USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1927 > Part 12
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My plan for the immediate future is to make a careful study of the number and location of all persons unregistered as voters and by means of a circular letter bring to their attention the opportunities for securing citizenship, at the same time reminding any who are citizens, of the obligations of citizen to register and vote.
Although the number of aliens now being admitted is much reduced, we still have numbers of non-citizens here. Little by little we are reaching them with what we hope is helpful service. I hope as time goes on to extend the field of activities into the untouched areas of the city, to organize more afternoon classes for women, to persuade more to enroll in the classes now being conducted.
In closing I wish to thank you for your personal interest and for your willingness to secure the necessary text-books and supplies for this work, which I have found you ever ready to do.
Respectfully submitted,
A. IRVIN STUDLEY
HEBRONVILLE SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The extra activities of the Hebronville School for the year ending December 1, 1927 have been as follows, nine sewing, four basketry, four millinery and two home arts clubs. These groups are called clubs ad- visedly as they are self formed by congenial people. Any group of eight may form and ask for a teacher. It is safe to say that hundreds of gar- ments have been cut out and made over during the past year under the direction of Miss Ryan, old overcoats and men's suits have been ripped and made over for small boys and girls. Many mother's and married women have been enabled to have more and better dresses through the aid of our fitting and dressmaking department.
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¡The membership of most of the above clubs is made up of married women with families although one basketry and one sewing club are made up of young employed girls.
Besides the above we have five recreational clubs for the young people.
The recreational clubs run continuously from October 15, to April 15 of each year. The sewing, basketry, millinery and home arts clubs have two terms, the first from October 1 to Christmas time, the second from March 1 to May 15.
In addition to the above we have a branch of the Attleboro Public Library, a weekly Child Welfare Conference under the direction of the Attleboro District Nursing Association and a dancing class for small children under the direction of Miss Beatrice Fuller. It is hoped that with the opening of our community house a "Health Station" . will be ad- ded to the list of our activities.
The community house is a twelve room cottage adjacent to the school grounds. The boys and girls of this school are renovating the house as a practical project in manual arts. At present we are working on the room that is to be used as a public library. The boys have taken off the plaster on the side walls, washed the ceiling and are getting ready to calcimine the ceiling and apply plaster board to the walls. The boys will plan and build the book shelves, paint the room and furniture, etc. The girls will hook the rugs, stencil the curtains and walls, make shades for the lights, etc., under the direction of Miss Crowell.
We have planned for the north half of the house the library; also the "Health Station." The south side is to be used as a model tenement of three rooms. Plans for the use of the six rooms in the second story have not as yet been completed.
We expect that the rooms of this house and the model tenement will be used for many informal occasions by the many clubs.
The girls of the school will care for the house as a part of their in- struction in the household arts of dusting, sweeping, cleaning, etc.
Our program at present is as follows:
Monday
Sewing-Miss Ryan.
.6:15 P. M.
Basketry-Mrs. Tennant 6:15
Dancing Class-Miss Fuller .4:15
Tuesday
Public Library-Miss Miller
Children 3:30-5:30
Adults
6:00-8:00
Sewing-Miss Ryan.
.6:15
Millinery-Miss Goff.
. 7:30
Basketry-Mrs. Tennant
.6:15
Wednesday
Child Welfare-District Nursing Association. .
.3:30
Junior Girls' Club-Mrs. Staples and Mrs. Poland .3:30
Junior Boys' Club-Mr. Coburn. .5:00
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Senior Boys' Club-Mr. Cooney
6:30
Sewing-Miss Ryan. 6:30
Home Arts-Mrs. Tennant.
6:30
Thursday
Sewing-Miss Ryan
6:30
Home Arts-Mrs. Tennant.
6:30
Friday
Senior Girls' Club-Miss Peterson. 5:00
High School Girls' Club-Miss Hirons. .6:30
Basketry-Mrs. Tennant. .6:30
Sewing-Miss Ryan
6:30
Respectfully submitted,
MARTHA J. ROBERTS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
Grades I to VII
In reviewing the music work of the lower grades, it becomes more and more evident that the emphasis which has been laid during the past for a better tone quality in the singing is making itself felt. It has been my duty and pleasure to visit every school in the city once a month and in some schools every two weeks and without exception I have found a marked improvement in this respect. The teachers have been most helpful in sensing the cultural effect of beautiful singing in the school- room and it is one of the phases of our music work that we can point to with some degree of pride that the old-fashioned coarse, blustering singing is giving away to the more refined singing which has the commendation of musicians everywhere and is strictly along the lines of educational progress.
Music Theory Work in the Grades
In every schoolroom we find the musical child, one who is gifted by nature with a love and understanding of music. To teach them to read music and appreciate more deeply, is one of the joys of the music teacher. On the other hand, we have the child who has no musical background nor voice that will harmonize with his schoolmates. To teach such a one, to train his voice, to give him the understanding of the symbols of music becomes a task that calls for patience, sympathy and under- standing on the part of a teacher.
The music work necessary to do this is arranged so that the child, as he moves from one grade to another, grows in power to use his voice
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correctly to understanding the symbols of the printed page of the music book, and thus, through his singing and study, grows in power to enjoy and to appreciate the beauties of music.
Growth of Instrumental Music in the Grades:
I do not think it is possible to overestimate the importance of the gift of Mr. Joseph Finberg of the instruments necessary to create the Boys' Band, nor its influence in the growth and development of instrumental music in our grade schools. It was the High School Orchestra that first gave the start to this movement by using the proceeds of their concerts to buy instruments necessary to the upbuilding of a more perfect sym- phonic orchestra. These instruments were loaned to musical children whose parents were able to provide proper instruction and the results were satisfactory though somewhat slow. However, since the gift of Mr. Finberg of between forty to fifty instruments necessary to a good band, the interest in instrumental music in the grade schools has in- creased by leaps and bounds until today there are nearly one hundred boys in the grades below High School who are actually learning to play an instrument of the band or orchestra. This has made it possible to have orchestras in Richardson, Tiffany and Bliss Schools and they continue to add a laudable interest to the school life.
Eighth Grade
There is no joy quite as thrilling as the joy of good school singing and 1 must here confess a weakness that the singing of the eighth grade pupils in Lincoln School, Bliss School and Bank Street School is im- pressively inspiring and must be a source of great satisfaction to the pupils and teachers as it is to me.
There are many musical interests in the eighth grade, namely, more advanced work in music reading, talks on music history, and music ap- preciation, and study of several of the great master musicians.
It is needless to say that the attitude of the teachers in our grade schools toward the music period is one of helpful co-operation. One cannot be a real teacher nowadays without a clear understanding of the value of the cultural arts in education, and I believe that the study of music is serving its great purpose of bringing joy and happiness into the lives of our children in the public schools of the city of Attleboro.
High School Orchestra
The changes that have taken place in the method of handling the music problems at the High School have not as yet shown any great im- provement over that of previous years.
The orchestra cut of three to two periods each week has not been to the best interests of the orchestra as a whole. However, we have a good orchestra this year and one that is going to improve steadily during the year. There are seventy members in the orchestra consisting of 30 violins, 1 viola, 3 cellos, 2 bass viols, 3 flutes, 3 oboes, 1 bassoon,
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7 clarinets, 7 saxaphones, 7 cornets, 2 French horns, 1 trombone, 2 drums and piano.
From the proceeds of our concert this year the orchestra has bought one Boehm System Selmer Bb Clarinet and Case, one Boehm System Ger- man Silver Christiansen Flute, several new selections for the orchestra, one dozen music stands, and fitted out the new band with two sets of march books.
Band
The band consists of thirty-five members and gives an opportunity to those whom we are not able to accommodate in the orchestra. The band has been placed in charge of Mr. Dockler and has already shown its usefulness in the assembly, mass meetings and games. I think that the band will eventually become of great service to the school.
Music Theory Class
The Music Theory Class is proving its value to the real music student and promises to serve the purpose for which it was intended. This class is given in connection with the home music course and I think that it is going to be helpful in checking up the work of the pupils. It also offers to all students of the school the opportunity for advanced music study.
The Glee Club
The Glee Club is one of the best in the history of the school. It functions in the life of the school by its singing on special occasions such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Celebrations, and all patriotic exercises of the year. It is also one of the musical assets at the annual orchestral concert.
The Regular Singing Class
The division of the regular singing class into two small classes in- stead of one large one is a new feature this year. The only objection that I can see to continuing this way another year is that the singing once every two weeks is not enough time to give to singing in any High School. However, as that was the best that could be offered this year, we are giving it a fair trial and will be glad to further discuss this subject in the near future.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN L. GIBB
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REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
A drawing course seems to involve continual planning. Whenever possible we make our work serve other subjects, but at the same time, our art work has its own value, and we are trying hard to have the art side show progress.
Art is a part of life, and we try to show how art principles apply not only to paintings, but to community life in having pleasant homes inside and out, and to commercial work as in good advertising. In fact, we are trying to show that there may be art in everything we do, and make, and select.
Knowledge is essential to appreciation, and the only way many of the boys and girls will get this knowledge is through the teaching of art principles from grade to grade.
We are trying departmental work in the upper grades. In one building it is being tried as low as the fourth grade. On the whole this departmental work is proving satisfactory, and I feel that this plan may be worked out to give very good results.
In one school we are trying the plan of having the supervisor's time at the building used just for consultation with the teachers about the work done, and work te be undertaken.
There have been grade meetings for all grades, and several special meetings with the teachers doing departmental work. I have attended three Art Conferences. One conference was called by the Department of Education, one by the State Director of Art, and one by the Mass- achusetts Art Teachers' Association.
In the high school, with the exception of one division, for which only one double period can be arranged, the pupils are required to take two double periods a week. The results are much more satisfactory this way.
The freshman classes are large. The other classes are much smaller, due partly, I think, to the fact that they can't give two double periods a week to the work.
Respectfully submitted,
PERSIS A. CROWELL
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF SEWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
During the period that instruction in sewing has been given to the girls of grades V to VIII inclusive, the point in view has been to keep the work practical, economical and interesting.
This line of work generally brings forth a ready response from the girls and every possible means were employed to increase the interest.
Though the course is primarily planned to give the girls a thorough knowledge of sewing, from the simplest stitches to the planning, cutting
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and construction of garments, it also gives a good training in neatness, exactness and economy.
While the fundamental work including stitches, darning stockings, patching, making buttonholes, sewing on hooks, eyes and buttons are compulsory in the different grades, we are always glad to vary the work on garments to fit the need of the pupil that the garment may be useful and not an added burden.
So if any pupil shows that she is able to do more advanced work, she is allowed to take up some project belonging to the next grade, a plan which creates an added enthusiasm.
Handwork is taught entirely in the fifth grade but machine on seams is begun in the sixth, and continued through the seventh, and by the completion of the eighth grade the machine stitching is very creditable.
Commercial patterns are used in this grade and the pupil, with the assistance of the teacher, does her own cutting and receives instruction in regard to lengthening or shortening the pattern in order to meet the need of the pupil.
The sewing room at Lincoln School has been equipped this year with tables and chairs, a new Singer Sewing Machine, an ironing board and electric flat, all of which we greatly appreciate.
The interest shown by the girls has made the year a most pleasant and sucessful one. Many thanks are due also to the grade teachers for the hearty co-operataion given at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
MINNIE A. WALKER
REPORT OF VACATION SCHOOLS
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The 23rd season of the Dodgeville-Hebronville Vacation Schools closed August 26, 1927, with an average attendance of 164, and an en- rollment of 264.
These schools are in session five days a week for six weeks during the middle of the summer. The daily session begins at 8:30 and ends at 11:30.
For three weeks this year we tried keeping the Hebronville play- ground open until 4:30 each afternoon, under the efficient direction of Miss Elsie Bowen. This experiment proved to be very successful. De- spite the unfavorable weather between 50 and 60 children used the play- ground every afternoon and Saturday morning.
As usual classes in basketry, sewing and weaving were held each morning.
Following the plan of adding a piece of playground apparatus each year, a boy builder and a lawn swing were purchased for the Hebronville playground.
The following teachers were employed:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Dodgeville
Hebronville
Weaving Miss Gilles
Sewing.
Miss Roberts
Sewing Miss Hodges
Weaving Miss Bowen
Basketry Mrs. Tennant
Basketry . Mrs. Tennant
Playground Miss King
Playground Miss Keena
There are many ways in which these schools can be made of far greater value to the community than at present.
Without enlarging the present corps of teachers, we should be able to keep the playground open each afternoon. This can be accomplished by taking the playground attendants out of the morning session and having them supervise the playgrounds afternoons only. The sewing and weaving instructors can arrange their programs in such a manner that they will be able to supervise the playground a half morning each.
The already small playground at Hebronville is overcrowded, with 2 tennis courts, a basketball court, a croquet court, and 7 large sized pieces of playground apparatus. Much needed relief can be obtained in this direction by fencing in the new playground given to us by Mr Finberg.
The classes in basketry have become so large that Mrs. Tennant should be enabled to spend the whole morning at Hebronville, and all- other teacher employed for the Dodgeville School. I am sure that a class held once or twice a week in the afternoon during the summer for adults only would be very successful. Such a class in basketry held in the pleasant shady yards of these schools would go a long way toward promoting community consciousness and good feeling.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTHA J. ROBERTS
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The general objectives of physical education as given in the local public schools are as follows:
1. To establish health habits, such as cleanliness, proper food habits, rest, exercise, correct posture.
2. To secure the benefits of big muscle activity through partici- pation in a program including games and sports, rhythm, danc- ing, gymnastics.
3. To cultivate the right attitude towards life, and to provide op- portunity for the development of character through situations that involve honesty, fair play, team play, loyalty and courtesy.
4. To develop habits of wholesome recreation, such as: proper use of leisure time in school and out, pleasure in out-of-door games and sports.
5. To maintain a wholesome school environment; cleanliness of school and playground, a happy atmosphere.
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ANNUAL REPORT
A 100% school in physical education observes the following: re- laxation periods every forty minutes, outdoor recess twice daily, win- dows opened wide while the class is out of doors, work in physical ed- ucation consisting of gymnastics, tumbling, folk dancing and rhythms. games, work taken out-cf-doors whenever possible, plenty of vigorous ex- ercise in each lesson, well ventilated schoolrooms, special attention given to undernourished children, milk served at school daily, formation of health habits, hearty co-operation with doctor and nurse.
Basing my program upon the above listed objectives, I have tried to have them put into practise with very encouraging results. The co-opera- tion of principals and teachers has been splendid. I feel that our program of outdoor organized play has been very effective. There is much sat- isfaction in the program. It has taken time, thought and much super- vised practise, but when in the end the children can conduct a play period of several activities without the teacher-just the guidance of a pupil leader-it proves its worth. There have always been some pupils who loaf through a recess if left to themselves. I think the directed play has carried over into the free play period so that there is less tendency to just stand around. The actual physical exercise has been very val- uable, but the training in self control, leadership, team play, etc., re- sulting in a growing spirit of good sportsmanship, seems to me to be even more valuable. On a recent visit, Miss Florence Somers, Assistant State Supervisor of Physical Education, pronounced the work as being very well conceived and organized.
The gymnastic program has worked out very well under pupil leadership and the leaders have entered into their work with enthusiasm, considering it an honor much to be desired to be given charge of a class, under the teacher's supervision. At present the leaders meet once a week and receive instructions. They in turn hand the instructions on to their home room classes. Teachers receive information as to the work given the leaders, through an exercise sheet. I am trying at the present time to work out a plan whereby the teachers may meet with me at stated periods to receive instructions as to the work on these ex- ercise sheets. When this is accomplished I will feel that the work has been well organized.
At a meeting of the Grammar School Athletic Association, held several weeks ago, it was voted to put the matter of after school activ- ities entirely in my hands. Previously I had simply carried out the wishes of the principals in this matter. My first move in this direction was in the Soccer League which had just come to a successful close. Captains were given complete charge of the teams on the field under my supervision, and the results were very encouraging. Our previous difficulty in the Soccer League was eliminated by this method. Outside coaching was done away with. The competition was very keen, and the finest of sportsmanship was shown by the players. Over emphasis on the winning of a trophy was brought down to a minimum, and every- one had a good time. In addition, the playing of the teams was every bit as good as in the year previous when each school had outside help. It is my plan to have leagues in basketball this season, abolishing the intramural program in this sport. which proved very unsatisfactory last season. This sort of program will never work out at present owing to the lack of proper supervision for the large numbers taking part. Theo- retically it is the proper way to conduct the sport, giving all a chance to
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play. If each school had its own gymnasium, no doubt it would work out very satisfactorily, but under present conditions it is not advisable.
Baseball, track, tennis, hiking clubs, winter sports have and will con- tinue to be sponsored in the Grammar School Athletic Program and these sports have proven their worth.
As regards track, I wish to state that I am very much dissatisfied with the conditions under which I am working at the High School. Out- side my own efforts, no real attempt has ever been made by the school officials to place track on a par with the other sports, although it is re- garded as a major. The teams have been consistently good and a credit to the school, and many boys are now making good on college teams, and this in face of the fact that no running track is available in the city. More boys have received instructions in track than in all other major sports combined, and therein lies its value to the school. I think that my work at the High School deserves much more recognition than has been accorded it up to the present.
The May Day Programs at the various schools have become very popular, and I hope to place more emphasis on them than ever this year, as they are very much worth while. The system of having each school give its own individual program, I feel, is much better than having a centralized field day with all schools combining. Without a doubt the individual school program draws the greatest interest from the parents.
I would offer the following recommendations:
1. That physical education receive a mark on the monthly report cards.
2. That each room in each school in the city be kept furnished with a suitable ball for organized play periods.
3. That an effort be made at all schools to improve the conditions of the play space, by digging out the larger stones, and raking off the smaller ones.
4. That the director of physical education make out a suitable course of study to be published in book form, and to be placed in the hands of every teacher.
5. That influence be brought to bear toward the building of a run- ning track in the city.
6. That the gymnasium at the new Lincoln School be completely equipped as soon as possible, removing the lunchroom to another part of the building, and that shower baths be installed.
7. That the program at the Lincoln School be arranged so that each class may have a twenty-five minute period in the gymnasium weekly.
In closing I wish to express my thanks for the equipment received for physical education purposes.
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 ending December 1, 1927.
Physical Examinations
The decreasing number of defects found in the routine examinations demonstrated the fact that more attention is being given to the correction of these conditions by the parents. Especially noticeable were the num- ber of diseased tonsils which had been removed. The most frequent defect was that of carious teeth. This is, no doubt, due in a large meas- ure to lack of proper dental facilities, and also to the indifference of the parent to the care of so-called "baby teeth."
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