USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1934-1941 > Part 43
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"This approach to these three subjects, English IV, United States History, and Problems fof Democracy involves a tre- mendous amount of work. Especially does it require much work to make the start on such a venture, but Mr. Jerauld is most earnest in his work and has put in many long hours of very careful planning and thinking to make the scheme function. It has taken some time to acquaint the students with this plan but they seem now to have gained a real under- standing of the techniques involved and what is fully as im- portant they have caught the spirit of the plan. That they have asked for an extension of the laboratory plan to include United States History speaks for their acceptance of the idea.
"It is our hope that the experiences of this year will per- mit us to continue the program with next year's seniors and to possibly gradually work it down to finally include the three
48
ANNUAL REPORT
upper classes. Before we get that far the faculty must work out plans whereby similar approaches may be made in other classes that we may be all working along the same general lines. In order to do this we must give most careful con- sideration to the whole curriculum.
"It has always been my opinion that there were many interesting and valuable experiences awaiting our classes if they could be brought in contact with the proper organizations and institutions. I have done some of this with Chemistry classes for the past several years. Mr. Jerauld has this fall conducted visits to four places of interest, namely: The Book Fair at the Boston Garden, The Wrentham State School, The Norfolk Prison Colony, and the Headquarters of the Boston Police Department.
"The functions of these state and municipal institutions has been discussed before the visits have been made and the main points brought out by the visits have been summarized by the class members afterward. Excellent notebooks have been prepared by these students on the particular topic which they chose to emphasize. One of these notebooks, that of Ruth Thompson, is of such a high grade it would do credit to a college student majoring in Social Studies. I feel that our school has been benefited greatly by these efforts of Mr. Jerauld.
High School Graduates
"Ten of our graduates are at present in college and several others are continuing their education in one way or another. Those in college are following: Ruth Clampitt, State Teach- ers' College at Framingham; Wendell Washburn and Miriam MacNeill, Massachusetts State College; Grace Etter, University of New Hampshire; Ruth Pink and Barbara Tamblyn, Boston University; Barbara Ralston, Stonleigh College; Esther Mac- Neill, Oberlin College; Barbara Prance, Simmons College; Mildred Voyer, Bryant College. Irving Henrich and George Fink are at the Burdett Business School; Helen Thompson is training at the Deaconess Hospital; Phyllis Burton is studying hairdressing at Wilfred Academy; Gerald Rammel is taking post-graduate work at Dean Academy. While our main func- tion is not to prepare students for college it is nevertheless gratifying to see that so large a proportion of our students care enough about an education that they wish to go on to higher institutions of learning.
49
ANNUAL REPORT
State Supervisor
"Mr. Russell Mack, Supervisor of Secondary Education for Massachusetts, when on his recent visit he was asked for comments or criticisms, stated: 'I certainly have no criticism to make. It seems to me that you are doing in Plainville High School all that is possible with the present physical equipment. I am quite satisfied with what I have seen this morning'."
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Miss Mildred H. Robbins, Principal
Our schools profit very definitely from the continued service of a high order in the grammar school under the direction of Miss Mildred Robbins, Principal. The regular instruction of this school has gone forward steadily during the past year. The following quotations from the report of Miss Robbins give some of the special activities.
"The custom of having the children take educational excur- sions under capable leadership was continued this year. Grades six and seven enjoyed a trip to Boston, visiting among several places the Boston Fish Pier and Cold Storage Plant, the East Boston Airport, the Sumner Tunnel and the Ford Assembly Plant in Cambridge. Grade eight went via Attleboro to Boston by train then to Provincetown by the 'S.S. Steel Pier' where a historical tour was arranged for them. Such trips furnish them with first hand information and prove a valuable supplement to text-book material.
"At Christmas the Grammar School students presented a very worthwhile operetta entitled, 'Christmas in Old England,' before parents and friends in the Town Hall. The musical part was directed by Miss Gricius and Mrs. Washburn. Miss French had charge of the properties and Miss Robbins the libretto. This production gave the Glee Club an opportunity to help in a very practical way and feel some little reward for weekly practice also.
"Play Day last year was one of the most successful we have ever had. The entire school was divided into two teams, 'Red' and 'White', and competitive games were played between them, including Volley Ball, Kick Ball and a series of Relay Races.
50
ANNUAL REPORT
High School students cooperated by acting as judges and scorers. One interesting part of the event was the taking of a motion picture in color of the various activities. The film was purchased and developed by the children themselves, with money realized from the sale of seeds.
"A slight change was made in the program of the annual exhibition last year. All the rooms with exhibits of regular school work were open to the public and this was followed by a 'Question Bee', conducted in the main room of the high school, with six contestants, two from each grade, taking part. Questions on various phases of school work were submitted and the children called on in turn to answer them. Prizes were awarded.
"Beginning with the term in September, Grades VI, VII, and VIII have had the privilege of a course in First Aid, given by Mrs. Tellier of North Attleboro. This is indeed a splendid supplement to the regular text-book course in Health and Safety.
"A regular weekly schedule of motion pictures, monthly assembly programs, classroom clubs and various other activities all help to furnish the pupils with a broader outlook and opportunities for improving themselves. The 'Student Council', organized two years ago, has passed the experimental stage, and has certainly added to the smoothness and efficiency of handling many problems."
THE PRIMARY SCHOOL Miss Madeline E. Bartell, Principal
The resignation last June of Miss Katharine Howard closed several years of outstanding service in the position of first grade teacher and principal of the primary school. Miss Madeline Bartell was elected to this position in September. The transfer in leadership has been made very successfully. Miss Bartell, in cooperation with the other teachers of that school, has carried forward the program as outlined in the past. The following quotation from the report of Miss Bartell outlines the very interesting and very worthwhile program carried on in that school during National Education Week.
"The Plainville Primary School observed National Education Week by presenting a program in the Town Hall during the week. They also served tea to all the visitors after the program.
51
ANNUAL REPORT
"The theme of the program centered around the National slogan for the week which was 'Education for the American Way of Life'. The program was divided into four parts. Part One was entitled, 'Education for Civic Responsibility'; Part Two was entitled, 'Education for Self-Realization'; Part Three was entitled, 'Education for Economic Efficiency'; Part Four was entitled, 'Education for Social Responsibility'.
"Part One of the program, entitled, 'Education for Civic Responsibility' was presented by the Student Council and the Safety Patrol of the school. The Student Council demonstrated how it conducts its meetings and emphasized how some of its problems are discussed and solved, thus showing how pupils are encouraged in recognizing problems that are common to all and how to go about settling such problems in a systematic way, and most important of all in a way most desirable for all concerned. The Safety Patrol explained its importance through the recitation of suitable jingles.
"Part Two of the program, entitled, 'Education for Self- Realization' was presented by Grades One, Four, and Five. The First Grade demonstrated how it gains satisfaction for rhythmical instincts by playing an accompaniment with its Toy Orchestra. The Fourth and Fifth Grades demonstrated musical realization by singing several songs in chorus, in a trio, in a quartet.
"Part Three entitled, 'Education for Economic Efficiency' was presented by the Second Grade. The pupils of that grade demon- strated how they learn the real value of money by presenting a play that centered around their Toy Store.
"Part Four, 'Education for Social Responsibility' was pre- sented by Grade Three. The members of this grade were re- sponsible for preparing the plans for the tea; planning and writing the invitations; purchasing the necessary equipment; decorating the napkins; making and decorating the aprons; set- ting the table; preparing and serving the refreshments.
"Approximately fifty parents and friends visited the Primary School during Education Week."
MUSIC
Mrs. Harriet F. Washburn, Supervisor
Quotations from the report of this department follow:
52
ANNUAL REPORT
"The children in the first three grades are doing excellent work in their rote singing. Through individual work they are developing a confidence in their own ability to sing well. We have studied songs of many different countries, thus learning that each country has something of beauty to offer us.
"The operetta 'Renting the Hive' was given by the Primary children which gave theni the opportunity of entertaining their parents and a chance to develop initiative and poise. The operetta, 'Aunt Drusilla's Garden' was presented by the eighth graders and the children gave a fine performance.
"The Glee Club in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades is working out very nicely. They helped in the eighth grade operetta and also at the Christmas program. I hope their interest will carry over into High School and thus improve our High School music.
"We have found the radio to be a great deal of help as the music programs given by the American School of the Air and Walter Damrosch's Music Appreciation Hour are listened to and discussed, so developing in the children a greater appreciation for one of the Fine Arts. The children often tell of hearing music on other programs that they have heard on the music apprecia- tion hour.
"The Rhythmic Orchestra was busy during the year, and many records were used. The children learn to watch a leader and obey his directions, to do his own part well and to work happily with others through this project.
"The High School Orchestra is small but each boy and girl works well and one of life's lessons is being learned, namely an ability to work in harmony with others.
"Mr. Burack has been with us three years and he does good work in teaching the different instruments. I only wish more children would avail themselves of the opportunity of learning to play at such a small expense."
ART
Mrs. Rowena B. Rice, Supervisor
Quotations from the report of this department follow;
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ANNUAL REPORT
" 'He who does creative work, whether he dwell in a palace or in a hut, has in his house a window through which he may look upon some of life's finest scenes.' If this work be a handicraft, he will be very happy as it will help him to see more of the beauty of the world around him. One of the greatest rewards of handi- craft is the opportunity for self-expression in making things well, and finding joy in the achievement. Emphasis has been placed on handicraft in the High School and upper grades with the interest steadily increasing. Such objects as tooled leather purses, belts, book covers, copper book ends, block printed scarfs, batik wall hangings, soap carvings, raphia baskets, modeling, and etched silver bracelets were completed in the high school class.
"The High School Art classes are elective and filled to capacity. More varied problems in Old English lettering, object groups in water color, oil, pastel, charcoal, life drawing, outdoor sketching, sketch books, murals, creative design, historic costumes in color, free brush painting, pen and ink landscapes, pencil portraits from life and perspective, showing streets and buildings, were worked out this year.
"The Mechanical Drawing classes in high school are using the Sampson book. The advanced groups show a preference for architectural problems, such as front and side elevations of houses and floor and sectional plans. Neatness and accuracy is developed in this work. Good lettering is very important.
"In the grades there is great enthusiasm over murals cor- relating with History, Geography, and Literature. Some excel- lent ones have been displayed in classrooms. The various prob- lems in the grades are done in crayon, water color and colored paper, such as story illustrations, children's own experiences, lettering, animal, health, and travel posters, color harmonies applied to design and costumes, perspective, book-binding, free brush painting and paper construction.
"In Plainville the cover design for the school report was made and printed by Phyllis Burton. The awards for the 'Be Kind to Animals' poster contest were given to the following pupils: First prize, Georgie Jagiello, Willard Heintz and Jane Patton. Second prize was awarded to Edward Fountain and Frank Sharron. Honorable Mention was given Milton Bachellor, Beatrice Cobb, and Marjorie Kettell. Anne Durfee, Phyllis Burton and Claire Voyer were represented in 'Young America Paints' exhibition at the Natural History Museum in New York City. Their paintings were given prominent places in the exhibition."
54
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN - Dr. H. Irving Bixby
"During the months of November and December the regular yearly physical examination of the Plainville School children was done. On the whole the results were very satisfactory, the examiner noting a vast improvement in the physical condition of the children as compared with a year ago.
"In 81 cases there was a physical defect, usually of teeth or tonsils, severe enough to warrant a notice to the parent, calling attention to the same. Three of these 81 cases included heart murmurs which were considered to be organic in nature and there- fore of extreme importance.
"Following the notices of the previous year, twelve tonsil operations have been performed, and it will be our earnest effort to have other cases corrected during the coming summer.
"At the Diphtheria Prevention Clinic held in April, 45 puipls received the benefit of the toxin-anti-toxin administration. This clinic will be held again in the spring.
"On the whole the general health of the Plainville School pupils seems to be on the up-grade."
SCHOOL NURSE - Mrs. Ruah M. Harris
"I feel it an honor to have served the Plainville Schools for the past ten years as school nurse. With that thought ever in mind, to me, it makes my field of work most important and it is my ambition to carry on to the best of my ability and to be conscientious in whatever task I am called upon to do.
"First aid classes have been established in Grades VI, VII, and VIII. Mrs. Tellier, who is the authorized first aid instructor for the Red Cross and Junior Red Cross, is giving generously of her time, and when the course is completed, each grade will have had fifteen hours of first aid work.
"The following activities that are listed will give a complete outline of the work accomplished during the school year, 1938- 1939.
55
ANNUAL REPORT
"Physical examination: 228 examined. Number of defects: tonsils 47, adenoids 18, glands 8, skin 1, teeth 4, slight heart murmurs 3.
"Ear test with audiometer, February 1939, with Miss Whalen, State Technician. Number retested for 1938, 3. Retested for 1939, 2. New High School pupils tested, 5. November 1939 with Miss Higgins, State Technician. Number tested, 208. To be retested in February, 32.
"Dental Clinics. Mrs. Maude Cheever, chairman. Dr. Ed- mund Tobin, dentist. Donations: Mrs. Helen O'Reilly (balance from previous clinic) $10.00, Red Cross $25.00, Christmas Seal Sale $11.00, School Committee $10.00, B. P. O. Elks (North Attle- boro) $10.00, Plainville Parent-Teacher Association $10.00, Kiwanis Club $5.00, Plainville Teachers' Club $5.00, Plainville Grange $5.00, Tawasi Club $3.00, Bridge Party (by Mrs. Nettie Ralston, Mrs. Maude Cheever, Mrs. Ruah Harris) $20.00, pupils able to pay $70.20. Total $184.20. Number of pupils examined by dentist 273, pupils for clinic (paying cash) 40, pupils for clinic, free, 32.
"T. B. Clinic. Number of pupils examined 35, notices sent home 35, pupils showing reactions 10, pupils X-rayed 4.
"Well Child Conference, March 1939, with Sally Saunders, M.D., under the State Department of Health. During the year, in connection with my follow-up work, 64 home visits have been made to check up on children of the Well Child Conference.
"Tonsil Clinic. May 23 and 27 at Sturdy Hospital. Number of children entered 12.
"Health Camp. One child was sent to health camp. This was sponsored by the Christmas Seal Sale fund."
THE NURSERY SCHOOL Mrs. Helen M. Munroe, Head Teacher
"The Nursery School has had an average enrollment of twenty-five children during the past year. With the excep- tion of a short period, owing to a federal regulation, the school has been in continuous operation for the past year.
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ANNUAL REPORT
"The objectives of Nursery School education are being fol- lowed very closely. In motor and sensory control in such skills as include a control of the simple mechanical principles involved in such things as discrimination in weights, colors, sizes, odors, and facility in speech, singing and play with tools. In social adjustment through the child's experiences he learns to respect other's rights, to maintain his own, to use language as a means of communication to have a direct quality in his dealings with adults and children. In development of interest- drives opportunity is provided for the children to imitate, to choose and to be occupied constructively; through opportuni- ties to express feeling in language, dancing, dramatic play, and the use of plastic material.
"The child's physical development comes through oppor- tunity for outdoor play and indoor activity that will develop and coordinate both the large and small muscles of his body. Desirable attitudes toward the physical habits of eating, sleep- ing and elimination are developed."
Closing
To you-the members of the School Committee-I wish to express my appreciation of the kind consideration you have shown to my efforts in behalf of the schools and to those of the school staff who have worked so faithfully doing the school job better and more effectively.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE,
Superintendent of Schools
57
ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISES JUNE 23, 1939
Program
Processional Seniors
Invocation Rev. J. Melbourne Bowmar
Salutatory-"Nationalities in The American Revolution," William Miller
Essay-"The Negro Problem in The United States," 4
Barbara Elizabeth Ralston
Songs-"Hark 'Tis the Signal" Carl Bohm "The Challenge of Youth" Robert W. Gibb
High School Chorus
Essay-"Hidden Taxes" Elizabeth Day Minchew
Song-"God Bless America" Irving Berlin Selected Strings and Chorus
Valedictory-"Plainville and Its Schools," Barbara Elaine Prance
Presentation of Awards to the Graduates and Undergraduates:
Plainville High School Alumni Awards by Mr. Jesse W. Franklin, Jr., President of the Plainville High School Alumni Association-
Washington and Franklin History Medal awarded by the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution-
Good Citizenship Pilgrimage Award of the Daughters of the American Revolution-
Diplomas presented by Mr. Henry S. Tamblyn,
Chairman of the School Committee
Benediction Rev. J. Melbourne Bowmar Recessional Graduates
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ANNUAL REPORT
Class Officers
President Dorothy Anne Jakubajtis
Vice President
George Robert Fink
Secretary Doris Mae Paul
Treasurer
Elizabeth Day Minchew
Class Roll
College Preparatory Course
William Miller
Barbara Elizabeth Ralston
Barbara Elaine Prance Gerald Edmund Rammel
Commercial Course
Cynthia Clampitt George Robert Fink Doris Lucienne Mailly
Dorothy Anne Jakubajtis
General Course
Constance Boelker Yvonne Marie Brodeur Phyllis Elliot Burton Clifford Charles Cooper Ralph Henry Hemmingsen, Jr.
Class Motto
"To Win We Must Strive'
Class Colors Green and Gold
Class Flower
Yellow Carnation
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISES, JUNE, 15, 1939
Program
Processional Graduates Operetta-"Aunt Druscilla's Garden,"
presented by the Graduates
Presentation of American Legion School Awards:
Mr. Wesley H. Burton, John Edward McNeill Post, No. 217 Presentation of Diplomas:
Mr. Frank O. Corbin of the Plainville School Committee
Program under the direction of Miss Mildred H. Robbins and Mrs. Harriet F. Washburn-
List of Graduates
Albert John Beyersdorfer
Leroy Francis Corbin, Jr.
Ethel Marion Dodge
William Joseph Dorothy
Eileen Rita Feid
Willard Francis Heintz
Frederick Charles Hemmingsen Marjorie Edythe Kettell Dorothy May Mathewson Jane Louise Patton Ruth Edna Skinner Herbert Eugene Thompson Ursula Wilmarth
Miss Mildred H. Robbins
Principal
Miss Gertrude V. French
Teacher
Miss Prakseda L. Gricius
Teacher
STATISTICS
Extracts from the School Census of October 1939
Males
Females
Total
Pupils between 5 and 1
20
21
41
Pupils between 7 and 14
77
75
152
Pupils between 14 and 16
24
24
48
121
120
241
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ANNUAL REPORT
Sight and Hearing Tests
Number of pupils examined 243
Number of pupils found defective in eyesight 19
Number of pupils found defective in hearing 13
Number of notices sent to parents
18
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued
0
Number of educational certificates issued 48
Average number of days the Elementary Schools were in Session 174
Number of days the High School was in Session
181
Perfect Attendance for the School Year 1938 - 1939
High School
Howard Bigelow
Robert Tamblyn
Grade 8
Ethel Dodge William Dorothy
Eileen Feid
Grade 7
Richard Woodward
Grade 6
Donald Everett
Russell Fisette
Frank Harris
Robert Harris
Grade 5
Violet Armitage Betty Osterholm
Shirley Avery
Helen Babiec
Sheldon Smith
Grade 4
Raymond Bohning
Grade 3
James Bassey
Frank Voyer
Grade 2
Kenneth Harris
Dorothy Fawcett
Arlene Waldron
1939
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, GIRLS
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Totals
Ages
7
Grade 1
10
Grade 2
11
Grade 3
11
Grade 4
3
1
1
2
1
Grade 5
15
4
7
3
1
Grade 6
10
5
3
1
1
Grade 7
12
6
2
2
2
Grade 8
High School
4
1
1
1st year
9
2nd year
11
3rd year
5
1
1
4th
year
Totals
3
10
8
9
9
7
14
14
9
10
9
13
1
1
BOYS
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Totals
Ages
11
Grade 1
7
3
1
9
Grade 2
1
5
3
13
Grade 3
10
Grade 4
2
3
3
1
Grade 5
14
6
4
3
2
6
4
4
3
1
5
3
2
Grade 8
High School
3
2
2
1st year
12
2nd year
6
3rd year
2
1
1
4
4th
year
Totals
7
4
9
11
7
15
10
11
12
13
13
11
1
1 125
3
4
6
3
1
5
5
1
4
6
1
8
6
1
5
2
1
5
6
3
5
3
2
3
2
4
1
9
1
Grade 6
19
Grade 7
11
7
6
3
3
2
4
7
117
ATTENDANCE TABLE FOR THE THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1939
Aggregate Attendance
Average Daily
Attendance
Total
Membership
Average
Membership
Per Cent. of
Attendance
Number of
Tardy Marks
Number of
Dismissals
High School
12,070.
66.69
74
70.50
94.19
64
41
Grade 8
2,675.
15.24
16
15.77
96.64
1
57
Grade 7
4,163.5
23.72
26
25.47
93.14
33
10
Grade 6
5,005.5
28.52
31
29.91
95.33
16
1
Grade 5
4,661.5
27.02
28
28.32
95.44
25
27
Grades 3 and 4
6,091.
35.31
38
37.93
93.07
36
16
Grade 2
3,595.5
20.84
24
22.78
85.94
29
8
Grade 1
2,861.
16.59
20
18.24
90.93
5
0
-
41,123.0
233.93
257
248.92
93.09
209
160
LIST OF TEACHERS - January 1, 1940
School
Name
Where Educated
Date of Appt.
High School
Harry L. Dixon, Principal
University of Illinois, B.S.
Harvard University, Ed. M.
1929
Stella Malkasian
Boston University, A.B., M.A. 1939
Herbert A. Jerauld
Lehigh University, B.S.
Boston University, M. Ed. 1939
Margaret W. Jackson
Boston University, A.B. 1938
Grammar 8 Mildred H. Robbins, Principal
Truro Normal School 1929
Grammar 7
Beatrice V. Trulson
Bridgewater State Teachers College, B.S. in Ed. 1939
Grammar 6 Prakseda L. Gricius
Bridgewater State Teachers College, B.S. in Ed. 1937
Primary 4 & 5 Beatrice H. Wood
Framingham State Teachers College 1930
Primary 3
Muriel L. Moore
Bridgewater State Teachers College, B.S. in Ed.
1937
Primary 2 Irene M. Brockway
Hyannis State Teachers College, B.S. in Ed. 1937
Primary 1 Madeline E. Bartell, Principal
Bridgewater State Teachers College, B.S. in Ed. 1939
Music Mrs. Harriet F. Washburn
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