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