USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1937 > Part 4
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3. It would be of great value to boys going into trades, mechanics, or business. I would teach the use of the slide rule in such a course.
4. It would make it impossible for Seniors to loaf through the last year with only three courses. This is frequently the case with Seniors who have not taken either foreign language or college pre- paratory mathematics and who fail or dodge stenography because it means hard work.
5. The Commercial Department takes over pupils who fail early in their high school career in foreign language or mathematics. Senior arithmetic would take back from that department some of those who meet their Waterloo in stenography. Congestion in that department might justify our refusing typewriting to those who will not or cannot work hard enough to do stenography.
May I ask that the introduction of this course be considered at an early meeting of the Committee?
A great help in the government and administration of the school is a handbook worked out by Mr. Gagne and myself and typed and mimeographed by the Commercial Department. It contains the usual rules of conduct, and regulations, rules and information about attendance, the courses of study, and the extra-curricula activities. The handbook was issued as the first copy of our school paper, the Semloh. Since we gave a copy to every member of the school without charge and thereby the Athletic Association lost the usual receipts of the sales, the Committee made good this loss by a gift of ten dollars to the Athletic Association, which we hereby gratefully acknowledge.
In this report I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the loyalty and devotion of each teacher to the exacting demands of our common task. Among teachers of six grades, with pupils differing so greatly in age, from the pre-adolescent child to the youth of 19 or 20 years, co-ordination of effort for the best good of all is difficult; but the spirit of co-operation and faithfulness in the attempt are A-plus in every teacher in the building.
Probably some system of study-supervision should be worked out in this school to avoid children in the seventh or eighth grade being
16
exposed to four or five or more teacher-personalities during the day. Seating young pupils for 40 minutes at a time in a room with people from the upper high school classes is not desirable. These young children need some one with them practically all the time qualified to help them in their studies if not to actually teach them. It seems to be too much to ask high school teachers to try to qualify for this work, since they have in the room at the same time the higher grade students who need a quiet room for study, with little or no talking by the teacher in charge of the study period. Another room would be needed, even if high school teachers were qualified for supervision of 7th and 8th grade work.
This other room is available, by the way, at little cost. For general purposes the Physics room should be altered for an ordinary school room or study room-better still, a school library. The tables in the chemistry room could easily be adapted for Physics and the school does not need two rooms for these sciences.
The cost of such a change could be charged to grade improvement facilities. In consideration of costs of any contemplated or requested improvements for the upper four years, differentiated from the lower grades in reports to the State, may I ask the Superintendent and Committee to carefully note the following features of our six-grade system. We have not five teachers in our high school. The equivalent of practically one high-school teacher's full time is spent in grade work. Three periods a day are spent in actual teaching. Throughout six periods a day, besides, a recent count gives 168 seventh and eighth grade pupils seated in the high school study hall to a total of 216 high school pupils in the same periods. The Principal himself is obliged to take two of these study periods daily. Add to these facts the time taken for disciplinary cases, corridor, lavatory and playground cares and problems, and the responsibility of the Principal in general for the six grades in which half of the pupils are below the high school, and it seems to me that a conservative estimate of a deduction to be made from high school expense is the cost of one high school teacher.
I wish to acknowledge the service rendered by our corps of moni- tors, which I think the most efficient we have had, led by Francis Abram, in charge of monitors in the building, and Warren Johnson, Jr. leader of the outside traffic squad.
In view of the apparent drift in this school away from the tradi- tional college preparatory subjects and the efforts of many educators to condemn the traditional curriculum as outmoded, for the encourage- ment of those still ambitious enough to pursue that curriculum, may I quote from a recent address by Harold G. Campbell, Superintendent of Schools of New York City, as follows:
17
"So the traditional curriculum was declared outmoded. We must prepare, it was said, for a new social order, whatever that might mean.
"Would not the laws of mathematics and physics remain in force? Would not history continue to have its significance, literature its power of inspiration? Would not Latin and Greek continue to be the source of the very language we speak, the basis of our art and culture and of our laws? Few seemed to think of this, in the rush for some- thing new in the way of a general education. Knowledge, like wealth, was to be distributed more widely, albeit thinly.
"Some called for subjects of a more practical nature, some for a "process of personality development," others for a curriculum of con- troversy. But above all, it must be something new and something different. The stock market had crashed, one party had replaced another in power at Washington, and a great change had come over the complexion of all things. Therefore, the content of a general education must change. It was all just about as logical as that.
"Some have had sober second thoughts, realizing at length that no matter what our social or political philosophy may be, civilization, as it grows more complex, will be more than ever dependent upon the men who know the laws of mathematics and the formulas of Science, upon men who, having studied the history of mankind, know the rela- tionship of the present to the past, upon men who can write and men who can speak the languages of other men. In truth, civilization will be more than ever dependent upon the very subjects that are included in the traditional curriculum for a general education."
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. HOLMES, Principal.
18
Report of Athletic Director
To the Superintendent of Schools, East Douglas, Massachusetts:
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith sumbit my seventh annual report as Director of Ath- letics at the Douglas Memorial High School.
The athletic teams of the past year might be judged as some of the most successful in the history of the school. In competition, the baseball team had a good season against some of the stronger teams in the valley, but showed much improvement late in the season when several of the players were later drafted to play in the baseball league in the community.
A hard fighting football squad showed itself a powerful opponent and strong enough to hold or defeat some of the largest schools in the vicinity notably Southbridge, Shrewsbury and Uxbridge. The records for the season found the team winning or tieing five and losing three games against the strongest opposition the school has ever met.
With the winter months at hand, two intramural basketball leagues have been organized with some 60 boys in the school taking an active part. The return of basketball is looked upon as one of the most welcomed moves in the past five years.
The past year saw the return of an athletic program for the girls following a lapse of 5 years. This program should be a vital part of our program and under the supervision of Mrs. Cornelius Callahan, assisted by the teachers in the high school, it has made excellent headway. About 45 girls played field hockey, and some similar number are taking advantage of the basketball and gymnas- tics program this winter.
However, 1937 was not so kind to the finances of athletics since what should have been the nucleus of a sound treasury was impossible. Football which should form the best source of revenue caused a deficit since we were unable to play any home games due to the reconditioning project at Schuster Field. The various other activities conducted for the benefit of the program were all well supported, but were not suf- ficient to meet the necessary expenses of three major sports. It is impossible to obtain any worthwhile returns from baseball, and since basketball is only an intramural activity at present, no income will be received from that sport.
The future looks very promising, however, providing Schuster Field is available for football in 1938. There is every reason to believe
19
that financially our program will be as successful as the teams that have represented the school. The use of Schuster Field for football will greatly facilitate the work since we shall than have a field avail- able for practice at all times.
May I express my sincere appreciation to you and the members of the school board for their kind assistance in making this program possible, and to Mr. Holmes and the teachers for the untiring interest they have shown.
Respectfully yours,
C. A. GAGNE, Director of Athletics.
20
Report of Supervisor of Music
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Garcelon,
I hereby submit my annual report of the work done in music in the schools of East Douglas for the year ending December 31st., 1937.
In the first and second grades, we have taught wrote songs, rhythm drills, and have introduced the rudiments of musical theory.
In the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades, this work has been continued, gradually leading up to the more intricate phases of theory and reading of notes and rhythms.
The seventh and eighth grades, and the High School chorus have done splendid work in the singing of folk songs and special choral arrangements. The singing of the chorus at the graduation exercises was greatly enjoyed by the audience.
On the evening of May 7th a concert was given in the Town Hall. The program consisted of selections by the High School orchestra and brass ensemble, and folk songs and dances in costume by the pupils of grades one to eight.
Memorial Day exercises were held on the Grammar School grounds the afternoon of May 28th. The children sang patriotic songs, and marching music was furnished by the Grammar School Drum Corps.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee, the principals and all of the teachers for the help given to me in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID N. GELLATLY, Music Supervisor.
21
Report of Music Instructors
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon :
I herewith submit my annual report as instrumental instructor in the East Douglas schools.
There are fourteen pupils studying violin now and I believe there are more who are going to begin soon. There are two studying accor- dion and four studying guitar. There is one pupil who has taken up the 'cello.
I think the pupils are more interested than they have been which I think is due partly at least to the fact that they can play with more ease and accuracy.
I am planning now to organize a small string ensemble in which all the pupils can perform. This is in addition to their regular instruc- tion classes. This will also tend to create more interest.
I wish to thank Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee, the teachers and others for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD C. BARRE, Instrumental Instructor.
REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WIND INSTRUMENTS Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my annual report of the pupils studying wind and percussion instruments in the schools of Douglas.
There is an increase of seven more pupils than last year. There are seven studying on Clarinet, eight on Trumpets, four on Trombone, three on Saxaphones, one Baritone, one on Bass, three on Bugles, one Brass Drum, one on Cymbals, fourteen on snare Drums.
Eight of the boys from the High School played in the East Douglas Band last summer. My ambition is to have more of them playing in the band this year.
I wish to thank you Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee and teachers for the interest they have shown.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK O. DODGE,
Teacher of Brass and Wind Instruments.
22
Report of Supervisor of Writing
January 3, 1938.
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Supt.,
Douglas Public Schools,
Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon :
I am pleased to report continued progress in handwriting in the Douglas schools. We also find unusually high teacher and pupil morale. There is a spirit of friendliness and informality in your schools that makes teaching a real pleasure.
During the school year ending December 31, 1937, I supplied all pupils in the Douglas Schools with new materials. Writing certificates were awarded to Senior and Junior High School graduates who qualified.
Handwriting test papers were graded monthly for each pupil and written diagnostic reports were sent to the teachers. All rooms were visited each month and the informal writing was graded by our supervisors. In all, approximately 15,000 papers were graded. Our records show that 67.8% of the papers in grades I-VIII were graded "Superior". In the high school, 72.8% of the papers were graded "Superior".
In closing, I wish to thank you and your principals, teachers, and students for the fine cooperation and excellent results.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART.
23
Report of Supervisor of Art
Mr. A. B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools,
East Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon :
I herewith submit my first annual report as Supervisor of Art in the Public Schools of East Douglas and Douglas.
My aim is to give each student a better understanding of the principles of Art and make them conscious of Art in every day life.
Since drawing has not been taught in the schools for a number of years the seventh and eighth grades have had no foundation in Art which has made it necessary for me to give them lessons in the same manner as those presented in the lower grades. They, however, are advancing rapidly and I hope that by the end of the year they will be up to standard. The eighth grade is at present studying color theory with much interest. The seventh grade is studying lettering which will be used in making posters showing the evolution of travel.
I have planned the course so that each month I give a lesson in figure drawing or illustration, color and design, and lettering.
There are a great many talented children in the schools of Douglas and East Douglas who have been unable to make use of this talent before this year.
I appreciate the fact that the school furnishes supplies needed in the Art work.
I am of the opinion that drawing should be introduced in the high school since there are undoubtedly a number of students who would be qualified to take up the study of Art as a vocation, provided the fundamental training for their admission in any of the leading Art Schools would be given to them. As a further suggestion I would offer to provide a two hour period in the grammar school for art training instead of the one period hour in the weekly curriculum.
I wish to express my appreciation to you Mr. Garcelon, the School Board and all the teachers for the interest they have shown and the cooperation they have so kindly offered.
Respectfully submitted,
MARGERETE J. SCHWARZ.
24
Report of School Nurse
Mr. Albert B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools, Douglas, Massachusetts.
Dear Mr. Garcelon :
I herewith submit my annual report as School Nurse, two days each week, for the year ending December 31, 1937.
The aims of a school nursing service to school children are:
1. To assist in communicable disease control by the recognition of early symptons and by securing immunization.
2. To assist the physician in medical inspection and in the routine periodic physical examination of every school child.
3. To assist in securing the correction of defects and in promoting health.
4. To assist in securing special examinations and such follow-up as is necessary.
5. To participate in the promotion of hygiene and sanitation of the school plant.
6. To assist in securing proper instruction of pupils and parents in the principles of healthful living.
7. To provide or supervise adequate nursing care to all sick children.
I am pleased to report that a closer relationship between the health education program in the schools and the community is be- coming evident. This is shown very clearly in the formation of a "Child Health Committee", which will be of great help in solving the problems of adequate dental care for every child and correction of other physical defects.
In September all pupils were given a thorough physical examina- tion by Dr. R. H. Spooner, School Physician. This examination showed 101 children having nose and throat defects. Of the 8 most urgent cases, 5 have been corrected. Altogether 14 children have had tonsils and adenoids removed since the examination. This added to 5 cases which were corrected during the summer, giving us the grati- fying total of 19 cases corrected nose and throat defects to date. Many children were found with enlarged glands which might be due to infection from diseased tonsils or decayed teeth. The program of physical education now being conducted by Mrs. Cornelius Callahan is
25
helping to teach good posture and provides excellent wholesome recrea- tion for Junior and Senior High School girls.
A dental examination of all pupils was conducted in November by Dr. A. E. Shaw, School Dentist. This revealed that only 24 pupils in the school population of 499 were without dental defects. This shows the great need of improved nutrition and adequate dental care very early in the child's life.
Through the facilities of the Worcester County Sanatorium, assisted by the Southern Worcester County Health Association, a chest clinic was held in November. This clinic is held for the purpose of early diagnosis and prevention of development of Tuberculosis in young adults. 79% of the pupils in grades 7, 9, and 11 were skin tested and all children having positive reactions were X rayed.
Last April, Dr. Oscar Dudley, District Health Officer, assisted by Mrs. Edith Taft, former School Nurse, immunized 95 children against diptheria. 54 of these were pre-school children.
The Pre-School Clinic, for examination of children entering school in the fall, was held in June. Dr. Bouvier, Acting School Physician, examined and vaccinated 20 children. On entering school 5 of these children showed improvement in physical condition.
The Red Cross again this past year, furnished hot cocoa to children who bring lunches, at a small weekly cost to the children. I feel that this supplementary hot drink is of great nutritional value and wish to express my appreciation for this continued service. The Red Cross also gave financial assistance to children needing glasses and tonsil operations. I wish to personally thank the group of women who donated their services in making the capes used during the physical examinations.
From September to January, 80 home visits have been made for the purpose of discussing nutrition problems, prevention of communi- cable diseases and correction of defects.
I wish to thank the School Committee, Superintendent of Schools, School Physician, Teachers and all others who have given me assist- ance and cooperation at all times.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) ESTHER C. JOHNSON, R. N., School Nurse.
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EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES Issued January 1, 1937 to January 1, 1938 Report by EDWARD L. WILLIAMS
Number of Persons Issued Number of Certificates Issued Certificates Educational 56
Educational Literate 54
Educational Illiterate 0
Educational Illiterate 0
Special Home Permits 0
Special Home Permits
0
56
54
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. ATTENDANCE OFFICERS' REPORT
Number of cases investigated 45
Number absent on account of sickness
32
Number absent for other causes 13
Number brought back
45
E. L. WILLIAMS, PAUL F. RAWSON,
Attendance Officers.
STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Assessed Valuation, taken from State Report $1,960,423
Population, U. S. Census of 1935 2403
Number of Persons in Town between 5 and 16 years of age, October 1, 1937-Boys: 270; Girls: 222 461
Number of Persons between 5 and 6 years of age-Boys: 30; Girls: 37 67
Number of Persons between 7 and 13 years of age- Boys: 133; Girls: 112. 245
Number of Persons between 14 and 15 years of age- Boys: 76; Girls: 73 149
Total Enrollment in all Public Schools During School Year ending June 25, 1937 512
Average Membership for School Year
489
Average Attendance for School Year
465
Percent of Attendance 94.8
3
Number of Teachers Required by the Public Schools 17
5
Number of Teachers Graduated from College
6
Number of Teachers Graduated from Normal School 8
Number of Weeks High School was in Session 39
Number of Weeks Grammar School was in Session 38
Number of Pupils Graduated from High School, 1937
13
Number of Pupils Graduated from Grammar School, 1937 21
Number of School Buildings in Use
Number of Special Teachers
27 Warrant for Town Meeting Monday, March 21, 1938 8:00 a. m.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DOUGLAS
WORCESTER, SS.
To any Constable of the Town of Douglas in said County, GREETING :
In the name of said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Douglas who are qualified to vote in Elections and Town affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Douglas, on Monday the twenty-first day of March, 1938 at eight o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles, to wit:
Article 1. To elect a Moderator, a Town Clerk, a Town Treas- urer, a Collector of Taxes, Two Constables, an agent of the Moses Wallis Devise, a Tree Warden, each for a term of one year; one Selectman, one Assessor, one member of the Board of Public Welfare, one Water Commissioner, two members of the School Committee, one Trustee of the Simon Fairfield Public Library, one Cemetery Com- missioner, each for a term of three years, all of the above Town Offi- cers to be voted for on one ballot.
Article 2. To choose all other Town Officers for a term of one year.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of the several Town Officers, or of any outstanding Committee, and to choose any Committee or Committees the Town may think proper.
Article 4. To hear and act upon the report and recommenda- tions of the Finance Committee.
Article 5. To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the sev- eral departments of the Town for the fiscal year of 1938.
Article 6. To see of the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) to defray the ex- penses of the Welfare Department for the fiscal year 1938.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) to defray the ex- pense of the Town's Share of the W. P. A. Projects carried on in the Town.
28
Article 8. To see if the Town will instruct its Board of Select- men to petition the Division of Highways, Public Works Department, under Chapter 90, Section 34, General Laws for aid in the improve- ment of some through way and raise and appropriate money therefor or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to instruct its Board of Selectmen to petition the State Highway Commission, under Chapter 81, Section 26 of the General Laws for the improvement of Town Ways and raise and appropriate money therefor or take any action in rela- tion thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of $60.46 to cover the overdraft in the Health Department Expense.
Article 11. To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Fund.
Article 12. To see if the Town will authorize the assessors to use any Free Cash in the hands of the Town Treasurer to reduce the Tax Levy in 1938.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the financial year beginning January 1, 1938, to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, General Laws, Chapter 44.
Article 14. To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting.
Article 15. To see if the Town will instruct the Board of Selectmen to dispose of any of the Real Estate held by the Town by Foreclosure of Tax Titles and authorize and empower its Treasurer to give a deed of the same in the name and behalf of the Town, or take any action relating thereto.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $182.70 from the New Town Hall Repairs Account to the New Town Hall Maintenance Account or take any action in relation thereto.
Articles 17 and 18 inserted at the request of 10 or more regis- tered voters.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to definitely discontinue and suspend the use of our Police or town car or cars and that said
29
car or cars be sold and the cash so received placed in the hands of the town treasurer to be used to help defray expenses of the Police officers.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to elect six Constables for the protection of persons and property, and that all votes of the town inconsistant with these articles are hereby rendered null and void on the passing of these articles.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of eight hundred dollars ($800.00) for the Blanket Insurance (so called) now in force on the Town's Property, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty-two dollars to pay 1937 bills received after the Close of the year, for repairs on the Fire Station.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the rent of quarters for the Michael Carter Post, American Legion.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the upkeep of the Town Clock (so called.)
The polls may close at four o'clock, p.m.
You are directed to serve this warrant by posting attested copies thereof at the Post Office at East Douglas and at the store, formerly the Post Office, at Douglas, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 8th day of March in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight.
WINFIELD A. SCHUSTER, PAUL D. MANNING, FRANK E. JONES, Selectmen of Douglas.
A true copy, ATTEST:
JOSEPH M. KOSTKA,
Constable of Douglas.
30
INDEX
List of Jurors
3
Officers of the Town of Douglas
5
Finance Committee Report
7
Tax Rates in the Town of Douglas
9
Balance Sheet
10
Table of Accounts
10A
Circle Diagram 10B
Treasurer's Report
12
Accountant's Report
14
Auditor's Report 20
Agent Moses Wallis Devise
23
Town Clerk's Report
25
Tax Collector
31
Police Report
34
Fire Department Report
37
Tree Warden
38
Road Commissioner
39 47
O. A. A. Department
49
W. P. A. Work
50
Library Report
51
Water Department
53
School Report
School Committee Report
3
School Calendar
6
Report of Superintendent of Schools
8
Statistical Statement
12
Report of Douglas Memorial High School
14
Report of Athletic Director
18
Report of Supervisor of Music
20
Report of Music Instructors
21
Report of Supervisor of Writing
22
Report of Supervisor of Art 23
Report of School Nurse 24
Report of Attendance Officers 26
Warrant for Town Meeting 27
Welfare Department
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