Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1941-1950, Part 5

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Publication date: 1941
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Number of Pages: 1216


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Howard C. Barre


Orchestra Instructor


Spencer


1931


W. L. Rinehart


Writing Supervisor


Weston


University of Pittsburg


1933


13


East Douglas


Worcester S.T.C.


1939


David Gellatly


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DOUGLAS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL REPORT


Mr. A. B. Garcelon,


Superintendent of Schools:


I herewith submit my twenty-fourth annual report as principal of Douglas High School.


The high school enrollment shown in our December attendance report includes 28 Seniors, 25 Juniors, 32 Sophomores, 35 Freshmen, and one post- graduate, a total of 121, two more than last year at this time.


The enrollment in the seventh and eighth grades in the same building with the high school is about 100. This report, as usual, deals with grades nine to twelve. All high school reports to the State still include those grades only.


There is a local impression that we have a "Junior High School" in grades 7 and 8, but officially it could not properly be recognized as such. Below the 9th grade there is only one feature of the Junior High School, depart- mental organization; that is, division of subjects among the three teachers there instead of each teacher trying to handle all the subjects in a grade as of old. The leading characteristic of a Junior High School, wholly lack- ing here, is organization to provide for individual differences, by first offer- ing a group of "constants" required of all, namely, English, history, arith- metic, etc., and next, groups of electives, such as foreign languages, fine arts, commercial studies, industrial studies, and so forth. Any such pro- gram as this in this town below the 9th grade would call for more teachers, more room and much more equipment than the town could afford. Only the "constants" are possible in grades 7 and 8, and they keep the three teachers there very busy with their 100 pupils.


Extension of our program to include at least some of the household and industrial arts is needed in the high school even more than in the 7th and 8th grades. We have not even adequate room for the program that we now carry on. Twelve of the Seniors this year, the overflow from the Senior home room, use typewriter tables for their home room desks in the typewriter room.


Now that we are at war, however, it is not the time for the high school to expect very expensive improvements. It is rather for us, as high school teachers, to use what means we have, to the best of our ability, to join with the national effort to win the war.


We are prepared for air raid warnings and have had our first air-raid


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drill, marching in order along the edge of the woods so fortunately near us west of the school building. We are enrolled in the Worcester Chap- ter, American Junior Red Cross and we are engaged in a campaign for defense savings stamps and bonds.


While engaged, only temporarily, we hope, in matters related to national defense, we must try harder than ever before to make our teaching lead more effectively to the permanent values which build for the future. We should follow closely the work of the great national education committees endeavoring to work out policies, programs and plans to revitalize teaching and make secondary education better meet the needs of the individual and the nation. I have before me a recent publication (1940) of the findings of one of these committees, entitled "What the High Schools Ought to Teach." This is the result of eight years of studies of educators nationally known, selected from all parts of the country, and is probably the most important document relating to secondary education since the work of the famous Committee of Ten in 1893. It should be a much studied text in the possession of every high school teacher. May I quote some character- istic passages, indicating a few of the leading topics?


"A compelling reason for the organization of a new program of instruction is that scientific studies have revealed the importance of adapting instruction to various types and grades of individual ability


"The mistake has long been made in secondary schools of assuming that pupils are not in need of post-elementary instruction in reading


"If pupils once gained the idea that they are themselves responsible for their own intellectual progress through the proper use of recorded experi- ence, a great burden would be lifted off the schools


"No other contribution to general education can be of importance equal to that which would be gained by making pupils competent readers .


"Young people need to learn to WORK


"If the program of general education which it is the purpose of this re- port to promote is generally adopted, and if manual work is included in the curriculum, greater enthusiasm for school education may result . . . .


"The obligation of finding some way of preparing young people for citizenship, for intelligent social attitudes, and for effective participation in community life has become a public obligation which must be met if social chaos is to be avoided."


The high school enrollment by subjects this year is as follows:


English, 120 College preparatory mathematics, 44


Physics, 10 History, 71 Latin, 23


French, 46


Commercial subjects, 102


Industrial Geography, 22


General Science, 17


Problems of Democracy, 18


Community Civics, 23


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We are confronted by a new curriculum problem in a recent ruling of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Nurses to include Biology in the list of subjects required for admission to hospital training courses. If both Physics and Chemistry are to be continued there is neither the teacher nor laboratory space or equipment for a course in Biology. While the number of girls looking forward to nursing as an occupation is considerable, the number ranking high enough to be likely to be admitted when gradu- ated is very small compared with the number capable of profiting by a course in Physics or Chemistry.


Respectfully submitted,


C. W. HOLMES.


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REPORT OF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR


FOR BOYS IN THE GRADES 7-12 AT THE DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, EAST DOUGLAS, MASS.


Mr. A. B. Garcelon,


Superintendent of Schools for Douglas, Mass.


It is a pleasure to report on the physical activities among the boys of this school. While able to report a successful year, a mention of a guiding principle is not amiss, i. e., "An activity sponsored by the School System encourages participation in which an education return is achieved." The program of the past year can be so measured in the cooperation, attitudes, and total results.


Basketball was played, and it was supervised by adult coaches. The varsity team finished with its representatives being the "Runners-Up" at the Clark Invitation Basketball Tournament. The splendid team work and playing characterized this effort. The boys well deserved the trophy awarded them by President Atwood of Clark University.


Likewise teams in baseball were developed. The boys won the Cham- pionship of the Blackstone Valley High School League. The trophy was presented to the team at a Kiwanis banquet by a representative of The Horace Partridge Co., donors of the trophy. In the entire league schedule only one game was lost.


At this time a basketball schedule has been arranged, and is being con- cluded with satisfactory results. Suggestions regarding practice and physical fitness have been formulated and approved by the Athletic Association. These habits and attitudes are stressed: regularity of participants at sche- duled practices and games; a wholesome physical and mental readiness of participants; a sportsman-like attitude, and an observance of scholarship standards.


To the many who have cooperated in making this program so enjoy- able and worthwhile for the boys of the community by their help and in- terest-the appreciation of a healthier group is extended.


Respectfully yours,


LLOYD E. BATCHELDER,


Director of Athletics.


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REPORT OF GIRLS' ATHLETIC DIRECTOR


Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools, Dear Mr. Garcelon:


I herewith submit a report on girls' athletics for the past year in the Douglas High School. Miss Linnea Anderson had charge of basketball, and I of field hockey. We agreed on the same policy: namely, to have more intramural games and fewer out-of-town games. This seemed ad- visable because of the difficulty in getting transportation, especially in the winter months, and because of the expense of paying referees.


The basketball season of 1940-41 proved very satisfactory. All together, 12 games were played. This year (1941-42) about 35 girls reported for practice. Miss Anderson is planning 8 out-of-town games; the rest will be intramural.


During the hockey season of 1941, about 22 girls participated, and 8 games were played. The matches which aroused the most enthusiasm were those played with the alumnae team.


Respectfully submitted,


TABEA SWEINBERGER.


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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC


East Douglas, Mass., December 31, 1941.


Mr. A. B. Garcelon,


Superintendent of Schools,


East Douglas, Mass.


Dear Sir,


It gives me pleasure to offer my annual report in music as presented in the public schools of East Douglas.


The fundamental work in musical technique is progressing well in the grades. In the primary grades, many rote songs have been taught, and atten- tion has been paid to proper breathing and good tone production.


In the upper grades, part songs have been used, and in addition to this, the scope of music appreciation has been widened greatly by the addition of several sets of new books.


During the past year, the correct rendition of the standard patriotic songs has been stressed. Most of these songs are badly sung at community affairs. The usual mistakes in the songs have been pointed out to the students, and it is my belief and hope that, in the near future, such songs as "The Star Spangled Banner," "America," "America the Beautiful," and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" will be sung in East Douglas without these flaws.


The interest in musical instruments has increased greatly during the past year, and a large number of children from the third grade and upward are taking lessons on different instruments.


We should feel proud of the fact that some of our recent graduates are now playing in college bands and orchestras.


In December of this year, one of the members of the Class of 1940 played the solo trumpet part in a presentation of Handel's "Messiah." This parti- cular trumpet part is in the repertoire of only a few of America's trumpet players.


The High School chorus sang well at this year's graduation program. One of the features of the program was their stirring rendition of Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."


In closing, I should like to thank you, Mr. Garcelon, the school committee, and the principals and teachers for all the help given to me in my work.


Respectfully submitted,


DAVID N. GELLATLY,


Supervisor of Music.


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REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WIND INSTRUMENTS


Mr. A. B. Garcelon,


Superintendent of Schools,


Dear Mr. Garcelon:


I herewith submit my eleventh annual report of the pupils studying musical and percussion instruments in the Schools of Douglas.


Last year there were sixty-one studying and this year we have the same number. We have more new beginners in the grammar school.


There are five on clarinet, fifteen on trumpet, one on trombone, one on baritone, one on bass, one on Piccolo, five on piccolo recorders and thirty on drums.


I wish to thank you Mr. Garcelon, the School Committee, the Principals and Teachers for the interest they have shown.


Respectfully submitted, FRANK A. DODGE, Teacher of Wind and Percussion Instruments.


REPORT OF TEACHER OF STRING INSTRUMENTS


Mr. A. B. Garcelon,


January 22, 1942.


Superintendent of Schools


East Douglas, Mass.


Dear Mr. Garcelon:


I am pleased to submit my annual report as instructor of stringed instru- ments in the East Douglas schools.


There is an increase in the enrollment of students in the stringed instru- ment classes this year. Most of the new members are from the High School. The enrollment according to instrument is as follows: Violin 6, Banjo 1, Accordion 5, Guitar 10. Some of these students have progressed to a point which enables me to organize small groups for ensemble playing. As soon as the beginners are able to handle their instruments well enough they will . also be regrouped.


I wish to take this opportunity to thank you Mr. Garcelon for your help; and to thank the teachers and students for their cooperation.


Respectfully submitted, HOWARD C. BARRE.


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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF WRITING


Mr. A. B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools,


East Douglas, Mass.


I am pleased to submit the following report on the Handwriting program in the Douglas schools, grades 1 to 12, for the school year of 1940-1941.


A comparison of handwriting scores at the end of the first test period, November, 1933, with the test scores of June, 1941, shows the improvement attained.


We administered our first formal handwriting test in your schools in No- vember, 1933. We found that 2.9% of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a grade of "A" (Excellent). In June of 1941, we found that 73.3% of the pupils in grades 1 to 8 made a score of "A" (Excellent). In the high school 4% of the pupils made a grade of "A" (Excellent) in November 1933, and in June 1941, we found that 93% were exempted from formal Handwriting drill.


During the school term the Handwriting Supervisor visited each room at monthly intervals for the purpose of writing the monthly assignment on the blackboard, grading informal handwriting, and giving general help. Ap- proximately 11,500 samples of daily-work papers were graded during these visits.


A formal Handwriting test was administered monthly to each pupil. These papers were graded and diagnosed in our office and a detailed report on the handwriting of each pupil was sent the teacher as a remedial instrument. Approximately 3850 formal tests were diagnosed and graded for our pupils during the school year.


Adequate instructional materials were provided by the supervisor. These included monthly outlines for the teachers, pupil folder outlines, room charts, pupil certificates, term record paper, diagnostic charts, motivation seals, monthly and term envelopes, etc.


In general, I have found the interest and cooperation of your pupils and teachers to be excellent. I wish to express my appreciation for the fine cooperation we have received.


Respectfully submitted,


W. L. RINEHART.


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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE


Douglas, Mass., 1942.


Mr. Albert B. Garcelon, Superintendent of Schools My dear Mr. Garcelon:


I herewith submit my third annual report as school nurse in the Town of Douglas.


The usual form notifying families of defects found following the physical examination by the school physician, Dr. Spooner, has been carried out.


Visits to the homes to explain more fully the nature of the defect and the possibilities of remedy has been carried on with gratifying results. Parents are most cooperative and always welcome the nurse upon her arrival in the home.


The major defects are being corrected in most cases. Dental defects still lead, despite the fine results accomplished through the dental clinic, and parent education at the Well Child Conference and through dental literature.


Appointments were made and in many instances transportation furnished to 21 children to the Tonsil Clinic at Milford Hospital.


The aim of the nurse is to refer children to their own family physician, rather than to guide them to clinic.


The parents are cooperating along these lines, but we still use the eye clinic in Worcester a great deal. Sixteen children had their eyes examined and glasses fitted throughout the year. These same pupils have to return for check up on eyes and glasses, refitted semi-annually and annually, thus leav- ing the correction of eye defects a major problem.


The audiometer hearing test was given by the local nurse in all grades of the schools. This test determines scientifically the degree of hearing. After a second retest was done 41 were found to have a considerable loss of hearing. I have been concentrating on these cases and making home calls to acquaint the parents with the condition. Several of these cases have been to ear specialists and in some cases have had the difficulty corrected.


The committee on National Defense are stressing better nutrition for our people. To follow these recommendations, milk has been introduced into the schools in a big way. About 175 children had a glass of milk at recess time for a period of 5 months.


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Some of the milk was financed through local organizations. Over three- fourths was paid for by the pupils.


The government supplies commodities for school lunches. They were used for the first time in April and the program was resumed again in September. All three buildings are now receiving these commodities and every boy and girl taking his lunch to school may receive the food served, free of charge by bringing to school a cup or spoon. The commodities available to date in- clude grapefruit, grapefruit juice, baked beans, cocoa, prunes, apricots, apple- sauce, peaches, fresh apples and dried soup, and evaporated milk.


I am most grateful to the teachers, the person in charge of the commissary and the Douglas Grange for assisting in the preparation and serving of this food.


June 30th, one juvenile diabetic was taken to Winthrop, a camp for dia- betic boys, for a period of four weeks. This was made possible through the Kiwanis Club and Douglas Teachers Club.


The nurse instructed 19 girls in home nursing and at graduation in June, they received Red Cross Certificates, after having completed 45 hours of theory and practical work, with one half credit given.


I refer you to the Board of Health Nurse's Report for the entire tuber- culosis and communicable disease work, it being almost impossible to separate a school program from the generalized program, also the summer round-up report.


In September, Mrs. Josephine Abbott from the State Dept. of Public Health gave a series of four lectures to the teachers on behavior problems of the child in school, every teacher attending.


The child guidance clinic in Worcester has been used by several parents. Some using some excellent help and guidance.


The dental clinic under the direction of Dr. Lloyd S. Blanchard and Dr. Arthur Lynch his assistant, was most successful, it being self supporting. The dental examination was held in September with 324 pupils being examined. 188 pupils took advantage of the dental clinic with $300 being collected from the pupils.


The Kiwanis Club and the Ichthus Club financed the dentistry for 25 pu- pils, completing their dental work.


A good dental clinic is not based on the number of pupils handled or the number of extractions, but rather on the amount of constructive work done. Our clinic has very few extractions compared to fillings, cleaning, etc.


Public health meetings were attended and two college extension courses for professional improvement was taken by the nurse during the year.


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I am most grateful to the American Red Cross, Kiwanis Club, Ichthus Club, Douglas Teachers Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and Douglas Grange for their financial assistance.


It is very evident that our citizens are certainly health minded.


May I express my appreciation to the Department of Education, Dr. Spooner, Dr. Blanchard, Dr. Lynch and to the parents, teachers, for their untiring effort, in the promotion of health.


Respectfully submitted, (Mrs.) MABEL M. BROWN, Board of Health Nurse.


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ATTENDANCE OFFICER'S REPORT


EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES Issued January 1, 1941 to December 31, 1941


Number of Persons Issued Certificates


Number of Certificates Issued


Educational Literate


140


Educational 161


Educational Illiterate


0


Educational Illiterate


0


Special Home Permits


0


Special Home Permits


0


140


161


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,


Attendance Officers.


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STATISTICAL STATEMENT


Assessed Valuation, taken from State Report $2,045,339


Population, Census of 1940 2,617


Number of Persons in Town between 5 and 16 years of age, October 1, 1941-Boys: 252; Girls: 253 505


Number of Persons between 5 and 6 years of age - Boys: 39; Girls: 34 73


Number of Persons between 7 and 13 years of age - Boys: 152; Girls: 154 306


Number of Persons between 14 and 15 years of age-Boys: 41 Girls: 39 80


Total Enrollment in all Public Schools During School Year ending June 23, 1941 523


Average Membership for School Year


499


Average Attendance for School Year 473


Percent of Attendance 94.2


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


7


Number of Teachers Graduated from Normal School 9


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, 1941 24


Number of Pupils Graduated from Grammar School, 1941 44


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WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1942, 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 quali- fied to vote in Elections and Town Affairs to meet in the Town Hall in said Douglas, on Monday the ninth day of February, 1942, 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 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 Commissioner, one Recreation Commissioner, all of the above Town Officers to be voted for on one ballot.


Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 42 A and the five following sections of Chapter 40, General Laws of Massachusetts (Ter. Ed.) pertaining to the collection of Water Rates. Question 1 on the ballot.


Article 3. To see if the voters of the Town are in favor of licensing certain public entertainment to be held in the Town Hall on the Lord's Day, as permitted in Section 4 of Chapter 136, General Laws of Massachu- setts (Ter. Ed.) Question 2 on the ballot.


Article 4. To choose all other Town Officers for a term of one year.


Article 5. To hear, and act upon the report and recommendations of the Finance Committee.


Article 6. To see what sums of money the Town will raise and ap- propriate to defray the necessary and usual expenses of the several depart- ments of the Town for the fiscal year of 1942.


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Article 7. To fix the salaries or compensation of Town Officers.


Article 8. To hear and act upon the reports of the several Town Of- ficers and to choose any Committee or Committees the Town may think proper.


Article 9. To hear and act upon the special report to be submitted to the Town Meeting by the Water Commissioners and the Advisory com- mittee named at the 1941 Town Meeting.


Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to instruct its Board of Se- lectmen to petition the State Highway Commission, under Chapter 81, Sec- tion 26 of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) for the improvement of Town Ways and to raise and appropriate money therefor or to take any action relating thereto.


Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the improvement of Davis Street; said money to be used, in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.


Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the erection of warning signals at the intersection of S. W. Main Street and the Webster Road; said money to be used, in con- junction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.


Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of various streets; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.


Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treas- urer, 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, 1942, to issue a note or notes, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accord- ance with Section 17, General Laws (Ter. Ed.), Chapter 44.


Article 15. To see what disposition the Town will make of the Dog Fund.


Article 16. 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.




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