USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1933 > Part 7
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5
155
El. Science.
5
193
Latin IV
1
17
Latin III
2
45
Latin II.
3
71
Latin I.
3
89
U. S. History
5
167
.
.
.
.
.
.
91
ANNUAL REPORT
Mod. History
4
129
Anc. History
3
97
Civics
5
181
Sol. Geom.
1
21
Int. Algebra
3
97
Pl. Geometry
4
08
El. Algebra
4
131
Penmanship
1
42
Arithmetic .
5
164
Type. I, 1-2 yr
2
51
Type. II
3
$4
Type. III
2
35
Sten. I.
3
78
Sten. II.
1
35
Geography
4
132
Book. 1
4
111
Book. II.
3
65
Economics 1-2 yr ..
1
37
Commercial Law 1-2 yr.
1
33
F. H. Drawing
96
Mech. Drawing
65
Manual Training
91
Shop. Math.
1
28
Foods
3
55
Dietetics
1
34
Household Mgmt. 1-2 yr.
2
71
Totals
4457
Report on Activities of A. H. S. Class of 1933, Made November 27, 1933
No. Graduates
169
& State Teachers
College
1 College
~ Bus. School
Hosp. Train.
Spec. School
& Working
& Home
& P. G.
Graduates of Past Eight Years
Year
Number Graduates
Attending State
Teachers'
Attending
College
Atter.ding
Bus. School
Trairing in
Hospital
Atterding
No.
1933.
169
3
1.7
20
11.7
7
4.1
6
3.5
6 3.5
1932.
122
5
4.
13
10.6
11
9.8
15
12.
5
4 .
1931.
114
4
3.4
24
21.
5
4.3
13
11.4
12
10.5
1930.
123
2
1.6
17
13.8
15
12.2
12
10
8.1
1929
129
4
3.5
33
25.5
9
1928
135
3
2.2
31
23.
4
3.
6
4.4
1927
122
18
6.5
34
27.9
6
4.9
5
4.
1926
101
12
11.8
24
23.4
10
9.8
In spite of adverse conditions, I feel that our school is progressing, meeting its problems as they come, and measuring up in every way.
Respectfully submitted,
Alfred R. Mack.
No.
No.
%
No.
No.
9.8 7.
Spec. School
Col.
92
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The Grades
During the singing periods in the first eight grades we teach the rudiments of music, stress beauty and quality of tone, develop the head voice, practice sight reading, and teach two, three, and four-part singing.
This year there has been competitive reading of music in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades of the Richardson, Sanford, Pliss, and Tiffany schools which has been accomplished by taking the children from school to school. It was the concensus of opinion that the Tiffany School excelled. This method proved of great help in showing the less musical pupils how to read music, and resulted in the development of better sight readers than ever before.
The Richardson School's special chorus under Miss Ward again distinguished itself by the fine rendering of its operetta which was given in the High School hall. The Lincoln and Washington schools also gave operettas in South Attle- boro before large and appreciative audiences. A unique exercise at the Lincoln School was the Christmas pageant, where the fine singing of the children did much to make that event a success.
The High School Home Music Course
This course gives credit to pupils who take piano and voice lessons outside of school. However this year the enrollment is smaller than usual, due to the fact that many have had to give up their lessons because of adverse circumstances.
Music Appreciation Club
The Club carries on from last year with the following officers: Sheldon Rotenberg, President; George Gibb, Vice-President; and William Lee, Secretary. The object of this Club is to make a more intimate study of the lives and music of the master musicians than is ordinarily possible in the school time. One composer is studied every month and each member of the Club contributes either through writing a paper or playing a selection of the composer under considera- tion.
Singing Class
350 students out of the entire High School group elected singing this year and met during the first period on Monday mornings, when four-part singing was enjoyed.
Glee Club
The Glee Club, composed of 60 students, was a valuable addition to our annual concert. A decided improvement was noted over performances of pre- vious years, better tone quality and interpretation being particularly evident.
The Band
A gradual improvement is noticeable in the playing of the band, but it is hoped that some of the students may become interested in learning to play bass horns so that there may be a more complete instrumentation. We now have the use of the Armory for drilling, and the marching has been greatly improved
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ANNUAL REPORT
through the training of Captain Crossman. The band is proving itself of credit to the High School at its football games. Mr. William Cooney has been drum major and Ralph Sullivan, student leader.
In the spring, when I was a judge at the New England Band Contest at Newport, Rhode Island, the band went with me and took part in the parade of New England bands there. This trip proved to be of great inspirational value to all the players.
The band is indebted to Mr. Joseph Finberg who has loaned it music and many instruments.
The Orchestra
This year the orchestra attended the Annual New England Orchestra and Band Conclave at Arlington, Massachusetts, where it received the rank of first grade in its class.
The annual concert at the High School this year was of particularly high quality, and the orchestra was assisted, as usual, by the glee club.
The orchestra furnished the music at the Teachers' Play.
Plans were made for the orchestra to give an outdoor Sunday concert at Capron Park before school closed, but rain prevented it. This concert will undoubtedly become an annual event in the future, providing, as it does, so good a chance for many, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear this fine musical organization.
Thanks are due Mr. Frank Ryder for his contribution of orchestra music, and also to the Lions Club, which paid some of the expenses of the trip to Arling- ton. With the exception of such contributions the orchestra is self-supporting, buying its own supplies and music, repairing instruments, etc., out of the orchestra fund, which is composed of the receipts from its annual concert.
The faithfulness of the teachers toward music for the children is to be com- mended. Thanks are hereby rendered for the assistance which they have given me.
Respectfully submitted, John Laing Gibb.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
We have had a very busy year. Sometimes it seems that we are so busy doing things we don't have time to tie up the principles we are teaching with things about us. We try to make all our problems profitable, hoping to develop tendencies which will lead to good judgment and an appreciation of fine things.
There are three things we have been trying for especially this year.
1. To encourage the creative impulses in the child. This may be free work without the assistance of the teacher. In our decorative work and design, teaching is necessary to get creative work. We have had some very good results in creative design. Our final design ends in an application to some useful article. The activities in making the article have been full of enjoyment. Creative expression is also given a place in the High School work.
2. To teach art principles so that the child will use the information. It is not our purpose to drill too much upon the principles of representation, design and color, for future needs, but for the child now. Most of the teachers use drawing in connection with whatever is going on in the class room.
3. To develop appreciation through the study of pictures. We have valuable helps for this work in the colored slides and reference books. Another year I would like to extend the field of appreciation by adding a few slides on sculpture.
94
ANNUAL REPORT
Every year the Attleboro Museum of Art has a Juvenile Exhibition in the Children's Room at the Library. Paper and crayons are there for children who want to sketch what is exhibited. A number of children use this opportunity.
Our work has contact with organizations outside of school. we are called upon for posters for different enterprises. We help on decorations for stage scenery.
Under Miss Davidson's supervision very good work was done for stage scenery for plays given by the Washington and Lincoln schools.
The number of pupils taking drawing in High School is about the same as last year. As usual the freshman class is much the largest.
If success can be measured by the amount of interest shown by the pupils, I feel that we have had a successful year.
Respectfully submitted,
Persis A. Crowell.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICIAL EDUCATION
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
For the best results in physical education there must be certain conditions : the work must be out-of-doors; the gymnasium should be used only as an emer- gency space. The exercises should be natural in type, satisfying by their execu- tion, the play instinct with due regard to the future practical needs of the in- dividual. Formal gymnastics and much of the apparatus work of the gymnasium belong to the category of artificial stunts and mechanical movements. They are mechanically rigid and awkward as compared with natural, useful movement of the body. They are uninteresting and distasteful to most boys and girls. It is important that a reasonable amount of physical education should be required of every pupil. It is equally important that this training should enlist the enthusiasm and interest of each pupil, not primarily in keeping healthy, but in the doing of things having intrinsic objective interest, whose performance will insure good health. The pupil should be unconscious of his own body or of the purpose of exercise to benefit his own body or health. Self consciousness, except as in- cidently required in the direct effort to attain an end in a more effective way, must always detract from the best results of education. Physical education should be supervised and directed with reference to the beneficial social and moral results which may be gained by the right performance in play, games and athletics, of the large fundamental types of human action.
Our program consisting of free play, games, relays, marching, stunts, tumbling, rhythms, singing games, simple dancing, posture exercises, apparatus, after-school athletics, etc., is pleasing and beneficial to all pupils. The time allotment con- sisting of one ten-minute period daily and a morning and afternoon recess of ten minutes each, thirty minutes each day in all, is satisfactory. Physical education leaders assist the teachers in handling this program and I am pleased to state that all principals and teachers are cooperating with me splendidly. I, in turn, am always willing and glad to assist them in any way possible.
The health day program this year consisted of field day sports in most part. The events were easily arranged and resulted in good fun for all, every pupil taking part. Regular everyday physical education activities were stressed and specialties were kept to a minimum.
An early start was made in basketball in order to give all boys in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades an opportunity to play. Schools were assigned practice hours starting late in September. All boys were welcome. In December the school squads were selected and the grammar school league got under way in January. This continued until the first of March. During the latter part of March and April the eighth grade girls from Bank Street and Bliss Schools were
95
ANNUAL REPORT
given an opportunity to play the game. This program was a difficult one for one man to carry on, but with the assistance of Alumni of the schools involved, and by spending long hours in the gymnasium, over three hundred boys and girls were accommodated. This number does not include the pupils from Lincoln and Finberg schools who have gymnasiums of their own, and who carry on their own basketball practice programs. Teachers from Sanford and Bliss schools assisted me in the girls' program and I wish to thank them for their valuable assistance.
Much the same program was carried on in soccer football, track and base- ball. Figh School track started with preliminary work in January and continued until late in June. This takes much of my time and I was forced to double up on some of my grammar school activities in order to give it the proper attention. Over sixty boys reported and received training and instruction.
Statistics on after-school athletic program:
Boys taking part 104
Girls taking part
Touch football.
Soccer football
190
Basketball
225
85
G. S. Track
200
Baseball.
270
150 (Playground ball)
H. S. Track
60
A large basement space at the Bliss School has been converted into a play- gound under my direction. I have been assisted in this work by the grammar school manual training director and some of the eighth grade boys. In addition, games are being constructed for use by the noon hour pupils in the lunchroom. Another large basement area will later on be used as a paddle tennis court. At the Richardson School fresh air room, now used by those pupils bringing lunches at noontime, more games have been assembled. These rooms will be under the direct supervision of a teacher at all times when they are in use. Further develop- ments are planned from time to time.
With the "sports for all" motto in mind the usual grammar school leagues in soccer, basketball and baseball will be abolished next September, and a year's tryout given to the intrumural idea, a league within each school. The annual grammar school track meet will be held as usual, however, as will the eighth grade competition between Bank, I liss and Lincoln schools.
I have assisted with the Red Cross first-aid classes at Sanford and Finberg schools this year and will continue to do so when time permits.
A physical education program under the direction of the grammar school athletic association was held at the High School auditorium early in October and was a huge success. The proceeds will be used for physical education activities and equipment. I wish to sincerely thank all who in any way contributed to its success.
During the past year I have completed courses at Springfield College and Brown University, and also attended a Red Cross first-aid institute as well ax the National Physical Education Association Conference at Springfield.
Recommendations:
To protect the children at the following schools I would like to emphasize the need for fences at Farmers, Lincoln, Pleasant Street, Capron and Carpenter Street schools. All of these playgrounds face heavily traveled roadways.
The need for a new board floor at the Lincoln School gymnasium still exists and I sincerely hope that this may be remedied at some future time.
In closing my report I wish to sincerely thank you for your cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Ray Cooney.
96
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit, herewith, my annual report as School Physician, for the year 1933.
This period has been a trying one on the health of the school children. Economic conditions have been reflected, both in the increasing number of physi- cal defects and in the lack of proper food and clothing. The schools have been an important agency in the alleviation of these conditions.
An analysis of the results noted in the annual physical examinations shows that 56% of all pupils had one or more defects. This fact emphasizes the necessity of a more extensive follow-up system by the proper authorities. It also reflects the inability of parents to meet the cost of medical and dental care. The lack of proper dental care and hygiene is deplorable.
The nutrition of the pupils is a problem which should concern us greatly. The child with poor nutrition presents a larger number of physical defects and therefore they are less able to cope with the various infections of childhood.
Many agencies, both local and state, have been instrumental in raising the health standards in the schools. Among those who have functioned during the year may be mentioned the following:
1. The Sturdy Memorial Hospital Clinic for the removal of diseased adenoids and tonsils. 37 cases were referred to this clinic for operation.
2. The Diphtheria Prevention Clinic was conducted by the Attleboro Health Department in cooperation with the School Medical Service. 200 children were immunized in this clinic, which was held at the various schools.
3. The Mental Clinic under the supervision of Dr. Ralph Chambers of the Taunton State Hospital was conducted at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital. . 10 children were referred to this clinic for examination and classification.
4. Vaccination Clinics were held at the various schools by the School Physician specifically for children whose parents were unable to pay medical fee for same. More than 50 children were vaccinated.
5. A clinic for retarded children was conducted by Dr. Patterson of the Wrentham State School. 50 children were examined at this clinic.
6. The Chadwick Clinic for the diagnosis of early tuberculosis made a very extensive survey in the schools as a new project of the State Department of Public Health. This comprised of physical examinations, skin testing by the Von Pirquet Method and X-raying of more than 3,000 children of school age. The summary of their report follows:
Total School Population (inc. parochial school) 4,516
Total number of children given tuberculin test 3,085 or 68%
Total number reactors. 1,328 or 42%
Total number X-rayed
Total number examined 1,333
346
Total number diagnosed as Pulmonary T. B .-
(1-Grade School)
(1-High School) 2
'Total number diagnosed as Pulmonary Suspects-
(High School) 1
Total number diagnosed as Hilium T. B .---
(17-Grade Schools)
( 9-High School)
( 2-Parochial School) 28
Total number diagnosed as suspects ----
(129-Grade Schools)
( 23-High School)
( 9-Parochial School) 161
363 of the children are to be kept under constant supervision and will be examined annually to determine their physical condition. The program invites the closest cooperation of the health authorities, the family physician and parent.
97
ANNUAL REPORT
7. Two Health Camps were operated during the summer. One by the Bristol County Tuberculosis Association at Briggs Corner and the other by the Attleboro Lions Club. Children attending these camps were chosen from the undernourished group.
8. Other agencies which have been of material assistance were the Family Welfare Association, the District Nursing Association and the City Almoner.
Dr. A. C. Conro gave his services in many cases referred to him for eye de- fects and also as chief of the Nose and Throat Department at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
Communicable Diseases
Numerous cases of Scarlet Fever were reported throughout the year, but the outbreak was of endemic character. A few sporadic cases of Whooping Cough, Mumps and Chicken Pox were reported. The attendance in a few of the schools, particularly in the kindergarten, was affected by the former malady, due to protective measures taken against contagion.
An epidemic of influenza occurred during the month of January. The cases were of moderate severity.
Open-air Room
A re-survey of those children enrolled in the open-air room at the. Richard- son school in 1931 was made. The results show the permanent value of the health regime given these children who were suffering from mal-nutrition and chronic defects.
Health Day
Health Day was observed in May with the presentation of appropriate programs dealing with the subject of health. Health talks, movies, plays, etc., were presented. 982 children were awarded health tags for being physically fit. Other tags were distributed to those having had dental work completed and also for showing improvement in various health habits.
Nutrition
The regular nutrition program was carried out in the larger schools, largely through the aid of private funds. Hot cereal breakfasts were served in these schools. This was of great benefit to many children in the undernourished group.
A summary of the year's work follows:
A
January .
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Totals.
School Visits.
24
16
23
12
24
14
19
19
21
15 187
Special Examinations .
431
12
4
1
12
79
75
614
Physical Examinations
405
946
209
220
21
666
624
20
384
3495
Office Visits.
163
82
72
62
72
43
1
4
28
94
50
28
699
Examinations for Athletics
36
24
46
46
128
280
Vaccinations.
5
1
46
54
106
First Aid. .
2
1
6
2
11
Working Certificates
5
3
5
6
1
4
1
1
2
28
Referred to Mental Clinic .
10
Examinations for camp.
24
Referred to children's hospital.
4
Examination for Monson State Hospital.
1
Referred to Health Department T B Clinic T A T immunization
200
Respectfully submitted,
Jesse W. Battershall, M. D.
ANNUAL REPORT
98
3
99
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby submit my annual report as School Nurse, for the year ending December 1, 1933.
Clinics
1. Diphtheria Prevention Clinic was held in October, under the super- vision of the Board of Health, the School Medical Service assisting. These clinics were held in the Finberg and Washington Schools, where 200 pre-school children from these districts were immunized. It is interesting to know that 70.3% of our school population (Grades I-VIII, inclusive) are now immunized.
2. The Attleboro Mental Clinic held monthly at the Sturdy Hospital under the direction of Dr. Ralph Chambers of the Taunton State Hospital was used again this year. Ten children who were not making the proper adjustments in school and home were examined and treatment suggested.
3. The Mental Clinic, under the supervision of the Wrentham State School, visited us in March. Dr. Patterson and her assistant, Miss Wolfson, examined 50 children who were 3 years or more retarded, giving them psychiatric tests as well as a physical examination. Although many of these children have a very low intelligence quotient and should be placed in a Special Group, they are forced to stay in the regular class room because of the closing of these special rooms.
4. The Medical Clinic of the Children's Hospital, Boston, took care of four of our unusual cases.
5. The Tonsil and Adenoid Clinics at the Sturdy Hospital were held in June and September. Through the kindness and generosity of the local Nose and Throat Service some 37 cases were taken care of either free or at a low cost. These children had been referred for operation either by the Chadwick Clinic, School Physician or Family Physician in preparation for the attendance at Health Camp.
6. A Vaccination Clinic was held at the Washington, Dodgeville and Finberg Schools in June. 62 children were vaccinated by Dr. Jesse Battershall, School Physician.
7. The Chadwick Clinic conducted by the State Department of Public Health was in operation here from March 27th to May 12th. The following is a summary of the final report :
Total School Population (including parochial school) 4,516
Total number of children given tuberculin test 3,085or68+%
Total number reactors 1,328 or 42%
Total number X-Rayed. 1,333 Total number Examined 346
Total number diagnosed as Pulmonary T. B .- (1-Grade School) (1-High School) 2
Total number Diagnosed as Hilium T. B .-
(17-Grade Schools)
( 9- High School) ( 2-Parochial). 28
Total number Diagnosed as Suspects- (129-Grade Schools) ( 23-High School) ( 9-Parochial) 161
100
ANNUAL REPORT
These figures hold but little interest until one learns that these 363 children referred for further examination are weighed and measured monthly and their Health Records kept on individual charts. Then every spring when the clinic comes, their doctors X-Ray and re-examine every child in the presence of their parents. The new and old X-Rays are shown and explained to the parent, who therefore has visible evidence of the increase or decrease of his child's infection. The parent after consulting with the doctor visits a nutritionist who plans out the course of rest, play and food for the child for the coming year. The recom- mendations of the doctor for the child are carried out as faithfully as facilities permit by the school nurse. Needless to say a program including this new project is full indeed.
Communicable Diseases
Scarlet Fever-
Numerous cases were reported from September until June. These cases were not confined to any one section.
Whooping-cough, Mumps and Chicken Pox-
Few sporadic cases were reported throughout the year.
Diphtheria-
Several cases were reported and two carriers.
Grippe-
During the month of January the attendance in most schools was badly affected by the epidemic of grippe which swept the country.
Survey
A Survey of the Health Activities of the Attleboro Public Schools was made by Miss Muriel F. Bliss this spring. Miss Bliss who was studying at M. I. T. submitted the report as a Thesis and to the Department of Biology and Public Health. Many pertinent suggestions were made which we would be only too happy to fill if time and funds were available.
Open- Air Room
All the children who were in the Open-air Room when it was closed in June, 1931, were given a thorough Physical Examination in January, 1933, to ascertain their nutritional status since they returned to their regular class rooms.
The following was noted:
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