USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1940 > Part 11
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During the year several new books on Art have been added to our library and we also appreciate the use of the art magazines loaned to us by the Attleboro Museum of Art.
I attended the Eastern Arts Association Convention at Philadelphia and visited schools and meetings in Boston, Providence and Springfield. These contacts gave me the opportunity to see what other schools are accomplishing in Art and to exchange examples of student work. I also submitted our outlines of study to Columbia University to be used for discussion in a course of Curriculum Adaptation in that institution.
In September 1940, we returned to the time schedule used in 1936-1937, giving the supervisor four days a week in the high school and one day for super- vision and teaching in the lower grades. I am very much pleased with this arrangement because it gives me more time to spend with the younger children. At present I am working with the first and second grades at Sanford Street, Richardson, Bliss, Tiffany and Plat schools, and with the special class at Richard- son School.
I wish to mention how much I have enjoyed working with the manua training department and the Jewelry Trades School on common problems and to express my appreciation to tlie School Department and to the teachers for their generous cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
Ardith P. Todd.
132
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART Elementary Schools
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I am pleased to submit my annual report on Art Education in the Attleboro elementary schools.
During the past year, my endeavors in this department have been many, varied and purposeful.
Realizing that an organized program is a basic necessity to successful teach- ing, Art Education outlines have been issued to all teachers. Incorporated in the outlines are the progressive trends, aims and objectives which teachers and pupils are striving to attain: the encouragement and maintenance of originality, the development of skills, and the important relation of art to other subjects and phases of everyday living.
The outlines are planned for use as guidance manuals by the classroom teachers. Therefore, they are not restrictive or limitive, in scope of ideas. They also serve as a source through which the supervisor can issue notices and new informative material to be used and kept on file for future reference. Defi- nite grade objectives are in every teacher's art outline, with information and suggestions regarding methods, materials, lettering and figure charts, lessons, illustrations, graded lists of pictures for picture study, possible art activities for integrated work, blackboard drawings and room decorations. Freehand draw- ing, painting, creative expression, and simple measuring are used mainly in the art classes.
Because of the interest displayed by pupils, and the increasing need and demand for application of Art principles to integrated school programs, additional work to that of the outlines has been evidenced through several auditorium pro- grams where scenery, backdrops, stage arrangements, costumes, posters and class plays were made by pupils.
As examples of this work I make mention of the following: Last spring Tiffany School put on an operetta at the High School. The entire scenery and lighting effects were designed and created by the pupils of the sixth and seventh grades.
Also last May at a meeting of the "Bristol-Norfolk Counties Health Workers" held here in Attleboro, pupils of the fifth grade at Bliss School under the direction of their teacher, exhibited an attractive "Dental Project." Health posters and life size figures were made and used in this project by the pupils. Although there were other items of interest at the meeting, this project alone was out- standing and received many favorable comments.
This fall Bliss School had a successful school-wide patriotic program. At the request of teachers all art periods were given over directly to the making of correlated posters and suitable room decorations. Every child made something for this program.
In addition to these programs, throughout the year several important class- room plays, correlating art with other subjects such as history and reading have been produced. I call them important and make mention of them at this time because those who are in close contact with our boys and girls know the value of these programs, and they know how much they mean to the pupils who pro- duce them. Then too, they represent a source and demand for the supervisor's attention and additional materials such as backdrop paper, stage scenery paint, brushes, etc. With the words of a great educator, John Dewey, in mind, "We learn by doing", as art supervisor I am glad to give time and encouragement to these classroom activities.
133
ANNUAL REPORT
Once again the pupils of grades IV-VIII participated in the annual S.P.C.A. poster contest with satisfying results as shown by the total number of awards numbering 108. There were 24 first awards, 38 second awards and 46 honorable mention.
This year several schools participated in the observance of National Book Week, November 10-16, by making posters for the Public Library where they were exhibited.
I was privileged to attend the Eastern Arts Teachers Convention, of which I am a member, held this year in Philadelphia, March 27-30. This was the seventh consecutive year that I have been present at this great convention. To attend this convention would be a stimulation and profitable experience for any- one; for myself it is always an inspiration.
The Annual Conference for Teachers at Bridgewater, was held Friday and Saturday, November 15, 16. On Saturday from 11 to 12 o'clock in Boyden Hall, Mr. Gordon L. Reynolds, President of the Massachusetts School of Art, gave a talk concerning Creative Art for the Secondary School. His subject was, "En- richment of the Curriculum through Creative Art on the Secondary Level."
Teachers often request information concerning exhibitons and courses of art which are given by local or nearby schools and museums. This year the Massachusetts Federation of Teachers compiled a list called "Stimulating Ex- hibitions In Art Galleries and Museums." From this and other sources I am developing a list to be sent to each teacher.
As a result of a conference with Miss Palmer of the local Public Library, a worthwhile list of books, which may be obtained from the library at any time, concerning Arts and Crafts, has been compiled by her staff, and copies of these have been given out to each teacher to be kept in the art outlines. It was also arranged to have a special place set aside for the keeping and exhibiting of these books in order that they could readily be found by teachers and pupils. This arrangement was made to further stimulate interest in the Arts and Crafts. Already many teachers have voiced their pleasure concerning this arrangement.
At the November meeting of the Sanford Street P. T. A. I gave a short talk including lantern slides made by pupils, and exhibited samples of work done by pupils in our various schools. Those who were present seemed surprised and pleased at the amount and varied types of work shown.
This year I received a communication from Mr. Gordon L. Reynolds, State Director of Art Education relative to the fact that "Art Week in Massachusetts" would be celebrated from November 1-7 and requesting that I make reply to him concernnig extra activities carried out in observance of this week. Correlating with other activities already in progress, information concerning Indian symbols and art were issued to every teacher. Pupils and teachers were urged to place extra emphasis upon this work. The results were most gratifying and interest in the American Indian Art, the only pure American art, is still paramount. Resulting from this work Indian symbols, designs, etc., are much in evidence, as are Totem poles, plays, and Indian designed notebooks. Individual pupils, teachers and classes have attended the local museum to view the valuable Indian collection there; thus showing their interest.
In closing this report may I say that greater demands are being made upon this department than ever before; therefore, more materials of varied nature are being required and used.
This has been an exceedingly busy year. I am glad that I bave been able to serve in the capacity I have, but without your help and the cooperation of the principals, teachers and pupils the work could not have progressed as it has. Therefore, to you and to them, I extend my appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
Myrtice A. Perrin.
134
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The public program of physical education makes it possible for all children to participate in vigorous physical activity and wholesome recreation. Children gain enough experience in playing and officiating to enable them to act as play leaders for children their own age, at school or at other places. Pupil leadership begins in the lowest grades. Even in the first school year children can be given responsibilities and duties which lead toward more important services later on. Children are taught the qualities of cooperation, initiative, good fellowship and of leadership.
The after-school athletic program provides opportunities to participate in highly organized competitive physical activity, develops a relatively high degree of skill, furnishes experience in organizing, leadership in officiating in sports and games, creates a spirit of team and school loyalty, fair play and courtesy, and gives the pupils enough knowledge of sports to enable them to be critical, in- telligent and appreciative spectators of athletic contests.
The following is a partial list of physical activities in the grades:
Postural and developmental exercises and tests.
Sports, hygiene instruction.
Gymnasium programs.
Habits and skills.
Attitudes.
Knowledge of rules, technique.
Outdoor and indoor games of all descriptions.
Stunts and self-testing activities.
Rhythms, folk dancing and singing games.
Swimming instruction.
Sports instruction: six-man football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, skating, hockey.
Special Events
City-wide basketball tournament for all ages. This includes boys ten years of age through the high school, trade and vocational schools.
City-wide swimming campaign, through the cooperation of the Y. M. C. A. and the Massachusetts Humane Society. Classes recruited from all schools in the City, girls and boys.
Tennis tournaments, Bank Street and Bliss schools.
Figure skating class.
Lincoln-Finberg basketball nights.
Bank Street- Bliss basketball night.
High School track team practice at the Y. M. C. A. Mondays, 2-4 p. m. during February and March.
Annual Play Day programs at all schools.
First-aid.
Life-saving.
Water safety classes.
During the year I attended the annual State Physical Education Convention, and the Eastern District Convention of the American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
I would like to recommend, if it is possible to obtain these, a wire fence for the West Street playground section of the Farmers School, and a board floor for the Lincoln School gymnasium.
May I extend my sincere thanks to you, the School Committee, principals, teachers, the Park Department, recreation board, Y. M. C. A., the Highland Country Club, L. G. Balfour Company, the Jewelry Trades School and to all who have in any way assisted me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Ray Cooney.
135
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my annual report for the year 1940.
The control of contagious disease in the schools presents a most formidable problem. It depends on the cooperation of the parent, the teacher and the school, and the local health authorities. Primarily the greatest responsibility must be accepted by the parent. Cases of contagious disease have been sent to school with the knowledge of the parent that the child was ill thus placing the onus of prevention of the spread of the contagion upon the school authorities. In most cases, however, the parent is very willing to cooperate in the control of these diseases.
The rule requiring a physician's certificate after three or more days absence has resulted in finding cases of contagious disease which otherwise would have gone unrecognized.
A daily inspection of children by the teachers for the presence of contagious disease is very important during the incidence of an epidemic. All suspected cases should at once be reported to the school nurse or school physician and the child in question be isolated from others in the room.
The routine examinations of the children were carried on as usual as well as examination of those participating in athletics.
The following clinics were held by the various agencies:
1. Wrentham State School examination for retarded children.
2. Chadwick Clinic for detection and prevention of tuberculosis.
3. County school clinic for periodical check-up on suspected tuberculosis cases.
4. Pre-school clinic for pupils entering school, conducted by the District Nurses' Association.
5. Habit Clinic conducted by the Taunton State Hospital.
6. School Dental Clinic.
A survey was made of the crippled children of the city.
I wish to commend the untiring efforts of the school nurse during the year in arranging for these various clinics, which involved a great many home visits. The link between the school and the home is most important, and under present arrangements it is difficult to cover the field adequately.
I wish to acknowledge the cooperation of the Health Department, District Nurses and other health agencies which have promoted the well-being of the children in the schools.
A detailed report of the work for the year follows:
136
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Totals
Schools Visited
17
14
14
7
22
11
16
19
13
14
148
Physical Examinations
432
86
317
424
416
1675
Office Visits ยท
96
46
53
42
54
26
32
68
106
56
579
Vaccinations.
19
19
Examinations for Athletics
45
4
108
2
68
227
Special Examinations.
122
28
18
108
1
235
101
66
979
Working Certificates
3
1
1
3
1
2
6
2
2
21
Home Calls.
1
1
Respectfully submitted, Jesse W. Battershall, M. D.
ANNUAL REPORT
137
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report ending December 1, 1940.
Due to the prevalence of communicable diseases many special inspections have been made, often necessitating the suspension of my regular program.
In December 1939, 185 annual physical examinations were made by the school physician and nurse, with 280 inspections for communicable diseases. Thirty-five high school girls were examined for basketball. Thirty-one schools were visited. One pupil from Bliss School was taken to Wrentham State School for mental examination. Heads were examined for evidences of pediculi. Mental histories on all three-year retarded children were completed. Nine home calls were made. Six children received new glasses through the Attleboro Teachers' Eyeglass Fund.
January was a very busy month with cases of measles, whooping cough, chicken pox and scarlet fever scattered throughout the schools. Three hundred eighty-eight special inspections were made for these diseases. Three hundred eight-four annual physical examinations were completed by the school physician and nurse. Mental tests were done by doctors from Wrentham State School of the three years retarded group and a few special cases. Twenty-five boys were examined for basketball by Dr. Battershall. Ten home calls were made two of which were made with the S. P. C. C. agent. Glasses were secured for 2 cases. Forty-seven schools were visited.
February. The Infant Hygiene Class was started at the Vocational and Continuation School. Talks were given to several groups at the High School on various health subjects. The Chadwick Clinic X-rayed a group of 29 on their follow-up clinic, at the High School and later did a physical examination on each, with the parent present. Eighty-two annual physical examinations were com- pleted, and 4 home calls were made. Presence at the Juvenile Court was re- quested by the S. P. C. C. on two neglect cases. Thirty-five schools were visited.
March. A movie on Tuberculosis was shown at the High School as a fore- runner of the T. B. Prevention Clinic. Three hundred thirteen boys and girls were skin-tested for tuberculosis by the County School Clinic. These tests were read in two days, and from this group 80, with positive skin reactions were X- rayed. From this group 20 were given physical examinations by the clinic doctor. Four hundred seventy-eight annual physical examinations were completed. Four health talks were given at the High School. Forty-nine schools were visited. One hundred three inspections for scarlet fever were made. Two children received new glasses.
April. Two hundred fifty-four inspections for scarlet fever were made. Six home calls were made, four being an annual visit on crippled children unable to attend school. Thirty-nine school visits were made.
May. A special check-up on thirteen children was made by Dr. Hill of the County School Clinic at the High School. The track team was examined by Dr. Battershall. Assistance at the pre-school clinic was given on the afternoon of May 15. This clinic, under the auspices of the District Nursing Association, encourages the parents to have any defect corrected before the child enters school. All heads were examined for pediculosis. Eighteen home calls were made in preparing the children selected for camp. Arrangement for all necessary dentistry was made with the School Dental Clinic. One hundred ninety-six inspections were made for measles. Fifty-four schools were visited.
138
ANNUAL REPORT
June. Health Day in the form of Play Day was celebrated on June 6. Children of Sanford Street School were weighed and measured. One hundred eight inspections were made for measles. Two home visits were made and thirty- nine visits were made to the schools.
September. Sixty-eight school visits were made checking vaccinations, inspecting 105 children for scarlet fever and inspecting heads. Nine home calls were made on special cases involving health and transportation. One boy was examined at the Taunton Habit Clinic at the Sturdy Hospital. Ninety-nine athletes were examined and insurance papers made out at the High School by Dr. Batter- shall and the nurse. Cases of measles were reported in one school, where 312 inspections were made. Sixteen vaccinations were done at the Sturdy Hospital under the supervision of the Health Department, by Dr. Battershall. A talk on "School Nursing" was given to the students of the Sturdy Hospital Training School.
October was very busy, with 742 inspections for communicable diseases and 384 annual physical examinations completed. Sixteen home visits were made. Two boys were taken for a mental examination to the Wrentham State School Clinic. Five children had eye tests and new glasses, through the Eyeglass Fund. Two meetings were attended on Mental Hygiene. Mental histories are being taken in preparation for the examinations to be made in January, of all the three-year retarded and special group. Sixteen boys and girls were weighed and measured for the Chadwick Clinic at the high school, with check-up on their daily health habits. Investigation of 2 cases with the S. P. C. C. agent were made, followed up by presence at the Juvenile Court when these cases came up, for "neglect".
November. Numerous cases of scarlet fever, impetigo, chicken pox and measles necessitated the inspection of 401 children. Twelve home visits were made and one investigation with the Police Department. Appointments were made for one boy to have a Mental Examination at Wrentham State School and one to have a special examination at the Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. Two meetings were attended; one on School Nursing and the other by the famous Dr. Arnold Gessell, on "The First Five Years of Life". Forty-five schools were visited. Conferences were held with two members of the Parent-Teachers Associations regarding glasses and lunches for school children.
This has been a very busy year, and although there are many and varied activities going on all the time in this department, constant vigilance has been given to the control of communicable diseases.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to all those who through their kindness and cooperation have greatly aided mne in the fulfillment of my many duties.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy B. Wendell, R. N.
139
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my third annual report as Attendance Officer. Number of cases investigated 230. This is 46 more than last year. Investigation revealed the following reasons for absenee.
Regular Schools
Continuation and Vocational Schools
Total
Absent on account of clothing.
S
4
12
Absent on account of illness
38
33
71
Detained by parents for other eauses
26
32
58
Moved from City
1
1
2
Left Sehool
0
1
1
Truants
18
27
75
Attending city schools
1
1
2
Negligence .
1
0
4
Disciplinary cases.
5
0
5
131
99
230
There is an increase in the number of truancy cases, but this is due to prompt investigation. After a period of time the number of cases of this type should show a decrease.
Respectfully submitted,
W. Wesley Young.
REPORT OF THE CUSTODIAN OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my third annual report as Custodian of School Buildings.
Following a program started last year we are continuing with interior and exterior painting. There still remains a number of rooms that are badly in need of refinishing.
At the High School the floors in the lunch room, gymnasium balcony and the girls' locker room were painted. All lockers were repaired and fastened to the wall. The bottoms of the lockers were boxed in to keep any dirt from getting under them. This will take care of a situation that has been annoying for a long time. The assembly hall has been refinished, a much needed improvement. The exterior of the old part of the building was painted with two coats of lead and oil paint. Tack boards were installed in rooms 208 and 300 as well as new black- boards in room 306. New shelves were installed in the library and a sound proof door between the manual training department and room 8. A new layout of the lights in the boiler room and repairs to the corridor lights has improved the light- ing situation. In the No. 1 boiler we had to replace four tubes and in the No. 2 boiler twelve tubes. This year we shall have to retube at least one of these boilers.
At the Bliss School some new seats and chairs were placed in rooms where they were badly needed. The floor of the teachers' room was sanded and re- finished. Repairs were made to the slate and gravel roofs on the old part of the building. Part of the brick work was repointed but there is much more to be done next year. A stoker was installed in the No. 2 boiler.
The classroom clocks at the Briggs Corner Sehool, which had outlived their usefulness, were replaced with electric clocks.
140
ANNUAL REPORT
At the Finberg School both end walls of the assembly hall were water- proofed. This completes a program started three years ago. Both the upper and lower corridors were sanded and refinished. One wall of the kindergarten room was replastered and the coping on the bay window was repaired. New window shades were installed in five classrooms. Five classrooms were re- painted. All outside doors were repaired and painted. The fire escape and hand rails on the outside steps were also painted.
The corridors at the Lincoln School are now in good repair as the broken wall board has been replaced and the last of the floors has been sanded and refinished. The floors of the clinic and the teachers' rooms were also refinished. A door was cut through from the dressing room on the right of the stage to the passage from the corridor to the assembly hall. Another door was put in between the library and the clinic room. This will improve the lighting in the library. New shades were installed in rooms 5, 6, 23, 24, the clinic room and the office.
The exterior of the Plat School was painted two coats with lead and oil paint.
At the Pleasant Street School a new furnace was installed to replace one that had gone beyond repair. The new one is an all steel furnace and is a very eco- nomical heater. The old spring clocks were replaced with electric clocks.
Some repointing of the brick work at the Richardson School was done but there is a lot more to be done next year. The porches and steps as well as the outside doors were painted. Dark window shades were put in room 7. The Nash pump was given a complete overhauling.
At the Tiffany School rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, the upper corridor, both stairways and the office were calcimined. All outside doors were painted. A draft control was installed on the boiler and all the hot air heaters were reset.
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