USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1935 > Part 3
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We are not doing much with our physical education program. However, our regular teachers realize this, and therefore emphasize their regular class room work in physiology. Mr. Gagne, is doing very efficient work with an athletic program in the high school.
A few years ago we dropped manual training and domestic science from our curriculum, as it was necessary to cut down expenses and these branches had to suffer. No one wanted to do this but a cut in our appropriation was necessary. It is, perhaps, not time now to re- instate these courses-but it is hoped that another year may see these courses again given.
Schools today are criticised because our curriculum does not pre- pare for the life the pupil enters when he graduates from high school. Much has been written and many studies have been made which show that the many inventions and discoveries along the line of physical science have created a new environment which the graduate faces upon leaving school. This fact together with the fact that the social sciences in the schools have not kept pace with development of the physical sciences, is all too apparent. To meet this demand we are now stress- ing the importance of a better understanding among nations, a better understanding of government and its functions, and a better under- standing between the classes of any nation. Today we are giving much more attention to such studies as civics, history, geography, So-
8
cial relations and ethics. How to live together in peace and harmony is now one of our chief objectives. To meet this demand in our schools, modern textbooks in history, geographies and civics are being intro- duced into our schools. This year we are giving for the first time a course in problems in Democracy.
AGES, GRADE, ENROLLMENT STATISTICS
Oct. 1
Total
H. Sch.
Grades
Graduates H. Sch. 8th Grade Graduates
1935
492-25
91+0
401-25
39+4
21-3
1934
517-19
91-13
426-6
35+7
24+6
1933
536-18
104+1
432-19
28-8
18+2
1932
554+27
103+9
451+18
36+7
16+6
1931
527+9
94+11
433-2
29-4
13+0
1930
518+9
83+9
435+0
33-1
13+3
1929
509-33
74+0
435-33
34+3
10-4
1928
542
74
468
31
14
The above figures (except last two columns) are taken from the age grade tables-and show the actual number of pupils in school on Oct. 1st of each year.
From this table it can be seen that there are 50 pupils less in the schools in 1935 than in 1928. Our greatest enrollment was in 1932 i. e. 554. In 1933 we had 18 less pupils-in 1934 another loss of 19 pupils and in 1935 a further loss of 25 pupils-or a total loss in en- rollment of 62 pupils in three years. In this three year period the High school lost 12 pupils and the grades 50.
Expenditures per pupil in net average membership in Towns about the population of Douglas:
TOWNS
Population
Expended per Pupil Per Year
Merrimac
2,392
$65.80
Groveland
2,336
70.71
Harwick
2,329
84.36
Douglas
2,195
68.63
Southborough
2,166
119.43
Charlton
2,154
87.98
Sutton
2,147
60.43
State Average
87.64
Two of the above Towns expend less per pupil per year than Douglas, i. e. Merrimac and Sutton, all the others pay more. The Town of Southborough, a Town smaller than Douglas, expends $50.80 more per pupil per year than does Douglas. The State average expense per pupil per year in towns in group three (i. e. towns of less than 5,000 population and maintaining High schools) is $87.64. If we expended
9
per pupil per year this State average of $87.64-our budget would be increased by $9,352.92. If we followed the per pupil expenditure of Sutton our budget could be reduced by $4,034.40; but if we followed Southborough expenditures our budget would be increased by $24,- 993.60. That our schools are being run economically is shown by the above figures.
Mr. C. W. Holmes reports a decided improvement in High school mathematics and English-due to departmental teaching in grades seven and eight-and to new textbooks. Mr. W. L. Rinehart, in his re- port, lists 77 percent of all pupils as doing superior work; a decided accomplishment. Mr. Barre reports 27 pupils studying string instru- ments, and Mr. Dodge reports 24 pupils taking lessons on wind instru- ments-a total of 51 pupils or almost 15 percent of the pupils of grades four to 12. That the Mowry fund is doing good work is appar- ent. Mr. Gagne reports that the Athletic Association has created a fund of $200.35. This amount, plus some financial support from the general school funds, will make it possible to have again a football team next fall. Dr. Quinn's report of 64 percent of first graders being physically fit, reflects credit upon our School Nurse, Mrs. Edith M. Taft.
The spirit of cooperation permeates the school department and was greatly appreciated by me during the past few months.
Respectfully submitted,
A. B. GARCELON,
Superintendent of Schools
ATTENDANCE FOR SCHOOL YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1935
SCHOOL
TEACHERS
Enrollment
Under 5 years
Between
5-7 years
Between
7-14 years
14-16 years
Over 16 years
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per cent of
Attendance
Number of
Tardinesses
Number of
Dismissals
High
. .
......
93
0
0)
23
Juniors
. .
24
Freshmen
Tabea Sweinberger
. .
Evelina Martin
Kathleen Rogers
Clarence Gagne
Myra H. Jillson
55
0
0
32
21
2
51.09
49.99
97.84
92
36
50
0
0
41
8
1
49.57
48.14
97.12
42
0)
Grammar 6
Eunice L. Buffington
44
0
40
4
0
41.99
41.07
97.81
19
2
,,
4-6
Gertrude Matthewman
22
0
0
18
4
0
20.65
20.05
97.10
32
4
41
0
0
41
0
0
40.88
39.5
96.62
23
14
4
Elinor M. Dunleavy
39
0
0
39
0
0 38.71
36.94
95.43
69
34
0
0
34
0
0
32.68
31.34
96.78
11
14| 2
" 1 & 4
Daisy Sweet
24
15
0
0
0
25.20
23.77
94.33
95.48
37
0
·
1
Mollie Kelly
36
0
35
1
0
0 33.56
32.92
95.88
2
0
,
1-2-3
Elizabeth Chapdelaine |
29
2
12
16
0
0
27.18
25.24
92.59
2
0
Total Elementary Schools
532
Total All Schools
439
0
0
26
1
0
26.91
25.20
93.76
7
2
Douglas
4-5-6
.
Gertrude Smith
27
0
16
23
0
0 38.81
36.89
Betsy Reid
39
9
·
·
2
.
.
.
18
Sophomores
· ·
C. W. Holmes
7| 38 48 85.33| 81.76| 95.82| 244| 18
Seniors
28
Lola H. Dudley
5
Mary A. Joy
Maria C. Buxton
.
Between
10
LIST OF TEACHERS JANUARY 1936
NAME
SCHOOL
HOME ADDRESS
GRADUATE OF
When
Appointed
In Town
C. W. Holmes
High
East Douglas
Brown University
1918
Evelina Martin
High
Tufts College
1929
Clarence Gagne
High
Bay Path Institute
1931
Kathleen Rogers
High
Chatham
Columbia University
1934
Tabea Sweinberger
High
Holyoke
Mt. Holyoke College
1932
Myra Jillson
High,
8
East Douglas
Worcester Normal
1924
Lola Dudley
High,
7
East Douglas
Boston Normal
1926
Eunice Buffington
Grammar,
6
East Douglas
Douglas High
1890
Mary A. Joy
Grammar,
5
Worcester Normal
1928
Elinor Dunleavy
Grammar, 4
East Douglas
Boston University
1932
Maria C. Buxton
Grammar,
3
East Douglas
Worcester Normal
1916
Gertrude Matthewman
Grammar, 5-6
Whitinsville
Worcester Normal
1932
Betsy Reid
Grammar,
2
Peacedale, R. I.
Wheelock Training
1931
Mollie Kelly
Grammar,
1
East Douglas
Douglas High
1908
Daisy Sweet
Grammar, 1-4
East Douglas
Wheelock Training
1916
Gertrude Smith
D. Center,
4-5-6
Douglas
Middlebury Vt. High
1900
Elizabeth Chapdelaine
D. Center,
1-3
Douglas
Worcester Normal
1934
David Gellatly
Music Supervisor
Whitinsville
Atl. Associated Studios of Music
1932
Frank O. Dodge Howard Barre
Leicester
1931
W. L. Rinehart
Band Instructor Orchestra Instructor Writing Supervisor
Leicester Cambridge
1933
-
East Douglas
11
1931
West Peabody Ludlow
12
Douglas Memorial High School
January 8, 1936
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my 18th annual High school report. This is the fourth year of our six-year organization. which still functions smoothly, and seems to be taking permanent form. The Junior High pupils (the 7th and 8th grades) still work in two divisions in each of the four major subjects. While one division is reciting, most pupils in the other division study with the Senior High pupils in the main study hall on the second floor.
In former reports I have spoken of the improvement shown in the ability of Freshmen in mathematics, due to improved teaching in the Junior High school. That improvement this year is more marked than ever. My present Freshman Algebra class is the best I liave ever had. A corresponding improvement is in
evident tlie ability of Freshmen to take up Senior High School English.
Tlie present enrollment in the Junior High school is 94. In the Senior High school it is 85. There are 18 to graduate and probably not less than 30 to enter next September, which indicates a higher enrollment in the Senior High next year.
An important addition has been made to the Senior High curri- culum, a course in Problems of Democracy. This course, enrolling 17 Juniors and Seniors, supplements American History in an attempt to build for better citizenship, one of the "seven cardinal principles" of secondary education.
We attempt to meet the challenge of the other six principles with the usual subjects, with a total class enrollment in each department as follows:
English, 85; History and Problems of Democracy, 78; French, 37; Latin, 26; Mathematics, 41; Science, 25; Commercial Subjects, 50.
The extra-curricula activities include the four class organizations, the Athletic Association, a French club, a history club, the Student Council and the monitors. The Student Council, through committee ap- pointments from its membership of about 20, puts on an occasional assembly program and stands for what is best in scholarship and in character in the school. Membership in the Council is a coveted dis-
13
tinction. Through its members and through the monitors we attempt to build a school morale that leads to a degree of self-government in the student body. A student is a monitor or a member of the Council because he has shown by his conduct that he understands better than the average that infraction of school discipline is more than "getting by" with something, or putting one over on the teacher; he knows that it is against the interests of the group; that it deprives some one, or the whole group in some measure, of the priceless privilege of in- tellectual progress which cannot exist without quiet, order, and regu- larity in school procedure. Our monitors and the Council, therefore, stand for another objective, another one of the cardinal principles of secondary education, ethical training. They have helped make the school the most orderly that we have had.
C. W. HOLMES, -
Principal.
14
Report of Athletic Director
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my annual report as Director of Athletics in the Douglas High school. It is with pleasure that I may say that the athletic situation has reached a point permitting the return of foot- ball as a major sport in the school.
In the spring of 1935, an inexperienced baseball team represented the school. However, as the season progressed, it improved rapidly and finished the season winning six games and losing three. For the first time in the history of the school, the team was equipped with uniforms belonging to the school. These were made possible through the cooperation and hard work of the entire school.
The fall months provided a program of intramural soccer and football with practically every boy in the school taking part. Competi- tion was keen and interesting contests took place.
Our great problem at the present is to provide facilities for ade- quate use of leisure time during the winter months. The breach be- tween the fall and summer sports is proving a serious handicap. The young people of the school have no recreational center during the winter. The moral value of athletics is lost during this period of idleness, superficial and even questionable activity. This problem is as true for the girls as the boys
Financially, the past year has been most successful. In the spring a series of projects brought a fund of $94.35. A continuation of this program in the fall added $106, making a total since February, 1935, of $200.35. However, this amount is not yet sufficient to make our fund financially sound, but with continued effort we hope to reach our goal.
In closing may I express my sincere appreciation to you, the school committee, Mr. Holmes, and all who have cooperated to make athletics possible in the school.
Respectfully submitted,
C. A. GAGNE,
Director of Athletics
15
Report of Supervisor of Music
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith offer my third annual report for the year ending December 31, 1935.
The singing in the primary grades is very good, and I find that there are fewer monotones in these groups than ever before. In the third and fourth grades there is an increasing interest in musical theory.
There are some very good voices among the fifth and sixth grade pupils and these children seem to thoroughly understand the theoreti- cal part of the work.
The three and four part singing in the seventh and eighth grades is very satisfactory and the High school chorus is unusually good. Be- ginning at the end of January, I intend to divide the High school group, spending one period with the girls and another period with the boys. By doing this we shall have a girls' chorus, a boys' chorus, and when the two are combined, a mixed chorus.
On May 10th of this year, a concert was given in the Town Hall by the pupils of all grades. The program consisted of an operetta by the Grammar school children, selections by the third grade Rhythm Band, the sixth grade Harmonica Band, the High School Orchestra and a Brass ensemble made up of High school pupils. Two novelties were offered in the form of a tap dance by a group of seventh and eighth girls and a musical dumb-bell drill by a group of seventh and eighth grade boys.
At the graduation and class day exercises the music was fur- nished by the High School Orchestra and the High School and Junior High School Choruses
I wish to thank you, the school committee, the principals and all of the teachers for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID N. GELLATLY,
Music Supervisor
16
Report of Music Instructors
Leicester, Mass., Jan. 13, 1936
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
There is an increase in the enrollment in the stringed instrument classes in the Douglas schools this year. Most of those who studied last year resumed their studies last September. In addition there are many new enrollments.
There are 15 violins, 6 guitars, 3 ukuleles, 2 mandolins, 1 cello.
I am very much encouraged by the interest shown by the chil- dren who are studying in my classes this year.
I am grateful to the teachers for their cooperation, and to you, Mr. Garcelon, for your strong interest in these classes.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD C. BARRE.
REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WIND INSTRUMENTS
Worcester, Mass., January 8th, 1936
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my annual report of the pupils studying musi- cal instruments in the schools of Douglas.
There are six children studying on the Clarinet, nine on the Trumpets, four on Saxophones, three on Trombones, one on Alto, and one on Drums.
Many of them are now playing in' the High School Orchestra.
I wish to thank you, the School Committee and Teachers for the interest they have shown.
Respectfully yours, FRANK O. DODGE,
Teacher of Brass and Wind Instruments
17
Report of Supervisor of Writing
January 15, 1936
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools,
Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I am pleased to submit the following report on the progress in Handwriting in the Douglas schools. As the Director of the Func- tional Handwriting System, I have an opportunity to observe teach- ers and pupils at work in many different school systems. I find the pupil and teacher morale unusually high in the Douglas schools. This, in turn, makes it possible to secure results in Handwriting above the average. Invariably this situation reflects the skill and administrative ability of the superintendent of schools.
An examination of the Handwriting Tests for December, 1935, reveals the fact that 348 of the 448 pupils tested made scores equal to the best score on the Ayer's scale (90-100). In other words, 77% of the children in the Douglas schools are able to write a Superior quality in Handwriting. This is significant when it is understood that the standard achievement for the schools of the country is 60 on the Ayer's scale. In the high school Speed Test administered at the close of school in June, 1935, the average was 119 letters per minute. This is 19 letters per minute above the high school standard.
Handwriting equipment is adequate in the Douglas schools. The supervisor supplies the necessary outlines, scale, achievement charts, diagnostic reports, certificates. etc. Tablets, notebooks, and other samples of handwriting in daily work are graded monthly by the supervisor. The report card grade is based on the average achieved in all writing activities. The object in this method of grading is to make handwriting functional
In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your unceasing help and inspiration: also to thank the teachers and students for their splendid co-operation, without which our program could not succeed.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART.
18
Report of School Physician
January 30, 1936
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools,
Dear Sir:
Following is a report of the physical examination of the school children:
Pre-School Clinic, June 18, 1935:
Examined
17
Vaccinated 19
Defects:
Defective Teeth 5
Tonsils and Adenoids 4
Nose
4 Glands (enlarged ) 3
Physical examination of all school children, September, 1935:
Examined
490
Vaccinated 12
Defects:
Defective Teeth 174
Tonsils and Adenoids 72
Glands (enlarged ) 23
Heart
2
Posture
5
Nutrition
6
. ...
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN J. QUINN, M. D.
School Physician.
19
Report of School Nurse
January 30, 1936
Mr. Albert B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my seventh annual report as school nurse for the year ending December 31, 1935.
At one time health was considered as merely the physical con- dition of a child. This year every effort has been made to make a study of the child as a whole; investigating home conditions, mental reactions and moral habits.
Dr. John J. Quinn, school physician, and Dr. John E. Dunleavy, dentist, gave the physical and dental examinations respectively, in September.
Only 10% of the dental defects were corrected during the school year. The dental examination in September showed that 65 % of the pupils had defects, an increase of 2% over last year. This certainly is not fair to the children. Is your child losing sleep because of tooth-aches? If he is, he is also losing valuable school work. Give YOUR CHILD a chance to be proud of his teeth. Note the graph showing the percentage of dental defects over a period of seven years.
At the pre-school clinic the children were vaccinated and examined. Of the children examined 35% had physical defects. One correction was made before school opened in the fall.
The Preventive Tuberculosis Program was held in November. Dr. Edson W. Glidden, superintendent of the Worcester County Sanatorium, furnished doctors from his staff, assisted by the Southern Worcester County Health Association. Pupils in the 7th, 9th and 11th grades were afforded this splendid opportunity. The report of this clinic is as follows:
Pupils Skin-Tested 65.2% Pupils Examined and X-rayed 37 %
20
Recommendations :
None 58 %
Dental 27 %
Improved Nutrition 23 %
Tonsillectomy
19 %
Parents have been asked to confer with their family physicians regarding these recommendations.
There is still a large number of pre-school children not pro- tected against diphtheria. All parents are urged to protect their children, either through our clinics or their own physician.
Following is a report of pupils with defective eye-sight:
Number of pupils reported 39
Number of pupils taken to specialists for examination 23
Number of pupils who had glasses fitted 17
Number of pupils who had glasses changed 6
Number of pupils glasses would not benefit
3
One pupil was operated upon at the Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and glasses fitted. Special attention was given this child by the teacher, through the use of books borrowed from the Division of the Blind, State House, Boston.
A few pupils have had their tonsils removed.
Two boys were privileged to spend four weeks at the Sterling Health Camp.
Considerable time has been spent studying a feasible plan to provide a hot drink for pupils bringing their lunches to school. I trust that in the near future some plan will materialize.
All pupils in the grades were weighed and measured twice during the year. Pupils on the follow-up Chadwick Clinic list were weighed every month.
Many home calls have been made and parents have been ad- vised regarding nutrition, physical hygiene and prevention of com- municable diseases.
At this time I wish to thank the parents and all other persons who have assisted in our health program.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) EDITH M. TAFT, R. N.,
School Nurse.
21
DENTAL DEFECTS
1929 50 %
1930
1931
1934
1935
42 %
31 %
1932 30 %
1933 63 %
63 %
65 %
100 90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1929-1932 Pupils from the first to eighth grades were examined by dentist.
1933-1935 All pupils including the High school were examined by dentist.
The increase in dental defects is largely due to lack of dental attention.
22
ATTENDANCE OFFICERS' REPORT
Number of cases investigated
40
Number absent on account of sickness 25
Number absent on account of truancy 7
Number absent for other causes 8
Number brought back 40
E. L. WILLIAMS, DOUWE DEJONG, Attendance Officers.
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES Issued January 1, 1935 to January 1, 1936 Report of EDWARD L. WILLIAMS
No. of Persons issued Certificates
No. of Certificates Issued
Educational. Literate 101
Educational Illiterate 0
Special Home Permits 0
Special Home Permits
0
Total 101
Total 106
Mr. E. L. Williams has been appointed by the superintendent of schools to issue certificates and these may be obtained by those entitled to them by making application to Mr. Williams.
STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Assessed Valuation, taken from State Report $1,960,423
Population, U. S. Census of 1930 2,316
Number of Persons in Town between 5 and 16 years of age, October 1, 1935-Boys: 261, Girls: 232 . . Number of Persons between 5 and 6 years of age, Boys:
493
39; Girls: 36 75
Number of Persons between 7 and 13 years of age, 322
Boys: 175; Girls: 147
Number of Persons between 14 and 15 years of age, Boys: 47; Girls: 49 96
Total Enrollment in all Public Schools During School Year ending June 21, 1935 507
Average Membership for School Year 492
Average Attendance for School Year 470
Percent of Attendance
96
Number of School Buildings in Use
3
Number of Teachers Required by the Public Schools Number of Special Teachers
17
Number of Teachers Graduated from College
7 8
Number of Weeks High School was in Session
39
Number of Weeks Grades were in Session
38
Number of Pupils Graduated from High School, 1935
21
Number of Pupils Graduated from Grammar School,
1935
39
4
Number of Teachers Graduated from Normal School
Educational 106
Educational Illiterate 0
23
INDEX
Jury List 3
Town Officers 5
Warrant for Town Meeting
7
Finance Committee Report 10
Report of the Treasurer
13
Table of Accounts
16
Balance Sheet
18
Report of Town Accountant
20
Auditor's Report
25
Report of Water Commissioners
28
Fire Department's Report 29
Town Clerk's Report 30
Report of Treasurer Simon Fairfield Public Library 32
Report of Agent Moses Wallis Devise 34
Annual Report of Department of Public Welfare 36
Collector's Report 38
Report of Tree Warden
41
Report of Road Commissioner
42
School Report
School Report 3
School Calendar 5
Report of School Committee 6
Report of Superintendent of Schools 7
Statistical Statement
10
Report of Douglas Memorial High School
12
Report of Athletic Director 14
Report of Supervisor of Music 15
Report of Music Instructors 16
Report of Supervisor of Writing
17
Report of School Physician 18
Report of School Nurse 19
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