USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1939 > Part 5
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Last year there were 49 studying and this year there is an increase of seven, making a total of 56. There are four on Clarinet, eleven on Trumpets, three on Trombones, two on Saxophones, fourteen on Piccolo recorders, one on Baritone, one on Bass, and twenty on Drums.
I am very much pleased with the progress each and every one of the pupils have made during the past year and the interest they have shown.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee, the Principals and the teachers for the interest they have shown.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O. DODGE,
Teacher of Brass and Wind Instruments.
23
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF WRITING
January 2, 1940.
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Supt. Douglas Public Schools, Douglas, Mass.
My dear Mr. Garcelon:
I am pleased to report continued progress in the development of our Handwriting program in the Douglas schools. We have many school sys- tems under our supervision and it may interest you to know that we rate the Douglas schools among the best. We find school morale unusually high and the co-operation of your pupils and teachers leaves nothing to be de- sired.
Your high school did especially well last year and ranked second on our list of high schools with the high average of 89.6% scoring Excellent on the tests. This was an increase of 3% over the preceding year. For this achieve- ment, your high school was awarded a blue ribbon at the close of the school term.
The achievement of the elementary schools was very satisfactory. The average number of Excellent papers increased from 69.9% in 1938 to 80.5% in 1939.
A total of 3573 formal test papers were graded during the year and these grades and a diagnosis of each pupil's work were returned to the teachers. A total of 11,000 samples of informal writing were graded in the class rooms. Handwriting certificates were awarded to nearly all of the eighth grade and senior high school students.
During the school year, we supplied pupils and teachers with the neces- sary outlines, scales, room certificates, junior and senior high school indi- vidual certificates for graduates, achievement charts, diagnostic charts, etc. Classrooms were visited monthly for the purpose of placing new units of instruction on the blackboards, and for the grading of informal handwriting. A diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil was sent to your teachers each month for remedial instruction.
We appreciate greatly the fine co-operation you have given in this work.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART.
24
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Albert B. Garcelon,
Superintendent of Schools, East Douglas, Mass.
My dear Mr. Garcelon:
It is with pleasure that I herewith submit my first report as school nurse in the Town of Douglas from September 1939 to and including December 1939.
The objectives of school nursing compiled by the National Organization for Public Health Nursing and recommended by the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Public Health, are the following:
1. To assist in communicable disease control by the recognition of early symptoms and by securing immunization.
2. To assist the physician in medical inspection and in the routine pe- riodic 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-ups 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 healthy living.
7. To provide or supervise adequate nursing care to all sick children.
As school nurse, these objectives are my objectives. To act as interpreter between home and school, seems to me to be very important. Since Sep- tember, 95 home visits have been made.
Following the physical examinations by school physician, Dr. Spooner, a form for each room has been completed with each pupil's name and the physical defects listed, and the degree of defect so that the teacher and nurse may discuss the physical handicaps.
During the last four months of the year, a total of 12 pupils have had tonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy operations at the Milford Hospital.
Five pupils have had their eyes examined by an ophthamologist, and eye specialist, and have been fitted for glasses, and four pupils have been taken to the County Sanatorium at West Boylston for chest X-Rays. These cases were considered emergencies at the time of X-Rays. A definite date has not
25
been arranged for the Preventive Tuberculosis Program which will include examination and X-Ray of 7th, 9th, and 11th grades, but it is partially planned for the month of April.
The dental clinic was resumed the latter part of October under the di- rection of the Department of Education, and Dr. Lloyd Blanchard, school dentist.
Report of dental clinic - October 17, and 24.
No. Examined by school dentist 414
No. found to have perfect condition of teeth 76
No. of pupils with dentistry completed since Nov. 7th, the first clinic date, through Dec. 19th 78
Out of a total enrollment of 516, the parents of 414 pupils showed their interest in the condition of their children's teeth by signing request slips requesting the dentist to examine his child's teeth. This is most gratifying for dental education is coming to the foreground. At this time it is not pos- sible to give the number of pupils receiving dental care from their own dentist. The clinic thus far has been self-supporting.
Five children whose nutrition standard is below average are receiving milk at school, and two are being supplied with cod liver oil, financed by the local Red Cross Chapter.
Eight public health meetings have been attended.
We are grateful to the American Red Cross for financial assistance in the correction of defects, securing clothing for some of the under-privileged and for the Motor Corps which was formed to assist the Nurse in trans- porting pupils to and from clinic. We are grateful for the interest and sup- port of the Kiwanis Club, as they have made known their desire to assist us in a material way to meet some of the problems which are facing us.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Garcelon, the school committee, teachers, Dr. Blanchard, Dr. Spooner, and parents for the co- operation and support given me.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) MABEL M. BROWN, R.N. School Nurse.
26
Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools, Douglas, Mass.
My dear Mr. Garcelon:
I herewith submit my report as school nurse from January to June 1939.
The dental clinic began in December 1938, was carried on successfully until the end of the school year. At the end of that time 131 pupils 'were given certificates for perfect condition of teeth. The Child Health Associa- tion sponsored a "cleaning day" on May 25th. 37 children, who had at- tended the school clinic, had their teeth thoroughly cleaned. The second grade, Miss Reid, teacher, won the contest conducted by the C. H. A. for highest percentage of dental corrections and were guests at a picnic given at the home of Mrs. Cornelius Callahan. I wish to thank the C. H. A. and Dr. Blanchard for their splendid support of the clinic.
A Well Child Conference was held for five days in April. This was con- ducted by the Department of Public Health, under the auspices of the Child Health Association. 91 children, between the ages of 6 months and 5 years attended and were given complete examinations. The purpose of the con- ference is to discover and correct defects before the child enters schools. In this way the health personnel will have more time to concentrate on health education and prevention of defects.
Dr. Spooner conducted the pre-school clinic at the town hall in June. Children eligible to enter school in September were given physical examina- tions and vaccinated. A clinic was also held for immunization against diptheria. This was conducted by the District Health Officer and 60 chil- dren were given the three doses of anti-toxin which provide complete pro- tection against diphtheria. A posture clinic was begun in May, but due to the large number of children to be examined and the limited time, not much could be accomplished. Dr. Charles Ayers of Worcester generously donated his recommending treatment.
During the winter and spring terms one child was given milk and cod liver oil by the C.H.A. Another child was given milk through funds made available by the Salvation Army. In both cases, the respective teachers very kindly assisted. During the spring term the Red Cross financed four ton- sillectomies performed at the Milford Hospital. We are very fortunate to have all the organizations working for the health of the community.
In closing, I wish to thank the school committee, the teachers and pa- rents, the superintendent and the various organizations whose co-operation has made it a pleasure to serve as school nurse during the past two years.
Respectfully submitted,
(Mrs.) ESTHER JOHNSON, R.N.
27
ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT
Number of cases investigated
38
Number absent on account of sickness
24
Number absent on account of truancy
0
Number absent for other causes 14
Number brought back
38
EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES Issued January 1, 1939 to January 1, 1940
Number of Persons Issued Certificates
Number of Certificates Issued
Educational Literate 67
Educational 75
Educational Illiterate
0
Educational Illiterate 0
Special Home Permits 0
Special Home Permits 0
67 75
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.
E. L. WILLIAMS, PAUL F. RAWSON,
Attendance Officers.
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STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Assessed Valuation, taken from State Report $2,045,339
Population, Census of 1935 2403
Number of Persons in Town between 5 and 16 years of age, October 1, 1939-Boys: 237; Girls: 231 468
Number of Persons between 5 and 6 years of age-Boys: 38; Girls: 31 69
Number of Persons between 7 and 13 years of age-Boys: 157; Girls: 160 317
Number of Persons between 14 and 15 years of age-Boys: 42; Girls: 40 82
Total Enrollment in all Public Schools During School Year ending June 23, 1939 505
Average Membership for School Year
489
Average Attendance for School Year 471
Percent of Attendance 95.7
Number of School Buildings in Use 3
Number of Teachers Required by the Public Schools 18
Number of Special Teachers 4
Number of Teachers Graduated from College 5
Number of Teachers Graduated from Normal School 10
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, 1939 30
Number of Pupils Graduated from Grammar School, 1939 44
29
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
Monday, February 12, 1940, 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 twelfth day of February, 1940 A. D. 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 Treasurer, a Collector of Taxes, Two Constables, an Agent of the Moses Wallis Devise, a Tree Warden, each for a term of one year; one member of the School Committee for a term of two years to fill a vacancy; one Selectman, one Assessor, one member of the Board of Public Welfare, one Water Commis- sioner, two members of the School Committee, one Trustee of the Simon Fairfield Public Library, one Cemetery Commissioner, each for a term of three years, all of the above Town Officers 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 Of- ficers, 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 recommendations of the Finance Committee.
Article 5. To see what sums of money the Town will raise and appro- priate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several departments of the Town for the fiscal year of 1940.
Article 6. To fix the salaries or compensation of Town Officers.
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the
30
sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) to defray the expense of the Town's Share of the W. P. A. Projects carried on in the Town during the current year.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to 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 improvement 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 Select- men 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 relation thereto.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to 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 maintenance of Chapter 90 highways and raise and appropriate money therefor or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Trea- surer, 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, 1940, 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 12. To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Fund.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the Blanket Insurance (so-called) now in force on the Town's Property, or take any action in relation thereto.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the ob- servance of Memorial Day.
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the rent of quarters for the Michael Carter Post, American Legion.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote a sum of money for the up- keep of the Town Clock (so-called).
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to have a Reserve Fund.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of Thir- teen Hundred Dollars ($1,300.00) from the Overlay Reserve Account to the Reserve Fund, or take any action in relation thereto.
31
Article 19. To see it the Town will vote to transfer the sum of Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) from the Water Department Surplus to the Re- serve Fund or take any other action pertaining thereto.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800.00) for the Reserve Fund.
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of Six Hundred Dollars ($600.00) from the Machinery Rentals Account to the Machinery Maintenance Fund.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for General Highway Insurance or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) from the Workmen's Compensation Insurance Account to the General Highway Insurance Account.
Article 24. To raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve hundred and fifty-three Dollars and forty-five cents ($1,253.45) to satisfy a judgment and costs of Daniels vs. the Town of Douglas.
Article 25. 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 1940.
Article 26. 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 27. To see if the Town will vote to have valuation lists printed this year and to raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor.
Article 28. To see if the Town will assume liability in the manner pro- vided by section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws and Chapter 513 of the Acts of 1939, for all damages that may be incurred by work to be per- formed by the Department of Public Works of Massachusetts in rivers and streams of the town in accordance with the provisions of said Chapter 513, and authorized the Selectmen to execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefor to the Commonwealth.
Articles 29 and 30 are entered by request of ten citizens.
Article 29. To see if the Town will vote to extend the Town Water System on said Martin Road in Douglas in order that water is available to all residents and lot owners abutting this road, and to raise and appropriate money therefor or to take any other action relating thereto.
32
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to install at least three (3) additional street lights on said Martin Road and to raise and appropriate money therefor or to take any other action relating thereto.
Article 31. To transact any other business that may legally come before the said meeting.
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to establish a Recreation Com- mission as provided under Chapter 45, Section 14 of the General Laws, the same to be elected on a ballot at the next annual Town Meeting.
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 THIRD day of February in the year one thousand nine hundred and forty.
WINFIELD A. SCHUSTER FRANK E. JONES PAUL D. MANNING Selectmen of Douglas.
A true copy, Attest:
February 5, 1940.
JOSEPH M. KOSTKA,
Constable of Douglas.
INDEX
List of Jurors
3
Officers of the Town of Douglas
5
Finance Committee Report
8
Tax Rates in the Town of Douglas
11
Balance Sheet
12
Treasurer's Report
14
Table of Accounts
16A
Circle Diagram
16B
Accountant's Report
17
Auditor's Report
24
Board of Assessors
27
Town Clerk's Report
28
Tax Collector
33
Police Report
35
Highway Commissioner
39 44
Animal Inspector
. ..
46 46
Selectmen's Report on Town Streets
47
Fire Department Report
50
Forest Fires
52
Water Department
53
Agent Moses Wallis Devise
55
Tree Warden
57
Old Age Assistance
58
Charities in Douglas
60
School Report
School Committee
3
School Calendar
6
Report of Superintendent of Schools
8
Report of Douglas Memorial High School
14
Report of Athletic Director
17
Report of Girls' Athletic Director
19
Report of Supervisor of Music
20
Report of Teacher of String Instruments
21
Report of Teacher of Brass and Wind Instruments
22
Report of Supervisor of Writing 23
24
Report of Attendance Officers
27
Statistical Statement . 28
Warrant for Town Meeting
29
Library Report
Inspector of Slaughtering
.
Report of School Nurse
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