
There were 1800 square feet of built-up roof applied over the main building. The copper work was repaired and new expansion joints were built into the copper gutters and parapets to stop the breaking of joints. Because of expansion and contraction, much of this work was made neces- sary. The hurricane of last year caused considerable damage.
The transformers were moved out of the building and placed under the front steps. This work was made necessary because of a ruling by the fire insurance engineers. Fire insurance rates would be raised if the work were not to be done.
It was necessary to replace twenty feet of 3-inch feed water line and valves to the hot water tank.
The boilers also had to be re-lined and many minor plumbing and heating repairs were completed.
Junior High School
The new part of the building was given two coats of paint and the name of the school attached to the front of the building.
The transformers in this building were also moved to the outside and now are enclosed within a wire fence in the rear of the building. The situation which brought this about was the same as that which obtained at the Senior High School.
The plumbing and heating systems in this building are in very poor condition. Much of this repair work had to be done and will have to be continued this coming year.
New shower-bath and locker rooms were installed in the basement to accommodate visiting athletic teams and National Youth Administration activities. Outside teams will no longer be allowed the use of the Junior High School shower facilities.
The boilers were re-lined and new floor settings laid.
Balch School
There were 1100 feet of brick pointing completed at this school. Wind- driven rains entering masonry walls were causing damage to the interior walls. This school had a very severe glass breakage, 136 panes of glass being broken during the year.
The drainage system became blocked and rain water backed up through
156
the roof drains, forcing out the packing in twelve joints which had to be repaired.
Callahan School
Two coats of paint were applied on all outside woodwork of the Callahan School. All windows and door casings were caulked with plastic caulking material. The boys' washrooms were in need of extensive repairs.
This school also suffered much glass breakage. This building was entered on Hallowe'en and considerable damage was done to the woodwork of the office, and the school safe, though open, was ruined by petty thieves.
Shattuck School
There will be required, during the coming year, a substantial outlay for the restoration of wall surfaces at the Shattuck School. Much damage was done to the walls, desks and floors as a result of vandalism of young boys. Other routine repairs are the result of natural wear and tear.
Winslow School
Two rooms in the basement and all outside doors were repainted. A new baseball backstop was built. New concrete steps were constructed to replace the old and worn-out wooden stairs at the outside entrance to the boiler room.
General
There has been much glass breakage in the schools. Each year there is an increase, and it seems that something should be done to stop this nui- sance which bears so heavily upon school maintenance expense.
The Beacon School, which has been idle for some years, is deteriorating very rapidly and will require some attention next year. The outside of the building requires painting. The entrances, windows, gutters and conductors will have to be repaired.
I would like again to recommend the installation of oil burning equip- ment at the Senior High School and the exchange of the burners at the Junior High School to be replaced by equipment manufactured to burn a cheaper grade of oil.
All windows and casings will be caulked with plastic compound as need arises for repainting the outside of our buildings. This procedure has made possible substantial savings in heating costs.
I wish at this time to thank the School Committee and Mr. Lynch for their fine cooperation, which has made it possible for me to carry the work of this department through a successful year. I also wish to thank all who have assisted me in any way.
ALFRED M. DISNARD
157
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
I herewith submit my report as Attendance Officer for the year ending December 31, 1939.
Number of truancies
40
Number of illness cases investigated. 137
Lack of shoes or clothing
6
Assisting at home
16
Moved.
6
Investigation of cases where children have left school.
14
Investigation of cases where home permits were desired
2
Indifference or neglect at home.
1
Miscellaneous cases
64
Total number of investigations
286
Number of children returned to school.
19
HENRY F. BREEN
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1939
Ages
Grades
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Totals
1
53
99
5
157
2
62
104
11
1
178
3
65
105
23
3
196
4
46
117
22
8
6
1
1
201
5
45
96
22
12
1
176
6
2
52
109
31
7
1
1
203
7
1
34
112
45
16
10
3
221
8
1
38
120
57
33
7
3
259
9
41
93
41
13
3
2
193
10
5
159
74
29
13
2
282
11
4
124
63
22
1
1
215
32
113
44
13
4
206
12
Post Graduates
5
5
Totals
53
161
174
162
188
174
174
199
1 215
172
249
253 211
86
16
5
2492
158
.
159
TOWN OFFICIALS
For the Year Ending December 31, 1939
Selectmen: CHARLES E. HOUGHTON, October 11, 1938-1941, Chair- man; CHARLES F. HOLMAN, 1938-1941; HARRY B. BUT- TERS, 1939-1942; JOHN E. FOLAN, 1939-1942; FRANCIS W. SMITH, October 11, 1938-1940.
Finance Commission: EDMUND F. MURPHY, 1939-1942, Chairman; JOHN R. RUSSELL, 1937-1940; FRANCIS C. FOLEY, 1938-1941.
Moderator: JAMES A. HALLORAN, 1939.
Town Counsel: JAMES A. HALLORAN, 1939.
Town Clerk and Accountant: JAMES E. PENDERGAST.
Assistant Town Clerk: MARY D. WHITE.
Assistant Town Accountant: WALTER A. BLASENAK.
Treasurer and Collector: EDMUND F. SULLIVAN, 1939.
Assistant Treasurer: EVA M. MANSEN.
General Manager: WILLIAM C. KENDRICK.
Superintendent of Public Works: JOSEPH E. CONLEY.
Superintendent of Municipal Light: CYRUS C. CHURCH.
Superintendent of Cemetery: GEORGE ALFRED SMITH, January 1, 1939-June 30, 1939; LOUIS D'ESPINOSA, July 1, 1939.
Town Engineer: ALBERT W. THOMPSON.
Chief of Police: WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN.
School Committee: JOSEPHINE A. CHANDLER, 1938-1941, Chairman; CHRISTINE L. PROBERT, 1938-1941; THOMAS A. KERR, 1937-1940; DENNIS P. O'LEARY, 1937-1940; EDWARD H. THOMPSON, 1939-1942; HAROLD A. FLOOD, 1939-1942.
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