USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1940 > Part 10
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An important feature of good training in music is that of aesthetic ap- preciation. The school's music department would be greatly strengthened, and training of incalculable later value both to the individual and to the city made possible, if a combination radio phonograph could be made available. For most people enjoyment of good music will be that of listening and appreciat- ing. The school ought to be the place where better musical tastes and a growing enjoyment of good music are inculcated.
Lockers
The new locker equipment built into the corridors of the addition were an obviously marked improvement over former conditions the first day on which the addition was occupied. Downstairs in the old building, however, lockers long in use where locks are constantly getting out of order and where lock parts be- come so worn over a period of years that new keys ordered do not fit, the locker situation is far from satisfactory. A different system of locks involving those of the combination type would at least do away with the double nuisance of lost keys and those which, taken from school, return some time later to embarrass the new occupant of the locker. The fact that most of these lockers are shared by two pupils each, represents an added difficulty. A new system of locks would help the school in reducing instances of petty thievery and in developing a greater respect for property rights. Such values would certainly justify the relatively small expense involved.
Library
In the improved and enlarged school library experiments have been con- ducted in the hope of developing pupils' interest in reading. In cooperation with the English department a scheme for outside reading for freshmen was tried this year. Hitherto pupils have been given a list from which books must be chosen. This year pupils were allowed to read any book approved by the English teacher or librarian. Some two hundred books for this purpose were borrowed from the Public Library, and pupils were encouraged to choose books which they really wanted to read rather than to read something merely to satisfy the re- quirements. Written reports were made in the library as soon as the books were read, and individual records were kept of all books read during the year. Out of the 305 pupils in the freshman class, 101 read more books than were required. This procedure will be followed in the remaining three years in high school. It is hoped that by the time a pupil graduates, some definite taste for reading will have been developed which will be carried over into adult life. This extensive reading program would be even more successful if more funds could be available for books.
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During the year two divisions of seniors were freed from the routine book report list and permitted to choose a subject around which their reading should center. Each pupil had a conference with the school librarian in September to make out a tentative list of ten books which might prove interesting and profitable reading. Pupils were encouraged to explore the Public Library for additional material so that they might acquire the habit of finding worthwhile reading material for themselves. This reading plan was enjoyed by the pupils, and the English teacher reported an improvement in both the quantity and quality of their reports.
College authorities complain that the work of college freshmen suffers be- cause they do not know how to use a library. This year tests were given in each college preparatory division by the school librarian to find out what our pupils lacked. Instruction was then given toward meeting college requirements, previously ascertained by securing copies of diagnostic tests which are given to college freshmen in several of the outstanding colleges of the country.
Laboratory Work in College Science
For a number of years, when crowded conditions seriously restricted the school's program, college preparatory students enrolled in chemistry, physics, or biology were denied the opportunity of experience in laboratory work re- quired by leading colleges. Most of this work had to be done on a demonstration basis, usually by the teacher. This year these groups have taken this extra training in a double period once a week, the second half of which was made possible by the use of period "X". A number of chemistry pupils are still obliged to report in the afternoon because facilities permit of only small laboratory groups. An additional chemistry bench would obviate this difficulty. The necessary piping is already in position under the floor.
Visual Aids Program
In keeping with procedures in up-to-date schools, Attleboro High School has made definite progress in the use of moving pictures as part of the teaching process. A better organized system of film booking has resulted in securing films directly applicable to classroom subject matter, and these have been shown during regular class periods in physics, chemistry, biology, general science, com- mercial geography, English and home economics. Sixty films, both sound and silent, are scheduled for showing during the present school year. A new film slide projector has been purchased, and a library of slides and film-strips for teach- ing purposes will gradually be accumulated. These will be school property, to be made use of whenever appropriate to the subject matter under discussion in the classroom. The visual program, wherever properly conceived by the teacher, can be of real help to the learning pupil.
Appreciation
In retrospect-the past year seems to have been a very busy one in the high school. To a large majority of the teachers who have willingly accepted added responsibility, to a responsive and cooperative student body, and to cooperating parents and school officials is extended the appreciation of the principal for whatever progress may have been made.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip L. Garland
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I hereby present to you my annual report of the Vocational and Continuation schools for the year ending December 1940.
This group of boys and girls here under our care probably presents one of the great if not the greatest problem in our school department. From the high school come students who having fallen behind in their work, become discouraged and quit. As they are obliged to attend school until they are 16 years of age they find here much that interests them and helps them to get another start. Many from the grades are assigned to this school because it is believed that they will receive greater good from the time they spend in this school. From the records of the achievements of these pupils we know this to be true. Then there is another small group of individuals transferred here who fall below in their classes because they lack aptitude for the routine of the regular class work, and because of a desire not to take advantage of the largest number of days that the school offers them. We are making the desired adjustments in many cases, but in others there is much room for progress.
In previous reports I have given the aims and objectives, outlines of courses of instruction, and accounts of class activities. This year I would like to show what some of the pupils who have finished this school are doing, also what they think the school did for them.
We have just completed a cross section survey of the girls' and boys' classes from 1935 to 1940. The following is the outline survey that we used:
1. Present position
Firm Address Type of work
2. Positions held since leaving school, length of service.
3. Ways in which the instruction of the school has proved of value.
4. Suggestions for changes or improvements in the school program.
FACTS LEARNED FROM THE GIRLS' SURVEY
1. With the returned blanks many of the girls wrote letters giving ad- ditional facts about their work and other interests, and expressing their ap- preciation of the instruction and help received at the school. This shows that our effort in character training has borne fruit.
2. All but four girls had held more than one position since they left school.
3. The longest period of time during which a girl had remained at one position was four years.
4. Many girls accepted jobs doing housework until they could obtain factory or mill work.
5. While many of the girls are employed in mills and packing rooms they feel that the instructions they received in foods, clothing and home management are very valuable.
6. Positions held:
4 mill work
1 sales clerk
6 packing room
6 housework
5 working at home
3 child care
1 restaurant
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7. Instruction most helpful:
5 sewing
7 cooking
1 everything
1 canning
1 home management
1 checking and ordering supplies
5 child care
1 related arithmetic
2 letter writing
2 consumer education
3 citizenship
Quotations from Letters:
"I make clothes for myself and my sister, and even for friends and neigh- bors."
"Everything I was taught in vocational school has helped me very much."
"I appreciate your coming to visit me."
"I am glad that the teachers take so much interest in me."
"There should be a gymnasium for the girls because many girls like myself don't get enough exercise."
"I got more out of vocational school than I can put into words."
"It is a wonderful school for girls who do not get along well in the regular grade school."
(From a girl who returned to High School after one year with us:)
"What I learned in sewing and cooking helps me now in my work along these lines in high school. The study of civics I have found useful. The unit in which we learned how to tell stories to children has helped me in English."
Their suggestions for improvements:
1. "A dressing room in connection with the sewing room."
2. "Use of a dressmaker's form model."
3. "Gymnasium."
4. "One day a week for special knitting for the Red Cross."
5. "More pressure to bear upon the girl who is 16. Urge her to stay in school until she has a job. Better for her to be in school than running about the streets."
6. "Each girl to have her own desk."
7. "More work under child care." (An improvement made since this girl left school.)
FACTS LEARNED FROM THE SURVEY OF THE BOYS
Some positions held in the last few years since leaving school:
Foot press at American Metal Crafts Co.
Foot press at the D. F. Briggs Co.
Casting lead crucifixes at the Jeweled Cross Co.
Molder at the Bakelite Co.
Farm worker.
Turret lathe operator at the Spencer Thermostat Co.
Bench work at the J. &. L. Tool Co.
Lathe work at Apco Mossberg Corp.
Maintenance work at the General Plate Co.
Lineman for the N. E. Power and Light Co.
Magnan Tennis Racket Co.
Foot press work at the J. T. Healy Co.
Foot press work at the Robbins Co.
Quotations from letters showing ways in which instruction in the vocational school has proved of value to these young men:
"Learned something about wood work."
"Was taught how to write a letter correctly."
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"Was taught how to make out money orders."
"Prevention of highway accidents was constantly kept before me in my classroom work. This seemed very important to me since so many people are being killed and injured on our highways."
"The instruction I received at the school helped me to earn a few dollars in the woodworking trade as a sideline."
"Learned how to run a lathe."
"Was taught the proper way how to sharpen tools."
"I found out in that school that if I was to get along in this world I must learn how to get along with the other fellow, that is, to cooperate."
"I was given a chance to read books in the classroom that I liked and in that way developed taste for better reading."
"While in this school I studied the Questions and Answers relating to the Massachusetts motor vehicle laws and as a result I was able to get my driving license right after I came out of the school."
Suggestions in Regard to Improvements of School Program
"Have a placement bureau at the school. The director and the instructors should know the boy and his weaknesses and strong points and therefore be in a place to know whether a boy could or could not be recommended for a certain job. It seems to me that a placement bureau would prove to be an incentive to the boy."
"Have a general assembly at the school once a week."
"Teach more history and geography. I think the boys should learn more about the history of their country and its institutions."
"Use moving pictures; if handled in the correct method and the right kind of pictures, would be a big improvement to the program of the school."
"The school and the business and industrial world should be very closely coordinated."
"Teach first aid."
"Have organized athletic teams. This has a tendency to bring about a stronger school spirit."
"Have men from business and industry come into the school once in a while and give talks to the boys."
Following is the distribution of boys who have withdrawn from this school during the years of 1938, 1939 and 1940:
Employed . CCC 11
63
Unemployed 9
U. S. Army 3 NYA. 2
Jewelry Trades School . 1
There is a real necessity of our classroom efforts being supplemented by a closer tie-up between the home and the school. I would suggest that a competent person be employed to follow up the pupils while in school and be their adviser after leaving school until they had secured permanent employment. Such a person could take care of the oridinary absence from school, could investigate all requests for home permits and could be a real inspiration for these vocational students to become excellent citizens.
In the recommendations from the State Department of Vocational Training it is pointed out that the length of the school days should be adjusted to conform to the minimum approved time requirement of six hours of class instruction. Because of the use of the shop part of the time by the eighth grade it has not been possible to get the full time. But with the opening of the new school with the extra shop room, it will be possible to give this school the required amount of time.
In connection with a longer program I would recommend that the vocational school be alloted special time from the art and musical directors. There is a surprisingly large amount of talent in this department of our school activities which should be developed.
Respectfully submitted,
Milton P. Dutton.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE JEWELRY TRADES SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith the report of the Attleboro Jewelry Trades School for the year 1940.
The year just past has been an eventful one for the trade school. At a meeting held at the school last December, which was attended by members of the school committee, advisory committee and others interested, it was agreed that an effort should be made to expand the school. As a first step the 1944 com- mittee was asked to make a recommendation and to give its support. The com- mittee in turn asked Mr. Royal Farnum and Mr. Sydney Rollins of the R. I. School of Design to make a survey and submit a report. This they did. Their report said in effect that they were fairly well satisfied with most of the work that is being carried on-in fact, their praise of the die cutting and toolmaking classes was rather high. They advised enlarging the school and improving the academic and related work program. This report merely confirmed opinions already held by yourself and the school committee and others.
There were several meetings and discussions held during the year. In September under the leadership of Mr. Rathbun Willard of the Metals and Controls Corporation and Mr. Harold E. Sweet of the R. F. Simmons Company, a supper meeting of manufacturers was held. At this meeting Mr. Willard set forth the aims of the school, pointed out its value to the community and to the manufacturers, and asked all to contribute to a fund to buy additional equipment. The response was very gratifying. A committee of the Chamber of Commerce was formed with Mr. Leland Smith of the Apco Mossberg Corporation as chair- man. This committee was to continue with the raising of funds and to work with the school committee. After several meetings between the various committees, the school officials, Mr. Small and Mr. Shay of the State Department of Education, a definite plan was evolved. It was:
To rent the rest of the floor which the school now occupies.
Add one instructor for engraving.
Add another instructor for toolmaking.
Buy additional equipment.
Add two permanent teachers for academic and related work.
Have the boys attend one week in the classroom and one week in the shop.
The additional floor space has already been hired, and we are at present making it ready for occupancy. The manufacturers committee has raised $6,000 and some new equipment has already been ordered. The rest of the changes will follow as soon as possible and it is expected that by next June they will be com- plete and that the school will be expanded from 100% to 150%.
We had some very excellent publicity in the newspapers this year which in- cluded feature articles and pictures in the New York Sunday Times and the Boston Sunday Herald.
Displays this year included one at the State Teachers College, Fitchburg, in June, one at the Eastern States Fair, Springfield, in September, and one in the Attleboro Gas Light Company's window in Attleboro for two weeks in November. This was our best display to date and caused much favorable comment. Mr. Small saw this display and requested that it be held intact for him to show at a talk he is going to give next March in Boston.
We completed many projects for municipal and civic affairs this year which include:
2 Flag standards for the Council Chamber
Galvanized box to hold checks for the Treasurer's Office
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ANNUAL REPORT
Trophy for the Boy Scouts Camperie
175 Medals for the Dodgeville Neighborhood Association
51 Medals for the Briggs playground
80 Medals for Capron Park sports
8 Plaques for the School Department athletics
Iron standard to hold signs for the Museum of Arts
Trophy for Lions and Rotary golf match
Keys to the City that were presented to the visitors from Harford, Pennsylvania
We also cleaned and lacquered several pieces of pewter for the Art Museum.
Night classes are being held again this year and although we were late in starting them, we have an enrollment of seventy-five.
We have two classes in toolmaking, one in die cutting, one in soldering and hammering and one in designing. The soldering and designing classes are open to women and there are ten enrolled.
The day school for the twelve months just past has had an average enrollment of 48.5 and an attendance of 43.7. This was an attendance of 90%.
Thirty-six boys got jobs and went to work during the year.
I look forward to a very busy and interesting year and hope to be able to report many improvements and much progress a year hence.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank H. Straker.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The Grades
In the grades we teach the proper use of the voice in singing. The founda- tion of our music teaching is the folk songs of all nations. We emphasize patriotic song singing, and practice music reading.
In all public exercises given in our schools the singing of our pupils is com- mendable for its quality of tone and articulation. The Washington School presented an operetta THE LAND OF DREAMS COME TRUE, which was beautifully given. Other public concerts given by the Bliss and the Finberg schools are deserving of special mention. There is good singing in all our schools and the special programs given throughout the year are very much enjoyed by all who hear them.
There is a growing interest in musical instruments among the grade school pupils. There is now an orchestra in all the larger schools, and in the Richardson School there is a fine harmonica band that has appeared in public quite acceptably.
High School
Singing
There are 66 pupils in the Freshman singing class and 56 in the upper class. These classes study part song singing during school hours. There are 100 pupils in the Glee Club which meets after school. This singing group with the assistance of the orchestra, presented a very fine program of vocal and instrumental music at their concert April 11. The principal numbers were the cantatas THE VIL- LAGE BLACKSMITH by Noyes and BARBARA FRIETCHIE by Jules Jordan. The soloists were selected from the members of the chorus, and the accompaniments by the orchestra. Though there was some disappointment that
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ANNUAL REPORT
no opera was attempted this year the concert was much enjoyed by the audience. It is a great joy to see 100 young singers taking part in an exercise that un- consciously adds to the cultural life of the community.
The net profit on a concert is not so great as when we give an opera. Sixty dollars was added to the music fund of the High School. This money is used to keep the orchestra instruments in repair, and any other incidental expense that will add to the advance of music in the High School.
The Band
The fine opportunity given to our pupils to study musical instruments of the band in high school is proving quite attractive to a larger number than ever before. All the instruments available are in use and many who own their own instruments are taking advantage of the periods for study now given by the band master.
The band makes a splendid appearance when it appears at parades or at the football field. They supplied music for the Memorial Day and Armistice Day parades and also added much to their reputation by giving in May as fine a band concert as we have heard in our High School.
The band is under the expert leadership of Mr. Zambarano who has shown that he is admirably qualified to teach and direct.
To Mr. Freeman Hall much commendation must be given for drilling the band in marching.
The Orchestra
The High School Orchestra of 30 players has had a very busy year. The orchestra supplied the music for the 25th anniversary of the City, January 2, 1940. It played for the Teachers' Play on March 27. It gave a concert with the Glee Club on April 11 and played for the Federated Woman's Club May 22 and at graduation in the Bates Opera House in June and at the Senior Class Play on December 5. The orchestra plays at all regular assemblies and rehearses after school once every week.
Home Music
There are 18 pupils receiving credit for home music in piano. These pupils are studying with accredited piano teachers. To receive credit the pupil must begin his lessons in September and continue them regularly throughout the school year. A record is kept of the number of lessons taken and the title of the music studied. These records are signed by the parents and the teacher and are on file at the office. I have always felt that this encouragement to piano pupils to continue their piano studies during their high school course is of great value to the music student.
Respectfully submitted,
John Laing Gibb.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TEACHER OF ART High School
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
Again it is time to present the annual report of the Art Department of the Attleboro High School. I believe the work carried out during the year 1940 has proved worthwhile in adding to the cultural growth and practical education of our boys and girls.
In the high school our previously established courses of study were followed seriously yet with enough elasticity to allow for taking care of the frequent re- quests from other departments as well as the requests which come to us from out- side sources. While these projects entail extra work and inconvenience as to time requirements they are an important part of our work. Making the children feel that the things which they produce have a practical place in their com- munity is of major value in their personal development. In view of this we have built our lessons around stage settings, window decorating, advertising for school activities, public affairs and benefits, illustrative material for school publications, pictures and mural decorations for classrooms, as well as decorative effects and favors for school parties.
Some of our students were represented in an exhibit of work by local artists, entries were made in the annual flower show, and the Sketch Club held an exhibit and an auction of its own. Proceeds from the auction were used to take interested students to Boston on Museum and Art School tours.
The four year scholarship to the Massachusetts School of Art, given by the Attleboro Museum of Art, was presented to Barbara Corrigan, one of our grad- uates, at the High School Commencement in June. Attleboro is fortunate to have such an active group of people enough interested in art education to offer a scholarship to our young people.
Recently the high school students have had the opportunity to study art appreciation with moving pictures and to attend the lectures and exhibits of the Attleboro Museum of Art in their museum rooms at the Court House. The lectures and demonstration of oil painting given by Mr. Henry Hensche of Provincetown were especially valuable.
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