USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Plainville > Plainville, Massachusetts annual reports 1942-1950 > Part 35
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65
ANNUAL REPORT
The Boys' Basketball Team, absorbing as much of my time as I could afford, likewise enjoyed a highly successful season winning fourteen and losing six. Playing three games in the South Shore High School Basketball Tournament at Brockton, they defeated Avon High in an overtime period to clinch third place.
The Boys' Baseball Team won three games while losing five. For the first time in many years, it was necessary to play boys in grade eight. This experience was most worth while and should aid greatly in future years.
The Boys' Basketball Team in Junior High made fine progress winning eight while losing but one. These boys should form the nucleus of some fine teams in coming years.
The sole support of subsidizing our extra curricular pro- grams of motion pictures, assembly programs, field trips, ath- letics and other worthwhile endeavors is the annual magazine campaign. Not only does it furnish our school with the vital financial backbone, but gives to our students many useful busi- ness experiences. This year's contest topped all records in the history of Plainville High School. Five hundred and thirteen subscriptions were sold totaling $1,480.15. Ninety-three per- cent of the student body made one or more sales and a net profit of $409.29 was realized. Alan Whent of grade 8 was the leading salesman with $120.05. Other outstanding salesmen were:
Natalie Grant
Grade 10
$92.25
Elizabeth Jensen
Grade 10
74.75
Frank S. Turner, Jr.
Grade 9 62.00
Barbara Harris
Grade 7 59.50
George Cole
Grade 8 58.55
This year saw the installation of much of the equipment that the Plainville Parent-Teachers, Plainville High School Alumni Association and the Management of the School Lunch have worked several years to purchase. A 44 cubic foot Kel- vinator Electric Refrigerator was presented by the Plainville Parent-Teachers Association. The Alumni Association was re- sponsible for the new hotel type gas range and the Federal Government aided in buying a Jackson dishwasher, a new galley type sink and a potato peeler. This fall the P.T.A. again has assisted in purchasing some new silver ware. For many years the accomplishments of our lunchroom with our meager
5
66
ANNUAL REPORT
means has been the talk of school lunch circles. Now that we have been able to match our endeavors with real equipment, we are now quoted as a model lunchroom of schools of our type. It was my happy privilege to be the principal speaker at the April meeting of the State-wide meeting of lunch room operators and present the history and details of our lunch room system.
The total value of this equipment is $1,920.00. When one realizes that every item was selected with the thought that it would be the type that would be used in equipping the cafe- eria of the new school, it is evident a double saving has been made.
This fall the Federal subsidy was reduced by two cents and it was found necessary to increase our prices by a like amount. In spite of rising costs, we are still serving a type A complete lunch for twenty cents a meal. I am afraid that some- times we get so accustomed to a job well done that we fail to realize the exertions it requires. Without the unfailing efforts and labors of Mrs. Maude Cheever and the assistance given her by Mrs. Irene Lougee our lunch room would not remain at the top of the pinnacle to which it has risen.
This year found the 1927 Cup, awarded at graduation to the Outstanding Athlete and Scholar, filled with names, and, therefore, was retired after twenty years of helpful inspira- tion to the student body. This action was authorized by the members of the class of 1927.
The Plainville Lions Club instituted the Plainville Lions Club Athletic Awards. The awards are on a very broad base, granting major awards to the senior members of the athletic teams and minor awards to the underclassmen. The purpose of these awards as set forth in the rules and regulations of these awards are:
1. To stimulate interest and participation in the athletic program of Plainville High School by both boys and girls.
2. To stimulate good scholarship by withholding an award from any student not eligible during the entire athletic season of that sport according to the requirements of the Massachu- setts High School Principals' Association.
67
ANNUAL REPORT
3. It shall also offer an opportunity to focus public at- tention on outstanding achievements of sportmanship and fairplay that have occurred during the year as well as a review of the various achievements of the teams and players.
This year the American Legion Oratorical Contest found new enthusiasm under the guidance of Mr. Gouchoe. Jean Proal, Bruce Benander, George Bucklin and Esther Clentimack prepared twelve minute talks on the Constitution of the United States. This was followed by a four minute impromptu dis- cussion of a selected question. Miss Esther Clentimack was chosen as winner by judges appointed by the John Edward McNeill Post #217 American Legion. Miss Clentimack repre- sented Plainville at the district meeting in Sharon.
The new fire siren installed in the High School Building has been most effective. The high pitched tone penetrates to every corner of the building and should give ample warning.
Much as mankind would like to think that the physical endeavors of his hands can defeat the processes of destruction of nature, it never has been accomplished. No matter how well a thing may have been contrived and built, the constant wear of countless feet and the toll of the years finally bring it to a state where its efficiency is so reduced that it becomes a growing liability. The building which houses Plainville High has long passed that point. The repair is only the start of that vicious circle that gets nowheres rapidly. It is highly unfair to its occupants to suggest that livable temperatures can be maintained during the winter months. The effects of the liberal amounts of coal gas are highly questionable. Those, and only those, who work each day in the building are qualified to tell of the hardships it imposes and sad effects it is having over educational endeavors. They too, are the ones who realize the tremendous costs it adds to our school budget. It would seem that the time has come when every available moment should be placed in seeking relief from this basic deterrent to the educational progress in Plainville.
The faculty join with me, in extending to you, Mr. Nourse, and to the School Committee our appreciation of your efforts in making the most of the educational opportunities granted the youth of Plainville.
68
ANNUAL REPORT
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
It is with pleasure that I submit my annual report on the activities of the Primary School.
Our enrollment continues to increase. When school opened on Setpember 3rd, the teachers reported the following:
Grade 1
35
Grade 2
21
Grade 3
28
Grade 4
24
Grade 5
33
141
The addition of Mrs. Grant as a full time teacher for Grade 4 was the most important happening of the school year. We were most fortunate to secure the services of one who brings such whole-hearted interest and enthusiasm to her task, and who has been able to accomplish so much in a situation in which facilities could be much improved. It is to be hoped that a more ideal classroom can be provided in the future.
Our financial activities were much the same. In the spring, we again sold five-cent packages of flower and vege- table seeds, and as usual, the boys and girls earned a good sized amount for our school fund.
We are particularly proud of our Junior Red Cross Drive record. Each of the five grades contributed to this drive 100%.
In December we sold pencils for the Tuberculosis fund. All of the pencils sent to us were purchased by the pupils, as well as many of the buttons, costing a penny each, which were added this year.
In May the boys and girls presented a program of games, stunts, and folk dances in the Town Park. This event was well attended, which was most encouraging, for we hope to revive the more elaborate "Play Day" which once was an annual affair.
69
ANNUAL . REPORT
Our Memorial Day program was also well attended. The teachers and pupils are extremely gratified at the interest shown in these public programs.
During National Education Week we held Open House, at which time parents were especially invited to visit the school rooms. In spite of the inclement weather, many parents took advantage of this opportunity.
The boys and girls enjoyed movies about once every two weeks. While these visual aids would be much more valuable if they could be obtained when the subjects were actually being studied, they nevertheless help to give the pupils clearer knowledge of the subject matter.
Once again, may I commend Mrs. Cheever for her ex- cellent work in the lunchroom. Her unfailing patience and tact with the many children who buy their lunches, is parti- cularly praiseworthy.
To you, Mr. Nourse, and the members of the School Committee, I extend the thanks and appreciation of all the Primary School teachers for your continued interest and co- operation during the past year.
ART
Louise B. Spier, Supervisor
"Our art program will be worthwhile as it contributes to morale through the joy of creative experiences .. . it will be worthwhile as it offers a release from worries and uplifts the dejected spirit." C. Valentine Kirby.
On the whole, all of the children in our schools look for- ward to their art lessons and to the visits of the art super- visor. The reason for their eager anticipation well may be that the art period affords a release from the regular routine, an opportunity to create and to expeience joy and satisfaction from their artistic endeavors, and an uplift to their spirits.
With the extra grade in the Primary Department, the art supervisor's schedule was juggled to give the fifth grade a forty-five minute period; the second, third and fourth grades,
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ANNUAL REPORT
thirty-minute periods; and the first grade, a twenty-minute period every other week. The provision of having a separate fourth grade is excellent even if their quarters somewhat crowd the high school art room which is not particularly ideal for either group.
Color study, lettering, design, animals, birds, flowers, trees, buildings, vehicles, objects of all kinds, figure drawing, illus- tration and special day projects have been studied throughout the grades. Wherever possible the art work is correlated with regular school subjects.
The exhibition of the high school art and mechanical draw- ing classes at the Open House last May was well attended and the comments on the work were most favorable. In the free- hand classes, there are several students who have more than average ability. The types of work covered during the past year have been: creative design, illustration, outdoor sketch- ing in pencil, pastel, crayon and watercolor, finger painting, paper batik, scratch board, paper sculpture, still life, advertis- ing, book jackets, posters for school activities and the preven- tion of cruelty to animals. The mechanical drawing classes are larger this year than last. Orthographic projection, pictorial drawing, surface development, machine drafting and lettering are studied. Since this fall, a handicraft class has been started. Modeling, papier mache, gimp braiding, leather work and shell- craft have been done.
The results of the annual contest sponsored by the Massa- chusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in grades four through the high school were well worthwhile. Of the thirty posters entered in the contest, eleven won awards. The first prizes were illustrated copies of "Black Beauty;" the second prizes, illustrated copies of "Beautiful Joe;" and honor- able mentions, a subscription to "Our Dumb Animals."
The following students winning awards were: High School: 1st prize, Betty Jensen; 2nd prize, Lois Wickman; Honorable Mention, Joan Rudlow; Junior High: 1st prize, Claire Grover; 2nd prize, Gail Avery, Barbara Snell and Alice Lovely; Honor- able Mention, Ruth Daigle; Primary Building: 1st prize, Ed- wina Pink; 2nd prize, Paul Moody; Honorable Mention, Robert Stolworthy.
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ANNUAL £ REPORT
In the double third and fourth grade, the supervisor of- fered special prizes of books to the third grade children who were not eligible in the contest. The prizes were won by the following: 1st prize, Betty McQuade and Jack Hobson; 2nd prize, Suzanne Power and Helen McGowan; 3rd prize, Mildred Fredrickson, David Redding and Larry Cargill.
My sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Nourse, the Principals and teachers for their co-operation, friendliness and support.
SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Dr. John T. Cotter
The annual examination of all school children in Plain- ville is in progress and is nearly completed. The general health of the children is good.
No child who applied for athletics was rejected for physical reasons.
The usual number of dental problems seems to exist. There seemed to be more nose and throat cases evident, and the par- ents have been notified in these cases.
The usual pre-school clinic was conducted last spring without incident.
There were thirty-five children immunized against diph- theria last spring, the usual three doses of toxoid being given to all who applied. These clinics will be conducted again next spring.
At this writing a moderate epidemic of mumps is present in the community.
I wish to thank Mrs. Maddocks, the school nurse, for her able assistance to me in conducting the examinations and ar- ranging the clinics.
72
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL NURSE
Isabel M. Maddocks, R.N.
The pre-school clinic for children entering the first grade in the fall was held in May. In this way, any defects noted can be remedied or corrected before the opening of school.
In October all students were given the hearing and eye tests. Notices of defects were sent to parents and many reme- dial steps have been already taken.
The yearly physical examinations are in progress. Again this year, we were fortunate to have our senior students and teachers and personnel X-rayed.
The Diphtheria Clinic will be held again in the spring. Three injections of serum are given at three week intervals. Children from nine months of age to twelve years attend this clinic.
I wish to thank Dr. Cotter, Mr. Nourse, Mr. Turner and all of the teaching staff for their splendid co-operation in our health program.
CLOSING
The problems of peace are more complex than the problems of war-time. The resulting needs of the school are great. It has been a pleasure to labor to meet these demands under the leadership of the Plainville School Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE G. NOURSE,
Superintendent
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ANNUAL REPORT
PLAINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXERCISES, JUNE 19, 1947
Processional Seniors
Invocation-The Lord's Prayer . Chanted by the Glee Club
Salute to the Flag
Audience
America (1st and 4th verses) Audience
Salutatory-"Unesco and the Public Schools,"
Arlene Phyllis Avery
High School Glee Club- "Without a Song" "Allah's Holiday"
Youmans Friml
Valedictory-"The United Nations and What It Means To Us" Bernard Alexander Rose
Presentation of Class Gift
John Paul Cooper
President of Class 1947
Presentation of Plainville High School Alumni Award Miss Mildred Y. Voyer President of Plainville High School Alumni Association
Presentation of Awards to Graduating Class Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal
High School Glee Club- "Ave Maria" Schubert
Address-"Rich Men and Poor Men" Mark R. Shibles
Diplomas prseented by Mr. Sidney A. Maddocks Plainville School Committee
Star Spangled Banner Audience
Benediction
Reverend John M. Bowmar
Recessional
Seniors
74
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASS OFFICERS
President Vice-President Secretary
Treasurer
Valedictorian Salutatorian
John Paul Cooper Howard Robert Henrich Arlene Phyllis Avery Robert Daniel Cook Barnard Alexander Rose Arlene Phyllis Avery
CLASS ROLL College Preparatory Barnard Alexander Rose 1,5,7,8
Commercial Course
Arlene Phyllis Avery 2,4
Miriam Charlotte Gardner 6
General Course
John Paul Cooper 3 Howard Robert Henrich
Donald Jon Peck
Robert Daniel Cook Raymond Edward Paul Albert Kenneth Welton
Class Motto Perseverance Wins Reward
Class Colors Maroon and White
Class Flower Red Rose
FACULTY
Mr. F. Sumner Turner, Principal Aeronautics and Guidance
Mr. Maurice W. Gouchoe Social Studies and Physical Education
Mrs. Patricia B. Langlin Commercial
Miss Rosemonde E. LaFleur Foreign Languages and English
Miss Marie C. Volk Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education
75
ANNUAL REPORT
Miss Dorothy M. Cleary English and Music
Miss Beatrice M. Thibeau Mathematics
Mrs. Virignia Brinton Social Sciences
Miss Louise B. Spier Art
STATISTICS Extracts from the School Census of October 1947
Males Females Total
Pupils between 5 and 7
26
35
61
Pupils between 7 and 16
102
92
194
128
127
255
Sight and Hearing Tests
Number of pupils examined
96
Number of pupils found defective in eyesight
7
Number of pupils defective in hearing
10
Number of notices sent to parents
17
Work Certificates
Number of employment certificates issued
3
Number of educational certificates issued
53
Average number of days the Elementary Schools were in session
177
Number of days the High School was in session
182
Perfect Attendance for the School Year 1946-1947
Grade 12-Howard Henrich.
Grade 11-Bruce Benander.
Grade 10-John Bowmar, Arthur Malo, Marilyn Turner.
Grade 9-Herbert Fielding, Bruce Foote, Jean McLacklan.
Grade 8-June Crotty, Alden Franklin, Francis McGowan, Joan Perreault, Barbara Snell.
Grade 7-Joan McQuade, Bruce Hayes.
Grade 4-Mabel Austin, Eleanor Easterbrooks.
Grade 3-Audrey Whent.
Grade 2-Joan Fredrickson, Roberta Wilson.
ATTENDANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1947
Aggregate
Attendance
Average
Attendance Daily
Total
Membership
Membership Average
Per Cent of
Attendance
Number of
Tardy Marks
Number of
Dismissals
High School
9,518
52.29
61
54.75
95.36
317
29
Grade 8
4,441
24.40
26
25.28
96.52
73
13
Grade 7
3,433
18.85
19
19.56
96.35
73
41
Grade 6
2,661
14.62
17
15.46
94.50
2
5
Grades 4 and 5
7,237
41.01
43
43.22
94.89
62
32
Grades 3 and 4
6,077.5
34.43
36
37.07
90.49
34
0
Grade 2
4,579
25.94
30
28.58
90.76
66
16
Grade 1
3,585
20.31
24
22.47
90.39
17
8
Total
41,531.5
231.85
256
246.39
93.66
644
144
LIST OF TEACHERS - JANUARY 1, 1947
School
Name
Where Educated
Date of Appt.
Junior-Senior High School
F. Sumner Turner, Principal
Dartmouth, A.B., Harvard Ed. M. 1941
Peter Oberto
Boston College, B.S. 1947
Dorothy M. Cooke
Middlebury College, A.B.
1944
M. Virginia Brinton
Salem State Teachers, B.S.
Boston University, A.M. 1946
Patricia B. Langlin
Boston University, B.S.
1946
Rosemonde E. LaFleur
Rivier College, A.B. 1946
Grenith M. Rood
Boston University, B.A. 1947
Marie C. Volk
Radcliffe College, A.B. 1946
Primary-
Grade 5 Beatrice H. Wood, Principal
Framingham State Teachers College 1930 Bridgewater State Teachers College 1946
Grade 4 Esther F. Grant
Grade 3 Barbara Allen
Perry Normal 1947
Grade 2 Clarice Van Ummersen
Bridgewater State Teachers College 1946
Grade 1
Elizabeth J. Snow
Bridgewater State Teachers College 1945
Drawing Louise B. Spier
Mass. School of Art, B.S. 1945
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1947 GIRLS
Ages
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Total
Grade 1
2
15
17
Grade 2
4
5
1
10
Grade 3
2
10
5
17
Grade 4
4
6
1
1
12
Grade 5
8
5
2
1
16
Grade 6
5
7
1
13
Grade 7
1
6
1
1
9
Grade 8
2
10
1
1
14
Grade 9
1
4
4
9
Grade 10
3
4
7
Grade 11
3
6
2
1 12
Grade 12
3
3
6
Total
2
19
7
15
19
11
11
10
12
9
12
9
5
1
142
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE, OCTOBER 1, 1947 BOYS
Ages
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Total
Grade 1
1
15
16
Grade 2
5
5
1
11
Grade 3
1
8
1
10
Grade 4
6
4
2
12
Grade 5
9
6
3
18
Grade 6
2
5
1
8
Grade 7
7
2
1
1
11
Grade 8
1
2
4
7
Grade 9
5
6
2
13
Grade 10
1
2
1
1
1
6
Grade 11
2
3
1
6
Grade 12
3
1
1
1
6
Total
1
20
6
15
14
10
15
4
8
11
5
9
2
3
1 124
80
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF FIRE ENGINEERS
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
We submit our annual report of the Fire Department.
The year of 1947 has been a very favorable one for us, especially the cost of extinguishing forest fires. It might be interesting to call your attention to the fact that we did not have an alarm for forest fires in one of the most hazardous periods in many years.
We report progress on the new piece of apparatus which was ordered in April from the Maxim Motor Company of Middleboro, Massachusetts. We expect delivery in the spring.
We extend our thanks for your cooperation.
Salaries
$1,244.35
Janitor
120.00
Telephone
74.54
Lights
97.06
Gas
2.32
Insurance
196.00
Supplies and Equipment
935.86
$2,670.13
Appropriation
$2,700.00
Expended
2,670.13
Balance
$29.87
Respectfully submitted,
CHRISTIAN F. HENRICH, Chief ALTON E. FRENCH. First Ass't. CHESTER A. MEYER, Second Ass't. Board of Fire Engineers
ANNUAL REPORT 81
REPORT OF AN AUDIT of The Accounts of THE TOWN OF PLAINVILLE For The Period From November 13, 1946 to October 23, 1947
Made in Accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws
Mr. Francis X. Lang Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston
Sir:
Directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the Town of Plainville for the period from November 13, 1946, the date of the previous examination, to October 23, 1947, and report thereon as follows:
The records of financial transactions of the several depart- ments receiving or disbursing money for the Town or commit- ting bills for collection were examined, checked, and verified by comparison with the records of the treasurer and the accounting officer.
The books and accounts of the accounting officer were examined, checked, and compared with the records of the sev- eral departments in which money is collected and with the records of the town treasurer.
The general and appropriation acocunts were analyzed. The appropriations as recorded were checked with the town clerk's records of town meetings, the recorded transfers from the reserve fund were compared with the records of the finance committee, and a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the Town on October 23, 1947 was prepared and is appended to this report.
6
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ANNUAL REPORT
The books and accounts of the treasurer were examined and checked in detail. The receipts, as recorded, were analyzed and checked with the records of the several departments col- lecting money for the Town and with the other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the pay- ments were compared with the selectmen's warrants authoriz- ing the treasurer to disburse Town funds The cash book was footed, and the cash balance on October 23, 1947 was verified by actual count of cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit.
The payments on account of debt anad interest were veri- fied with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities and coupons on file.
The savings bank books and securities representing the investment of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the Town treasurer were examined and listed. The income was proved and the transfers to the Town were verified.
The records of tax titles and tax possessions on hand were examined and checked in detail. The amounts transferred from the tax levy of 1947 to the tax title account were recon- ciled with the tax collector's books and the redemptions of tax titles and sales of tax possessions were compared with the treasurer's receipts. The tax titles were further verified by comparison with the records at the Registry of Deeds.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked in detail. The taxes and excises outstanding ac- cording to the previous examination and all subsequent com- mitment lists were audited and compared with the warrants issued for their collection. The recorded collections were com- pared with the payments to the treasurer, the abatements were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved with the accounting officer's ledger.
The financial records of the Town clerk were examined and checked. The records of dog and sporting licenses and of licenses and permits issued by the selectmen were checked, the payments to the Town treasurer and to the State being verified. The cash balance on October 23, 1947 was verified by actual count of the cash in the office and by examination of a statement furnished by the bank of deposit.
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ANNUAL I REPORT
The surety bonds of the Town officials required by law to furnish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The records of departmental and water accounts receiv- able were examined and checked in detail. The payments to the treasurer were compared with the treasurer's cash book and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the respective ledger accounts. It is again recommended that determined efforts be made to settle the outstanding water accounts.
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