USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1941-1950 > Part 53
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36
36
35.01
33.82
96.60
36
7
Grammar 3
Theresa Kachan
33
33
33.21
32.10
96.52
3
0
Grammar 2
Mae Dermody
25
5
20
24.98
23.65
94.67
11
0
Grammar 1-2
Edith F. Hill
21
14
7
20.83
19.89
95.49
21
8
Grammar 1
Mollie H. Kelly
30
29
1
29.97
28.58
95.37
8
3
Douglas Center 1-2-3. .
Thelma Tucker
34
15
19
. .
33.59
31.51
93.81
10
15
Douglas Center 4-5-6.
Edith Dixson
24
24
22.59
21.56
95.39
7
8
ยท
.
. .
. .
.
87
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Grade 8
Mary Joy
88
List of Teachers, January, 1951
NAME
SCHOOL
HOME ADDRESS
GRADUATE OF
WHEN APPOINTED IN TOWN
Ralph E. Dudley
High
Douglas
Boston University
1940
Tabea Sweinberger Norman Duprey
High
Holyoke, Mass.
Mt. Holyoke College
1932
Waldron P. Lojko
High
No. Grafton, Mass. East Douglas
Salem State Teachers' Col.
1949
Albert L. Sharps
High
Douglas
Univ. of New Hampshire
1950
Helen E. Foster
High
Middlebury, Vt.
Houghton College.
1950
Richard M. Ahern
Grade
8
Webster, Mass
Boston University
1951
Elinor Dunleavy
Grade
7
East Douglas
Boston University
1932
Roberta Wagner
Grades
7-8 |Douglas
E. Naz. Coll. & Boston U.
1944
Edith Marsh
Elementary
6 Dudley, Mass.
Worcester Normal
1942
Alice M. Libby
Elementary
5
Whitinsville, Mass.
Gorham Normal, Maine
1950
Alice Samborski
Elementary
4 East Douglas
Tufts College
1939
Theresa Kachan
Elementary
3
Northboro, Mass.
Bridgewater S. T. C.
1944
Mae Dermody
Elementary
2
East Douglas
Worcester Normal
1944
Edith F. Hill
Elementary
1-2
No. Grafton, Mass.
Worcester S. T. C.
1949
Mollie Kelly
Elementary
1
East Douglas
Douglas High School
1908
Edith Dixson Thelma Tucker
Douglas Cen. 3-4-5
Douglas
Worcester Normal
1942
Douglas Cen. 1-2
Douglas
Lowell S. T. C.
1948
Edgar L. White, Jr.
Music Supervisor
Mendon, Mass.
N. E. Conserv. of Music
1950
Clarice Lunt
Art Supervisor
Uxbridge, Mass.
Mass. School of Art
1948
Frank O. Dodge
Band Instructor
East Douglas
1931
W. L. Rinehart
Writing Supervisor
Weston, Mass.
University of Pittsburgh
1933
ANNUAL REPORT
Worc. Polytechnic Inst.
Harvard-M. I. T.
Boston University
1948
High
89
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
STATISTICAL REPORT OF THE DOUGLAS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Number of Students
130
Number of Graduates
24
Honor Students
Lucy DiMasi
Robert Valk
Ann Vecchione
Lucille Gingras
Francis Nedoroscik
Arline Mikolaycik
Certificates Awarded
Virginia Downs-D. A. R. Award
Albert Nelson-Washington and Franklin Award
Lucille Gingras-Becker Award
Lucy DiMasi-Readers Digest Award
Louise DeJordy-American Legion Auxiliary Award
Jean Rawson
Albert Nelson
Typewriting Awards
Lucille Gingras
Scholarships
Lucy DiMasi-V. F. W. Scholarship
Robert Valk-D. H. S. Alumni Scholarship
Number Attending College from Graduation Class
8
Program of Studies
Classical
Commercial
General
Number in Each Curriculum
Classical
45
General
40
Commercial
46
Number in Each Class
Seniors
32
Juniors
27
Sophomores
34
Freshmen
38
"O" Period Activities
High School
Junior High School
Dance Club
Dance Club
Dramatics
Dramatics
Handicraft
Handicraft
Sports
Driving
Music Appreciation
History Award for Grade 8 Marjorie Cave
90
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
January 10, 1951
Mr. Harry Hilyard Supt. of Schools Douglas, Mass.
My Dear Mr. Hilyard:
It is with pleasure that I submit my twelfth annual report as school nurse in Douglas.
I resumed my duties as school nurse in September after a leave of absence for a year granted to me in order that I might procure a full college year of study at Simmons College School of Nursing.
The State Dept. of Public Health now recommends that a spaced examination for school children be given, replacing the annual physical examination for every child in school. That recommendation was adopted this year with Dr. Spooner examining the first, second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth grades. In addition to the above mentioned all new students admitted to our schools and all pupils referred by parents and teachers with special physcial or emo- tional problems were examined. An invitation was extended to par- ents to be present at the time of examination stating the specific time that the pupil was to be examined, Dr. Spooner and I were pleased with the number of parents that accepted this invitation. In the center building 28% of the parents were present with the aver- age length of time spent on each pupil being 6.6 minutes. The Doug- las Center building averaged 34% of parents present with an average of ten minutes per pupil. The Junior and Senior High School build- ing had only 6% of parents present. In this building the average length of time spent on each pupil was 6.4 minutes per pupil. The students in this building were given ample time to talk over any physical or emotional problem with the physician. Many of them presented questions to both the nurse and the physician. The av- erage length of time spent on each pupil for the state as a whole is 3.7 minutes. Dr. Spooner and I are looking forward to a much higher percentage of parents attending the physical examinations in the future. The parents of children found to have major defects have been notified in writing and in many cases means of correction have been undertaken.
In September, Miss Justine Power, a dental hygienist from the State Dept. of Public Health made a dental survey of the entire school population, numbering 478 pupils. Following the dental ex-
91
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
amination a report was sent home to parents informing them of the necessity of dental care. After studying the result of the dental sur- vey made here, the following has been forwarded to me by the State Dept. of Public Health, Division of Dental Hygiene.
"The observations of the series of dental examinations obtained in Douglas have been roughly divided into two parts, namely, the observations of the prevalence of tooth decay in deciduous teeth and repair of same, and the prevalence of tooth decay in permanent teeth and its care by operative dental methods. The deciduous, or "baby" tooth, or primary tooth prevalence of tooth decay is approxi- mately the same as has been found in other Massachusetts com- munities during recent years. A vast disproportion exists between the average number of decayed teeth observed and the average num- ber of filled teeth observed, indicating that a great void exists as a result of a tremendous need for dental care of small children's teeth and the amount of operative dentistry done at this age level. This is, however, not an unusual condition, in fact, it is the customary one found in most Massachusetts communities.
The prevalence of tooth decay in permanent teeth is again similar to that found in other Massachusetts communities. The ob- servations on permanent tooth decay have been broken down into three parts observing the average number of decayed, missing (ex- tracted), and filled teeth per person. The average number of filled teeth per person is somewhat higher than is customarily demon- strated in most Massachusetts communities, and because of the tendency of the high court to be found in the upper age levels one would assume that in the recent past a rather active campaign has been conducted in Douglas to eliminate dental needs by an operative dental program. It can be said that roughly one half of the problem is being met in Douglas at the present time in the repair of perma- nent teeth which is a fair average by comparison with other com- munities, but of course falls far short of the actual community needs. Frequency distributions of the observations have been made for needed statistical experience in the hope that these observations in Douglas may serve as a control for future caries control measures in the South Central portion of the state.
It is recommended that because of the distribution of greatest demonstratable need in the lower age brackets that a search be made for methods of improving community health education and care programs to alleviate the present condition and to insure at least the present older dental status in future years. In view of recent developments in the field of flouridation of communal water supplies, local attention should be directed to these observations, and efforts made to determine if the flouridation of communal waters is a feasible procedure. If such is the case one might expect that the anticipated benefits of flouridation might well reduce the Doug-
92
ANNUAL REPORT
las problem in half and bring future needs within the community's present ability to meet its dental demands."
The survey revealed that 82.6% or 395 cases needed fillings for permanent teeth. This figure is based on 478 as a total number ex- amined. An intensive dental educational campaign is being formu- lated so that Douglas can meet more than half of its dental prob- lem. As a result of the notices sent to parents on dental defects found, 20% have returned slips with the dentist stating that all dental defects had been corrected. The elementary grades were the only ones to return the slips but I have talked with the Junior and Senior High students and find that considerable dental work has been done on all age levels. I believe the dental survey was very valuable both in helping to increase the amount of dentistry done and from an educational point of view.
The vision testing has not been completed. Follow up has been done on those cases found last year and had not been to an eye specialist. Parents have been invited to be present when the vision test is done on children who had failed the Massachusetts vision test for two consecutive years and no action taken on the part of the parent to correct the defect. Much of my time is spent in home visiting for the purpose of assisting in both physcial and emotional problems.
Two children are attending the speech theraupy clinic in Wor- cester. One child has attended the child guidance clinic. Appoint- ments for seven children with vision defect was made with an eye specialist. Three boys attended Sterling Health Camp for eight weeks during the summer. Seven children are registered with the State Crippled Children Clinic. Home Nursing is being taught once a week to twelve Senior High School girls. A School Health Council is in the process of formation to include the three school buildings. A tuberculin skin test for all school pupils is to be undertaken in the very near future. This program will be conducted by the South- ern Worcester County Health Association and the local Board of Health.
I completed thirty-six hours of study in Red Cross Home Nurs- ing conducted for authorized instructors. This course was held in Worcester at the Red Cross Chapter House.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you Mr. Hilyard, the school committee, Dr. Spooner, Miss Sweinber- ger, the members of the Child Health Committee, the parents, who assisted the dental hygienist and to all the parents and teachers for the assistance given to me.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. MABEL A. BROWN, R.N.
93
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mendon, Massachusetts
December 22, 1950
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Hilyard:
The following is my first annual report as Supervisor of Music in the Douglas Public Schools.
ELEMENTARY GRADES
Music taught in the first and second grades consists mainly of rote songs. The children are first told the story of the song by their teacher. The teacher then sings the complete song through for her respective class. The song is then taught in sections by the teacher with the students repeating through correct vocal imitation. When the phrases of the song have been mastered, the whole song is then learned as a unit.
INTERMEDIATE GRADES
Students of the third and fourth grades are taught to read music. A course in music fundamentals has been started commencing at the third grade and continuing throughout the twelfth grade. Third and fourth grade students are taught to sense the music phrasings, ex- pressions, tone colors and beauty of the songs with a keener sense of musical interpretation.
The students of the fifth and sixth grades have been doing splen- did work in two part singing. The fundamentals of music are brought more into their vocal creation which paves the way for correct pre- cision needed to make harmonic part singing successful
All grammar school children are allowed to bring in records to be played for music appreciation during their music periods after I have heard their songs. This creates musical enthusiasm with a keener sense to time, rhythm, pitch, ear training, and later on, sight reading. Cymbols and bells are played by the students to articulate their rhythmic pulsations. Songs in the various time patterns chosen for the seasons and holidays of the year create more enthusiasm with occasional musical games, drills and exercises.
94
ANNUAL REPORT
The first half, the Christmas performance in the town hall on of the Grammar School and the third, fourth and fifth grade students of the District School, was very rewarding to their teachers and I. This concert allowed the townspeople to witness these students ac- complishments under the teachers training and my supervision.
SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Rather than have the tonette band and orchestra continue as separate units, it was decided to concentrate solely on an efficient school band with students participating from the intermediate, junior high and high school grades. Therefore, Mr. Dodge has de- voted his efforts by giving private instruction to the instrumentalists on Fridays at the lower town hall, then combining the group in band ensemble selections that he and I have chosen.
After the band has received their instructions by Mr. Dodge, I have conducted them at rehearsals, trying to bring out the shadings, rhythmic patterns, and differentiating the tonal settings of waltzes, reveries, serenades, marches, preludes and postludes. Our school orchestra, consisting of seventeen members, has played at four mu- sical festivities this past year and added a great deal of teamwork spirit amongst the members and student body.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
During the months of September and October, all voices from the fourth through twelfth grades were tested individually. Thus each student was selected to sing the part within his comfortable vocal range. Great care was used in selecting the junior high boys voices that were unchanged, changing or changed in their adolescence.
Under the splendid training, coaching and hours of patient practise by their music instructor, Miss Dunleavy, she and I have developed a chorus of seventy-five voices. The songs we have selected were written for first soprano, second soprano and alto, so the boys could sing either alto, alto tenor, baritone or bass. Any student that has shown an aptitude and appreciation of music has been allowed to sing during music period. Only students with true pitch, an eager initiative to perfect their talents and sing three part music have been allowed in our glee club. All junior high students are given music fundamentals so they are prepared for future appreciation of any form of music.
HIGH SCHOOL
During my past year, I have been thrilled by the beautiful natural voices of the high school girls but have been rather disappointed by the "outcast" attitude towards music that the boys have shown.
95
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Therefore, I discovered from the voice tests, several fine male voices to match the girls voices. I selected music that appealed to them as a whole.
By means of the history of music course, the music fundamental course, group singing on Wednesday, individual class singing Friday, with separate instruction for girls and boys, I have developed a well balanced glee club for soprano, alto and bass consisting of one hun- dred members. Music has been chosen or rearranged for comfortable voice placement. The parts are written in comfortable vocal regis- ters allowing both bass and tenor to sing baritone, division of first and second altos and first and second sopranos as needed vocally in the musical composition.
RESUME
The April exposition concert, the graduation music, our fall concert of November eighth and our Christmas concert on December twenty-first, have given the students the opportunity of expressing themselves through music, either vocal or orchestral.
It has been a great feeling of satisfaction for me to see, hear and sense a constant growing of school spirit towards musical refine- ment as an art amongst these young people. I feel assured that this culture will continue onward and upward in our school system.
I wish to thank all the teachers and students for their under- standing help and cooperation to make my programs a success.
To you, Mr. Hilyard, I owe my sincere thanks! You have given me the courage, the freedom and the hope to make my first year as music supervisor a success.
Respectfully,
EDGAR L. WHITE JR., Supervisor of Music Douglas Public Schools
96
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF WRITING
December 18, 1950
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Hilyard:
I am pleased to submit the following report of the operation of the handwriting program in the Douglas schools for the school year of 1949-1950.
In the initial handwriting tests administered in November 1933, 2.9% of your elementary school pupils received a grade of "A" (Ex- cellent) ; 24.5% received a grade of "B" (Good); and 72.4% received a grade of less than "B". In the June tests administered in 1950, 74.7% of your elementary school pupils received a grade of "A"; 16.4% received a grade of "B"; and 8.9% were scored less than "B". In the November 1933 tests administered to your high school pupils, only 4% of the pupils scored "A"; 45% score "B", and 51% were graded less than "B". In the June 1950 tests 82.4% of the papers were satis- factory. Handwriting certificates were awarded to 83% of your ele- mentary school pupils and to 86% of your high school students.
During the last year we graded approximately 3500 formal and 10,500 samples of handwriting for the elementary school children and 1250 formal and 2500 informal handwriting samples for the high school pupils.
We furnished the following instructional materials: monthly teachers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certificates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates for eighth grade and high school pupils who qualified, monthly and term en- velopes, seals, etc.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our appreciation for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teach- ers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
Sincerely yours,
W. L. RINEHART
Director
97
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Uxbridge, Massachusetts, December 18, 1950
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Hilyard.
It is with pleasure that I submit my third annual report as Supervisor of Drawing in the Douglas Public Schools.
The National Art Education Association believes that Art Ex- periences are essential to the fullest development of all people, at all levels of growth, because they promote self-realization of the whole individual by integrating his imaginative, creative, intellec- tual, emotional and manual capacities. Art encourages freedom of expression and emphasizes emotional values. Each element of Art-drawing, painting, color, design and handwork is important. To know even a little of each will help to better understand the whole and to develop that "Appreciation' which is necessary in the life of every human being.
That Art can create a great deal of pleasure for both pupils and townspeople was made very apparent by the interest shown in our school exhibit last Spring. The success of the exhibit was most gratifying. The Circus Mural made by Grade I; The Health Panel by Grade II; the various Indian Studies from Grade III re- ceived many favorable comments. Grade IV presented original drawings illustrating their Geography; Grade V illustrated lessons from their Science and Grade VI showed original drawings illus- trating the various units from their History. Grades VII and VIII exhibited drawing showing transportation by land and sea. Grades 1, 11, 111, in Douglas Town made a Farm Scene while Grades IV, V, VI, took the thirteen Original Colonies for their special study and a drawing representing each colony was shown. Besides these spe- cial projects samples of all other art lessons throughout the year were displayed. The splendid cooperation of all who helped to make our exhibit a success was greatly appreciated.
In closing may I thank you, Mr. Hilyard, for your help at all times and thank my teachers for their part in making my teaching in the Douglas Schools such a pleasure.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARICE S. LUNT
98
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS
East Douglas, Mass. December 19, 1950
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard Superintendent of Schools
East Douglas, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Hilyard:
I herewith submit my nineteenth annual report of the pupils studying musical instruments in the Public Schools of Douglas.
There are five on Clarinet, six on Saxophones, ten on Trumpets, one on Trombone, one on Baritone, one on Accordion, five Flute Horns, three on Drums and one on Bass Drum.
We have twenty in the School Band and hope to see this num- ber doubled by next year.
I wish to thank you, the principals, teachers and the supervisor of music for the interest they have shown.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O. DODGE, Teacher of Wind and Percussion Instruments
99
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Douglas, Mass., January 12, 1951
Mr. Harry Y. Hilyard, Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Hilyard,
I am pleased to submit the following report as school nurse from January 1-June 16, 1950.
The physical examinations completed, notices were sent to the parents notifying them of the defects found. The end results of these notices were gratifying to me as school nurse.
Forty-two students failed the hearing test and at least 50% of these had been to Ear specialists before the end of the school year or were to go during the summer vacation.
Seventy-seven students failed the Vision test and 60% followed- thru with check-ups by Eye Specialists.
Home Nursing classes were continued with twelve senior high school students receiving Red Cross certificates in June. This group enjoyed an educational tour of Cushing Hospital in Framingham.
May I thank you, Mr. Hilyard, for your assistance and ever ready advice and express my appreciation for the cooperation I re- ceived from you, your principals and teachers at all times.
I would also like to thank Dr. Raymond H. Spooner and mem- bers of the Child Health Committee for their splendid cooperation. To the School Committee, thank you for the opportunity given me with this appointment to widen my field of experience.
Respectfully submitted,
WINIFRED J. JANTON, R.N.
100
ANNUAL REPORT
STATISTICAL STATEMENT
Valuation $2,560,496
Population, Federal Census of 1950 2,627
Number of persons in town between 5 and 16 years of
age, October 1, 1950 465
Number of persons between 5 and 7 years of age 81
Number of persons between 7 and 14 years of age 302
Number of persons between 14 and 16 years of age 82
Total enrollment in all public schools during school year ending June 1950 489
Average membership for school year
484
Average attendance for school year
462
Per Cent of attendance 95.14
Number of buildings in use 3
Number of teachers required by the public schools 18
Number of special teachers 4
Number of teachers graduated from College 12
Number of teachers graduated from Normal School 5
Number of weeks high school was in session 38
Number of weeks elementary school was in session 37
Number of pupils graduated from high school, 1950 24
Number of pupils graduated from Grade 8, 1950 43
COMPARISON OF DEPARTMENTAL EXPENDITURES 1935-1950 (Inclusive)
General
Government
Protection of
Persons and
Property
Health and Sanitation
Highways
Charities and
Soldiers' Benefits
Schools and
Recreation and
Unclassified
Enterprise and
Cemeteries
State and
County Tax
1935
$6,024.20
$9,445.94
$2,750.15
$35,202.18 $13,561.97 $38,706.88
$1,625.57
$6,133.91
$6,599.27
1936
7,630.41
6,249.46
1,085.22
35,962.08
17,873.54
39,645.95
2,829.89
4,635.10
9,124.97
1937
6,791.05
7,657.12
1,194.12 .
30,538.22
28,495.60
39,532.57
3,643.52
3,869.85
10,103.16
1938
6,565.15
7,473.57
1,022.18
36,027.25
41,061.43
39,110.86
5,167.25
3,809.77
12,358.30
1939
7,018.12
7,806.69
748.11
31,193.23
27,752.52
41,473.41
2,497.61
4,501.61
12,485.77
1940
8,659.08
8,433.26
761.54
32,420.94
26,456.58
41,003.21
4,664.72
4,300.96
11,622.57
1941
8,899.37
8,956.32
1,981.55
35,133.42
23,748.62
43,034.20
3,703.57
14,361.58
13,323.05
1942
8,465.48
11,013.66
1,910.09
27,674.00
24,584.04
44,607.85
2,529.25
6,721.83
12,199.23
1943
11,762.79
9,012.35
3,072.72
32,743.96
24,029.30
47,298.26
4,443.89
7,199.02
8,289.11
1944
9,689.35
10,860.05
3,247.55
30,511.60
24,914.40
46,024.11
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