USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1931 > Part 7
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"Mr. Michael D. Burke, tree warden, presented to the school a maple tree which was properly planted by the officers of the class of 1931 at Commencement time. "Mr. George Morin, a local photographer, presented to the school a group picture of the class of 1931.
"The beautiful Philco radio, which was won by the Milford High school students in a popularity contest conducted by the State Theater, was installed in the High school early in January by the Hannaford Auto Service Company, local distributors of the Philco. It is a fine radio and the faculty and students are very pleased to have one in the assembly hall.
ASSISTANCE IN PROMOTING SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
"The managerial and reportorial staff of the Daily News, Mr. F. T. Cahill representing several Boston papers, and Mrs. O. W. Biersdorf, have done much dur- ing the past year to promote our athletics.
"Mr. Joe B. Hurl, manager of the State Theater, as- sisted much in making our football games a success, and gave the boys a real evening's enjoyment at the Football Night in his theater. At the Framingham and Walpole games the Milford Boys' Band, through the courtesy of Director Ben Lancisi, provided music. The appearance of the Band and the music furnished by it thoroughly impressed the spectators at those games. Our thanks are extended to Mr. Hurl and to Mr. Lancisi.
"As usual, many of the year's graduates have entered institutions of higher learning."
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Prin. Quirk pays a fine tribute to the whole-hearted co-operation of the members of the faculty, and to whom he extends his thanks, as well as to your committee and his associates.
GEORGE E. STACY SCHOOL
The most important change in the administration of the George E. Stacy School was the installation of a new program and course of study at the beginning of the winter term.
A committee, consisting of the superintendent and the principals of the High and Stacy schools, devoted sev- eral months to a study of the situation and consideration of programs in other systems. The plan, as finally evolved, provides for closer co-operation with the High school and also makes provision for those pupils who return to school between periods of employment. The solution of the latter problem was secured by providing one class where instruction was based upon individual ability and achievement rather than upon the required course of study.
The new program has eliminated several disadvan- tages referred to in previous reports. Class periods are uniform and of sufficient length so that ten minutes of each period may be devoted to supervised study under the direction of the subject teacher.
A student council was instituted in September and thus far has proven itself a powerful factor in school and pupil welfare. The council consists of 34 members chosen by the pupils to represent the various rooms, and functions according to the recommendations out- lined in the "Manual for Junior High Schools," issued by the state department of education.
Two projects undertaken by the council have been un- usually successful. The first was a campaign for ob- servance of safety regulations on the way to and from. school and the second was a welfare plan carried out by
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the council for the relief of deserving pupils of the school and their families. The council and the school are indebted to Police Chief John J. Moloney and Town Almoner John T. O'Brien for assistance extended by them in the furtherance of these projects.
Due to increased registration it was necessary to have the Mothercraft classes meet in the High school assembly hall. This valuable course is gaining in popularity de- spite the handicap of an unsuitable classroom and I trust that it will soon be possible to provide adequate facili- ties and proper equipment. Mrs. William F. Sherburne, the teacher, has secured excellent results as is attested by the fact that one of her pupils, Adele Gattoni, was awarded second prize in a state-wide competition for her essay on "Mothercraft."
Blaine Libbey, Jr., was awarded second state prize of $25 for the art work submitted by him in the National Florist's Association Art Contest and a gold medal for first prize in the poster contest conducted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In the latter contest silver medals were awarded to John E. Swift, Jr., Annie A. Alberta and Marion E Bethel. Mildred Kunz, Theresa Consoletti, Edith Rose, Helen Fahy, Frank Andreotti, and Rose Oneschuk received honorable mention.
In the book report contest sponsored by Miss Ethel- wyn Blake, Librarian, and John L. Davoren, Principal, first prize of $5 was awarded to Rosalyn Kurlansky, second prize of $3 to Arlene Senter, and third prize of $2 to Frances Conchieri.
The American Legion medal for honor, courage, leadership, service, and scholarship was awarded to Blaine Libbey, Jr., and D. A. R. medals for the same qualities were presented to. Blaine Libbey, Jr., Hum- phrey Sullivan, Alphonse Iadarola, John J. Doyle, Albert Calagione, and Daniel Ruggerio.
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The American Legion medal for companionship, cour- age, service, character, and scholarship was awarded to Eleanor Gilbert. D. A. R. medals were presented to Eleanor Gilbert, Sylvia Sainio, Lillian Abbondanza, Mal- vina Tusoni, and Antonette Lancia.
Prizes of $2.50 gold pieces, offered by Miss Helena Swift, Supervisor of Music, for the best notebooks on famous composers were won by Elizabeth Libbey and John E. Swift, Jr.
Crowded classrooms and lack of a suitable meeting place continue to handicap extra-curricular activities. Principal Quirk, of the High school, has kindly offered the facilities of the assembly hall but since our large registration makes three meetings necessary in order to accommodate all pupils we are unable to hold assem- blies as frequently as desired. A glee club for boys and a similar organization for girls. appeared publicly for the first time at the annual Memorial Day exercises. These organizations have stimulated interest in school music and it is planned to add a school orchestra during the coming term.
The work in household art continues to be capably handled by the supervisors and student teachers from Framingham Normal School.
(Report of Prin. John L. Davoren) .
NIGHT SCHOOL
The night school opened Monday, October fifth, and closed December twenty-third, covering a period of twelve weeks. Misses Dorcas Magurn, Mildred O'Brien and Grace Connolly were the teachers in charge. The attendance this year was more regular, the average at- tendance being 23.9. The total membership was 31. The per cent of attendance was 77.3. There were seven nationalities represented, 31 Italians; 2 Russians; 1 Greek; 1 Lithuanian; 8 Armenians; 8 Americans; and 1 Portuguese. There were fourteen compulsory and
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thirty-six voluntary pupils. The ages ranged from 14 to 52, the average age being 23.9 years.
(Report of Principal Frank C. Berry).
CONTINUATION SCHOOL
Owing to the general unemployment, the enrollment in these schools fell below 200 for the past year.
As noted elsewhere, Miss Ellen R. Quirk, who had so ably presided over the girls' school since 1928, resigned last year to become Mrs. Albert D. Riopel.
Miss Ruth Jones, Milford High school, 1926, B. S., Framingham Normal school, 1930, succeeded Miss Quirk.
BOYS' SCHOOL
This school opened with the smallest enrollment in its history, owing to the general depression. As in the past, this enrollment increased somewhat during the fall.
With the combined efforts of the Superintendent, Su- pervisor of Attendance and continuation school teachers, children not employed and those working without cer- tificates have been certificated and brought into school.
GIRLS' SCHOOL
This school opened September 9, in charge of Miss Ruth Jones, whose report follows :-
"The Girls' school opened this year with 38 pupils. Due to the unemployment situation the enrollment has not increased to the extent that it has in former years, there being only 42 at present, 31 less than at the same time a year ago.
"Because of the small enrollment it has been possible to give more individual attention and a little more time
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to those girls that require extra help. The four hour program is divided as usual into two hours of academic and two of vocational work. The former consists of instruction in English, which brings in oral composition, poise, letter writing, grammar and the appreciation of good literature; Civics, giving a knowledge of the gov- erning of the country; Arithmetic, relative to home problems, as costs, etc .; Hygiene, which includes home- nursing, first aid and personal cleanliness. Many other subjects are taken up, such as safety precautions in and around the home, etiquette, home planning and decorat- ing, a girl's responsibility in her home, and child care, which is particularly important this year as nearly all of the girls have home permits or work in homes and have the care of younger children.
"The vocational period is divided into units. There are ten weeks of cooking alternating with ten weeks of sewing. In cooking, the necessity of a well balanced meal is stressed, with a knowledge of each type of food and its importance in maintaining a strong healthy body. The sewing unit teaches the girls how to make use of discarded clothes, to fit dresses, and to make over dresses as well as to make new things for themselves and others. The lessons before Christmas were devoted to the mak- ing of small gifts.
"It is the aim of the school to give the girls all the information possible to prepare them for their futures, which, no doubt, will be in the home."
SPECIAL CLASSES HIGH SCHOOL PORTABLE
This class has been since September in charge of Miss Isabelle MacLachlan, transferred from the Plains dis- trict. The following is taken from Miss MacLachlan's report :-
"September 9, 1931 this class opened with an enroll-
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ment of 21 pupils, 16 boys, 5 girls, ranging in age from 8 to 15 years; varying in ability from the work of Kin- dergarten to Sixth grade level.
"Much individual attention is given and marked im- provement is noted.
"The curriculum includes Reading, Spelling, Lan- guage, Arithmetic, Hygiene, Penmanship, Drawing, and with an older group, History and Geography.
"This year more children are being admitted from the Primary grades, an advantage to the child and to the school system."
CLAFLIN SCHOOL
Miss Avis Moran, teacher of this class, comments on her work as follows :--
"The Special Class at the Claflin school opened this year with an enrollment of thirteen. This number was later increased to twenty-two, including ten girls and twelve boys, ranging from eleven to sixteen years of age, each one requiring individual help. The subjects taught are Arithmetic, Reading, Spelling, Language and Penmanship, History and Geography with an older group. Much time has been devoted to drawing and handiwork in which these children have shown con- siderable talent. Improvement is noted in all work."
PLAINS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Miss Eva Realini, teacher of this class reports a total enrollment of seventeen, seven girls and ten boys, rang- ing in ages from eight to sixteen years, and in grades from the first to the sixth.
Considerable progress has been made in Reading and Arithmetic. The pupils are generally interested, the work is all individual so there is an excellent oppor- tunity for observing individual progress, suiting the work to the individual needs of these pupils, most of whom would not advance as rapidly if enrolled in regu- lar grades.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Albert D. Riopel, our physical director, comments on his work for the year as follows :-
"The policy inaugurated a few years ago of intro- ducing physical education in all grades of the schools was carried on more extensively during the past year. The graded courses of exercises, made more effective by renewed interest on the part of the teachers, were conducted with enthusiasm on the part of the pupils.
"This system of exercises was introduced on the prin- ciple that every pupil should have the opportunity of physical as well as mental development. ‘A sound mind in a sound body' has always been the ideal of thorough education, and it has been the hope of those interested in the school system in Milford that our schools should approximate that ideal. A daily six minute program of graded exercises in the grammar grades and a three minute program in the High school conducted by student leaders has met with the desired results.
"The extra class activities on the part of the students who represented the Milford High school in competition with other schools brought new prestige to the school. In baseball the Milford High school team won ten of the scheduled sixteen games, and many of the players were on the Legion Junior League team which brought national recognition to the town.
"The largest and strongest football schedule in the school's history was concluded with success that few an- ticipated at the beginning of the season. The record was marred by only one defeat in nine contests, and this record was climaxed by a post-season victory over the strong Norwood High school team. Because of the team's continued success and the joint interest of its followers a financial return was realized.
"As this statement is being prepared, arrangements are in progress for a schedule of fifteen basketball games -a sport resumed at Milford High after a lapse of
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years. It is hoped that this sport will widen the scope of our physical education program and at the same time enrich the athletic traditions at the Milford High school."
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
From the report of Miss Helena F. Swift, Supervisor of Music, I quote :-
"The work in the primary grades has been carried along on the same general plans as in other years. In these grades the child receives an excellent background for the more highly developed technical side of music with which he becomes familiar in the intermediate grades.
"Here music has been taught both from a social and theoretical point of view. Part songs have been studied and valuable mental training has been given the pupil by the writing of notes in their varied forms.
"In the Stacy school there has been a continuation of technical work, together with the teaching of songs in three and four parts. Continuing the policy of last year, it has been our aim to acquaint the pupil with the lives of the foremost music composers. Much interest is being shown in this work, and very creditable note- books have been written by the pupils, two of whom are honored each year with a prize for their respective grades. Two glee clubs have been formed, one for the boys and another for the girls. Several selections of a difficult nature were splendidly rendered by these clubs at the Memorial Day exercises in the town hall.
"The work in the High school has been continued as formerly. The class, the largest in my years of super- vision, has studied the standard classics with the definite aim of enriching their musical repertoire. Commencing in January, 1932, there will be added a new course to the curriculum of the school. Such a step will be the result of a communication sent to all supervisors of Music to meet the new requirements for the offering of music as
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an entrance credit to Massachusetts State Normal Schools. This course will deal with the Theory of Music, while it is intended primarily for those preparing to enter normal school, its enrollment will be non-restric- tive and will be added as an elective course open to any who desire such critical study."
ART DEPARTMENT
Miss Dorcas Whipple, Supervisor, has this to say of the work in her department :-
"A well rounded art program consists of problems in Freehand Drawing; Design; Color and tone relation- ships; Construction; Appreciation of, and acquaintance with, excellent examples of art in painting, sculpture, architecture and the crafts.
"Problems along these lines have been given the pupil and the child is encouraged first to develop creative ability, later perfection in technique, and finally to apply these to his own personal needs (costume-the home- advertising and business).
"Special posters to stimulate study, joining of clubs, etc., were made and displayed about the high school building during the school year.
"In the mechanical division the problems given are for accuracy, skill in technique and originality. They consist of exercises to train for good workmanship, working drawings, detail drawings, sections develop- ments, isometric drawings and plans.
"Through the courtesy of Mr. W. D. Howard, students entered the National Flower Appreciation contest in which children from all parts of the United States and Canada took part. L. Blaine Libbey, Jr., won the 2nd state prize ($25), Eleanor Boyer, 11th state prize and John Sayle, Jr., 22nd state prize.
"In the S. P. C. A. poster contest, Leona Paietta, a senior in Milford High was awarded a special prize of a beautiful bronze medal. Other awards, which were
MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM-1931.
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presented at the Memorial Day exercises in Town Hall were as follows: George E. Stacy school: 1st prize, gold medal to L. Blaine Libbey, Jr .; 2nd, silver medals to John E. Swift, Annie A. Alberta and Marion Bethel and honorable mention, one year's subscription to "Our Dumb Animals" magazine, Mildred Kunz, Theresa Con- soletti, Edith Rose, Helen Fahey, Frank Andreotti and Rose Oneschuk. Park school: 1st, gold medal, Betty DeWitt; 2nd prize, silver medal, Anna Zarach. Hono- rable mention to Antoinette Zampino, Rosamond Sher- man and Helen Redden. South Grammar school: 1st, gold medal, Olive Watson; 2nd, silver medal, Lillian Ko- sciak, and honorable mention, Elvira Souza.
"The Commencement program cover was designed by Winnifred Granger, the Oak, Lily and Ivy cover by James Kenney with headings by Winnifred Granger, Evelyn Pinardi, and Leona Paietta.
"The art department is especially grateful to the mer- chants in town who supplied the pupils with wooden cigar boxes to enable them to carry out the Christmas project for 1931 and to Mr. Chilson of the boys' con- tinuation school who cut these boxes into plaques. We also wish to thank Miss Blake for her kind assistance in our picture study work, and Mrs. George Billings for sample books of wallpaper helpful to us in our construc- tion problems."
From the statement of Miss Margaret V. Condon, As- sistant Supervisor of Drawing, I quote :-
"Although the art lessons in the lower grades are ele- mentary there are always novel ideas and projects to hold the interest of the pupils. Many of the drawings are used as decorations, making the classrooms attrac- tive and colorful.
"Some of the free brush designs were remarkably beautiful, calling forth all the lessons we emphasized this year: taste in color, neatness, and originality.
"The boys and girls in the special classes are always
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interested in drawing and a few are particularly gifted in handwork."
COOPERATING AGENCIES
SCHOOL SAVINGS
We are indebted to the management of the Milford Savings Bank for the following account of school savings for the year 1931 :-
Although School Savings have faced adverse condi- tions, the Milford schools have worked hard to keep their high record and the seventh year of Thrift work has been a successful one. In the National Bulletin of School Savings throughout the United States for the school year 1930-1931 Milford appears on the honor roll with a per- centage of 95, which is four per cent less than last year but one per cent higher than the preceding year.
At the close of the fall term, 1931, there were 2239 pupils enrolled in the public schools, out of which 2001 or 89.3 per cent are Thrift Savers, and the average num- ber of weekly depositors has been 1620. The largest number depositing on any one day was 1741 on October 20th. Two buildings, Spruce and Hoboken, have been 100 per cent every week, and every room at the Park and Chapin have made the honor roll each week, their averages being 95 and 94 per cent respectively. The Claflin, South Grammar and West Street schools have been honor buildings each week.
Thrift certificates were issued to thirty-three rooms, those receiving them are:
September 22-Spruce, Miss Frost Oliver, Miss Youngson Park, Mrs. McManus
September 29-West, Miss Gilmore Purchase, Miss King Spruce, Miss Kurlan, Miss Bellofatto, Miss McNamara Park, Miss McDermott
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Oliver, Miss Kenney Hoboken, Miss Rooney Chapin, Miss Beckett Claflin, Miss Greeley, Miss Tully
October 6-Purchase, Miss Davoren
Spruce, Miss Cochran, Miss Gallagher, Miss Kennedy Park, Mrs. Cronin, Miss Brown
Chapin, Miss Ames
Plains Primary, Miss Meighan .
Claflin, Miss Parks
October 13-Claflin, Miss Swift
October 20-Chapin, Miss Aldrich Oliver, Miss Hogan Park, Miss Scully West, Miss Cooney
October 27-Claflin, Miss Moran South Grammar, Miss Finnigan, Miss McDermott Park, Miss Mulligan
November 10-South Grammar, Miss Leland Fountain, Miss McCarthy
MOTHERCRAFT
This work has been ably conducted by Mrs. Mary H. Sherburne another year. From Mrs. Sherburne's re- port I quote :-
"Mothercraft continues to be a popular study with our school girls. One hundred and eighteen girls of the Stacy school, in two groups, are taking this instruction in the High school assembly hall, as there is no room for these classes in the Stacy school. It is much to be regretted that no suitable provision is made for this valuable study for our young girls. It is a matter of congratulation, however, that a second prize was award-
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ed to one of our Milford girls in a state wide competition conducted by the State Federation of Women's Clubs. My thanks are offered Mr. Davoren, Principal of the Stacy school, and Mr. T. J. Quirk of the High school for their kind interest and helpfulness in promoting this im- portant study."
MILFORD 4-H CLUB WORK IN 1931
Fifty Milford girls under the leadership of Mrs. Elmer Rose, Mrs. Walter Watson, Mrs. Albert Sweet and Miss Dorcas Magurn during the year of 1931 completed their 4-H clothing club requirements, and three hundred arti- cles were exhibited on the evening of June 6, 1931. Among these were first, second and third year girls who received their pins.
A canning club was organized with Mrs. Fred Bethel as leader in which six girls competed and many prizes were taken at the fairs by the girls.
The year 1931 was certainly a most successful one of 4-H club work in the town of Milford.
(Account of Mrs. Elmer Rose, Town Director) .
MILFORD TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
The Milford Teachers' Association confined its activi- ties this year to educational and relief work.
In December the teachers were given an insight into the work of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. An excellent film was presented by Mr. Glad- stone, Worcester representative of this society.
Once again the teachers have volunteered to help those in need during the winter months. At their meeting in December they voted to have each teacher and employee of the school department contribute one day's pay. This money will be expended by the following committee, working in connection with the Public Welfare Board:
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Alice Ames, Chairman Margaret Roche Hannah Callanan Viola Leland Rita Fitzpatrick
The officers of the Association for 1931-1932 are :-
John L. Davoren, President Fred Metcalf, Vice President Gertrude Wallace, Secretary Catherine Curtin, Treasurer
REPAIRS
The year 1931 was most unusual in the number of special and emergency repairs that had to be made, nearly half the entire repairs appropriation being de- voted to these unusual expenses.
SPECIAL AND EMERGENCY REPAIRS
HIGH SCHOOL
Just before eight on the morning of June 12th, a fire broke out in the boiler room at the High school from electrical causes, causing about $125.00 worth of dam- age. Fortunately, being in the summer time, there was no delay in, or interference with, the High school pro- gram. The room was cleaned and repainted. E. F. Porter-$90.00.
SOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL
In the early morning of March 2, 1931 a fire broke out near the furnace in the south-west corner of the second floor south school room in the South Grammar school building. The fire communicated quickly, by an old unused wood vent flue, to the attic, and a portion of the ceiling over one room and about half of the roof was burned so that it had to be replaced. It was only
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE Record of School Calls from January 1, 1931, to January 1, 1932
Call on account of
Jan.
Call from the Superintendent
Principal of
High School
Principal of
Stacy School
Night School
Grade Teachers
Special Classes
Totals_
Truancy
Illness
Parents
Truants on Street
Lack of Clothing
Left School to
Left Town
Excusable
Over 16
Court Cases
Totals
Jan.
21
7
26
-7
11
51
2
31
3
2
3
1
8
1
51
Feb.
20
Cr
11
12
15
43
1
32
1
4
2
3
ão
Mar.
31
10
27
12
17
66
9
22
1
1
6
4
20
3
66
Apr.
14
1
ão
7
00
29
7
11
1
2
1
1
6
29
May
41
3
46
12
36
97
16
28
6
9
8
co
23
4
97
June
11
14
9
13
33
8
9
4
3
1
9
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