USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1942 > Part 7
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Jewelry and allied industries
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Restaurant work
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Retail store .
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Janitor work
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Dairy .
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Delivery truck.
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Paper box manufacturing.
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Gasoline station . .
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Beverage industry
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Theatre Usher
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Housework.
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Clothing manufacturing.
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On the twenty-second of May Mr. Minah, who had been shop instructor since September 1934, resigned in order to enter defense work in Philadelphia.
It was impossible at that time to secure a shop instructor to finish the term. This situation was met by having one division of the boys do their shop work at the Jewelry Trades School while others were added to the group already receiving instruction in foods in the Home Economics Department of the Vocational school.
89
ANNUAL REPORT
Boys' cooking classes, which are incorporated in the curriculum of many vocational schools, became a part of our schedule when a decrease in the enroll- ment of the girls' classes made this instruction possible. This addition to our school program has been strongly indorsed by the State Department of Education.
The boys received the plan enthusiastically. A careful selection was made for this class. Only those pupils who expressed a desire and who could really benefit by the training were admitted to this class. Four of the boys secured work in restaurants.
Individual instruction in remedial reading has been given to a small number of boys. It has been gratifying to find that these pupils realize the handicap of reading inability and are willing to make special effort to overcome the deficiency.
Mr. Roland B. Taylor joined the Staff of the School, as shop instructor for the boys, in September of this year. Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Wentworth Institute.
The important place which shop work has assumed in the educational field provides an opportunity to all boys to develop their ability in the use of their hands in many trades. Whether a boy uses his practical shop knowledge to better fit himself for a trade, a hobby, or odd jobs at home does not lessen the importance of shop work for all boys. The work for this year's program is planned with the object of giving the boy an opportunity to become skilled in whatever field best suits his ability to make him more useful for the ever increasing demand of industry.
Fundamental instruction is given in the following fields:
1. Instruction and use of hand wood-working tools
2. Sheet metal work
3. Machine wood work
4. Elementary electricity
5. Elementary Machine shop
Included among the projects completed during the past year were 150 police clubs, 100 sand pails, 7 flag stands, 4 book cases and many articles of wood for home use. Funnels and dust pans have been made as metal work projects. Prick punches have been completed for machine work and various projects such as lamps, candle sticks and mallets have been turned out on the wood lathes.
Some projects planned are:
1. hammers
2. ash trays
3. tool handles
4. clothes racks
5. sewing cabinets
6. serving trays
Four days a week are devoted to shop work and the other day is used for re- lated work which includes:
1. mechanical drawing
2. shop arithmetic
3. electrical terms
4. safety methods in the shop
5. shop science
These related subjects are important as they associate theory with practice and give one a better understanding of what he is trying to do.
The present demand of our government for skilled workmen in every branch of industrial work shows forcibly the need for shop work to give an elementary basic training in the manipulation of tools and machines.
90
ANNUAL REPORT
The present national emergency has brought to the foreground the great need for conservation. Hence, the practical work and the academic classes for girls has been modified and changed to meet this requirement. The preparation of simple but nourishing meals and the use of substitutes or alternate dishes have been given special attention, while the sewing classes have emphasized the re- modeling of garments and the intelligent selection of fabrics. The academic work has included the study of nutrition, the care of clothing, and the training of the pre-school child.
In times like these, it is most essential that our particular group of pupils feel and know the true meaning of patriotism. The teaching of history and civics assumes an unusual place of importance in our program and we feel a great responsibility for the training of these future citizens.
Cooperation and thoughtfulness are constantly stressed, and our girls have had many opportunities for service. A series of luncheons, planned, prepared, and served by the girls to the teachers of Willett School was deeply appreciated. A Christmas assembly was given in the auditorium before the entire student body and at present our girls are assisting with the attendance records of Willett School.
Our contribution to Junior Red Cross has included 50 paper place mats and 15 card table covers.
Beside the usual clothing construction work, the girls have learned simple knitting and simple weaving by making belts without using looms. Two outfits for the kindergarten dolls were completed. A few stuffed animals have been made and contributed to a collection of toys going to English children. Smocked aprons have been made for Christmas gifts.
As usual the Vocational group of girls is most fortunate in having Mrs. Dorothy Wendell instruct them for a short period. The work this year was a home nursing program and the study proved most practical and interesting.
Mr. Gibb has always visited our rooms whenever his program allowed. This fall, the girls have joined the three eighth grades of Willett School in a music period once a week in the school auditorium.
The girls' vocational department of our school has been affected by the steady increase of employment in the community. Many mothers of small children are working in our local factories, consequently there has been a constant demand for the teen age girl to act as a mother's helper. Then again several of our pupils are engaged in store work. Hence the membership in the Vocational School has decreased while the number of girls in the Continuation class is in- creasing.
In the boys' Continuation School the total enrollment for the year 1941 was 22 while in 1942 the enrollment was 50, an increase of 28 pupils. This increase in enrollment has been due to the fact that a greater number of boys, 14 to 16 years of age have been obtaining work.
In closing my report I make the following recommendations:
1. A definite program of physical education under a special supervisor. This plan is recommended by the State Department of Education.
2. A more thorough investigation before home permits are issued. There is always a question of the need of these permits, since, in nearly every case, the pupils no longer remain at home when they become sixteen. In most cases home permits are not for the best interests of the individual. Also a shortening of the period for which the permit is issued and then if the need for the pupil's absence from school still continued, the home permit could be renewed.
Respectfully submitted,
Norman S. Tukey
91
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE JEWELRY TRADES SCHOOL
Mr.LewisA. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
I submit herewith the report of the Attleboro Jewelry Trades School for the year 1942.
Due to conditions brought about by the war there have been a lot of changes in the Trades School during the year. The first change was Mr. Tetreault leav- ing us on January 16th, to go to the King Tap & Die Company as Superintendent.
On October 15th, Mr. Cocci left to enter the U. S. Navy as a Chief Special- ist, and on October 16th, Mr. Ely left to enter the Army via the Draft Board.
Due to the emphasis of the demand for toolmakers and machinists most of the boys entering the school enrolled in our toolmaking class. This left Mr. Leonard without any students, so when Mr. Tetreault left he was placed in the toolmaking class to assist Mr. Lindberg. WhenMr. Cocci left we had Mr. Leonard take his place at the High School teaching Shop Science, Blue Print reading, Mechanical drawing, Physical culture and Hygiene.
Mrs. MacDonald, who had previously taught for the Trades School, was secured to take Mr. Ely's place. She teaches English, History, Civics and Shop Mathematics.
Mr. Robert K. Straker was shifted from the Defense Classes to the day school to fill the position originally held by Mr. Tetreault.
One fact that is very noticeable is that the boys take jobs as soon as they are sixteen and leave the school. A number of them get part time employment before they are sixteen.
There have been 79 boys in the Trades School during the year.
36 have left for the following reasons:
3 Transferred to the High School
1 Transferred to the Vocation School
1 Joined the Navy
1 Moved to another State
30 Took jobs in trades trained for
There are 43 enrolled at present.
On February 23rd, we transferred our original Defense Training Class from the hours 3:30 P. M. to 11:30 P. M .; to 11:45 P. M. to 7:45 A. M. and added two more 20 hour a week pre-employment classes. One meets at 3:15 to 7:15 P. M., the other 7:30 to 11:30 P. M. On May 1st, we increased the midnight class from five days a week to six and added the 4th class which met Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. and Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 P. M. These classes ran all summer and fall.
On October 31st we closed the midnight and early afternoon class due to lack of trainees. Mr. Carlson, one of the instructors left us at that time to work for the Robbins Company.
There has been a lot of shifting around of instructors due to expanding, con- tracting and losses, but I am happy to say that the programs have been carried out with no curtailment, which speaks pretty well for the adaptability and ver- satility of the instructors. There have been 283 adults enrolled in the Defense Classes this year. 44 are still here, the rest are working on war work or are in the armed forces. 22 of the enrollees were women.
Some of our ex-students both day and night have made excellent reputations for themselves and the school.
During the year both the day and night classes have worked on some war work both for local manufacturers and for the Federal Government. No money was received for this work. It was just our way of helping in the War Effort.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In October, by request for the U. S. Government the school sold to the Metals Reserve Company 689 pounds of Copper, Nickel silver and Brass and received a check for $84.67. This money was turned in to the city treasurer. This leaves us with practically no brass, copper or nickel silver stock but as we have no bench work class at present this is no handicap.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase supplies needed in the school shop.
So far we have been all right owing to the fact that we laid in a supply of critical items when we were able, but before the coming year has passed, we may have to go without some things which we now think necessary.
Respectfully yours,
Frank H. Straker
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The Grades
My program is so arranged that I am able to visit every room in the Grade Schools once every two weeks.
At the Willett School the three eighth grades sing together in the hall, and at the Bliss and Lincoln Schools the two eighth grades sing together. During these visits I hear the pupils sing, and encourage them in the study of time and tune, that they may be able to read music. The singing is of a very high standard. Good tone, good speech and good interpretation are fundamental.
At the schools where halls are available, I have been able to bring the whole school together for singing. This has proved to be very inspiring exercise. It seems to me that our songs take on a new dignity, when heard from the lips and hearts of four hundred pupils.
There has been an increase of interest in singing on account of the War.
Our pupils still prefer to sing the Standard Patriotic Songs of our country in the order named: The Star Spangled Banner, America, America, the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Marine Hymn, The Caissons are Rolling Along, and The new Army Air Corps Song.
We are looking for a great new American song, one that will enthuse us all for the task before us. We never have had so much to fight for, never were we fighting in more places. Maybe all this is too much to go into one song. We have tried out most of the new patriotic songs, from Pearl Harbor, to Pass the Ammunition, but most of them fade after a few weeks of popularity.
Musical people and others interested should visit the Lincoln School pageant in South Attleboro. They would be very welcome and very much enthused by the splendid interpretation of the Christmas story. The same may be said of the Bliss School where the fine singing of the Glee Club has added greatly to the pleasure of pupils and parents at their monthly assemblies.
At the Richardson School their finest singing is reserved for the Memorial Day exercises which are held in the Armory and are enjoyed by an ever increas- ing number of parents and friends.
A Glee Club has been organized at the Willett School and at the Finberg School. The fine work of the Glee Club at the Bliss School is continued this year. These extra opportunities to sing are much enjoyed by the pupils in the upper grades.
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ANNUAL REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL
The Orchestra and Band
The orchestra and band may be compelled to merge their forces into one, this is due to the lack of violin players. There seems to be a great scarcity of string players throughout the country and orchestras have suffered because of it. Attleboro is no exception. Another drawback to the success of instrumental music is the fact that many of the best players in both organizations especially in the upper classes are working on defense after school and feel they can't spare the time to rehearse. Without proper rehearsals both band and orchestra are bound to suffer. Because of this fact I have advised the wind players in the or- chestra to concentrate on the band for the duration because we need one musical organization that can supply instrumental music for the many public affairs outside and inside of school.
Singing
The Glee Club in high school is proving very helpful in supplying vocal music for the special patriotic exercises that have become part of the home front in the War. They can sing all types of patriotic songs, Home and Community songs and are helping keep alive the love of singing in the school.
Respectfully submitted
John Laing Gibb
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
Elementary Schools
Mr. LewisA.Fales, Superintendentof Schools:
I herewith submit my annual report for the year 1942.
Again this year Art Education outlines have been issued. These outlines are planned for necessary definite standards and to stimulate ideas and interests on the part of the teachers and pupils. They encourage creative expression. They contain graded aims and objectives, lessons, methods for the developement of skills, ideas and originality; incorporating basic principles. Whenever a teacher or class may have specific problems, deviation from the outlines is allowed to promote purposeful and useful work at the opportune time to be effective. In addition the outlines contain several charts for the classroom teacher's general information, i.e. measurements of the head, figure drawing and lettering notes. The Art Education Outlines also incorporate:
Freehand drawing Painting Projects and activities Picture study Simple Measuring problems Cut paper work Lettering
At one time the philosophy "art for art's sake" was evident in the public school curriculum; today Art Education has become more vital and purposeful as it serves the demand for a richer, more rounded school curriculum. Nearly every classroom displays at some time during the year, panels and murals de- signed and executed by pupils, and correlated with their academic studies. These are colorful, informative and often serve as a record of necessary research and study. The new reading system incorporates the use of color. The work books are made up almost wholly with suggestions and directions for coloring with crayons.
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ANNUAL REPORT
During the Spring term one entire school and several classrooms in other schools developed the theme of work and study relative to "Friendly Countries". Colorful and impressive flags of paper and cloth were made. Observing the work exhibited by the various classes one could easily see that the program necessi- tated the application of art education and its basic principles. In many instances all of the regular art periods were turned over to this work. One eighth grade made a patriotic frieze, using colored· chalk upon project roll paper, which ex- tended the entire length of the blackboard at the back of the schoolroom. This frieze depicted the forms of Liberty and Justice which the people of this country may enjoy.
At this time special mention should be made relative to the outstanding work of the eighth grade at Bliss School. This class developed and worked out an activity which correlated with their reading. The class was studying "Evan- geline". A typical scene of the country was portrayed in third dimension on a sandtable, water color illustrations were painted during the art supervisor's regular visit and various talented members of the class painted appropriate stage scenery in preparation for a school assembly program.
About the latter part of January or the first of February each year, teachers and pupils begin making certain inquiries; then it is time for the S. P. C. A. poster contest work. This has become an annual event; and this year was no exception as far as enthusiasm on the part of teachers and pupils was concerned. The posters showed a general improvement, especially the lettering. The total number of awards made to the pupils of the Attleboro Schools was well over the one hundred mark again this year.
I am pleased at the apparent evidence of interest and enthusiasm displayed by both teachers and pupiis for this subject.
This fall it became necessary to change my schedule. I now visit regularly the first six grades once in every three weeks; and the seventh and eighth grades every two weeks. This schedule affords a better chance for conferences and planning with principals and teachers. However, it does not allow as much time for actual classroom work as in previous years.
In closing this report I would like to mention that I would like to see visual education promoted, even more than it is at the present time, in this field of art education. Moving pictures relative to the subject would aid in its promotion.
Field trips to our local industries would certainly be a stimulus for design and general art education.
I have endeavored to have the pupils look forward to their art lessons with genuine pleasure; for it is easier and possible to teach more where a subject is readily received. In this endeavor I feel that I have had the utmost cooperation from all-Principals, teachers and pupils. And, to them I would express my appreciation at this time. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Superintendent, for his help and kindly advice throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Myrtice A. Perrin
95
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Lewis A. Fales, Superintendent of Schools:
The fundamental need in physical education is a continuous and articulated program of content and method, based on sound philosophical and scientific principals, which is arranged to meet the present and changing needs of individ- ual pupils.
The physical education program in our schools must make use of the play- ground and the classroom in most situations, the exceptions being the Finberg, Willett and Lincoln Schools. Willett and Finberg have gynasiums, and Lincoln a large, cement floored playroom, also used as a lunchroom. Gymnasium pro- grams are being worked out at Finberg and Willett Schools which will compare favorably with other programs throughout the State. Activities include, post- ure and conditioning calisthenics, marching tactics, drills, elementary tumbling. apparatus work, and games, for both boys and girls. Class periods consist of thirty minutes. Pupils furnish their own gym uniforms. Those who do not have them, wear their regular clothing, with sweaters, and other heavy articles removed. All are trying to get uniforms. At Finberg School the seventh and and eighth grade boys are furnished gym uniforms and have a basket system for keeping them in shape. Lincoln also has thirty minute periods consisting of active games such as touch football, soccer football, kickball, etc., mostly out of doors as the gym is used for other purposes. All other schools, not so fortunate in having gymnasiums, have classroom activities which include posture calis- thenics, self-testing stunts, marching, relays and games, in addition to outdoor supervised play periods in which all pupils participate. Special effort is now being made to toughen up all activities to aid the war effort. A large number of boys from all schools take part in the afterschool athletic leagues which in- clude, eighth grade football, touch football, basketball, baseball, and track. In all physical education classes posture is emphasized. Correct sitting and standing positions are taught all pupils. Posture instruction sheets are issued to teachers. Special events -- City-wide basketball tournament for boys, held at the Willett School gym, City-wide swimming campaign for boys and girls, First-aid, life-saving and water safety instructions, basketball evening programs at Finberg and Lincoln Schools, Parents night basketball program for boys and girls at Willett, Girls basketball instruction at Willett, Intramural basketball league on Saturday mornings at Willett, Eighth grade football squad selected from all schools, which held regular practice throughout the season, and played three regulation games.
Recommendations
That a board floor and shower bath facilities be installed at the Lincoln gym., and a fence be placed on the West Street front of Farmers School to protect the children during recess and game periods. The traffic at this point is considerable, and the danger great. That the new playground at Willett be made available to the children of the school as soon as possible, and that the Willett gym floor be given treatment which will make it more suitable for gym activities.
May I extend my sincere thanks to you, and to all who have in any way, through their confidence, and cooperation, assisted me in my duties.
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 1942.
The school health department has operated during the year with little de- viation from the routine work of former years. Numerous state and local health clinics were held. Contagious diseases were given attention especially with the incidence of measles which occurred throughout the year. Other communicable diseases reported were the mumps, whooping cough, scarlet fever and chicken pox.
Physical examinations were conducted with an improvement shown in the correction of defects over former years Children were recommended for summer health camps.
In February of this year an evaluation of the school health program as car- ried out in the City of Attleboro was made in cooperation with the Massachu- setts Department of Public Health. Several conferences were held in Boston with Dr. Frederika Moore, consultant in school hygiene. As a result of these conferences a program enlarged in scope was formulated. This program was prepared to fit the maximum needs of the department. It entailed the employment of another nurse and school physician, a physical education teacher and a supervisor of health education. This program has been submitted to the school committee and I strongly urge favorable consideration.
With the passing of a law lowering the draft age to 18 years we are now forced into the position of adopting measures which lay stress on the necessity of giving special attention to our high school group. With this in mind I con- tacted the principal of the high school and a representative of the United States Army regarding a practical plan of physical education and preparation for the high school pupils.
Mr. Garland has submitted for your attention an outline which might well be included in the high school curriculum. I have been assured by a represen- tative of Camp Myles Standish, located near by, that they will be glad to send a representative to help formulate the health program and to supervise its in- stitution if the school authorities so desire. I feel that we should avail ourselves of this opportunity.
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