USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Randolph > Randolph town reports 1938-1943 > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
Total Sale of Stamps and Bonds
Salvage *Metals
* Keys
Stetson High School
$2,654.20
**
Prescott School
5,018.50
3 Tons
25 Lbs.
Devine & Pauline School
3,011.85
5 Tons
15 Lbs.
Belcher School
1,775.85
8 Tons
15 Lbs.
McNeill School
189.85
1 Ton
5 Lbs.
Tower Hill School
294.58
2 Tons
5 Lbs.
Totals
$12,944.83
19 Tons
65 Lbs.
Weight estimated.
** Weight not known for the high school boys toured the town and collected metals on many occasions.
I am pleased to report the splendid cooperation of teach- ers and principals in the many extra duties which have
166
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
fallen to them during this war emergency. They have re- sponded wholeheartedly to the organization of air raid drills and shelters in their respective schools. They have given of their time to community work including Civilian Defense, Air Raid Wardens, First Aid, Red Cross, Home Nursing and other activities. Mr. Gilgan, Principal of the Stetson high school, has given a most creditable account of what his school has done and is doing under the new war sched- ule which has fallen heavily on high schools throughout the country. The war rationing program, the greatest single piece of work done in our national history, was successfully completed on time by our teachers. We have reason to be justly proud of this performance; an exemplification of applied patriotism and loyalty to duty.
The shortage of labor here and elsewhere has greatly interferred with the completion of necessary school repairs. Special efforts will have to be taken to take care of needed repairs in the high school. The longer such deficiencies are allowed to go the greater will be the cost. We need every room in the building and cannot afford to send more pupils to attend classes in the town hall. Prescott and Pauline St. Schools will also have to be re-examined and inspected for necessary repairs.
We are most grateful to the Stetson High School Scholarship Fund Committee for their continued interest in providing two scholarships for deserving high school graduates and to the American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution for their practical contributions which so greatly enrich our educational efforts.
I wish to express to you my deep and sincere appre- ciation for your cooperation and guidance in this public service and to the teaching staff, pupils and homes for their valued collaboration.
Respectfully submitted, ADOLPH O. CHRISTIANSEN, Superintendent of Schools.
167
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF STETSON HIGH SCHOOL Hubert F. Gilgan, Principal
I wish to submit my annual report of the activities of Stetson High School for the year 1942.
The opening day of school saw the expected faculty changes: Miss Jefferson of the Science Department was replaced by Mrs. Lois Hodgson; Miss Athena Rentoumis replaced Miss Dole; Miss Virginia Richardson has taken the position occupied by Miss Henry in the Household Arts department and Mr. William Foley filled the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Hart.
Our enrollment, as of October 1, was 445. This is, as you can see, a decided drop. In times such as these, when work is so plentiful and the demand for workers in war industries so great, it is natural to expect that a great many pupils will drop out of school. This condition will, with- out doubt, continue for the duration. However, it would be wise for parents to consider that High School Students, whenever possible, should be encouraged to finish their edu- cation and obtain a diploma. The present emergency will end, we all hope, soon, and the necessity of boys and girls having at least a high school diploma will be as essential as it was before the war.
Our school continues to hold the high scholastic stand- ing it has enjoyed for many years. Many of our graduates of last year have enrolled at various types of Vocational schools, and others of the class of 1942 are enrolled at Har- vard University, Radcliffe, Simmons, Northeastern, Teach- ers College, and schools of nursing. About one-third of the boys of the class of 1942 are now in the service of our country.
This report will, of necessity, have a war time tinge to it. United States Commissioner of Education Studebaker at a recent convention said, in effect, that education as it has
168-
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
been conducted in the past is "out" for the duration and that anything in the schools which is not definitely tied up with the war effort is to be curtailed or eliminated. The main thing for school officials to keep foremost in their minds is that there is a war to be won; that high schools are a poten- tial source of trained man-power, not only for the armed services, but for the war production and essential community services. We will try to indicate briefly how we are trying to do the job asked of us.
We have enrolled this school in a nation-wide movement called the High School Victory Corps. This is an organ- ization, voluntary in character, which has for its object the promotion of instruction and training for useful pursuits and services critically needed in wartime. It therefore utilizes the eagerness of high school youth to take an active part in the war effort. The objectives of the Victory Corps are: the training of youth for that war service that will come after the pupil leaves school; and the active participa- tion of youth in the community's war effort while still in school. In this connection we have established the follow- ing activities: Army and Navy Office Routine; Collection of Books and Magazines for the U.S.O .; United Nations; Mail for Morale; War Stamps and Bonds; Camera; and Minute Men.
We have also established classes in Navigation ; Meteor- ology; Blue Print; Model Airplane; Slide Rule; Airplane Spotting, Canteen and Nutrition; Junior Red Cross; First Aid (girls) ; Knitting; Military Hygiene (boys) ; Military Drill (boys and girls) and Home Nursing.
In September we introduced the subject of preflight training in Aeronautics, and at the present time we have two classes in operation. We have also begun an intensive course in basic Mathematics. This class is to be held twice a day daily for the rest of the school year and is intended for those boys who have no mathematics. This is but the
169
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
beginning of what we must do to give the boys all the science, mathematics and physical training we can as rec- ommended by Army and Navy Officials. In this connection, I wish to recommend classes in the Fundamentals of Ma- chines and Fundamentals of Electricity, because the more of these subjects we can give to our pupils as a part of their pre-induction training, the better they will be equipped when their call to the colors comes.
In September we also introduced new courses in Com- mercial Law, Commercial Geography and Spanish. It may be however, that other subjects may have to give way at the beginning of a new year to more classes in math- ematics and science. I recommend to you that some of our present teachers be given brush-up courses in these sub- jects so they may be available to teach these extra classes in mathematics and science.
In addition to their activities in the Victory Corps, Stetson pupils have exhibited a great interest in taking an active part in the war effort, in whatever way possible. They are taking part in air raid warden service, auxiliary fire department service, assisting in the care of children of mothers employed in war industries, assisting in the cul- tivation and harvesting of crops, providing messenger service for defense organizations, selling war stamps and bonds, assisting in community salvage drives; all this in addition to making contributions to salvage campaigns and the purchase of war stamps and bonds. We are pleased to report that during the year 1942, the pupils of Stetson have purchased stamps to the amount of $2,654.20.
We wish to make a special mention of the Mail for Morale Club which is sponsored by Miss Foley and Miss Rentoumis. This club publishes a monthly news-letter which is sent to Randolph service men in all parts of the world. The response by the boys has been surprising, as we have had letters from many boys, not only thanking us
170
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
for the newspaper, but also making suggestions and asking for news of their friends in the service. We wish publicly to thank the Randolph Chamber of Commerce for this organ- ization has financed the postage for "The Home Front".
The faculty of this school has been 100% back of the war effort. They have enrolled in classes covering all phases of civilian defense, so as to make themselves valuable to the pupils during school hours and to the community after school hours. In addition, they have acted as instructors in Home Nursing, Red Cross First Aid, Canteen and Nutri- tion, and Auxiliary Fire Department, among other things. Without exception our teachers volunteered for rationing work, sugar, oil, and as many as were needed for gasoline rationing. We feel that the teachers can be depended upon to offer their assistance wherever and whenever it is needed.
We wish to call your attention to the need of repair at the High School building; particularly leaks in the skylight over the assembly hall and also in the ventilator shaft lead- ing to the sewing room. There are puddles of water on the floor after each rain storm and they seem to get worse the longer they remain neglected. The chairs in the assembly hall need either to be replaced or repaired.
We wish, on behalf of the students and teachers, to extend our thanks to you for your understanding, help, and guidance in these trying days when the youth of our schools are so bewildered by the world in which they find them- selves; when they are so uncertain what the future has in store for them and what they should do about it. Because now, if ever, patience and understanding must be exhibited by parents as well as by teachers to the end that these young people, now in our charge, may see their way out of a difficult situation.
171
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR Bernice D. Burdick, Supervisor
Mr. Christiansen, Superintendent of Schools:
Some public performances of musical activities have had to be eliminated because of the war and the days needed for rationing. However, I feel that classroom work in music. has been well done. Such teaching has consisted of first having the children enjoy good music, learning to read notes, and then the desire to learn more music and its appreciation.
Community singing has been conducted in some schools during the period of air raid drills. This is a practical use of music and has tended to relieve the strain on the children and kept up the morale of the schools.
At the request of Miss Ginnetty, at the McNeill School, the school children performed the operetta, "Hansel and Gretal". Many parents were present and enjoyed an excel- lent performance. Much credit for this success was due Miss Ginnetty and Miss Haley.
Graduation music was very successful. I was much pleased with the tone, quality, and the depth and strength of the voices of the students participating.
At the beginning of the school year, Mr. Thomas, the instrument director, and I consolidated our chorus groups so that with the combined voices of our boys and girls sing- ing together, we are looking forward to a better and richer performance and a deeper appreciation.
The cooperation of the School Committee, Mr. Christian- sen, principals, and teachers has been most helpful and appreciated.
172
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Myron B. Thomas
Mr. Christiansen:
"The inspiration of great music can help to inspire a fervor for the spiritual values in our way of life; and thus to strengthen democracy against those forces which would subjugate and enthrall mankind.
"Because music knows no barriers of language ; because it recognizes no impediments to free intercommunication ; because it speaks a universal tongue, music can make us all more vividly aware of that common humanity which is ours, and which shall one day unite the nations of the world in one great brotherhood," are the words of our President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a recent statement to the Press.
Bands and other musical organizations connected with the public schools of America are endeavoring to contribute to the war effort by upholding the ideals expressed in the foregoing quotation.
The people of America today are affected tremendously by the interruption of civilian life to make way for the war program. Thus it affects the public schools as well.
From our High school Band of 36 members, we have lost six experienced players who have left school to go to work, or are working part-time in local enterprises. This is indeed a problem for the director to replace these players with new material.
There have been many absences from Band rehearsals this year due to sickness, but in spite of these conditions, we are continuing in excellent form and have learned so far several new selections.
This year an activity period has been added to the school program, thus extending the Band's rehearsal time. I have
173
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
long been an advocate of this present system and can appre- ciate its advantages. The Stetson High school Band holds its weekly rehearsals at the Town Hall on Fridays from 12.30 to 2.00 P. M.
Last Spring the Band presented its first concert, which met with much success. This year, providing public gath- erings are permitted, the Band is contemplating its second annual concert, and hope to have a larger audience than last season's. These concerts raise money for new instruments.
This Fall many students from the fifth grade through Junior High school were interviewed in regard to the pur- chasing of instruments. The response was not as gratifying as last year's but some success was met. The Junior High school Band has its rehearsals each Thursday afternoon from 1.45 to 3.00 P. M.
The time is spent in instructing the players in the proper manipulation of their instruments and in learning new music. The Junior Band has a membership of 21 players at present. The group made a fine appearance in the parade last Memorial Day -- its first as a separate unit.
Class lessons are held in the High school on Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons. It has been difficult to obtain teachers due to transportation changes, but we are fortunate in having three of our regular teachers with us this year. Our percussion teacher is unable to be present this year, and it has been impossible to fill his place at present. Instruction is given in cornet, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, baritone, trombone, and bass.
Miss Burdick's Girls' chorus and the Boys' chorus have been combined and the results are most satisfactory. The harmony of the three parts produces a more complete result than separate organizations. This has also proven advan- tageous from a disciplinary standpoint.
The repertoire of the combined chorus at present in- cludes American Folk music and light classics. ...
174
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF HANDWRITING William L. Rinehart, Supervisor
Mr. Christiansen:
I am pleased to submit the following report of the oper- ation of the handwriting program in the Randolph Public Schools for the school year of 1941-42.
Our records show that in the initial handwriting tests administered in November, 1941, 22.1% pupils made a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; 22.4% made a grade of "B" (Good) ; and 55.5% received a score of less than "B". In the final tests administered in June 1942, 66.2% of the pupils made a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; 9.2% made "B" (Good) ; and 24.6% received a score of less than "B".
During the last school year, we graded approximately 14,000 formal and 42,000 informal samples of handwriting. Monthly tests were administered to all pupils, and a careful diagnostic report was sent to all the teachers indicating the remedial instruction necessary for each child.
We furnished the following supplies during the year :- monthly outlines for the teachers, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certificates, monthly and term envelopes, term testing paper, individual handwriting certificates for eighth grade pupils who qualified, diagnostic charts, seals, etc.
In conclusion, I should like to express my appreciation to you, your teachers, and your pupils for the fine cooper- ation we have received at all times.
175
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
ART SUPERVISOR Marguerite Williams
Mr. A. O. Christiansen :
The need for art education was never more urgent and inspiring than it is today. The prevailing aim of art in general education is to enable the student to adjust himself more fully to his present environment and to prepare him- self for his vital part in our democratic way of life.
The natural instinct to create is present in all children. Very seldom do we find a child to whom art work does not have a very special appeal. He may not be the best creative artist in his class or in his school, but he will be a better citizen for having developed an appreciation of art ideals.
From the first grade through the finishing years of high school, we try to develop a mastery of certain abilities. There is the ability to see things in the correct proportion, the ability to select pleasing color schemes, the ability to use art tools, the ability to visualize, the ability to organize, the ability to express ones ideas, and the ability to use the basic art principles. This growing art knowledge is a neces- sary part of our pupils' well-balanced education.
This year, exhibitions of the children's work were held in the individual schools; the High School exhibited theirs in Chapin Hall.
In Stetson High School, Freehand and Mechanical Drawing classes are elective. It is unfortunate that con- ditions necessitate the transfer of students from the High School to the Town Hall for their drawing classes. The total loss in drawing classes over a period of time is a definite loss to the senior students who have elected to take drawing.
This year our High School art classes enthusiastically designed and executed the scenery for the Senior Class play. This gave the students the opportunity to take pride in the constructive use of the principles they have learned.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the whole-hearted support and co-operation which I have received throughout the school system during the past year.
176
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
The year 1942 was an upsetting one with the drafting of our young men, even at this time going into boys of high school age. During examinations for the services, a great many were disqualified because of teeth; the average per- cent of unfit being from twenty-five to thirty percent, but this did not pertain to Randolph and Milton alone, but was state-wide and also country-wide. Rejections in some of our states went as high as forty percent. In large cities and wealthy towns where physicians are employed full time, the same rate of rejections has been found. Randolph has furnished as fine a group of boys to the services of the United States as any district in New England. As a mem- ber of Selective Service Board No. 103, of Milton, I am in close contact with examinations conducted in Boston and at any time have access to findings of army doctors.
We have had the usual run of sickness in our town with many colds, whooping cough, chicken pox, only a few cases of scarlet fever, and practically no cases of diphtheria. One thing at least is to be regretted. There are too many youngsters being left in care of children, in some cases not any older than themselves, as both parents are working in defense plants. This I do not consider a good policy, since most husbands are earning enough to care for the home. Mothers, it would seem, can be doing just as much good by looking after their children rather than working most of the day away from home. Patriotism, like charity, begins at home, and children need parental care, for with- out good home life the child is lost.
During the year 1942 hundreds of children have lost many valuable days of school by neglecting to procure health certificates in order to return to school after an absence of three days. Children themselves are not really at fault, as they are young and have no responsibilities, but parents
177
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
should remember and remind children to get them during my office hours. On Mondays there is a rush to secure cer- tificates by those who had Saturday and Sunday to get them. This demand for certificates is a rule of the school board, not my own, but I am perfectly willing to have children call at my office during hours. Because of increased sicknesses and additional defense work, I am obliged to stop giving certificates in the morning before school.
I wish to thank Superintendent Adolph Christiansen, members of the School Committee, and teachers, for their loyal support.
GEORGE V. HIGGINS, M.D., School Physician.
178
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE Helen F. Conlon, R.N.
Following is a report of my work in the school during the past year :
Schools visited 585
Classrooms visited 1,395
Inspections in all grades 8,612
Exclusions recommended for pediculosis, skin irritations and symptoms of com- municable disease 224
Home visits made 258
First-aid treatments 439
Number of children weighed and measured 4,634
Pupils in grades 1 - 8 were weighed 3 times.
Pupils in High school were weighed twice.
Children who had lost weight or had gained very little were weighed more often.
Number of children taken to School Physician 73 Number of children referred to school dentists, Dr. Maguire and Dr. Smith 388
Number of children attending the Child Guid- and Clinic 3
A two-day clinic was held in May for children who were having difficulty in maintaining the work of their grade. Nine children were given Psychiatric tests by State Psy- chiatrists and four children who had been examined the previous year were re-tested.
Recommendations were:
Continue in Special Class 4
Transfer to Special Class 1
Repeat present grade 4
Transfer from Special Class to a grade 1
Transfer to a State school 1
Promote and give extra help in reading 1 Work shop class advised 1
179
D
TOWN OF RANDOLPH, MASS.
The Board of Health held the Diphtheria Prevention clinic in the Prescott and Devine Schools on May 11, 18, 25. Parents were urged to have their children who had not already been immunized against Diphtheria attend the clinic. One hundred and eleven children between the ages of six months and twelve years were immunized by Dr. Hig- gins, the School Physician.
During the year eleven children were taken to the Nor- folk County Hospital for Tuberculin tests and X-rays.
In December, twenty-four children who had been on the Norfolk County School Clinic follow-up lists were taken to the Norfolk County Hospital for X-rays and examinations. Reports have been sent to the parent or guardian of each child attending the clinic.
Two children enjoyed eight weeks at the Norfolk County Health Camp in Braintree this summer.
A course in Home Nursing under the direction of the American Red Cross was given in the High School.
This course consists of thirty hours of theory and prac- tical work and is meant to help the student meet the per- sonal and family health problems and know what to do when illness invades the home.
Thirty-five girls completed the course and received a certificate from the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington.
In closing my report, I would like to express my appre- ciation to all those who so willingly aided me in any work throughout the year.
180
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL STATISTICS
State Report, June 30, 1942
Population, Randolph, 1940 Census
7,606
Valuation
$7,028,150
School enrolment
1,770
Average membership
1,719
Average daily attendance
1,588
Average number of days in session, all schools
173
Cost per pupil, grades 1 to 8, average membership
$53.65
Cost per pupil, high school, average membership $104.65
Non-resident pupils, one-half year or more in attendance 100
Number of teachers and principals
62
Number of supervisors (full time 2, part time 1)
3
ENTERING AGE TO GRADE ONE
Entering age to grade one, five years and five months on or before Sept. 1, 1943. Vaccination and birth certifi- cates required.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Children absent from school, three or more days, must obtain a health certificate from the School Physician before they are allowed to return to school.
RECEIPTS FROM STATE AND OTHER SOURCES
General School Fund, Part 1
$19,014.33
Tuition, State Wards
2,250.51
Tuition, City Wards 3,035.92
Coddington Fund, interest
47.49
Dog Tax
1,095.12
Deen Fund and State, Household Arts, Salaries
949.39
Reimbursement, Household Arts, Supplies 250.00
181
1
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.