USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1919 > Part 9
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Resignation of Mr. Parker
After twenty-six years of service in the school department as janitor and attendance officer, Mr. Warren Parker resigned his position in October. Mr. Parker has served the department long and faithfully. He was appointed janitor of the Sanford Street Schools in December, 1893. Two years later he was appointed truant officer for the schools in the center of the town. Since June, I, 1903, he has been truant officer, or as now called, attendance officer, for the whole city. His resignation was received with regret after he had been requested to reconsider it. In the performances of his duties Mr. Parker was more than officer of the law compelling children to attend school. Only those associated with him could know of the kindness and sympathy with which he dealt with school offenders, or the pity which filled his heart as he tried to help the suffering children of unfortunate parents. His feeling that the children were not to blame and must not be allowed to suffer prompted him many times to supply necessary food and clothing for them at his own expense, the usual methods of relief being too slow to meet the needs of the situation. Though he was often obliged to resort to the courts to secure the desired results, yet even there the good of the child was the motive back of his act, and he always made the child understand it. He was always a welcome visitor at the schools, and teachers and pupils greeted him heartily and sincerely. He was to teacher and pupil alike a true and trusted friend and as such he will be long remembered.
The School Savings Bank
Deposits for each year since the establishment of the bank in 1908:
Year
Deposits
1908 (3 mos.)
$2,429.00
1909
4,497.85
1910.
4,198.25
1911.
4,142.16
1912.
3,826.22
1913.
4,406.50
1914.
3,658.13
1915.
3,680.00
1916.
4,927.27
1917
5,487.04
1918.
3,185.91
1919
5,176.32
Total.
$49,614.65
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATEMENT JANUARY 1, 1920
Dr.
Balance on deposit January 1, 1919, including interest ($281.87)
$1,877.92
Deposited in the First National Bank from January 1, 1919 to
January 1, 1920. 5,176.32
Interest from November, 1918 to November, 1919 58.17
Total.
$7,112.41
Cr.
Transferred to pupils' individual accounts, Jan. 1, 1919 to Jan. 1, 1920. . $4,048.00
Withdrawn, 1919, from interest to cover expenses .. 22.63
Balance on deposit January 1, 1920, including interest ($317.41) 3,041.78
7,112.41
Total amount deposited since October, 1908.
$49,614.65
Number of individual accounts opened at the First National Bank from October, 1908 to January, 1919. 2,143
January, 1919 to January, 1920. 198
2,341
Number of pupils depositing in the school bank January 1, 1920. 1,617
The reports of the Principal of the High School, the supervisors of music and drawing, the teacher of sewing, the school physician and the school nurse, accompany this report and deserve your careful consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
LEWIS A. FALES,
December 24, 1919.
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The registration in the high school this year is 444, the largest number in its history. Of these, 71 are rated as fourth year, 98 as third year, 123 as second year and 152 as first year pupils. There are 215 boys and 229 girls. Nearly sixty per cent of the total is enrolled in the commercial course, with the remainder nearly equally divided among the college preparatory, the technical and the general courses.
Fifteen pupils have left school since September. Six have moved from Attleboro, two left because of changed conditions at home, while the rest found easy employment at good pay a stronger inducement than a continued educa- tion. In the face of the constant demand for labor, our large enrollment and continued numbers are noteworthy.
The changes in the curricula of the school consist in the introduction in the second year of the commercial course of an elementary course in bookkeeping, an increase in the first year history from a three to a four hour a week course, the addition of trigonometry in the third year of the technical course and the substitution of Spanish for German in the courses of study other than the commercial, in which it had already been placed.
The changes in the teaching force during the year of 1919 have been num- erous, though we are fortunate in beginning in September with only four changes in the staff which finished the school year in June, the four new teach- ers being Mr. Karl S. White in English, Miss Sara B. Dreney in Spanish, Miss Alice M. Oliver in Domestic Science, and Mr. Philip H. King in Mechanical Drawing. We are glad to welcome back Mr. Eastwood who returns from a year's leave of absence.
The staff at present is a strong one and should, if possible, be kept intact. The present increase in numbers and that certain to develop next fall, makes it evident that at least two additional teachers will be needed, one in the English department and one in the commercial subjects. Room 103 now partially used by the art department must be equipped with desks for a class room and possibly room 105 as well.
The extra-curriculum activities of the school are strong and successful. The Blue Owl, the school paper, under the direction of the English department, receives and merits the support of the school and its friends. The orchestra is larger and more efficient than ever. The athletics of the school which are limited to baseball and basketball are in a fairly good condition, even better than might be expected from their general lack of systematic aid. We owe a great deal to Dr. Earl White for his interest and coaching assistance. How- ever, we need a physical director who could give all of his time to the physical needs of the pupils and the coaching of the teams.
Last June seventy were graduated, the record class in point of numbers, I believe. Of those, the majority were from the commercial course and all who desired found good positions at once in the local business offices. Twenty- six are continuing their education in school or college. Our scholarship stand- ard is shown by the fact that every pupil who sought admission by examina- tion gained it. Three boys passed the entrance examinations to the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology. Other colleges and schools to which our graduates went are Dartmouth, Brown, Simmons, University of Indiana, Sargeant, Bridgewater Normal, Framingham Normal, Massachusetts Normal Art, Massachusetts School of Pharmacy, Wentworth, Bryant and Stratton, and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES FRANCIS SMITH.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
During this year there has been no change in the methods of teaching sing- ing in the first seven grades. I still think that to train the pupil to sing in a beautiful way is preferable to shouting and hollering, and to this end we train the pupils on the principles laid down by the foremost masters of the child voice. Class instruction is the usual mode of exercise but individual singing is encouraged as a spontaneous willing action on the part of the pupil. Voice training, ear training, and sight singing are carried along together in each grade so that a normal child at the end of seven years in school is able to read music, to sing well, and appreciates good music. The attitude of the regular teachers toward music is to be commended and to their hearty cooperation is due the success of music in the grades.
The Eighth Grade
There are two music periods a week given to pupils of the eighth grade. Two years ago I decided to use one of the periods for music appreciation talks and lectures on the history and development of music with illustrations of the operas and oratorios from the phonograph, all of which the pupils seemed to enjoy. The other period was given over to singing. It was intimated to me by the pupils themselves that they wished more opportunity to sing and after I had taken a census of the opinions of the entire school I found the majority were in favor of singing. This year beginning September I changed my plan to the former one of two singing periods each week, one in the individual rooms and one in the assembly hall. The improvement in the singing over that of last year is so marked that I would hesitate to return to the lecture course again if in doing so it should be necessary to cut a singing period. I am still of the opinion, however, that children in this grade should have a broader musical education than is possible in the singing period.
Singing
I am not satisfied with the meagre amount of time given to singing in the High School. One half hour a week falls far short of satisfying the needs and wishes of the singers in the music class. I think it possible to develop more and better singers in the school and to this end I would recommend that a choral club be formed along the same lines as the orchestra, to meet on Tues- day and Thursday at 1:40. This idea is the special point I wish to emphasize in my report this year. I feel that the importance of such a step is not to be underestimated and that school credit should be given these pupils and that the city should provide the music for such a course. Such a club could not only be used successfully with the orchestra but would furnish a solution of the graduation problem. The regular music class is so large now that there is no place for them at graduation, neither has there been time to successfully train any other chorus for public appearance. Therefore I feel that you can readily see the advantage of this idea not only to the singers themselves but also to the school and community.
The Orchestra
There are thirty-six pupils of the High School in the orchestra. During the year three public concerts were given by the entire orchestra-one the re- gular concert to which a small admission was charged, one before the Attle- boro Teachers' Association, and one at the Attleboro Sanitarium. Ten mem- bers of the orchestra supplied the music for the Teachers' Convention at Taunton and also for the reception to the teachers given by the School Com- mittee. The public appearance of the orchestra is confined mostly to the
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ANNUAL REPORT
School Department. No money is ever received for the service of the or- chestra. The money received from the annual concert is used to buy new instruments which are loaned to pupils to use while they are in High School. Fourteen instruments have been bought since the orchestra was organized. The demand for instruments is greater than the supply and I can think of no more profitable field of philanthrophy than for some public spirited citizen or some of our numerous clubs to help along this movement which everyone seems to think is a good one. The orchestra still continues to play three times each week at the opening exercises and meets for practice at 1:45 to 2:20.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN L. GIBB.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF FREEHAND DRAWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The first of the year our work was somewhat handicapped by the loss of time and many changes in the teaching force. Every September seems a new opportunity and we were especially glad of it this year. Our grade meetings began the day schools opened. It means everything to the success of drawing to have the teachers enthusiastic, willing and responsive. That the teachers are all this shows in some of the excellent work we have had this fall.
Our plan of work is as I stated in my report for nineteen hundred and fifteen, but new projects replace old ones whenever a new project seems more closely related to the interests of the children. From the seventh grades we have had some interesting results of their study of silverware. The eighth grade pupils have made a study of jewelry design, and have made some very creditable designs for pierced pins. This is the only instance where we make designs just for pure design. At all other times our designs are made whenever we have something to be decorated. The pupils also designed hat pin heads and these they were able to make by permodello modelling. This proved most practical and interesting.
A number of new Perry pictures have been added to our picture study. I believe this picture study deserves all the prominence we can give it. Aside from the study of the sets of pictures which the teachers take up with the child- ren, I have begun some definite picture study with each grade. I would like the boys and girls to leave school with some enjoyment and knowledge of the works of a few of the master artists.
In the high school, the problems in drawing and design are definite and prac- tical. I believe that one of the highest services that can be rendered to high school pupils, is to make them more sensitive to beautiful things, to help them develop good taste in home furnishings, and lead them to enjoy great works in architecture, painting and sculpture. It seems to me that a trained appreciation of these things must make them do everything in a finer way. The number of pupils taking drawing in the high school is about the same as it has been for the past two years.
Respectfully submitted,
PERSIS A CROWELL.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF SEWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my report of the sewing in the schools. During the past year, as in previous years, instruction in sewing has been given to the girls of grades five, six, seven and eight, making thirty-two classes and including five hundred and fifty girls. The work began and continued through the year with much interest on the part of both girls and teacher. It is the purpose of this course to develop the initiative and self reliance of the pupils, to insist on individual responsibility for work, and to train them to an appreciation of the joy of accomplishment, of having by effort planned and made well something useful. There are no practice pieces with purposeless stitches. All class work is toward the completion of some articles which it will be a pleasure to them to possess. In teaching sewing to the girls the object is not alone to cut and make garments, but to cultivate a desire in the child to take pride in being able to mend and replace in such a way as to keep the clothing neat, attractive, and in a good state of preservation.
At present the principal problem is the arrangement of classes in such order as will permit the largest number to receive weekly instruction. At Sanford Street, two large seventh grades are alternated, an arrangement far from satisfactory to the girls who bitterly regret a holiday depriving them of their hour. The same is true of the sixth and seventh grades at Bliss School. The class at Farmers being small, the girls have been allowed to join one at Sanford Street thus making it possible to give the larger class a lesson each week. On account of the car schedule, it is impossible to connect Briggs Corner with any other school so it has seemed wisest to visit here once a month, giving the whole afternoon. This arrangement has been cheerfully accepted by the teacher notwithstanding the inconvenience it incurs. At Tiffany, also, two large classes are combined, making too many for good work but enabling all the girls to do a little each week.
Last June, sewing machines were installed at South Attleboro and Tiffany and never were machines more appreciated. The pupils all show a great de- sire to learn how to run them and the work has been greatly facilitated. The girls join with me in thanking the Committee for their liberality in thus equip- ping us for better work.
I wish also to extend thanks to the parents who have so generously supplied the material to make our work possible.
We are still carrying on our charity work and I feel that the great interest taken in it by the girls cannot have failed to have given them a broader and deeper interest in all humanity. I extend a cordial invitation to all who are interested, to visit the classes and see the work being done.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE A. WALKER.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
A medical inspection of the city's schools for the year ending January 1, 1920, demonstrates results which are most gratifying. The single factor most noted is the condition of the pupils' teeth. Throughout the year many cases whose defects would otherwise have gone without remedy have received at- tention from the school dentist.
The factor of the prevalence of pediculosis was given extensive considera- tion. In connection with this subject I would recommend the establish-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ment of so called health centers in various localities, especially in the outlying districts. Here the welfare of the child can be taken up in detail by both the parents and the school authorities.
The prevalence of communicable disease in the form of influenza, diphtheria, and scarlet fever was contended with during the year. In the latter part of November an outbreak of diphtheria occurred. Efforts to overcome this were centered on the Richardson School where over one hundred fifty throat cul- tures were taken, and each individual pupil's throat was examined daily. About ten unsuspected cases were found present through the operation of this procedure, aiding greatly in checking the spread of the disease.
A few isolated cases of scarlet fever were reported but investigation showed that as they were well scattered no further occurrences are contemplated.
In a previous communication I recommended the installation of a more de- tailed system of physical inspection which was approved by your committee. I cannot help but feel that the results to be attained during the coming year under such a system will justify the added expenditure and energy required.
In closing, I wish to commend the school nurse for her earnest efforts and cooperation which have aided much in the improvement noted this year.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE W. BATTERSHALL, M.D.
School Physician.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
During the year ending December 31, 1919, I feel a great amount has been accomplished by the department of school hygiene. The work has been ex- ceptionally trying at times as many obstacles were necessarily dealt with which have not been met with before. Much of my time has been occupied by epidemics of influenza, diphtheria, scarlet fever and whooping cough, which have been prevalent at various times throughout the year. Special attention has been given the follow up work if cases whose remediable defects were noted by the school physician at his annual inspection of the school children.
With pleasure I report the great improvement along the dental line, par- ticularly in the Dodgeville and Hebronville districts, much of which has been accomplished with the assistance of the dental clinic. In the cases of pedi- culosis, the improvement has been most gratifying. In some cases first treat- ment has been given and instructions left as to further care.
Last November in each school was placed a first aid kit consisting of tinc- ture of iodine, disinfectant, alcohol, collodion, adhesive tape, absorbent cotton, bandages and sterile gauze. These simple articles any teacher could use in case of an emergency. They seemed more practical and were purchased at a much lower cost than the few that had been used formerly.
A detailed report of the work follows:
School
Number of Visits
Bank Street.
16
Bliss.
25
Briggs Corner. 18
Capron. . .
15
Carpenter Street.
18
Dodgeville.
19
Farmers.
18
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ANNUAL REPORT
High. .
4
Hebronville.
20
Plat. .
11
Pleasant Street.
21
Richardson.
45
Sanford Street.
28
South Attleboro
20
Tiffany
19
Washington.
23
Homes visited.
110
Assisted the school physician in taking cultures of over 150 children Assisted the school physician at three operations for adenoids and tonsils.
Respectfully submitted,
GENEVIEVE E. BOWMAN, R.N.
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1920
Term Expires January 1921
Dr. Reginald P. Dakin, 32 John St. Telephone: Residence 713\ Office 279-J
Mrs. Lida M. Holbrook,
28 Peck St. 1921
Telephone 490-J
Clelland J. McClatchey,
439 No. Main St. 1921
Telephone 258- X
17 Mechanics St. 1922
Mrs. Mary C. Ford,
177 So. Main St.
1922
Joseph Finberg,
24 John St. 1922
George E. Nerney,
204 No. Main St. 1923
Harold K. Richardson,
Mrs. Florence B. Theobald,
250 County St. 1923
Telephone 172-M
ORGANIZATION.
Edwin F. Thayer Chairman Dr. Reginald P. Dakin Secretary
Edwin F. Thayer Representative before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Teachers and Course of Study.
Mr. Thayer, Mrs. Holbrook, Mrs. Theobald, Mrs. Ford, Mr. Richardson.
Text-Books and Supplies.
Dr. Dakin, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Theobald, Mr. Nerney, Mr. Richardson.
Incidentals and Repairs.
Mr. Thayer, Mr. Richardson, Mrs. Holbrook, Mr. Finberg, Mr. McClatchey.
Visiting Schools.
Mrs. Holbrook, Mrs. Theobald, Mrs. Ford, Dr. Dakin, Mr. Nerney.
INDEPENDENT EVENING INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
Advisory Committee. S. M. Einstein, E. L. Gowen, W. L. King, J. H. Harmstone.
Edwin F. Thayer,
Telephone 468-M
Telephone 140-W
Telephone 316- X
Telephone 371-W
12 Florence St. 1923
Telephone 203-J
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ANNUAL REPORT
ATTLEBORO HIGH SCHOOL-STATE AIDED VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
Advisory Committee.
A. Slocomb, J. Finberg, Dr. Emory Holman,
J. E. Anderson, T. K. Bliss,
W. H. Saart.
TEACHERS.
High School-County Street.
James F. Smith, Principal 7 Grove St.
Edith L. Claflin, French.
144 Pleasant St.
Martha A. Clapp, Latin. and English. 35 Peck St.
Bernice W. Cragin, French. 9 Franklin St.
Amy G. Dorsett, Commercial Branches 15 Jackson St.
Sara B. Dreney, Spanish.
42 Tennyson St., Boston, Mass ..
Wm. F. Eastwood, Manual Training
117 South Main St.
Mildred Hood, Commercial Branches
4 Prospect St.
Sadie V. Johnstone, Commercial Branches
13 Florence St.
Philip H. King, Manual Training .
31 Prospect St.
Myrta E. Nute, English.
33 Elizabeth St.
Alice M. Oliver, Domestic Science
145 County St.
Mabel I. Osborne, Mathematics.
.31 Third St.
Regina Randall, English
8 Jefferson St.
Alvin E. Thomas, Science.
249 County St.
Lillian E. Townsend, Commercial Branches. 166 North Main St.
Lena F. Uhlig, History 196 Pine St.
Karl S. White, English. 32 John St.
BANK STREET SCHOOL-Cor. Bank and Peck Streets.
Room
Milton P. Dutton, Principal 683 Park St.
3 Alice M. McNerney, VIII 206 Park St.
4 Harriet M. Fogg, VIII. 8 Howard Ave.
6 Anita M. Robb, VIII. 1012 Park Ave.
7 Effie G. Higgins, VIII. 191 South Main St.
8 Hazelfern Hofmann, VIII 1912 Park Ave.
CHARLES E. BLISS SCHOOL-Park Street.
Milton P. Dutton, Principal 683 Park St.
1 Betsy H. Perkins, Asst., VII 24 Park Ave. 2 Edith Benson, VI R. F. D. No. 2, Box 104
3 Elva M. Staples, V. 8 Howard Ave.
4 Mildred C. Patterson, IV. 24 Park Ave.
5 Carrie L. Bertenshaw, (Mrs.) III . 130 Union St.
6 Elsie E. Bowen, II . 6 Sturdy St.
7 Helen C. Hayford, II, I. 8 Howard Ave.
8 H. Marion Lillibridge, I 2 Burnside Ave. Julia I .. Merry, (Mrs.) 1448 Park St. Individual Instruction
Irene Ingalls, Biology . 5 Prospect St.
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ANNUAL REPORT
BRIGGS CORNER SCHOOL.
Room
1 Florence Carleton, Principal, VI, V 5 Sturdy St.
2 Thelma S. Fultz, IV, III . 19 East St.
3 Margaret M. Fawcett, II, I. 8 Howard Ave.
CAPRON SCHOOL-Cor. Fourth and Prospect Streets.
1 Lucy H. George, III, II. .55 South Main St., Mansfield, Mass.
2 Elizabeth R. Holbrook, II, I 29 Pleasant St.
CARPENTER STREET SCHOOL.
1 Edna L. Atwell, II Hebronville, Mass.
2 Clara F. Bourne, I . R. F. D. No. 4, Attleboro, Mass.
DODGEVILLE SCHOOL.
1 Mary G. Gilles, Principal, VI, V 20 South Main St.
2 Clara G. Smith, IV, III . 111 Thacher St.
3 Sybil K. Leonard, (Mrs.) III, II . 76 Peck St. 4 A. Erva Kennedy, II, I 8 Howard Ave.
Kg Flora M. Goff Hebronville
FARMERS SCHOOL- West Street.
1 Marion S. Hamblett, Principal, VI, V. .40 Elizabeth St.
3 Eleanor A. Williams, IV, III. 174 North Main St.
2 Louise G. Richards, II, I. .34 Peck St.
HEBRONVILLE SCHOOL.
1 Martha J. Roberts, Principal, VII, VI 20 South Main St.
2 Jennie S. Pierce, V, IV. 14 Main St., Pawtucket, R. I.
3 Helen P. Bullock, III, II. .31 Mulberry St.
4 Eliza H. Wales, (Mrs.) II, I. 11 Manchester St.
5 Kathrina S. Thayer, Kindergarten Steere St.
5 Flora M. Goff, Asst. Kindergarten. Hebronville
PLAT SCHOOL.
Hazel Huxley, III, II, I. . 423 Newport Ave.
PLEASANT STREET SCHOOL.
1 M. Vaulein Moore, III. A100 Bronson Block
2 Grace R. Pimer, I 55 Bank St.
Portable Building- Katharine F. Powers, (Mrs.) II 69 Peck St.
ABIATHAR A. RICHARDSON SCHOOL-Cor. Pearl and Pine Streets.
Earle C. Macomber, Principal 812 Fourth St.
1 Ruth F. Sampson, Asst., VII. 10 Hope St.
2 Gladys Cameron, VII, VI .. . 8 Howard Ave.
3 Caroline L. Cole, VI. 487 Mt. Hope St., Attleboro Falls, Mass.
4 Ruby King .24 Park Ave.
5 Norma I. Bake, V 24 Park Ave.
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ANNUAL REPORT
6 M. Avis Hodges, IV 1012 Park Ave.
7 Mildred N. Brownell, IV. 230 South Main St.
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