USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Milford > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Milford, Massachusetts 1932 > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
DEBATING CLUB
Miss Inez SanClemente has organized the Freshman De- bating Club. This club has already had several debates, one of which was given in the Assembly hall before the pupils of the Freshman class. Miss SanClemente has sponsored debat- ing for the past few years with great success. The club looks . forward to an enjoyable and profitable year for its members.
SHORT STORY CONTEST.
The members of the English classes were invited by the Milford Daily News to take part in a short story contest dur- ing the winter. About thirty students sent in stories, many of which were printed.
ATHLETICS.
Athletics in the High school, under the direction of Mr. Albert D. Riopel, had another outstanding year. The Baseball team lost but one game during its season, and was mentioned by many of the Boston newspapers as state champions. The Football team also lost but one game during its season. Both baseball and football teams won all their major games during the year.
GIFTS.
Dr. William J. Clarke, one of the three surviving G. A. R. members,* donated twenty-five valu able volumes to the school library. (Deceased January 17, 1933 )
The custom of collecting food and money for distribution
23
by the Salvation Army at Thanksgiving and Christmas was continued with great success.
PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION.
Members of the Class of 1932 have continued their educa- tion as follows :- Dartmouth College, 1; Boston College, 2; Boston University, 2; Brooklyn University, 1; Massachusetts State College, 2; Massachusetts Normal Art School, 1; Mount Ida, 1; Framingham Teachers' College, 2; Boston School of Optometry, 1; Cushing Academy, 2; Burdett College, 3; Chand- ler Secretarial School, 1; New England School of Accounting, 1; Training Schools for Nurses, 6.
Principal Berry thanks all the members of the faculty for their co-operation, the Superintendent of Schools for help and advice, and the members of the School Committee for their confidence and their many helpful suggestions.
GEORGE E. STACY SCHOOL.
The most important change in the administration of the Stacy school during the past year was the institution of a new schedule based upon standards advocated by the Department of Education.
In this new schedule the study period was abolished and the time allotted to the various subjects considerably increased so as to permit directed study by the subject teacher.
The treatment of History and Geography was brought into conformity with modern practise by combining the two subjects in a new course entitled "Social Studies."
English courses were allotted a greater percentage of time than is common in other school systems. In the past language difficulties on the part of many students have mater- ially hindered their progress in school. Recognizing this fact we have tried to provide a strong course in English which will eventually make itself felt in better scholarship.
The adoption and installation of "Speaking and Writing English," a textbook based upon the Sheridan method, is in line with the greater emphasis to be placed upon English.
24
Briefly, the Sheridan method stresses the following objectives:
1. The emphasis of speech training.
2. The subordination of written composition to oral com- position and the development of the former through the latter.
3. Adequate drill on paragraph construction.
4. Clear speech, correct speech, and the simplest ele- ments of composition.
Regular library reading, which has been in effect for sev- eral years, has been continued as a valuable supplement to the formal course of study.
The great problem of the Stacy school is the retarded pupil Every junior high school encounters this problem and its seriousness has been aggravated by economic condi- tions We now realize that many children are mentally incap- able of pursuing a high school course and that some are un- able to satisfactorily complete the requirements of the eighth grade. In prosperous times these children usually went into industry where they became self-sustaining. Now they re- main in school; a school designed to meet the needs and men- tality of normal children.
Atypical classes have helped to relieve the regular grades of those pupils who are retarded three or more years but there are many who do not fit this classification and yet are unable to do the work of regular classes.
Unfortunately, the expense of properly providing for the retarded pupil exceeds the per capita cost for the normal pupil. Homogeneous grouping, however, should be possible at little extra expense whenever the enrollment of the school falls below 500 pupils and I recommend it to your consideration.
During the past year we conducted a minimum essential class in the seventh grade. The results were highly satisfac- tory from every angle but a large enrollment in September, taxing the seating capacity in every room, prevented its con- tinuance. A teacher cannot secure the required reuslts in such a class when the number of pupils exceeds 25 and we were unable to release any room for the maximum pupil load.
The Mothercraft classes and classes in sewing and cook- ing were continued as in former years. I have previously
25
mentioned the advisability of enlarging the scope of this work so as to provide extra classes for those pupils who will not enter high school. I refer to it again with the full realization of the fact that present school budgets cannot consider any innovation which entails extra expense.
Economic conditions have thrown extra burdens upon the school and at the same time have reduced the school's capac- ity to meet the demands. Teachers, coming into intimate daily contact with children from so many different homes, are given an insight into conditions that are hidden from the av- erage citizen. In a number of cases the teachers have aided children and their families in an endeavor to provide proper food and clothing. A child coming from a home which can- not provide the elementals of hum in existence cannot be ex- pected to enter fully into the life of the school.
In a number of instances children were kept from school because of lack of proper clothing and shoes. In all cases we were able to secure relief through the various organiz itions providing funds for such purposes. Mr. John T. O'Brien, town almoner, and the board of public welfare have been un- failingly considerate and co-operative in the investigation and disposition of all cases referred to them.
While the dental clinic is not operated by the school de- partment it was used by hundreds of school children and the curtailment of its facilities has caused real suffering and irre- parable loss to many children in this school. The Stacy school is not allowed to send pupils to the clinic since the funds for its maintenance were reduced by the last town meeting. The clinic is unable to handle the same number of cases as formerly and it limits its service to pupils in the lower grades.
Many families are now unable to pay for dental work and the children are the sufferers. If these children could be given dental care during the years that they attend this school it would be possible in many cases to save teeth that are now neglected. I hope that some means will be found to restore this service which in my
26
opinion returned a greater dividend for every dollar spent than any other in the town's budget.
The American Legion medals were awarded to Miss Mari- na Diotalevi and Joseph Murray. These annual awards have become an incentive to good school citizenship and are con- ferred only upon outstanding pupils.
Extra-curricular activities have been confined to two glee clubs. Lack of an assembly hall prohibits frequent school activities and even Memorial Day exercises must be held in the Town Hall.
Despite overcrowding every teacher has co-operated in working for the success of the new program and the scholas- tic results indicate an improvement. An analysis of our course of study and the scholastic ratings of the pupils will indicate that the quality of instruction compares more than favorably with that found in the average school of similar type .- Account of John L. Davoren, Principal.
CONTINUATION SCHOOL S.
The number of minor employees 14 to 16 "certificated for full-time employment in this town or elsewhere for 1931" was 178; for 1932 it was only 129. As a result of this falling off, the teacher was employed only two days per week in the girls' school and only one day per week in the boys' school during the last four months of 1932; with a large financial saving as the result.
SPECIAL CLASSES.
The three atypical classes have continued under the same leadership in 1932 as during the previous year. The attend- ance in Miss Moran's class at the Claflin school has decreased from 17 members, too large for good work, to 14 which is large enough. The attendance in Miss MacLachlan's class has decreased from 21 members a year ago to 20 at present. This is 50 per cent larger than it should be for the best work. In Miss Realini's class at the Plains Primary school, the at- tendance has increased from 15 a year ago to 18 at present . This is at least 40 per cent larger than it should be for good
27
work. Surprisingly good work is being done in all these classes, with the numbers and restricted projects and equip- ment.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
The classes in Physical Education continue to form an important part in the health program of the school system. Much of the success of this department is due to the splendid co-operation of the teachers.
The 1932 athletic season opened with the resumption of Basketball as a high school sport. Lack of suitable gymna- sium for practice purposes makes the continuance of this sport inadvisable for the present. Moreover, the necessity of scheduling evening games seeins detrimental to the scholastic standing of the players.
The Baseball season was perhaps the most successful in the school's history. Having won.21 of the 22 games sched- uled the team merited such recognition that competent sport writers regarded Milford High as the State champions.
The Football team also made an enviable record. Only one defeat was incurred and that by the recognized State champions .- Account of Albert D. Riopel, Director.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT.
The goal this year has been not so much to stimulate the gifted as it has been to develop a desire for, and to cultivate a knowledge of, music in the average boy and girl.
As a means to this voice cultivation, we have tried to present songs that are within the proper vocal compass from the first grade to Junior High school, so that all vocal strain may be eliminated and natural voice production may be en- couraged using the mellow, flute-like bead tone.
Two prizes were given to the students of the Junior High school, in May, for the best books written on the lives of fa- mous composers. Splendid interest was manifest in this pro- ject.
Our Theory class, commenced in September in the High school, has done exceptional work and in the latter part of
28
January, a Harmony class will be formed as suggested in the new admission requirements for State Teachers' Colleges. -Account of Miss Helena F. Swift.
ART DEPARTMENT.
Work in the Art department has followed very much the lines of the latest previous years with this difference, that there were no prize poster contests. Work of decided excel- lence was done by Samuel Goldstein whose pastel head of Washington and sculptured head of Washington have won decided admiration from patrons of the Public Library, as well as a statue of a bambino over the door of the Art de- partment. Mr. Goldstein also designed an excellent title page for the program of the Worcester County Teachers' Conven- tion. Also a series of library posters were done by Walter Jones and Miss Hazel Cass. There were three post graduates n mechanical drawing and two in commercial design in the High school. In the Stacy school, a successful project was a i series of paper mosaic boxes and tiles. A series of silhouettes for Christmas calendars was also a successful and interesting project in the grades.
CO-OPERATING AGENCIES. THRIFT SAVINGS.
Under the leadership of the Milford Savings Bank, the school children saved $9,708.08 in 1932, the worst year of the depression.
MOTHERCRAFT.
One hundred twenty girls of the George E. Stacy school wished to take Mothercraft in the Fall of 1931, but owing to the limited seating capacity of the sewing room, the number was reduced to eighty. Classes are held on Monday after- noons in two groups and the pupils are quite up to the stand- ard of other years. It is a matter of great regret to the in- structor that she had to reduce the number of girls in her classes, as this instruction is so valuable to them in their daily lives. Eighty-eight girls received diplomas on April 18, 1932,
29
at graduation exercises held in the High school assembly ball. -Account of Mary H. Sherburne, Instructor.
MILFORD 4-H CLUB.
Ninety-seven Milford girls, under six leaders and two junior leaders, completed their 4-HI Club work for the year of 1932, their work consisting of clothing, canning, homecraft and cooking, which ended in a very successful year with an exhibit in Milford town hall.
The canning club won the first prize of $10.00 at the Upton fair. Six boys finished their poultry project, and twelve boys in the garden club finished with good records. -Account of Mrs. Elmer Rose, Town Director.
MILFORD TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. OFFICERS. President, Rita M. Daigle. Vice-President, Margaret E. Roche. Secretary, John L. Davoren. Treasurer, Catherine E. Curtin.
During the winter months of 1932 the teachers carried on their welfare work by providing shoes and rubbers for de- serving school children. Since May the welfare contributions, totaling over $4,000*, have been paid directly to the town treasurer.
A testimonial banquet and reception was tendered to Thomas J. Quirk, a former president of this association, on November 29. Mr. Quirk was presented with a chest of sil- ver in recognition of his many years of service as principal of the Milford High school, from which position he resigned to become a district superintendent of schools in Hartford, Conn.
Miss Agnes S. McDermott and Miss Catherine F. Tully, who retired from the service during the year, were presented with flowers and purses of gold.
This association notes with regret the passing of Miss Katherine MeNamara, formerly principal of the Claflin school,
* $4,269.05.
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF ATTENDANCE. Record of School Calls from January 1, 1932 to January 1, 1933.
Calls on account of
Reasons for Absence.
Call from the Superintendent
| Principal of
High School
Principal of
Stacy School
Grade Teachers
Special Classes
Total
Truancy
Illness
Carelessness of
Truants on
Lack of
Clothing
| Left Town
Excusable
! Over 16
I Court Cases
Total
January
22
11
8
54
73
4
39
8
9
2
8
3
30
February
21
1
2
3
34
40
2
20
3
2
3
1
8
1
40
March
25
1
10
8
59
78
3
25
3
31
15
1
78
April
26
6
23
3
38
70
6
29
5
3
1
2
24
70
May
16
19
6
27
52
20
40
5
10
7
3
13
1
1
40
September
14
20
42
20
20
102
2
3
2
1
2
23
12
44
13
102
October
24
3
27
2
69
101
8
34
12
1
10
6
30
101
November
27
21
8
37
66
10
19
12
15
9
1
66
December
28
11
3
36
50
3
15
2
17
1
1
11
-
Called at Superintendent's office nearly every day when schools were in session.
Superintendent's calls, 215
All others, as above,
672
'Total, Visits at Schools, 60
887
RAPHAEL MARINO, Supervisor of Attendance. Milford, Mass., December 31, 1932,
Disposition
Totals
215
32 |180
66|394
672 52
201
59
5 99
34 |15|185 21
1| 672
7
5
1
6
23
52
Parental neglect -- 6 months probation in $200
June
12
1
14
5
50
Parents
Streets
Left School to
Work
73
31
REPAIRS.
ELECTRIC LIGHTS IN THREE SCHOOLS.
Early in 1932 electric lights and clocks were installed in the Spruce Street and Oliver Street schools and electric lights in the Fountain Street school upon the application of parents of children in afternoon platoons. On specifications furnished by the Milford Electric Light and Power Co., put out to bids, the Spruce Street was done by Niro & Niro for $818.00; the Oliver Street for $664.50 and the Fountain Street for $68.50, by the H. L Schultz Electric Co.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BOYS' BASEMENT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Last January the urinals in the boys' basement at the High school (west stack) having developed serious leaks in the drainage by the end of December, were investigated and the lead pipe drains under the cement flooring were found eaten through during the 32 years that the building had been in use-the equivalent of 43 years (32 years actual time, double sessions during the last nine years) On the recommendation of the plumbers, a more modern system of bowls and fixtures with a simpler system of drainage was installed. Completed January 15, 1932. H S. Chadbourne Co., $630.14.
BOILER REPAIR AT THE STACY SCHOOL.
Monday morning, January 18, 1932, at about 8 o'clock the Superintendent was notified by the janitor of the Stacy school that boiler No. 2 had a cracked section. A steam- fitter was promptly called. The front section was cracked. It was necessary to remove that section, plug the next section and water-test the boiler to ascertain whether any other sec- tions were cracked. The remainder of the boiler was found to be intact. A new section was ordered from Boston, and installed under the supervision of Mr. John Coleman, Inspec- tor of Boilers for this district. A return pipe in front of the outside boiler room door was found to be leaking badly. This was dug up and a new section was installed in an open well with a plank cover. H. S. Chadbourne Co., $543.55.
In conclusion, I heartly thank your committee and my
32
associates for continued co-operation and sustained morale in a most difficult year.
Respectfully submitted, ALMORIN O. CASWELL, Superintendent of Schools.
Milford, Mass., January 12, 1933.
Report of the School Physicians.
Milford, Mass., January 1, 1933.
To the School Committee of Milford:
We submit the following results of our annual inspection of the schools of Milford for the year 1932:
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT, Number of Pupils, 1094
No. of normals 253 or 28 per cent
No. having only slight defects 478
No. having serious defects 363
No. having mouth and teeth defects .
569
No. having nose and throat defects
175
No. having miscellaneous defects
33
GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT, Number of Pupils, 1089
No. of normals 419 or 38 per cent
No. having only slight defects 340
No. having serious defects 330
No. having mouth and teeth defects .
484
No. having nose and throat defects
297
No. having miscellaneous defects 25
HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT, Number of Pupils, 660
No. of normals 369 or 56 per cent
No. having only slight defects 143
No. having serious defects 148
No. having mouth and teeth defects . 141
No. having nose and throat defects
·
70
No. having miscellaneous defects
37
34
WHOLE SCHOOL, Number of Pupils 2843
No. of normals
1041 or 36 per cent
No. having only slight defects 961
No. having serious defects
841
No. having mouth and teeth defects
1194
No. having nose and throat defects
542
No. having miscellaneous defects
95
1
JOHN M. FRENCH, M. D., JOHN V. GALLAGHER, M. D., School Physicians.
Report of the School Nurse.
Assisted School Physicians with examinations 2992
Number of Home Calls 926
Number of children taken to Boston Hospitals and Clinics ·
25
Number of children taken to Oculist in Boston 10
Number of children having physical examination and X-rays of chests at Chadwick Clinic .
17
Number of children having psychological examina- tion by Dr. Patterson of the Wrentham State School . 29
Number of children taken to Randolph School for the Deaf .
1
Number of children sent to Sterling Health Camp for eight weeks
1
Number of first graders examined at pre-school clinic at Town Hall
70
Number of first graders having physical defects cor- rected
61
Number of children examined by Dr. Clancy (First 4 grades) 1019
Number found to have serious tooth defects 454
Number found to have slight tooth defects .
344
Number receiving dental certificates .
221
Number Health Conferences attended
9
Number of children having Scarlet Fever
22
Number of children having Measles .
1
Number of children having Chicken-pox
27
Number of children having Mumps .
201
The Christmas seal sale netted $52.96.
MARY E. NAUGHTON, R. N.
1
Report of Eye and Ear Tests.
School.
Number
Tested.
Deficient
in
Eyesight
Deficient
in
Hearing.
Parents
or
Guardians
Notified.
High School
678
52
4
. 56
Stacy
548
27
2
29
Park
219
20
3
23
South
150
17
1
18
Plains Grammar and Annex
239
10
0
10
Plains Primary
232
11
0
11
Claflin
215
15
6
21
Spruce Street
152
5
0
5
Oliver Street
225
5
0
5
Chapin Street
102
4
0
4
West Street
73
4
3
7
Fountain Street
41
7
1
8
Purchase St.
44
4
0
4
Hoboken
26
1
0
1
Bear Hill
11
1
1
0
0
High School Portable
20
0
0
0
Total
2991
183
21
202
¡To be re-tested.
Braggville
.16
0
CoomeoceOROL Program
mucord
High School Juve 22, 1932
Boowledge Conquers All
Edith Fedoves Grouch
F
TOWN HALL Wednesday Evening, June 22, 1932
PROGRAM.
March
. Milford High School Orchestra, Charles Leonard SanClemente, Leader. Entrance of Senior Class escorted by Junior Class
Selection
Orchestra.
Our High School
W. O. Miessner, Op. 10
Oh, for Wings!
Mendelssohn- Wilson Senior Girls' Glee Club.
Salutatory-The America of George Washington . Wilbur Joseph Sweet.
Oration-George Washington, the Soldier .
Edmund Joseph Sullivan.
Days of Youth Fenstad- Sprague
Here's Love and Success to You . Ball-Trinkaus
Glee Club.
Valedictory-George Washington, the President .
Charles Leonard SanClemente.
Presentation of Diplomas ·
Hon. John C. Lynch,
Chairman of the School Committee.
Class Ode
Award of Prizes
Selection
Orchestra.
40
LIST OF GRADUATES.
William Bellantonio Julius D. Bisiccia
Ray Arthur Blackler
Elvira Irene Iadarola
Lucy Evelyn Blascio
Amelia Norma Julian Dorothy Mae Kearnan
Eunice May Brooks
Hazel Gertrude Kerr Robert Jacob Kurlansky Rose Marie Laronga
Frederick William Bucci James Harvey Burford Ann Florentia Burke
Marguerite Virginia Lawson
Angelo Alfred Calagione
Delia Rita Lombardi
Elenore Kathleen Luchini
Mary Alberta Calarese Ralph William Canali Edith Elizabeth Carlson Esther Louise Carroll Harriet Jane Carter
Ernest Francis Lutfy
Bernard Ralph Marcus Olga Anna Mazzarelli Mary Regina McAvoy Lloyd Delma McCarthy Matthew Raymond McCarthy
Louise Christine Mckinley William Davis Merrilees
Emma Lottie Merten Enice Olga Mongiat Doris Irene Moore
Susan Rita Morcone Lena Beatrice Morte
William Andrew Murray, Jr.
John Joseph Naughton, Jr. Rita Marie O'Sullivan Theresa Marie Palma Irene Ann Parente Anna Catherine Porter
Mary Vetrana Presutti Rudolph Walter Quattropani Charles William Rae Louis Charles Ramelli Martha Ruth Rapaport Howard Everett Ricketson Max Edward Rice
Helen Frances Casey Helen Clara Cicchetti Lena Laura Civinini Frank John Comolli Onofrio Frank Compagnone Theresa Rita Consoletti Marie Patricia Curley James Gordon Dalrymple Theresa Mary DelCastello Fannie Marie DiCesare Vincent Joseph Dinardo Henry John Drugan Shirley Martha Eastman Eleanor Marie Eldridge Rose Anne Farese Margaret Marie Ferigno Mary Cecilia Ferrucci Mary Madeline Fertitta Joseph Alfred FitzGerald Mary Marjorie Foley Edith Frances French Donald Joseph Gleason
Abraham Irving Gordon Olga Rose Guerino
Donald Francis Bowen
41
Annette Stella Rivard Louise Josephine Roberti William Arthur Sainio Charles Leonard SanClemente Constance Lydia Seastrom Paul Michael Shahnamian Eleanor Henrietta Shaw Violet Beatrice Sibson Nathan Earl Streeter
Edmund Joseph Sullivan Wilbur Joseph Sweet Mildred Ada Tenney Gladys Mabel Ellen Tower Frances Alberta Tyndall Ruth Myrtle White Charles Donald Wilson Pearl Maida Wyzan
CLASS OFFICERS.
President, William Bellantonio.
Vice-President, Fannie Marie DiCesare. Secretary, Theresa Rita Consoletti. Treasurer, Edmund Joseph Sullivan.
Class Colors: Jade Green and Silver. Class Flower: American Beauty Rose. Class Motto: Knowledge Conquers All.
42
€ :
CLASS ODE.
Tune: Graduation Song.
Milford High School, we must leave thee;
But our hearts are glad to see
That four years of faithful study Has brought us true victory. Pressing forward ever onward, Though our happy days are past,
Pressing forward ever onward, We have reached our goal at last. Alma Mater, always dear, We can't leave without a tear;
But there comes a ringing call: We know; "Knowledge conquers all."
As we start on life's long voyage And we meet both friend and foe, We will think of you for courage; · Fragile barks their course must know. Now farewell, dear school our pride; We must sail the world so wide. To each classmate kind and true We bid now a fond adieu.
We will prove that we have might And keep our motto for our light. Everywhere the ringing call: We know: "Knowledge conquers all."
-Annette Stella Rivard.
LIST OF TEACHERS, JANUARY 1, 1933.
School.
Teacher's Name.
An. Sal.
Residence.
Ap.
Subject
Grade.
High-
Principal High -- Teachers
F. C. Berry Miss Mary B. Ford
$3300 56 Bancroft Ave. 1775 21 West Pine St.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.