USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1924 > Part 16
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Respectfully submitted, PERSIS A. CROWELL.
·
189
ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Supervisor of Manual Training.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I have much pleasure in submitting my annual report of the Manual Training and Mechanical Drawing departments.
Manual Training is not an end in education but is a means of broad- ening the understanding of the youth. Before the introduction of moving pictures, radio and the automobile, manual training was the only touch they had with industry. We can and do use this interest in these fields e. g. radio.
The projects developed in the Manual Training shop are one factor towards the understanding of industry.
One of our aims should be the development of a greater social being. We are told that the future of our country lies largely with results accom- plished by the knowledge of youth through association with materials and processes. Knowledge of industrial conditions breeds an interest in the lives of others. Organized visits to the industries allied with manual training, talks by experts in these industries are recommended for this purpose; they would show the relation between manual training and real life. The growth of machinery in every department of industrial life has created a demand for machinery in the manual training department. This has been met by adding a 10" Jointer and a 30" Band Saw (each with individual motor) this year.
Schools are being called upon more and more to train mechanically skilled laborers. While this is essentially the work of the Vocational school demands are made upon us to some extent.
"Manual training work presents to all pupils an added means of ex- pression, and to many their most natural means of expression."
Some pupils leave school because they do not seem able to make progress in the academic studies and there is little chance of them grad- uating along these lines. If we had a four-year course developed upon technical lines we should not only be helping the boy himself but helping the national life also.
1st year course Bench wood-work and wood-turning.
2nd “ Bench and machine work in metal.
3rd Electrical wiring and automobile construction.
4th 66 Jewelry shop processes.
To introduce such a course we should need much more room than we have at present.
The number of pupils electing Manual Training in the High School is as follows:
Freshmen.
37
Sophomores 20
Juniors
5
Seniors.
7
Total 69
190
ANNUAL REPORT
Number of pupils in Eighth Grade:
Bank St.
112
Bliss 38
Total. 150
The increased number of credits now being required for graduation prevents a number of boys from electing manual training. The desire is there, however, because a number of the High School students work on some project they have in mind, either for home, family, friends or them- selves during study hours or after school.
Course of Study.
Freshmen: Names, construction, uses and care of tools.
Planing being the basis of all good woodwork the earlier projects depend mainly upon efficient planing for their success.
Those pupils showing ability to do the preliminary processes well during the first quarter are allowed to choose a special project of their own under the approval of the instructor.
Sophomores and Juniors: Advanced bench work, furniture- making with inlaid work and wood-turning. The wood-turning course covers the necessary steps to produce the turning of furniture parts e. g. chisel and screw drivers handles, vise handles, candlesticks, gas and electric table lamps, floor lamps, bowls, spindle table legs, etc., inside and outside screw face plate work.
Seniors: Work of their own, in advance of the underclassmen. They are called upon to do repairs around the school, to do work for the grade schools and to do the milling work for the underclassmen.
Work Completed.
1. The Pupils-desks, chairs, tables, radio cabinets, piano benches, medicine cabinets, plant stands, etc.
2. The School
(a) Office. Filing boxes, Bulletin boards, Letter Rack Extension.
(b) Library. Two-four shelf book stands, Catalog file, Bulletin boards, Library table extension.
(c) Chemistry Dept. Filing cabinet for chemistry experiments.
(d) Lunch Room. Rebuilt candy salesman's cage, four ticket boxes.
(e) Repair Work. Lockers, chairs, auditorium seats, addition to stage in auditorium, six screws for rear Gymnasium windows. Refinished 85 desk covers for class rooms. Replaced desk hinges, etc, etc.
(f) Manual Training Dept. Built a large tool room.
(g) Outside Work Mill orders for Richardson and Tiffany schools, Six full size screens for Sanford St. School, 80 skids for desks at Hebronville.
New Equipment.
New equipment has been added as follows:
Ten-inch Jointer (individual motor drive).
Thirty-inch Band-Saw (individual motor drive).
191
ANNUAL REPORT
Consideration has been given to the exchange of two of the present wood-turning lathes for an individual motor driven wood-turning lathe, 6 foot bed, automatic feed and an outer head stock chuck for turning large pieces of work. A new grinding machine (individual motor) would make a complete wood-working machinery department.
Course in Grade Eight.
Begins by making a working drawing of the project in liand. The earlier projects cover lessons in the use, and care of a plane, to dissemble and assemble one correctly, to whet and care for the blade; the use of rip and cross cut saws, and instruction in the use of simple wood-working tools.
"During the year a varied number of projects was completed; such as, coat hangers, hot dish stands, knife and fork boxes, taborettes, radio cabinets, etc. Closets for the school shop were completed. In submit- ting this report I recommend that the eighth grade pupils be given double periods or two hours per week in place of the present one hour per week schedule. I recommend this in order that the pupils may be better pre- pared for their work at the High School which we hope to advance to a higher grade of perfection. To those who do not or cannot elect the High School Manual Arts course will rest more practical knowledge than is now possible.
Mechanical Drawing.
The number of pupils in the High School electing Mechanical Drawing is as follows:
First Year 68
Second Year. 37
Third Year. 6
Fourth Year 3
Total 114
There is a notable increase in second year students over last year, i. e. 61% increase.
Mechanical Drawing being the first step in Manual Training it is very essential and important that the two studies should be closely correlated, hence each M. T. student is required to take Mechanical Drawing. More time is given to studying the language of the working drawings and in ac- quiring the educational experience which gives the ability to use and read blue prints than in the past.
Course.
First Year Lettering, working drawings, geometrical problems, isometric drawings, development of surfaces, freehand sketches.
Second Year Revolution of solids, isometric drawings, inter- sections, sheet metal drawings, fundamentals of machine drawing, drawing of castings, use of tracing paper, inking, blueprinting.
Third Year Advanced machine drawings (partly from machine parts), section view of drawings, paths of motion and cams.
Fourth Year Advanced machine drawings, tracings, blueprints, reading of blueprints.
192
ANNUAL REPORT
Architectural drawings, construction details of garages, cornice de- tails, window and door details, plans of houses, etc.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. EASTWOOD.
Report of the Teacher of Sewing.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit the following report of sewing for the past year.
A carefully planned course of study has been followed which advances the pupils in an easy and logical manner with the results that in four years a girl is able to do good hand sewing, machine work and simple dressmak- ing. A great effort has been made for neatness, exactness and economy. There is absolutely no value in poor, careless work.
The child must have a high ideal and strive to reach it. We have tried to show the girls how much better and less expensively an article can be made than bought. Therefore if one has some knowledge of sewing, much more may be had for the same amount expended.
The girls soon realize that a garment of good material, carefully made and daintily trimmed is far superior to one of poor material, badly made and elaborately but cheaply trimmed.
Along with the regular sewing the girls learn to darn stockings, darn tears in woolen dresses, put on patches, sew on buttons, in fact all the repair work needed to keep their garments in a good state of preservation.
With all of the work in sewing we keep in mind the question, "Is it practical as well as educational?" When such a question is asked about hemming dish towels and napkins, making pillow cases, all kinds of under- garments, aprons, dresses, kimonas and blouses, the answer is obvious.
We have many calls on the sewing department for outside work con- nected with the schools and we are always glad to respond. The girls seem to enjoy feeling that they are useful and cheerfully make laundry bags, mend flags or do whatever is needed.
The cooperation of parents is greatly appreciated because their in- terest and help is essential. We extend a cordial invitation to all interest- ed to visit the classes and see the work that is being done.
Respectfully submitted, MINNIE A. WALKER.
Report of Director of Physical Education.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
Entering upon my work this past year I have always kept in mind the fact that the most important item in my equipment as a teacher of physical training is purpose-purpose founded upon a clear understanding of the high intrinsic value of physical training and upon the knowledge of its service to the pupils. The consciousness that one belongs to a group of people who make better living possible has added to the work a dignity which raises it from routine, and has tided me over times which otherwise would have seemed dull and uninteresting.
193
ANNUAL REPORT
Nineteen twenty-four has seen our system of physical training under student leadership developed to a high degree. Through a total of two hundred leaders in the city, we reach every child in every grade above the first, daily. I feel that the spirit put into the work by the leaders has been excellent, and that the classes have caught the idea with very satisfactory results.
Organized play has taken a tremendous step forward. With the co- operation of principals and teachers this important part of the work has been given much consideration. While there is still a lot to be done, a fine start has been made and I wish to take this opportunity to thank them for their painstaking cooperation.
After school athletics have played a big part in our program. I have given much of my time to the coaching of the eighth grade teams, and I feel that results are slowly showing. Pupils taking part in athletics, after having their medical cards checked up, have been required to have a permit signed by their parents before being allowed to compete. The following is a summary of this phase of the work.
Basketball: Grammar School Boys League-7 Teams, 21 Games. Number of boys taking part, 75.
Grammar School . Girls League-5 Teams-20 Games-Number of Girls taking part. 50.
Bank and Bliss Eighth Grade Boys-2 Teams-24 Games-Number of Boys, 40.
Bank and Bliss Eighth Grade Girls-2 Teams-11 Games-Number of Girls, 30.
Bank Street Inter-room League Boys. (Through courtesy of Y. M. C. A.) 8 Teams-28 Games-Number of Boys, 67.
Note: We have been very much handicapped in Basketball by the lack of a Gymnasium. While the High School has been very kind to us, the hours which they can give are very bad, being after five o'clock. We have used the Gymnasium every night from five on and have a definite schedule with teachers always in charge. I personally have given up every one of my Saturday mornings during the Basketball season so that our schedules might be carried out.
Track: Grammar School-2 Meets-Number of boys taking part, 300. High School-4 Interscholastic Meets-4 Outdoor Interclass Meets -1 Indoor Interclass Meet .- Number of boys taking part, 75.
Baseball: Grammar Schools Boys League-7 Teams-21 Games- Number of boys taking part, 105.
Girls Baseball-3 Teams-5 Games-Number of Girls, 32.
Bank and Bliss Eighth Grade Boys-2 Teams-24 Games-Number of boys, 43.
Tennis: Attleboro Lawn Tennis Association Tournament(Grammar School). Number of Boys and Girls taking part, 30.
Soccer: 2 Teams-4 Games-Number of Boys, 30.
Football: 2 Teams-9 Games-Number of Boys, 57.
Hockey: 2 Teams-3 Games-Number of Boys, 17.
In closing, I would like to offer a recommendation that Physical Training be given a mark on the report cards of the pupils. I feel that this would lead to greater endeavor on their part, and would put Physical Training on an equal footing with other required work.
Respectfully submitted,
J. RAY COONEY.
194
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit, herewith, my report as School Physician for the year ending December 1, 1924.
The health activities in the schools during the past year have been varied. Health education has taken a more prominent part in the school curriculum. There is a pleasing interest manifested by the children in the school health program which is ever increasing.
Nutrition.
The nutrition work, this year, has been limited to the elementary grades. Definite programs of instruction have been in use since the be- ginning of the Fall term. Nutrition classes are weighed monthly and their weights recorded. Children who are found to be ten per-cent or more under weight at the latter part of the year will receive a complete physical examination with definite recommendations to the parent.
The nutrition work will be more or less unstable until some definite provision is made for the employment of a full time nutrition worker.
Dental Clinic.
The dental clinic, upon which so many needy children depend annual- ly for the improvement of dental defects, went out of existence with the passing of the City Budget for the year 1924. This clinic was a most necessary adjunct in the promotion of the health of the school child and should be restored this year.
Schick Test.
The Schick test was introduced in the schools this Spring in co- operation with the Health Department. Several hundred children were tested, of which a majority received the immunization treatment. These children are now being reschicked as a check on the efficacy of the treat- ment. If found immune to Diphtheria they are given a certificate to that effect. which will allow them to continue in school irrespective of the presence of Diphtheria in their homes.
Special Clinics.
Special clinics for children who were found to be more than ten per- cent under normal weight were conducted in the schools during the year. Several cases were referred to the local hospital for X-ray examinations of the chest, and many cases were referred for special observation and treatment.
A list of those children who were eligible for the Attleboro Health Camp was selected through the medium of these examinations.
This clinic also aided in furnishing a list of children who may be chosen for enrollment in the open air school rooms.
195
ANNUAL REPORT
Mentally Retarded Pupils.
Groups of children who were mentally retarded were examined by Dr. Patterson, of the Wrentham State School, during the year. Physical defects noted at these examinations were listed and an attempt has been made to have these defects corrected. This method has met with suc- cess.
Annual Physical Examinations.
The annual examinations show a marked improvement in physical defects noted in former years. I refer, especially, to the removal of an increased number of diseased adenoids and tonsils. This is due, in part, to the closer cooperation of the family physicians.
Conferences.
Health conferences were attended at Bridgewater and Boston, at which school health subjects were discussed. I find that the schools of Attleboro rank high in health education in comparison with other cities.
Exhibits.
A demonstration of the health work in the schools was prominently exhibited at a Health Show arranged under the auspices of the Health Officer, Dr. W. O. Hewitt. This exhibit won much favorable comment. A repetition of this exhibit, confined wholly to school health, is under consideration for the coming year.
Contagious Diseases.
There was noted the prevalence of the ordinary contagious diseases through out the year. In no case was the outbreak serious enough to warrant closing any of the schools.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
(1) I recommend the purchase of an automobile for the use of the nurse. The additional work that can be accomplished through the use of a car has been demonstrated this year in the increased number of home calls made under my direction.
(2) I recommend the employment of a full time nutrition worker.
(3) I recommend that immediate steps be taken for the re-establish- ment of the dental clinic.
(4) I recommend the use of the open air rooms, at an early date, for those children selected at special clinics.
CO-OPERATION.
I wish to recognize the increased interest in the health of the pupils on the part of the teachers. I wish, also, to commend the cooperation of the Health Officer, the physicians and other health agencies of the city. Especially do I wish to thank Dr. A. C. Conro for attention given needy cases.
A detailed report follows:
196
ANNUAL REPORT
Examination by School Physician.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
Totals
Schools Visited ..
18
13
20
24 23 11
16
21 94
22
168
Special examinations ...
23
31
22
40 62 10
24
6
3
34
Vaccination cates.
Certifi-
1 5
1
32
4
4 52
Exclusions
7
3
5
3 3
3
8
8
40
Physical Examinations.322 383 647 213 55 12
305 543 640 3120
Certificates for Work ..
311
Office Visits.
67
74
67
74 69 46
54
59
47
557
Prescriptions tigo)
3
1
2
6
First Aid
4
4
7
2
1
3
17
Exams. for Athletic
Teams.
28
29
57
Throat Cultures Taken 97
97
.
.
1
2
.
Respectfully submitted,
JESSE W. BATTERSHALL, M. D.
Report of the School Nurse.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my report as School Nurse for the year ending December 1, 1924.
The place of the school nurse in the community has undergone a change in the last few years. At first she was looked upon as a fad but today she is looked upon as a necessary advisor by the teachers, pupils and parents.
During the past year the work was made very difficult by a series of epidemics among the school children.
86
69
437
Vaccinations. .
1
5
(Impe-
7
Home Calls.
197
ANNUAL REPORT .
In January there were measles and mumps in South Attleboro, mumps and chickenpox in Tiffany and Briggs Corner Schools; in March mumps in Pleasant St. District, in June mumps and whooping cough in the Bliss and Briggs Corner Schools and during the past two months a slight epidemic of scarlet fever at the Tiffany School and chickenpox at the Capron School.
As a result of finding two cases of diphtheria the school nurse assisted the School Physician in taking sixty-five throat cultures at Sanford St. School and twenty-eight at Capron School.
Home visits have been made in the case where the child was absent from school for three days or more, this doing much to minimize epidemics.
The attention given by the pupils to their teeth is very gratifying, thirteen hundred seventy-three brushes were sold at actual cost to the children during the year, making seven hundred ninety-seven more sold this year than last.
The School Dentist has been sadly missed this year. I had spent much time and thought in awakening the interest of the pupils in their teeth and sincerely hope they will not longer be deprived of the services of a School Dentist.
In April the local Board of Health held a health exhibit at the Y. M. C. A. building and the schools were invited to take part. The health work in the schools was demonstrated by a series of posters, the work of several teachers and pupils, and compositions by the children. This part of the exhibit received much favorable comment.
The nutrition work in the schools has been carried on this year on much the same lines as the past year. Since September the School Nurse has been relieved of the weighing this being done by the teachers and it is also planned to relieve her of the nutrition work, thus according her more time for home visits which up to this time have been made almost entirely after school hours.
There were one hundred seventy cases of tonsils and adenoids this year. Every one of these cases has been followed up by the School Nurse, some cases having required three visits. I succeeded in having thirty children operated on at which I assisted. All other cases were referred to the family physician and have received favorable reports but in a few cases the parents have refused to allow the operations.
Mentally defective children were given a special examination early in the Spring by Dr. Patterson of the Wrentham State School. A record of each case was made and placed on file, and follow-up visits were made by the School Nurse.
Provision has been made whereby fifteen of these children are receiv- ing special instruction in a room opened at the Sanford St. School.
I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the cooperation afforded by the local physicians, district nurses, Board of Health and Associated Charities.
I wish especially to thank Dr. Webb for services rendered gratis to the children for their teeth, also to Dr. A. C. Conro for service rendered to children both at his office and at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
198
ANNUAL REPORT
The summary of the work follows:
Schools
Visits
Schools
Visits
Bank
.17
High.
7
Bliss.
37
Plat.
17
Briggs Corner
25
Pleasant.
15
Capron.
22
Richardson.
.31
Carpenter St
20
Sanford.
.35
Dodgeville .
22
So. Attleboro
.34
Dodgeville Kdg.
5
Tiffany
38
Farmers.
19
Washington.
28
Hebronville.
35
Home Visits. 575
Special examinations at office
209
Assisted at tonsillectomy cases.
30
Assisted School Physician in taking throat cultures.
93
Cases sent to private physician
140
Excluded from school.
142
Cases sent to Dr. Conro, and glasses obtained.
1
Respectfully submitted, ANNA S. BRADFORD, R. N.
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my annual report of the non-attendance for 1924.
I have investigated 322 cases this year. I have not had to take any cases to court. The number of cases to look up for the Evening School has dropped more than half of last year's number while the Continuation School has increased considerably. There are very few cases of truancy, more than half the cases of absence being due to parents who keep the children out for various causes.
Following is a summary of cases investigated :
Absent on account of clothing
14
Absent on account of sickness.
50
Absent to work. 42
Detained by parents for other causes.
40
Referred to Charity Department.
8
Moved from City.
13
Left School.
11
Taken to court.
0
Truants. .
30
Attending City Schools.
7
Attending schools out of town.
12
Negligence. 64
Evening Schools 31
Total
322
50 of the above cases were for the Continuation School.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES T. CROSSMAN.
ANNUAL REPORT
199
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1925.
Mrs. Florence B. Theobald
250 County St.
Telephone 172-M
Harold K. Richardson. .
12 Florence St. 1926
Telephone 896
204 No. Main St. 1926
Telephone 371-W
32 John St. 1927
Mrs. Lida M. Holbrook
28 Peck St. 1927
Telephone 490-J
George M. Gustin
Pleasant Ave. 1927
Telephone 526-MI
Edwin F. Thayer
17 Mechanics St. 1928
Telephone 468-R
Mrs. Emily Richardson
13 Maple St. 1928
Telephone 354-W
Joseph Finberg
24 John St. Telephone 981-R
1928
Organization.
Edwin F. Thayer. Dr. Reginald P. Dakin.
Chairman Secretary
Edwin F. Thayer Representative before Municipal Council
STANDING COMMITTEES.
Teachers and Course of Study.
Mrs. Theobald
Mrs. Holbrook Mr. Thayer
Text Books and Supplies.
Dr. Dakin
Mrs. Richardson Mr. Gustin
Buildings.
Mr. Finberg
Mr. Richardson Mr. Nerney
Finance.
Mr. Thayer Mr. Finberg Dr. Dakin
Regular Meetings, first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 P. M.
Term Expires January 1926
George E. Nerney
Dr. Reginald P. Dakin
Telephone 713-W
200
ANNUAL REPORT
Bills may be approved at each meeting of the Committee. All bills to be acted on must be submitted in duplicate, and be in the hands of the clerk of the committee on the Saturday preceding the meeting.
School Telephones.
Bank Street 727-R
Bliss.
.218-R
Briggs Corner
263-J-1
Dodgeville.
.620-J
Farmers 236-W
Hebronville. .535-Y
High
194-J
Plat.
Pawtucket 2608-W
Pleasant Street
1073-Y
Richardson. 629-W
Sanford Street.
790-R
South Attleboro
Pawtucket 818-R
Tiffany . 406-W
Washington.
Pawtucket 213-M
TEACHERS.
High School.
Charles O. Dalrymple, Principal. .7 Grove St.
William F. Eastwood, Sub-Master, Manual Training . 117 So. Main St.
Kathrene Adams, Biology 126 So. Main St.
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