USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1925 > Part 7
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lence in all freshman subjects was given to Robert Bill- ings, '28. Typewriting medals were awarded to Mary L. Consoletti, '25, Evelyn M. Spadoni, '26, and Bessie I. Pressman, '26. Diplomas were given to Lillian G. Bagley, '25, Theresa E. Balconi, '25, Josephine M. Calarese, '25, Laura R. Consoletti, '25, Mary J. Fisher, '25, Grace B. Flemming, '25, Sarah E. Ford, '25, Mary F. Ianzito, '25, Sylvia D. Kurlan, '25, Ida R. Kurlansky, '25, Dorothy E. Peterson, '25, Harry Rosenfeld, '25, Albin B. Seastrom, '25, and Laura M. Wheeler, '25. Miriam Claflin, '26, was awarded the Miss Sadie A. O'Connell Posture Medal, giv- en annually to the student in the expression classes show- ing the greatest development in posture during the year. Miss Esther Broudy, '27, was awarded $5 in gold by the Milford Lodge of Elks for the best essay written on "How did the contributions of the U. S. S. Constitution help to win the War of 1812?" The High School students in the vicinity of Milford competed in the contest and I con- gratulate Miss Broudy upon her success.
OAK, LILY AND IVY.
The Oak, Lily and Ivy was published in June under the supervision of Miss Marion A. Ryan of the English department and was as great a literary and financial suc- cess as in previous years. Miss Mae E. Birmingham had charge of the business arrangements connected with the publication. From the proceeds, sweaters were purchased for the boys who earned the "M" during 1924-1925. Con- gratulations are due the members of the faculty and the class of 1925, whose earnest endeavors made this publica- tion possible.
DRAMATIC, MUSICAL, ATHLETIC.
During the past year Miss Catherine A. Somers re- organized the General Science Club, an institution formed two years ago by Miss Margaret G. Quirk but abandoned last year on account of the double platoon arrangement. Trips have been planned to several local manufacturing plants. The David Garrick Dramatic Club had a larger
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membership than ever before and under the leadership of Miss Sadie A. O'Connell, conducted two entertainments, both of which were very successful. "Suppressed De- sires", "Jon"; and "Hop o' My Thumb", "Yniard" were presented by the Club. The enthusiasm and interest in the Club seems to be increasing and shows that the mem- bers of the Club fully appreciate the work accomplished by the faculty director. The High School orchestra under the leadership of William Marcus furnished music for our many assemblies and at the graduation exercises. Mr. Albert D. Riopel had charge of our athletic teams and did. very creditable work. The baseball team was up to the standard of previous years and our football team per- formed exceptionally well considering the number of in- juries sustained during the latter part of September. Mr. Riopel's strong point is discipline and he has impressed upon the members of the athletic teams the importance of clean play. Athletics must be looked upon as a means of developing character, manliness, and self-control rath- er than a champion team each year.
SOCIAL.
During the past year the class of 1925 conducted four dances, two in the assembly hall, one in the Legion hall, and the annual May dance in the Town Hall. The receipts of the first two were given to the Athletic Association. The proceeds of the dance in the Legion hall and of the May dance, amounting to $177.05, have been put in the bank to be used in completing the veterans' honor roll in the corridor of the High School.
GIFTS.
During the year it has been my pleasure to acknowl- edge the receipt of the sum of $40 from the class of 1900, which was used in purchasing a beautiful Alquist marine view which now hangs in the assembly hall. The Milford Lodge of Elks entertained the members of our football team with a banquet in the Elks' Home on December 15. Mr. Thomas J. Welch, Exalted Ruler, presided, and, after
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welcoming the guests, introduced Mr. Frederick W. Fitz- simmons, a Past District Deputy of the Elks, as toast- master. Among the speakers were Mr. Jake Turner, cen- ter of the Harvard University team; Mr. Frederick V. Ostergren, one of the football coaches of Malden High School; Committeemen Alfred B. Cenedella, John C. Lynch and John E. Swift, Superintendent A. O. Caswell, Submaster Francis C. Berry, Coach Albert D. Riopel, Manager Edward F. O'Sullivan and Captain Alfred Al- zerini. About 175 enjoyed the banquet and the evening's entertainment. The boys are very grateful to the Elks for the splendid dinner and reception.
THE DENNISON PLAN.
During the month of December, Mr. Rogers and Miss Farquhar, members of the executive staff of the Dennison Manufacturing Company, visited us to discuss the adop- tion of a co-operative plan of education whereby some students in our senior commercial section might take a five weeks' course of training in the Dennison plant. I am working out a plan at the present time and expect to put it into effect in February. The offer is unusual and offers our seniors a training in the practical side of com- mercial work.
DIFFICULTIES.
Before concluding my report I wish to mention some things which at the present time are working to the dis- advantage of the students. In the portable buildings we are not afforded good light, our blackboard space is lim- ited, and the desks are not properly equipped for writing purposes. In addition, the students who are forced to go back and forth to the High School are subjected to the inclemency of the weather from November until April. In the High School, we are using four rooms which lack stationary desks and chairs and which offer no facilities for writing with pen and ink. One of the rooms used has no blackboards and of course is not a practical classroom. The laboratories are small and congested; and a much larger typewriting room would be greatly appreciated.
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RECOMMENDATIONS.
As soon as better housing conditions are offered, I would recommend that the school day be increased so that we have at least five net school hours ; secondly, to have a longer school period and if possible to have five 60-minute periods instead of six 42-minute periods as at the present time; thirdly, the consideration of the accomplishment plan of work as adopted in other High Schools; fourthly, the consideration of a three-year commercial course to meet the needs of some of the students. In recommend- ing a change in the length of our school day, I would say that the opportunities of study are not afforded in the home at the present time. Too many outside activities interfere. Consequently, to meet the situation, I think our only hope rests in and will continue to rest in having a portion of this study during school hours.
STACY SCHOOL.
Principal W. A. Beaudry notes the following salient features of the year under review in the Stacy School :
The establishment of a school library of 350 volumes, using the Worcester Public Library system.
Specialization of teachers in one major subject.
A system of co-operative government known as the "Stacy Epheboi." Discussing this, Mr. Beaudry says in part : "This is but another experiment in the self-govern- ment of adolescents * If we can but inculcate the belief that it pays to live in accord with the code of child- morals as accepted by the Boy Scouts, we feel that we are in the right direction.
Medal awards: Through the efforts of Mr. Charles Frye, the American Legion medal is to be awarded an- nually in the public and private grammar schools in the Town, to the boy and to the girl who best represent those qualities of character and ability, which, when properly cultivated and matured, will result in worthy citizenship and well rounded manhood and well balanced womanhood.
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In our school last year these medals were awarded to Lewis Clarke and Vera White.
On the same basis of merit, the D. A. R. awarded medals to one boy and one girl from each eighth grade as follows: room 7, James Calcagne and Lena Valentino; rcom 8, Lewis Clarke and Josephine Tacconi; room 9, John Villani and Louise Tognazzi; room 11, Edward Ri- roli and Louise Marino; room 12, Gordon Shaw and Vera White; room 13, Louis Iadarola and Sarah Foye.
A medal for excellence in American naval history was presented to Anna M. Smith by Commander Marion Eppley, U. S. N. R., for the best essay upon U. S. Frigate Constitution written during the nationwide appeal for her restoration.
Class changing : The procedure of class changing in- stituted early this autumn has passed the experimental stage. It is successful, the teachers' work being more effective and disciplinary problems lessened. The pupils almost unanimously endorse this practice. The school day is more agreeable than when the personnel of any one rcom remained in that room throughout the school day.
Exhibit : During the past year we made a consider- able collection of industrial products for study in conne :- tion with commercial geography.
Extra curricular activities :
Athletics : A most successful year of baseball. Football played on the grounds at recess. (Pushball not desired.)
Plays : "Bookland," "The Magic Fountain," "Gcoseherd and Goblin."
CONTINUATION SCHOOL.
Owing to the stagnant industrial conditions, the enroll- ment of the Continuation School had, by the end of June, reached the lowest point in its history, but with the par- tial revival of business, the tide of young people turned shopward toward the end of the summer vaaction, so that ncw, these classes are of about their normal size.
41 0, 73 737
PROPOSED ENLARGEMENT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
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GIRLS' SCHOOL.
In her account of the year's work under review Mrs. Dunn says :
"The Milford Girls' Continuation School opened Sep- tember 9, 1925, with an enrollment of 51 members. The membership thus far has remained practically the same.
"As stated in previous reports, the work is divided into ten-week periods, of clothing and food work respec- tively, with related academic work.
"We welcomed the opportunity given at the recent trade show to exhibit some of the articles made by the various classes. The public viewed the work with interest.
"A course in home nursing given by a trained worker would be of great value to these girls."
BOYS' SCHOOL.
Concerning the Boys' School, Mr. Chilson says in part :
"The work of the Boys' Continuation School for the past year has been much the same as in previous years. Particular stress is laid on instruction that influences the boy's later life, i. e., lessons in honesty, industry, neatness, courtesy, etc.
"The shop is particularly useful in giving instruction about home work; with the tools we have, most of the repair work about the house can be done.
"Some attention is given to the boys' leisure time, with suggestions about good reading and correct habits.
"The Continuation School is performing an intpor- tant duty with boys between 14 and 16 years of age. At that critical period in a boy's life, instruction is given them that they would not get from any source were they allowed to drift out of school authority. With more time, space and equipment, the Continuation School could offer a larger service to the boys, their parents and to their employers.
"What this type of youth needs is trade training d.
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I believe they are entitled to it. What little we have been able to do has given great satisfaction.
"In closing, I wish to say that the Continuation School and what it has done have been approved by the Associated Industries of New England."
NIGHT SCHOOL.
Mr. W. J. Moore, principal of the Evening School, observes in part:
"As in previous years, the term was for twelve weeks, three nights per week. The courses offered were also as in previous years, including subjects of first seven grades, particularly teaching of English and American- ization subjects.
"The enrollment was the smallest in years, due in some measure to the decrease of compulsory pupils, or the illiterate minors in our community ; in 1924 we had forty- six compulsory pupils, in 1925 we had but twenty-four, twelve of these being twenty years of age and will reach their majority, will be beyond the compulsory age before another term begins, so that unless we have a large in- crease in compulsory pupils, which has not been the case for some years, we can look forward to a very small en- rollment in 1926.
"I think the time has arrived when Milford could offer to the citizens High School courses at its Evening School; I think if sufficient notice were given before the opening of school that many would avail themselves of the opportunity of these higher courses."
STATISTICS OF THE EVENING SCHOOL.
Total enrollment, 54; males, 36; females, 18; illiter- ates, 32; literates, 22; minors, 35; adults, 19; average membership, 36.48; average attendance, 29.33; per cent of attendance, 80.
NATIONALITIES.
Italian, 38; American, 5; Portuguese, 4; German, 3; Jewish, 2; Armenian, 1; French, 1.
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PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT.
Draper Corporation, 12; Arch Rubber Co., 6; Wm. Lapworth & Sons, 5; Milford Shoe Co., 3; Huckins & Temple Shoe Co., 3; Herman Shoe Co., 2; Bellingham Woolen Co., 3; Taft Woolen Co., 2; C. Cavigioli, 2; Den- nison Manufacturing Co., 1; Carr Rubber Co., 1; Archer Strauss Rubber Co., 1.
THRIFT TEACHING IN THE SCHOOLS.
It will be recalled that for 20 years, down to 1921, a thrift savings system was conducted by representatives of the Quinshipaug Woman's Club, with gratifying success; also during and subsequent to the war, thrift teaching continued in the form of war stamps savings. The time came when interest in the latter fell away. We have felt the urge toward something to take the place of the efforts referred to. After some investigation, and after confer- ence with the authorities of the Milford Savings Bank, this derartment accepted the offer of that bank to install the "Mutual Savings Banks of Massachusetts" system of school savings and thrift teaching. So far, the system has worked well.
Savings for the first week of 1926, by schools, were as follows: Stacy, $333.70; Plains Primary, $184.11; Plains Grammar, $144.57 ; Park, $123.23; Claflin, $99.81; Spruce Street, $94.70 ; Oliver Street, $88.77 ; South Gram- mar, $42.46; Chapin Street, $39.61; West Street, $23.21; Purchase Grammar, $22.41; Hoboken, $11.18; Purchase Primary, $9.40; Fountain Street, $5.17; Bear Hill, $1.05; Braggville, 65 cents; total, $1,224.03.
Even more striking is the showing for the fall term, 1925, eleven banking days: Stacy, $1,865.50; Spruce, $403.86; Park, $479.49 ; South, $357.44 ; Plains Grammar, $694.61 ; Plains Primary, $845.70 ; Claflin, $509.90 ; Oliver Street, $501.68; Chapin Street, $188.14; West Street, $99.02; Hoboken, $45.29; Fountian Street, $114.86; Pur- chase Grammar, $101.92; Purchase Primary, $80.31;
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Bear Hill, $18.47; Braggville, $7.03; Continuation, $21.15; total, $6,334.37.
Two thousand forty pupils have school savings bank books and 1,317 have transferred to new savings bank books in addition to those who had bank books before.
The conspicuous advantages of this system are that it is a real banking system and involves no vending ma- chines to get out of order or furnish an opportunity for, and temptation to, burglarizing; there are no stamps or tokens to become lost and be accounted for, but each stu- dent has a school pass book and when an individual de- posit amounts to $1.00, the holder of the school pass book can, upon application, receive the usual pass book at the bank. His money is deposited and draws intercst the same as that of any adult depositor. Thus, the pupils are taught the principles of saving and have practice in actual banking procedure. Tuesday of each week is banking day and in-town schools do their own banking, while deposits from the rural schools are sent to the office of the super- intendent of schools, who banks for them each Wednes- day. A small amount of the teacher's time is required to work out the details once a week, but this slight burden should become even smaller as time goes on and the objects to be gained are well worth a larger sacrifice of time than is required.
In connection with thrift savings in the schools, the Savings Bank Association of Massachusetts has inaug- urated a composition contest offering three prizes for compositions written by public school pupils : $15.00 for the best High School paper, $10.00 for the best Junior High School paper and $5.00 for the best paper written by pupils of grades V and VI, on appropriate subjects. The contest closes March 15, 1926.
The Association has also started a poster contest among the pupils of the public schools, with prizes of $15.00, $10.00 and $5.00 for the first, second and third best posters, respectively. Steps have been taken to inter-
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est the pupils in the Milford public schools in these con- tests.
ANNUAL TRADE SHOW.
The School Department was invited to place an exhi- bition in the annual trade show held under auspices of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, November 4, 5 and 6, 1925. This invitation came at the wrong time of the year and was received so near the date of opening that no full general exhibit of the work of the public schools could be made. However, the High School commercial depart- ment, the drawing department and the Girls' Continua- tion School filled two-thirds of the dining room at the armory with exhibits of penmanship and other commer- cial work by the commercial department; drawings in black and white, and colored in different media, mechan- ical drawings, etc., for the art department, and a most worthy and attractive exhibit of sewing and cooking by the Girls' Continuation School. Considering the adverse conditions-time of year and brevity of notice already referred to-this exhibit, while only a partial one, was nevertheless highly creditable to the school sections re- resented.
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
In his first report Mr. Riopel comments as follows:
"During the past year I have had the privilege of directing the pupils of the school system in this line of education with the end in view of improving the general health of the students, improving their postures, cultivat- ing a spirit of fairness, improving their carriage and de- veloping a grace of body movement. The means employed to produce the desired effects has been based upon instruc- tion in hygiene, formal gymnastics, games and rythmic playing.
"The form of exercise given was carried on during the early part of 1925 from the third to the ninth grade inclusive. The plan in the grades called for daily exer- cises, ten minutes in the morning and the same amount of
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time in the afternoon. In the High School the arrange- ment of work was somewhat different. Because of the large number of students, the only class that I could reach was the freshman and two days per week were devoted to the work in the High School, Mondays for the girls, Fri- days for boys. At the beginning of May the work in the High School was abandoned because of the training of the baseball team, but the work in the grades was con- tinued as usual. In September of this year I took up the work in the first and second grades so that we now have some form of physical education in all grades up to the second year of the High School and I am pleased to say that I have noticed a considerable improvement in the points desired.
"Much has been done in baseball and football. The former made a very creditable showing last year. Because of frequent injuries, our football team did not make the same record that previous teams have. Its schedule was a severe test for the boys, but considering the number of new men and the loss of some of our regulars, the work was quite satisfactory. After all, it is felt that we are engaged in athletic competition not merely with the view of winning every game but of creating a friendly rivalry among the high schools and of affording the boys the opportunity of developing strength, character and self- control. We attempted to take up basketball but found we had no proper facilities for continuing it.
"In making my recommendations, I would mention the need of a gymnasium so that the work of the grades and the High School in physical education could be pro- moted on a larger scale and under suitable conditions. At the same time we would have the opportunity of playing basketball and have more students of the school in the various forms of athletics."
MUSIC.
The ever increasing congestion in the schools has made the work in the music department even more diffi-
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cult than in previous years. Miss Swift again calls atten- tion to the need of a second instructor in music, a sug- gestion which I endorse and which will be found among the formal recommendations at the end of my report. Commenting on the work of her department, Miss Swift says in part :
"In the High School, the pupils are studying choral work. Special attention is given to phrasing, enunciation and pronunciation, and results are gratifying.
"In our Junior High and Grammar grades, particular care has been given to reading music correctly, to balanc- ing of parts, to observing keenly the marks of expression, and to singing easy, mellow musical tones with a pure intonation.
"A newly arranged group of songs, of excellent qual- ity, taught by rote, and adapted to the interests of young children, precede the teaching of the reading and writing of music in the primary grades.
"The increasing number of rooms necessary to ac- commodate the pupils in our schools, makes it very diffi- cult to spend sufficient time with each class, so as to in- sure proper instruction in music.
"I strongly recommend the installation in each build- ing of a victrola or some musical instrument as an aid toward the appreciation of good music."
DRAWING. HIGH AND STACY SCHOOLS.
Miss Whipple, head of the drawing department, re- views the year's work as follows:
"The drawing classes of the High School continue to increase in number from year to year. At the beginning of the school year, September, 1925, there were registered for drawing a total of 269 pupils in comparison with the 200 pupils registered the previous year, 1924, a gain of 69 pupils. Although handicapped somewhat by this over- crowding, we are endeavoring to accomplish the work required.
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"Our work in drawing for this year follows the same general outline as in the previous year, with more atten- tion given to lettering.
"The course in drawing is based on such art prin- ciples as will have a direct bearing upon the pupil's life. Every educated person should understand something of the laws of growth as shown in plants and flowers; of landscape shapes and effects; of the representation of the forms, proportions and colors of objects; the elementary laws of perspective and finally of the principles of design, which are universal in their application. This, then, is our cim: to familiarize the pupil with these laws and teach him to apply themn to his own problems in life.
"A small exhibit of High School students' art work was on display at the Milford Trade Show and those in- terested had the opportunity of seeing a little of what we are trying to accomplished.
"One member of the class of 1924 is attending an Art School."
GRADES.
The work in drawing below the seventh grade has been in the hands of Miss Vetrana Mazzarelli. Realizing that drawing is the form medium of the arts and crafts and the sciences and the engineering profession and is the universal language of industry, the supervisor and teach- ers have co-operated the past year in striving to develop in the children a love for and pleasure in drawing as a means of expression. They have stressed the important elements of drawing : color work, desiging, lettering, flow- er drawing, holiday projects and poster work.
EXTENSION SERVICE 4 H CLUB WORK. (A Co-operating Activity.)
M:s. Cora M. Granger, in charge of the local exten- sion service for girls, gives the following interesting ac- count of that work for the year :
"The 4 II Canning Club has had a very successful year, the 12 girls enrolled as members meeting every two
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weeks at the Stacy School cooking room. About 600 jars of fruits, vegetables, jams and jellies were conserved.
"The girls exhibited work at the New England Fair, Gardner Fair and the Boston Food Show, taking cash and ribbon prizes at the two former, and gaining experience at the latter. Again this year the girls exhibited at the local Trade Show, making an exceptionally fine showing with a display of 300 jars.
"Li. winter a new feature was added to the work- a food club. Much interest was shown in the work and we were very proud to have one of our members, Miss Myrtle Jeffery, chosen as the food champion of Worcester County, thereby winning a week's stay at the Massachu- setts Agricultural College summer camp.
"Again this winter the home economics classes are at work with an enrollment of 30 girls in the food club and 20 in the sewing work.
"In four years the work has increased from a mem- bership of 6 girls in one project to 60 girls in three proj- ects, while the appropriation of $100 has remained the same. This allows only $1.65 per capita per year, a very small amount if the work is to continue to grow."
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