USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1932 > Part 8
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Folk songs of all nations, patriotic songs of America and standard music of the best composers are used in our schools. So far we have not made any use of the so-called Commercial Music (the popular song) as I feel that the best is none too good in the music education of our pupils.
The encouragement given to musical pupils to learn to read music and to sing well gives us the opportunity to discover some very fine voices. These are often given further opportunity to develop their talent in the production of operettas in many of our schools. This form of entertainment is gradually becoming more popular as a project for the entire school. The stage settings are all made by the pupils, the art and sewing departments cooperate in the painting and costuming, and the entire production thus becomes a delight to the eye and the ear. Mention might be made of the operettas given at the Finberg Lincoln and Richardson schools where very creditable performances were given before large and enthusiastic audiences.
In closing my report I wish to thank all the teachers and pupils for their kind disposition toward music in our schools.
Respectfully submitted, John Laing Gibb.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
In the main our outline of work is permanent, and yet it ever changes in projects.
We try to have the projects of interest and in the experience of the child The projects are common to all children, and in the years to come the same children will have common art problems. There will always be the community need of attractive homes, yards, parks and buildings. There will always be the need for beauty. Art is the foundation of things that are fine.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Our work is planned on the basis of art principles. Our objective is to give a knowledge of representation, design, color and a few masterpieces. We en- courage creative work in representation and design.
Under representation we teach the relation of objects, perspective, action figures and free expression. We teach the qualities of color and how to use color in combinations.
Much interest is shown in design, especially when it is to be applied. There seems to be a satisfaction in carrying something through to completion. It seems as though children were forming right habits and independent questions as "Would the balance be better if I moved this?" or "Would the pattern be better if I filled it in here?"
Our study of masterpieces is confined mostly to great pictures. We study five masterpieces in each grade. We now have a set of colored slides from which to study the pictures.
The High School classes are a little larger than last year. The freshman class is much the largest and I look upon the work there as very important. These pupils in their previous work have had fundamental principles with simple ap- plications and now they must show progress in power and get a thorough founda- tion for future work. The training should be for judgment and appreciation as well as skill.
Two successful projects were batik and block printing. Last year we began batik, but have had more satisfactory results this year. Our block printing has also improved, and now that we have a real printing press we expect excellent results.
Respectfully submitted,
Persis A. Crowell.
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF SEWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
There is perhaps no work that is more worth while to all the girls than their sewing, as the subject matter taught will be in daily use the rest of their lives.
The fifth grade sewing is planned, very carefully, to develop the work, step by step, in such a manner that the girls will acquire not only a knowledge of the fundamentals but a real liking for the subject.
It includes all stitches used in plain sewing and their application to articles useful and interesting.
The work of the sixth and seventh grades has been a review of fundamental stitches and processes and applying them in patching, darning, gathering, sewing on bands, snaps, books and eyes and making button holes, for we realize that the power to do lies in the ability to apply knowledge acquired. An important point in these grades is to establish an appreciation of the care and repair of clothing.
Experience has taught us that when working on an article for real use, the pupil does better work and gets more good from it through the added interest and the development of increased ability so the greater part of the year is given to the construction of garments, the choice varying to fit the need of the pupil.
In the eighth grade our objective is to help the pupil in planning, buying intelligently, making and caring for her own clothing.
The adaptation of commercial patterns and economy of material is carefully taught.
_The economic conditions have made it difficult for pupils to obtain the material needed for their work and this has greatly taxed our resourcefulness to keep all busy at a minimum expense.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Economy in all ways has been our aim and I feel we have accomplished something in this direction, when I look over my account with the school depart- ment and find all we have asked for has been thread and patterns amounting to $9.75.
While the work at all times is a pleasure, our greatest satisfaction comes from meeting some of the girls who have passed on from school into homes of their own and hearing their tribute of appreciation of the benefits of their work in this department.
Respectfully submitted,
Minnie A. Walker.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
During the past year I have continued my selected program consisting of natural activities, free play and games, athletics and sports, rhythmic activities, self testing activities and posture work.
The time allotted to the work has consisted of one ten minute period daily in addition to two ten minute recess periods under supervision, giving each pupil a total of thirty minutes each day. In addition an after school athletic program has been carried on in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades with organized intramural and interschool leagues in soccer football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis.
Principals and teachers have cooperated splendidly during the school day programs. Teachers, members of the high school athletic teams, and citizens of the city have aided me in carrying on the after school program which is an ambitious one taking into its folds over five hundred boys and girls. Needless to say I am very grateful for this cooperation.
As coach of the High School track team I am pleased to report that over sixty candidates were in training throughout the season and that the boys made an excellent record winning five straight dual meets.
All boys competing on grammar school teams have been required to pass the ordinary school physical examination and to file with me a permit signed byt heir parents giving them permission to take part in athletics. This permit may be revoked at any time. Every precaution has been taken to safeguard grammar school athletics. With this in mind football has long since been abolished as a grammar school sport. All leagues are conducted under ideal conditions and with responsible officials in charge. I personally attend every grammar school contest and handle all details.
In addition to these duties I have found time to teach a class or two in Junior Red Cross First-Aid, and intend this school year to give the physical education leaders a little instruction in this work, they in turn to use their knowledge under supervision of the teachers in case they are needed.
From observations made at the various schools from year to year I am certain that the program of physical education now in operation is very popular and beneficial to the pupils. More can and will be done about posture work during the coming year.
In all my work I have endeavored to set a high example of sportsmanship before the pupils and they have responded wonderfully.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Statistics on after school athletic program:
Boys taking part
Girls taking part
Touch football.
50
Soccer football
132
Basketball.
200
200
Track.
200
Tennis.
50
40
Baseball.
250
120 (Playground ball)
H. S. Track
60
I wish to thank the Y. M. C. A. for their cooperation in allowing the Sanford Street School posture class and the High School track squad the use of their ath- letic facilities.
There are several recommendations which come to mind, notably the need of fences at the following schools: Bank Street, Briggs Corner, Capron, Carpenter Street, Farmers, Lincoln, Pleasant Street and Sanford Street. The most urgent in my opinion would be the Pleasant Street playground bordering on Starkey Avenue, where heavy traffic exists. A board floor would be a welcome addition at the Lincoln School gymnasium, also a shower bath system.
Assuring you of my continued enthusiasm in my work and thanking you for your cooperation, I am,
Respectfully,
J. Ray Cooney.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit, herewith, my annual report as school physician for the year 1932.
It is apparent that the present major depression will have wide conse- quences on the health of our future citizens. Unemployment, and its relation to the proper nourishment of children, is a consideration which should not be dismissed lightly. The school today is acting as a medium of relief to those needing nutrition improvement and the correction of physical defects. Pre- ventive health measures are being carried out, and proper clinics are available.
Thirty-four tonsilectomies were performed at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital during the year, at a clinic arranged with the hospital. Cases of eye and ear defects were referred to Dr. A. C. Conro for examination.
Diphtheria Prevention Clinics were conducted in the various schools. The School Medical Service in cooperation with the Board of Health made a special effort this year to immunize the pre-school children as well as those of the first grade. One hundred children were given the immunization treatment.
A clinic was conducted by the State Department of Public Health under the so-called ten year anti-tuberculosis program. This clinic concluded a series arranged by this department and a new one is soon to be inaugurated. Under- weight children are to be given the opportunity of free examination and observa- tion by State Department experts in tuberculosis work. The child is first given the Von Pirquet skin test, and if found positive, an X-Ray examination is made. Cases are carefully classified and recommendations made after examination. The number of consent slips returned from parents requesting this service is very gratifying.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Numerous cases of mumps, chicken pox and measles were reported during the year. As a precautionary measure it was required that all children who were absent from school for a period of more than three days, present a physician's certificate before returning to school. This division was always in close touch with the Health Department, assisting in the control of contagious diaseses,
A Mental Clinic was conducted in the early Spring by physicians from the Wrentham State School, at which children three or more years retarded were examined and recommendations made.
The annual Pre-School Clinic was held at the Y. M. C. A. with excellent attendance. The school physician and school nurse assisted at this clinic.
Arrangements were made with the Children's Hospital in Boston for the treatment of two very interesting cases noted at the annual physical examination of the school children.
Health day was again observed on May 18, 1932, with appropriate exercises. The day marked a culmination in effort of many children, both in a correction of physical defects, as well as the practice of proper health habits.
Eighteen under-nourished children were given the opportunity of a month's stay at the Bristol County Health Camp at Briggs Corner. Some very good gains in weight were made during their stay. This camp is made possible through the annual sale of Christmas seals.
Attention to the malnourished child is given materially by the serving of hot cereal breakfasts at some of the schools. The promotion of this project is one that deserves further consideration, and those responsible for the support of the innovation should be highly commended.
The annual physical examinations, as conducted throughout the year showed an increase in many of the defects found. While the general nutrition held up well during the earlier part of the year, the examinations now reveal an increase in the number of malnutrition cases.
The number of dental defects noted is increasing rapidly. No municipal provision for dental work of any kind is available to those unable to pay without resort to the Welfare Department.
In closing I wish to acknowledge the services rendered during the year by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital, the District Nurses, Dr. W. O. Hewitt and Dr. A. C. Conro. I also wish to commend the efficient manner in which the ever increasing duties of the school nurse, Mrs. Dorothy B. Wendell, have been executed.
A detailed report follows:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Totals.
School Visits
21
14
18
12
16
15
12
17
13
23
161
Special Examinations
158
99
15
33
89
138
46
88
48
108
822
Physical Examinations.
319
456
846
132
500
283
273
2809
Office Visits
84
143
273
96
66
87
38
116
86
62
1051
Examinations for Athletics
56
64
22
42
49
233
Vaccinations
2
36
46
5
2
91
Home Calls.
1
1
1
1
4
First Aid.
2
1
1
1
5
Working Certificates
2
3
9
4
2
2
8
9
1
1 41
Referred to Mental Clinic
5
Examinations for camp.
.18
Referred to children's hospital .
4
Examination for Monson State Hospital.
1
Referred to Health Department T B Clinic.
4
Respectfully submitted, JESSE W. BATTERSHALL, M. D.
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ANNUAL REPORT
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit, herewith, my report as School Nurse for the year ending December 1, 1932.
Communicable Diseases
Childhood diseases were prevalent throughout the school year.
Sporadic cases of Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria were reported during the late fall and spring; Chicken Pox, Mumps, and Measles lowered the attendance greatly in all the schools from November to May. Whooping Cough cases were numerous at Briggs Corner School.
Clinics
1. The Pre-School Clinic was held in April at the Y. M. C. A. where 148 pre-school children were examined by a force of local doctors, dentists, and Public Health Nurses. About 1-3 of the defects discovered at this time were corrected before the children entered school this fall. Results of this clinic are becoming more and more apparent, but real satisfaction will be felt when all the children enter school 100% physically fit.
2. The Diphtheria Prevention Clinic was held in the Finberg School for Dodgeville and Hebronville children and in the Washington School for the South Attleboro children this fall, with 100 children receiving the three in- noculations. The School Medical Service assisted the Board of Health in this project.
3. The Attleboro Mental Clinic held at the Sturdy Hospital monthly under the direction of Dr. Chambers of Taunton State Hospital, has been taken advantage of this year. Children who have not been making proper adjustments in school or home have been examined and treatment suggested.
4. The Mental Clinic, under the supervision of the Wrentham State School, visited here in April. Fifty-three new histories were taken, of children three years or more retarded, in preparation for this clinic. These children are given special psychiatric tests by Dr. Alice Patterson and Miss Wolfson, with the object of placing them in their proper classroom, or special class.
5. The Medical Clinic of the Children's Hospital, Boston, has taken care of two of our unusual cases.
6. The Tonsil and Adenoid Clinics at the Sturdy Hospital are held in May and October.
16 cases were taken care of free.
9 cases were paid for by the Welfare Dept. and Soldiers' Relief.
9 cases were paid for by parents.
7. A Vaccination Clinic was held at the Washington, Dodgeville and Finberg Schools where 62 children were vaccinated by Dr. Battershall.
8. The Chadwick Clinic for the Prevention of Tuberculosis visited us on April 1st, when 8 children were X-Rayed and again on April 15th, when the X-Rays were read to the parents. A physical examination of the pupils was made by a State doctor and a nutritionist advised the parent as to the child's care during the following year. Because there were so few pupils left in this clinic, which has been functioning 8 years in Attleboro, it was deemed advisable to start a new one.
Dr. Paul Wakefield of the State Department of Public Health came to Attleboro in October and talked to the teachers and the older pupils in the schools, relating interesting and instructive facts about Tuberculosis and ex- plaining the new Chadwick Clinic.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Consent slips were sent out the following day, for the Von Pirquet (skin) test. 3,148 slips were signed "yes"; 1,086 refused, out of 4389 pupils enrolled in school. This means that 71+% of the children will have this test made in April. In two or three days, the results of these tests will be noted by the State Doctors, and any child showing a reaction will be X-Rayed. If the X-Rays show anything suspicious, the child will then have a physical examination, in the presence of his parent. These children are kept under supervision for 10 years or until they are improved or cured. As this is all a free service to the individual, it is a wonderful opportunity for the children of Attleboro.
Medical Examinations and Correction of Defects
Evidences of poor nutrition and dental decay become more and more evident as the children are examined by the school physician. 20% of the children below the High School show a malnourished condition and although only one-half of the Schools' Medical Examinations are completed at this time, figures seem to indicate that the per cent will be much higher. Notification, of the defects found at this time, to the parents seems a discouraging thing when their first thought is for the necessities of life. Nevertheless, we are able to get some of these defects corrected through the kindness of Dr. Conro and the Hospital.
24 eye examinations and 1 ear examination were done free by Dr. Conro as well as the majority of the 34 Tonsil and Adenoid operations performed in May and October.
Dental defects, unfortunately, cannot be taken care of through the School Nurse. Occasionally in extreme cases they are referred to the Family Welfare Association or Welfare Department of the city. But if interested people could only see the suffering of little children with these toothaches, and realize the retardation so often caused by them, as well as the terrible results of infection in their bodies from these infected teeth, I feel sure a Dental Clinic would soon be forthcoming.
Home Calls
233 home calls were made during the year, to establish a closer link between the home and school, whereby the correction of defects might be accomplished and the histories for clinics might be obtained.
Health Day
The culmination of our year of Health Work is Health Day in May. Every year the programs presented are of great interest to parents and children. The correction of defects or the improvement in any of their health activities results in the awarding of special health tags, furnished by the State Department of Public Health. Pageants, songs, physical exercises and stunts all present a color- ful picture which is appreciated by all.
Health Camp
Through the sales of the Christmas Seals in Attleboro 18 malnourished child- ren had the opportunity of going to the Bristol County Health Camp at Briggs Corner for a month, where under the routine of camp life with its nourishing foods. and proper rest periods, these little people gained in weight and strength, and were better able to take their places with the normal children this fall.
Nutrition
Mid-morning milk lunches are served at most schools at a slight expense to the pupils. This year the number has fallen off considerably. Through the
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ANNUAL REPORT
kindness of Mr. Joseph Finberg hot oatmeal and milk is served as breakfast to needy children in the Bliss and Richardson Schools. The Dodgeville Neighbor- hood Association is carrying out the same project in the Dodgeville School.
Relief Work
Since the Garment Guild first started last March, 558 articles of wearing apparel have been given out to families with children in school.
29 cards for Red Cross cloth have been given out to make clothing for school children. Clothing brought in by the more fortunate children also has been distributed to needy families.
Classes
Infant Hygiene classes are held weekly at the Continuation School. The theory and practice of caring for babies from birth are taught. The girls of this age find the instruction invaluable in a position as mother's helper.
Positive health is stressed in all the classrooms. This year instructive hand- books on Health Subjects were given to each teacher for use in her class.
Professional Improvement
The following meetings were attended:
May-Massachusetts Organization Public Health Nurses, Falmouth. October-Massachusetts Organization Public Health Nurses, Boston. November-Conference on School Hygiene, Boston.
As the standards of Public Health Nurses are being raised, a six-week's course in Public Health Nursing at the State Teachers' College, Hyannis, Massa- chusetts, was taken, in July and August, 1932.
The New England Round Table on Social Psychiatry, with Dr. David Levy of New York City, is being attended this winter in Boston.
The summary of the year's work follows:
Schools
Visits
Schools
Visits
Bank Street
34
High
15
Bliss . .
30
Lincoln
36
Briggs Corner
25
Plat . 23
Capron .
29
Pleasant Street . 24
Carpenter Street
25
Richardson
35
Continuation .
32
Sanford Street
24
Dodgeville .
33
South Attleboro
26
Farmers
25
Tiffany 29
Finberg
30
Washington 28
263
240
Total visits made to schools
503
Total visits made to homes
233
Meetings attended.
3
Total number of cases referred to S. P. C. C .. .
2
Total number of cases referred to Associated Charities
41
Total number of cases referred to Family Welfare
27
Total number of cases referred to T. B. Clinic .
2
Eyes examined by Dr. Conro
24
Ears examined by Dr. Conro
1
Nose examined by Dr. Conro.
1
Glasses obtained.
22
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ANNUAL REPORT
Number of tonsil and adenoid operations
34
Total number vaccinated. 62
Diphtheria T A T Innoculations 100
X-rays and examinations (State Clinic)
8
Children prepared for camp. 18
Notes sent home to parents. 284
Children sent to Attleboro Mental Clinic. 5
Children sent to Children's Hospital, Boston
2
In closing, may I thank Mr. Fales and Dr. Battershall for their kindness and assistance, Dr. Conro, the Family Welfare, the Charity Department, the Sturdy Hospital and the principals and teachers who have helped me in the fulfillment of my many duties.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N.
REPORT OF THE CUSTODIAN OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit a report of the repair work accomplished during this year. We were able to make use of help from the Welfare Department. They did the work and we furnished the tools, equipment and material. This enabled us to make many needed repairs which we could not have made otherwise.
High School
Refinished the entire second floor. We had on hand sufficient paint and calcimine for doing this work and were obliged to buy only such material as sizings, varnish, oil, turpentine, bronzing and other paint material.
Paint material $ 55.20
Tools-Paint brushes, calcimine brushes, pails, sponges. 28.01
Car fares for men coming long distances. 3.00
James Johnson, mixing of calcimine and paints for labor 44.00
$130.21
Number of hours, labor-124
Relining One Boiler at High School
Bricks, clay and cement. $ 26.21
Casting . 1.62
Mouthpiece Set. 37.60
$ 65.43
Number of hours labor-124
Other Repairs on High School
Repairing plastering, material $ 5.45
Number of hours labor-100
Putting of lattice strips on all burlap joints for second floor and four stairways-Cost of material . $ 42.02
Repairing back end of gymnasium Material . $ 11.53
Material for stagings 10.00
$69.00
Number of hours labor-84
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ANNUAL REPORT
Briggs Corner School
Painted outside of building, one coat.
$ 37.97
Cost of material. Car fares
4.60
$ 42.57
Number of hours labor-162
Capron School
Both classrooms, hallway and recitation room calcimined. We had on hand sufficient material for doing this job, so the only added expense was: Brushes and sponges $ 3.50
Car fares. 4.50
$ 8.00
Number of hours labor-256
Dodgeville School
Painted all of the trimmings on this building.
Paint and material
$ 56.78
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