Reports of the town officers of the town of Littleton, Massachusetts, for the year ending 1939, Part 8

Author: Littleton (Mass. : Town)
Publication date: 1939
Publisher: [Littleton, Mass.] : [Town of Littleton]
Number of Pages: 222


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Littleton > Reports of the town officers of the town of Littleton, Massachusetts, for the year ending 1939 > Part 8


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


The three departments enumerated are rendering service to the pupils who are not college preparatory material, and we should find that with these increased facilities our second-


191


ary school mortality is perceptibly decreased. Our high school should be able to retain to graduation practically every pupil who enters from the eighth grade, and then it will be render- ing more nearly its full service to the community.


When last August Miss Faith Kimball was offered a much more remunerative position in Monson, we found for her suc- cessor Miss Elma DeBrune, a teacher of several years' experi- ence. The wisdom of this policy is evident in the high level of instructional efficiency maintained. Miss DeBrune and Miss Helen Thurston conduct the classes of the English, French, and Latin Departments in a very efficient manner.


The work of the College Preparatory Department is ex- tremely exacting and very high standards of work and accom- plishment must be maintained if our graduates are to be pre- pared for college. As long as our children are attending school, we must see to it that they are freed from too many outside distractions, so that their time may be devoted to their school work. Definite hours for study should be set apart and they should be kept. Our children should be taught to make the best possible use of time.


We are often disturbed to find children of foreign par- entage surpassing our native-born children in academic achievement, but the reason for this is that they appreciate the value of education and are willing to toil incessantly to secure its advantages. In his report, Principal John Moran lists several higher institutions where our graduates are in attendance. Those graduates could never have gained admis- sion if they had not known the value of work, and they can not possibly maintain their standing there unless they work harder than they ever worked in our schools. Mr. Roger Babson has recently reminded us that effort and hardship have developed and maintained the race through the ages, and that this law of development is still effective. If we are to


192


have our boys and girls secure the greatest possible benefits in our Littleton schools, we must see to it that they maintain . the high standard of accomplishment that comes only from hard work and a thorough mastery of subject matter.


The academic work of the Junior High School has been conducted ably and efficiently by Principal Carl Parmenter and his assistant. Miss Eleanor Weiss resigned in June to accept a position in the Boston system and her place has been filled by Miss Lucie DeHaro, who has had one year of experi- ence.


During the past year, our junior high school pupils won more than their share of honors in the various Inter-Town Contests held in this Union. In the Inter-Town Prize Speak- ing Contest, Jean Whiting received first prize for the girls, and Haywood Hartwell received second prize for the boys. In the final Inter-Town Spelling match broadcast from Sta- tion WORC last March, Barbara Cann was the individual win- ner. The spelling matches have done much to motivate spell- ing, and this fall our pupils entered the Lowell Sun Contest. Grades six to eight competed and Jean Pouliot represented the school at the Bee in the Lowell Auditorium. Our pupils participated in a national project for the improvement of pen- manship, with gratifying results, and considerable attention has been given to the improvement of reading habits.


The gymnasium has made it possible for both boys and girls to enjoy basketball in the winter season and to have an intra-mural softball league in the spring and fall. A program of physical education helped much to develop co-ordination and team work and did much to promote proper physical development and a higher type of sportsmanship.


This use of the new gymnasium is only a part of the en- tire program of activities to be planned for our new building.


193


The demands of all the schools are carefully considered, and the daily program is designed to permit such use of the gym- nasium-auditorium as best serves their needs. During the school day, music classes, assembly activities, play and phy- sical training groups, and various rehearsal sutilize the hall and stage ; after school, basketball practice for the various groups of high and junior high school pupils leaves little free time ; while evenings, basketball practice, basketball games, enter- tainments, and various social activities keep the hall in use much of the time.


Fortunately, the teaching staff of the Elementary School remains unchanged, and Littleton may be proud of the work this school is doing. Principal Margaret Tobin and her teach- ers report a wide range of activity. Not only are these teach- ers laying a sound basis of knowledge of the fundamentals of the traditional school subjects, but they are doing much to broaden the experience of their pupils, to develop initiative and self-reliance, and to make better citizens. They teach the pupils to read and then endeavor to teach them what to read. They are building up classroom libraries and encourag- ing wider reading of the best literature.


In any school system of considerable size, we always find some pupils who can not keep up with the class and who sooner or later become discouraged and find school distaste- ful. They may have to drop back and repeat one or more grades, or they may drop out of school entirely and become delinquents. The process of diagnosing a pupil's difficulty and of giving him the remedial work that would be necessary to remove the disability is often entirely beyond the powers of the classroom teacher for several reasons. The pupil needs some one who can devote special attention to his case, who can find his particular trouble, and who can give him the remedial work he needs so much. Only a remedial teacher can do this type of work, and such a teacher is an excellent investment.


194


This year we have been fortunate to have local substi- tutes who could devote a part of each school day to this much- needed remedial work, and a program was planned that fur- nishes help to a large number of pupils. Many pupils have been given renewed courage because they could understand the work and keep up with the class, and many have been encouraged because they were given work which they could accomplish successfully. At the end of the year, we shall have fewer failing pupils and fewer pupils discouraged because of poor work. The time is used to the best advantage and results are excellent.


Miss Dorothy N. Jacobs has supervised the work in art and drawing as usual, and Miss Mary Breen has supervised the work in music and has conducted the school orchestra.


Last March, a group of children from grades four to eight went to Boston under the direction of Miss Breen and Mr. Parmenter to participate in the Massachusetts Music Festival for Schools, and the work of this group received much favor- able comment. The junior high school pupils presented a successful operetta last spring, entitled, "Paints and Patches." The school orchestra has been developing steadily all the year. It made a favorable impression at the Exercises of Dedication, January 3, and it also played at the junior high public speaking contest, the junior high graduation, and the high school grad- uation.


Several years are required to develop a good orchestra. We need more instrumentalists. If every pupil who is musi- cal could secure instruction upon the instrument to which he is best adapted, we could have a good school orchestra year after year. Such training would furnish lasting enjoyment and a permanent cultural interest.


When children first begin to attend school, they expect to learn to read, and this is the main business of the primary


195


years. Children can not be taught to read, however, unless they have developed reading readiness. Psychologists have found that no child can be taught to read until he has acquired a mental age of six years, and if a child enters school with a mental age of six and one-half years, his chances of success are decidedly increased. Your Committee has made a wise decision, therefore, requiring all candidates for the first grade to be six years of age by October First of the year of entrance.


It is still possible for very bright pupils to enter at a younger age provided the State phychologist recommends such admission, but even this is not recommended as a general policy. Children whose entrance into the first grade is delayed until they are older do so much better work that the results are highly gratifying.


During the year past, the Health work has been directed by the Town Nurse, Mrs. Mildred Powers, and the School Physician, Dr. James D. Christie. Due to the fact that he lives in town, Dr. Christie has been able to give a considerable amount of time to his physical examinations. He has given in all 371 examinations, finding 579 defects. Mrs. Powers re- ports that these defects included defective posture 213, defec- tive feet 220, and defective teeth 76. Of the 53 corrections made, 38 were teeth corrections. Of 426 pupils weighed and measured, 12 were underweight, and six of these cases have been corrected. She made 221 home visits. Pupils excluded for communicable disease numbered 26. Mrs. Powers adds :


"I strongly recommend early treatment for colds. They are responsible for more sickness and more loss of time from school than any other one ailment.


"The pre-school clinic was held in June by Dr. Christie and 25 childrn immunized. The Toxin Anti-toxin clinic was held in May, and 96% of the pupils entering school were im- munized against diptheria."


196


Dr. Christie makes his report as school physician and offers suggestions that deserve careful consideration.


During the year, the grade teachers of Littleton have attended many group meetings for professional improvement with the other teachers of the Union, and at present they are working on a Course of Study. The teachers of English in grades seven to twelve in this Union have organized with Miss Thurston as Chairman, and they hold meetings every month for discussions of their problems. The professional spirit of the teachers of these groups is very high, and the Littleton teachers, as usual, are furnishing major contributions to all discussions.


On behalf of the teachers and myself, it is a pleasure to express our appreciation of your interest in our schools.


Respectfully submitted, B. E. DAVIS.


197


REPORT OF PRINCIPAL OF HIGH SCHOOL


December 30, 1939.


Mr. Blynn E. Davis Superintendent of Schools Littleton, Massachusetts


My dear Mr. Davis :


I herewith submit my eighth annual report as principal of Littleton High School.


The first winter term began January 3, 1939. This was a school session of seven weeks and terminated on February 17 for a vacation of one week. The second winter term, also a period of seven weeks, closed on April 14. On this date the senior class of fourteen pupils, accompanied by four teachers, left on their trip to Washington, spending nine days in travel from the time they left Boston until they returned. The cost of this trip per pupil was $48.00. Since each pupil contributed $25.00 of his own fare, the pupils and parents through class activities raised the remaining sum of $23.00 per pupil. For the fourteen pupils this totaled $322.00.


The basketball season for both boys' and girls' teams had its majority of games played during the first winter term. A few games were played during the first two weeks of March, and at the close of the season the boys' team entered the high school basketball tournament sponsored by Townsend High School at Townsend. Gate receipts for our home games totaled $183.66.


198


During the first week of June the Dramatic Club pre- sented two performances of the play DAVID COPPER- FIELD, its proceeds being used to pay loans granted to some of our graduates by townspeople interested in their further education. At the request of many members of the Littleton Woman's Club the play was presented a third time during our week of commencement activities. Previous to the presenta- tion of DAVID COPPERFIELD, during this school year, but in the fall of 1938, the play AUNT ABBY ANSWERS AN ADD was presented by the senior class and members of the Dramatic Club. The proceeds from this play were used for the seniors' Washington trip fund.


Following is the graduation program as conducted by the class of 1939, together with the commencement week activi- ties :


ORDER OF EXERCISES (Beginning at 8:00 P. M.)


Processional


Miss Mary E. Breen, Music Supervisor


Violin Solo- "Meditation," from the opera "Thais" Massenet Prayer


The Reverend Father Waldo Hasenfus


School Orchestra "Majestic Overture"


*Richard Webster Houghton


Salutatory with Essay, "Hobbies and Their Influence"


Gertrude Mary Dowd Class History "Nightfall in Granada" Bueno


199


*Mary Louise Pickard Co-Salutatory and Honor Essay, "The History and Purpose of Occupational Therapy" "Ole Uncle Moon" Scott


Theresa Catherine McManus Valedictory with Essay, "Adult Education"


John Geddes Moran, Principal Presentation of Scholarships Awarding of Honors Blynn Edwin Davis, Superintendent Presentation of Diplomas


"Littleton" Words by John Geddes Moran Benediction


* Tied for Salutatory honors. Order of speaking a matter of individual choice between the two speakers.


Class Motto-"Facta non verba (Deeds, not words)


Class Flower-Yellow Rose Class Colors-Blue and Gold


GRADUATES


George Brown Caldwell Gertrude Mary Dowd


Anna May Hartwell June Kathleen Hirtle Richard Webster Houghton Virginia Lawrence


Theresa Catherine McManus


Eleanor Gertrude Mealy Esther Arline Nissen Kendall Sauler Phelps Mary Louise Pickard arion Kittredge Smith John Hilton Starr Paul Joseph Sullivan


200


Baccalaureate Sermon


Congregational Church Sunday evening, June 18, at 8:00 o'clock


Class Day Exercises


Prouty Gymnasium Monday afternoon, June 19, at 2:00 o'clock


Reception and Dance


Prouty Gymnasium Wednesday night, June 21, from 9:00 until 1:00 o'clock


Alumni Association Banquet


Saturday evening, June 24, promptly at 6:30 o'clock


CLASS SONG By Anna May Hartwell


Let us gather


Here together


On a day of joyful singing,


And relive the days of high-school


With our hope and spirits ringing,


Songs of laughter,


Friends hereafter,


And our vows to stand united,


Pledged in faith, with a bond Through all the years beyond.


Chorus


Goodbye dear high school,


We'll face the future of strife; So long dear schoolmates Each on our own way in life ; It is a long road, But none on the way should grieve; So Farewell Littleton High School, It is time to leave.


201


CLASS OFFICERS


Richard Webster Houghton Anna May Hartwell Mary Louise Pickard


President


Secretary


Treasurer


With the opening of school on Wednesday, September 6, 100 pupils were registered, 51 boys and 49 girls. On October 1, according to grades, the enrollment was as follows:


GRADE 9


10


11


12


P.G.


Total


Boys


7


21


12


10


2


52


Girls


16


14


7


10


1


48


Total


23


35


19


20


3


100


To date 105 pupils have been registered during this present school year, 100 of them still being enrolled.


Two changes took place in the teaching staff. Elma DeBrune, a graduate of the University of Vermont, was elected to succeed Faith Merrill Kimball in the French and English Departments, and George Braman, a graduate of Wentworth Institute, was elected to succeed J. Milton Jeffrey in the Department of Industrial Arts. Both teachers came to us with a teaching experience of several years. Miss Kimball and Mr. Jeffrey were elected to positions favoring them with both financial and professional advancement, Miss Kimball in Monson, Massachusetts and Mr. Jeffrey in Rochester, New Hampshire.


This year the high school has discontinued the part-time teacher of the past three years, Miss Sawyer and Mr. Moran handling the subjects previously taught by this teacher.


202


Our new cafeteria is, indeed, a department of which to be proud. Under the excellent supervision of Miss Sawyer the cafeteria has grown to be of great benefit to the pupils throughout the twelve grades and has financially proven its merits to our school system. At the beginning of this Christ- mas vacation, from the profit accummulated during the four months of this school year, Miss Sawyer was able to purchase, for the immediate need of our cafeteria service, $20.00 worth of new dishes. This is the second season Mrs. Hughes has assisted Miss Sawyer in the preparation and serving of foods, and it is to her that we give great credit for the serving of appetizing and attractive lunches.


A visiting day was granted to the teachers on October 13. All teachers took advantage of the opportunity to visit schools in other towns.


Graduates of Littleton High School are now attending the following schools and colleges: Tufts Medical School, Annapolis, Tufts College, St. Lawrence University, Univers- ity of Vermont, Radcliffe, Bates, Boston University, Green Mountain Junior College, Colby Junior College, Lasell, Fitch- burg State Teachers College, Wheaton, University of Ala- bama, Regis College, Bishop Lee School, Dartmouth, Cam- bridge School, Wilfred Academy, Leominster Hospital School of Nursing, Simmons, Massachusetts State College, Bowdoin, Fenn College, and Northeastern University.


Recipients of the Frank M. Kimball Scholarships were Theresa Catherine McManus, valedictorian of the graduating class, and Mary Louise Pickard, class co-salutatorian.


In closing may I thank you, the Littleton School Com- mittee, and the citizens of Littleton for the help and appropri- ation given our school this past year.


JOHN GEDDES MORAN.


203


EXERCISES OF DEDICATION


January 3, 1939


PROGRAM


MUSIC The School Orchestra


INVOCATION


Reverend John Henry Wilson Pastor of the Congregational Unitarian Church


UNVEILING OF PROUTY TABLET (Acknowledging the gift of G. Edward Prouty and Ethel B. Prouty) JULYANN HARTWELL Great granddaughter of Gardner Prouty and niece of Herbert Fletcher Prouty


BUILDING A SCHOOL


W. F. Barrett, Engineer Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works


ADDRESS: "Modern Physical Education" Ernst Hermann Dean of Sargent College of Boston University Superintendent of Playgrounds, Newton, Massachusetts


KEY CEREMONY


Building Contractor-Daniel Cunningham Construction Company


Architects-Frank Irving Cooper Corporation


Building Committee-Walter H. Titcomb, Harold N. Caldwell, Elliott R. Barker, Chairman


204


School Committee-Ruth M. Frost, Ernest H. Robinson, Harold N. Caldwell, Chairman


Superintendent of Schools-Blynn E. Davis


SINGING, "America"


INSPECTION OF NEW BUILDING


OUR SCHOOLS


(From the Program of Dedication)


According to our earliest records the school system of Littleton had its beginning in 1725, when the town authorized a school which was probably held for a few weeks in a private home. Near the close of that century, the town erected its first school houses, and they were named according to their location : North, East, South and West. It was not until 1867 , after a long and exciting controversy, that the Center and the Common united to build the Union School. Gradually there- after the district schools were closed, the South School being the first and the West School the last, and all pupils were transported to the Union School, the object being "to give each child of the town equal advantages in instruction."


A high school was considered in 1850 and recommended by the school committee in 1853, and occasionally a fall term for advanced scholars was held in the brick school near the Town Hall. Later this school was moved to the Union School, and the two rooms nearest the street were added finally for its use. After its first class was graduated in 1887, the high school remained in the Union school building until in 1922 the brick structure was built.


205


In 1938 an eight-room addition was erected as the south wing of a consolidated school building with an auditorium as the central feature and the old high school building as the north wing. This new structure, modern in every respect, is now ready for occupancy, and the pupils of the Union School will leave its portals for the last time and find their places in their new surroundings.


For more than threescore years and ten, the Union School has been a seat of learning for the pupils of Littleton, and many of those boys and girls have fond and tender memories of that institution. Now a new school will claim allegiance, and as with the passing years the hand of Time touches gently these walls, so with these passing years will new affections and new memories cluster around them and the new institu- tion will become forever enshrined in the hearts of the boys and girls of Littleton.


GRADE DISTRIBUTION AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1939


Grade


Boys


Girls


Total


1


20


15


35


2


16


16


32


3


17


9


26


4


11


14


25


5


11


14


25


6


17


9


26


7


9


14


23


8


11


9


20


9


7


16


23


10


21


14


35


11


12


7


19


12


10


10


20


13


2


1


3


Totals


164


148


312


206


SCHOOL CENSUS AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1939-


5-6 Yrs.


7-13


14-15


Distribution by age :


Yrs.


Yrs.


Totals


Boys


16


88


26


130


Girls


14


86


26


125


Totals


30


174


52


256


Distribution by Schools :


In Public School


30


173


52


255


In Private school


1


1


Totals


30


174


52


256


-


207


Membership by Age and Grade


BOYS


Grade


56789|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19


Totals


1


2 13 5


20


2


2 111 1 1


16


3


2 8 5 2


17


4


632


11


5


353


11


6


46511


17


7


331 1 1


9


8


2531|


11


9


1312


7


10


38712


21


11


1 7 4


12


12


433


10


13


|1 |1 |


2


Totals


2 15|18 9 |15 13 16| 10| 7 | 9 |14|15|11 | 6 |4


164


GIRLS


Grade


5 6 7 8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17|18|19


Totals


1


393


15


2


5 10| 1


16


3


351


9


4


4 7 2


| 1


14


5


7 511|


14


6


1 43


1


9


7


1 12 1


14


8


3 | 6


9


9


2 11 1 2


16


10


1 94


14


11


|7|


7


12


2521


10


13


|1


1


Totals


3 14 16 10 15 8 6 20 9 |13|10|13 | 7 |3 | 1


148


Totals


5 29 34|19|30|21|22|30|16|22|24|28|18|9|5


312


208


FACULTY OF THE LITTLETON SCHOOLS 1939-1940


Ttl.


Name High School


Education


Year of Gradu- ation


Degree


Position


Sal.


Service Began


Yrs. Exp.


John G. Moran


M.S.C., Middlebury


1926


B.S.,M.A.


Prin., Math., Science *2900


Sept. 1931


13


Frances Dee


Regis, Simmons


1936


B.A.,B.S.


Commercial


1000


Sept. 1937


2


Helen L. Thurston


Wellesley, Heidelberg


1936


B.A.


Lat., Eng., History


1050


Sept. 1938


3


Elma J. DeBrune


Univ. of Vermont,


Columbia Univ.


1930


A.B.


Eng. and French 1100


Sept. 1939


9


George A. Braman


Wentworth Institute


1932


Man. Tr. & Shop


1100


Sept. 1939


6


Junior High School


E. Carl Parmenter


Bowdoin, Fitchburg


1931


B.A.,B.S.


Prin., Math., History


1500


Sept. 1936


3


Lucie E. DeHaro


Boston University


1937


B.S.


Eng., Geog.


950


Sept. 1939


1


Elementary


Margaret Tobin


Fitchburg


1914


Prin., Grade 4 1450


Sept. 1919


20


Mary J. Blood


Castleton, (Vt.)


1930


Grade 6


1350


Sept. 1932


9


Effie Sarris


Lowell, B. U.


1935


Grade 5


1150


Sept. 1937


4


Marion W. Flagg


Fitchburg


1905


Grade 3


1350


Jan. 1934


13


Elizabeth Hull


Perry K., B. U.


1935


B.S.


Grade 2


1050


Sept. 1936


3


Elsie M. Webb


Perry K.


1935


Grade 1


1150


Sept. 1935


4


Supervisors


Helen Sawyer


M.S.C., Columbia


1936


B.S.


Household Arts


700


Sept. 1936


3


Dorothy Jacobs


Mass. Sch. of Art


1934


Art


275


Sept. 1936


5


Mary Breen


Lowell, Boston Conservatory


Music


425


Mar. 1938


8


*Includes $326.50 from the Mary Hutchins Kimball Fund.


REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN


Mr. Blynn Davis Superintendent of Schools Littleton, Massachusetts


My dear Mr. Davis:


The following is my report as school physician for 1939.


During the spring months there was but routine work done, such as inspecting children for suspected disease or rendering first aid to accidents. This period found us com- batting an epidemic of whooping cough which lasted into the summer. Through good cooperation with parents, school nurse, and teachers in excluding cases early and using vac- cine, I think the time cost was kept at a low figure consider- ing the number of cases.


In the summer, many of the pupils needing tonsilectomy were operated at the Ayer Hospital, with a few going to other hospitals. Our thanks is due to Dr. John Monahan of Clinton for coming to Ayer no less than four times to accommodate us.


The annual examination started in September showed a fine, better than average group of pupils enrolled. I wish to point out that with comparatively few exceptions the results of good dentistry are very noticeable. The high percentage of those protected against Diptheria give a sense of security understood only by those who have seen what that disease can do. I am pleased to note that the number of parents seeking their child's exemption from vaccination against smallpox is lessening.


210


Care of eyes and constant vigil against suspected tuber- culosis is maintained.


There are two points calling for improvement. First is the correction of defective feet. There are far too many pro- nated feet in our pupils and it is my wish to see continued im- provement in this respect. I am sure we can accomplish this, for Mrs. Powers' record cards list many pupils with a better record this year than last. Second is the question of posture. I trust no parent will consider me over zealous should a child report that I have lectured him or her on the way he or she stands or walks. Not only appearance but health as well is improved by correct posture.


Of minor ills-chicken pox, impetigo, pediculosis, athletes foot, etc. we have had a few cases, but none of these have proved to be of any great importance.


Respectfully submitted,


JAMES D. CHRISTIE,


School Physician.


211


INDEX


Accountant's Report 71


Animal Inspector's Report


111


Assessors' Report


98


Auditor's Report 89


Births


34


Board of Health


120


Building Inspector's Report


44


Building Committee-High School Addition, Report


113


Burials, Non-Resident


41


Cemetery Commissioners' Report


104 40


Dog Owners


43


Electric Light Commissioners' Report


133


Electric Light Manager's Report


137


Financial Committee Report


156


Jury List


107


Library Catalogue


60


Librarian's Report


57


Library Treasurer's Report


53 49


Library Trustees' Report


42


Marriages


37


Middlesex County Extension Service


118


Oaths of Office


27


Park Department


106


Police Report


108


Transactions of Special Town Meeting


29


Public Health Nurse


1.22


Registrars of Voters 33


Sealer's Report


116


School-Age and Grade Membership 208


School-Calendar


183


Deaths


Licenses Issued by Town Clerk


School-Census


207


School-Faculty


209


School-Financial Statement


187


School-Grade Distribution 206


School-Physician's Report


210


School-Report of Secretary of School Committee


184 189 124


School-Superintendent's Report


Tax Collector's Report


Town Budget


162


Town Clerk's Report


8


Town Officers


3


Town Warrant


168


Treasurer's Report


90


Tree Warden's Report


117


Water Commissioners' Report


144


Water Works-Detail of Piping


155


Water Works-Superintendent's Report


148


MEMORANDUM


... MEMORANDUM . .


. .. MEMORANDUM :





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.