USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1925 > Part 16
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That there are lovers of singing in our High School is very evident this year by the large number who have come out for the Glee Club. It is most encouraging and is one of the most enjoyable periods of our music work. The Glee Club has sung before the school and has been received very favorably. We have been promised a date in March to broadcast a program of vocal music from our High School students over WJAR.
The credit system which was introduced into our High School course has commended itself to thirty pupils. I still think that we have not gone far enough with this system. I had hoped that a class in Music Theory might be included which would be of real value to the music student and would give us a better opportunity to check up the theory work throughout the year.
I have found that many of the piano teachers do not include music theory as part of their piano lessons. In our tests this year, the playing test was passed by all the pupils in a most creditable manner, but in the written test it was evident that the teachers of these pupils did not teach the theory necessary to enable them to pass successfully the written test which was given them. Music theory consists of a knowl- edge of music, major and minor scales, notes and rests, meter, intervals, musical form, embellishments, abbreviations, triads, cadences, principal chords of the scale, etc. This should be the common property of all music students who are to receive credit from the High School.
The High School orchestra is gradually moving toward the ideal which we have set before us, and that is, to have a real symphonic orchestra with every instrument of the orchestra in evidence. An orchestra consists of four distinct bands :
The strings: violin, viola, cello, bass.
The wood wind: oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon.
The brass: trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba.
The percussion: tympani, drums, cymbals, etc.
All these instruments are to be found in our orchestra except the tympani, tuba, trombone and viola. Our saxophones take the place of the trombones. This year with the money earned from our annual concert, we bought a new bass drum, a bass viol, a new Kruspe French horn, and various accessories for the drums, and also bought some new music. The instruments which we buy are loaned to pupils in our schools who wish to learn to play. They are returned when the pupil leaves school or buys an intrument of his own. Since beginning this plan over one hundred pupils have been assisted to become players of musical instruments.
The High School orchestra owns thirty instruments which today are in the hands of pupils in our schools who have expressed a desire to learn to play them. The instruments are: 2 violins, 1 viola, 2 bass viols, 3 cello, 2 cornets, 1 French horn, 3 mellophones, 2 trombones, 1 E tuba, 2 oboes, 6 flutes, 1 piccola, 1 bassoon, 3 clarinets, 2 bass drums, 1 snare drum, cymbals and bells.
The seating arrangement of the orchestra has greatly hindered us this year. We have crowded seventy pupils with their instruments into
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a srace where fifty would be a crowd. It was necessary to do this or refuse to allow pupils to come into the orchestra. Our idea has always been that the orchestra exists for the pupils and not the pupils for the orchestra. Today, however, I have not room for another person in the orchestra, but it was my duty last week for the first time to tell a pupil who wished to enter the orchestra that I did not have room for him.
The orchestra numbers sixty-nine players, 32 violins, 5 cellos, 2 oboes, 3 flutes, 9 clarinets, 1 bassoon, 9 cornets, 2 French horns, 3 saxophones, 1 drummer, 1 cymbal, 1 piano. It costs seven dollars to buy one selection for this orchestra. Two dollars buys a new march. Music racks and folios to hold our music are constantly needing to be renewed. Money is needed to keep this organization going and I wish to recommend that one hundred dollars be appropriated for the support of the orchestra for music and other necessaries that are needed to help make the Attleboro High School orchestra better able to continue the work it is doing for the pupils of our schools.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN L. GIBB.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
Each year we look over the course and find out in each grade what is being over-emphasized and what is left out, so the subject matter changes somewhat each year.
We are now giving more problems which will lead the children to take an interest in attractive homes, both inside and out. We study the placing of trees and flowers and shrubs to make the yards more beautiful. These problems begin in the first grade and continue into high school. We are trying for a definite progression from grade to grade in many subjects.
The picture study which we began two years ago seems very worth while. It is planned to acquaint the children with the world's best art. We began studying ten pictures in a grade but now we are only studying five, as in our limited time we feel that it is well to be- come better acquainted with a few pictures. If the children care to, they buy small colored pictures of the pictures we study and mount them in books which they make. The upper grades write some ex- planatory notes about the pictures. An attempt to teach art appre- ciation is not confined to picture study, but goes along wih the working out of our other problems.
Art is interwoven with so many things, we are trying to work out a course that will be of lasting value to the pupils because of its application to things in life.
I am trying to make the high school course more beneficial to those pupils who are interested in drawing, but have no intention of carrying it beyond high school. For the few who will continue, we are trying to lay correct fondations. Once or twice this year a high school pupil has been able to sell a piece of commercial art and craft work.
The number taking freehand drawing in high school is about the same as last year, but not so many pupils are taking four or six periods, so that the classes are somewhat smaller.
Respectfully submitted, PERSIS A. CROWELL.
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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 Arts and the Mechanical Drawing departments.
In questionnaires that were sent to 300 employers in the furniture, metal-working and automobile repair industries in the State of Ten- nessee 'in an effort to ascertain in what particulars school instruction could be made more serviceable and to learn what employers expect of the pupils who are later to become workers in their plants, it was found that a high degree of skill received little recognition but that the qualities listed below, in order of importance as indicated by the frequency which they appeared in the returned questionnaires, were considered of vital importance :
1. Honesty. 2. Promptness. 3. Self-reliance. 4. Self-respect.
5. Ambition. 6. Willingness to learn and willingness to work. 7. Ability to follow directions. 8. Health efficiency. 9. Accu- racy. 10. Knowledge of fundamental processes. 11. General intelligence on industrial matters. 12. Ability to use leisure time wisely.
To teach honesty is through experiences in activity which makes honesty apparent and essential. To teach one to follow directions is through activity in which it is necessary to follow directions im- plicitly, etc. Manual training or manual arts furnishes the best op- portunities for training in these essential qualities of true citizenship. In teaching these objectives the pupil will be benefitted, industry will be aided, and the school will have rendered a service to society. I wish it were possible for every boy in the High School to have the oppor- tunity of electing such training and to give him at least one hour each day in the shop.
The number of pupils taking manual training in the High School is as follows :
Boys
Girls
Freshmen
20
Sophomores
16
Juniors
11
Seniors
6
53 25 78
Number of pupils in Eighth Grade :
Bank Street 103
Bliss
36
139
The increased number of credits now being required for gradua- tion and the removal of manual training and mechanical drawing from the technical course of study prevents a number of boys from being able to take manual arts. A number of students, however, ask per- mission to work on some project they have in mind after school hours and during study periods.
We have a very fine wood shop equipment and are fitted to handle most any problem. The course of study is mainly similar to that of last year.
Manual Training for Girls.
For the first time in the history of the manual arts department of the Attleboro Schools we have 25 girls enrolled this year. There are many schools in which girls have been students in the manual training
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ANNUAL REPORT
departments. I had a class of 13 girls in the Swampscott High School for three years. Their work compares favorably with that of the boys. What they lack in initiative, they make up in carefulness and accuracy.
Work Completed.
1. The Pupils: Radio cabinets, medicine cabinets, metre boxes, diploma frames, taborettes and plant stands, desks, tables and chairs, bridge lamps, screen doors, screens, floor lamps, etc.
2. The School:
(a) Office. Bulletin boards.
(b) Repair work. Lockers,, chairs, auditorium seats. Refin- ished over 100 desk covers for class rooms. Replaced desk
hinges, etc.
(c) Assembly hall. Made and fitted foot-light board. Made scenery for school and Attleboro Community Fellowship plays.
(d) Typewriting department. Made typewriting tables.
(e) Outside work. Mill orders for Richardson, Sanford Street and Tiffany schools.
New Equipment.
Wood-turning lathe, 6 ft. bed, individual motor drive, outer head stock for turning large pieces of work. Grinding machine (individual motor drive).
While the introduction of the individual motor drive made the initial cost more, the saving in the use of electricity has been most marked, so much so that the Gas Company and the Electric Company have sent experts at two different times to see whether the meter was working properly or not. The vibration in the mechanical drawing room has been eliminated-a great help.
I would recommend a practical arts course for boys who do not intend to go to college. In such a course insight into various trades could be given that they might be more able to select their life's vo- cation and become national assets.
1st year. Bench wood-work and wood turning. 2nd year. Bench and machine work in metal.
3rd year. Electrical wiring and automobile construction. 4th year. Jewelry shop practices.
Of these courses, electrical wiring might be successfully introduced under the existing room space. The others would need additional rooms.
Grade Eight.
In Grade Eight the manual training consists of bench work in wood. It begins by each pupil making a simple working drawing of the problem in hand. The fundamental tool processes are taught. There is a severe handicap because of the short time allowed in the shop, there being but one hour per week, per pupil. I would recom- mend that the present time be at least doubled in order that the pupils be better fitted to apply themselves either in or outside of school.
Mechanical Drawing.
The number of pupils in the High School electing mechanical drawing is as follows :
First Year 64 Second Year 28
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ANNUAL REPORT
Third Year 16
Fourth Year
3
Total
111
Last year there was a notable increase of 61% in the second year students. This year the marked increase is in the third year students, viz., nearly trebled. This shows that the upper classmen are becom- ing more interested in this subject. The attitude of the pupils toward their work is very gratifying and I feel that we are doing excellent work in this department. The instruction is mainly individual, each pupil making as rapid progress as he can so long as he understands what he is doing and does his best.
We convey our thoughts to others through the medium of speech, writing and drawings.
Mechanical drawing trains the student to visualize and he is trained to express forms and sizes in such a way that another may understand, i. e., his vision may be transferred to others.
Mechanical drawing is a universal language. Through it the in- terpretation of one's visions of woodwork, machine work, electric wiring, building construction, etc., may be transferred to others when language fails. We have progressed through the past because others saw and transferred their visions to others for interpretation through the medium of mechanical drawing.
The course varies little from that given during the past two years.
Course.
First Year: Lettering, working drawings, geometrical problems, isometric drawings, development of surfaces, freehand sketches.
Second Year: Revolution of solids, isometric drawings, intersec- tions, sheet metal drawings, fundamentals of machine drawing, drawing of castings, use of tracing paper, inking, blue printing.
Third Year: Advanced machine drawings (partly from machine parts). Section views of drawings, paths of motion and cams.
Fourth Year: Advanced machine drawings, tracings, blueprints, reading of blue prints. Architectural drawings, construction details of garages, cornice details, window and door details, plans of houses, etc. Whenever possible the architectural drawing is made at the specific request of a pupil who has some specific purpose in view, e. g., one pupil wished to show his father how certain structural alterations could be made in their home. Interested pupils have solicited machine parts and brought them to school for use in the mechanical drawing de- partment.
Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM F. EASTWOOD.
Report of the Teacher of Sewing.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
The work of the sewing department during this year has been fully as satisfactory as any previous year. We have six hundred girls re- ceiving instructions each week, the periods varying from forty-five minutes to one hour and a quarter.
Sewing trains the child in accuracy, judgment, perseverance, neat- ness and thrift, and is therefore of untold value. The girls learn to realize that a knowledge of sewing will enable them to have more gar-
.
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ANNUAL REPORT
ments of beter material and workmanship for less money than it would cost to buy ready-made clothing; also that keeping clothing in good repair means a great saving.
We especially emphasize mending and get very creditable results in patching and darning.
The interest of the beginners in grade five is always keen as it is something entirely new, and after the first struggle with thimble and stitches is over, we get very good results.
The project for beginners is a sewing outfit of needle-book, pin- cushion and workbag, which gives practice in fundamental stitches. This group of work is followed by lessons on the making of a towel and apron.
Handwork is taught entirely until the seventh grade, then the girls are taught to use the sewing machine so there is a combination of machine and handwork on garments made. The cooking apron and cap are made in this grade. If, however, any girl can use one previously made by an older sister, another garment is substituted.
The girls in the eighth grade have but twenty lessons but are eager to crowd into this time limit the work of a full year and many of the girls complete a slip, kimona and simple dress.
The spirit of the girls is to be commended and working with them is a pleasure.
We also appreciate the co-operation of the mothers. Any one inter- ested to visit our classes will be given a cordial welcome.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE A. WALKER.
Report of Director of Physical Education.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
Physical training has two major aims-health and motor education. Physical training in the schools is constantly increasing in importance, since it affords a means of establishng a sound physical foundation and an opportunity for teaching the importance of health in its relation to life, as well as an opportunity for giving instruction as to how health may best be conserved. Through repeated exercises carefully selected, the body is built up and developed and is taught to accustom itself to energetic, effective and economical movement.
The typical lesson plan in our Attleboro Public Schools is as follows :
1. Introductory-Response commands to obtain attention.
2. Corrective-To emphasize good posture. .
3. Educational-Exercises for alertness and precision, emphasizing accuracy.
4. Hygienic-Real exercise. Rhythmic exercises of trunk, leg and back, and organic stimulation and development of abdominal muscles.
5. Recreative-Games, athletics, dances, etc.
Under this plan the teachers and pupils seek one result at a time. They fail if required to seek several. Most pupils do not know defi- nitely why they are exercising. When an exercise has but one, and only one, purpose, the teacher can bend every effort toward one end. obtain the result and pass to the next task. Under these conditions the pupils may easily understand the reason for the exercise, and inter- est and enthusiasm may be aroused.
Physical training periods are held in all schools above the second grades twice a day, morning and afternoon, under pupil leadership.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The first and second grades have a special definite program to follow out. All periods are held out of doors whenever possible
I have tried very hard to get the principals interested in organized play at recess time and have received splendid co-operation. They in turn have interested the teachers and work in this respect is progressing very satisfactorily.
After school athletics play a very large part in the physical train- ing program. Efforts are being made at the present time to give every child above the fifth grade, who wishes to play basketball, instruction at the game, and in most schools room leagues have been formed .. These room leagues will take the place of the regular Grammar School Central League, and will give a much larger number of children an opportunity to play the game. All of the time which the grammar schools have allotted them at the high school gymnasium is needed for practice purposes. About three hundred children will be given instruc- tion at the game this season, and with such a broad program there is no time for the regular school league. The practice sessions will take place at the high school after five o'clock and the following schedule will be carried out :
Monday 5-6:30: Bliss 8th grade boys. Mr. Cooney in charge.
6:30: Bliss Room League. Mr. Studley in charge.
Tuesday 5:00: Richardson Room League. Mr. Norton in charge.
Wednesday 5:00 : Sanford Room League. Mr. Witham in charge.
Thursday 5:00: Tiffany Room League. Mrs. Hill in charge.
Friday 5:00-7:00: Bank Street boys and girls. Mr. Cooney in charge.
Saturday 9-12 A. M .: Game period. Mr. Cooney in charge.
The Bliss, Bank Street and Washington eighth grades will play separate schedules against outside teams, and will be coached by me. In addition to the above schedule, a series of games will be played between the seventh grades of Washington, South Attleboro and Hebronville schools. A glance at the above is convincing proof that a gymnasium for the grammar schools of the city is a real necessity.
Other after-school athletics include football coaching for the Bliss and Bank street eighth grades, two afternoons a week during October and November, baseball, soccer football, track, tennis and winter sports.
During the months of March, April, May and June I am engaged in coaching the high school track team. This work takes my time on three afternoons each week in addition to the meets which usually fall on Saturdays. This work is tremendously handicapped by the lack of a running track in the city. While gradually increasing in popularity, with a little more boosting, this sport would become very popular at the high school. Its great value lies in the great number of boys who can take part, there being no limit It is also one of the most beneficial of sports if taken moderately. I feel that a committee should be appointed to look into the track situation at the high school with a view of placing it on a par with the other school sports-baseball, basketball and foot- ball.
I wish to assure you of my continued interest in my work, and to thank all those who have co-operated with me.
Respectfully submitted, J. RAY COONEY.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of School Physician.
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools :
I submit, herewith, my report as School Physician for the year end- ing December 1, 1925 :
The past year has seen remarkable development in the general health and physical welfare of the school children of the City of Attle- boro. This was due to the new measures undertaken and pursued for the accomplishment of these results. Among the most important con- tributions toward this end was the establishment of a clinic, through arrangement with the State Department of Public Health, whereby all children who were ten per cent. or more below their normal weight had the privilege of a thorough physical examination. These examina- tions were made by expert diagnosticians.
Clinics were held in the schools at central points throughout the city and were very successfully conducted. Some four hundred chil- dren were examined. Interest in their children's health was manifested by a large attendance of parents at both preliminary gatherings held in the schools, and attendance at the clinics. The arrangements for the examinations were complete in every detail.
All defects noted at these clinics were carefully recorded and rec- ommendations sent to each parent. Additional copies of these records are on file in each school room. Instruction was given by the teachers in proper health habits and recommendations for bettering the child's health were stressed. During the coming year these children will be weighed monthly and any change in their general health noted at a subsequent examination.
I am pleased to note the opening of a well equipped fresh air room at the Richardson School this fall. Nineteen children needing special attention for some physical abnormality were chosen from the third, fourth and fifth grades. This group has shown steady individual gain and a few have now reached their normal weight. The results of this constructive health measure will demonstrate the value of the open air room in the community.
In considering the records of the annual examination, as conducted in the schools, the matter of increased dental defects deserves some attention. The abolishment of the Dental Clinic brings forcibly to mind the need of such an adjunct to the school health program. The good work formerly accomplished in some of the outlying schools is only too rapidly becoming a memory of the days when the City had a clinic where children might receive proper dental care. Steps should be taken for the re-establishment of this clinic.
In many of the schools the health activities were on a par with those of former years, much depending upon the initiative of the school principal.
A Health Exhibit was held at the Bliss School with appropriate exercises, and was well attended. This exhibit was inaugurated by a health parade, in which many of the larger schools took part. This, I believe, was one of the most unique demonstrations ever held in the city, and it received much favorable comment.
The past summer saw the opening of a Health Camp at Briggs Corner, operated under the auspices of the Bristol County Health Association. Children who had been exposed to tuberculosis and who were potential cases were admitted. The Camp is supported by the sale of Christmas Seals. Six children were chosen from the under- weight group in the schools. They were sent to Camp for a period of
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ANNUAL REPORT
four weeks. They received careful supervision and derived much good from their stay at the camp, all making appreciable gains in health.
In anticipation of a survey to be made by the State Health authori- ties, all the pupils at the High School were given a preliminary exami- nation for thyroid gland enlargement. Many such cases were found. These will be referred for further examination.
The year has been free from any serious epidemics. At present there are several cases of scarlet fever, all of which are mild in char- acter. As these seem to be well scattered no serious results are antici- pated. All teachers have been carefully instructed to be vigilant for an outbreak, and rigid measures of exclusion are in force.
I cannot bring this report to a close without again stressing the urgent need of a small automobile for the use of the School Nurse. Lacking adequate means of transportation fifty per cent. of her effi- ciency is sacrificed. We are rapidly reaching the point where a single nurse will be unable to properly care for the ever increasing number of pupils coming under her supervision. The situation should be met immediately, and just consideration given.
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