USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1930 > Part 3
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With our school enrollment but slightly higher than last year, and with business conditions as they are, we believe our budget should not be more than that of last year: i.e. $44,500.
On the whole the work done by the school department has been quite satisfactory. The character of the work done in the high school is excellent. Not only is the regular work being well done, but the extra-curricular activities are being well taken care of. The high school paper "The Owlet," under the direction of Mr. Perry Dawley, is on its second year of success; dramatics and the girls' athletics, supervised by Miss Evelina Martin, are en- joyed by all who take part and are well directed; the boys' ath- letics, under the care of Mr. Francis Miller, gives to all boys athletically inclined, a fine chance for development. The French Club, under the guidance of Miss Mabel Root, and the Com- mercial Club under Mr. Dawley give students an opportunity to develop further along these respective lines.
The expenses of the high school this year have been relatively high due to our larger enrollment and the equipping of the com- mercial department with needed typewriters, mimeograph, text- books and supplies.
9
In the Home Economics Department the work covers sewing and cooking for 7th and 8th grade girls. The 7th grade girls, during the year, receive 20 hours of elementary sewing and 30 hours of elementary cooking, while the 8th grade girls receive the same amount of instruction in advanced sewing and cooking. All the work is decidedly practical, is well directed and is enjoyed by all the pupils.
Forty-six boys from the 7th and 8th grades are taking work with Mr. Francis Miller in the Manual Training Department. Much advancement is shown in the work being done by these boys. Not only are the projects more difficult, but the workmanship is far superior to that of former years.
Miss Rose M. Ryan, Supervisor of Drawing, is new to our faculty this year. She is a graduate of the Worcester Art School, is very much interested in her work and is getting good results. Sometime in May there will be an exhibition of the work of the Art Department, in conjunction with the Home Economics Depart- ment, the Manual Training Department and the Music Depart- ment.
Miss Alma King, Supervisor of Music, has not only attended to her regular work in the schools, but has always been ready and willing to co-operate with us in all of our extra-curricular ac- tivities.
Three years ago we organized special classes in violin, trumpet and piano. These classes were instructed by Mrs. Harold Chase, Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Jenks respectively. Last fall we were fortunate in securing Mr. Arthur Crosbie to come to us and or- ganize our extra-curricular musical activities. Mr. Crosbie, Miss Myra Jillson and I made a survey of the schools and found there were many pupils who were interested in instrumental music. Classes on the various instruments were immediately formed and instructors secured. Instruments were rented and music pur- chased through the assistance of Mr. Crosbie. Although Mr. Cros- bie was capable of giving instruction on all the instruments it was necessary at the beginning to engage assistant teachers. Mr. Barrie of Leicester assisted Mrs. Harold Chase with the violin classes; Mr. John Adams started the clarinet class; Mr. Sullivan of Leicester and Mr. Frank Klisiewicz of Douglas instructed the drums; Mr. John Zolunki of Douglas volunteered help to beginners on the slide trombone; while Mr. Crosbie took care of the instruc- tion on all the other instruments, as well as conducting all re- hearsals.
On January 16, 1931, a "Pop Concert" was given at the Town Hall for the benefit of the Douglas School Band. The program follows :
10
POP CONCERT AND DANCE JANUARY 16, 1931, TOWN HALL, EAST DOUGLAS BENEFIT OF DOUGLAS SCHOOL BAND
PROGRAM
1. America-Band, Audience, and chorus
2. Folk Dance by Grade II Miss Etta H. Johnson, teacher
(a) Yankee Doodle-School
(b) Jingle Bells-12 Grade II pupils
3. Rhythm Orchestra of Grade III Mrs. Mae C. Buxton, teacher
(a) Norwegian Mountain Dance
(b) Ace of Diamonds
(c) Minuet in G-Beethoven
4. High School Girls, Glee Club Miss Alma King of Webster, our music supervisor, director (a) Dream Boat Passes By (by Edwin H. Lemare)
(b) La Soagnola (by Vincenzo De Chiada)
5. Guitar and Song-Catherine and Christina Crockett (a) Dixie
(b) My Old Kentucky Home
6. High School 11 piece orchestra, Miss Alma King, director (a) Flag of Truce-March
(b) Falling Leaves-Waltz
7. Violin solo-Miss Eleanor Olson of the High School (a) Gypsy Dance-Arthur E. Wier
8. Selection by Violin Class-Mrs. Harold Chase, teacher
(a) Old English Dance-M. Greenwald
9. 30 piece Douglas School Band-Arthur W. Crosbie of Lei- cester, Mass., instructor and leader-Selection by entire Band and selection by clarinet, trombone, trumpet and drum sections.
Trumpet solo by Oscar Salo of the School Band. (a) Beneath Thy Window-E. DiCapua
10 Ensemble Number Orchestra, Glee Club and Band
(a) America the Beautiful
Music Supervisor, Glee Club and Orchestra Leader, Miss Alma L. King of Webster, Mass. Band Instructor and Leader Mr. Arthur Crosbie of Leicester, Mass. Violin Teacher Mrs. Harold Chase of Uxbridge, Mass. Stringed Instrument Assistant,
Mr. Howard C. Barrie of Leicester, Mass.
Slide Trombone Teacher Mr. John Zolunki of East Douglas Clarinet Teacher Mr. John S. Adams of Oxford, Mass. Secretary and Treasurer of Band Miss Myra Jillson
11
The concert was a decided success, due to the hearty interest of the students who took part; the co-operation of the instructors; the support given by the public; and to the untiring efforts of Miss Myra Jillson, the Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager of the Band.
For a more detailed account of the activities of the School Department I refer you to Mr. Holmes' report on the High School and to the reports of the supervisors.
In conclusion I desire to thank the School Committee for its support; the teachers and principals for their loyal co-operation and the public for its financial backing.
Respectfully submitted,
A. B. GARCELON, Superintendent of Schools.
February 19, 1931.
STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Assessed valuation
$2,216,255
Population, U. S. census of 1930 2,316
Number of persons in town between 5 and 16 years of
age, October 1, 1930-Boys, 270; Girls, 254 524
Number persons between 5 and 7 years of age, Boys, 33; Girls, 36
69
Number persons between 7 and 14 years of age, Boys, 198; Girls, 178 376
Number persons between 14 and 16 years of age, Boys, 39; Girls, 40 79
Total enrollment in all public schools during school year ending June 13, 1930 530
Average membership for school year
500
Average attendance for school year.
487
Per Cent. of attendance
97
Number school buildings in use
4
Number of teachers required by the public schools
17
Number special teachers
4
Number teachers graduated from college
3
Number teachers graduated from normal school
9
Number weeks High School was in session
40
Number weeks grades were in session 38
Number pupils graduated from High School, 1930 13
Number pupils graduated from Grammar School, 1930
33
Attendance for School Year Ending June 1930.
SCHOOL
TEACHERS
Enrolment
Under 5 years
Between 5-7 years
Between 7-14 years
Between 14-16 years
Over 16 years
Av. Membership
Average Attendance
Per cent. of Attend.
No. Tardinesses
No. Dismissals
High. .
C. W. Holmes ..
78
0
0
7
40
31
69.74
68.62
97.00
86
19
Seniors ..
15
Juniors ..
16
Sophomores . ..
18
Freshmen
29
Perry G. Dawley, Jr ..
Evelina G. Martin.
Hortense Fister ..
39
0
0
28
9
2
36 31
35.12
96.73
40
5
7
Blanche Silvy.
38
0
0)
35
3
0
35 20
34.92
98.99 153
8
E. Douglas 6.
Eunice L. Buffington.
46
0
0
41
5
0 44.65
43 99
98.53
9
2
66
4.
Lola H Dudley .
48
0
0
47
0
48.26
47.51
98.45
7
0
2-3-4 .
Louise Clarenbach
29
0
3
26
0
0 28 89
28 20
98.86
20
1
66
3
May C. Buxton.
34
0
34
0
0 33.69
32.90
97.63
14
2
2.
Etta H. Johnson ..
36
0
14
22
0
0 35.21
34 16
97.97
1
0
la.
Mollie H. Kelly
38
0
31
6
1
0 35.71
35.05
95.43
11
0
66
1 b .....
Daisy E. Sweet ...
25
0
16
9
0
0
23.34
22.19
95 11
31
3
Douglas Center 5-7 Gertrude M. Smith.
24
0
0
21
3
0)
21.28
20.22
95.01
29
4
1-4 Eleanor M. Anderson
22
1
2
19
0
0
20.29
19.24
94 67
30
3
. ..
So. Douglas
1-8Octavia L. Jarvis. .
24
0
4
18
2
0
19 12
17.04
88.99
12
18
ยท
5.
Mary A. Joy ..
49
0
0
44
0 49 34
48.02
97.32
37
7
1
0
12
8
Myra H. Jillson .
13
Rank of the Schools in Attendance and Punctuality for Year ending June 1930.
Rank
ATTENDANCE
Per Cent. of Attendance
Rank
PUNCTUALITY
Per Cent. of Tardiness
1
High
7
98.99
1
East Douglas,
2
.01
2
East Douglas, 2-3-4
98.86
2
4
.04
3
6
98.53
3
6
.06
4
66
4
98.45
4
1-a
.07
5
66
2
97.97
5
So. Douglas,
1-8
.07
6
66
66
3
97.63
6
East Douglas,
3
.09
7
66
5
97.32
7
Douglas Center, 5-6-7
.12
8
High
9-12
97.00
8
East Douglas,
2-3-4
.13
9
8
96.73
9
Douglas Center, 1-4
.20
11
East Douglas, 1-b
95.11
11
East Douglas,
5
.26
12
Douglas Cent., 5-6-7
95.01
12
High
8
.29
13
Douglas Cent., 1-4
94.67
13
High
9-12
.82
14
So. Douglas, 1-8
88.99
14
High
7
5.28
Average,
96.48
Average,
.54
Average for State
94 05
1-b
.20
10
East Douglas, 1-a
95.43
10
NOTE-No record of tardiness is kept by the state. Above 1%, however, is regarded as unsatisfactory.
LIST OF TEACHERS, JANUARY 1931.
NAME
SCHOOL
HOME ADDRESS
GRADUATE OF
When appointed in town
C. W. Holmes
High
East Douglas
Brown University
1918
Evelina G. Martin
W. Peabody
Tufts College
1929
Perry G. Dawley, Jr.
Brattleboro, Vt.
Bay Path Inst.
1929
Mabel V. Root
Portmouth, N. H. Douglas
Colby College Worcester Normal
1930
Myra H. Jillson
8
Agnes Monteith
7
Natick
Framingham Normal
1930
East Douglas
Douglas High
1890
East Douglas
Worcester Normal
1928
Lola H. Dudley
66
-
4
East Douglas
Boston Normal
1926
May C. Buxton
3
Douglas
Worcester Normal
1916
Louise H. Clarenbach
66
2
East Douglas
Douglas High
1889
Mollie H. Kelly
East Douglas
Douglas High
1908
Daisy E. Sweet
East Douglas
Wheelock Training School
1916
Gertrude M. Smith
Douglas Cent. 5-7
Douglas
Middlebury, Vt. High
1900
Eleanor M. Anderson
East Douglas
Worcester Normal
1928
Alma King
Music
Webster
N. E. Conservatory Music
1927
Rose Ryan
Drawing
Worcester
Worcester Art
1930
Rose P. Shaffer
Domestic Science
Worcester
Framingham Normal
1929
Francis Miller
Manual Training
Uxbridge
Fitchburg Normal
1929
14
East Douglas, 6
5
Holyoke
Westfield Normal
1928
Etta H. Johnson
1-a
.
1-b
1-4
1929
Eunice L. Buffington Mary Joy
3-5
15
Douglas Memorial High School Report
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools :
The total enrollment in the High School since September, 1930, has been 86. The present enrollment is 84, showing a loss of only two students. There are 42 boys and 42 girls.
The enrollment by grades is as follows:
Boys
Girls
Total
Seniors
6
7
13
Juniors
3
13
16
Sophomores
11
9
20
Freshmen
22
13
35
The enrollment by subjects follows, with the number of stu- dents taking each subject:
The Principal
Freshman Algebra, 22
Geometry, 13
General Science, 18 Chemistry, 18
Miss Martin
Freshman English, 35 Sophomore English, 20 Junior and Senior College Preparatory English, 19 Ancient History, 33 American History and Civics, 29
Miss Root
Freshman Latin, 20 Caesar, 9 Junior and Senior Latin, 6 Sophomore French, 19 Junior French, 16 Senior French, 8
16
Mr. Dawley
Introductory Business, 13
Bookkeeping, 14 Stenography, 8 Junior and Senior Business English, 10 Typewriting, 31
The above outlined organization of classes was duly approved by the State Board of Education. In view of the excessive load carried by Miss Martin, however, the Principal has taken over three periods per week of her Junior and Senior English for the rest of the year.
Introductory Business may need some description. It is a Freshman course, including Commercial Arithmetic, spelling, pen- manship, and the introduction to "general business science." Vari- ous authorities state the aims of the course as follows: "General Business Science builds knowledge, appreciation, and understand- ing of modern business functions and services on a social science foundation and places the whole structure against a historical background. It applies social-science methods to the development of economic understanding."
In this course four Zaner High School Penmanship certificates have been won this year.
The Commercial Club is another interesting feature in the Business Department. Its aims are to make it "a co-operative enterprise, a group of enthusiasts banded together for mutual helpfulness; to bring into play through recreational activities latent talents and energies which are in use daily; to furnish new ideals of service, stimulating and encouraging effort toward their realization; to enable members to mingle with those engaged in like pursuits and those of like aspirations, making new friendships and cultivating old ones."
The idea of stimulating intellectual activity by the socializing effect of the club is also being carried out in the French Depart- ment. Miss Root reports as follows :
"This year the pupils of the Senior and Junior French classes have subscribed to the bi-monthly paper. 'Le Petit Journal.' This paper is prepared especially for American students of French. Twenty-four boys and girls of the French classes are correspond- ing with pupils in France. Views of France and photographs of the pupils are exchanged.
"Since more emphasis is being placed upon a practical speaking knowledge of French, the value of a French club to supplement class work is evident. The French Club was organized last Octo- ber. Meetings are held every two weeks. A short French play, 'La Faim est un grand Inventeur,' will be presented by the Club February 13.
"The club is interested in what other French clubs are doing in this state and has decided to correspond with them. Correspondence, as well as conversation within the Club, is carried on in French. By vote of the Club, finally, only those who maintain a standing of B or better in class work are admitted as members. Club meet- ings are held after school hours."
17
The full attendance at these club meetings, the enthusiasm displayed, and the activities carried on make evident their value. They seem peculiarly adapted to Commercial and French depart- ments. They might prove equally stimulating in other depart- ments, but we must guard against too many extra-curricula ac- tivities. The thoughtful teacher, after all, may see little in the club that is not carried out in any well managed class, and may depend on interest in the subject and effort stimulated by its skillful presentation, to accomplish all that the club may bring about. The interest displayed in Miss Martin's classes shows little need of clubs to stimulate intellectual activity.
As to the standing of our High School, the State Board again has placed us in class A. As a result of the record of Joseph Virostek during the past year, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has awarded us a certificate which will admit those whom we recommend to that college without examination for three years.
Seven of our graduates of last June entered college. Reports of their standing received to date are all favorable.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HOLMES, Principal.
18
GRADUATION EXERCISES
DOUGLAS TOWN HALL, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 20, 1930, AT EIGHT O'CLOCK
March Militaire Orchestra
Schubert
Chorus-Song of the Viking
S. Coleridge-Taylor
Address
Mr. Garfield Morgan, Member of the School Board of Lynn, Massachusetts
Amaryllis
Orchestra Ghys
Valedictory Loretta Jane Kenyon
Presentation of Diplomas
A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools
MARSHALS William John Samborsky, Anna Margaret Virostek
CLASS MOTTO Virtue is the only shield.
CLASS COLORS Blue and White CLASS ROLL
Lena Agnes Abram Michael Andrew Macuga Noe Philip Brule Charles Bacheler McCue
Theodore Peter Budzyna John Joseph Quinn, Jr. James Leroy Hanley Jerome Thomas Quinn
Benjamin Warren Holmes Henry Lester Thomas
Stephen Louis Hreusik Alberta Ruth Weeks Loretta Jane McKinley Kenyon
19
Courses of Study in Douglas High School
Approved by the State Board of Education Adopted by School Committee, 1930
College Preparatory
General
Commercial
FRESHMAN YEAR
English 5
English 5
English 5 General Science 5
Latin 5 Algebra 5 History to 1700 (5) Music 1
* Algebra 5
*History to 1700 (5)
Introd. Business 5
*Community Civics 5 *Community Civics 5 *Manual Training 2 *History to 1700 5
*Domestic Science 2 *Manual Training 2 Music 1 *Domestic Science 2
Freehand Drawing 2 *Freehand Drawing 2 Music 1
SOPHOMORE YEAR
English 5
English 5
Geometry 5
*Geometry 5
English 5 Bookkeeping I 5 Penmanship 2
Caesar 5 French I 5
*French I 5 *History since 1700 5 *Commercial Geog. 3
*Mech. Drawing 4 *French I 5
*Hist. since 1700 (5) Music 1 *Freehand Drawing 2 *Hist. since 1700 (5)
*Freehand Drawing 2 Music 1 Music 1
JUNIOR YEAR
English 5 English 5
English 5 Cicero or Virgil 5 French II 5
*French II 5
Bookkeeping II 5
*Algebra A2 5
*Mech. Drawing 4
*Physics 5 Music 1
*Physics 5 Music 1
SENIOR YEAR
English 5 *Virgil or Cicero 5
English 5 American History and Civics 5
English 5
*French III 5 American History and Civics 5 *Chemistry 5 *Solid Geom. and *Trigonometry 5 Music 1
*French III 5 *Chemistry 5
*Commercial Law 5 Stenography 5 Typewriting 5 American History and Civics 5
Music 1
*Chemistry 5 Music 1
Figures after subjects denote periods per week. The star (*) before subjects indicates electives. 72 points are required for graduation.
* Algebra A2 5
Typewriting 5 Stenography 5
*French II 5
*Physics 5 Review Geom. 21/2 Hist. since 1700 (5) Music 1
General Science 4
Business Arith. or
20
Report of Supervisor of Music
M. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools of East Douglas:
DEAR SIR :
Regarding the regular grade work, the music is practically as last year's report shows. Like other subjects in the curriculum, each grade has its own particular work in step-wise progression.
Again an exhibit was held at the elementary school building on Main Street, with a music memory contest as its special feature by Grade V. About thirty-five selections were memorized, and if taken from a larger work the name of this work was also mem- orized together with the composer's name and nationality. Part of each selection was played on the victrola, or organ, a short time allowed for writing the name of the selection and composer. A first and second prize were given to the winners.
The rhythm bands are being developed in the lowest grades. Triangles, drums, cymbals, tambourines, sticks, blocks, and bells are used. Scores are given the children, which they follow easily. They like it, and it will be readily seen that rhythm, one of the three fundamentals of music, gets good training in these bands.
The high school orchestra was left badly crippled last June when several of the best players graduated. We were down but not out.
The violin and trumpet classes of one year ago have produced results. The classes of this year are also bringing out players, so that now we have five violinists, four trumpeters, three clarinet- ists, one drummer and two accompanists rehearsing with us each week. This is the largest orchestra we have had.
In this machine age, man is having more leisure time. What to do with this leisure time is one of our problems. Isn't the study of music, perhaps, one solution? It has been said "the boy who blows a horn will not blow a safe."
Respectfully submitted,
ALMA L. KING,
Supervisor of Music.
21
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools, E. Douglas, Mass .: DEAR SIR :
The following is my report as Supervisor of Drawing in the Douglas Schools.
FORWARD
During the past few years the value of drawing as a pre- eminently important subject of the school curriculum has rapidly become more and more appreciated, until now it is almost univer- sally recognized. Progressive teachers have long since abandoned the ancient and hackneyed argument that, "Probably not one stu- dent in my whole class will ever become an artist." Even our old reactionaries now recognize the great value and fundamental importance of art training to the well rounded education.
Drawing teaches careful observation and leads to correct visual impressions.
As a means of motor training, drawing is invaluable to the primary child.
Drawing develops the imagination quicker and better than any other subject.
It develops the ability to select objects of use and beauty. We are all purchasers and consumers of things made by others, and we must discriminate between the useful and the useless, the beau- tiful and the ugly.
Drawing cultivates taste which in the selection of wearing apparel and home furnishings is inestimable.
Art adds value to everything that is made-from textiles to automobiles.
A study of art stimulates the appreciation of beauty in nature and art. Literature teaches a person to speak and act as a gentle- man, while art familiarizes one with beautiful thoughts and images, which, like an appreciation of music or literature, affords a means of enjoyment and recreation throughout his life, an appre- ciation which will enrich the life of the individual, and, through him, the life of the community.
22
OBJECTIVES OF ART EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
REPRESENTATION :
1. To develop the habit of using drawing as a language.
2. To develop the visual memory and creative imagination through the use of drawing.
3. To develop the power of discriminating observation.
4. To develop the skill necessary for the free use of the tools and media of graphic and plastic expression.
5. To cultivate the enjoyment of the best in available pictures. DESIGN :
1. To recognize, understand and enjoy order as the basis of beauty in nature and art.
2. Power to create orderly and possibly beautiful designs in color, line, shape and form.
3. Increasing discrimination in the selection and arrangement of art products.
CONSTRUCTION :
1. To develop the habit of invention and creative expression in materials.
2. Increasing technical skill in the use of tools and materials.
3. Ability to read and make diagrams and working drawings.
Respectfully submitted,
ROSE M. RYAN,
Supervisor of Drawing.
23
Report of Domestic Science Teacher
MY DEAR MR. GARCELON :
It is a pleasure to submit this report of a very interesting and successful year's work with the seventh and eighth grade girls.
Realizing that many of these students represent our future home-makers, it has been my aim this year to confine all subject matter to the most practical and essential phases of home-making when planning the weekly lessons for the cooking and sewing classes. This year's report follows:
Seventh grade, two divisions, twenty-six girls-elementary sewing, twenty hours; elementary cooking, thirty hours.
The first classes in elementary sewing were taught the simple foundation stitches used in hand sewing, bastings, back stitching, running stitch and the over-hand stitch. These were used in making a pin cushion, so that when the stitches were learned, we had a completed article needed for the work box which is used for the needles and pins. Simple decorative stitches were the next to fol- low, the blanket stitch, the French knot, the outline stitch. Using the previous stitches and these embroidery stitches, we constructed a decorative holder in silhouette. A lesson in cutting and piecing bias binding and the application of the binding completed the holder, which has become a useful article for the home as well as a clever decoration when hung on the wall. The next project was a sofa cushion which added the lazy daisy stitch, the solid or satin stitch, and the running stitch, here used as a decorative stitch. The making up of the cushion was the first sewing machine stitching. After this, the girls were expected to select from a number of mod- els the articles they preferred to make. They were encouraged to use their own judgment and personal taste in selecting materials, color schemes and design. This made our work more interesting to both of us.
Each girl has been allowed to progress according to her own ability and interest. Articles completed were work bags, a luncheon set, bureau scarfs, etc. Each girl made the cooking set of a simple apron, a head band and a pot holder; this project was made by sewing machine stitching and concluded the twenty hours of class
24
instruction. All girls have been required to do home work. Many did much more than the assignments. The result was a set of attractive pajamas, two costume slips, some undies, many nicely embroi- dered articles, and even a reconstructed dress was attempted.
The elementary food classes were taught the careful preparation of simple desserts. Knowing healthy foods, how to cook, prepare, and nicely serve the food, has been the outstanding aim of these thirty hours. Home practice is expected from each girl. Without this co-operation, a girl cannot be expected to become efficient, even in the classroom.
Eighth grade, two divisions, twenty girls-advance sewing, twenty hours; advance cooking, thirty hours.
These classes are taught the more intricate stitches and the technique of garment construction, the more complicated and diffi- cult processes in food preparation.
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