USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1912-1913 > Part 15
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Considerable attention is now given to the children's teeth by our efficient school physicians, but with the new law compelling medical inspection and certification of all prospec- tive minor employes in shops or factories, a vast amount of new work was thrust upon the school physicians without any corresponding increase in compensation. To offset this and provide for adequate dental inspection there should be ap- pointed dental inspectors, and then, in order that the children might benefit from such inspection, there should be some pro- vision for treatment of the more indigent cases,-free or at a reduced rate. This is being done successfully in a number of Massachusetts cities and towns. The ideal solution would seem to be an arrangement with the Milford hospital, where- by the cases could be sent there for treatment.
Following the excellent suggestions in the school physi- cians' report, similar provision should be made for treatment of other defects found by the doctors, to the end that the town derive full benefit from the money expended for inspection, and, what is of infinitely more consequence, that the defective children be liberated and restored to normality.
SPECIAL TEACHER OF BACKWARD PUPILS.
One inevitable result of the overcrowded condition re- ferred to elsewhere has been considerable numbers of children in the grades, who were behind the grade. During the fall term of the present school year we were able, owing to a re- arrangement of grades at the Plains, to release a teacher, and Miss Irene C. Hogan was assigned to work with the back- ward pupils in three buildings. Miss Hogan began this work October 11, 1912, working in the first four grades at the Spruce street, Claflin and Oliver street buildings. Already, as a result of this work, 19 pupils have made grade in the back- ward subject. Miss Hogan's report follows :-
MR. A. O CASWELL, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
DEAR SIR :---
The special work is carried on by me at the Spruce street,
23
Oliver street, and Claflin schools, on an average of about two and a half days a week at each building.
I began the work on October 11, 1912, with pupils from the first to the fourth grades inclusive. The groups of chil- dren varied from six to fifteen.
From time to time as one pupil was brought up to the standard of his class, he was returned to the class room. Another child who was backward then took his place.
The work is beneficial to many in a great degree. It gives to the backward child the time and attention which the ordi- nary teacher cannot give on account of the large number of pupils, and the many subjects to be taught in a limited time. I found many cases where the child seemed to take more in- terest in his work on account of this extra drill.
In many instances a child is kept out of school for a peri- od of several weeks sometimes, on account of the many conta- gious diseases common to childhood. Of course, when he re- turns to school his class has gone beyond him. In such cases I find that my work is very beneficial and much needed in the lower grades.
At present I am working with eighty three pupils from the various rooms for half hour periods.
IRENE C. HOGAN.
Respectfully submitted, DRAWING.
The excellent work of this department speaks for itself in a number of illustrations presented with this report.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
DEAR SIR :-
Music in the public schools is a very serious and ne- cessary factor in the development of the child, mentally, phy- sically, and emotionally, and is as important in building the character as any subject in the school course. Love and ap-
24
preciation of the beautiful things of life are developed more strongly by this potent element.
The four essentials of the subject are first, conceptions of good music; second, voice training; third, sight singing, and last, musical interpretation. In the course used in our schools, all four essentials are carried on simultaneously through each of the eight years of school. In this way results are more readily obtained and are more satisfactory.
Not much attention has been paid to written music here- tofore, but I find that an occasional written lesson helps to fix more firmly certain fundamentals, such as the placing of sig- natures.
The work of the past year has been very successful and good results have been obtained in all the grades. Much credit is due the teachers for their zeal and co-operation. In times past quantity of tone seemed to be the goal toward which all classes struggled. Today it is changed. Quality of tone is the aim of the pupil, and it is remarkable to note the difference in the singing of a class which is able to distinguish between good and poor quality of tone, from a class which is not.
In the high school choral work is attempted. Results are not as satisfactory as I wish to have them, due to the fact that music is not elective. To me, the subject is fully as impor- tant as the subject of drawing and should be put on the same basis, namely, be made elective and have due credit given. At present it is a compulsory subject, an l on account of the fact that many of the students are not interested, satisfactory results are not obtained.
Last year a Glee Club of about 40 members was organ- ized, which gave a concert in the assembly hall on the even- ing of April 26. It had the able assistance of Mr. Joseph T. Hunter, baritone, Mrs. Harry D. Whitney, violinist, and Miss Annie B. Stowe, accompanist. The concert was a highly suc- cessful affair from a musical as well as a financial standpoint, over which the Glee Club had every reason to feelelated. Fol- lowing is the program :-
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1. (a) Madeleine
. Roeckel
(b) The Rose of Allendale . Scotch Air
Glee Club.
2. (a) Humoreske Dvorak
(b) Berceuse Godard
Mrs. Whitney.
3. Sweet May Baruby
Girls' Chorus.
4. Invictus Huhn
Mr. Hunter.
5. The Pigtail Bullard
Glee Club.
6. I Hear You Calling Me Marshall
Miss McNamara.
7. Mazur . Nelynavski
Mrs. Whitney.
8. The Pretty Creature Wilson
Mr. Hunter.
9. Dixie Emmett
Glee Club.
Orchestra. Sidney
This year has seen a re-organization of the club, with many new members who have excellent voices and musical talent. A concert is being planned to take place after Lent, for which we are preparing "The Village Blacksmith" and other shorter selections. With the assistance of outside talent we plan to make the affair most successful.
Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH MCNAMARA, Supervisor of Music.
REPORT OF HOUSEHOLD ARTS.
We are fortunate in being able to continue the services of the Household arts department of the State Normal School at Framingham, in teaching sewing and cooking in the
10. The High School Girl
26
schools. The work has been extended this year, and there has been great enjoyment of the work, a fine interest and good progress on the part of the girls taking this work. The report of Miss Nicholass follows.
MR. A. O. CASWELL, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :-
The following report is respectfully submitted in relation to the schools of Cookery and Sewing for the school year 1912-1913 :-
The grades taught in cookery are the eighth grades and the freshman class of the High School. The number of girls attending the grade classes in Household Arts is 57. Forty- two of these students are in the eighth grades and fifteen in the freshman class of the high school.
The work in sewing is given the grades fifth, sixth and seventh , the number of pupils taking these courses, as grades, is three hundred seventy-three.
The general plan of work in each subject is to train in the fundamentals of the same and then by a series of projects to give a sequence of steps and work adapted to the age of the pupils, both as projects and related steps. The pupils are at- tentive and interested. They co-operate well with their teachers and show disposition to learn these essential and use- ful arts.
These classes, under supervision are carried forward by pupil teachers of the Household Arts Dept., Framingham Normal School. The number of teachers in cookery is four, with assistants. The number in sewing is twelve. The sewing is under the supervision of Miss M. Jane New- comb.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISA A. NICHOLASS,
Director Household Arts, State Normal School,
Framingham, Mass.
January 16, 1913.
27
STAMP SAVINGS REPORT.
There has been a lively interest in this important branch of our work during the past year. The work has been ably carried on by the Quinshipaug Woman's Club, and your at- tention is called to their report, which follows.
FEBRUARY 1, 1912-JANUARY 11, 1913. RECEIPTS.
To balance on hand February 1, 1912
$316 71
To schools for sale of stamps :---
Claflin, 6 rooms - $307 68
Chapin Street, 2 rooms ·
·
31 96
Oliver Street, 2 rooms ·
63 79
Plains, 8 rooms
328 96
High school, Seventh grade .
49 13
Stamps Savings office
68 01
849 53
To children for Savings Bank
62
Children for stamp cards
.
07
Interest on money in Savings Bank
10 54
Social Service Dept., Quinshipaug Woman's club ·
10 00
Sundries
93
Total
$1,188 40
EXPENDITURES.
By redeeming stamp cards
$820 69
Supplies
.
·
17 63
Sundries
.
·
2 11
8-40 43
Balance on hand January 11, 1913 $347 97
Forty (40) children, of whom eighteen (18) never had Savings Bank books, have deposited in Savings bank $110.80. Stamp Savings started in Milford schools February 1, 1901.
February 1, 1901 to January 11, 1913.
Received from children $7,465 10
·
28
Paid back to children $7,170 88
Deposited in Savings Bank on children's accounts $1686 64
JOSEPHINE THAYER,
Treasurer.
EXTRA RECEIPTS.
We acknowledge with pleasure a gift of twenty dollars from the Quinshipaug Woman's Club a year ago, received too late for mention in last year's report, and a further gift of twenty-five dollars from the same source, just received.
TRUANT OFFICER'S REPORT.
MR. A. O. CASWELL, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS :- January 15, 1912, to January 13, 1913.
As truant officer I submit to you the following report :- Number of cases reported by teachers and superintendent 74
Number of cases found to be truancy ·
32
Number of cases found to be sickness ·
17
Number of cases found to be due to lack of proper cloth- ing and shoes · 12
Number of cases found to be due to careless parents 28 .
Truants returned from street · 20
Visits to schools ·
· 40
I found two boys employed in a factory without proper certificates and returned them to school.
Number of cases found to be excused . 3
I found five children picking cranberries and returned the absentees to school.
Respectfully submitted,
RAPHAEL MARINO, Truant Officer.
ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE YEAR.
High School :- Curriculum enlarged and improved. Two teachers added to the faculty. Five new typewriters, with tables, added to the commercial department equipment. Four new text-books adopted. Boilers repaired to meet the require-
29
ment of the state inspector, and the primary heating coil re< built.
Grades :- The course of study revised and arranged for eight grades, and new outlines made for the teachers. Two teachers added. A teacher assigned for backward pupils. Six new textbooks adopted and four former adoptions com- pleted. The Park school connected with the sewer system, first-class modern sanitary conveniences added, and an auxil. iary steam heating plant installed, capable of heating the basement and two or more rooms upstairs. New pressed steel seats and desks installed in one room at the Chapin Street school. Town water installed at the North Purchase schools, with sanitary drinking fountains. Trees cared for at the Claflin school.
The ordinary repairs.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Last year I advocated :-
1. A definite construction program, to include : A twelve-room building, additional room at the High school, and the remodeling and enlarging of the plant at the Plains.
I now urge the first step in this program,-the erection of a twelve-room building, up-town, capable of future enlarge- ments, at a minimum added cost.
2. Manual training for the boys.
I earnestly hope that room and facilities for manual training will be included in any new construction.
3. Dental inspection in the schools.
This I regard as of even greater importance than medical inspection, and I urge upon your committee its great advant- ages, directly and indirectly, to the children in our schools.
4. A six-year age limit.
In the present crowded conditions in the first grades, where it is so nearly out of the question for teachers to give children individual attention, I cannot urge too strongly the desirability of making six years in September the age limit,
30
and insisting that children enter during the first week of school or not at all (sickness excepted).
I further recommend that the work with the backward children be provided for in all future budgets.
In conclusion, I desire to express to your committee my deep sense of appreciation of our pleasant relations during the year, and to thank the corps of teachers for their unfailing helpfulness during a period of transition and of crowded con- ditions more than usually trying.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
ALMORIN O. CASWELL,
Superintendent of Schools.
Milford, Massachusetts, January 24, 1913.
REPORT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL.
Milford High School, Milford, Mass., January 24, 1913.
MR. ALMORIN ORTON CASWELL, Superintendent of Schools, Milford, Mass.
DEAR SIR :-
In presenting herewith the annual report of the Milford High School, it is a pleasure to record at the outset the gener- ous provision of the Committee in adding long-needed rein- forcements to our teaching staff. Not counting the super- visors of music, drawing, and the practical arts, our faculty now numbers nine. During the summer of 1912, Mr. Christo- pher A. FitzGerald, Harvard, '09, was elected sub-master and teacher of physics and mathematics. To the departments of English and history came Miss Margaret K. Sullivan, Smith, '12, who, however, being soon obliged through ill health to relinquish that position, was replaced by Miss Alice G. Whitte- more, Wellesley, '12.
With our increased requirements in several prescribed subjects and the extension of other courses as noted below, our needs this year have created fifty-three classes per week more than in 1911-12 ; so that despite this year's apparent advan- tage in numbers, our faculty has not grown so fast as the work now actually accomplished in the school.
Our highest student-enrollment this term has been 226. These figures, though slightly less than last year, really repre- sent a substantial and gratifying growth. In 1911, owing to the merger of the eighth and ninth grades, the entering class was extraordinarily large. Today, with a normal system of promotion prevailing, sixty-one pupils are registered as Fresh- men, and there is every prospect for a constant widening of the school's sphere of service to the community.
In the programme of studies, several progressive reforms have been effected. To lift our standards into conformity
32
with the best High Schools of the day, and to raise our require- ments to the amount defined as a normal high school course . by such expert authorities as the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Learning, 18 credits a year, instead of 16, are now required for promotion from class to class. One credit represents one hour per week of prepared class- work continued throughout the year. The total require- ment for a diploma at graduation has been increased from 62 credits to 72. The hours for English literature and composi- tion, unquestionably the most important course in the school, have been increased from three to five per week. History has been raised from a two to a three-hour course. Two hours a week for laboratory work have been added to both physics and chemistry. In German, a third year class has been es- tablished, thus putting that language on an equal footing with French. A second year in advanced bookkeeping was offered for the first time in the commercial department; during the second semester, it is proposed to introduce a course in com- mercial correspondence, to train pupils in that rare accom- plishment, the composition of a business letter at once clear' correct and concise. The typewriting department, which is rapidly expanding, has been removed from its cramped quart- ers on the second floor to the more commodious room formerly occupied by the Superintendent.
For the supervison of typewriting our old schedules alot- ted the teacher no time during school hours; to this end. she now has seven hours a week, and the Superintendent has gen- erously devoted one hour of his time every day to supply this imperative need. Another successful departure has been the employment of pupils in the offices of the Superintendent and the Principal to condnet at first-hand the current stenographic and clerical work. In music, both interest and profit could be deeply enhanced by making the course elective and restricting it somewhat to such pupils as display special talent or am- bition in the art. The school stereopticon apparatus, long in disuse, has been refitted and put into commission during the past month. It is a most useful adjunct in every field of school work; thus history and literature live again in graphic
HIGH CEHOCKER GRAMMAR: GHADy
Milford Public Schools-Drawing-High School and Grammar Grades ..
33
illustration, and visual reality is restored to many a dry, un- meaning fact. At the assemblies of the whole school, hither- to confined exclusively to rhetoricals and elocution, the princi- pal has given a weekly address this year on topics of voca- tional guidance, designed to awaken in the student-mind a more definite purpose in life, to illustrate the seriousness of school-work, to point out the tragic imprudence of the hap- hazard election of courses, to interpret the programme of studies in its bearing on professional and industrial careers, and especially to kindle the ambition of the more industrious and aspiring, to show forth the ways and means whereby a purposeful character, even under the disheartening handicap of poverty, can work its way through college to success in the more learned walks of life. This endeavor has already yielded consoling results.
The class of 1912 was the largest in the annals of the school. Of its 41 graduates, 16 have already taken their places in the world's work; 25 members are pursuing higher studies in the following institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, 3; Boston University, Holy Cross, Boston Univer- sity Law School, Tufts Dental, Wellesley, Mt. Holyoke, Wor- cester Polytechnic, Amherst Agricultural, New England Con- servatory of Music, Norwich University, Wentworth Institute, Dean Academy, Bryant & Stratton's Commercial School, one each; Framingham Business College, 2; Framingham Normal School, 5; two have returned for post-graduate studies in the High School. Six others have secured temporary employ- ment, taking a year's intermission from school, to become their own financial backers in more advanced study next year. It is a healthy and hopeful sign for our town and our cit- izenship when considerably more than half our large gradu- ating class are inspired to secure for themselves, by dint even of heroic endeavor, some of the inestimable advantages of collegiate education.
At the first annual public debate of the Milford High School Congress, the gold medal for oratory, presented by John E. Swift, Esq., '96, was awarded to Francis J. Quinlan, 12. One of the Patrick Peace Prizes in gold, open to compe-
34
tition by various High Schools in this neighborhood for the best essays on the subject of "Unlimited Arbitration," was won by Miss Katherine M. Doherty, '12.
In response to the appeal for our library made in this re- port last year, the class of 1887, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of their graduation, have presented five valuable works of reference to the school. The class of 1912 have do- nated the handsome sum of $100 to the same good cause. Likewise, the senior class of 1913 are collecting a Library Fund.
Linking our present school with its worthy past, our Al- umni Association celebrated, on June 25, 1912, the golden jubilee of the Milford High School. From every quarter of the country, our enthusiastic graduates gathered on that evening to the number of nearly four hundred to pay their tribute of grateful remembrance to Alma Mater. A programme of that historie occasion is appended to this report. Through the tireless industry of the committee, Miss Elizabeth B. Barns, '87, and Miss Agnes L. Mann, '06, a revised edition of the decennial catalogue of the Milford High School, bringing the biographical data of all our graduates down to date, was issued for the jubilee in June. In fifty years, this school has sent forth 1119 pupils with diplomas; and our living alunni today are but fifty short of the one-thousand mark.
To these loyal alumni, to the school officials of this town, to the parents of our pupils and many other friends who in divers ways have co-operated to lighten our labors and give effect to our efforts in the sacred cause of education, the faculty of this school desire to express their grateful sense of profound and lasting obligation.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. HERMANN DERRY, Principal.
PROGRAM
OF THE M. H. S. GRADUATES' REUNION, Tuesday Evening, June 25, 1912.
CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST GRADUATION.
BANQUET, 6.30 P. M., DEWEY HALL, TOWN HOUSE.
PROF. LEWIS J. JOHNSON, '83, TOAST-MASTER.
Mr. George E. Stacy, "The School Committee." Dr. George H. Derry, "The Teachers." Mr. Herbert W. Lull, "The Product." Melvin A. Underwood, '62, "The Event We Celebrate." Mrs. Frank L. Young, '75, "Declamation Day."
Mrs. Nellie Blunt Oliver, '80, "Friends and Friendships." Frank A. Morrill, '83, "Fifty Years of Progress." Annie C. Gates, '93, "The Spirit of the Age." John E. Swift, '96, "Our Debt to Alma Mater." Alfred B. Cenedella, '06, "The Italian Graduates." Fred J. Goucher, '12, "The Graduating Class."
At 8.30 r. M., adjournment to Town Hall; Social Hour ; Announcements ; Entertainment ; Roll Call and Songs ; Dancing.
REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIANS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF MILFORD :-
Following the plan of previous years, your school physi- cians present herewith a brief summary of the physical condi- tion of the pupils in the schools of Milford, as determined by them in their annual inspection and subsequent visits during the year.
Dr. Per- Dr. French.Gallagher.Total.centage.
1. Whole No. pupils examincd,
1067
1002 2069
2. No. normals (no defects),
80
165
245 .118 +-
3. No. having only slight defects,
612
364
976 .471++
4. No. having serious defects,
374
478
852 .411-
5. No. having sight defects,
111
54 165 .079+
6. No. having hearing defects,
13
28
41 .019+
7. No. having chewing defects,
760
360 1120 .541++
8. No. having breathing defects,
778
1087 1865 .901+-
9. No. having miscellaneous defects, 185
107
292 .141++
10. No. not vaccinated,
5
13
18 .017-
Considering the relation of physical defects to mental capacity as judged by the teachers, to progress in school, and to persistency in school, we find the following laws to hold good :
1. The normals excel the defectives.
2. Those having only slight defects rank below the nor- mals, but excel those having serious defects.
3. Those having serious defects rank lowest in the scale.
These laws hold true for the average of all the schools, but not by any means for every individual casc, as some of the defectives are bright, and some of the normals are dull.
Taken as a whole, they establish beyond question, the fact that there is an intimate relation between the physical defects of children, and their mental capacity.
Another fact is evident from our work, although we are not yet prepared to prove it by statistics ; namely, that the
37
correction of the various defects is followed by an improve- ment in the standing of the child in school.
This being the case, wc desire again to urge upon the at- tention of the citizens of Milford-who alone have it in their power to control this matter-the importance of making some provision whereby expense of the necessary medical and sur- gical work which is needed for the correction of these defects, in the case of those children whose parents are not able to meet it, should be borne by the town.
So far as operations for the removal of tonsils, adenoid growths, and similar surgical defects, are concerned, we are confident that only the slight necessary expense of the mate- rials used at the hospital would be needed. For the correction of the defects of the tecth, we believe that the dentists of the town will gladly do the work, provided proper arrangements can be made, and the necessary outfit installed at the Milford Hospital. Eye and ear defects also will be cared for by our specialists in these directions. In this way we are confident that the work in all these lines can be done at a very small expense to the town, which will need only to pay the expense of material used.
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