USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Douglas > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Douglas, for the year ending 1951-1957 > Part 19
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The subject matter of the curriculum is similar to that of the public schools in other towns of the state. In the elementary schools the main effort is on reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic. The subjects of health, geography, safety, history, language, science, and the like are not neglected, rather they are subordinate to the fundamental subjects listed previously.
In the junior-senior high the modern school presents a rather complex curriculum. Here the influence of social activity is felt greatly. The learning experience of the pupil is not limited to the classroom, but to his activities throughout his daily experience, at school, and outside of school.
Our high school curriculum is limited. At present the school is serving best the pupils who are above average in ability and are pursuing the college preparatory and commercial courses. The subject matter of these courses can be taught with a minimum of equipment and our laboratory and typewriting rooms have adequate apparatus for these courses.
The pupils who study the subjects offered in the general course need a broader selection from which to choose. Courses in Indus- trial Arts and Home Economics are standard in all junior and senior high schools that are serving their purpose in the community. It seems to me that it is in this category, due primarily to lack of space, that Douglas High School does not provide the best selection of subject matter. If the recommendations of the Building Survey Committee are followed, this deficiency will be corrected within the near future. I have a strong feeling that adjustments must be made to meet the needs of Douglas High School youth.
8
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
In a preceding paragraph I stated that the influence of social activity has been felt greatly in the curriculum of the average pres- ent day school. Let me explain more fully. The average school has classes within a schedule of six hours daily. These hours have been maintained for many years, except for emergencies during the periods when our country was at war. However, so many ac- tivities have been added to the daily schedule of many pupils that the regular program has needed to be enlarged. Such organizations as dramatics, student government, athletic intra-mural and inter- scholastic, school magazine publications, orchestra and band, auto- mobile driver training, which we now have at Douglas High and money raising clubs are all a part of the school program in most schools. Student assemblies are planned on a once a week sched- ule and are presented by the pupils, as well as community and pro- fessional performers. Yes, it is a full life that the average high school pupil lives. It has developed so that many of our youth spend 8 or 9 hours at school trying to accomplish many of the duties and privileges that are offered to them. At Douglas High there is a special period of 35 minutes daily devoted to some of these activi- ties. But lack of space eliminates any physical education and in- door athletic program and seriously hampers the music and dra- matics program. The result is that most of our high school pupils leave the school building at 2:45 P.M. and seek their activity else- where. It would seem to me that if we had a gym-auditorium addi- tion to our building there would be a tremendous lift in the educa- tional morale of our young people. Many more boys and girls would have more opportunities to participate in our school program. They would represent Douglas High School in competition with other schools and this challenge to the pupils would spur them to greater achievements. In their thinking "they would really have something to go to school for," and their attitude toward school would improve, resulting in a School Spirit that works for unity in all situations. They would do their best for their school which rep- resents their town, Douglas. " This is the way with youth-they go "all out" for what they think is the best in life.
Now you, as committee members, and I, as superintendent of schools, are entrusted with the educational leadership of the youth of Douglas. This duty associates us in the most important posi- tion in the town, namely, working with the children of our com- munity. I believe that we should provide them with the best in- struction, finest equipment, and most suitable learning environ- ment that can reasonably be expected for a community the size of Douglas. I assure you of my cooperation at all times in this most important responsibility.
9
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
For your consideration the following financial figures are pre- sented. These figures are taken from the 1953 report by the Mass. Dept. of Education concerning towns under 5000 in population that maintain high schools.
State Average
Douglas
Other towns under 5,000 $150.82
Expended from local tax per pupil
$199.82
$144.98
Expended from all tax sources per pupil
$239.07
$199.88
$214.21
Thus it appears that the Douglas Schools have been operated at a cost far below that spent by many towns of comparable size.
During this year the P.T.A., the Alumni Association, the Mothers Club, and other groups have given their strong support to our school system. For this assistance I express my humble thanks with the sincere wish that through this spirit of cooperation our schools will be enabled to perform more efficiently their purpose in this com- munity.
Respectfully submitted,
A. C. WETHERELL Superintendent of Schools
Age-Grade Table BOYS-OCTOBER 1, 1953
Age
5
6
7
8 9 10 11 12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 21
Total
Grade
1
4 25
3
1
.
32
2
. .
3
24
5
. .
. .
20
3
.
2
11
5
2
. .
. .
. .
. .
28
4
. .
. .
.
.
8
21
6
2
1
6
. .
2
10
3
8
6
7
2
. .
2
1
.
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
3
7
1
1
.
·
·
.
11
·
2
7
1
12
Total
4
28 29
21
29
34
26
25
22
20
18
12
12
1
281
·
21
3
1
1
·
.
.
.
.
. .
7
.
. .
. .
. .
25
9
. .
10
. .
6
7
3
.
.
. .
. .
.
. .
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
10
.
. .
4
21
3
. .
. 29
5
38
15
8
. .
10
9
3
.
.
.
. .
3
23
12
16
10
33
Age-Grade Table GIRLS-OCTOBER 1, 1953
Age
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19 20
21
Total
Grade
1
3
18
.
.
.
21
2
. .
2
20
1
1
24
3
. .
..
5
16
1
·
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
4
. .
. .
. .
3
16
3
. .
·
. .
·
. .
·
.
. .
3
11
2
1
17
6
. .
.
. .
.
. .
1
11
1
2
1
16
7
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
8
. .
.
. .
. .
. .
. .
8
4
1
. .
. .
.
.
. .
. .
. .
..
. .
·
. .
17
11
7
9
1
17
12
10
11
3
24
Total
3
20
25
20
21
15
23
20
11
13
17
21
12
3
.
·
22
5
. .
·
.
. .
13
9
11
10
5
10
2
. .
. .
. .
.
.
..
. .
. .
.
.
. .
10
10
20
5
6
. .
11
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
224
.
22
12
Attendance for the School Year Ending June 1953
SCHOOL
TEACHERS
No. of Pupils
5-7 Years
7-14 Years
14-16 Years
Over 16 Yrs.
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
Number of
Tardiness
Number of
Dismissals
High
Seniors
§ Norman Duprey
25
12
25 23
24.41 34.02 35.10
23.02 31.98
94.25 93.99
58
. .
Juniors
( Matthew H. Towle
36
32
4
32.76
93.31
91
54
Sophomores
Lawrence J. Meehan
Helen E. Foster
33
8
24
1 31.00
30.55
91.31
36
Freshmen
Elsa P. Hayes
25
19
6
25.49
24.59
96.48
6
37
Grade 8
Elinor Dunleavy
23
22
1
22.89
22.09
96.51
5
36
Grade 7
Roberta Wagner
24
24
21.25
20.36
95.80
4
16
Grades 7 & 8
Edith D. Marsh
33
32
1
32.09
30.51
95.08
27
33
Elementary 6
Vito J. Selvaggio
29
29
.
26.38
24.83
94.13
48
30
Elementary 5 & 6 Elementary 5
Alice M. Libby
34
34
33.43
31.61
94.56
10
41
Elementary 4
Alice Samborski
38
38
35.94
34.44
95.82
32
49
Elementary 3
§ Theresa Kachan
Edith H. McTeer
32
32
30.34
28.69
94.53
10
13
Elementary 2 & 3
Mae E. Dermody
26
15
11
25.42
23.31
91.68
28
3
Elementary 1 & 2
§ Mollie H. Kelly
34
31
3
29.26
27.04
92.43
18
7
Florence L. Seagrave
31
15
16
30.38
28.59
94.10
7
10
Thelma Tucker
Douglas Center 1 & 2
Douglas Center 3 & 4
Edith L. Dixson
26
26
25.98
25.16
96.83
4
4
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
33
8
28
2
26
26.26
24.78
94.34
Edith Hill
Elementary 1
Ralph E Dudley
128
Jean M. Kelliher
35
List of Teachers, January, 1954
NAME
SCHOOL
HOME ADDRESS
GRADUATE OF
WHEN APPOINTED IN TOWN
Ralph E. Dudley
High
Douglas
Worc. Polytechnic Inst., B. U., Harvard, M.I.T.
1940
Norman Duprey
High
No. Grafton, Mass. Clinton, Mass.
Boston University Clark University
1948
Joyce Freitag
High
1953
Matthew H. Towle
High
East Douglas
Boston College
1952
Lawrence J. Meehan
High
Worcester, Mass.
Holy Cross & Clark
1952
Jean M. Kelliher
High
Springfield, Mass.
Regis & Springfield Coll.
1952
Elsa P. Hayes
Grade
8
Uxbridge, Mass.
Salem S. T. C.
1946
Elinor Dunleavy
Grade
7
East Douglas
Boston University
1932
Roberta Wagner
Grade
7 & 8
Douglas
E. Naz. College & B. U.
1944
Edith Marsh
Elementary
6
Dudley, Mass.
Worcester Normal
1942
Alice M. Libby
Elementary
5
1950
Florence Seagrave
Elementary
5 &
6
1953
Alice Samborski
Elementary
4
Whitinsville, Mass.
Bridgewater Normal
1953
Edith Hill
Elementary 2 & 3
No. Grafton, Mass.
Worcester S. T. C.
1949
Mae Dermody
Elementary
1 & 2
Worcester Normal
1944
Robert Watson
Elementary
1
Braintree, Mass.
University of Mass.
1953
Edith Dixson Thelma Tucker
Douglas Cen. 3 & 4
Douglas
Worcester Normal Lowell S. T. C.
1948
Charles W. McCabe
Music Supervisor
East Douglas
B. U. College of Music
1951
Clarice Lunt
Art Supervisor
TJxbridge, Mass.
Mass. School of Art
1948
Frank O. Dodge
Band Instructor
Fast, Douglas
1931
W. L. Rinehart
Writing Supervisor
Weston, Mass.
Univ. of Pittsburgh
1933
13
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
Whitinsville, Mass. Woonsocket, R. I. East Douglas
Gorham Normal, Maine R. I. Coll. of Education Tufts College
1939
Edith McTeer
Elementary
3
East Douglas
1942
Douglas Cen. 1 & 2
Douglas
14
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
STATISTICAL REPORT OF THE DOUGLAS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Number of Students 130
Number of Graduates
24
Honor Students:
Barbara Ann Carpenter
Claire Ann Gagne
Joan Lydia Guertin Bruce Wells Hilyard
Norma Victoria Jabrocki
Roger Francis Prince
Constance Ann Rawson
Kay Schuster
Certificate Awards:
D. A. R. Award-Kay Schuster
Becker Award-Joan Guertin
Reader's Digest Award-Norma Jabrocki
American Legion Auxiliary Award-Nancy Vecchione
American Legion Award-Michael Cupka Science Award-Roger Prince
Scholarships:
D. H. S. Alumni Scholarship-Roger Prince
N. R. O. T. C .- Bruce Hilyard
Number Attending College from Graduating Class
10
Program of Studies:
55
Classical
29
Commercial
General 46
Number in Each Class:
35
Seniors
32
Juniors
29
Sophomores
34
Freshmen
D A. R. History Award for Grade 8-Ralph Aldrich
15
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Douglas, Mass. January 19, 1954
Mr. Alliston C. Wetherell Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Mass.
Dear Mr. Wetherell:
The following is my fifteenth annual report as School Nurse in the Town of Douglas.
An effective health program must start at the beginning of life and continue through its duration, thus school health is not a sep- arate entity, but is a part of a complete public health program.
The State Department of Public Health recommends a gen- eralized nursing service, with the school health services co-ordinated with the other health services of the community. The foregoing recommendation is adhered to in Douglas.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
The school health program endeavors to encourage the perform- ance of the health appraisal by the family's own physician when- ever possible. The results of the family physician's examination is recorded on health record forms, supplied by the State Department of Public Health through the schools. A copy of this record containing the results of the examination and the physician's recommendations are returned to the school.
The services of the school physician as near as possible are co- ordinated in the total school health program and assists in the formulation of the health education program.
An annual physical examination in school is not recommended. Students to be examined by the school physician are selected on the following :
1. All students in every other grade.
2. Children referred because of frequent absences due to unexplained illnesses.
3. Children referred because of known physical defects that require repeated appraisal.
16
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
4. Children referred from teacher-nurse conferences because the child is not making expected progress in school or because of signs of illness noted by the teacher or nurse.
5. New students entering our school system.
Provision is made for any child who wishes to meet with the school physician in conference.
In the elementary grades 71 parents or over 35% of the parents were present at the physical examinations. The average length of time spent on each examination was approximately fifteen minutes. This varied according to the time needed for each individual ex- amined. This does not include the first grade as all entering school children are examined by Dr. Spooner at the Well Child Conference. The report of the Well Child Conference may be found in my report to the Board of Health.
Dr. Spooner's health appraisal of the children does not include physical defects alone. Conference time is used with the parent, teacher, nurse, and physician discussing emotional problems and advising the parents to seek consultation from guidance clinics, phychosomatic clinics, and psychiatrists. This is considered pre- ventative work in the field of mental health.
The results of the physical examinations are sent to the parents. The nurse is responsible for assisting parents in the correction of defects by making home visits. The content of the home visit in- cludes guiding parents, first to their own family physician or in medical indigent cases, to clinics for evaluation and treatment.
The physical defects found are becoming much less in number, with the exception of dental caries, which is the major defect found in Douglas, as in other communities in the Commonwealth.
In March Miss Justine Power, a dental hygienist from the State Department of Public Health, examined the teeth of all the students. The results of the dental examination and a recommendation to visit the family dentist was made available to the parents. It is not pos- sible to evaluate this project completely as many children did go to a dentist and had considerable dentistry done. To determine how many had their work completed is not known to date. From the number of slips returned, signed by dentists, about 50% of the stu- dents are under treatment. The services of the dental hygienist is procured through the State Department of Public Health without any cost to the town.
17
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
VISION TESTING
The Massachusetts Vision Test is used in testing the vision of the students every other year. The new school health law does not recommend an annual vision test. Seventy-three referrals were made. Of this number 53 or 72.6% have been to eye specialists or optometrists.
HEARING TESTING
The "Pure Tone" audiometer, lent to us by the State Department of Public Health, was used in testing the hearing of pupils. There were 200 students tested, 16 failed, and were referred to an otologist. Six children or 46.1% had marked hearing loss and are receiving treatment from an otologist. Two of the six children referred have a large degree of hearing loss and are receiving special treatment and consideration.
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
There are 44 physically handicapped children registered with the State Department of Education and Public Health. Special con- sideration is given to these children. Many are attending the State Crippled Children Clinic in Worcester.
The state physiotherapist and the local nurse follow through on the recommendation of the clinic. One cerebral palsy case with marked vision defect has been admitted to Lakeville Sanatorium for special treatment. One child with an orthopedic defect is pending admission to Lakeville for further treatment. At Lakeville the chil- dren attend school while receiving treatment.
One child with a large degree of hearing loss is attending lip reading classes conducted by the League of Hard of Hearing in Worcester. Eight children are listed as rheumatic fever cases. Pen- icillin is prescribed by all of the physicians treating these rheumatic fever patients. The American Heart Association has been co-oper- ating by making penicillin available at a very moderate price.
Many hours are spent by the nurse in making home visits, mak- ing appointments for clinics, and arranging for transportation for these handicapped children. The prognosis for most of this handi- capped group is good.
HOME NURSING
Twelve high school girls received Red Cross certificates in home nursing. Health education is correlated with home nursing. This course is taught once a week and carries one credit. Field trips were taken to the Veterans' Hospital at Rutland and the Field Train- ing Center, and to a pasteurization plant. The students rotate in assisting me at Well Child Conferences, Immunization Clinics, and Blood Banks. The local Red Cross finances the home nursing program.
18
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Special forms have been issued to parents regarding the re- sponsbility of the school and the responsibility of the parents in case of an illness or an accident of a child at school. For the past two years the parents of all entering school children have signed the above mentioned forms designating where and how either a par- ent, guardian or friend may be reached in case of an emergency.
There were very few accidents among the school students this past year. The number in the grammar school building decreased con- siderably. For the accident that happens the principals in the school buildings have "standing orders" to guide them. Education in first aid will tend to limit the severity of the injury.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Instruction in health is part of the total curriculum in school. The role of the nurse is to act as a consultant and an advisor to the teacher. Health education material is supplied to the teacher through the medium of health films, posters, pamphlets, and books.
The nurse addressed the high school students on "Career Day" on Nursing and arranged for speakers for the Junior and Senior High school students.
The full report on communicable disease, and diphtheria im- munization may be found in my report to the Board of Health.
Important health meetings and institutes were attended during the year. For professional improvement, I attended a series of fifteen lectures sponsored by the State Department of Public Health.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you, Mr. Wetherell, Mr. Hilyard, the school committee, the State Department of Public Health, Dr. Spooner, Miss Jean Kelliher, Mr. Norman Duprey of the commercial department of the high school, and to all the parents and teachers for their assistance in the promotion of better health for our school children.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL A. BROWN
(Mrs.) Mabel A. Brown, R.N.
19
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Main Street, East Douglas, Mass. January 4, 1954
Mr. Alliston C. Wetherell Superintendent of Schools East Douglas, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wetherell:
This is my third annual report as Supervisor of Music for the public schools of East Douglas.
In terms of academic progress, the Providence Inventory Music Test was given to grades 4, 6, and 8 in April of 1953. The results were exceptionally good, and the tests were placed on file for future reference.
In all elementary grades an acceptable standard has been main- tained and a few grades have done excellent work in music. On De- cember 11th, "A Christmas Carol Pageant" was presented at the Town Hall, demonstrating the ability of a dozen teachers and three hundred and fifty children to work together as a unit.
The Junior High School continues to have one period devoted to general music for each grade and one period to Glee Club. An oper- etta,"Tom Sawyer", was presented last spring for the purpose of stimulating interest in musical activity and to develop a more co- operative attitude on the part of the students. It is hoped the Glee Club will paricipate in a coming spring program.
The Senior High School music has been divided into two cate- gories, a General Chorus and a Glee Club. Both are elective and the Glee Club is also selective, maintaining a higher standard. This plan had been under consideration several months and in September of 1953, definite steps were taken toward the establishment of two elective groups, culminating in December of 1953. It is hoped that this action will serve to create a greater pride in belonging to a musical organization.
20
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
The band had what may be termed a successful beginning this fall. Very little in actual learning progress was shown at the end of the '52-'53 school year in June. Mr. Dodge is anxious to develop a band worthy of public attention. Toward this end he is competent and industrious. However, in the matter of instrumental study, the instructor cannot be considered in any way responsible for outside practice. This is strictly a parental responsibility. It is extremely discouraging to Mr. Dodge and myself to have students come for lessons and rehearsals obviously unprepared.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES W. McCABE, Supervisor of Music
21
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ART
14 Hazel Street Uxbridge, Mass. January 2, 1954
Mr. Alliston C. Wetherell
Superintendent of Schools, Douglas, Mass.
My dear Mr. Wetherell,
It is with pleasure that I submit my sixth annual report as Su- pervisor of Drawing in the Public Schools of Douglas.
Everywhere we find new schools being constructed, modern and beautiful, designed to create happy and cheerful places for children to work. Older schools, our own included, are being redecorated in pastel colors: drab, dark walls and corridors are gone. The modern classroom has become a workshop where children are privileged to experience many and varied activities and express themselves cre- atively.
People live for possession, pleasure and power and one great source of pleasure is found in craftsmanship. Thus we strive to teach our children to recognize form and beauty; to discriminate between order and disorder; to develop memory and imagination, to appreciate color and design and to use drawing freely as a language. We encourage the active participation of all pupils to share in art activities regardless of talent or ability. We encourage integration with various subjects so that art experiences may become a part of every class room activity.
Children have interest and curiosity and the desire to explore new and different things. They have courage and willingness to try new materials and methods. They have faith and confidence in their own ideas and abilities and enthusiasm for what they are doing. They love to create and our drawing classes furnish that opportunity they desire.
In closing may I express the hope that the good work of the children and pleasant associations with all with whom I work may continue.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARICE S. LUNT
22
ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF WRITING
December 17, 1953
Mr. Alliston C. Wetherell Superintendent of Schools East Douglas, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Wetherell:
I am pleased to submit the following report of the operation of the handwriting program in the Douglas Schools for the school year of 1952-1953.
In the initial handwriting tests administered in November 1933, 2.9% of your pupils received a grade of "A" (Excellent) ; 24.5% re- ceived a grade of "B" (Good); and 72.4% were graded less than "B." In the tests administered in June 1953, 88.7% of your pupils received a grade of "A"; 10.3% received a score of "B"; and 1% scored less than "B." Handwriting certificates were awarded to 68% of your graduates.
During the last year we graded approximately 3000 formal and 9000 informal samples of handwriting for your pupils. A formal test was administered monthly and a report was furnished each teacher giving a careful diagnosis of the handwriting of each pupil in the room.
We furnished the following instructional materials: monthly teachers' outlines, pupil folder outlines, room motivation certifi- cates, handedness tests, individual handwriting certificates for pupils who qualified, monthly and term envelopes, seals, etc.
My supervisors join with me in expressing our appreciation for the splendid cooperation we have received from you and your teachers at all times. We are very pleased with the results obtained in your schools.
Respectfully submitted,
W. L. RINEHART, Director
23
TOWN OF DOUGLAS
REPORT OF TEACHER OF BRASS AND WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS
East Douglas, Mass. December 31, 1953
Mr. Alliston Wetherell Superintendent of Schools Douglas, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Wetherell:
I herewith submit my twenty-second annual report of the pupils studying musical instruments in the Public Schools of Douglas.
There are twelve on trumpets, five on clarinets, four on saxo- phones, one on bass, three on drums and one on cymbals.
Mr. McCabe has started a school band. It is doing very well. They have weekly rehearsals. We hope by next June to have them play for graduation.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK O. DODGE, Teacher of Wind and Percussion Instruments
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