USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1942 > Part 6
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1936
5,072.90
1937
5,950.33
1938
5,655.94
1939
6,666.65
1940
5,942.65
1941
7,584.51
1942
2,998.08
Total deposits to December 31, 1942. $206,777.02
Four times during the year the schools were used for rationing:
1. Sugar May 4, 5, 6, 7
2. Gasoline May 12, 13, 14
3. Gasoline July 9, 10, 11
4. Fuel oil
October 28, 29, 30
One of these rationing periods came during the summer vacation, the other three occurred while schools were in session and affected considerably the work of the schools. May and June are important months in the school year because the year is closing, and teachers are trying to complete the year's assignments and do the necessary reviewing. October is an equally important month because the school year is just getting well started and pupils and teachers have settled down to the accomplishment of the year's program. However, our schools were dis- turbed no more than others, and I presume Attleboro pupils suffered no greater loss than pupils in other communities. Teachers were glad to do their part in helping the government conserve the commodities rationed.
In spite of the rationing done in May, Stanford Achievement Tests were given in May and June in grades V, VI, VII and VIII in six subjects: paragraph meaning, word meaning, language usage, arithmetic reasoning, arithmetic com-
81
ANNUAL REPORT
putation and spelling. The results of these tests were tabulated by the teachers, but a complete report was delayed by the rationing in October, so that it was not placed in the hands of the principals till December.
A summary of the report shows by subjects how the pupils stand in the four grades tested:
Number of pupils
Number above grade placement 826
Percent above grade placement
1. Arithmetic Computation
1163
2. Arithmetic Reasoning
1163
699
71 60
3. Word Meaning
1163
678
58
4. Paragraph Meaning
1163
637
55
5. Language Usage
1163
616
53
6. Spelling
1163
613
53
Apparently, our pupils can do arithmetic better than they can spell. This may be due in part to the emphasis teachers place on arithmetic. Possibly, also, more parents are able to help at home in arithmetic than in spelling. An attempt will be made during the last half of the year to try to give more time in each sub- ject to the pupils needing it.
Attleboro has good schools. Measured by all the tests we have made in the usual elementary school subjects, the schools stand high. Teachers are con- scientious and loyal, and are anxious for their pupils to succeed. Parents co- operate with teachers in promoting the welfare of the pupils. The kind of city which Attleboro has become, is due in no small measure to the training given in the schools. The aims and purposes of the schools will always be the same; character, health, fundamentals for earning a living, and how to use leisure time. More could be done in each of these fields than we are now doing, but for what it cost:, I believe the result: are excellent.
Respectfully submitted, Lewis A. Fales
A REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith my seventh annual report as principal of Attleboro High School.
1. TOTAL ENROLLMENT 1928 TO 1942
1928. . . .721 1935 914
1929. . .. 690 1936 . . . .903 1930 . . . . 715 1937 . . . 946 1931. . .. 843
1938. . . .951
1932. . .. 947
1939. . . .980
1933. . .. 919
1940
1934. . . . 941 1941 . . . . 851 1942. .796
As was anticipated, a drop in the birthrate of a dozen years ago is in part responsible for this falling off in high school enrollment. More than that, how- ever, the national emergency and the present widespread opportunities for em- ployment have induced boys and girls to discontinue their education. In war time, high school records are inadequate in detailing reasons for leaving school. For example, of 133 pupils who have left the high school since January, 1942, the records account for the whereabouts and present occupations of 78, and 55 are unaccounted for. Of the 78 for whom the school has information, 49 are known to
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ANNUAL REPORT
be working and 20 to have moved or transferred to other schools. There is little doubt that a majority of the 55 unaccounted for have also found jobs. It is re- grettable that wartime necessity and the attraction of a weekly pay envelope result in the deprivation of educational advantages for so many boys and girls a great many of them just turned sixteen. With the Trade School classes taken into consideration, present numbers accommodated in the high school building approximate those of 1931. Meanwhile there is not too much room to provide for the school's diversified program, and considering the present marked expansion in the birthrate, we may anticipate that in about ten years hence the number of students seeking admission to the high school will again tax our facilities to the utmost. As long as Attleboro holds to the belief that the best place for young people up to the age of eighteen is in school, the end of the War will undoubtedly result in larger attendance figures.
II. ENROLLMENT BY CURRICULUM
(As of Registration in June 1942)
Col.
Tech.
Com'l
Man. Arts
H'd. Arts
Civ. Arts
Totals
Seniors
46
12
35
16
9
26
144
Juniors
46
12
62
27
17
58
222
Sophomores
44
14
67
23
11
42
201
Freshmen
46
18
84
36
19
31
234
182
56
248
102
56
157
801
(Of 796 still enrolled November 1942, 342 were boys and 454, girls.)
III. GRADUATES OF JUNE 1942
In recent years the high school has made a serious attempt to follow the progress of every graduate (as well as other school-leaving pupils.) Experience has indicated that it is wise to wait a reasonable length of time after the student's connection with the school is terminated, and for that reason a complete report of this year's study is not yet available. However, information pertaining to most of the graduates of June, 1942, is furnished in the following table.
Number of graduates
160
Institutions of higher education
35
Annapolis
1
Bates. .
1
Boston College
1
Boston University
3
Bryant College
1
Charles School
1
Colby
1
Dartmouth .
1
Fisher School
1
Lasell Junior College
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2
Massachusetts School of Art. 1
Massachusetts State College. 1
Middlebury College. 1
Northeastern University 2
Norwich University
2
Providence College
3
Rhode Island School of Design
2
St. Mary's College.
1
Training Schools for Nursing 6
University of Vermont 1
Wales School. 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
Other educational institutions 5
Post-graduate study in other schools 1
Brown & Sharpe Apprentice School. 2
N. Y. A. Apprentice School at Quoddy 2
Armed services .
9
U. S. Navy 4
Air Corps 2
Merchant Marine 3
Working or at home. 73
Married
2
No information as yet. .
36
IV. GUIDANCE
The term guidance may mean all things to all people; all education, in fact, is guidance. Considered more specifically, the high school is attempting to do a personal job of educational and vocational guidance for every student. Miss Jessie Graves assists the principal in conferring with and advising seniors about their plans for college and other post-graduation pursuits. Mr. Harry Cooper, who continues the work undertaken formerly by Mr. George Allison, conducts the annual follow-up study, secures information of vocational interest to juniors, and establishes a relationship with new pupils by personal conference with every member of the freshman class. This last responsibility is a most important func- tion of the guidance plan. Tests are administered to all freshmen and both test scores and school marks interpreted in the light of the personal conference with the pupil. By this means difficulties and deficiencies are sometimes corrected which might result later in serious maladjustment of the individual to his entire school experience. Ideally a guidance counselor in this important work should not be charged with the responsibility for more than 200 pupils. The addition of another teacher to the high school staff would permit the lightening of the teaching load in two or three cases for this important work. We already have the teachers with the personal qualifications necessary. The results of guidance for every pupil would be amply justified by increased success for the individual and savings to the taxpayer through reduction of retardation.
A logical corollary of guidance work is vocational placement. Most of the opportunities for placement in the high school are for part-time work. Since September over 50 boys and girls have been placed in approximately 35 business enterprises in Attleboro, and during the early fall placements were averaging nearly two a day. At the present time practically every student over sixteen years of age who desires work has a good part-time job. Many have already been advanced, and some have found assurance of a permanent job after grad- uation. Each placement necessitates at least three separate interviews. First of all contact must be made with the employer to determine type of work, hours expected, rate of pay, minimum age requirements, etc. Interviews are then held with students to determine their qualifications for a particular job and their per- sonal appearance and manner of approach. Finally, an interview is held with the worker to learn of his success in securing the position, to make any necessary ad- justments, and to facilitate the filing of permanent work records in the school.
V. THE EXTRA-CURRICULUM
An indispensable part of the school's program comprises those activities which are ordinarily thought of as outside the curriculum. Responsibility for this work is distributed among the faculty members, and in general the burden is equalized by an attempt to lighten classroom work for those teachers who carry the heaviest extra-curricular duties. Beginning in September an advisory committee for each of the four classes was set up, composed of homeroom teachers for that class, to supervise and share responsibility for the success of the class
84
ANNUAL REPORT
throughout the year. The Student Council, which has been a feature of the school's program for a good many years, was reorganized into a number of stand- ing committees as follows: assemblies, cafeteria, athletic tickets, fire drills, air- raid drills, and war stamps. These special committees are advised by members of the faculty who thus establish a close connection with student life and thought. By this means the adviser of the Student Council is relieved of concern for the details of student government, and the work of each special committee is made more effective. The school is proud of its record in the sale of war stamps, a total of over $2400.00 in sales being reported in a period of 16 weeks since Sept- ember. The list which follows indicates the wide range of extra-curricular acti- vities. Special attention is called to those which have entered the program a direct result of the war.
Student Council and special standing committees
Blue Owl and Tattletale Debating Press Club Camera Club
Rifle Club
Senior Play
Cheer Leaders
Sketch Club
Treasurers Club
Column Leaders (Band)
First Aid study Library Club
Junior Red Cross
Hiking Club (Girls)
The new Treasurers Club aims to give practical instruction to treasurers of all school organizations who are responsible for the keeping of financial records. The bookkeeping system of the school is explained to these treasurers, and they are instructed in the proper use of vouchers accounting for all expenditures. Before any check is drawn from school funds, the voucher must be submitted bearing the signature of the student treasurer as well as of the faculty adviser. In addition to the activities listed, teachers are assigned other responsibilities of a more administrative character as, for example, visual education, guidance, and social affairs (faculty.) An A. H. S. handbook, not published since 1938, is now in the hands of one student organization, and it is expected that before long this handbook may be in the possession of every member of the school.
VI. ATHLETICS
Having witnessed an undefeated football season in 1941, the 1942 squad turned the trick again when it ended the season with no losses and one tie. The efforts of Coach Howard Tozier and his boys were given public recognition in a testimonial banquet early in December in Masonic Hall. In basketball the school was again accorded the distinction of selection for the M. I. T. tournament, marking the fourth occasion of such success. The 1943 games will be played in the State Armory where space and facilities are more adequate for players and spectators alike. In 1942 attendance at basketball games averaged between 700 and 1000.
In girl's athletics the school has little to offer. Although equipment is available for field hockey, lack of a suitable playing field near the school is be- lieved to be responsible for a dropping off of interest in this sport among the girls. Filling a recognized need, Miss Dorothy Covell, girls' coach, organized a hiking and bicycle club during the past fall. Prospects for a program of girls' athletics are not brightened by the present difficulty of securing well-trained teachers for this type of work.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Two extreme points of view are distinguishable with regard to high school athletics. The first is concerned primarily with sports as a means of entertain- ment for the fans; the second point of view is likely to be held by many who may be disposed to accept it as a substitute for genuine physical education. In the absence of a well-rounded program of physical training both of these points of view gain strength. In the modern high school of today the complete educational program is built around an emphasis on health and physical well-being. Where this is true athletics appear in their proper perspective and make their proper con- tribution toward the whole program.
VII. STAFF CHANGES
Since the beginning of the fiscal year eight faculty changes have occurred, the majority of them resulting from opportunities for the teachers to secure pro- fessional betterment. The absence of Miss Edith Claflin, who retired from active service in June, is already being sorely felt. She was an inspiration and a source of help to all who worked with her. Mr. N. Wendell Weeks, in his short year of service, left a definite impression on his department of high standards in English teaching as well as personal popularity. He did much to stimulate the teaching of English, and the school publication made notable strides forward as a result of his efforts. The resignation of such teachers is a distinct loss to the school. Wherever possible it is to be hoped that the city will be able to re- tain outstanding teachers by compensation commensurate with their value to the school.
VIII. THE CAFETERIA
Early in the fall a study was made of pupils working outside school hours, the figures being compiled by one of the classes in Commercial arithmetic. 281 pupils were found to be so employed, many of them in defense jobs. Of this num- ber 24 enjoy an early dismissal privilege before 1:40 to permit their reporting to work earlier in the afternoon. Students to whom this privilege is extended under- stand that it may continue so long as school work is satisfactory.
With over one third of the school employed in part-time work, and with knowledge that many of them were unable to return home for a noon meal, a study was made of the number taking advantage of hot foods in the cafeteria. It was discovered that only fifty pupils, roughly speaking, were availing them- selves of the cafeteria facilities for a good noon meal, whereas six times that num- ber said they would do so if time and speedier service permitted. The lunch- room staff was increased by the addition of a woman worker and several student helpers. The cafeteria now handles a tremendously increased volume of business. On a typical day 798 sales were recorded. Despite reduction in commodities made necessary by war rationing, the recent cut of 40 per cent in the ice cream quota ordered by the government is the sole restriction yet felt by any considera- ble number of pupils. The cafeteria is run on a non-profit basis. If food costs continue to rise it may become necessary to add slightly to the cost of each dish to the customer.
IX. THE BAND
The A. H. S. band is now firmly established as a musical organization. It is equipped with excellent uniforms, has a financial balance of $91.00, and lacks only a few more instruments and players for well-balanced musical performance. It is now the only band in the city of Attleboro, and partly for this reason is being called upon this year for an unprecedented number of occasions. Appre- ciation is due to Director Alfred P. Zambarano for his fine training and to city officials and the many friends who have been the band's chief support.
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ANNUAL REPORT
.
X. TRAINING FOR DEFENSE
Recognizing the importance of science, mathematics, and mechanical sub- jects to the winning of the war, students have been encouraged repeatedly to en- roll in these courses even when the semester was well advanced. Girls, in part- ticular, have been urged to prepare themselves for defense jobs. Visits have been made to a local factory engaged in defense production, and shop and mech- anical drawing classes have been opened to girl students where now approxi- mately 25 are enrolled. These girls are receiving valuable training in use of simple tools and precision instruments, such as the micrometer, and in the read- ing of blue prints. They will thus be better prepared to fill positions in local de- fense factories made vacant by the departure of men employees for the armed services.
There is also a noticeable increase of enrollment of girls in the sciences and mathematics. The course in chemistry for nurses, formerly known as household chemistry, now includes laboratory work necessary for girls who plan to go in training. This field is calling for girls who have the proper technical qualifica- tions and a spirit of service.
XI. ART
Through the cooperation of officials of the Massachusetts School of Art, the art courses of the high school are being expanded on a three-fold basis: (1) an appreciation course as a backbone of the entire program, (2) a general course for all first-year students, and (3) specialized work for advanced students in such fields as costume design, commercial art, lettering, crafts, illustration, and sculp- ture. It is planned to make the requirements of the course elastic and to make it as easy as possible for the individual student to progress as rapidly as his talent permits. Credit toward graduation will be adjusted in terms of the amount of work done by the individual student. The aims of the appreciation course, which it is hoped may some day be required for all freshmen, are summarized as follows:
To develop keener, deeper appreciation of art qualities in painting, sculpture, architecture, and the minor arts.
To impart some understanding of the technical processes used in pictorial and craft work.
To enrich life and train for leisure time by acquainting the pupil with the finest expressions of the past.
To develop good taste by helping the individual to develop thoughtful consideration before making decisions.
To gratify the desire to create by affording the pupil an op- portunity to exercise his imagination through creative design
The new art teacher, Miss Marie Stier, is approaching the problems of her department carefully and thoughtfully. Perhaps it cannot be over-emphasized that emphasis in art on the high school level should be based on appreciation rather than technique. It is hoped that efforts already made will result in a def- inite increase in the number of students receiving instruction in a field so closely allied to Attleboro industry and so important to complete and successful living for the individual.
XII. CURRICULUM CHANGES REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNMENT
A. Electricity, Machines, Shop Work, Radio, Automotive Machines.
The War Department, cooperating with the United States Office of Ed- ucation, has asked the high schools to consider the need for special training before young men are inducted into army service. Writes James T. Mitchell, director of the civilian personnel division of the Army Services of Supply: "Our army today is an army of specialists. We must have these specialists. Men are needed
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ANNUAL REPORT
right now who know the basic elements of electricity, machines, shop work, radio, and automotive machines." Basic outlines prepared by the War Depart- ment are already at hand for instruction in these fields.
B. Pre-Flight Training
At the urgent request of the Government, high schools throughout the coun- try have inaugurated courses in pre-flight training for boys who are soon to enter the service. The War Department has issued a call for an additional 375,000 trained pilots by June, 1943. A special committee of the faculty has been engaged in a study of objectives, outlines, and textbooks appropriate to such instruction. This committee makes the following specific recommendations:
1. That in all appropriate courses of the freshman and soph- omore years pupils be made increasingly air-minded through the introduction of suitable material and through general application of the subject content to the field of aviation.
2. That an elementary course in pre-flight training be introduced at the beginning of the second semester of the present year (January,1943), this course to be open to juniors and seniors
3. That an advanced cour se be added starting in September, 1943, open only to those who have satisfactorily completed the first course
4. That the following prerequisites be adopted for admission to both junior and senior pre-flight courses:
a. A physical examination for all applicants (This re- quirement would be satisfied by adoption of the phy- sical education program previously recommended.)
b. A general aptitude test showing ability in the ad- vanced mathematics and science required of pilots or in mechanical ability called for in the work of ground crews
The subject matter of the pre-flight courses would include aero-dynamics, meteorology, navigation (including radio), civil air regulations, and principles of aircraft engines. A list of suggested books has been prepared. Probably new teachers for this work would be practically impossible to secure at present. It is recommended, therefore, that present personnel be utilized for the two or three new classes involved.
Representative institutions such as M.I.T. have already evidenced a readiness to accept credits in this work in lieu of a third year of modern foreign language. Incidentally, this policy on the part of colleges indicates that teachers in certain fields-e. g., social science and foreign language --- may be well advised to pre- pare themselves by refresher courses for teaching such subjects as mathematics and science. The need for winning the war is resulting in a temporary lapse of our usual emphasis upon some of the so-called cultural subjects.
Fundamental to all pre-induction training is the need for physical fitness. The school's facilities for a complete program of physical training and health are admittedly inadequate, but with the assistance of the school physician, the school nurse, and the coaches, an outline and recommendation have been sub- mitted for the consideration of the School Committee which, if adopted, will provide a minimal program for all the boys and girls in the high school. While it will not be the equal of schools which have more space and equipment, it will at least be better than none. Training in health and physical well-being, and toughening up for whatever may lie ahead, is a responsibility which rests squarely upon the high school.
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ANNUAL REPORT
III. APPRECIATION
The national emergency is calling upon high schools and high school teachers for new efforts and new adjustments heretofore undreamed of. The readiness with which Attleboro High School teachers have anticipated these demands and risen to meet them is cause for real pride and satisfaction. Association with so loyal and self-sacrificing a group is a privilege. To these teachers, to those in authority in the school department and the city, and to parents and the support- ing public is extended sincere appreciation. Their continued support and en- couragement will be invaluable in the days ahead.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip L. Garland
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUATION AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
Mr.Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit the annual report of the Continuation and Vocational schools.
During the school year December 1, 1941 to December 1, 1942, 74 pupils have left the school. Information has been secured about these individuals as follows:
Boys
Girls
Employed .
43
22
Total 65
Unemployed .
2
2
4
Transferred to other schools
1
4
5
No information .
0
0
0
Occupational Distribution of Those Employed
Boys
Girls
Total
Machine shop
11
11
Textiles. . .
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